Ira Price Staples
I. P. STAPLES
Born
July 19, 1862,
died Oct 22, 1890
A light from our household is gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in our hearts
That never can be filled
STAPLES
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
Contributed by: Geraldine D. McGloin,
Nueces County Historical Commission
2. Marriage
MARRIED
STAPLES – MITCHELL
In San Patricio County, at the residence of the bride's parents, Thursday evening, May 1, 1884, at 8 o'clock, Mr. Ira P. Staples of Collins, to Miss Nellie P. Mitchell, daughter of Mr. P. R. Mitchell, the Rev. J. R. Jacobs, of Corpus Christi, officiating. Groomsman – Mr. W. A. Staples; bridesmaid – Miss Mary Johnson.
No cards.
For the happy young couple the Caller wishes much joy, long life and a prosperous career. We congratulate the bride on getting such an exemplary young man, and Price, for winning such a charming and accomplished young lady. May good fortune ever attend them.
The bridal party left the city yesterday morning for Collins. The Caller returns thanks for remembrance.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, May 4, 1884, p. 5, col. 3
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
3. News item, 1886
Advertisements.
Attention is called to the conspicuous ad of Messrs. I. P. Staples & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in groceries, grain, tobacco, cigars, etc. Theirs is the Star store lately opened in the McCampbell building opposite the Market. Everything they have is fresh and genuine. The gentlemen who have established this house in our midst only ask a fair share of the civic patronage and will strive to give satisfaction. The CALLER wishes them success.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller (Sunday weekly) March 21, 1886, page 5, col. 1.
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell
4. News item, 1891
Mr. Frank Teich, of San Antonio, has been in the city for the past few days. While here he (illegible because of scratch on microfilm) some granite monument, dedicated to I. P. Staples, in the city cemetery.
Corpus Christi Caller of 15 August 1891, page 5, col. 3.
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell
5. News item, 1929
The Death of Ira Price Staples
A few miles further on, about where the present town of Mathis is now located, the writer was joined by Pat McGloin, father of our Roger McGloin, who after a short ride pointed out one of the big ranch headquarters of Coleman, Mathis, & Fulton, the firm then shipping
thousands of cattle on the Morgan ships from Rockport. Mr. McGloin, who was going to the ranch on business, invited ye newspaperman to go up with him and take dinner at the big house on the hill, saying," Oh, there is a pretty girl up there." The invitation was accepted at once, and what Mr. McGloin said was found to be absolutely true. It was Miss Dixie Mitchell, daughter of P. R. Mitchell, who was at the piano singing one of her sweetest songs as we entered, and who a few years later married Price Staples, son of Wayman Staples, the young man a few years afterwards killing himself accidentally and his widow marrying again.
Selection from " Merriman Retraces Trails..." article
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, February 24, 1929, 2nd section P. 1, col. 6-7 & P. 12, col. 1-4
Research: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription: Geraldine D. McGloin
6. News item, 1930
"A Chapter of Accidents"
Mr. I. P. Staples, generally known as "Price" Staples, is brought to Corpus Christi from Duval county in a serious condition from a pistol shot wound in the right knee, which the unfortunate young man received from his own weapon which was accidentally discharged while roping a steer in a pen for branding. Drs. Spohn & Heaney, who were called to attend him, extracted the ball as soon as possible, and Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Staples, parents, at Hot Springs, were telegraphed the sad news of their son's accident, which finally proved fatal.
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Oct. 5, 1930 p. 5, col. 3-8, quoting old edition of Caller from Oct. 4, 1890, with story of I.P. Staples in present Caller p. 5, col. 3.
"Local Briefs"
Oscar and Henry Staples, brother and cousin of Price Staples, are summoned here, Oscar from the City of Mexico to attend the bedside of his brother, reported at the point of death.
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Oct. 19, 1930, p. 10, col. 1-2, quoting old edition of Caller from Oct. 18, 1890, with story of I.P. Staples in present Caller p. 10, col. 2.
The second death occurring the next day, October 22, 1890, was that of I. P. Staples, in his 29th year, the unfortunate young man dying from the effects of an accidental gunshot wound, casting a gloom over the community.
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Oct. 26, 1930 p. 10, col. 1-3, quoting old edition of Caller from Oct. 20, 1890, with story of I. P. Staples in present Caller p. 10, col. 2.
Research and transcriptions of above articles: Michael A. Howell
7. News item, 1952
Mrs. Elma S. Tankersley, 1322 Sixth Street, and her three daughters, who also live here, are the only survivors of the old Staples and Mitchell families now living in Corpus Christi.
Her daughters are Mrs. Bruce Collins, Mrs. G. Campbell, and Mrs. Forbes Davisson.
Her maternal grandfather was Capt. P. R. Mitchell, a Confederate soldier who was associated with the Coleman Fulton Pasture Co., and afterwards owned a grocery store where the State Hotel stands. He had earlier fought in the Mexican war, and driven cattle up the trail to Kansas. Capt Mitchell lived to be 92, and died shortly after the end of World War I.
Mrs. Tankersley's maternal great-grandfather was Maj. John C. Steen, another early settler here. He was a rancher and lived near Beeville, spending part of his time in Corpus Christi.
On her father's side of the family, Mrs. Tankersley's grandfather was W. N. Staples, who owned a ranch near Alice, and lived for a time in Corpus Christi as a merchant. He was mayor her in 1867, and Staples Street was named for him.
His son, I. P. Staplers, married Nellie Mitchell, daughter of Capt. P. R. Mitchell, and they were Mrs. Tankersley's parents.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, Aug. 7, 1952, Page 2C col. 2
Research: Msgr. Michael Howell
Transcription: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission