(Plot marker only, no headstone). Born in Texas in 1848. Served in CSA cavalry late in Civil War. Worked as freighter/teamster afterward. Moved to Paint Rock (Concho County) Texas in early 1870s and married Martha Sylvira Grider in 1872. William and Martha raised twelve children, born over a 30 year period in Paint Rock and San Angelo. Lived in Paint Rock until late 1890s, then moved to San Angelo. William was then employed as a freighter in a San Angelo wagon yard. Involved in an incident during a 1906 Concho River flood when he attempted to ride his horse across the (old) Oakes Street bridge. The horse was swept off the bridge, and both were tangled in barbed wire and had to be rescued. On July 2, 1912 he and his son Percy were driving south to San Angelo from the Grape Creek area in an empty wagon. An automobile (then a new-fashioned novelty) was travelling north towards Grape Creek on the same road. Apparently, the car panicked the team and they ran away with the wagon. Mr. Garrett was thrown off the wagon and run over by the wheels, dying almost immediately. The summary inquest performed by a San Angelo physician and the local Justice of the Peace was marked by several irregularities (for one, the funeral record based on the official report claimed the accident occurred six miles SOUTH of San Angelo on the Sonora Road). The current Justice of the Peace also happened to be the driver's attorney and the examining doctor was the father of one of the other automobile passengers.

William Garrett was an admired figure in his community. A contemporary obituary stated: "Although poor and obscure, a man whose feet trod the paths of duty, as a humble citizen who loved his country and his neighbor, he acted well his part in his allotted sphere. He was a devoted husband, a kind father, and his was that broad charity and genuine hospitality found only among that class of pioneers that are so swiftly passing away."
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Passing of a Pioneer.

There is sadness in many humble homes in West Texas today over the untimely death of Wm. H. Garrett, whose generous soul passed across the great border line Tuesday afternoon

The particulars of the death of this venerated old pioneer and soldier may be stated briefly. While driving along the public highway some five or six miles from town his team became unmanageable and got beyond his control. He was thrown from his seat on the wagon and death resulted. With him was his son Percy, aged about 13 years, who escaped without serious injury. A passing automobile brought the remains of the unfortunate old veteran to town and interment was had Wednesday at Fairmount Cemetery, a large concourse of friends attending. Rev. Ford of the Southside Baptist church conducting the obsequies.

Although the writer has known Wm. Garrett for many years, esteemed his worth and enjoyed his confidence and friendship, yet e knew little of his antecedents during his early manhood. We know that he was a gallant soldier in the Confederate army, and that shortly after the close of the war he appeared in West Texas and became a factor in frontier life and the development of the country. For ten or twelve years he drove the stage on the line from San Antonio to Eagle Pass and his service was given at a time when perils beset every hillside and canyon along the route and only the bravest dared take up the reins of an overland stage coach.

In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Grider, the daughter of early pioneer parents, and the twain came to Paint Rock, Concho county, in 1880. Fifteen years ago they located in San Angelo where they have since resided, having established a pleasant home at 918 Koenigheim Street, in Park Heights.

Veteran Garrett was 65 years old at the time of the final summons and is survived by his wife and twelve children, the latter being; W.H. Garrett of Colorado, H.W. Garrett of Stiles, Texas; Ben Claude and Percy, Mrs. Allie Pledge, Mrs. Georgia Thompson, Mrs. Leila Davis, and Misses Rossie, Bernice, Hattie Tom, Jessie and Jeme, all of whom reside in San Angelo.

Although poor and obscure, a man whose feet trod the paths of duty, as a humble citizen who loved his country and his neighbor, he acted well his part in his allotted sphere. He was a devoted husband, a kind father, and his was that broad charity and genuine hospitality found only among that class of pioneers that are so swiftly passing away. Peace to his ashes, everlasting rest to his generous soul and heart-felt condolence for the bereaved family.