A history of Texas and Texans, Part 148

Author: Johnson, Francis White, 1799-1884; Barker, Eugene Campbell, 1874-1956, ed; Winkler, Ernest William, 1875-1960
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 906

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His public career began with his election as county attorney of Erath county in 1888, and re-election to the office in 1890 and in 1892 gave him abundant oppor- tunities for experience in the courts and in connection with a great variety of litigation. After his six years as county attorney he made an unsuccessful race for the office of district attorney of the twenty-ninth judicial district, and then engaged in a general practice of law at Stephenville. In 1900 he was elected judge of the twenty-ninth district, and by re-election in 1904, 1908 and 1912 is now in the midst of his fourth consecutive

term. A Democrat both by training and principles, Judge Oxford in 1892 was one of the loyal supporters of James Stephen Hogg for governor against George Clark. In his politics he has always combined an un- qualified opposition to the liquor traffic in any form, and believes that the government of both state and na- tion should use its powers to prohibit the manufacture and sale of liqnor and should protect the rising genera- tion from its contaminating influence. In 1911 he went out over the state in an active campaign for the cause of state-wide prohibition, and is now supporting Tom Ball for governor on the Prohibition-Democratie ticket. In government as well as in private life he stands for good moral ideals, and believes in the rigid enforce- ment of all laws.

For more than twenty-five years Judge Oxford has heen affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, with the Knights of Pythias for more than twenty years, has been a member of the Rebekahs ten years, and of the Woodmen of the World and the Woodmen's Circle for six years. His membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, covers a period of twenty years, and Judge Oxford is a firm believer in the teach- ings of the Bible and the Christian religion. In religious matters he holds that this life is only a preparatory stage for the next, and holds that the Christian doctrine and the church are the greatest forces in the universe for the suppression and lessening of crime and for the elevation of society.

In 1883 Judge Oxford married Elizabeth B. Hale of Stephenville. She was the daughter of a poor widow, and proved a most capable and faithful wife during the twenty years of their married companionship. At her death on June 4, 1903, she left four children: Nape B., a son, born October 14, 1884; Edith, born Septem- ber 15, 1886; Ina, born in August, 1888; and Esta, boru in June, 1890, and died May 3, 1911. The other children are all living and well established in the world. On May 28, 1909, Judge Oxford married Lulu G. Dalton of Palo Pinto, who died thirty days after their marriage. On December 28, 1911, he married Myrtle Martin of Palo Pinto connty. The one son by this marriage is W. J. Oxford, Jr., born December 26, 1913.

ROBERT FULTON CAMPBELL. Until death claimed him May 24, 1905, in the sixty-ninth year of his life, Robert Fulton Campbell was one. of El Paso's citizens whose names have been most prominently associated with sterling civic qualities and large achievements in affairs. A resident of this city since the early railroad era, he had contributed mneh to the upbuilding and growth of early El Paso, and to the end of his life was not only recognized as one who had done much for the material city, but also as one whose personal character and influence were invaluable factors to the community.

Robert Fulton Campbell was born in Memphis, Ten- nessee, May 16, 1836, a son of Duncan and Nancy (Anderson) Campbell, both natives of Tennessee. The mother was descendant of an old family of that city. The father served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and then for many years was a large planter in Tennessee. In 1840 Duncan Campbell brought his wife and their son, Robert F., to Texas, locating in Bastrop county, where he bought a large amount of land and was exten- sively engaged in its cultivation up to the time of his death. He also had a large store and harness and saddlery factory at Bastrop.

Robert F. Campbell received his edneation in the country schools of Bastrop county and when he was seventeen years of age began his practical experience in the saddlery business conducted by his father. He learned all the details of the trade in making saddles and harness, and at the end of his apprenticeship found that the business was not in the line of his inclinations. He therefore directed his attention to other lines and his enterprise from that time forward was in a continu- ally larger circle and he gained a place in business affairs. From Bastrop, where he held many important political offices, often holding two and three at one time, as was permissible in those days, he moved to Austin, where he was appointed revenue collector by President Garfield. He held this position for four years, when he came to El Paso.

