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Lucille Wilson was selected by the New Mexico Association for Family and Community Education (NMAFCE) to receive their 2001 Pioneer Award. Formerly known as the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Homemakers the NMAFCE first presented the Pioneer Award in 1987 to recognize outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the community and in the state demonstrating the pioneering spirit which keeps New Mexico strong. Lucille was presented with the award at the Celebration of Achievements, an awards program presented by the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women on 22 September 2001 in Albuquerque, NM.

Icey Lucille Wilson was born in LaLuz Canyon at the old Baker place on 29 Aug 1916. Her father, Walter Nichols had come with his parents to what was then Lincoln County and now is Otero County, NM from Comanche County Texas in the 1880's. Her mother Icey Izena Stockman (Young Hardy Stockman, Hardy Francis Stockman, Henry Stockman, Frederick Stockman and Katherine Disponet of the Texas branch of the family) came a few years later with her parents from Edwards County, TX. Lucille’s parents were married in Grant County, New Mexico but returned to Otero County where they began raising their family.

Lucille’s mother died when she was nine years old and she had to learn to cook for her father, younger brother and two younger sisters. A relative gave Lucille a biscuit recipe which was written on the door casing of her girlhood home and can still be seen there today. She attended the one-room school house at La Luz through the eighth grade and remembers the final exams being sent from Santa Fe in 1929.

Her father, Walter, moved the family to Grant County where he bought a goat ranch and Lucille attended school in Lordsburg. Because the family ranch was far from town, Lucille lived with a family and cared for their children, kept house and served as cook to pay her room and board as she attended highschool. She graduated from highschool and went to business college in El Paso, TX. In 1938 she met and married her husband of 64 years, Toad.

In addition to raising their son, Lucille worked as a private secretary for a lawyer and an insurance Company. She has also managed a bowling alley. Before they retired, Lucille and Toad bought land in Cottonwood Canyon in 1969. They drove from El Paso every weekend to work on their land and build their dream home which they constructed themselves. 1n 1975 they both retired and moved into their new home which they named “Grass Roots”. Toad worked for 40 years for Standard Oil at their refinery in El Paso.

“We retired up here because I always loved it here,” Lucille said. She remembers the land as the Nichols Fruit Farm, “home of the best fruit”.

Lucille has been active in the Extension Service and a member of the Calico Family and Community Education Club (FCE), of which she was the first vice-president, since the 1980's. She served as state president, state secretary, district chairperson, cultural arts chairperson and is currently the News Mexico cultural arts chairperson for the FCE. Lucille originated the “Homemaker of the Year Award”. She thought it was important to recognize the role of the woman in the home. The first of the awards was given in 1987 and it has continued every year since.

When Lucille was the state FCE president, she emphasized the importance of reading to young children, particularly those younger than a year. She initiated and put into action programs in New Mexico to bring literacy to the attention of parents, grandparents, and day-care providers.

Lucille has also served as a teacher of basketry, presenting numerous workshops to FCE members over New Mexico for more than ten years. At the Scott Able 4-H camp in the Sacramento Mountains, she demonstrated reed basket making to adult and young Native Americans.

Gardening is another of Lucille’s loves, she grows, cans, dries and gives away fresh fruit and vegetables every year. She learned as a child form her father, she said , to cultivate and garden. She is a master food preserver and has taught food preservation to 4-H classes and extension service classes.

As a member of the Otero Native Plant Society, one of Lucille’s current projects involves the landscaping of the St Joseph’s Mission in Mescalero. She is also co-chairman of the society’s plant sale, an event she started five years ago.

Lucille volunteered her time along with her good friend Joe Duft who passed away in November 2001, to plan, plant and create the native plant garden at Oliver Lee Memorial State park near Alamogordo, NM.

Aside from her remarkable service history, Lucille still knows how to have fun. She and Toad have traveled weekly to El Paso to bowl since they moved to New Mexico. They have many trophies and she is a life member of the El Paso 600 Bowling Club.

Their family includes, son Duane Wilson and his wife, Paula, two grand children, Tirian and Linea. Lucille and Toad are well known to all who attend the Family Reunion in Silver City. Duane has been present twice and brought his entire family all the way from Virginia to one reunion. Known by name to most of those who attend, but known to all as the “Lady who brings the Cherries” for the delicious fresh cherries she brings from the Nichols Fruit Farm, operated by her brother, Bonny Nichols.

