12 for '26: Full-text Search for William C. Lancaster (1873-1946)

William Carlton Lancaster was born 21 July 1873 in Rockwall County, Texas, to George Wilson Lancaster and Martha Jane Polly.[1] He married Martha Jane Coor on 19 March 1892 in Erath County, Texas.[2] She died 15 September 1942 in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas.[3] He married (2) Mary E. Spivey on 9 Oct 1945 in Erath County.[4] He died 17 December 1946 in Stephenville.[5] He was the father of George Warren Lancaster, my great-grandfather.

Full-text search at FamilySearch will be done under a couple of different names: "William C. Lancaster" and "W. C. Lancaster."

Full-Text Search “William C. Lancaster”
I got seven hits. I don’t believe all seven pertain to him.

Erath Co, Texas, Births, v. 11, p. 250, George Warren Lancaster, 1893, filed 6 July 1942, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-X479-1W6 : accessed 5 Mar 2026); IGN 004239747, item 1, image 24 of 222.

He was named as the father of George Warren Lancaster, born on 19 January 1893.

Texas, Death Certificates, Feb 1983, certificate 13288, Earl Carroll Lancaster, Lubbock Co, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-899J-VCFW : accessed 5 Mar 2026), IGN 005494683, image 295 of 520; citing Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.

He was named as the father of Earl Carroll Lancaster, who died 8 January 1983. His mother was Martha Jane Coor. The informant was his wife, Mrs. Earl Lancaster.

Texas, Death Certificates, 1981, no. 58760, Maggie Gertrude Self, Tarrant Co, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-91WL-294 : accessed 5 Mar 2026), IGN 005247602, image 268 of 516; citing Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.

William C. Lancaster and Martha Jane Coor were named as parents of Maggie Gertrude Self, who died on 3 June 1981 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. W. A. Self was the informant.

The rest do not pertain to William C. Lancaster:

• A William C. Lancaster was listed in “Texas. Religious Membership Records 1836-1846” database. This was a handwritten list of him, his wives, and his children’s births. This William C. Lancaster was born 3 Feb 1821 and married Lucinda on 28 Jul 1842. There is no place listed. This William C. Lancaster was born too early and none of his children were named William C. Lancaster. This record is part of the “Sons of the Republic Texas (Bay City Texas).”
• A warranty deed showing Valley Fruit Farm and Garden Co selling to William C Hoffman in 1914 in Matagorda County. The reason this came up in the full-text search was the business was located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, and the words “Lancaster County” were adjacent to “William C” in the margin.
•  An obituary from the Dallas Morning News, in a Funeral Home Records 1955 collection. Here, a funeral notice for William C. Scott of Lancaster, Texas. This is not our William C. Lancaster. 
• The last document was part of a probate in the estate of Thomas J. Cunningham. William C. Cunningham of Lancaster, California, was one of the names on a list.

COMMENT: The vital records I found above were nice finds. I had not known that FamilySearch had death certificates dated after 1976. I have more deaths to search for with other surnames.

Full-Text Search “W. C. Lancaster”
I got 106 hits for Texas; 19 hits are from Erath County. There are also hits from Coleman (9), Harrison (8), Tom Green (8), and smaller number from other counties. I looked at Erath first. He did move to Slaton, Lubbock County, for a short time, however, Lubbock was not part of the results. Some of the hits are to indexes, so I won’t be showing them, as I have the record the index points to. Below, these are listed in date order.

Erath Co, Texas, marriages, v. F, p 65, W.C. Lancaster & Miss Mattie Coor, 1892, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GP3B-LT : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004820345, image 848 of 967.

Marriage record of W. C. Lancaster and Miss Mattie Coor showing their license at Stephenville on 5 March 1892. They were married by C. F. Kiker, a minister, on 9 Mar 1892.

Erath Co, Texas, deeds, v. 38, p. 390-93, Coors Heirs to AA Chapman, 1892, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C371-19DX-B : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 008592585, item 1, image 48-49 of 174.

