Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 3

Park Memorial - Author's Picture

"Memorial

This site dedicated to the memory of James Henry Johnston, James E. and Elizabeth Johnston Ferguson, River River County Pioneers."

Iran War Notes

Iran War Notes

In February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated series of "large‑scale strikes" strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting military infrastructure, nuclear‑related sites, and senior leadership. Iran immediately retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israel and several Gulf states, expanding the conflict across multiple fronts. As the operation continued, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader "Ali Khamenei," along with dozens of high‑ranking regime officials, creating a sudden leadership vacuum inside the country. The exchange of strikes has persisted since, with both sides sustaining casualties and the wider region bracing for further escalation as the confrontation shows no sign of slowing.

The Well of Barhout

The Well of Barhout

The Well of Barhout, or "Well of Hell," is an ancient sinkhole located in Yemen, a natural wonder. Traditionally, it is the abode or prison of genies. Some locals believe it's bad luck to even speak about the sinkhole.

In 2021, a team from Oman became the first known expedition to descend into the hole and make it all the way to the bottom. They reportedly discovered snakes and other geological features such as cave pearls and stalagmites. The hole is about 820 feet deep and roughly 100 feet in width. Fortunately, no genies were reported as being present.

Yemen’s Barhout Well: A Dark History of the Supernatural Explored

From the channel of Mysterious Middle East.

"How real is the folklore behind the legend of Barhoot Well, a mysterious geological anomaly that exists in Hadramaut Yemen? In September 2021, ten explorers from the Omani Caves Exploration Team travelled to the neighboring country of Yemen, to find the truth behind its legendary Barhout Well.

Before the expedition the Barhout Well was famous for giving the impression of being a bottomless pit where the light of the sun itself cannot penetrate.

Till this day, the area has long been home to a steady stream of anomalous activity ranging from strange animals to unexplained  disappearances, with both of these mysteries often being linked to the well.

So what did the Omani’s discover, and could there be way more to the story of barhout well than what the media is reporting?"

Sources Consulted:

alarabiya.net

Wikipedia

atlasobscura.com

livescience.com

Mysterious Middle East

The Harrowgate Protocol

Mercy Anne Harrowgate

I've been working on The Harrowgate Protocol, a story about a vampiress named Mercy Anne Harrowgate. It's been fun. I've been working with MS Co-Pilot and other platforms on obtaining visuals to enhance the story. CP will also make graphics and talk to you about what you're writing. It doesn't write for you, but it's a good tool to bounce around ideas. The Harrowgate Protocol is finished and will appear on the blog. It's currently being edited for publication.

Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 2

In this section, I post more pictures of a visit to the Sam Houston Memorial Park, in northwest Red River County, Texas. I think I took these pictures in May of 2025.

General View - Author's Picture

The image shows a general view of the grounds, looking northeast. Mrs. Jane Chandler Gill's head is located right of center. It's the white color, or maybe off white, image. Further back is a monument to Sam Houston. The very large plant in the middle of the picture is a cactus. Learn more here.

Pine Tree - Author's Picture

It can't really be seen, but this image shows one of the largest pine trees I have ever seen. The larger visible branch is, in itself, as large as some pine trees.

Jesse Bowman Marker - Author's Picture 

This historical marker commemorates Jesse Bowman (1785–1836), a pioneer who volunteered for duty at the Alamo. He perished there with many others. The marker is transcribed below.

"Jesse B. Bowman was born in Tennessee about 1785. By 1811 he was living in Illinois where his son Joseph T. Bowman was born that year. Bowman and his family settled in Ouichita County, Arkansas, until it became more populated and they moved to Hempstead County. In the 1830s Jesse B. Bowman and his family moved with his brother and other family members to this area of Texas, where they soon qualified for a league and labor of land. On February 23, 1836, Bowman answered the roll call at the Alamo garrison in Bexar. He was listed as a private and permanent volunteer under the command of Jim Bowie. On March 6, Jesse Bowman lost his life at the fall of the Alamo. His body and those of the other Alamo defenders were burned by the Mexican army under General Santa Anna."

Learn more about Jesse Bowman here.

