The Pearl Bolton Family

Facts by Tracy L. Bolton

Pearl H. Bolton was the youngest of eleven children of Canada and Susannah Bolton. Born in 1866, he died as a young man of 34 years, in 1890.

In 1887, he and Jessie E. Lovelady were married. She was a daughter of Captain and Mrs. W. H. Lovelady, one of the first merchants to move from Old Larissa to the new town of Jacksonville. Shortly after, he built a brick building which now is the north (back) portion of Devenport's Variety Store, located on the corner of Commerce, Bolton and Wilson streets.

The Lovelady family home was on the southeast corner of Rusk and Bonner Streets, and was moved later to the middle of the block facing west. This still stands after 85 years.

Pearl H. and Jessie Bolton were parents of two children, a son, Tracy L., and a daughter, Pearl. Pearl married Robert Black (both deceased) and they had three daughters: Helen married Victor Barber (deceased), son of the G. L. Barbers. They reared their family in California, where she continues to reside. Frances married John Moler and lives in Troup. Marjorie married Cowan Loper and they are parents of two sons, Robert, a teacher and basketball coach, and David, a college student. They reside here.

Tracy L. Bolton married Hazel Chessher, daughter of Andy J. and Fanny Byrd Chessher, April 21, 1915. Both had attended Trinity University and were active in the church and social life of Jacksonville. They are Presbyterians.

The Tracy Boltons are parents of five daughters. The youngest, and only Jacksonville resident, is Hazel Ann (Bunny), who married Ray Beall. They have one daughter and four sons and live on O'Keefe Road. Barbara married Dr. David Salmon. They are parents of a daughter and two sons, and reside in Wichita Falls. Beryl, Mrs. J. J. (Jake) Pickle, resides in Austin and Washington, D.C. She was married to Graham McCarroll (deceased), and they were parents of two sons who reside in Austin. Frances Byrd married Walter Benson of Austin, and they have a daughter and a son. Lois is married to William (Bill) Wyatt of San Marcos, and they have a daughter and two sons.

Tracy L. Bolton retired as a conductor for the Southern Pacific Lines, after 50 years of service. He and Mrs. Bolton reside in the family home, 607 Neches Street.

Tracy L. Bolton, only son of Pearl and Jessie Bolton, at the age of one in 1889.

Bolton family picnic in 1922. Front row, l. to r., Cal Bolton, Betty Blankinship, John Bolton, Bart Bolton, Fannie Byrd Bolton, Mrs. Julie Bolton (widow of Jim), Mrs. Betty Bolton (wife of Bart), Mrs. Viola Bolton (wife of John). Back row, 1. to r., Louise Bolton (Blankinship), Helen Phillips (Nixon), Pauline Douglas (Bolton), Pearl Bolton (Black), Margaret Phillips (McDougle), Downes Bolton, Hazel Chessher (Bolton), Tracy Bolton and J. L. Douglas.