William Baker Wrather

Hettie Louise
Born Mar. 29, 1866
Died July 24, 1907

WRATHER

Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales

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1.  Sketch of headstone

Provenance:  Corpus Christi Public Libraries

 

2.  Biographical information from Pathfinders of Texas, 1836-1846

 

3.  Photograph

Provenance:  Mrs. Willie Lee Biggio Jones and Rebecca Lee Jones

 

4.  Oath of office, 1887

Provenance:  Corpus Christi Public Libraries

 

5.  Oath of office, 1891

Provenance:  Corpus Christi Public Libraries

 

6.  Funeral notice

Provenance: Corpus Christi Public Libraries

 

7.  Obituary

Death of a Highly Respected Citizen and ex-Confederate Soldier

Died, in this city, Wednesday, November 15, 1899, at 10:30 a.m., WILLIAM B. WRATHER, a native of Beford county, Va., aged 72 years.

It is with deep sorrow we chronicle this week the demise of one of our most esteemed and highly respected citizens, who has laid aside the mortal coil of life and gone to that celestial home from whence no traveler returns.  Deceased had been in feeble health for some time, but was confined to his bed only a few weeks before he passed away.  The subject of this obituary was raised in Kentucky, from which state he went to California in 1852.  Some time after he returned to his old home and in 1856 he came to Texas, purchasing a ranch at Lagarto in Live Oak county.  In the year 1859 he joined the Matt Nolan rangers, under Capt. John S. Ford, and was one of the gallant members of that little company that participated in the suppression of the Cortina raid in this section.

After the Cortina was Mr. Wrather moved to Corpus Christi, where, in 1861, he married Mary Woessner.  The following year he cast his lost with the confederacy joining Capt. John Rabb's company.  Mr. Wrather had considerable money at that time and invested heavily in supplies for the government putting up about five thousand dollars in gold at one time.  Like thousands of others he lost nearly every dollar he had.  Some time after the war he engaged in merchandizing in Corpus Christi for several years.  Mr. Wrather was a wholesouled and big hearted man having a host of friends who deeply regret to learn of his death.  He leaves to mourn his loss besides his devoted wife, two sons and three daughters viz:  George Wrather, Mrs. Wm. Anderson, Mrs. J. C. Clark, Miss Hettie Wrather, and Frank Wrather.  He also leaves one brother, Sam Wrather, and one sister in Kentucky.

The funeral took place from the family residence yesterday at 11 a.m., the obsequies being conducted by Rev. A. J. Holworthy of the Episcopal Church.

The sorely afflicted wife and children have the heartfelt sympathies of this entire community in their great loss.

Source:  Corpus Christi Caller, November 17, 1899, p. 5, col. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Rosa G. Gonzales