Individual Details
Clarence Leroy FURR
(14 Jan 1901 - 16 Feb 1984)
FURR, C. L.
Newspaper by Col. Tom Emerson
While doing some research about the past history of Rhea Mills, this reporter visited with Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Furr, whose knowledge of the area dates back to Christmas 1911, when the C. L. Furrs moved to the Rhea Mills community.
C. L. Furr for the past 57 years has never lived more than a quarter of a mile from the farm the Furrs settled in 1911 – that certainly is an outstanding record. It goes without saying that tremendous changes have taken place during the past half century. Furr said, “I recall the time when a man riding on a mule, bogged down to the belly of the mule, we got ropes and pulled the man and his mule out of the mud and he rode away.” This occurred on the road that is now Farm Road 2478 – an excellent road which joins FM Road 1461 at Rhea Mills. There were several homes around the old Rhea store at one time. Mr. Furr said, “Why they call this Rhea Mills, I’ll never know, because there was only one mill and several Rheas.” Many of us are confused – some signs read “Rhea’s Mill,” while others read, “Rhea Mills” – however, we’ll settle on Rhea Mills for that is the way it is recorded at the courthouse. The original store operated by Capt. Rhea, before 1913 – had many conveniences – a general line of staples and ice – in fact, he operated an old time general merchandise store. The grist mill and a cotton gin brought farmers from as far away as 15 miles. Capt. Rhea must have been a real merchant for he took care of all of the needs of his customers. He had a huge safe and cashed their checks. He paid cash to the farmers for their cotton and grain. Keep in mind if you will, good roads were unknown, transportation to the capital or county seat, McKinney, was on horseback or wagon – so you see, the Capt. recognized this situation and did something about it.
Newspaper by Col. Tom Emerson
While doing some research about the past history of Rhea Mills, this reporter visited with Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Furr, whose knowledge of the area dates back to Christmas 1911, when the C. L. Furrs moved to the Rhea Mills community.
C. L. Furr for the past 57 years has never lived more than a quarter of a mile from the farm the Furrs settled in 1911 – that certainly is an outstanding record. It goes without saying that tremendous changes have taken place during the past half century. Furr said, “I recall the time when a man riding on a mule, bogged down to the belly of the mule, we got ropes and pulled the man and his mule out of the mud and he rode away.” This occurred on the road that is now Farm Road 2478 – an excellent road which joins FM Road 1461 at Rhea Mills. There were several homes around the old Rhea store at one time. Mr. Furr said, “Why they call this Rhea Mills, I’ll never know, because there was only one mill and several Rheas.” Many of us are confused – some signs read “Rhea’s Mill,” while others read, “Rhea Mills” – however, we’ll settle on Rhea Mills for that is the way it is recorded at the courthouse. The original store operated by Capt. Rhea, before 1913 – had many conveniences – a general line of staples and ice – in fact, he operated an old time general merchandise store. The grist mill and a cotton gin brought farmers from as far away as 15 miles. Capt. Rhea must have been a real merchant for he took care of all of the needs of his customers. He had a huge safe and cashed their checks. He paid cash to the farmers for their cotton and grain. Keep in mind if you will, good roads were unknown, transportation to the capital or county seat, McKinney, was on horseback or wagon – so you see, the Capt. recognized this situation and did something about it.
Events
| Birth | 14 Jan 1901 | McKinney, Collin County, TX | |||
| Marriage | 21 Nov 1923 | Jessie Morlan ROBINSON | |||
| Occupation | 1930 - 1950 | farmer - Collin County, TX | |||
| Death | 16 Feb 1984 | Collin County, TX |  | ||
| Burial | Cottage Hill Cemetery, Celina, Collin County, TX | | |||
| Soc Sec No | 449-62-2977 | |
Families
| Spouse | Jessie Morlan ROBINSON (1903 - 1988) |
| Child | Clarence Gerald FURR (1924 - 2004) |
| Child | Jack Harold FURR (1928 - 2013) |
| Child | Ralph Morlan FURR (1930 - 1997) |
| Child | Richard Dale FURR (1934 - 2011) |
| Child | Living |
| Father | James Martin "Jim" FURR (1858 - 1951) |
| Mother | Martha Ann DRY (1861 - 1943) |
| Sibling | R. L. FURR ( - 1881) |
| Sibling | P. L. FURR (1881 - 1882) |
| Sibling | Rufus Alexander FURR (1882 - 1940) |
| Sibling | Jason Frederick FURR (1884 - 1972) |
| Sibling | Ila Joan FURR (1886 - 1974) |
| Sibling | Hattie Arrilla FURR (1888 - 1971) |
| Sibling | John Adam FURR (1890 - 1974) |
| Sibling | Robert Nathaniel FURR (1891 - 1974) |
| Sibling | Mary Lottie FURR (1893 - 1982) |
| Sibling | Andrew Lee FURR (1895 - 1984) |
| Sibling | Croney Fletcher FURR (1897 - 1954) |
| Sibling | Dewitt Talmadge FURR (1899 - 1983) |
| Sibling | Ruby Maye FURR (1904 - 1996) |
Endnotes
1. Texas Death Index, 1903-2000 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2006. Original data: Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Indexes, 1903-2000. Austin, TX, USA: Texas Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit..
2. findagrave.com.
3. United States Social Security Death Index.