Son of John Alfonzo Hagaman - Mary Catherine Shoun

M.H. Hagaman died at the family home on Tiffin Road. Services were held at First Methodist Church. Mr. Hagaman's death brings to a close the life of one of Eastland County's and Ranger's most outstanding leaders and builders and at the time of death, one of the oldest citizens.

Mr. Hagaman came to Texas in 1886, settling in Hunt County. In 1887, he came to Ranger as the principal teacher of the public schools since he had a college degree. In 1890, he planted an orchard and vineyard on his property to operate the first nursery in Eastland County. In order to provide water for his enterprises, he built a dam across Bull Hollow forming what would be known as Hagaman Lake. 1892, he entered the hardware business and conducted its operations successfully until entering the ranching business in 1901. By 1902, he was selling gravel from a portion of his property with the limestone used for the roads, railroads, and in concrete. His home was unique for the time since he created the Hagaman Water Works Company. The City of Ranger requested the use of the water treatment plant for city purposes and Mr. Hagaman sold water to the city. Hagaman Lake remained Ranger's source of water until Lake Leon was dedicated in 1955 and took its place.. On his property, the first sewer treatment plant in Ranger was constructed. In 1919, Mr. Hagaman was elected to the Ranger School Board. He remained active at the ranch east of Ranger until his retirement. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, as 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and a member of the Methodist Church. He was a charter member o the Rotary Club. Mr. Hagaman was the first Mayor of Ranger and set the standards for all city procedures. He was elected to the Texas House in 1925 and was re-elected in 1925 from this district.

Survived by his wife; two sons - Leslie Hagaman and Fred Hagaman; one daughter - Ruth Horrigan.

The Cisco Daily Press

September 9, 1949