It was in 1882, about the time the first railroad had been built into El Paso, that Mr. Campbell located here. He was one of the early settlers, who recognized the possibilities and the almost inevitable development of this city, and fortified by that confidence he bonght a large amount of real estate which he improved and developed and a large amount of which is still owned by his family, some of it being located in the very heart of the modern city of El Paso. Mr. Campbell's fore- sight and taste in thus taking hold of a country whose value at the time was only potential must always be regarded as his chief contribution to the early develop- men't of this city. During the remaining years of his life he gave all his attention to the care and manage- ment of his realty interests in El Paso.

At the same time he manifested his splendid publie spirit by accepting various offices of responsibilities in the community and served in the office of United States revenue collector, as postmaster of El Paso and for one term as mayor. It is said that he was the only Repub- lican mayor ever elected in the state of Texas on a Republican ticket. In the early years he was the largest individual owner of real estate in the city and most of his business consisted in trading and buying and selling, but never as a broker, always dealing' for himself and with his own resources. He was a man of large acquaint- ance in public life, was an influential man in the Re- publican party and was personally acquainted with many of the leaders of the party. Among his personal friends was the late President Mckinley, and Mr. Campbell was always a welcome visitor at the White House during the administration of Mr. McKinley. Both in his private and civic life, the late Mr. Campbell manifested the best qualities of charity and was never known lo refuse aid to a worthy cause, and his name was associated with a great many movements and undertakings which were important in the institutional and benevolent life of the city. He had no affiliations with fraternities or clubs and was a devout member of the Christian church. The best qualities of his affection he reserved for his home and family and among them his memory is most secure. Mr. Campbell married Miss Thebe Irene Wallace, whose father was James P. Wallace, of Bastrop county, known as a Texas pioneer, Indian fighter and a prominent factor in state politics and official affairs. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and the five now living are mentioned as follows: Lum F., a resident of Den- ver, who married Elizabeth Cody; Adele, now a resident

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of New York City and widow of Parry Wright; Staf- ford, a resident of El Paso, who married Miss Edith Dedrick; Edgar E., of San Antonio, who was twice mar- ried, his second wife being Mrs. Flora Bugh; and Mrs. Alfred Aloe, wife of Captain Aloe of the United States army, now stationed at Galveston.

The late Mr. Campbell began life without financial aid . or influential assistance and through his own efforts created a generous prosperity for his family and used his resources for the substantial benefit of his commu- nity and humanity. His body now rests in beautiful Evergreen cemetery at El Paso. Mrs. Campbell resides in a beautiful home at 701 Masa street. The late Mr. Campbell was a member of the Texas Pioneer Society. A short time after his death the home suffered another bereavement in the death of Mr. Edgar E. Campbell's first wife. She left a beautiful baby daughter christened Irene, who was legally adopted by her grandmother, Mrs. Campbell, and in her care and companionship Mrs. Campbell has found her greatest joy, the two being in- separable in their devotion to each other.

JAMES A. DRANE. It is not often that a man goes into a community and wins personal popularity and public respect as rapidly as has James A. Drane of Pecos, Texas. He has only lived in this city a few years but he is already oue of its well known men, and in 1912 was elected to the office of county attorney. Mr. Drane has received a splendid education, is a conscientious worker and endowed with a legal cast of mind, his success was, therefore, to be expected, but that it has come so soon is owing as largely to his ability to make friends as to any of his other qualities. He has made a fine record in his present office and has won the confidence and respect of his brother lawyers as well as of the public.

James A. Drane was born in Chester, Mississippi, on the 2d of May, 1883. His father was James Drane and his mother was Belle (Hemphill) Drane. His father was also a lawyer and was a prominent member of the Mississippi bar, being a member of the Mississippi legislature just prior to his death.

Much attention was given to the education of James A. Drane and after completing his elementary education he was sent to the French Camp Academy at French Camp, Mississippi, where he received a fine literary education. He then entered the University of Missis- sippi, where he spent three years and then took the law course at Cumberland University at Lebanon, Ten- nessee, graduating with the class of 1907.

