Attractions
Comanche captives: Dot & Bianca Babb
By contributing writer Shannon Gillette
In 1865, Wise County was a part of the harsh Texas frontier. Marauding Indians were still a threat to the sparse rural population. Indians were known to raid the homes of settlers, taking food items, bedding, livestock and anything else that they could use. They also often took women and children as captives. The fate of captives included being killed, sold, traded or assimilated into a tribe.
The Babb family farm was located about two miles east of present day Chico. The family consisted of the parents, J. S. Babb and Isabel Babb and four children. Also living with the family was a young widow, Mrs. Luster. Mr. Babb and the oldest son, Court, were not at home on that fateful September afternoon. Mrs. Babb noticed a group of men on horseback about a half a mile out. She called to her fourteen year old son, Theodore “Dot”, asking if they were cowboys. He responded that they were Indians and they were headed straight for their cabin. Mrs. Babb grabbed Dot, his ten year old sister Bianca and the one year old baby, Margie and ran into the house. As she gathered her children close, Mrs. Luster hid in the loft.
As the first Comanche warrior entered the home, Mrs. Babb tried to defuse the situation by shaking his hand and offering him a chair. He tossed the chair aside and began ransacking the cabin, tearing the bed sheets off the beds and gathering items from the cupboards. Other warriors joined in the raid.
As they tried to grab Dot and Bianca from their mother’s arms, she fought to save her children. She was stabbed in the neck and left for dead as the Comanche drug the two children, kicking and screaming from their home. Upon witnessing the horrific violence, Mrs. Luster screamed, giving away her hiding place. To read more pick up the September 2014 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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