FALCO FAMILY OF HIGHBANK (1920 PHOTO)

Standing, L-R: Tony Falco, Jack Falco, and Louis Falco
Sitting, L-R: Antonino Lupo Falco, Jasper Falco, and
Antonino Lupo Falco's Second Wife, Maria Corpora-Falco. Antonino's first wife was Rosaria Palazzotto.

CORPORA AERIAL SERVICE OF HIGHBANK AREA

Joseph Samual Corpora who attended the Highbank schools established the Corpora Aerial Service in Hearne and Highbank serving the farmers of the region for years. Later, his son, Samuel Anthony Corpora, followed his dad in the flying business and still does a lot of aerial spraying in the Highbank area, working off of the Highbank airstrip just across the railroad tracks on land now owned by the heirs of Jasper Falco.

Joeseph Corpora was born in Falls County on April 21, 1918, attended school at Highbank,and enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 15, 1941. He graduated as a pilot where he flew combat missions P 38 fighter pilot in the European theater. After the war he applied his piloting skills and established Corpora Aerial Service in Hearne and Highbank. Joseph married Sara Falco, daughter of J. T. Falco and Vincent Tusa Falco of Marlin, Texas,on April 27, 1947 and they had four children: Samuel, Audette, Joseph Charles, and Priscilla Jean. Joseph passed away on January 25, 1981.

MORE MEMORIES OF EARLY-DAY HIGHBANK

"As a young boy in the late 1940's, Leonard Kubiak recalls hoeing cotton in the fields near Highbank. The buckvine that grew in the cotton fields required the use of an eye-hoe and you earned your $1.00 per-day wages.

During the noon break, several of us kids would slip off to go swimming in nearby Mussel Run Creek. We also swam the muddy rivers of the Brazos when the opportunity came up. I recall that the Brazos river after a rain became extremely treacherous, particularly near the bends of the river which created powerful swirling currents (whirl pools). The river bend whirl pools would pull you down and the only way out was to swim to the bottom and then swim away from the river bend.



Mussel Run Located two miles north of Highbank was a favorite swimming hole for the Highbank area farm hands of the 50's!



Leonard also remembers the sweet scent of freshly pulled cotton as he rode on top of a trailer loaded with cotton that his dad, John Kubiak, pulled with a Farmall tractor to the Highbank gin for ginning. Then it was off to the post office and general store to get a Coke a cola and a "Dixie Cup" with vanilla ice cream (the lids had pictures of movie stars).

Sometimes we'd have an extra nickel to buy a round container of peanuts with a chance to find up to a quarter at the bottom of the box!

"Back in the early 50's, my brother, Daniel Kubiak and I also worked the irrigation ditches in the fields near Highbank providing artesian water for the crops. Using shovels and toe sacks that we filled with dirt, we repaired breaks in the water channels and set a series of siphon hoses at regular intervals to flood selected cotton fields. This was a fun job except when the channel banks erroded away allowing the water to escape. Repairs to the channels required lots of sand bagging and dirt shovelling!"

"Then in the early 50's, construction began on a bridge across the Brazos just below Highbank. Several of us would ride out from Reagan in an Old Model A to see the progress and wet a line in the Brazos. Many a good yellow and blue cat came out of the Brazos.

These were some of my early memories of Highbank".

The Zion Rock Baptist Church of Highbank Celebrated it's One Hundred Second Church Anniversary on June 11, 1995

The following writeup is taken from the original work written by Mrs. Ernestine Lynn Evans, a lifelong member of the Zion Rock Baptist Church, a retired educator, and unofficial church historian.

Zion Rock Baptist Church is located less than fifteen miles south of Marlin in the once bustling farming community of Highbank, Texas. It is probably one of the many, many, small African American churches that broke ground in the long years following the Emancipation Proclamation.

Established in 1893 by Reverend P. Williams, Zion Rock began its journey as the first of two (2) churches. The first church being built on a tract of land known as, "On The Hill." A historical reference to the structure's original site situated on a slope on the main highway leading into town. When a decision was made by church leaders to move the building to its present location at Highbank proper, some of its then-members and deacons expressed an unwillingness to make the move. The remaining group, instead, choosing to pool their monetary resources and raise a second church. This second building housed both a church and a public school.

The two churches, Zion Rock "On the Hill," and Zion Rock, Highbank, would eventually merge as one complete house of faith in the late 1940s.

In the early days, as was the custom with most churches in modest communities, Zion Rock was the focal point around which all other activity revolved. It was a place of praise and a meeting place. A place, whereby, after services on Sunday, town's folk briefly socialized, exchanged a pleasantry, or perhaps offered the invitation of a meal before getting back to the trials and tribulations of the harsh work week ahead.

Many of the descendants of Zion Rock's founding fathers and prior members still make up the Body of Christ there today.

As of June, 1995, while celebrating its 102nd Anniversary, Zion Rock had had a total of nineteen (19) pastors. Some of whom traveled long distances in keeping with their Sunday commitment. One minister, Rev. R. T. Morgan (1948-1950) drove from his home in Brownwood, Texas, to Highbank every second and fourth Sunday, returning on Sunday nights to prepare for his civilian job the following morning as principal of a school.

Rev. R. L. Westbrook took the helm at Zion Rock in 1950. He later resigned to become pastor of a church in Marlin.

Under the leadership of Rev. M. H. Evans (1953) Zion Rock's membership grew. It was also under Pastor Evans' supervision that Zion Rock's largest overall restoration to date took place. The church building, pastor's study, and choir room were remodeled. New carpet was laid, and after years of using oil lamps mounted along the walls for lighting, electricity was introduced.