Lucille and Toad will be at the Reunion in July and Duane is planning to attend. Lucille says that is possible that she may be able to make Bonny to make the short trip this year.-//-

The Master Gardener program was started by Texas A & M University in 1978. Al Norris who had been gardening all of his life, obtained the Master Gardener Certification in June 1994 and has been a driving force in the Master Gardener program in Texas since that time.

In September 2001 Al was selected as the Top Master Gardener in Texas during the Master Gardeners Association meeting in Abilene, TX. It was the first time that a Wichita Falls area member had received Master Gardener of the Year Honors.

Gardening is in Al’s blood. Born in 9 Nov1931 Alfred Wayne Norris was the eldest son of L. D. Norris (William Nathaniel Norris, John Samuel Norris, Mary Sarah Stockman, Frederick Stockman and Katherine Disponet of the Texas branch of the family) and Lenora Winfield. Al grew up on his family’s farm near Lubbock, Texas. Following his mother’s wish that he leave the farm to attend college, he graduated from McMurray College in 1952 with a degree in Business.

Al was employed at Burk Royalty in 1978, he became vice president in 1989 and retired from the firm in 1997. Since then he has devoted his time and energy to his family and to Gardening.

For years, AL has been regarded as one of Texas’ premier tomato growers, but his garden is neatly mulched, practically weedless and filled to overflowing with old favorites and new possibilities. He is one to try a new variety or hybrid, but his pride and joy are his tomatoes. He regularly averages 25 pounds from each plant.

Al and his wife, Betty, altogether have 6 children and 8 grandchildren. Whenever his family visits, Al usually loads them up with whatever is looking good in his garden that week. (This week he tells me that it will be sweet corn – something that is not always easy to grow in this area!) Reminiscing about his own childhood and times spent at his grandparent’s place, Al muses, “My grandmother took me to the garden ... my parents had a garden, too. For people who have never done it, it’s hard to explain. You can literally watch your garden grow, day by day. You can see it, the way the plants mature and the way the fruit grows. It’s amazing.”

Al offers gardening advice on line as a contributor to the AOL Garden and Master Gardener Forums. Those who are on line should regularly check the web page, Over the Garden Gate where Al is a regular contributor. Al has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Commission. Through his unrelenting efforts Al has been instrumental in the Wichita Falls Master Gardeners becoming one of Texas’ more active associations. Recognized through out Texas as a driving force in gardeners associations, Al and his associates were able to secure the 2003 Texas Convention of Master Gardeners for Wichita Falls.

While active in his organizations, Al also finds time for family research. He and his son David were able to locate the grave of his great grand father, John Samuel Norris, several years ago and provide a headstone for his unmarked grave. See Vol 9 # 4 of The Stockman Family Newsletter for the story of the dedication. Recently, Al and his son also located the grave of John Samuel’s wife, Rowena, in Real County, TX.

Come and Join members of the family in Silver City on the Weekend of 19, 20 & 21 July. Early arrivals on Friday, the 19th will gather at the home of your humble editor. When you arrive call 388-4054 for directions or a ride.

Friday the 19^th -- Gather at #16 McKinley Street for eats and plenty of talking - early afternoon on. Food will be provided.

Saturday the 20^th the Holiday Inn Express will provide us with a meeting room. An auction will be held to help raise funds to cover the cost of the reunion. Saturday evening the Banquet will be held at the Copper Creek Ranch where the family will be fed and entertained by the Copper Creek Wranglers.

Sunday 21^st , the family will gather at the Little Walnut Picnic Area for lunch before dispersing. This year we will have the east side of the Group picnic area -- the one where it rained on us a few years ago!! Bring your umbrellas!!

The auction has become a tradition with the national reunions. In the past handicrafts, canned fruits, preserves, and other home made items have been the highlights. Items that reflect the character or history of the area in which you reside are also big hits. The Stockmans and related families reflect many varied tastes and interests. Any item that you find of value or interest is sure to strike similar fancy in some other family member. The money raised by the auction is used for the Sunday picnic and to defray expenses of the reunion.

