USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume II > Part 65
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Soon after the close of hostilities Dr. Largen took up the study of medicine at Fort Smith and in 1870 entered upon active practice in Bell county, Texas, where he lived until 1874. He had pursued a course of study in the Texas Medical College at Galveston and was graduated therefrom in the year mentioned. He afterward practiced in Mason county and later in Burnett county, while in later years he engaged in the prosecution of his chosen profession in Lampasas. In 1890 he re- moved from Lampasas to San Antonio and has since been a representa- tive of the medical fraternity in this city. He belongs to the County, District and State Medical Societies and has secured a good patronage, having thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of medicine, while he is correct at all times in their adaptation.
Dr. Largen was married to Miss Mattie Purl, a native of Arkansas, but living in Texas at the time of her marriage. She died in Burnett in 1874 and Dr. Largen was afterward married there to Miss Mary Bink- ley, a native of Washington county, Texas, who died at Lampasas, this state, in 1888. There were four children of that marriage, Forest, Kate, Douglas and May. In community interests Dr. Largen has been active and influential and from 1888 until 1890 was mayor of Lampasas, Texas. He is now devoting his attention more exclusively, however, to his prac- tice, which is constantly making heavier demands upon his time and atten- tion, but he does not cease to be a public-spirited citizen whose co-opera-
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tion can be counted upon to further progressive measures for the welfare of his city.
DR. CHARLES A. R. CAMPBELL, of San Antonio, is a physician of high standing, city bacteriologist and superintendent of the West Texas Camp Sanitarium. In the paternal line he is descended from Scotch- Irish ancestry, and his father was the seventh Martin Hifield Campbell since the founding of the family in America. He was born in Franklin, Louisiana, and came to Texas in 1850, locating in San Antonio, where he resided for almost a quarter of a century, passing away in that city in 1874. Martin H. Campbell was prominent in the public life of San An- tonio during that period, serving as city clerk for many years and giving loyal and effective support to measures and movements which appealed to him as being conducive to the general good. His wife, before mar- riage, was Miss Dolores Barrera, who was born in San Antonio in the days of the Texas republic, the daughter of Augustine Barrera, was born and reared in the vicinity of the city, and represented one of the old Mexican families of original Spanish origin which for many generations has been resident there. Mrs. Campbell passed away in 1890. In the fam- ily of Dr. Campbell is preserved an interesting relic-an old hunting knife which was presented to his grandfather, Augustine Barrera, by the famous Jim Bowie, who later was one of the martyrs of the Alamo.
Dr. Campbell acquired a good education in San Antonio, spending much of his time as a student in St. Mary's College. Determining upon a professional career, he studied medicine at Tulane University, New Orleans, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1898. He then returned to San Antonio, where he has since practiced and made a wide reputation not only in the regular line of his profession but in the special field of bacteriology. As city bacteriologist of San Antonio he
City Health Department.
has achieved great results, particularly in the practical work of combating contagious diseases. In 1899, by direction of the city government, he established the bacteriological and microscopical laboratory, of which he has since remained in charge. Through the efficacious efforts of his de- partment the ravages of typhoid fever have been so limited that the dis- ease no longer originates in San Antonio. This has been largely brought about by insisting on the purity of the water supply and as a means to this end the city water works reservoir, which was formerly open, has been rebuilt with cement bottom and sides. The department is also very successful in the handling of diphtheria and tuberculosis. It is further of great public service in maintaining a rigid inspection of meats, fish, oysters and milk which are placed on the market, the force employed in this service being held to strict account for the thoroughness and honesty of their labors. The department has also waged incessant warfare on the mosquito, and all of these sanitary reforms have resulted in making San Antonio as healthful and sanitarily perfect as is possible under pres- ent conditions and facilities. The pest house for smallpox is ably con- ducted under Dr. Campbell's direction, with the result that the ravages of that disease have been reduced to a minimum. The department is of invaluable aid to the local physicians in quickly determining for individual
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cases the presence of typhoid, diphtheria, or tuberculosis bacilli. Dr. Campbell is thoroughly and unselfishly devoted to the work of eradicat- ing the most dreaded epidemic diseases, making liberal expenditure of his time and talent in investigations and scientific researches which may re- sult beneficially to humanity.
