What’s in a name?
Quite a bit, if it happens to be Witham and Grafa.
There are still plenty of each in these parts — 70 Withams, to be specific, in Texas, making it the 17,682nd most common name in the state, between Winkfield and Worrall.
If you thought 70 was astronomical, try 461 Withams in Maine, 246 in California and 226 in Indiana. The most popular first name for Witham is Kevin. No. 2 is Nyal.
You can find an assortment of Grafas in this immediate area — Andrea in Grandview, Stacy in Granbury, Barney and Jane in Arlington, and John, Casey, Jarod and David in Godley.
None of this should be surprising.
According to a historical piece in the Times-Review’s 1954 centennial issue, the Witham and Grafa families came to Texas in 1854 and 1876.
The Witham family settled first in Wise County at a place called Arora. Otis Robinson Witham was ordained to preach at a meeting of the Ashland Baptist Association.
During the Witham family’s stay in Wise County, sons Walter Witham and John Mullis served in the Confederate Army. Walter was killed in battle. Fortunately for the family line, John was not.
John’s family consisted of daughters Sarah and Francis Mullis; Addie, Alice and Tinnie Witham; son John Mullis; and wife Jane Oats.
They moved to Johnson County in 1867 when Cleburne was a growing town of about 1,000. Poke, Ponder and Allen owned and operated a general merchandise store.
Brumley, Donoho and Lorance were the bankers.
Other merchants were Hyder, Schultz and Lockett. T.W. Lawrence was the jeweler. The town bootlegger, unnamed, kept a low profile.
The Grafa family came from Illinois to Texas in 1875, settling first at Buchanan and then Caddo Grove.
Cord Grafa was born in Minden on the Weser, Germany, in 1810. He came to the United States in 1836. He obtained his naturalization papers in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then settled in Kentucky.
He met and married Nancy Elder Lowe in 1851.
Her home was in Owen County, Ky. She was born in 1829.
The Lowe family were early settlers of Virginia. After the American Revolution, they migrated to Kentucky.
C.H. Grafa and Nancy Elder Lowe lived in Kentucky during the Civil War. In 1876, the family moved to Cleburne.
Sons were Robert Franklin and Henry Christian. Daughters were Mary Rebecca, who married J.W. Carson; Nannie Katie, who married O. Hasard Carson of Illinois; Albina Newtie, who married Robert N. Stanley; and Mattie Tom, who married Neal A. McDonald.
In the early 1890s, Robert F. Grafa moved to Oklahoma, touching off a Red River rivalry that still boils asphalt every October in Dallas.
The story of the Withams and Grafas is about to become more complicated, so pay close attention.
The Rev. Otis R. Witham and family were charter members of the First Baptist Church organized in Cleburne. Mrs. Witham was the last charter member of this church to survive. She died at the age of 94.
She was survived by daughters Addie Witham Waggoner and Alice Witham Grafa.
She was affectionately known as Sister Phebe Witham and was renowned for her knowledge of medicinal herbs and early medicines.
She was a well-trained mid-wife and delivered many of the early inhabitants of this county. The B.J. Chambers, Odell, M.M. Crane, Easterwood and many other families used her services.
The Rev. Otis R. Witham preceded his wife in death in the year of 1873 and was buried in the first cemetery located just northwest of Prairie Avenue.
Under the Alvarado Baptist Association, he preached in neighboring settlements of the county and baptized in the Nolan River. Among his churches was an early one at Grange Hall.
Mrs. Witham’s daughter, Sarah Ann, met and married the pioneer Henry Briden here. They made their home in the first house that had been built in Johnson County, with added improvements.
Otis Robinson Witham was born in Maine in 1812 and died in Cleburne in 1873. Phebe Tony Witham was born in Ohio in 1820 and died in Cleburne in 1914.
Henry Christian, son of C.H. and Nancy Grafa, married Alice Witham, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Phebe Witham, in 1878, in the home on Witham Hill, one mile south of Cleburne. Witham Hill consisted of a 40-acre tract of land bought before the Santa Fe Railroad was built, cutting their property in half. Alice Witham’s contemporary schoolmates were Allie Clarke Ransom, Bud Clark, the Lockett, Featherston and Hagler families.
To the Grafa-Witham alliance, the following children were born:
Phebe Elder, who married William W. McDonald, Cleburne; Henrietta, who married Swight Fred Horton, Cleburne; Stella Elizabeth, who married Christopher H. Teesdale, England; Olin W. Grafa, who married Mary Bell Slocum, Cresson; Kathryn, who married Lee. B. Willie, Cleburne; Barney, who married Mable Hawley, Cleburne; H. Clare, who married Lucille Nance; Carrol Baines, who married Pauline Olson of Fort Worth; and Otis Witherspoon, who married Ida Dee Erwin of Wichita Falls.
When the Grafa family left Illinois to come to Texas, they came by train to Dallas, then went overland by wagon. A man by the name of O.H. Rominger drove the wagon train that hauled their belongings to Buchanan.
The Witham-Grafa families have fought in every war in which America has been engaged since and during Colonial days. They have represented Johnson County in two world wars.
We presume they won’t have to concern themselves with a third, unless Texas is successful in its recent attempts to secede from the universe.
Local News
Pete Kendall: Names play an integral part in the local lore of Johnson County
- Cleburne
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. -
Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The second-team offense was led by Cleburne’s Quade Coward and Godley’s Rhett Brawner as the second-team quarterbacks. -
Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
The Cleburne Yellow Jackets beat Burleson, 62-48, on Friday night at Yellow Jacket Gym to move to 2-7 in District 7-A play. Burleson fell to 2-7 in league play with the loss.
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Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
On Friday night at Yellow Jacket Stadium, Cleburne picked up its first win of the District 7-4A season, 66-60, over Burleson, which fell to 3-8.
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Up-and-down Yellow Jackets split Friday’s matches at Little Elm Tourney
Both Cleburne soccer teams had mixed results on Friday in their respective tournaments.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Johnson County
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
Johnson County Special Utility District will keep its Stage 2 drought plan in place despite this week’s rain.
- Tuesday marks property tax payment deadline
- Drought no more
- Number of sex offenders increases
- Council approves trash truck purchases
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
- Alvarado
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - Dixon repeats as AJC coach of the year
- First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
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Indians on top of selections
- Burleson
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
- Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
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Indians on top of selections
- Godley
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Lady Cats win, Wildcats fall to Peaster
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Indians on top of selections
- Grandview
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
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Indians on top of selections
- Joshua
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Kicking into high gear
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Keene
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Upcoming sports schedule
A look at the sports schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
- Grandview, Burleson, Cleburne lead first team selections
- Centennial places two on second team; Alvarado lands three players
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Upcoming sports schedule
- Rio Vista
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Venus
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Fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s sister, Megan Davis, takes a picture of a painting of her brother on Monday during a dedication to the deputy. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renamed its building to the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center in honor of the deputy who lost his life during a disturbance call in April. The picture was painted by Fort Worth artist Gary Crouch. Three pictures were made and one will hang in the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center. The other two paintings were presented as gifts to Taylor’s parents and his fiancee.
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Never forgotten
The eyes of fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s family began to swell with tears during a dedication hosted by Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford and the sheriff’s office.
- Man defends himself against two suspects
- Venus registers minor quake
- USGS registers minor county quake
- Trained rescue dogs look to be adopted and loved
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Never forgotten
