USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 37
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Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had three children but Matthew L., died when fourteen years of age. The surviving sons are Lewis, born Sep- tember 24, 1888, and William, born October 21, 1891. Mrs. Edwards holds membership in the Methodist church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. During a long residence in Uvalde county both Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have become widely known and are thoroughly in sympathy with the interests and measures which contribute to public progress and improvement, while in social circles they occupy an enviable position.
A. R. BOWMAN, M. D., a prominent and popular physician and sur- geon of Uvalde, and Mayor of the town, was born in Henry county, Missouri, May 8, 1858. He is a son of Dr. A. P. and Maria M. (Riley) Bowman, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They were married in Missouri. Dr. A. P. Bowman was descended from an honored and prominent old family of New Jersey and was born, reared and educated in Ohio, whence in early manhood he removed to Missouri. He became a physician of much note in that state, practicing his profes- sion for over forty years. At one time he was a government surgeon and practiced among the Indians. He also owned a farm, employing a man to conduct it, and he was widely known and highly respected, his integrity and honor being above reproach. In his profession he did much good for his fellow men and his influence was ever on the side Vol. II. 18
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of improvement and progress. He died in Missouri at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife passed away in the same state at the age of seventy-two years. She was a daughter of A. M. Riley, an early settler of Missouri, who became a prominent farmer and was a strong and influential Whig in politics. He was a Union man during the Civil war. All who knew him respected him for his fidelity to principle and his genuine personal worth. He died in Missouri at an advanced age and of his family of nine children all have passed away with the excep- tion of one son. Lewis O. Riley, who is now an old man. The children of Dr. A. P. and Maria Bowman are as follows: Lucy A., now Mrs. Hinkle; T. C., a popular druggist of Uvalde; A. R., of this review ; Mrs. Nettie Perkins, who died leaving three children ; Mrs. Alla Adair, whose husband is sheriff of Henry county, Missouri.
Dr. A. R. Bowman was reared to agricultural pursuits upon his father's farm in Missouri. He began his education in the common schools and later attended a seminary. Subsequently he engaged in teach- ing school for two years and when nineteen years of age he began read- ing medicine. During that period he conducted a drug business, in which he continued for a number of years and subsequently he devoted his entire attention to the study of medicine with Dr. J. R. Wallace as his preceptor, continuing with him for two years, during which time he made visits with Dr. Wallace and gained much insight into the methods of diagnosing disease. On the expiration of that period he began prac- tice, in which he continued for some time with marked success. Later he pursued a full course of medical lectures in the University Medical College at Kansas City, Missouri, from which institution he was gradu- ated in the class of 1891. He then resumed the active practice of medi- cine in his home town, where he continued successfully until 1892, when he removed to Texas, locating at Sabinal, Uvalde county, where he re- mained in active practice for nine years. Seeking a broader field of labor, he removed to Uvalde in 1901 and is here permanently located. He has built up an extensive and lucrative practice, covering an area of many miles. He has pursued several special courses of study, familiariz- ing himself with the best methods of treating chronic diseases and in fact is prepared to treat intelligently all of the different ailments to which the human family is heir. In 1904 he pursued a course in the Polyclinic Institute at New Orleans, thus keeping in touch with all new and modern ideas of the profession. He has confined his attention closely to his professional duties and to further reading and study along that line and fully merits the confidence which is so uniformly extended him as a capa- ble and learned physician. His lucrative practice has returned to him very gratifying income, which he has wisely invested in different ways, displaying good business ability and keen discernment. He is now doing much for the development and upbuilding of the city and county of Uvalde. He is president of the Barnhill Drug Company, is also president of the Uvalde Wholesale Co. His office is well equipped with all of the newest and latest appliances that are of value in the practice of medicine and surgery. He now owns considerable town and country property and in addition to his commodious residence in Uvalde he has purchased land adjoining the town and platted an addition to the city.
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He is likewise engaged in conducting a goat ranch and is quite ex- tensively engaged in carrying on an apiary and thus producing honey. He is a stockholder and director in the Uvalde National Bank and in the West Texas Bank & Trust Company at San Antonio. He is like- wise a stockholder in the firm of Piper & Company, owners of a large mercantile enterprise in Uvalde, and is president of the Uvalde Gin & Mill Company. His connection with various business enterprises has been of direct benefit to the town and county in the promotion of its material progress and prosperity and at the same time has been a source of gratifying income to himself.