As stated, the Doctor is also superintendent of the West Texas Camp Sanitarium. The institution is located on a fine plat of ground adjacent to San Antonio, and is designed for the open-air treatment of patients suffering from lung troubles. Each patient has a tent or a cottage to himself, and lives as if he were camping out on a ranch-except that he has none of its inconveniences to contend with. The management have their own cows, goats and poultry so that the milk and eggs provided the patients are absolutely fresh and, as the bacteriologist in charge of the sanitarium, Dr. Campbell gives his best professional skill to insure their purity. The result is a remarkable institution of freedom and individu- ality, where lung diseases, in whatever stage of progress, are treated from the most modern standpoint of medicine, science and hygiene.
Dr. Campbell was married at San Antonio to Miss Ida Hoyer, a daughter of Julius Hoyer, who was city collector for twenty years and a prominent and well known resident. They have two children-Charles and Milton Campbell. Dr. and Mrs. Campbell are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes of the city being cordially extended to them. The Doctor has indeed done an important public work, effecting results which entitle him to the gratitude of every resident of San An- tonio and of many who live far beyond its borders. He practices along modern scientific lines, keeping in touch with the most advanced thought of the profession; informing himself thoroughly concerning the latest investigations, theories and inventions for the advancement of the healing art, and, added to his scientific knowledge, there is a broad humanitarian spirit which prompts most able and effective service for all who call for his professional aid.
Colorado County.
PROF. JAMES WILLIAMS HOLT, as a popular and successful educator of Weimar, is widely known throughout Colorado county, and his in- fluence for good is recognized and appreciated. During his long profes- sional career, hundreds, if not thousands, of boys and girls have listened to his instruction, and through his teachings have been made better and more loyal citizens. A son of the late James Holt, he was born, Septem- ber 18, 1840, in Baker county, Ga., where the days of his early childhood were spent.
James Holt was born and reared in North Carolina. On attaining his majority he settled as a lawyer in Georgia, where he was successfully. engaged in the practice of his profession until his death, while yet in the prime of life, in 1841. After going to Georgia, he married Elizabeth Williams, who was born in Baker county, Ga., a daughter of George and Elizabeth Williams. She survived him, and subsequently married for her second husband John Tooke. In 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Tooke, with their family, started for Texas. Going by teams to Montgomery, Ala., they there took a boat for Mobile, whence they continued the journey by
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water, going first to New Orleans, then to Galveston, and from there to Houston. The remainder of the trip to Columbus was made with teams, the streams being crossed by ferry boats, as there were at that time no bridges. Mr. Tooke at once rented land lying about a mile from Colum- bus, and the same year bought twelve hundred acres of land in the Navidad country, two miles from the present site of Oakland. Colum- bus, twenty miles distant, was at that time the nearest village on the east, and the market place for a large territory. Mr. Tooke improved a valu- able farm, and resided there until after the war, when, having lost the greater part of his wealth, which consisted largely of slaves, he sold out. Moving then to Burnet, he remained there until his death, a few months later. Mrs. Tooke preceded him to the better life, dying in 1858. She reared seven children, four by her first marriage, and three by her second, namely: Susan, Emily, Martha A., James Williams, Fanny, Callie, and Kate. Susan Holt, the eldest child of the first marriage, mar- ried Lovic Pierce, a life-long resident of Georgia, who enlisted in the Twenty-second Battalion, Georgia Artillery, and served the Confederate cause until his death, at Savannah, Ga., in 1863. Emily Holt is the wife of Lewis M. Mayes, of Llano county, Tex. Martha A. Holt is the wife of Allen Tooke, of Lockhart, Texas. James W. Holt is the special subject of this brief sketch. Fanny Tooke, the oldest child of the second marriage, married Joseph Ferren, of Weimar. Callie Tooke resides in Bryan, Texas. Kate Tooke married L. D. Herndon of Weimar.