In 1964, under the auspices of Rev. R. L. Harris, a wing consisting of a kitchen and dining area was added. It was under Rev. Harris' charge that the church's first and only Corner Stone was erected. Rev. Harris also maintained the longest tenure as head of the Zion Rock congregation - 17 years.

In September 1986, Rev. A. C. Franklin of Austin, Texas, was called to pastor. His guardianship brought about much abundance and prosperity. Bringing to the fore a renewed physical, spiritual, and financial growth. Central air and heat was installed, insulated walls were put in place, a water fountain, microphones for the pulpit, telephone communication, the Lord's supper table, just some of the many things Pastor Franklin achieved.

As with most institutions that have braved the centuries, Zion Rock's facade has undergone several changes. Evolving over the years from one distinct look to another. Each stage providing a cherished memory for every member assembled there. Baby-boomers will most recall the church's early double doored front entry. Each separate doorway having its own set of steps leading into the vestibule. A more somber memory many might also recollect is the sad tolling of the bell in the church tower when someone in the Highbank community had passed away.

Church baptisms, long since performed indoors, were once conducted in a nearby creek known as the "Corner Hole," and the "Annie Murry Fishing Hole," named for a Highbank resident.

Today, at 112 years old, Zion Rock is as vibrant a congregation as ever. Flourishing under the pastorate of Rev. R. L. Franklin who, like several messengers before him, makes the biweekly pilgrimage from his home in Austin, Texas.

Church Homecoming festivities are held every June. It is an annual bringing together of existing members and former members from towns and cities both near and far away. A joyous gathering together to celebrate with worship Zion Rock's rich and full past and its future.

CURRENT & FORMER RESIDENTS OF THE HIGHBANK AREA

John and Maude White Berryhill (John was appointed Highbank Postmaster on 14 Oct 1911

Children:
Fola Berryhill, born November 29, 1901 in Marion, Alabama ; died February 11, 1907 in Penelope, Hill, Texas.
Thomas Raymond Berryhill, born April 19, 1914, in Highbank, Falls, Texas.


Jesse G. Dupree, born November 29, 1860, died January 16, 1937 at Highbank, Falls County, Texas - was a son of John and Martha Dupree, slaves from South Carolina, who came to Falls County, Texas after 1870, settling at Highbank. Jesse purchased one hundred acres of land, and operated the grist mill at Highbank.


Joseph Samuel Corpora, Sr.- was the son of Sam Copora and Lena Salvato Corpora. Joseph was born in Falls County, Texas, April 21, 1918 and attended school at Highbank. Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 15, 1941 and later graduated as a pilot where he flew combat missions. Joseph married Sara Falco, daughter of J. T. Falco and Vincent Tusa Falco of Marlin, Texas,on April 27, 1947.

Sara Falco Corpora attended school at Reagan and graduated from Marlin High School with the Class of 1940. The following children were born to Joseph Samuel and Sara Falco Corpora:
Samuel Anthony Corpora
Audette Corpora
Joseph Charles Corpora
and Priscilla Jean Corpora.

Received the following email from Joseph's son, Samual Anthony Corpora ( SamCorpora@aol.com):

"Thank you sir for your time and effort it took to compile this history and establish this site. My father Joseph S. Corpora did indeed join the Army Air Corps and became a P 38 fighter pilot in the European theater. After the war he applied his piloting skills and established Corpora Aerial Service in Hearne and Highbank. He passed away on Jan.25, 1981, and I followed him in the flying business. I still do a lot of aerial spraying in the Highbank area, working off of the Highbank airstrip just across the railroad tracks on land now owned by the heirs of Jasper Falco. My mom, Sara Falco Corpora is still doing well and living in Hearne. Thanks again for your interest in the history of Highbank, my family's roots.

Sam A. Corpora




Louis and Lena Falco Corpora
Louis Corpora was a paratrooper during WWII and bailed out over Germany. According to Louis, "On my way down, the Germans put a light on me and when I hit the ground there were Germans all around." Louis was taken to a POW camp where he spent the remainder of the war until the Americans liberated him. During his imprisonment, Louis got frost bit on the toes of his left foot.

Louis married Lena Falco and had four daughters:
Angela Corpora Dominey of Houston
Vincencia Corpora Ward of Cypress
Lois Corpora Hay of Austin
Theresa Corpora Collins of Bremond.

Lena Falco Corpora
Oct. 11, 1927 � March 29, 2001
MARLIN, Texas � Services for Lena Falco Corpora, 73, of Marlin are set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marlin. The Rev. Peter Royal will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Mrs. Lena Falco Corpora died Thursday in a Spring Branch hospital. Lena was born in Highbank in Falls County and was a homemaker and lifelong resident of Falls County. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marlin.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Corpora.
Survivors include four daughters, Angela Dominey of Houston, Vincencia Ward of Cypress, Lois Hay of Austin and Theresa Collins of Bremond; a sister, Sara Corpora of Hearne; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Vancie Falco

Antonio Lupo Falco Born: Born in Italy on June 9, 1861; Died in Highbank, Texas in 1942. Antonio married Rosaria Palazzotto of Highbank. After her death, Antonio married Maria Corpora.



Carl J. and Lena Todaro Falco. Carl and Lena were married on April 15, 1931.



Jack Frank and Vancie Roppolo Falco Children: Jackie Paulette- Born December 9, 1942.




Lucia Falco-married Frank Brai in Highbank.