J.M. Carr and Mary E Carr his wife, J. R. Coor and V. Coor his wife, and W. C. Lancaster and M. J. Lancaster his wife of the County of Erath Co in consideration of the sum of seven hundred dollars to us paid by AA Chapman as follows: seven hundred dollars cash in hand paid the receipt fully acknowledged have granted, sold & conveyed .... to wit: All our right title and interest in and to the same the same being all our right title and claim which we have by reason of our being heirs of JM Coor, deceased, as follows,

"Beginning at the NW corner of the GP French survey from which a PO brs N60E 2 vrs a BJ vrs N39 1/2W 7 vrs, thence N60E at 750 vrs cross a Branch 950 vrs the NE corner from which a PO mkd C brs S10E 9 vrs another brs N30W 10 1/2 vrs, thence S30E 475 vrs, thence S60W 950 vrs to West line of original survey for SW Cor of this, thence N30E with said west line 950 vrs to the "beginning" except 3 2/3 acres out of the NE corner also all of the remaining part of the following tract now belonging to the J. M. Coor estate, same being 80 acres of the George W McMahan 220 acre survey patented to said McMahan on Dec 6 1847 being patent no. 330 val. which said patent is hereby referred to and made a part of this conveyance for the filed notes of said survey this conveyance conveys all our right title and interest in and to above described tracts”

....18 Apr 1892

J. M. Carr
M. E. Coor
V. Coor
W. C. Lancaster
M. J. Lancaster

Filed for record January 2nd 1893, W. E. Cody Co Clerk by S. P. Heith, Deputy.

COMMENT: J. M. Coor is the father of Martha Jane, wife of W. C. Lancaster. These other Coors are her siblings. They are selling a piece land that belonged to James Madison Coor.

Erath Co, Texas, deeds, v. 47, p. 330, R. L. Henry to W. C. Lancaster, 1896, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C371-1SLG-4 : accessed 5 Mar 2026); IGN 008592588, item 2, image 168 of 324.

R. L. Henry and Louine C Henry his wife of McLennan County to W. C. Lancaster for consideration of $134.00 and two promissory notes of $132.50 due one and two years from date, retaining vendor’s lien, to balance of purchase money. Conveyed the following”

“Out of the James Neiley 640-acre tract in Erath Co containing 50 acres. Beginning at a stake the SW corner of a 50 acre tract heretofore sold to D.K. Coor for SE corner of this tract, thence N30[E] 910 acres to a stake for NE corner of this, thence N60W 311 [should be 30?] varas to a stake for NW corner of this, thence S30W 910 varas to a stake for SW corner of this, thence S60E 30 [or should be 311?] varas to beginning containing 50 acres of land.”

Dated 15 Oct 1896.

COMMENT: Here William C. Lancaster bought land from R. L. Henry in Erath County. What we don't know from this is when they paid off the notes. 

Erath Co, Texas, deeds, v. 63, p. 390-92, RL Henry to WC Lancaster, 1899, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C371-BHSY : accessed 5 Mar 2026); IGN 008592603, item 2, image 198 of 325.

W.C. Lancaster purchased land from Robert L. and Louine C. Henry for $350.00, held by notes of $116.66 due on 19 Oct 1900, $116.66 due on 19 Oct 1901, and a cash payment of $116.66, for land in Erath County described as:

“A part of the James H. Neiley survey in Erath County, beginning at the SW corner of a 50 acre subdivision formerly sold to WC Lancaster at a stone buried in the ground for SE corner of this, thence N30W 905 varas to a stone in ground for NE corner of this also NW corner of 50 acre tract formerly sold to Lancaster, thence S60W 315 varas to a stone in ground for the NW corner of this also NE corner of tract this day sold A.S. Pair, thence S30E 905 varas to a stone in ground for SW corner of this and SE corner of said Pair tract, thence N60E 910 varas to place of beginning, containing fifty acres.”

A vendor’s lien is retained. Dated 19 Oct 1899.

COMMENT: Here William C. Lancaster bought land from Robert L. Henry and his wife, Louine C. Henry, also with notes. When did he pay it off?

Erath Co, Texas, probate minutes, v. U, p. 528, order to appoint temporary administrator & appointing appraisers, estate 1263, estate of J.H. Woodman, 1918, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9QS-WLPC : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 005783029, item 2, image 270 of 328.