Mike Trumbull has treated us very well in the past and the Holiday Inn Express, his new Motel will be the headquarters for the reunion again this year. To make reservations:

There are two new Motels in Silver City which have excellent accommodations. If reservations are not available at the Holiday try:

During the summer months, Silver City is a haven for those escaping the heat of the lower desert. So those who are traveling in motor homes or with trailers should call well in advance for reservations. Roy and Mary Goets have tried several RV parks in Silver City area and they recommend an RV park that is in a quiet area surrounded by the juniper and piñon. Full hookups on graveled roads provide an economical and pleasant stay. Their web page is: http://manzanosrvpark.uswestdex.com/

The Holiday Inn Express is located on Superior Street. For Those who have been to previous reunions our new location is just around the corner from the old. Superior Street turns south from US 180 approximately 1 miles from downtown Silver City. If you are entering town from the Deming area it is just before the first Stop light. When you see the light slow down and prepare to turn to your left where Wendys is located.

The Manzano’s RV park is 2 miles to the east, also on the south side of the Highway. Turn south on Kirkland Road and then left on to Flury Lane. Both facilities are well signed and easily sited from the Highway.

Mary Blackburn the daughter of J W Blackburn and Mary LNU, married John Freeman Stockman 10 Oct 1883 in Menard Co Texas. They lived in Texas and OK and then returned to Dallas, TX where Mary died in Dallas 10 Nov 1931. The Following two obituaries were printed in the Dallas Times Herold on Nov 10^th and 11^th that year.

STOCKMAN, Mary A., age 69, resident of Dallas 20 years, passed away Tuesday morning at her residence, 910 W. Waco St., Oak Cliff. Survived by husband, John F. Stockman; one son, J. R.; three daughters, Mrs. W. C. Beezley, Mrs. John Rotramel, Mrs. Julian Holtz, all of Dallas; five grandchildren, three brothers, W. J. and A. L. Blackburn of Dallas,and J. A. Blackburn, of Roswell, N. M. Funeral services at 4 p. m. Wednesday at the chapel of the Weever Funeral Home. The Rev. W. L. Oliphant will officiate. Burial in Forest Lawn.

Mrs. Mary A. Stockman, 69, resident of Dallas twenty years, died Tuesday morning at her home,910 West Waco street, Oak Cliff. Funeral services will be held at 4 p. m. Wednesday at the chapel of the Weever Funeral home, with interment in Forest Lawn cemetery. A Christian Science reader will officiate. Mrs. Stockman, who was born July 11, 1862, in Springfield, Ill., came to Texas sixty-four years ago. She was married to John F. Stockman at Maynard, Tex., Oct. 10, 1883. She was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Boston, Mass. Surviving are her husband, John F. Stockman; one son, J. R. Stockman; three daughters, Mrs. W. C. Beezley, Mrs. John Rotramel and Mrs. Julian Holtz, and five grandchildren, all of Dallas; three brothers, J. A. Blackburn of Roswell, N. M., W. J. and A. L. Blackburn of Dallas. Active pallbearers will be Andrew Webb, A. J. Cooper, H. Y. Scurlock, Walter Mashburn, Dr. K. C. Patterson and D. W. Anderson.

Bruce Bixler 1928-2001
          BRUCE GRENFELL BIXLER, 73, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2001 in El Paso, Texas after a long illness. He was born Palm Sunday, April 1, 1928 at the Masonic Hospital in El Paso, Texas. He attended Dudley Elementary School and graduated from El Paso High School in 1945. Mr. Bixler earned an AB Degree from The University of Chicago in 1947 and continued his education at The University of Texas, Austin receiving a BBA Degree in Accounting, December 1949. He was inducted into the U.S. Army following his marriage to Nelva Joy Stockman (John Leslie Stockman, Durward Jeptha Stockman, Garrison Greenwood Stockman, Joseph Henry Stockman, Henry Stockman, Frederick Stockman and Katherine Disponet of the Texas branch of the family) September 16, 1950. He served with the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in Korea and Japan earning the Army Medal of Commendation for Bravery. He was discharged in 1953 with the Rank of 2^nd Lieutenant.
            Mr. Bixler joined the CPA firm Bixler & Co., LLP in 1954 and continued practice until his retirement in January 2000. He was active through the years in numerous civic and Christian organizations: Kiwanis of El Paso, Gideon's International, El Paso Stamp Club, Sons of the American Revolution, El Paso Masonic Lodge #130, Knights Templar, York Bodies, El Maida Shrine, Sojourners, Military Order of World Wars, and many professional organizations. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of El Paso.
            Mr. Bixler is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nelva Joy Stockman and his three daughters and son in law: Beverly Bixler of San Antonio, Brenda and William Collins of Mesquite, and Barbara Bixler of Porterville, CA; four grandchildren are Shanna Seals and her husband Scott, Lisa Joanne Collins, Justin Bixler, and Tabitha Bixler; brother Glenn J. Bixler and his wife Mary Ruth, several nieces and nephews. Visitation was on Thursday 5-9 p.m. at Harding Orr & McDaniel. Funeral services were held Friday 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison. Interment followed at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers were be Ray Larkin, Michael O'Donnell, Andrew Haddad, Dr. William Collins, Dr. Glenn G. Bixler and Stephen Bixler.