Angelina Falsone

Joe and Frances Cangelosi Falsone. Joe was born in Porggoreile, Sicily and settled at Mudville in the Brazos Bottom when he and Frances first came to the United States, later moving to Highbank in Falls County, Texas. Joe and Frances had six girls and four boys including:

Jim Falsone- ran the store and Post Office at Highbank before becoming a postal carrier.

Frances Falsone Reistino- born in Mumford, Texas on January 3, 1905.
Robert Falsone was born in Highbank on July 24, 1911.
Mary Falsone-born on July 12, 1913.
Rose
Bennetta
Tony
Angelena
Joe
Camellia

Photo of Joe Falsone, the last postmaster at Highbank and Mary Lena LaBarbera Lewis.


The following account of a followup visit to the homeland was sent to me by Robert Falsone:

"Ten years ago, my son Bobby, brother Tony and his wife Polly and I went to Italy. We visited my father's birth place in Poggioreale, Sicily. The town where my father was born, was destroyed by an earthquake. A new site was selected two or three miles from the destroyed village, and a modern town was started with new homes and new government offices.


Photo taken in Poggioreale, Sicily in the mid 1990's. Group picture taken on a street of the city destroyed by the earthquake. The mayor of the destroyed village gave us a tour of the of the outskirts of the town. The mayor told us it was too dangerous to enter the destroyed village because of the leaning walls.



The mayor is a distant cousin of mine. He introduced me to his mother whose name was Falsone before she married. The mayor's name was Ignaizio Salvaggio. He took us to his home and introduced us to his wife, children and his mother. We were served icecream and cake. He gave us a tour of the new village.


Photo taken in Poggioreale, Sicily in the mid 1990's. Robert Falsone is the guy with the straw hat walking down the street. The lady on the right wearing a black dress is the mayor's mother whose maiden name was also Falsone.

A Plaza was under construction which was going to cost several million dollars. The plaza was surrounded with offices whose stoops were held by sculptured statues. He tooks us to view the destroyed town. There were walls standing with no roofs. There were signs stating the place was a restricted area and no trespassing allowed. His mother took my hand and in Italian was saying she was going to show me where her home was located. Her son heard her and in Italian told her she could not go there because it was too dangerous. The streets were very narrow and some of the old walls were leaning towards the streets. Recalling to mind what my father's mother told me when we were very young that when she left Sciliy, her cousins moved in her home. I figured the mayor's mother is a granddaughter of the family that moved in the house."


Photo taken approx. 5 miles outside Poggioreale, Sicily in the mid 1990's. University law student and guide on the left. Tony Falsone's wife Polly in the middle and Robert Falsone on right with camera.




Robert and Cora Josephine Roppolo Falsone. Robert Falsone was born in Highbank on July 24, 1911. He graduated from Marlin HS in 1931(paid tuition to attend MHSsince the Highbank School was not an accredited school; he also had to repeat most of the courses. Robert served three years in the army.

"I volunteered July 7, a year to the date of Pearl Harbor and went overseas on June 6, 1943. The troop ship I was on was the Argentina. In peace time the ship was a pleasure cruiser accommodating several hundred passengers. We had five thousand troops on our trip across the North Atlantic. We were in convoy with other troop ships, supply transport ships, and one huge oil tanker. We were escorted by destroyers on either side of the convoy. Our ships were being trailed by Germans Submarines. The destroyers would heave Ashcans full of explosive that detonated several feet under water. The ships changed course every five minutes. Reason I was told for the zig zaging was that it took submarine more that five minutes to aim and release a torpedo.

We had a big storm on the way. I was sea sick all the way across. I made sick call and was told to go on deck and get fresh air. There were huge waves. The oil tanker in calm ocean was only a few feet above the water. During the storm, the tanker would disappear under water but would come up like a cork.

Our ship stopped a few miles out of Liverpool, England waiting for night fall because of the German Air force was bombing cities daily. At night we docked and boarded a passenger train with all windows blacked out. We traveled all night.

Early in the morning, we marched to the mess hall for breakfast.

We had our on mess kit as we went through the serving line there were scrambled eggs, bacon toast and coffee. My appetite had returned. I had not eaten solid food for twenty days, the time it took for the convey to reach Liverpool. I filled my mess plate with scrambled eggs, three slices of bacon, toast and coffee. I could not eat the eggs. They tasted gritty. They were dehydrated eggs. I ate the bacon and toast and drank half of the coffee. I went out to empty my eggs in the garbage can located out side, I met a soldier coming back into the mess hall. He saw the eggs in my mess kit and told me there was a soldier with a rifle attending the garbage can and he told me to come back in and eat my eggs. I scraped the eggs in my coffee cup which was half full of coffee, the eggs were so heavy they sank to the bottom of the cup, I came back to the mess and saw the sign above the door that stated, "Take all you want but you must eat all you take." Reason for the sign -many supply ships were sunk coming over.

After returning from the service, Robert received his Bachelor's Degree from Southwest Teachers College in 1947.

Robert Falsone married Cora Josephine Roppolo daughter of Joe and Rose Roppolo Of Marlin, Texas. Robert and Cora Josephine Falsone had four children including:
Joseph Robert (Bobby)- attended Marlin schools and received a BS degree from Southwest Texas University and taught school for thirty-three years. Bobby Falsone taught in San Antonio, where he lives now, but most of employment was in New Braunfels, Texas. He retired in 2001.

