In preparation for a long trip in a covered wagon with his family, J.H. Barwise purchased a trunk for the belongings of himself, his wife and their five children.  They moved from St. Charles County, Missouri, to North Texas.  They first went to a location near Dallas and stayed for about a year, then decided to look elsewhere.  They went about 120 miles in a northwest direction. Stopping at a place where there was available water,  he bought the only cabin in sight and 105 acres of land.  It looked like a good place for a permanent home. The family stayed there and, eventually, Barwise was credited with being the founder of Wichita Falls, Texas. 
    

    The Barwise Trunk now is on display at the St. Charles County History Museum

Howard DeMere

(Great grandson of J.H. Barwise)