U-boat U17

U-boat U17

"Did you know? In Germany, an old submarine, the U-boat U17, was transported by road to the Technik Museum in Sinsheim, a technology museum! The U17, which is an impressive 48 meters long and 450 tons, was withdrawn from service after 37 years of operations and is now being displayed at the museum. Transporting the submarine was a gigantic operation that lasted 15 months and covered more than 650 kilometers. To ensure it reached its destination, it was necessary to close highways, remove signs, and even use a special 30-axis platform! The total cost of the project was approximately 2 million euros, financed by donations. In 2025, the submarine will be open for viewing, allowing everyone to explore its interior! A real logistics adventure to preserve a piece of history."

Source: Meta

Sutler's Store

Author's Picture

The sutler's store at Fort Towson, Towson. This picture was taken many years ago. It's a reproduction of an original store. I don't know much more about it. Last time I visited, they were having some sort of event, and the store owner asked me if I wanted a drink. I politely declined. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a sutler is a "civilian provisioner to an army post, often with a shop on the post."

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 5

This is the final entry concerning the New Haven Cemetery in the Dimple Community, Red River County, Texas. The text of the historical marker appears below. You can visit my contact form for more information.

New Haven Memorial Text - Author's Texas

Historical marker at the New Haven Cemetery, Dimple Community, Red River Community, Texas.

New Haven Cemetery

"Acreage for a community church, school, and graveyard was given in 1859 by George M. Sargeant. The first burial in the cemetery was for George W. Rolston (d.1859), a veteran of the War of 1812. Additional land for the New Haven Baptist Church and cemetery was donated by John and Lillie (Doak) Jamison in 1898. Numerous pioneer families and war veterans are buried here, as is Dimple Dee, the infant daughter of W.W. and Katie Crockett, for whom the Dimple Community is named. The historic cemetery continues to serve residents of the area."

Edit: The author knew several of the individuals who are buried in this cemetery, both young and old.

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 4

The story of Dimple Dee Crockett.

She looks like such a sweetheart. God bless this baby girl.

Dimple Dee Crockett Memorial - Author's Picture

Dimple Dee Crockett lived from 1898 – 1900. The Dimple Community is named for her. There is one picture of her (below) that shows her playing. It looks like there's a goat with her.

Dimple Dee Crockett

"We believe her cause of death was diphtheria, but that is only through memory of word-of-mouth discussions.

One of two articles about the W.W. Crockett General Store by C.M. Raulston, Jr. - In 1873, W.W. Crockett established a General Store on top of a steep clay hill a half mile south of Pecan Bayou on the Albion Road. In October of 1900, he buried a beloved two-and-one-half year old daughter in New Haven Cemetery. Her name was Dimple Dee. In 1901, Mr. Crockett established a post office in his store. At that time, the community was called various names, such as Liberty Hill, Raulston's Corner, and New Haven. Mr. Crockett named his post office in memory of his departed little daughter. Since that time, our community has been called Dimple.

Two of two articles about the W.W. Crockett General Store by C.M. Raulston, Jr. - In the early days our community was variously called Liberty, Liberty Hill, Raulstons Bend,and Cravens. In 1898 W. W. Crockett, a photographer in Clarksville established a general store on the Albion Road atop a clay hill 1/2 mile south of Pecan Bayou. He maintained his photography business by spending two days a week there. On his return trips to the general store he picked up the mail for the people in the community. During their first year in the general store, Mr. Crocket and wife Katie had a daughter born to them. They named her Dimple Dee. She died in October 1900 at age 2 years and six months. In 1901 the postmaster objected to Mr. Crockett's habit of delivering mail to his customers. As a result, Mr. Crockett established a post office in the general store and named it in honor of his departed little daughter. Since that time our community has been called Dimple."

Source: Find A Grave.

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 3

More picture of the New Haven Cemetery in Red River County, Dimple Community.

New Haven Cemetery General View - Author's Picture

A general view of the grounds. Several angels appear in the background.

Wind Chimes - Author's Picture

I heard wind chimes long before I saw them. They produced a haunting sound. They are located along the south side of the cemetery, alongside FM 2120 (seen in the background).

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 2

In this post about Dimple Community history (Red River County, Texas), we will see pictures of the New Haven Cemetery and various memorials on the grounds. I personally took all of the pictures. So, here we go with pictures of the New Haven Cemetery grounds.

New Haven Cemetery Memorials - Author's Picture

New Haven Cemetery - Author's Picture

This is the older portion of the cemetery, looking southeast. It looks to me like the southern graves might give way and become uncovered. It's only a matter of time, in my opinion. I like the cross monument in the upper right. I wonder if it's cast whole or whether it has rebar in it?