Ronald (Ron)- attended the University of Texas finishing his junior year. His Dad urged him to continue for his degree. He said, "Daddy why should I continue going to school when there are people with master degrees and doctor's degree Ph.D. not MD) looking for the same jobs I have applied." The time he was talking about NASA had released many of their employees and those people were looking for any kind of work. Ron currently lives in Austin, is single, self-employed and calls his business, WHAT EVER YOUR HEART DESIRES.

Ron has established a business taking elderly people to see their doctor or go shopping for them. He also takes care of pets for people that go on vacation, and baby-sits homes while the owners are away on vacation or on business.

Francine- graduated from Marlin High School and attended Southwest Texas State University, whose name was changed September 1, 2003. She met her husband, Stephen Haas in college. He lived in Houston. Stephen's father was Dr. Felix Haas, a cancer research specialist with MD Anderson Hospital.

Francine and Steve have one son, Stephen Christian. Steve C. is married and has one son, Addison five years old.

Rosemary- graduated from Marlin High School and attended Southwestern State University, San Marcos. She finished her junior year at SWTSU and got married and then divorced in a couple years. She later married Garry Teague of Athens who is employed in public relations representing Bard, a medical supply company that caters to hospitals and doctors in north America and Europe. Gary and Rosemary have two beautiful girls: Briana, age 16 is president of her Junior Class, and works as a swimming instructor and life guard. Payton Abby is thirteen and in the eight grade.

After retiring from school teaching, Robert Falsone went to work as a Deputy sheriff under sheriff Brady Pamplin. At the next election, Brady did not choose to run and Larry Pamplin, Brady's son ran for sheriff and was elected. After Larry was certified as the winner of the election, Brady resigned and Larry became sheriff.


Deputy Sherriff Robert Falsone in the 80's.

Robert went to school to get certified as a deputy sheriff and was a deputy for 20 years before retiring from law enforcement.




Mary Falsone-

H.R. No. 51
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Mary Falsone Dicorte, a lifelong Texan, is commemorating a momentous occasion with the celebration of her 90th birthday on July 12, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dicorte was born in Highbank to proud parents Joe and Frances Falsone; she is a highly regarded resident of Waco, where she has lived since 1931; and
WHEREAS, A doting wife to her husband, Billy, during his lifetime, Mrs. Dicorte helped to run the family grocery store as a young woman and gained a reputation as a superb cook and immaculate housekeeper; she has lovingly raised four children and has watched with pride as her family has grown to include nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dicorte has been an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church for many years and enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, sharing daily phone calls with her siblings, and watching television; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman is a joy and a blessing to all who know her, and she is truly deserving of special recognition on this memorable day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Mary Falsone Dicorte on her 90th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Dicorte as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.




Robert Falsone, 92 (left), with the guest of honor, Mary Falsone Dicorte (on the far right), and her daughter, Mary Frances Dicorte Hope. The occasion was Mary's 90th birthday.

Around Thanksgiving of 2005, I received the following tragic news from Robert and Joe's niece, Charlotte.
"Joe's Uncle Robert Falsone, Uncle Robert's brother Joe and wife Christine, were all 3 killed in an automobile accident on Thursday as they headed home (to Marlin) from Thanksgiving with their children and grandchildren in Austin. I would really appreciate your prayers for the Roppolo and Falsone families at this very sad time. The rosary will be Sunday night at 6 and the three funerals at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Monday morning.

The three were only about 20 minutes from Marlin when a 27 year old man driving a truck ran into them head on. He was also killed in the accident, such a tragedy. This fork in the country road, where oncoming traffic from one road forks into another, has been the scene of many accidents in past decades. We were told that upon impact there was an explosion.

Uncle Robert (whose wife Cora was Joe's dad's sister) has been very close to our family all through the years. He raised 4 children on his own after his wife Cora died at a young age. He was working on his PhD at the time, but in order to take care of Cora (who was bedridden for 13 years due to brain tumors) dropped his studies and became a math teacher in the Marlin schools. Cora was a beautiful, witty lady and he was so devoted to her. He never remarried.

After he retired from teaching, he worked as a deputy sheriff. He was a devout Christian, and we all loved him so much and he always had a hug and big smile for all of us. His brother Joe (also very special to Joe and me) farmed the family land in Highbank, a rural Italian community about 10 miles from Marlin, where all the Falls County Italians originally settled after immigrating to America (via New Orleans, then the Bryan area) from Poggiareale, Sicily. Joe and Christine did not have children, but helped raise one of Robert's daughters, Francine.

Every Sunday after mass the family gathered at the old home place for the traditional Italian food. When (my) Joe was sick, Joe Falsone visited us and brought us watermelons from his garden. Christine emailed me several times a week, sending inspirational material and also telling us that they were praying for Joe. In fact, Christine sent us a happy Thanksgiving message on Wednesday. Uncle Robert (94 years old, healthy and sharp) also kept in close touch with us. So we are devastated by the loss of 3 such wonderful people. All 3 had such magificent, friendly personalities and wonderful senses of humor. They did a great deal of research about the history of the Italians in our area, and created a wonderful website describing that history and their traditions. Joe's dad and the four sisters grew up on a farm in Highbank, before Joe's grandfather moved into Marlin and opened his furniture store and other businesses.

We ask your prayers especially for Robert's children - Francine, Joe, Ronnie and Rosemary (now on her way from Atlanta). Christine was like a mother to all of them, Joe was like a loving stepfather as much as an uncle - I guess you'd say all 3 raised the children.

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with our children here in FW, and kept in touch with Gina and family (who celebrated Thanksgiving in Birmingham with her in laws). Gina, Tom and the children made the entire drive back to Chicago in one day, and we were so glad last night to get their call saying they'd arrived home safely.

