Reminiscences of reconstruction in Texas ; and, Reminiscences of Texas and Texans fifty years ago Page: 37 of 58
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TEXAS AND TEXANS FIFTY YEARS AGO. 37
JUDGE JOHN GREGG was a member of the Freestone county bar.
He was a native of North Alabama; came to Texas in the early
fifties and settled in Fairfield, where he commenced the practice of
law. Gregg was poor in this world's goods, but rich in intellect
and ambition to distinguish himself in his chosen profession. His
conduct was so admirable, his address so pleasing, and his merit
so apparent that in a short time he achieved an unprecedented popularity
with the people of the Thirteenth Judicial District. At
the close of Judge Jewett's first term Gregg was brought out by
his many friends to contest the judgeship of the district against
Jewett, and he was triumphantly elected. He discharged the
duties of the office with distinction to himself and entire satisfaction
to his constituents. While he was judge the Civil War came
on, and he immediately resigned the judgeship and volunteered in
the Confederate army. He became colonel of the Seventh Texas
Regiment, and was soon promoted to a brigadier generalship. He
was captured at Fort Donaldson, but was shortly after exchanged
and was an active participant in the principal battles in Tennessee
and Virginia, and near the close of the war (October, 1864) was
killed at the head of his brigade, defending the lines around Richmond
and Petersburg. He was killed in the very prime of manhood.
His death closed a career that gave promise of great personal
distinction and of the largest benefit to his State and people.
The name of John Gregg is still a household memory among the
people of the Thirteenth Judicial District.
* * *
JUDGE JAMES WALKER was a member of the Freestone county bar
who settled in Fairfield in the early fifties. He was born in
Georgia; settled first in Houston, and from there removed to Fairfield
and engaged in the practice of his profession. I-Ie was well
grounded in the elements of the law, and a cautious, safe counselor.
He was full of kindness and good humor, a most companionable
man, fond of his friends and company, infusing life and enjoyment
into every crowd where he was found. When Judge Jewett
resigned, after the commencement of the Civil War, on account
of aberration of mind, Judge Walker was elected to the bench
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Wood, William D. Reminiscences of reconstruction in Texas ; and, Reminiscences of Texas and Texans fifty years ago, book, 1902; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14387/m1/37/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.