After being graduated from college he went to Okla- homa and in 1908 established himself at South Me- Alester where his 'first position was that of deputy clerk of the county court. He filled this position for a year and a half and then began the practice of law. He fol- lowed his profession for two years in South McAlester, and then removed to Kiowa, Oklahoma, where he re- mained a year, engaged in the practice of his profession. In October, 1910, he came to Pecos and became a member of the firm of Buck and Drane, and they have conducted a successful business since that time. In 1912 Mr. Drane was elected county attorney on the Democratic ticket, and he is now serving in this office. He has al- ways been an active worker in the Democratic party.

In the fraternal world Mr. Drane is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the college fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, and he is an active mem- ber of the County Bar Association.

Mr. Drane is the owner of forty acres of fine irrigable land in Reeves county, near Pecos, and here he intends to make his permanent home. He believes that Reeves county and this section of Texas has a fine future.

WILLIAM F. WEEKS. A young attorney who has made a brilliant beginning in his profession at Wichita Falls,

and whose future looks exceedingly bright to his friends, William F. Weeks belongs to one of the old families of North Texas, and has spent practically all his career in this section of the state.

William F. Weeks was born at Fort Worth, Septem- ber 13, 1888, a son of William Curtis and Ella (Potter) Weeks. Both parents were born in Texas in Cooke county, and the grandparents on both sides came to this state in the early days from Georgia. Grandfather John W. Weeks died in 1895 at the age of sixty years, and his wife was Idris Louise (Sparks) Weeks. Grandfather Captain C. C. Potter was an Indian fighter and pioneer of North and West Texas, and one of the splendid old pioneers of Cooke county. William C. Weeks, the father, has for many years been in the brick and contracting business at Arlington, and has also been prominent in the light and water works and in road building in Tarrant county and elsewhere. He served as mayor and in other public offices at Arlington, where he now resides at the age of fifty-three. The mother who was educated and was married at Bowie, Texas, died July 6, 1912, at the age of fifty-one. There were two sons and two daughters in the family, of whom the Wichita Falls lawyer was the second in order of birth. While growing up he was given the best advantages of school, and attended the Carlisle Military Academy in Austin, and White's Academic School of that city and was graduated in the law department of the University of Texas. He took his bar examination in 1908 at the age of nineteen and then went east to Yale University, where he graduated in June, 1909. With this excellent equipment for prac- tical life he returned to Texas, and opened his office in Wichita Falls, where in the past four years he has built up a good clientage and is regarded as one of the at- torneys who can best be trusted with important liti- gated interests.

Mr. Weeks is a Democrat in politics, is a member of Alpha Sigma Phi College Fraternity, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His church is the Pres- byterian. At Wichita Falls on April 14, 1910, Mr. Weeks married Miss Katherine Louise Avis, who was born in Wichita county, a daughter of J. D. and Minnie (Bush) Avis. Her parents both reside at Wichita Falls, and were old settlers of North Texas. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Weeks are: Katherine Avis Weeks, born at Wichita Falls, August 23, 1911, and Ella Potter Weeks, born January 25, 1913. Mr. Weeks and family occupy a beautiful home in Wichita Falls, and stand high in the social circles of the city. He is fond of all outdoor recreations, and is popular both in and out of his profession.

HENRY C. ZIMMER. Among the men to whom Texas has spelled success should be mentioned Henry C. Zim- mer, of Pecos, Texas. One of the oldest and best known residents of Pecos, Mr. Zimmer began his life here in a humble way, but has prospered with the growth of the town until he is now one of the influential business men of the city. He is the owner of the largest ex- elusive hardware and farm machinery business in Pecos and his success has been entirely due to his own efforts, for he came to Pecos with practically nothing.

Henry C. Zimmer was born on the 10th of January, 1864, in Saint Francis county, Missouri, the son of John and Mary Anna (Mazer) Zimmer. Both of his parents were born in Germany and were married in the old country. Upon coming to this country they located in Saint Francis county and there they lived until they died. John Zimmer was a farmer and died at the age of seventy-three years. His wife died in 1866. They reared a family of nine children and two of their sons, John and Joe, gave their lives for the cause of the Confederacy.