Thank you for praying for the Falsone family. God bless you all.
Love, Charlotte

Robert's nephew, Rob Scamardo, delivered the eulogy at the funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marlin on Monday, November 28, 2005. The following eulogy on the Falsone family was written by Robert Peter Scamardo of Houston, son of Camella Falsone Scamardo. Rob regularly visited Highbank with his mom and spent summer vacations in Highbank as a child from 1965-1969 visiting his grandmother, Aunt Christine and Uncle Joe, and Francine. Uncle Robert and Rosemary were frequently present for those visits.

Robert, Joe and all of their surviving siblings were born and raised in Highbank. Christine was born in Kosse and lived there until she married Joe and moved to Highbank.

Highbank, TX; tragedy strikes Falsone family

Thursday, November 24 -- Thanksgiving Day 2005 -- was a tragic day for the Falsone Family, especially for the children of Robert Falsone: Joseph Robert Falsone, Ronnie Falsone, both of Austin, Francine Falsone Haas and her husband Steven Haas of Round Rock and Rosemary Falsone Teague and her husband Gary of Conyers, Georgia...a tragic day for all who knew and loved Robert, Joe and Christine Falsone...it was a day we will long remember...its difficult to imagine family events without them...and it was also a beautiful day.

I was blessed to have been their nephew, one of many and humbled to eulogize them at their funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marlin on Monday, November 28. I offer here some excerpts from my remarks.

The day was tragic not because they experienced death but tragic because of the manner of their death. In one single day, these three loving, giving, caring and beautiful people were taken from this life...without an opportunity for any of us to say goodbye. I've resisted accepting the news, struggling to understand the chaos of their automobile collision on Highway 53, just a few miles from home....and so we grieve for ourselves that they are no longer here with us as we knew them in this life...but they are alive as they have passed over to the other side of this life.

As we reflect on their lives and grieve their passing, we rejoice for how they have shaped our lives, all of us who knew them will never forget, they live on in our heart, in our memories, in our stories. I know I'm a better man for having known and loved these three and their experience of death has also shaped me...for it is a clear and undeniable reminder that none of us know the hour in this life which will be our last.. that we are called to live humbly, act justly and love unconditionally as they did.

Just as they shared so much of their life together...they also shared death. They took their final journey like they had taken so many before, their final journey into death together. And they experienced death on Thanksgiving Day when our nation pauses to give thanks to God for all that we have been blessed with...and today we give thanks for them...in reflecting upon this is why I also consider their death beautiful.

Uncle Robert lived a full life of 94 years. He was born July 25, 1911, second son to Frances LaBarbera Falsone (1890-1970) and Joe Falsone, Sr. (1880-1953). He was a man of service, serving his nation in the military during World War II, serving the children and youth of Reagan and Marlin as a teacher and counselor and after retirement from eduction, serving the citizens of Falls County as deputy sheriff/jailer. He was a man of devout Catholic Christian faith, attending Mass often and serving the parish as lector, eucharistic minister and altar server.

I was named after him and he was my godfather. He was a great story teller, especially ghost stories, he was the historian of our family, Highbank and the local area. He had assumed a patriarchal role since 1979 and the passing of his older brother, Jim Falsone, and also had a passion for hunting arrowheads. Robert is also survived by three grandchildren, Steven Haas of Plfugerville, Briana Cora Teague of Austin and Payton Abby Teague of Conyers, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Cora Roppolo Falsone.

Uncle Joe was was 79 born February 25, 1926, youngest son of Frances and Joe Falsone. Aunt Christine was 74, born October 11, 1931. For me and many of us in the Falsone Family, Uncle Joe and Aunt Christine embodied Highbank...a word which evokes memories of family and fun, aunts, uncles and cousins. I never knew Highbank without them, they lived their entire married life of over 50 years there. For our family, Highbank forever changed with the passing of Grandma (Frances Falsone) 35 years ago but as the population declined, Uncle Joe and Aunt Christine remained, always there with open arms and welcome smiles.

Uncle Joe was a farmer, former U.S. Postmaster, and owner/manager of the last general stores in Highbank. I fondly remember helping out in the store and being "paid" with unlimited soda water and snacks. Uncle Joe was a very active member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree. Aunt Christine was an excellent seamstress and owned/managed a fabric shop in Marlin for several years. Above all, Aunt Christine had a great sense of humor and in recent years, would regularly use email to share jokes with us. We will always recall their smiles and their love.

They are survived by five siblings: Mary Falsone DiCorte (born 1913) and Anthony Joseph "Tony" Falsone (born 1920) of Waco, Benetta Falsone Wenning (born 1917) of Dallas, Angeline Falsone Cangelosi (born 1924) of Sugarland and Camella Falsone Scamardo (born 1929) of Mumford.

Robert Peter Scamardo of Houston, son of Camella Falsone Scamardo

FRANCIS FALSONE

Frances Falsone was born at Mumford, Texas on January 3, 1905, the daughter of Joe Falsone and Frances Cangelosi Falsone. Her parents were born in Porggoreile, Sicily and settled at Mudville in the Brazos Bottom when they first came to the United States, later moving to Highbank in Falls County, Texas. Frances married Joe Reistino on January 18, 1925.

The following children were born to Joe Reistino and Frances Falsone Reistino:
Louise Reistino-married Charles Scarpinato
Gathan Reistino, who married Angeline Stratta
Frances Reistino- married Vince Corpora
and Joe Reistino Jr.

