Obits of Panola Co. TX

.The Panola Watchman was established by Colonel Tom M. Bowers, publishing its first issue July 2, 1873 . Most of the local news came in the form of letters to the editors from readers in the Counties various communities or concerned local events or people with whom the newspaper was in close contact. Several Editors were T. E. Boren, a state senator and representative, editor from 1884-1896' Jasper Collins, a state representative, editor from 1896-1906. And O.P. Carswell, a state representative, editor from 1901-1906

T.J. Hollis and J. R. Owens became partners at Carthage in 1927. Owens dissolved the partnership in 1929 and Hollis sold the newspaper two years later to Neal Estes and Carl Estes. Neal Estes became the weekly editor and publisher while his brother served as an absent owner.

.....Clemo Clements succeeded Estes as editor in 1951. In 1963 James Smith was named publisher. Upon Smiths death, his wife Doris assumed the duties of publisher of the newspaper with assistance from her son, James A. Smith, Jr.   In 1981, controlling interest was sold to Vic Parker and T & T Enterprises. And he continued then until 1983.    Loyd C. Grissom was retained as publisher of both newspapers. In July 1992, Bluebonnet Media Inc. Bought the papers and Bill Holder assumed the position of editor. He still holds that job.

Complete information of the obituaries can be found at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and at the Sammy Brown library in Carthage.