Henry C. Zimmer was the youngest of his parents' children and is the only one who has settled in Texas. He attended the public schools of Saint Francis county

L. Mavir Th. D.

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until he was fourteen years of age, when having been left an orphan, it was necessary for him to go to work. He first found employment in a brick yard in Saint Francis county, spending one summer in this work. He then decided that he would learn some trade and se- lected that of blacksmithing and horseshoeing. He learned this trade thoroughly at Farmington, Missouri, and at the age of twenty-one determined to go to Cali- fornia. He made the long journey but did not find the country to his liking and so started on his way back. Upon his arrival in Dallas, Texas, he determined to lo- cate here for a time and worked as a journeyman in Dallas for three years. At the end of this time, having saved his earnings, he came to Pecos, this being in 1886. Here he went into business for himself and as the years rolled by he became prominent and pros- perous. The business which he founded was a black- smithing and wagon manufacturing business and for twenty-two years he managed this with much success. During this time he was widely recognized as a man with a big store of common sense and with an especial adaptability for public affairs. Consequently he was placed in public offices many times and would still be serving in office, very likely, were it not that he refused to accept any more political honors. In 1909 he sold the business which had won him prosperity and in April of that year he opened a general hardware store on the best corner of the main business street of Pecos. This business has been very successful and Mr. Zim- mer carries a modern and well selected stock.

Mr. Zimmer owns large real estate interests in Pecos and his own home should be included among these.

In politics Mr. Zimmer is a member of the Republi- can party. He has held the office of county commis- sioner for three terms, and that of justice of the peace for one term, but his work during his five years as mayor of Pecos brought him the most renown in a po- litical way, for he was one of the best executive officers that Pecos has ever had.

Mr. Zimmer is a member of the Homesteaders and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Woodmen of the World. In religious matters he is a member of the Roman Catholic church.

On the 5th of April, 1891, Mr. Zimmer was married to Miss Fannie Mitchell, who was born in Wise county, Texas, the daughter of Mark and Eliza (Pope) Mitchell. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer. Anna and Frances, who are twins, Elizabeth and Ethel. Anna is a teacher in the public schools of Pecos, Frances is a bookkeeper and stenographer and assists her father in his business, Elizabeth is also a stenographer and Ethel is still in school.

HON. T. J. . HEFNER. One of the most prominent lawyers and influential men of western Texas is Judge T. J. Hefner, of Pecos. He has been engaged in the practice of law for many years in this section of the state, and has not only gained a reputation for being one of the most successful attorneys in the district, but also for being one of the most upright and distinguished citizens this section of the state may claim. He is him- self a native of Texas and practically his whole life has been given to the study and administration of her laws. He is widely respected and liked and with his splendid character and broad intellect he has ever been a good influence in the life of the town.

T. J. Hefner was born near Lagrange, in Fayette county, Texas, on the 29th of April, 1858. His father was Balser Hefner, and he was born in Virginia. He married Cynthia Dixon Slack, who was a native of Texas and in the early fifties settled in Fayette county, Texas. Here he became a stock raiser and farmer and was also the owner of a prosperous mill. During the Civil war Balser Hefner served in the Confederate army, serving most of the time in Galveston. He died at the age of sixty-nine, in Weimer, Colorado county, Texas. His Vol. IV-31

wife now resides in Weimer, with a son and daughter, having reached the age of seventy-five years.

Nine children were born to Balser Hefner and his wife, two of whom are deceased. Of these children Judge Hefner is the eldest. William J. Hefner, the next son, is a prominent merchant and banker in El Campo, Texas. Jennie Hefner married James H. Gil- lespie, who is a man prominent throughout the state. They now reside in Dallas, and Mr. Gillespie was for many years superintendent of the deaf and dumb asylum at Austin. Mary is now the wife of George Herder, a leading merchant of Weimer, Texas. Lorena is Mrs. James Halloway, her husband being a merchant in Waco, Texas. Samuel Hefner is a prominent farmer and stock man of Dewitt, Texas. Maud Hefner and Balser Hef- ner reside with their mother in Weimer. Emma Hefner is now Mrs. Wolf of Houston, Texas.

Judge Hefner received his early education in the pub- lie schools of Fayette county, Texas, and was then sent to Trinity University. He left the university when he was twenty-two years of age and his first work was as a school teacher. He taught school in Hunt, Lavaca, Eastland and Stephens counties, remaining a year in each county. He did not, however, intend to make pedagogy his life work and as soon as he left the university he began to spend all of his spare time delving into law books. He saved what money he could during his years as a teacher and at the end of this time he entered the law offices of Timmins and Brown in Lagrange, Texas. Here he spent one year in study and in 1885 was admitted to the bar.