James Falsone- son of Jim Falsone recently sent me the following email.

"I grew up in Highbank and found your web page on the community very interesting. My father was Jim Falsone, Joe and Robert's older brother. He ran the store and and was postmaster until he was appointed mail carrier. At that time my Uncle Joe assumed the responsibilites for the store and post office until its closure.

I found the information on the Dupree Grist Mill very interesting. As a young boy, my cousins and I found a large round stone in Highbank Creek behind my grandmother's house. We brought the stone to my dad's store and a man there told us it was the grind stone from a grist mill which I assume was the Dupree Mill. I don't recall who the man was, but we gave the stone to him. This was 45+ years ago and I had no appreciation for its value or historical interest like I do now.

My older brother Joe lives in Bowie would like to visit with you about this. He doesn't have access to the internet, but his phone number is 940-872-1355.

Good job.

James Falsone


Alfred Grove (Postmaster)


Charlie D. Jones, appointed Highbank Postmaster on 8 Mar 1916



Frank Joseph LaBarbera and Lena Mae Harris LaBarbera

Received the following email from Jacqueline LaBarbera, "My name is Jacqueline LaBarbera. I grew up in Highbank and I am the daughter Frank Joseph LaBarbera and Lena Mae Harris LaBarbera. My Grandfather was the Joe LaBarbera who had the bar next door to the Falsone store. I was born in 1952 so I never knew my grandfather but grew up around my grandmother Josie LaBarbera. There are truely some interesting stories about Highbank. I rememeber the tent show once a year. I don't recall what year it was when the train derailed, I just remember there were box cars stacked miles high. All of my cousins used to play in the church yard all the time. Those Falco brothers were always building something. Anyway congratulations on a job well done. Maybe we can get some pictures of the LaBarbera story posted some day with a little history".


Anna LaBruzzo family

Received the following email from Liz Bertucci inquiring about the Anna Labruzzo family that were also from Poggioreale and worked as hands in the fields of Highbank in the 1920's. If any of you have information about the La Bruzzo family, please let us know.

From: "Liz Bertucci"
Subject: La Bruzzo Family

"My husband and I had the joy of visiting Highbank and Marlin last year to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Monsignor Ignatious Roppolo's Ordination to the priesthood. I'd always heard from my mother Anna Labruzzo Maenza that her family, when she was a child, had lived for a while in Highbank. They had worked as farmhands in cotton fields.

I do not have much information. I suspect it was sometime between 1910 and 1920 that they were there. Her parents had come to America from Poggioreale in the early 1900's. She was born in 1908. Her mother was Elizabeth Manno.

In 2003, we visited Poggioreale and was just awed by it's beauty.

Do you have any information about the La Bruzzos? They lived in New Orleans for most of their lives. I was born and reared in New Orleans. There are many descendants in New Orleans from the immigrants from Poggioreale.

If you have any information, I would be delighted to have it.

Grazie,


Mary Lena LaBarbera Lewis


Antonino "Tony" and Anna DeNina Loria


Giuseppe Loria (Joe T. Lowry) was born on January 16, 1917 in Highbank, Texas. He died on 21 Oct 1979 in Dallas, Texas. He was married to Wanda Lee Vanderburg and had the following children:
Wanda Gay Lowry- married Thomas Joseph VIAU had two children: Michael Joseph VIAU and Craig Joseph VIAU,
Diana Joy Lowry
Joe Brent Lowry-married Teri BARNES had two children: Joe Brent Lowry JR. and Jeri Lynn LOWRY. Joe Brent Lowry and EVELYN had one daughter,Tamra Lowry.
Princess Anne Lowry-married Jason Elliott Beck had two children: Michael Justin Beck and Mandi Dawn Beck.
Russell Kent Lowry







The Lynn Family settled in the Highbank Community prior to 1855, where they purchased land after the Civil War. This land is now worked and owned by fourth generation descendants of the Lynn family.

John Lynn and his second wife, Irene Estelle (Burch) Lynn
Children:
James Elvis Lynn, born February 16, 1922 at Highbank, Falls County, Texas.Married Zona Mae Hunnicutt. James and Zona (Hunnicutt) Lynn are members of Zion Rock Church at Highbank, where he teaches a Sunday School Class, and she is Church Clerk.




Joe and Lucia Dechiro Margiotta
Children:
Vincent-Born August 3, 1934
Mary Stella- Born January 19, 1941 (my classmate)
Milton- Born May 22, 1944
Francis-Born May 7, 1947




Pat and Dora Abate Margiotta
Children:
Anthony Charles-Born October 25, 1930.
Dorothy Patricia- Born November 14, 1932
Basil- Born June 3, 1942
Annette Marie- Born January 22, 1944


Robbie Morrison


Letter from Robbie Morrison

"I enjoyed perusing your web pages about Reagan, Texas. I was looking around trying to find anything on the web about Highbank, Texas, which as your surely know is not far from Reagan. I found a few things, but not too much.

My maternal great-grandparents lived out their years in Highbank, having migrated there from Louisiana with their family of 4 around 1917. My great grandparents were George and Tina Polito (i.e., Giuseppe and Agatha Spedale Ippolito) having immigrated to the United States from Sicily in the 1880's. They owned a farm in Highbank for years, finished raising their family, and were were buried in Marlin upon their respective deaths.

Do you know of any histories of Highbank? I am putting together a book about my great-grandfather and his travel to America and ultimately to Texas. I have found a few things here and there, but I would love to have copies of any pictures that may exist of the Highbank that I remember as a child. I spent many weekends in Highbank with my grandparents, Nick and Dora Polito, and have wonderful memories of the farm in Highbank. I remember that we used to travel through Reagan to get to Highbank.

