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Nathanial T. Robertson & Martha Graham Hanes
Nathaniel Thomas Robertson was born July 10, 1853 near Jackson,
Mississippi. Orphaned as a child, he lived for a time with an uncle. Unpleasant conditions
in this home caused him to run away. He found himself associated with a company of
Confederate soldiers, and was engaged in the horrors of battle before moving on again. He
was finally reunited with other relatives in east Texas, and there he married, purchased a
home, a part of what was to later become the area on which the town of Temple was built.
The untimely death of his young wife left him with two little girls, Birdie and Minnie, to
care for. After a time he was to meet a young widow, Martha Graham Hanes, who along with
small son, Albert, was residing with her parents, Isaac and Sarah Graham, near King,
Texas. Her father, a school teacher had come to Texas in the mid-eighteen hundreds along
with his parents and relatives to make their home in this new state. Education was
important for his children who were taught at home and later sent to
"subscription" school.
Nathaniel and Martha eventually married, and with their "readymade" family
purchased a home in the Plainview community, and there other children were born to them,
Lewis (Bob), Kate, Alice, and Bula. This home sold, and the family moved to a scenic area
some two and one-half miles west of Pearl. This land was a part of the A. Hope survey, a
grant of land that was given to A. Hope by Gov. E.M Pease in 1838. It was crisscrossed
with streams, some of which were spring fed; live oak, spanish oak, and cedar were
plentiful. Part of the land was cleared, and fenced with stacked rock A portion of the
house consisted of a large log room, which had formerly served as a school (BOYD COVE --
?). This was used as the kitchen for some time because of the great fireplace for cooking
as well as warmth. Financial difficulties soon presented trying times as it was discovered
there was a lien against the place, so the children had to "hire out" to help
secure extra money to help. Sorrow came as Alice, eight, died as well as twins; but
another daughter, Opal, was born to them. As times prospered a new kitchen was built, as
well as parlor, and two long porches. An organ was purchased and singing's and parties
along with "candy-breakins" became a part of their social activities. A wagon
and surrey served as transportation, replaced by a Model T Ford in 1917. Shopping
expeditions to Gatesville once or twice a year outfitted everyone in a new wardrobe,
securing supplies, and was a social event.
Five orphaned grandchildren were reared by Martha and Nathaniel who found time to love
each one. Nathaniel died in 1927, and Martha in 1936. Both were buried at King The old
home was maintained by Bob until his death in 1956
Pioneers such as these worked, loved, and shared, and helped to build OUR NATION.
-- Mrs. Robert S. Frazier
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