One of the oldest merchants at Rockdale is Harberson Hudson, who has been identified with the grocery trade in that locality for the past twenty years. He is one of the most capable merchants of Milam county, has made a thorough study of his work, meets the demands of the popular desires along his line, and is one of the men who, successful themselves, have stood for general advancement and improvement in this community.

Harberson Hudson was born in the state of Maryland October 20, 1865, a son of Major and May (Murry) Hudson. His father, who was born in Maryland in 1827, was a farmer by occupation, and on moving to Texas in 1867 settled at Caldwell in Burleson county. His death occurred in 1882. The mother, who was born in Maryland in 1828, died in 1904. The six children were: Annie K., deceased; John Sidney, who lives in San Angelo; Thomas L., deceased; Lizzie, now Mrs. W. D. Wells, of Rockdale; Harberson; and Lon.

Harberson Hudson grew up in Burleson county, attended the public schools there and also the schools of Rockdale until sixteen years of age. His first experience in mercantile life was as clerk in a grocery store at Rockdale. By 1894, with his accumulated earnings and experience, he and his brother Lon started an independent business under the firm name of H. & L. Hudson, Grocers. Their store has long been recognized as the center of reliable merchandise, and as a going concern. The business now represents a better value than the stock and fixtures of other concerns in this county.

Mr. Hudson is a Democrat in politics, and is an active member of the Methodist church, having resigned the office of steward in 1909. He owns, besides his dwelling house, a half interest in one hundred acres of improved farm lands in Milam county. For his recreation he occasionally goes on a fishing trip, but his business and home and family are the objects of his chief care and attention.

At Rockdale. on November 7, 1894, Mr. Hudson married Delia Elholm, daughter of John Elholm. They are the parents of two children: Lon and Agnes. Lon married Gladys Walker and lives in Dallas, where he is cashier for a large real estate company of that city. The daughter Agnes is a talented musician, was educated in that line, and is now a teacher of music at Sharpe, in Milam county.