Talladega County, Alabama Minute Book I, p 358, being now 21 years of age, Wm C his guardian settles his father's estate with him, November 21, 1867
Source: Acker History by Noble Acker
Second son and fifth child of Rev. Henry Dearborn Acker and Elizabeth Cox Acker, was born 15 March 1844 in Benton County, Alabama, the portion of which is now known as Talladega County. Most of the later generations knew him only as H. Pace Acker. It appears this is how he preferred to be known and consequently, he carried the name from early childhood. It is possible that his first name, Henderson, came from Henderson's Sulphur Springs where his father and mother settled in 1833. However, this is only a possibility.
He grew up in an area which only a few years prior had been Indian territory.
When the War between the States broke out, he followed his only brother, William C. Acker, into that conflict (see old letters, military records etc.). After the war was over, the family received word that he was missing. After a few weeks, he came home. The family was overwhelmed with joy, having believed him to be dead.
On 20 March 1867, H. P. was married to Nancy Brown Gibson, daughter of Jeremiah Gibson and Elizabeth Naomy Green, sister to Theresa Jane Gibson, wife of his brother William C. Acker. In the early 1870's, this family moved to Hopkins County, Texas. Their only daughter, Era Iola Acker, was born 3 May 1872, died October 5 1872. Nancy B Acker died 17 January 1896.
William C. Acker and Theresa Jane visited H. P. and family in Texas. Pictures were made in Sulphur Springs. The relatives in Alabama have the pictures that were made in Texas.
On 27 August 1898 H. P. married Madora Barrett McBride, daughter of Dr. John T. Barrett and wife, Caroline. Madora died 22 February 1906. After Madora's death, one of the Hackney girls from Alabama, I believe a niece, came to live with him. By this time, H. P. was an elderly man and apparently needed close care. He was in the grocery business for many years in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Two nephews, James P. Hackney and Walter L Hackney, sons of Martha Elvira Acker Hackney and James Anderson Hackney, reared their families in Pickton, Texas in the southeastern part of Hopkins County, near Sulphur Springs.
According to the sketch concerning H. P. Acker written in the Hackney family history, Uncle Pace was dearly loved by the Hackneys. His namesakes are common in the Hackney family.
H. P. accumulated substantial wealth in the grocery business. He died 23 November 1914 at Sulphur Springs, Texas. Very generous contributions were mentioned in his will. Aside from the family, contributions were made in considerable amounts to First Baptist Church, Sulphur Springs, Texas, Refuge Church, Lincoln, Alabama, Carnegie Public Library, Sulphur Springs, Texas, Baylor University, Waco, Texas Buckners Orphans Home, Dallas, Texas.