W. C. Lancaster along with B.F. Gibbs and L. A. Sanders were appointed appraisers to appraise the estate of J. H. Woodman on 4 Dec 1918.

Erath Co, Texas, register of deaths, v. 2, p. 149, no. 536, George Wilson Lancaster, 1918, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9VH-G7DJ : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 007611114, item 4, image 104 of 207.

W. C. Lancaster of Dublin, Tex, R. 6, was the informant for the 14 Jan 1919 death of George Wilson Lancaster of Dublin. George was white, divorced, born 4 May 1839 in Missouri, age 78 years, 9 months, and 8 days, a farmer, father listed as George Wilson Lancaster, no mother listed. Cause of death heart failure, arteriosclerosis. Buried at Baptist Cem, Greens Creek, 15 Jan 1919. Filed on 2 Jun 1919.

Note: these registers were listed by last name in chronological order, so listed under “L.” This is a local recording. I also have the state certificate.

Erath Co, Texas, probate minutes, v. T, p. 535, bond, Beatrice Snow estate, no. 1255, 1918, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99QS-WGMW : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 005783029, item 1, image 181 of 244.

W.C. Lancaster along with M. F. Stephens were sureties for I. N. Snow, administrator for estate of his wife, Beatrice Snow.

Erath Co, Texas, District Court, civil minutes, v. N, p. 16-17, Eugene P Guthrie vs. T Frois, et al, 1919, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS1F-F3V4-S : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 008419385, item 2, image 11 of 333.

W. C. Lancaster was mentioned in the case file of Eugene P Guthrie vs. T Frois, et al in District Court, Erath Co, Texas, in part of a land description. “Beginning at the northwest corner of the (W.C.) Lancaster tract, ad southwest corner of the W.W. Hickey 345 acre subdivision, 692 vars North 30 west from the original Southwest corner of the said William Hobby survey; . . .

Erath Co, Texas, probate minutes, v. U, pp. 529-31, estate 1263, general inventory, J. H. Woodman estate, 1919, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9QS-WLPC : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 005783029, item 2, image 270 of 328.

W. C. Lancaster was an appraiser with B.F. Gibbs and L.A. Sanders in January 1919 of the estate of J. H. Woodman, deceased.

Erath Co, Texas, probate minutes, v. U, pp. 578-79, estate 1263, report of sale of cattle, J. H. Woodman estate, 1919, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9QS-WLJT : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 005783029, item 2, image 295 of 328.

W. C. Lancaster purchased at public sale at the home of J. H. Woodman on the John Garrett survey, 1 Jersey cow and calf for $90 from the estate of J. H. Woodman. He purchased them as the highest bidder.

Erath Co, Texas, probate minutes, v. V, p. 396-99, Lonnie Lancaster estate, no. 1416, 1920, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9QS-98Q9 : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 005783034, item 1, image 209 of 330.

In the matter of the estate of Lonnie Lancaster, a minor, Laura May Elliott was appointed guardian. W.C. Lancaster and E.S. Howell were sureties of the $500 bond. Witnessed 21 Dec 1920.

Inventory and Appraisement and list of Claims: 1/6 undivided interest in four promissory vendors lien notes signed by W. C. Lancaster, and payable to G. W. Lancaster, for $500 each . . . $333.66.

Application to Execute Release of Vendor’s Lien Notes. Reported that the said W.C. Lancaster has paid the notes. (notes were executed in v. 136, p. 544 of deed records) and wished to release WC Lancaster of said note. The lien was then released. Filed 31 Dec 1920.

COMMENT: G. W. Lancaster is W. C. Lancaster's father. Lonnie Lancaster was G. W. Lancaster's grandson, son of Lonnie Lancaster who died in 1911.

Erath Co, Texas, marriage, v. T, p. 207, W. C. Lancaster & Mrs. Mary E. Spivey, 1945, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PQS-BDB : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004820732, image 307 of 1389.

W. C. Lancaster and Mrs. Mary E. Spivey received their license on 9 October 1945 at Stephenville, Erath Co, Texas. Lafe Smallwood, minister, married W. C. Lancaster and Mary E. Spivey on 9 Oct 1945.

COMMENT: This is William's second marriage, after his wife, Martha J. died.

