Thanks to Lisa Finnigan for contributing these wonderful family pictures and history from beautiful San Saba, Texas. James Frank CHAMBERLAIN was her great uncle. Lisa writes that his family knew him as "Winkie."
The San Saba Athletic Club
This group of young men were "tumblers," entertainers who performed at county fairs throughout Central Texas in the early 1900's. The man in the flowered costume in the middle was James Frank CHAMBERLAIN, born December 4, 1879.
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When it came time for young James to marry and settle down, he gave up tumbling and show business for the more conventional job of rural mail carrier.
Rural Mail Carrier J. F. CHAMBERLAIN and his Partner, Morgan
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Lisa tells us that her great uncle James was a most amazing man, and that his life spanned almost a century of dramatic change in American life. He died in October of 1972 at the age of 92.
James was the son of U. T. "Uncle Buck" CHAMBERLAIN, a well-known peace officer in the 1800's. Lisa has generously provided us with a transcript of his obituary, which probably ran in the San Saba, Texas News and Star, date unknown:
Uncle Buck, Once Peace officer, Dies After Long Illness
Funeral was held here Tuesday for U. T. Chamberlain, age 90 years, who died at his home after a lingering illness. The funeral was held from the home with Rev. A. G. Beam of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in charge of the services. Interment was made in the city cemetery. "Uncle Buck" as he was familiarly known far and wide, had been an outstanding character in this county. He served as a peace officer perhaps longer than any other one during a lifetime. He came here from Williamson County in 1879, and served as state ranger during the mob days and was connected with the upbuilding of this county from that time on. His wife preceded him in death in 1920. Surviving sons are Henry Chamberlain, Phoenix, Arizona; Keet Chamberlain, Lometa, Texas; and Frank Chamberlain of this county. The daughters are Mrs. Althea Conway, Liberty Hill; Mrs. B.C. Maxwell, Fort Worth; and Miss Mary Chamberlain of this city. Eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive. With the passing away of Uncle Buck Chamberlain, we have lost a citizen who spent his life in the efforts to make this county a better place to live in.
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