In 1885 a census was taken of the Territory of New Mexico. It is an important source of information on early residents of that area. Enumerated in Lincoln County was a Jack Stockman.

Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory, Enumeration District 13, Precinct 7, Page 1, Household #5
Name	Rel.	Sex	Age	Occupation	POB	POB F	POB M
C D Stewart	S	M	20	Ditching	AR	AR	MS
Jack Stockman	S	M	30	Ditcher	TX	TX	TX
William Reed	S	M	16	Cook	TX	MD	MS
Link Blankenship	S	M	24	Ditcher	IN	IN	IN
James Parish	S	M	30	Ditcher	TX	AL	AL
John Clements	S	M	25	Ditcher	TX	MO	OH
E D Mclaren	S	M	25	Ditcher	Canada	Canada	Canada

Jack Stockman and his comrades sharing the household were evidently employed constructing irrigation ditches for one of the ranchers in this area of New Mexico on the edge of the Staked Plains.

Jack was born in Texas, his mother and father were also born in Texas and if his age was recorded correctly in the census he was born in 1855. Who is he and who were his parents? Jack is a familiar name for John or possibly several other given names, but also might be nickname not related to the given name.

A search of the 1880 census for a Stockman born in Texas of the proper age contains four names:

Robert Stockman is the son of Louis Stockman and Charlotte LNU. Robert was born in TX but his father was born in TN and his mother in MS. Assuming that the 1885 census in correct Robert would be eliminated as Jack. The First three young men in the list are sons of Hardy Francis Stockman and Mary Naomi Williams. All three were born in Texas and their parents were both born in Texas. Marraige dates are know for all three.

None of these fellow fill the bill to be Jack. Is there a Stockman we are missing, Marin G Stockman or Milam P Stockman, sons of Henry Joseph Stockman, perhaps who could have been out west. Both of these men appear to have been too old to have been Jack.

Now the story gets more complicated for in the 1900 census of Illinois is found the enumeration of Joseph Stockman

Mc Lean County, Illinois, 1512 W Chestnut St, Bloomington, 116, 89, 1, 63
Name	Relation	age	D of B	P of B
Joseph Stockman	Head	33	May 1867	NM
Lizzie	Wife	23	Dec 1876	MO
Roy	Son	6	Nov 1893	MO
Willie	Son	2	Feb 1898	MO
Mary	Dau	0/12	May 1900	IL

The census taker recorded Joseph Stockman’s place of birth as New Mexico, yet in the 1870 census index there is no listing for any Stockman or similarly spelled surname in New Mexico and in the 1880 census of the United States this Joseph Stockman is not enumerated.

Any family member with an idea of whom Jack and Joseph Stockman might be please contact the editor.

The Stockman death records of the State of Texas were published in the Stockman

Family Newsletter in September 1995. This list updates the information available at that time. The Texas Death Records are available for genealogical purposes through the Texas State Genealogical Library in Austin and copies are maintained in several of the major libraries through out the state. Some can be found on the Internet. Death records are available in this series from 1903. These records include the last half of 1994 through December 1998. As you read through this list note that there are several discrepancies in the information provided by family members and what the Death Certificates show. There are also many Stockmans who have not been identified. Any reader who can clarify the discrepancies or can identify the persons not known, please send information to the Newsletter so that it can be shared with the family.

A footnote provides the ancestry for each of the records where an identification has been made or those records where there is a question about the information or where a possible identification has been made.

The Mount Olive Cemetery in Shelby County Texas is located near Stockman, Texas and is the burial place for many of the descendants of Peter Stockman, Jr. Following is a list of the headstones in this cemetery bearing the Stockman name. Burials have been listed at the Mount Olive Cemetery Web Site and are reported below with corrections.