Melson, A. T.

The following data is extracted from Hopkins County, Texas.

A. T. Melson was born in the state of Georgia on the 4th of February, 1827, and grew to manhood in the home of his birth. His ancestors were old southern aristocracy, and a noble and manly set of gentlemen, while the women were unexcelled for purity and gentleness.

At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Melson married Miss Martha Ransom, a daughter of Col. Samuel Ransom, a large slaveholder and planter of great prominence in the county. Miss Martha was eighteen years of age when she married Mr. Melson. Within a few years after their marriage they moved to Hopkins County, Texas, where they have lived and raised their family.

He settled upon the tract of land that he is now living upon forty-eight years ago. They have had born to them seven children. Four of this number are living and are well-known citizens of the county. There were three boys and one girl. W. C. married Miss Formby; she passed away and he subsequently married another Miss Formby, an own cousin of his first companion.

He is a successful farmer and lives near his parents. Alex married Miss Wiley, and has for years been engaged in `mercantile pursuits. He is living at this time in White Sulphur Springs, Indian Territory, his health having failed him in this county. J. M. Melson married Miss Fru Lanier, a daughter of William Lanier, a splendid gentleman and of good family. J. M. is an attorney at law and lives in Sulphur Springs, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession. He has been honored by his people to represent them in the legislature of his state, giving such satisfaction that he was returned for the third term; afterwards declining to offer himself for re-election. Miss Mary Melson, the only daughter, married William Tyser, a young man of fine business qualities and of good ancestors.

Mr. Melson has experienced all the hardships of a pioneer life, is a sober, just and upright man, has always had the fullest confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances, being blessed with a companion of great force of character and indomitable will, with great energy and industry he has made life a fair success and is in independent circumstances. He and his wife are living alone at the old homestead., and are seemingly as happy as when they began the struggle for a respectable existence in the world.

Source: Hopkins County, Texas

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