Thomas Jefferson Masten - known most frequently as T. J. (or Jeff) Masten - was born on January 3, 1872 in Dade County, Missouri. He was the oldest son of John Baxter and Celia Ann Spain Masten. In 1884, the family moved from Missouri to Cooke County, Texas. Jeff, age 12, and his brothers walked most of the journey. He spent his teenage years on the Masten farm between Lois and Era.
Mary Virginai (Mamie) Neisler was born on March 19, 1880 is Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina. She was the third daughter of George Locke and Laura Ann McKibben Neisler. In 1885, the Neisler family moved to the Oak Grove community east of Gainesville.
Jeff Masten and Mamie Neisler married July 9, 1899, at which time they moved to the Lois community. In 1902, they purchased a 100 acre farm adjacent to the main road intersection that marks the heart of the Lois community. Lois was an active community; it contained a cotton gin, general store, school, and at least two churches. Jeff and Mamie were active in the community. Jeff farmed a variety of crops on their farm, including a number of livestock and a fruit orchard. Mamie - who taught Sunday School classes for 24 years - had a reputation as an excellent cook. In the early 1920's Jeff and Mamie built a new home on the farm. That home stood until just a few years ago.
Mamie Masten died NOvember 20, 1935, and Jeff Masten died October 12, 1951. They are both buried in Valley View. Jeff and Mamie Masten were the parents of three children, each of which has living descendents.
George Baxter (8/10/1900 - 9/3/1959), who married Rosa Mae Salsman
Raleigh Lee (10/10/1902 - 1/13/1976), who married Dollye Mae McFarlin
Della Virginia (12/13/1904 - 11/6/1949), who married Lloyd Hayes
