EAKINS
OPHELIA EAKINS
PIONEER CALLED HOME
One of Earliest Settlers in Dallas Died After a Lingering Illness
Dallas, Oct. 26. - Mrs. Ophelia EAKINS, one of the oldest residents of Dallas died at her home, 386 South Harwood Street at 4:15 o'clock this morning, after a lingering illness of several weeks.
Mrs. EAKINS, who was the widow of John J EAKINS, who was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan 11 1831. Her maiden name was Opehlia CRUTCHFIELD her father being familiarly known as Major CRUNCHFIELS> With her family she removed to Texas in 1842, settling in Dallas, where she resided up to the time of her death. Her father erected one of the first hotels ever build in Dallas, which was known as Crutchfield House.
She was married to Major John J EAKINS in 18550 and their union was blessed with eight children, only one of whom, T. E. EAKINS, is now living.
They purchased a claim off 640 acres located in what is now the southern part of the city, the present residency being near the center of it. When the question of establishing a city park was ngitated later on. Mr. EAKINS donated two acres of land for what is now known as EAKINS Park- the former name being City Park.
Their first residence was located on the site of the present courthouse square and it was here she and her husband were married.
It is said that members of the family were on the first railroad train that ever pulled into Dallas and were on the trial run of the first street car ever run in Dallas. Mrs. EAKINS and her husband were charter members of the first Christian Church ever established in the city, and she has been a life long member of that denomination.
Her brother-in-law, J W Swindells was editor of the old Morning Herald from 1852-1875.
She had resided alone in her neat little cottage at 386 South Hardwood Street since the death of her husband in 1887. Her niece, Mrs. Albert EAKINS has been at her bedside during her entire illness. Her brother, James O CRUTCHDIELD of Toga, has been wired for and will be in the city this afternoon. Her sister in Chicago was also sent for, but unable to come.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. from the late residence. Interment will probably be made in the old Mason Cemetery.
NOTE; John J EAKINS , son of John and Sarah (KING) EAKIN, early settlers of Henderson, Henderson County Ky.
Fort Worth Record, Friday Morning October 27 1903.
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