A boy of nine years when he came with the family to Texas, James W. Holt remembers well the tedious journey hither, and vividly recalls the trying incidents of life in a new country. He received his early education in private schools, kept in log cabins, the knowledge thus acquired being further advanced by an attendance of two years, in 1858 and 1859, at the Bastrop Military Institute. In 1860 Mr. Holt went to Georgia to attend the Mercer University, but on the breaking out of the Civil war, the following year, he left his studies, and enlisted in a company formed in Oglethorpe, Macon county. Going with his comrades to West Virginia, the company was assigned to the com- mand of Gen. Henry A. Wise, and designated as Wise's Guards. In the fall of 1861 the Georgia troops were stricken with an epidemic of measles, and by direction of Gen. Lee were transferred to Savannah, Ga., where the climate was more mild and congenial. Gen. Lawton calling, in February, 1862, for volunteers to go to the relief of Fort Pulaski, the Wise Guards at once offered their services, and were dis- patched thither. The Yankees opened fire on the fort April 9, and at three o'clock on the afternoon of April 10 the garrison surrendered. The Wise Guards were first taken to Governor's Island, N. Y., and then to Fort Delaware. In the fall of 1862 they were exchanged, returned to Virginia, and served in the various campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender at Appomattox. Through all his service as a soldier, Mr. Holt escaped unharmed, the nearest he came to being injured was being knocked down in one battle by a bullet which hit and cut his boot.
Returning home after the close of the war, Mr. Holt was engaged
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in farming in Colorado county for two years. At the urgent solicita- tions of his neighbors, he then gave up his pastoral occupation to take charge of the district school, and the greater part of the time since then has been similarly occupied. For the past twelve years he has had control of the Miller School, in Weimar, and as principal and teacher has met with distinguished success. Although Prof. Holt has not acquired a great amount of wealth in his career, he has gained a fine reputation as an instructor, and won the esteem and respect of all with whom he has had dealings. Of his life work he may well be proud, and can justly feel that he has not lived in vain, for the boys and girls that have received the benefits of his instruction have gone forth in the world to make their mark as farmers, teachers, physicians, lawyers and business men, his lessons in truth, honesty, and character building having made them better and wiser men and women.
Prof. James W. Holt has been twice married. He married first. in 1874, Miss Rebecca Russell, who was born in Fayette county, Texas, where her father, William Russell, a native of Indiana, settled as a. pioneer. She died March 25, 1877, leaving two children, namely : Betty, wife of Henry Hurr; and Lester, county attorney of Colorado county, residing in Columbus. Prof. Holt married, second, Mrs. (Yancy) Toliver, who was born near Oakland, Texas, a daughter of William and Emily (Tanner) Yancy. Of the union of Professor and Mrs. Holt two children have been born, namely: Benjamin Baker and William H. The Professor and his wife are people of refinement and culture, earnest Christians, and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HON. JOSEPH C. KINDRED, noteworthy among the successful pro- fessional and business men of Weimar, is a practicing attorney and a real estate conveyer and dealer. He has a sound knowledge of law, is honorable in his methods, standing well with his brother lawyers and his clients, and has a decided talent for business, his real estate transac- tions being extensive and profitable. He was born, February 3, 1841, in Russell county, Ala., where he passed his childhood days. His father, Alexander Kindred, was born in North Carolina, where his father, Benjamin Kindred, it is supposed, spent his entire life.
Leaving his native state very soon after his marriage, Alexander Kindred migrated to Alabama, settling as a pioneer in Russell county. Buying a tract of land that was still in its primitive wildness, he cleared an opening, erected a log cabin, and at once began the arduous labor of hewing a farm from the dense forest. He was a man of considerable ability, well educated for his times, and for many years was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, doing untold good in ad- vancing the cause of religion in the new country in which he settled. He had got well started in the building up of a homestead, when his work was interrupted by the breaking out of the Creek war, having many acres under cultivation. His stock at that time consisted of but one cow and a gray mare. To escape the Indians, he went with his family to Georgia, his wife and their two children riding the gray mare, while he trudged on foot by their side. Leaving them with friends, he with others, went to Florida to fight the Indians, joining
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Gen. Jackson, who had command of the white troops. When the savages had been subdued, and peace once more reigned, he went back to Georgia for his family, and from there returned to Alabama. Arriv- ing at their home, he found that the buildings had all been destroyed, and they were left shelterless and without provisions. While sadly viewing the ruins, the cow, which the Indians had fortunately left un- harmed, made her appearance, looking fat and sleek. This animal proved their salvation, for, much as they disliked to, they had to kill her for her meat.
