Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for the Port Isabel South Padre Press. He has spent many years collecting and sharing the history of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as treasure hunting and formerly owning an Island-based bookstore.
Naval—The armed schooners San Jacinto, San Antonio and Bernard have sailed for the West. The steam ship Zavalla, and the sloop of war Austin, were to have gone to sea on the 23d inst.; but were detained by unfavorable weather. We understand the Zavalla is bound to New Orleans, the remainder will rendezvouz at the Brazos Santiago.
(The Morning Star Sat, Jun 27, 1840)
One Hundred Dollars Reward
ESCAPED from the custody of the Sheriff of Montgomery county, on the evening of the 17th instant, George Newton, alias George Johnson, alias John Rigley, alias John Dickson, and William Baker, committed on the charge of having passed counterfeit Treasury Notes on the Republic of Texas. Upon said Newton upwards $1800 of said counterfeit notes were found. Newton is about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high, sallow complexion, and a blemish in one of his eyes, rather a bad looking fellow, about 35 or 40 years of age, and by occupation (as he says) a blacksmith. William Baker, is a good looking and impudent young man, about 20 or 21 years of age, and bids fair to make a tip top rascal, insinuates and rather boasting in his manners, and has just sense enough to be always grinning an impertinant smile. Fifty dollars for either of the above will be paid on delivery to me, or one hundred dollars for both. JOSHUA ROBBINS, Shff.of Montgomery county. April 21.
(Telegraph and Texas Register • May 2, 1838 Houston, Texas)
Flying Game Warden Takes Aerial Views
PORT ISABEL—There is now patrolling the inland waters beyond Rockport and Port Isabel a “flying game warden.” Bob Tanner, Port Lavaca pilot, and Paul Feigel, Corpus Christi photographer, fly over the waters and swoop down on fishermen using illegal nets or violating any other ordinance, and Reigel photographs the guilty party, using the picture as evidence in court. The wardens patrolling in local waters in boats will continue this practice and work in cooperation with the flying wardens.
(Valley Morning Star Harlingen, Texas September 16, 1939)
Editor’s note: Bob Tanner, a pilot from Port Lavaca, flew patrols with photographer Paul Feigel to spot illegal fishing nets and other game violations along the Texas Gulf Coast (Laguna Madre, Port Isabel, Rockport areas). They would swoop low, photograph offenders, and use the images as court evidence — pioneering aerial enforcement in the 1940s.
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