Williams, Tom J 1969
Tom Williams, a nephew of the Higginbotham brothers, recalls the founding and development of the Higginbotham Company and its various businesses. Among other things, he discusses old company records and photographs.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Tom J. Williams
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: 1969
Location: Comanche, Texas
Interviewer: Fred A. Carpenter
Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Discussion with a Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dudley and mother Editha Williams Dudley,
Tom J. Williams born (1874),
Family settles in Dublin, Texas (1870s),
Railroad comes to Dublin (1880),
Williams’ education and first job,
Goes to work for the Higginbothams, his uncles,
Becomes bookkeeper for the store,
Buys an interest in the business,
Store opened in Comanche (1901).
Tape 1, Side 2: Grocery business and grocery prices,
Location of general stores, lumber yards,
Funeral homes opened,
Comanche becomes headquarters of business (1917),
Fires damage business,
Wagons and buggies sold,
Coffins sold,
Trips to buy dry goods,
Went to Worlds Fair at St. Louis (1904),
Williams’ childhood reminiscences,
Oil boom in West Central Texas (1917-1918),
Brief discussion of De Leon, Texas.
Tape 2, Side 1: Discussion of old photographs and books from the Higginbotham Company.
Tape 2, Side 2: Williams’ position in the company,
Discussion of book about the Higginbotham Company,
Location of Higginbotham stores,
Fire losses at the stores.
Range Dates: 1874-1969
Bulk Dates: 1890s-1920s
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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