Not a whit discouraged by his calamities, Alexander Kindred built another log house, continued the improvements already begun on his land, and there remained until 1853. Selling out in that year, he came with his family, of wife and nine children, to Texas, journeying by rail and boat to Indianola, thence by teams to the southern part of Gonzales county, where he lived for a year. Moving then to the northern section of the same county, he purchased twelve hundred and eighty acres of land, one hundred of which were somewhat improved. Engaging at once in general farming and stock raising, he continued there success- fully employed until his death, in 1867. He married Martha Thread- . gill, who was born in North Carolina, a daughter of William Thread- gill, and died in 1865, on the home farm, in Gonzales county. Ten children were born of their union, namely: Joshua P., Sarah A., John S., William A., Walton, Elisha T., Joseph C., James A., Mattie E., and Mary.
A lad of about thirteen years when he came with his parents to Texas, Joseph C. Kindred assisted his father in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a homestead, attending school as opportunity offered. At the breaking out of the war, he left home, enlisting in Upton's company, which, when organized, became Company B, Hurd's Brigade, Volunteer Infantry. Going east with the command, he joined the Army of North Virginia, and was with that branch of the Con- federate army in its various marches, campaigns and battles until the close of the conflict. When his company left Texas it was composed of eighty men, and before it had met with any losses its number was in- creased to one hundred and forty, sixty men being added. This par- ticular company had hard luck, so that at the time of the surrender at Appomattox one hundred and thirty-five of its members were either dead or disabled, Mr. Kindred being one of the five sole survivors present on that memorable occasion.
Returning home after the surrender, Mr. Kindred engaged in farm- ing and stock raising on his father's estate until 1868, when he bought land near Oakland, in Colorado county. Beginning the improvement of a homestead, he continued there as an agriculturist for a number of years. In 1881 he made a change of occupation to some extent, engag- ing as a clerk in a general store in Oakland, although he at the same time continued the management of his farm. In 1882 he sold his land, and in 1884 purchased the stock of merchandise and the good will of his employers, and for four years was engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account. Selling out in 1888, Mr. Kindred, who had in the meantime advanced his knowledge by extensive and comprehensive read-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
ing, began the study of law, and in 1890 was admitted to the bar. Be- ginning the practice of his profession in Weimar, Mr. Kindred made rapid progress, and has since continued here, being one of the leading attorneys of this section of the county, and an extensive dealer in real estate, in the conveyance of which he has built up a substantial business.
Mr. Kindred married, in January, 1867, Betty Tooke, who' was born in Georgia, and came to Texas in pioneer days, with her parents, John and Martha Tooke. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kindred, two children have been born, namely: Wayman and Mamie, wife of Samuel B. McCleary, M. D. Politically Mr. Kindred is a stanch Democrat, and is very influential in party ranks, having rendered distinguished service to his constituents in many offices of importance. In 1875 he was elected county commissioner, and served for five years in that capacity. For twelve years he was a member of the board of aldermen in Weimar, and for four years was mayor of the city. In 1880 he was elected a representative to the seventeenth legislature of Texas, and served on the committees on state affairs, finance, revenue, taxation and peniten- tiaries, and in 1906 he was again honored by an election to the thirtieth Texas legislature, in which he is now ably serving. Fraternally Mr. Kindred is a member of Weimar Lodge, No. 423, A. F. & A. M .; and of Weimar Lodge, A. O. U. W.
Caldwell County.
THEODORE HELMCAMP. Coming from substantial pioneer stock, and of German parentage and ancestry, Theodore Helmcamp, of High Hill, is a good representative of the nativeborn citizens of Fayette county, his birth having occurred February 27, 1856, at the Bluff settlement, on Williams Creek.
. Karl F. W. Helmcamp, the father of Theodore Helmcamp, was born in 1808, in Mecklenburg, Germany, where his parents were life- long residents. Receiving an excellent education, he taught school and practiced law in the fatherland during his earlier life, living there until 1845. Then, accompanied by his wife and their one child, he came in a sailing vessel to Galveston, Texas, being three long months on the ocean. From there he came with ox teams to Fayette county, the journey overland taking three weeks. This state was still a republic, and was in a very unsettled condition, the settlers being few and far between. Deer, wild turkey, wild hogs, and small game of all kinds were plentiful. He bought land, and from the uncultivated soil lying on the banks of Williams Creek he began the development of a homestead. One of the first things that he did was to erect the rude log house in which his son, Theodore, was born, filling the cracks with moss, and plaster- ing them over with clay. There being no railways in the state, the planters had to haul their cotton to Houston, going usually with an ox team, and on the return trip bringing back a supply of general mer- chandise for family use. Having improved quite a tract of his purchase, he sold out at an advance, purchased another tract, and subsequently made several moves, always selling at an advantage. Being a man of good judgment, he made much money in his business transactions, eventually acquiring a competence. His wife was born in Germany,
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and died on the home farm, in Fayette county, in 1870. After her loss. he made his home with his children, living until eighty-six years of age. Of his thirteen children, eleven grew to years of maturity, namely : Charles, Louisa, Cara, William, Theodore, Fritz, George, Anna, Elsie and Otto, twins, and Henry. Charles, the oldest child, was the only one born in Germany.
