The Albert Eugene Walters Family

By Mrs. Maurice Walters

Albert Eugene Walters was a son of Lane Walters, whose forbears [sic] moved from North Carolina to Alabama prior to the Civil War. Lane Walters served in the Confederate Army and at wars end brought his family to Texas, settling at Brushy Creek, Anderson County.

Albert Eugene married Molly Morrison, daughter of Lane Morrison of Athens, who founded the first brickyard there. Eugene and Molly established a home at Brushy Creek and their first four children, including Maurice, the oldest, were born there. Becoming interested in the tomato growing industry, Mr. Walters moved to Jacksonville in 1902 and bought a farm five miles west of town in Cove Springs community. Six more children were born, but Mr. Walters became ill and died on May 27, 1911, leaving his wife, Molly, with ten children to rear.

Maurice, being the oldest, became responsible for the family and he and his mother operated the farm until 1920, when she moved to Huntsville to be near a high school and college for the five youngest children. She financed the family by running a boarding house for the boys. Later, she moved to Baytown to reside with her daughter, Betty Frances, and her husband, Fred N. Langham. Mrs. Walters died May 25, 1966, at age 94, and is buried in Jacksonville City Cemetery beside her husband. Mr. Walters, a member of the Church of Christ, also was a member of I.O.O.F. Lodge.

Maurice Walters served in World War I and upon his return married Donnie McNiel of Jacksonville. She only recently retired after a long career as a teacher in Jacksonville, Cherokee County and Houston. In later years, a friend asked Maurice Walters why he had no children, and he replied that he had "raised nine", referring to his younger brothers and sisters.

Maurice Walters, owner and operater of Walters Feed & Seed on Bonner Street, was a Shriner and member of the Christian Church. He died March 17, 1971, and is buried in City Cemetery, while his wife continues to reside in their home on North Bolton Street [in 1972].

Most of the Walters children were teachers or married teachers. Ruby Mary Walters married William B. Thompson of Rusk, Charlie Emma married William Clyde Proctor of Mt. Pleasant and Lockie Jewel married Virgil W. Crow of Dallas.

Henry Lane Walters married Helen Lane of Marshall, while Lucibel married Alvin Cummings of Dallas. Maxine Elliott married Cecil Allen of Temple, and Albert Eugene Walters, Jr., married Miriam Francis of Dallas, formerly of Rusk.

Gerald Glywn Walters' wife is the former Ruth Ann Woods, and Betty Frances, the youngest child, married Fred N. Langham of Dallas. It was in their home in Baytown that Mrs. Molly Walters spent her last years.

Albert Eugene Walters and wife, Molly, shortly after their marriage.

Mrs. Molly Walters and daughter, Betty Frances.

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Walters in front of home.