Aubrey Luther Belcher was born in Spray, Rockingham County, North Carolina,
October 6, 1881. While he was still a small boy, his father died. When the mother was married a second time, her six daughters continued living with her and their stepfather. Aubrey and his only brother were sent across the state line to make their home with a grandmother in Virginia.
While still in their teens, the boys ran away from home to join the army. The brother was accepted. Aubrey was rejected because in a childhood accident he had lost the first joint of the index finger on his right hand.
Unwilling to return to his grandmother’s home, he discussed his problem with a cousin named Brammer. The cousin and his young wife were making plans for a wagon trip to Texas. The lure of adventure was strong and nineteen year old Aubrey decided to ride his horse and come with them. The trip was made in 1900.
The Brammers settled near Bridgeport, Texas and Aubrey lived with them for about a year. Then he found employment on the Parker Terrell farm near Justin. His pay was fifteen dollars a month, plus room and board, washing and ironing, and feed for his horse.
His next move was in 1906 to Keller, where he secured board and room at the Harrison Hotel. His first job in this area was with County Commissioner, O.L. Sweet. Later employment included work in Forth Worth as a motorman on Trolley cars, construction work at the Tarrant County Farm, a job at the Keller Cotton Gin and seasonal work on nearby farms.
He is well remembered by many Keller families for the volunteer service he performed during the years when it was customary as well as necessary for friends to dig graves for the dead. The job was never easy and was often made more difficult by the summer heat or the snow and ice in winter. Aubrey was always a loyal friend.
For recreation, Aubrey enjoyed playing dominoes and croquet. His friends considered him an expert in both games.
The hotel which was his first choice of a place to board and room in Keller became his permanent home for sixty years. He died in his sleep on April 26, 1966 in his eighty-fifth year. He is buried in Bourland Cemetery.
Information source:
Mrs. W.Y. Flemister