When a young lad, Theodore Helmcamp began to assist his father on the farm, and as opportunity offered attended the pioneer schools of his district. After the death of his mother, the family was scattered, and for two or three seasons Theodore was employed in a cotton gin, driving the mule, which was the power then in use. Applying himself diligently to whatsoever work he had to do, and saving his earnings, he accumulated a considerable sum, and this he invested in a farm, which he conducted a few years. Selling out, he went to La Grange, where he tended bar for five years. He then bought land near High Hill, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1900. Buying in that year the stock, fixtures, and good will of the only saloon in High Hill, and also the building in which it was located, Mr. Helmcamp has since car- ried on a successful business as a dealer in wines and spirituous liquors of all kinds.
On March 30, 1882, Mr. Helmcamp married Elise Stuercke, who was born at High Hill, Texas, February 13, 1863. Her father, the late Paul Stuercke, was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, where he entered upon a professional life as a young man, teaching school and practicing law. Emigrating to America in 1854, he located in Texas. Times were then hard, there being very little money in circulation, and his first em- ployment here was chopping wood. He afterwards engaged in farming for a time, and subsequently resumed his professional career, for thirty- seven years having charge of the school at High Hill. He died here in 1892, loved and respected as a man and a citizen. He married Louisa Engle, who was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, came with him to Texas, and is now making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Helmcamp. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Helmcamp, seven children have been born. namely : Paul, Frederick W., R. H. Walter, Louise Scharlotte, Theodore, Dewey. and Herbert.
MRS. ZILPHA (BARNETT) GRAY, widow of the late Robert Allen Gray, is noteworthy among the respected and highly esteemed women who have spent the larger part of their lives in Caldwell county. Coming here when a girl, in pioneer times, she experienced all the trials and privations of frontier life, the discomforts of which are now largely forgotten, the present highly developed and prosperous condition of things dimming the recollections of earlier years. When she came to this part of the state, the country was in its pristine wildness, deer and buffaloes roamed unrestrained over the uncultivated fields, while from the abun- dance of wild game to be found in this vicinity the people largely sub- sisted. She has watched with both pride and pleasure the rapid growth and upbuilding of town and county, with her father and husband taking an active part in the grand transformation, and now, a woman of wealth. is living in comparative luxury and ease. A daughter of Joseph Barnett. Mrs. Gray was born, November 22, 1838, in Alabama.
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Joseph Barnett, it is supposed, was a native of Georgia, but as a young man he resided in Alabama. About 1840 he removed to Missis- sippi, locating in Kemper county, where he bought land. A man of un- doubted energy and ability, he then established a blacksmith's shop and a cotton gin, both of which he operated successfully in addition to car- rying on general farming. Disposing of all of his possessions in that state in 1848, Mr. Barnett started westward, his point of destination being Texas. Accompanied by his family, which consisted of his wife and fourteen children, together with his slaves and stock, he traveled overland for eight weeks before reaching Gonzales county, where he spent a year. Coming then to Caldwell county, he bought a tract of wild land on Plum Creek. He at once put up a small log cabin, with no floor, and in this resided for three years. In his agricultural labors he was quite successful and about 1852 he erected two log houses, bringing the boards for the floors from La Grange. For a number of years Mr. Barnett dealt extensively in stock, keeping several hundred cattle, and also became a large land holder, holding title to twenty-two hundred acres in Caldwell county. After living here many years, he moved to San Saba, where he purchased three thousand acres of land. Improving a part of it, he resided there about six years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Then, giving that ranch to one of his daughters, Mr. Bar- nett returned to his homestead in Caldwell county, and thereafter lived here until his death, at the age of seventy-four years.
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