RICHARD H. STOVALL.  In Jones county the Panhandle Abstract Company is the oldest institution of its kind, and through many years has performed an almost invaluable service to the landowners and citizens generally through this county. Richard H. Stovall, who has been active head of the company since 1908, and has been in the abstract business here for a number of years, is one of Jones county's old residents, having established himself here more than a quarter of a century ago. Along with success in business he has manifested a commendable degree of public service in connection with every enterprise and movement for the development and improvement of this west section of Texas, and no man stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens at Anson than Mr. Stovall.
   Richard H. Stovall was born in Harding county, Kentucky, January 12, 1852, and was the third in a family of nine children, being the oldest of the living sons. His father was Luther Stovall, a native of Kentucky, who came to Texas in 1882. During his younger years he followed farming, but spent the latter part of his life in retirement. He lived to the good old age of eighty-five, dying in 1909. He was a Baptist, in religion, taking much interest in the affairs of his church, also in politics, and during his younger life was a prominent Mason. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary J. Selby, was born in Kentucky, where they were married, and [s]he lived to the age of seventy-eight, her death occurring in 1905. She was equally zealous in the faith and work of the Baptist church. Both she and her husband now rest side by side at Cleburne.
   In the Kentucky country schools Richard H. Stovall received the educational equipment which has enabled him to prosper and make a substantial success in life. He finished his education with a course at Lyland College, in Harding county, and between school and college days worked on a farm. It was from the earnings of farm labor that he was enabled to take a college course. He lived with his parents until he was about twenty-five, and then got into the stock business and farming on his own account. At the age of  twenty-seven he left Kentucky and continued in the same vocation for five years in Missouri, from which state he moved to Texas, first locating at Cleburne. He followed merchandising at Cleburne for about five years, and then came to Anson in 1887. On his removal to Jones county he bought a ranch near the county seat, and for a few years was successfully identified with stock raising. His enterprise and personal character soon made him known to a majority of the citizens of the county, and his services were called into requisition in public affairs. He served as deputy sheriff for three years, and then entered a partnership in establishing the Panhandle Abstract Company, and has been at its head ever since. Besides abstracts he does a general loan business.
   Mr. Stovall was married at Cleburne, Texas, March 22, 1888, to Mary Stovall, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stovall, of Cleburne. Three children were born to their marriage, one son and two daughters, as follows:  Flora Mae and Lucile, both deceased and Richard J. The family are communicants of the Baptist church, and Mr. Stovall has been a member of that faith since he was thirteen years of age. He affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World, and has held offices in both orders. As a Democrat he is one of the influential local leaders. His membership on the local city council a few years ago was effective in advancing the interests of the city and improving the local government. Mr. Stovall is a substantial and well informed citizen on Jones county, concerning both its resources and citizenship, and is in a position to give correct information concerning this vicinity. He responds quickly to any inquiries addressed from outside the county concerning local conditions. Mr. Stovall is a broad-minded man and takes his recreations in the wholesome form of hunting and the lighter amusements of home and society.

from A History of Texas and Texans, by Frank W. Johnson.  The American Historical Society.  Chicago, 1914.  Vol. III, p. 1094.