Grave Décor

A toy truck on the grounds of New Haven Cemetery. It caught my attention immediately. I don't care for death, but I like the memorial.

Dimple Community, Texas

"Dimple, TX. Dimple is six miles north of Clarksville in north central Red River County. It had a post office from 1901 until 1921. From 1914 through 1986, the estimated population of Dimple was reported as twenty-five. In 1990 and 2000 it was sixty." Source here.

Nowadays, the chief historic feature of Dimple is the New Haven Cemetery. The cemetery used to be located alongside the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church. Years ago, the church built a new building that is located just across the road from the cemetery. Walking through the cemetery, for me, is troublesome, as I once knew several of the people who are buried there, both young and old.

New Haven Cemetery - Author's Picture

This is the sign you see just before you enter into the cemetery. It needs repainting, badly.

"New Haven","Cemetery","1859","New Haven","This cemetery is located in the northwest quadrant of Red River County, Texas. GPS COORDINATES: Datum WGS84: 33 Deg 42.866N, 95 Deg 04.834W. From the Dimple Community proceed west on FM 2120 about two miles. The church and cemetery is on the north side of the road. RED RIVER RECOLLECTIONS page 52: Acreage, 2.75 acres 'situated on the waters of Pecan Bayou and upon which said Church and School House now stand' for a community church, school, and cemetery was deeded on 6 May 1859 by George M. Sargeant. A later deed dated 14 Feb 1898 and filed for record on 4 Jun 1898 in Book CH Vol 33 Page 593 for 5 acres of land on the E. H. Tarrant survey from John M. Jamison et ux to New Haven Baptist Church. The oldest marked burial is for George W. R. Rolston who died in 1859. This cemetery was surveyed by Lawrence and Sue Dale on Sunday 19 Jan 1997. We visited on 14 Jan 2004 to take GPS Coordinates. We also did a re [sic] walk of the cemetery adding new burials and noting marker changes." Note: The church is no longer on the north side of the road. It is now on the south side of the road. Source here.

Sarah Jane - New Haven Burial - Author's Picture

The only thing I could make out on the marker is that it's for "Sarah Jane." She was 30 years old at the time of her passing. At some point, the stone seems to have fallen over. Someone came along later and poured concrete to support it. It's still lying in a "turned over" position. Edit: I found Sarah Jane Roberts Walker on the Find a Grave website. She possibly died in or shortly after childbirth. She lived and died in the 1800s, so long ago and a world away.

Squirrel - Author's Picture

At some point, I noticed a visitor who was just as quiet as I was. He was very dark for a squirrel. He didn't stick around for long, and I couldn't get a better picture.

The Loss of The SS Vestris

Ship Wrecks The Sinking Of The SS Vestris

From the channel of Old Shipping lines.

On the twelfth day of November, 1928, the SS Vestris sank in the Atlantic Ocean. She was overloaded and her hatches were not secured. On the eleventh of November she encountered a storm that was so severe that she began to list (lean) to starboard (right side of the vessel). Over 100 people were lost in the accident. This accident is notable not only because of the death toll, but also because the disaster was photographed by pantryman (a butler) Fred Hanson.

Sinking of The SS Vestris

Image Source: Wikipedia; Public Domain Image.

US Bill of Rights, Part 10, Amendment 10

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 10.

Undelegated Powers Kept by the States and the People.

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 9, Amendment 9

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 9.

Other Rights Kept by the People.

"The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 8, Amendment 8

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 8.

Excessive Bail, Fines, and Punishments Forbidden.

"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 7, Amendment 7

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 7.

Rights in Civil Cases.

"In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States than according to the rules of the common law."

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 6, Amendment 6

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 6.

Rights of Accused Persons in Criminal Cases.

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."

Amendment 6 is where we find enshrined the fact that we are allowed to have assistance (a lawyer present; counsel) to assist us in our defense. In short: Remain silent and let your lawyer do the talking.

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 5, Amendment 5

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 5.

Protection of Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property.

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation."

The famous Miranda warning ("you have the right to remain silent") and "I plead the fifth" derive from the 5th Amendment. You cannot be compelled to be a witness against yourself.

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States

US Bill of Rights, Part 4, Amendment 4

US Bill of Rights

Amendment 4.

Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized."

Image: Public domain AI-Generated image.

Constitution of the United States