DEATH ENDS CAREER OF DALAS MAN WHO SAW TEXAS REPUBLIC

Native of Texas In Republic Days Dies at His Home


Dallas Resident Since 1889 taught Music For Many Years.


Milton Ragsdale, 88, former head of the music department of Southwestern University at Georgetown and well-known Dallas music teacher, died at 10:50 o'clock Monday night at his home, 4804 Abbott Avenue.

Mrs. Ragsdale was born in Fayette County in the Republic of Texas, near LaGrange, Dec. 6,, 1842, thye son of James C. and Rebecca Moss Ragsdale. He was the seventh of eleven children born to this couple and the last to survive. He attended McKenzie College near Clarksville and was graduated when 18 years old with an M.A. degree.

March 7, 1862, Mr. Ragsdale enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company F First Texas Legion, known as Whitfield's Texas Cavalry, commanded by Col. L. S. Ross, who later became Governor of Texas. He served in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. At the close of the war he returned to his home near Clarksville and was married April 13, 1865 to Miss Martha McKenzie, niece of the Rev. J W. p. McKenzie, head of McKenzie College.

The couple taught school in several towns in East Texas.

Dallas Morning News
March 31, 1931
Transcribed by Carol Moore
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Milton Ragsdale Funeral Held

With many early residents and former pupils attending, the funeral of Milton Ragsdale,, 88, former head of the music deparmtnet of Southwstern University of Geortetown,, was held Wednesday morning at Highland Pakr Methodist Church with Dr. Umphrey Lee, pastor, officiating, assisted by Dr. W. D. Bradfield. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery. Mr. Ragsdale died Monday at his home, 4804 Abbott Avenue. Pallbearers were John Danna, John Russell, Daniel Morgan, Harry Sharp, Jack Phillips and L. W. Blaylock.

Dallas Morning News
April 2, 1931
Transcribed by Carol Moore
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D. cert: parents: James C. Ragsdale, Rebecca Moss.

Full name Milton Estil Black Ragsdale ~ thanks to Arleta.