I have traveled to Highbank several times during the last few years. The last time, my brother and sister and I spent a little time with Joe Falsone, and he took us for a short tour of the old Highbank Post Office. I've also spent time with Vancie Falco in Marlin talking about the Highbank of Old...

Perhaps you can add to my memories. Would love to hear from you."
Robbie Morrison, Houston, Texas




Dominico and Lula Salvato Parrino- Dominico Parrino was born in Alcomo, Sicily and Lula Salvato (daughter of Frank and Fena Salvato) was born in Munford, Texas.
Children: Mary Ann Parrino-born in Highbank in 1934


Mary Ann Parrino-born in Highbank in 1934. Married Anthony Palermo of Houston, Texas.
Children:
Darlene
Anthony J.
Dominick


The following letter comes from Mary Ann Parrino Palermo:

"Hi I enjoyed your website so much. I was born in Highbank in 1934 on the Lee farm near town.

My father, Dominico Parrino, was born in Alcomo, Sicily. He married Lula Salvato, one of the daughters of Frank and Fena Salvato. Lula was born in Munford, Texas. Dominico and Lula Salvato Parrino had three children:
Frances-married Joe Spedale
Fena-never married
Mary Ann (me)- I married Anthony Palermo of Houston. We have one daughter, Darlene Palermo Dichero and two sons, Anthony J. Palermo and Dominick Palermo. I also have 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and two on the way!

My grandfather was Frank Salvato who was married to Fena Tusa. Both grandparents came from large families that lived in Highbank and later moved to Marlin, Waco and Houston. My father was from Detroit, so we moved back during the war as he was not making much money farming.

I am related to the Tusa family, the Salvato families, the Polito families and the Spedale families, too numerous to mention here.

My father, Dominico Parrino, was the first farmer to buy a tractor and everybody told him he could not plow a good field with the plow and big tires on the tractor, but he did well. So the next year, many of the other farmers bought tractors and are still plowing the fields that way! Course now they have even better tractors.

We all had gas pumps on the land for fueling the tractors. The gas was Mobile Gas and we had the Red horse with wings on the pumps.

I remember that each winter, Dad would kill a hog on a cold day (we had no refrigeration) and we made a lot of Italian sausage and hams which my dad smoked in a barrel and then stored them in coolers in Marlin".



The following information was sent by Darlene Palermo Dichero, daughter of Mary Ann Parrino Palermo

Hi! Great work on the website. I'd like to add some information for you. My mother is Mary Ann Parrino Palermo. I was first married to Anthony Romeo of Houston and we had two children Vincent Anthony Romeo and Suzanne Marie Romeo Massiatte. Suzanne is married to Danny Massiatte and they have a son, almost 2 yrs. named Daniel Mason Massiatte. We were divorced and I remarried to Joseph A. Dichero, Jr. He is somehow related to Joe and Lucia Dechiro Margiotta (spelled differently that ours) and his family used to visit them when he was young. He's not sure if Lucia Dechiro was his grandfather's sister or not. He also remembers that they had a son named Joe that is not listed there. You might have to verify that somehow.

Also, my mother's sister Frances Parrino Spedale was married to Joe Spedale (now deceased). Listed is one son, the youngest, Don Spedale residing in Atlanta Ga. with his wife Patty Nordielo Spedale and their four sons, Matt, Cole, Dean, and John. Joe & Frances' oldest son, Mike Spedale lives in Houston with his wife Virginia Dalio Spedale. They have one daughter Stacie Spedale Austin married to Dean Austin, and they have one son, 1-1/2 yrs old named Tanner Austin.

Darlene Palermo Dichero


Abner Mandell Peacock, b ca 1890 d in 1966, was a prosperous farmer in the Highbank area of Falls County, Texas until the heavy floods of the Brazos River wiped him out. He was a brother of Frank Peacock, who settled in Marlin, Texas.

In 1915, Abner married Mary L. Jones, b March 21,1898 in Reagan-a daughter of Charles D. Jones (b April 1, 1874, d October 19, 1941) and his wife, Dovie (Marlin) Jones (b November 18, 1877, d August 11, 1954), who married in 1895 in Falls County, Texas. Dovie's parents were William Payne Marlin (b April 14, 1855 at Hog Island in Falls County, d October 5, 1916) and his wife, Sarah Ellen Erwin (b September 22, 1854, d January 23, 1923) - a daughter of A. J. Erwin (b ca 1825 in Tennessee) and Ellen A. (Adams) Erwin (b ca 1830 in Arkansas, d before 1870). A. J. Erwin married second to Minerva Curry. William Payne Marlin was a son of James Marlin (b October 29, 1794 in Tennessee, d July 28, 1862) and his second wife, Emeline (Payne) Gentry (widow of Samuel Gentry), who was b April 3, 1816, d in 1881 in Falls County, Texas.

Abner Mandell and Mary L. (Jones) Peacock had four children:

Abner Mandell Peacock, Jr., b February 3, 1916

Richard Lee Peacock, b March 26, 1918, married Katherine Gillespie

Mary Louise Peacock, b September 15, 1919

Dorothy Jean Peacock, b March 26, 1924.

The Abner M. Peacock family moved to Marlin, where the children all attended school. Abner and Mary were later divorced, and she remarried Sam H. Oakes, having one son, Charles Robert Oakes, b February 3, 1944.