In the fall of 1885 Mr. Hefner began the practice of his profession in Pecos, then one of the frontier towns of the state. He has been in active practice in Reeves county ever since that time but his practice has not been confined to one county, but has extended over this whole western section of Texas. For fourteen years he served Reeves county as county judge and for three terms he was county attorney for this same county. His entire time has been given to his profession and neither polities nor business have interested him. Four years ago Judge Hefner met with a serious accident which has necessitated his taking care of himself and part of the time he is compelled to remain at home. This would be a great hardship for so active and energetic a man as the judge were it not that he has a delightful family and also a fine library in which he delights to spend his leisure time among his books.

In politics Judge Hefner is a member of the Demo- cratic party and in religious matters both the judge and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He be- longs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being a Royal Arch Mason, and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

On Christmas Day, 1883, Judge Hefner was married to Miss Ann Eliza Morgan, who was a native of Colo- rado, Texas. She is the daughter of William I. and Sallie (Holman) Morgan, both of whom are natives of Alabama. Mr. Morgan is a prominent farmer and stock- man, and her parents were pioneers of Texas. Nine children have been born to Judge and Mrs. Hefner, of whom one is deceased. Ettie May, the eldest, is the widow of Whalen Medaris and now makes her home in Pecos. Clara married Joseph A. Dean and lives in Deming, New Mexico. Thomas C. Hefner is employed in a clerical capacity in a wholesale grocery house in Dallas. Robert L., of Deming, New Mexico, Charles N., George Burette, Wycliffe, and Balser Dixon, all live in Pecos with their parents.

LLEWELLYN COONS, M. D. In the medical fraternity of Wichita Falls, only one other physician has been longer in practice in the city than Dr. Coons, but from point of time engaged in the profession he is the dean of the local doctors, having been practicing medicine for forty-five years, twenty-five years in Fayette county,

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Kentucky, and in Wichita Falls since 1892, the oldest practicing physician in this city. His standing and success as a physician and surgeon have been propor- . tionate to the length of his activities.

Dr. Coons was born at Lexington, Kentucky, May 27, 1847, the youngest of seven children born to George W. and Evelina (Johnson) Coons. His father, a native of Kentucky and a son of Joshua Coons, who was a pioneer farmer and a large slaveholder, died in 1889 at the age of seventy years. He was a Democrat in political faith and a Baptist. The mother was born in Virginia, a daughter of John J. Johnson, of Culpepper county, Vir- ginia, and an early settler of Kentucky where he was a planter and large owner of slaves. The mother died in 1866, and has seven sons. The paternal ancestry of Dr. Coons came from Germany before the Revolutionary war and on the maternal side he is a descendant of an English family.

In his native county of Kentucky he attended the common schools and completed his education at the University of Louisville where he graduated in medicine in 1867. He as once took up active practice near Lex- ington and remained there until 1892, in which year he removed to Wichita Falls, Texas, where he is now the second oldest physician in the city. He has general practice and is regarded as one of the men of excep- tional ability. He has for the past twelve years served as an United States pension examiner, and for many years served as city and county health officer. Dr. Coons has membership in the county and state medical society, having served as president of the County Society. He is assistant surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, and is chief examiner for a large number of old-line insurance companies. In polities he is a Dem- ocrat, and fraternally is affiliated with the Blue Lodge of Masonry, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Baptist church. Dr. Coons had assistance from his father while attending school in his native state, but since leaving home has depended always upon his own efforts and ability. He believes Wichita Falls has a finer future than any city in Texas, and is glad to co-operate with any movement for the improvement of this commercial center.

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A history of Texas and Texans, Part 148

Author: Johnson, Francis White, 1799-1884; Barker, Eugene Campbell, 1874-1956, ed; Winkler, Ernest William, 1875-1960 Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society Number of Pages: 906

Author: Johnson, Francis White, 1799-1884; Barker, Eugene Campbell, 1874-1956, ed; Winkler, Ernest William, 1875-1960
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago, American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 906