BIOGRAPHY Uncle
Mark Elliston, one of the true Dallas County pioneers, died in Dallas last week.
Lived in this county seventy-five years. Monday's Dallas News contained the
following notice of the death of Uncle Mark Elliston, which information was
telephoned to friends here Sunday: Mark Elliston, 77 years old, a pioneer of
Dallas County, died Sunday morning at 1:10 o'clock at his residence, 4323 Thomas
Ave. He was born in Henry County Kentucky, in 1844, and at 2 years of age came
with his parents to Birdvile, Tarrant County, TX.
At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted under
Captain Quayle, whose company joined the brigade of General Sul Ross. His record
as a soldier was both unique and unusual. In every advance or charge he acted
the part of a man devoid of all fear. His voice with a volume far beyond the
ordinary, was heard always at the front of battle. The Mark Elliston call soon
became known in the Confederate Army as the "Rebel Yell". It struck fear to the
heart of the enemy and his comrades said it often caused the enemy forces to
retreat.
On New Years Day, 1866, he married Martha Ann Marsh,
at Farmers Branch, In Dallas County. There he lived and reared a family. During
the years of reconstruction and unrest, just after the Civil War, Mr. Elliston
was often called upon by officers of the law to arrest robbers and highwaymen.
He never failed to catch his quarry. He was so efficient in his work that road
robbers were soon afraid to operate in Dallas County.
He is survived by two sons, John and Marsh Elliston,
the latter, serving several terms as Assessor of Dallas County, and one
daughter, Mrs. Oscar Thomas of Abilene, and three grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren.
W. C. Kingsley and the News editor were unable to act
as pal bearers, Mr. Kingsley being in Mineral Wells and the News editor being
ill. It grieved us not to be able to show a last honor to this good friend.
Uncle Mark Elliston moved to Garland shortly after
the town moved to its present location, and was in business here for several
years. He made his home here until a few years ago, when he moved to Dallas
where he has since resided. Mrs. Elliston was an invalid for a number of years
prior to her death about two years ago and most of his time was spent in nursing
and caring for her, in which he was unselfishly attentive.
Mr. Elliston was one of the most cheerful men we ever
knew. While rigidly adhering to his own convictions he was not offensive in his
views. For many years he was one of the widest known men in the State at
political conventions, his "Rebel Yell" being nationally known. He attended
several national conventions, and practically all State conventions up the time
Mrs. Elliston's health failed. He was a unique character in many ways, and a man
it was good to know.
For the past two years he had suffered from heart
trouble and realized that the call would come almost any minute. However, he
accepted the condition philosophically and uncomplainingly and was ready when
the grim reaper summoned him.
May his spirit find sweet repose in that sublime
would to which he has gone. He had been a member of the Christian Church for
many years and a Mason since boyhood.
No heading on Newspaper Clipping.
Thought to be Garland News.
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