In 1886 Dr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Dora Cross, who was born in Missouri and is a representative of one of the old fami- lies of that state. She is a lady of intelligence and culture and presides with gracious hospitality over their pleasant home in Uvalde. Her parents were D. C. and Lucinda (Johnson) Cross, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky, but both were early settlers of Missouri. The father was a farmer by occupation and was widely known and highly respected. He was regarded as a leading and influential Demo- crat in his locality and was a good campaign worker, but never aspired to office for himself. Both he and his wife yet reside in Missouri. To them were born nine children, of whom Mrs. Bowman is the third in order of birth. Three of the daughters now reside in Texas. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman has been blessed with four interesting children : Clarence and Clara, twins; Fannie; and Amos C. The two daughters are students in the Texas Christian University at Waco, Texas.
In his political views Dr. Bowman is an earnest Democrat, but does not desire office and the only position which he has ever held is as Mayor of Uvalde. He served as county health officer and is a inember of the district, state and national medical societies. He is likewise a consistent and worthy member of the Christian church and likewise holds member- ship with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. He is a most enter- prising and public-spirited citizen and although he came to Uvalde county in limited circumstances he has enjoyed almost phenomenal success and the community has benefited equally by his efforts in matters of local progress and improvement and through his professional skill.
W. W. COLLIER, president of the Commercial National Bank and county treasurer of Uvalde county, is prominent among the enterprising and progressive citizens who with thorough understanding of business conditions make the most of their opportunities and contribute to general prosperity as well as individual success. He has served as county treas- urer since 1888 and his long continuance in the office is proof of his de- votion to the public good and his capability in discharging the duties that thus devolve upon him.
Mr. Collier is one of the native sons of Texas, having been born in Cherokee county, December 2, 1863. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan Collier, was a native of Virginia, while his father was born in England and became an early settler in the American colonies. He took up his abode in the Old Dominion and there enlisted for service in the conti-
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nental army which won independence for the nation. When the yoke of British oppression had been thrown off he removed from Virginia to Alabama, where he spent his remaining days.
Jonathan Collier, the grandfather, was born in Virginia and was reared to manhood in Alabama. There he married a Miss Schultz and settled upon a plantation, becoming a prosperous farmer and slave owner. About 1837 he removed with his family, his slaves and his belongings to Texas, settling in Smith county, where he opened up a good farm and again became prominent as an agriculturist, meeting with merited pros- perity in his management of his business affairs there until death claimed him. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church. In their family were seven children: Jack; Green ; Christopher ; Thomas P .; Caroline, the wife of I. Seeton; Capitola, the wife of Thomas Harris ; and Jane, the wife of B. Henderson.
Thomas P. Collier, the fourth member of that family, was born in Alabama in 1827 and when a youth of ten years accompanied his parents on their removal to Texas in 1837. He was reared to manhood in Smith county, where he married Miss Sarah Lewis, a native of Georgia and a daughter of Lotspich Lewis, of Georgia, who was widely known as an able educator, following that profession throughout his entire life. His death occurred in the Empire state of the south. His children were: Sarah, who became Mrs. Collier; Mrs. Amanda Steen; Mrs. Carrie Davenport ; Mrs. Jane Shoak ; Mrs. Mary Kelly; William, who died in Texas ; John, who died in the Indian Territory ; Sidney, of Waco; Virgil, who was killed in the rebellion; Mack, who is living in Concho county, Texas ; and Juan, of Coryell county, Texas.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Collier removed to Cherokee county, Texas, where he devoted his attention to farming. He had quite a large number of slaves and was making good progress in his business affairs up to the opening of the Civil war. He then joined the army and served until the close of the war. During that entire period he was only home twice, being granted sick furloughs. He served his country faithfully and well, being always at his post of duty, never fal- tering in the performance of any military task that was assigned him, although it often led him into the thickest of the fight or stationed him on the lonely picket line. He was at Galveston at the time of Lee's sur- render and from there returned home to find that his slaves were freed and his property was thereby considerably diminished in value. His ability as a financier and manager was now put to the test. He decided to sell out in Cherokee county, which he did and in 1867 took up his abode near Waco. There he purchased a farm, which he conducted with success until called to his final rest, which occurred in 1875. Al- though he did not recuperate his lost possessions entirely he left to his family a good farm and home. Politically le was an abolitionist, favoring the colonization of the slaves notwithstanding the fact that he owned and worked slaves and fought throughout the war. His military service was given in defense of the Confederacy and not in support of slavery, for he believed that the negro should be free and that colonies of the black race should be sent to Africa. He never desired or wanted public office but lived the life of a plain, honest farmer, who was respected for his
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genuine personal worth and his fidelity to principle. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, but later joined and worshipped with the Methodists. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Royal Arch degree. His wife survived him, passing away at Moody, Texas, in 1890, and was buried at the old home- stead. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children: John C., . a Baptist minister located in Oklahoma; Jonathan, a farmer of Okla- homa ; Alexander T., credit man for a wholesale hardware firm of Weatherford, Texas ; W. W., of this review; Carrie, the wife of H. Hay, a merchant at Moody, Texas; Virgil W., who died at the age of seven years; and Arthur B., who died when five years of age.