OVERALL COMMENT: There were activities concerning W.C. Lancaster up to 1899, with the last entry a purchase of land in Erath County. There are no more activities until 1918 where he is part of a couple of estates. He has not been found in the 1900 census. He is on the 1899 tax list as well as the 1902.

Of the other counties, Tom Thumb resulted in hits:

Tom Thumb Co, Texas, deed, v. 24a, p. 461, W. Jennings & wf to W. C. Lancaster, 1904, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9NZ-BFSW : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004226792, images 61-62 of 240.

W. Jennings and wife Minda Jennings of Tom Green Co for consideration of $1760 in hand paid by W.C. Lancaster, receipt acknowledged, sold to WC Lancaster land in Tom Green Co, to wit:

“160 acres of land the NE4 of survey no. 1669 located by virtue of certificate no. 499 patent no. 146, vol. 32, patented to the heirs of Christian Geifle by state of Texas on 13 Dec 1860 and was in Concho Co, Texas prior to about year 1891 and was designated on the Abstract Books of said Concho County as Abstract no. 309. Beginning at the orginal northeast corner of said survey no. 1669 in District 11, thence west with the original north boundary line 950 varas to a stake, thence south across said survey 950 varas to a stake for southwest corner of tract, thence east 950 varas to stake in original east boundary line for southeast corner, thence north with said boundary line 950 varas to place of beginning, containing 160 acres.”

6 Jan 1904.

COMMENT: does not say where WC Lancaster is from or living, so assume it is Tom Green Co.

Tom Thumb Co, Texas, deeds, v. 27, p. 281-82, W. C. Lancaster & wf to J. D. Denton, 1904, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99NZ-BJHH : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004226986, images 283-84 of 402.

W.C. Lancaster and wife, M.J. Lancaster of Runnels Co, Texas for the consideration of $2500 to us paid and secured to be paid by J. D. Denton as follows:

$200 cash in hand receipt acknowledged & 5 promissory notes totaling $2300 executed at Miles Station, Runnels Co, Texas and paid to the order of W.C. Lancaster: No. 1, one thousand dollars <$100> due on or before 1 Jan 1905.  Nos. 2, 3, & 4. Sum of three hundred each due on or before Dec 1 1905, 1906, & 1907. No. 4 for sum of four hundred dollars and due before Dec 1st 1908. All bearing interest from Dec 1 1904 at 8 percent per annum. 10 per centrum for attorney’s fees in case of collection by suit.  Notes secured by vendor’s lien of conveyed property, premises and improvements.

“160 acres of land the NE4 of survey no. 1669 located by virtue of certificate no. 499 patent no. 146, vol. 32, patented to the heirs of Christian Geifle by state of Texas on 13 Dec 1860 and was in Concho Co, Texas prior to about year 1891 and was designated on the Abstract Books of said Concho County as Abstract no. 309. Beginning at the original northeast corner of said survey no. 1669 in District 11, thence west with the original north boundary line 950 varas to a stake, thence south across said survey 950 varas to a stake for southwest corner of tract, thence east 950 varas to stake in original east boundary line for southeast corner, thence north with said boundary line 950 varas to place of beginning, containing 160 acres.”

Signed 23 August 1904 by WC Lancaster and MJ Lancaster before W.P. Buttery, notary public for Runnels Co.

COMMENT: By Aug 1904, WC Lancaster and wife are in Runnels County.

Tom Green Co, Texas, deeds, v. 43a, p. 466-68, W. C. Lancaster & M. J. Lancaster to J. D. Denton & J. Gordon Brown, 1907, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9W6-V9MX-P : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004323804, images 68-69 of 242.

Whereas on 23 Aug 1904, W. C. Lancaster and M. J. Lancaster executed and delivered to JD Denton, a certain Deed of Conveyance wherein the parties first named conveyed to parties last named the following described tract of land: “160 acres of land the NE4 of survey no. 1669 located by virtue of certificate no. 499 patent no. 146, vol. 32, patented to the heirs of Christian Geifle by state of Texas on 13 Dec 1860 and was in Concho Co, Texas prior to about year 1891 and was designated on the Abstract Books of said Concho County as Abstract no. 309. Beginning at the original northeast corner of said survey no. 1669 in District 11, thence west with the original north boundary line 950 varas to a stake, thence south across said survey 950 varas to a stake for southwest corner of tract, thence east 950 varas to stake in original east boundary line for southeast corner, thence north with said boundary line 950 varas to place of beginning, containing 160 acres.”