George and Tina Polito (i.e., Giuseppe and Agatha Spedale Ippolito) immigrated to Highbank from Sicily in the 1880's. They owned a farm in Highbank for years, finished raising their family, and were were buried in Marlin upon their respective deaths.


Photo of Giuseppe and Agatha Spedale Ippolito (George and Tina Polito).





Nick and Dora Polito



Gathan Reistino


Louise Reistino. Louise Reistino was born on October 23, 1925 in Highbank, Texas and died on Oct. 28, 2001. She was married to Charlie Scarpinato.


Frances Reistino


Rogers, Alpheus L., Assigned as Postmaster of Highbank on June 27, 1902



Dominic T. Salvaggio, Appointed Highbank Postmaster on 23 Feb 1922



Frank and Fena Tusa Salvato



Charlie and Louise Reistino Scarpinato. Louise Reistino Scarpinato was born on October 23, 1925 in Highbank, Texas and died on Oct. 28, 2001. She was married to Charlie Scarpinato. Survivors include her husband, Charlie Scarpinato of Hearne; a brother, Gathan Reistino of Hearne; a sister, Frances Corpora of Hearne; and six nieces.


Edward Hughes and Lula Scott

Children:
Edward Scott
Alton Scott


The following email is from Wayne Scott Sr., son of Alton Scott:

From: "wayne" (wayne1600@sbcglobal.net)
Subject: Ed Hughes and Lula Scott

"I very much enjoyed your Highbank webpage. My Grandmother and Grandfather lived there until his death. His name was Edward Hughes and her name was Lula Scott. They had two boys, Edward and Alton Scott. Alton was my father. He died several years ago in Dayton, TX. I believe Edward Hughes was a German. He died long before I was born in 1940.

Lula was a light skin black woman and live in "housekeeper" for Ed. I think they came to Highbank from Brenham, TX. I would like to know more about Ed Hughes. My Grandmother didn't talk about him much. Thanks and I will be checking back for updates. I don't think I have any pictures of them but if I find some, I'll send them to you."



Received the following reply regarding Wayne Scott's inquiry:

From: "Luedell Taylor" (luedell.taylor@sbcglobal.net)

I just read Wayne Scott's email about his grandmother and grandfather, Lula Scott and Edward Hughes. I understand that he wants to know more about them. My name is Luedell Taylor. I was born in Highbank in 1948 to Jack and Lillie Taylor. I am sorry to say that I, of course, did not know Mr. Hughes and I think I may have seen Ms. Lula once or twice. I was a little girl then. My mother knew Ms. Lula as they came from the same place, (My mother was born in the Washington County, Brenham area. She died in 1996). I know more about Mr. Alton Scott as he was the bus driver who drove us Highbank kids to Marlin to attend school. I found Mr. Hughes and Ms. Lula in the 1930's Census. Mr. Hughes was 69 years old then. At www.familysearch.org , I found what appears to be his death certificate if he died in 1936. Please pass this along to Mr. Scott. Thanks.


Joseph and Frances Parrino Spedale. Joseph Spedale was one of 12 children raised in Highbank. Most of the Spedale clan moved to Houston.
Children:
Don Spedale-currently lives in Atlanta Georgia.


John M. Stephens, Appointed Highbank Postmaster on 26 Apr 1917



Roy Storrs, appointed Highbank Postmaster on October 16,1909



Mayme Tubb, former Postmaster of Highbank


Jos. C. Tusa, appointed Highbank Postmaster on 2 Apr 1918



Tony and Katherine Mary (Tusa) Todaro
Angie Weido-born on March 4, 1936 in Highbank, Texas. She worked for Bailey Oxygen Tool Company and had been a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bryan.
Angie died on Sept. 18, 2000
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jody and Kelly Weido of Bryan; a daughter, Jacque Weido of Bryan; a sister and brother-in-law, Providence and Tony Lombardo of Marlin, Texas; and seven grandchildren.


Received the following email from Vincent Weido: (vincentcweido@netzero.net):

"Very interesting web page.

My wife's maiden name is Katherine Josephine Todaro and she was born in Marlin in 1941. Her parents, Tony Todaro and Katherine Mary (Tusa) Todaro, lived in Highbank for several years; they are related to many of the people listed. It was a joy to read about the history and people that lived in Highbank.

You have misspelled the town in Sicily that is illustrated by several pictures; the correct spelling is Poggioreale. We visited there in October, 2004 and had the great opportunity to meet with the current mayor, Gaetano Salvaggio. At present there are about 1,600 residents of the "new" town Poggioreale.

Gaetano does not speak English, but his daughter does. Gaetano is very interested in locating his relatives in Texas, so if any readers have names and addresses, I will be most pleased to forward them. You can contact me at vincentcweido@netzero.net or write to me at 131 Ravenhead Drive, Houston, Texas 77034-1519.

My paternal grandfather, Simone Guida was married in Poggioreale and came to America (via Ellis Island) in 1912. The surname Guida has transitioned to Guido then to Weido. I was very interested in your listed the birth of Angie Weido in Highbank, I didn't realize that her parents had lived there; I only knew of their Bryan home. (Interestingly, when we spoke of Texas to Gaetano, he recognized the city name Bryan and had little knowledge of Houston.)

I have informed others of your webpage and I'm sure they will have great joy in reading about their old home town, Highbank. Best regards,

Vincent Weido"






This is a work in progress and I need your help to complete the Highbank webpage. If you have any old photos or memories that you'd like to share with our readers, please send me an email. And don't forget to bookmark this page and come back often to see the latest postings.



For questions or comments, send me an Email

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