W. W. Collier was reared to farm life and was educated in the public schools, continuing his studies until he had completed the high school course by graduation. He accompanied the family on the removal to the farm in the vicinity of Waco, where he assisted his father in the care and development of the property and also attended school. When seven- teen years of age he was employed as a drug clerk in the city, continuing in that capacity for two years, and in 1882, at the age of nineteen years, he came to Uvalde county and entered the state ranger service. His time was thus passed for four years, patrolling all of western Texas bordering the Rio Grande river from Angelo to Laredo. He had all kinds of frontier experiences and was often in charge of a detachment of men sent on special service. He resigned at Eagle Pass in 1886 and came to Uvalde, where he began business and has since figured prominently in connection with the commercial and financial interests of the city as well as in public office. In 1888 he was elected county treasurer and at each successive election has been again chosen for the office, so that he has served continuously for eighteen years. No higher testimonial of his efficiency and trustworthiness could be given than the fact that he has so long been retained in an elective office.
Uvalde Banks.
In 1897 he opened a private bank under the firm name of Collier & Company and continued that for two years, at which time it was merged into the Uvalde National Bank, of which he was made president. He acted in that capacity for two years, when he resigned and became con- nected with E. M. Hollingsworth in the drug business. He continued successfully for two years, when he disposed of his interest and in 1903 organized the Commercial National Bank of Uvalde, of which he was chosen president, with J. G. Smith vice-president and W. P. Dermody, cashier, and W. F. Morgan, assistant cashier. All of these gentlemen have continuously acted in their respective positions. The bank is capi- talized for sixty thousand dollars and the surplus and profits amount to fifteen thousand dollars. They do a general banking business, buying and selling exchange payable in all parts of the world and their interests are conducted on strict banking principles, the institution being recog- nized as one of the strong and reliable moneyed concerns of southwestern Texas.
Mr. Collier is a man of resourceful business ability and marked enterprise, who has successfully managed important interests both of
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a public and private nature. In 1892 he organized the Uvalde Water Works Company, having constructed the plant and continued therewith for several years. This is a very valuable enterprise for the city. J. F. Simpson became owner of the plant and yet holds it. Mr. Collier has also made investments in lands and city property and while promoting his individual success he has also taken active interest in advancing the de- velopment of the city and county and is regarded as a most enterprising and wide-awake business man.
In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of W. W. Collier and Miss Ella Patterson, who was born in this county in 1867, a daughter of George W. Patterson, Jr., who was a son of George W. Patterson, Sr., an hon- ored pioneer of Uvalde county, who arrived in 1851 and who died in 1875. He married Elizabeth McCullom and was born in Ohio, while his wite was a native of South Carolina. They were married in Alabama.
George W. Patterson, Sr., was a son of John Patterson, of North Carolina, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and his father was a native of Scotland, coming to America at an early period in the colonization of the new world. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and after the establishment of American independence he settled in North Carolina, where he reared his family and died. There John Patterson was born, reared and married, and being attracted to the frontier he removed successively to Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, always living in frontier districts up to the time of his death, which occurred in the last-named state. His children were: William, John, Joseph, George W., David and Kate.
George W. Patterson, Sr., was reared to manhood in Tennessee, where he engaged in blacksmithing and farming. He was married in that' state and afterward removed to Alabama, where all of his children were born, and in 1847 he brought his family and slaves to Texas, settling in St. Augustine county while subsequently he removed to Smith county and
Uvalde County Pioneer.
in 1851 arrived in Uvalde county, which was then an almost unbroken wilderness with only a few families within its borders. He located on the Sabinal river and formed the Patterson settlement, which yet bears his name. There he experienced the usual hardships and deprivations of pioneer life while assisting to reclaim the region for the uses of the white race from the rule of the red men in this locality, His declining years were spent with his son, N. M. C. Patterson, and he died in 1875. His wife had passed away in 1868. She was a daughter of Newman Mc- Cullom, who was of Scotch descent and was reared in South Carolina. He became a leading farmer and slave owner in the old South state and afterward removed to Alabama, where he died. His children were: Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson; Henry; James, who was a legislator, and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Patterson had six children: N. M. C., John, Talitha T., Elizabeth, Nancy and George W., Jr. The last named was a farmer and stockman. Both he and his wife died in 1904, leaving nine children. The full history of his life is given in connection with the sketch of N. M. C. Patterson on another page of this work.