Whereas a part of consideration, JD Denton executed and delivered to WC Lancaster 5 promissory notes bearing even date with said deed and payable as follows:

1) sum of $1000 due Jan 1 1905. 2) $300 due Dec 1 1905. 3) $300 due Dec 1 1906, 4) $300 due Dec 1 1907, and 5) $400 due Dec 1 1908, bearing interest of 8%, a vendor’s Lien.

Whereas the first wo of the above notes have been fully paid off and discharged, now Know all Men by the Present, that W.C. Lancaster of County of Erath, Texas for consideration of the full and final payment of said two notes have this day release and quit claim unto the said JD Denton the Vender’s Lien upon the land and premises aforesaid securing payment of said two notes, but not releasing lien securing the three notes unpaid.

Whereas WC Lancaster is desirous of transferring to J Gordon Brown the last three of the above described notes, which he is legal owner and hold, and Now Know All Men by these Presents, that we WC Lancaster and wife, MJ Lancaster, for consideration of sum of $1080 to us in hand paid by J Gordon Brown, receipt acknowledged, conveyed and assigned unto Brown three certain Vendor’s Lien Notes executed by JD Denton in favor of WC Lancaster dated Aug 12 1904 for $300 due Dec 1 1906, $300 due Dec 1 1907, and $400 due Dec 1 1908, being Notes numbers 3, 4, and 5.

These executed in part payment for 160 acre tract of land in Tom Green Co. 12 July 1907. Signed by      W. C. Lancaster & M. J. Lancaster before Notary Public R.A. Morton, Erath Co, Texas.

COMMENT: After collecting the first two payments, he and Martha have sold the remaining three notes to J. Gordon Brown on 12 Jul 1907. They are now living in Erath County.

Texas, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Erath Co, births, no. 51576, unnamed girl and boy, parents W.C. Lancaster and M.J. Lancaster, 1907, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939K-ZM61-X : accessed 6 Mar 2026); IGN 004688578, image 1418 of 3552.

This is the birth record of twins Pearl and Earl, born 5 June 1907 to W.C. Lancaster and M. J. Lancaster of Larne Creek, reported by W. J. Adderhold, MD, of Harbin, Texas. The girl was listed first, perhaps a clue that she was born first?

Conclusion
This was useful, as I found a few entries for William in records where he would not have appeared in an index. He served as an appraiser and as surety for several estates. The land records end on FamilySearch in early 1900, however, they are available on the county recorder's website. So I can search there for records of when they sold the land they purchased.

I have found birth records for sons George and Earl, and daughter, Pearl. I found death records for daughter, Margaret, son, Earl, and father, George. I found marriage records for both of William's marriage. This was a great exercise using full-text search. 

---

[1] "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1983324 : accessed 5 Mar 2026) > Texas. Death Certificates November 1946-December 1946 > image 1815 of 3537, no. 54649, Erath County, William Carl Lancaster; citing Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.

[2] Erath Co, Texas, Marriages, v. F, p 65, W.C. Lancaster & Miss Mattie Coor, 1892, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GP3B-LT : accessed 5 Mar 2026); IGN 004820345, image 848 of 967.

[3] "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1983324 : accessed 5 Mar 2026) > Webb. Death Certificates August 1942-September 1942 > image 1650 of 3542, death certificate 39867 (1942), Martha Jane Lancaster; citing Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.

[4] Erath County, Texas, Marriage Record, v. T, p 207, Lancaster-Spivey, 1945, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PQS-BDB : accessed 5 Mar 2026); IGN 004820732, image 307 of 1389.  

[5] "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1983324 : accessed 5 Mar 2026) > Texas. Death Certificates November 1946-December 1946 > image 1815 of 3537, no. 54649, Erath County, William Carl Lancaster; citing Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. 

Copyright © 2011-2026 by Lisa S. Gorrell, Mam-ma's Southern Family, All rights reserved.