Anthony Francis Dignowity, as was his father, is of quiet and reserved manner, but has led an interesting and eventful life covering tense periods of history in Southwestern Texas and Mexico. He grew up and was educated in San Antonio, but in 1861 went to Monterey, Mexico, where he established himself in the hotel business, and a little later became acting collector of customs for the United States Government at Brazos de Santiago, near the mouth of the Rio Grande. Before the war closed, he had done some military service with the Union troops in the lower border country, and was at the battle of White's (or Palmetto) Ranch, near Brownsville, famed as the last battle of the Civil War, fought, in fact, after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. After the close of the struggle between the states he resumed business activities in Mexico, and later, coming to Texas, became the agent in charge of. Sam Smith's extensive interests at Brackett in Kinney county, on the frontier of Southwest Texas. In connection with these duties he laid off the town of Brackett, and started that now flourishing and wealthy little city in 1875. He was also the founder of the town of Del Rio, county seat of Kinney county. For several years he lived in Del Rio and there officiated capably as deputy sheriff and acting sheriff of Valverde county. When Porto Rico was taken during the Spanish-American War, Mr. Dignowity was appointed by President McKinley to the responsible position of special agent of the United States, in charge of both military and civil affairs on the island, being charged by the President to act upon his own judgment in all matters. He served with Gen. Brooke and Gen. George V. Henry. His fluency in the Spanish language, and his many years of experience in dealing with Spanish-speaking people, made him particularly qualified for this office, which he held for nine months, discharging his responsibilities in a masterly and diplomatic manner. He located permanently in San Antonio in 1909, and this has since been his home. Mr. Dignowity has important property interests in charge, notably in the JJulluig Mineral Wells, situated about six miles southeast of the business center of San Antonio, the former home place of the late George Dullnig. Besides the mineral waters, famed for their great curative properties, there are natural gas and oil wells on the Dullnig land which supply gas for both heating and cooking on the place.
Mr. Dignowity was married in San Antonio to Miss Mary Katharine Dullnig, daughter of George and Frances (Werner) Dullnig, the latter of whom is still living. [p. 2024, "A History of Texas and Texans", Volume 4, By Frank White Johnson; The American Historical Society, 1916