To W. W. Collier and his first wife were born two sons: George P.,
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who is now a student in the A. & M. College of Texas, and W. W., who is attending school. The wife and mother, who was a faithful member of the Methodist church, died in 1891. In 1893, Mr. Collier was again married, his second union being with Miss Mattie Hale, who was born at Milan, Tennessee, in 1870. She is an intelligent and cultured lady and is a daughter of Captain Stephen Hale, a veteran of the Confederate army, who served his country long and well in the Civil war. He was a promi- nent planter before the war and after its close he settled at Milan, Ten- nessee, where he became interested in the drug business. He was also a leading and influential resident of the town and served as its mayor. He took an active interest in its development, was widely known and was accorded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He held mem- bership in the Baptist church and was a Royal Arch Mason. His wife, who also died in Milan, was a member of the prominent and well known Cunningham family of Tennessee. The children of Captain Stephen Hale were: Mattie, now Mrs. Collier ; Leon P., a prominent druggist of Tampa, Florida ; Mary, at home; Thomas, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Nunez ; and E. Kirby, also of Tampa. All are worthy members of the Baptist church. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Collier has been blessed with three children : Shelly H., born in 1896; John H., in 1898; and Eleanor, in 1900.
Mr. Collier gives his political allegiance in unfaltering manner to the Democracy and has served as county chairman of the executive commit- tee and in other important official positions. He is a Knight Templar Mason and is also identified with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen, filling all of the chairs in the last three. His wife belongs to the Baptist church. His career clearly illustrates the pos- sibilities that are open in this country to persevering, earnest young men who have the courage of their convictions and are determined to be the architect of their own fortunes. When judged by what he has accom- plished his right to a first place among the representative citizens of Uvalde cannot be questioned.
J. A. MANGUM. Prominent among the enterprising, progressive and successful business men of Uvalde is J. A. Mangum, whose efforts have been discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor, while his per- sistency of purpose has resulted in the achievement of gratifying success. He is the vice-president of the Uvalde National Bank and is also well known as a cattle raiser. He was born in Alabama on the 13th of No- vember, 1849, his parents being Cyrus and Lucinda (O'Dannels) Man- gum, who were reared and married in Alabama. The father there de- voted his attention to farming, operating his land through slave labor. He had good property and was accounted one of the prosperous and energetic planters, successfully continuing business there until 1856, when he removed to Texas, taking up his abode in Lavaca county. There he continued in farming and stock raising up to the time of his death. He had strong sympathy for the cause of the Confederacy during the period of the Civil war, aiding the southern army. He belonged to the Methodist church, and his life, in harmony with his professions, won him the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated. His integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career and in all life's rela-
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tions he was found to be honorable and upright. His wife, who was also a member of the Methodist church, died at the old homestead in 1880. In their family were the following named: Mary, the wife of John Tur- man; David, now of Uvalde; Nancy; J. A .; William A., a stockman ; and R. S., who is living in Alpine, Texas.
J. A. Mangum, although he attended school for only a brief period, acquired a good practical education in the school of experience. He spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Texas; being reared to manhood in Lavaca county. He assisted in the labor of the farm and the care of the stock, remaining at home until about twenty-two years of age, when, choosing as a life work the occupation to which he was reared, he began raising stock on his own account. For several years he had been picking up cattle and had thus gained a start. He conducted his business interests in Lavaca county until 1883, when he came to Uvalde county and established a ranch. The range was then free and when it was fenced he leased a large pasture, where he still continues to run his cattle. He is one of the most extensive and prosperous cattlemen of this country. His ranch is located in Zavala county adjoining Uvalde county on the south, and there he has a large herd and matures beef cattle, which he ships to the market at almost all seasons of the year, for the grass cattle do well with- out feed. He thoroughly understands the business and manages his affairs with keen discrimination and displays marked enterprise in carrying on his work, so that as the years have gone by he has met with success in this undertaking. Moreover he figures prominently in financial circles in this part of the state, for at the organization of the Uvalde National Bank in 1898 he became a stockholder and was elected vice-president which position he is still filling.
Mr. Mangum was happily married in 1884 to Miss Helen Steel, who was born in Alabama in 1856. Her parents were Sidney and Sally (Cox) Steel, who were likewise natives of Alabama, where the father yet resides. During the Civil war he hired a substitute to represent him in the Confederate army. In politics he has long been a stalwart Democrat but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and his life has been in con- formity with his professions. Having lost his first wife he has been mar- ried again. By his first union there were five children: O. S., now de- ceased ; Helen, the wife of J. A. Mangum ; Mrs. Aura Moody ; Mrs. Julia Milliner ; and Mrs. Olivia Holmes.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mangum has been blessed with three children : Sally, born in 1885; Julia, in 1888; and Glenn, in 1898. On coming to Uvalde Mr. Mangum located his family in the city, where he has continued to reside, having here a commodious two-story frame resi- dence which is built in modern style of architecture and is one of the finest homes in Uvalde. It is supplied with all modern conveniences and stands in the midst of large and well kept grounds, thus constituting a beautiful home. In his political views and affiliation Mr. Mangum is independent. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They are well known socially and the hospi- tality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
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