Biographical Sketch of A. J. Hooser

A Memorial and Biographical History of McLennan, Falls, Bell and Coryell Counties, Texas

A. J. HOOSER, a well-known farmer of Ruth, Coryell county, Texas, was born in Perry county, Tennessee, in 1846. His father, Alexander Hooser, was born in North Carolina and reared a farmer, moving to Tennessee at an early day, where he died when our subject was but an infant. When thirty years of age he married Julia Margaret, daughter of Allen Gates, of Tennessee, a mechanic of that State. They had four children, two still living, Mary, wife of W. J. Day, of Brown county; our subject; and two who died when young. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Hooser married A. Wyart, a Tennessee gentleman. They had four children, Parlee and Aslee, deceased, James and Sallie. The family came to Texas in 1851, locating in Harrison county. Two years later they removed to Upshur county, remaining there until 1857, when they removed to Coryell county, locating on Owl creek. They were soon frightened out by the Indians, and sought shelter in McLennan county, remaining there two years, when they again removed to Coryell county, locating near The Grove. Partly on account of moving about so frequently, our subject acquired very little education. He was in the service of the Texas ranger in the late was and saw a little military life. He took part in an engagement with the Indians on the Concho river. After the war, Mr. Hooser drove stock for some time, going with some herds to Kansas and Fort Smith, Arkansas. He worked about in various places until 1872, when he married and settled down on a part of his present farm, buying fifty-eight acres. By economy and industry he has saved and invested in land until he now owns over 300 acres, 160 of which is under cultivation. He is somewhat engaged in raising horses, having now twenty head.

Mr. Hooser married Missouri, daughter of Pinkney Hawkins, of Arkansas, who came to Bell county in 1867. She was the sixth of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Hooser have seven children, Laura, Luther, Edison, Mary, Harvey, Nora and Ora. The family attend the Baptist Church.

Commencing life with little means, Mr. Hooser has by economy and thrift accumulated a competence, and by his honest, fair dealings he has gained the respect and esteem of his community.