A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume I, Part 79

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co.
Number of Pages: 968

USA > Texas > A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume I > Part 79

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Dr. Schuster married Miss E. Moskovits. They have .wo sons and two daughters.

HON. ROBERT L. CABLE, representing his district in the twenty-ninth general assembly of Texas in 1904 and 1905, figures prominently in political and agricultural circles in Montague county, his genuine worth being widely acknowl- edged by his fellow men, who recognize his de- votion to the welfare of the state and his active and effective service in behalf of the general good. He was born in Wataga county, North Carolina, on the 8th of October, 1867, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His parents, Casper T. and Lucinda (Hamby) Cable, were natives of Tennessee and the paternal grand- father, likewise born in that state, was of German and English descent. He successfully and capa- bly managed his farming interests and died in Tennessee. His children were: Clabe, who re- mained a resident of North Carolina; Benjamin, and Casper T.

Casper T. Cable was born and reared in, Ten- nessee and after arriving at years of maturity was married there to Miss Lucinda Hamby, who was descended from an honored old southern family, the Hambys being widely known and highly respected. She had one brother, Thomas Hamby, who died in Dallas county, Texas. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Casper Cable settled upon a farm, where they remained until after the close of the Civil war. Mr. Cable was a strong advocate of the secession movement and exerted his influence and energies in behalf of the Confederate cause. Being a cripple, how- ever, he could not carry arms upon the field of battle, but he acted with the Home Guards and in many other ways did useful service for the Confederacy. After the close of hostilities he exchanged his farm in Tennessee for a tract of land in North Carolina, to which he removed.

His place in Tennessee had greatly depreciated in value because of the ravages of war and he hoped to gain a new start in North Carolina, nor was he disappointed in this, for he met with a fair measure of success during the years of his residence in that state. In the fall of 1878, how- ever, he sold out there and came to Texas, set- tling first in Tarrant county, where he raised a crop. He then bought a farm in Clay county, to which he removed, residing thereon for two years, when he sold out, and in 1881 bought land in Montague county, upon which he took up his abode, making it his place of residence until the time of his death, which occurred in 1891, when he was seventy-two years of age. He had made excellent improvements upon the home farm and was quite successful in his agricultural pursuits, devoting his attention to the tilling of soil and the raising of crops. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy and he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, while both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. She survived him but a short period, also passing away in 1891. In the family of this worthy couple were eleven children: Jacob, who died in 1884, leaving a wife and six children ; Thomas, who resides in Oklahoma; Samuel, also living in that territory; Joseph, a farmer of Montague county; Roby, who is living in the Creek Nation in Indian Territory; Robert L .; Henry, whose home is in the Chickasaw Nation ; Adam, living in the Creek Nation; Matilda, the wife of L. Cable ; Mary, the wife of R. Anthony ; and Nancy, the wife of J. W. Cook. All re- mained at home until they attained their majority and all are yet living, with the exception of Jacob and Matilda.

Robert L. Cable accompanied his parents on their various removals until the family home was established in Montague county. Here he was reared to manhood and yet resides upon the old homestead, which is situated six miles south of Saint Jo. He employs a good man to care for the place, while he merely gives his supervision to the farm. He received a liberal elementary education and he gives much of his time to read- ing, keeping well informed on questions of state

R.L. bable

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

and national importance of the present time and also studying the history of the country in past years. He is thoroughly informed concerning the annals of Texas and believes that the state has a bright future before it, for he recognizes its possibilities and opportunities. He has util- ized much of his time in promulgating his ideas and his knowledge concerning a progressive, yet safe and conservative, policy in the administra- tion of the affairs of the state. He has always ta- ken an active interest in the Democratic party and has used his influence to promote its growth and insure its success. Upon its ticket he was made a candidate for the legislature and being elected served during the session of 1904 and 1905. While a member of the house he took an active and helpful part in much constructive legislation and did conspicuous and valuable service as a member of the committee on revenue and taxa- tion and also of the committees on agriculture and roads and bridges. He introduced a number of important bills including the anti-free pass bill. He worked earnestly for every measure which he believed would prove of benefit to the state, acquitting himself with credit and making a record entirely satisfactory to his constituents. He is today regarded as one of the prominent, honored and influential residents of Montague county, his business interests and his activity in public life making him a valued resident of this community.

THE ALBERT BALDWIN SANATORI- UM AND HEALTH RESORT, a splendid institution of El Paso, was built by David G. Baldwin and named in honor of his father, Albert Baldwin, of New Orleans. The building has been recently completed and equipped and was opened for occupancy in 1906. It meets a want of the medical fraternity and is conducted in accord- ance with a high standard of professional ethics and long lines of most modern scientific prac- tic ..

David G. Baldwin, the founder of this insti- tution, is a native of New Orleans, born Novem- ber 28, 1868, and a son of Albert and Arthemise (Bouligny) Baldwin. The father was born at

Watertown, Massachusetts, of New England an- cestry, and made his way to New Orleans before 'the war in the '50s. He came of a family noted for excellent business discernment and commer- cial acumen and he soon became a prominent figure in commercial circles of New Orleans. For many years he was regarded as one of the lead- 'ing and influential residents of that city, with a · wide acquaintance throughout the south, and his name was known in trade circles for and wide as the head of the great wholesale firm of A. Baldwin & Company, Limited. He was like- wise president of the New Orleans National Bank and his financial interests and investments extended to many other enterprises of the Cres- cent city, including the Times Democrat, the leading. daily newspaper of New Orleans. Alert and enterprising, he carried forward to success- ful completion whatever he undertook and seemed to realize at any one point in his career the possibilities, for successful accomplishment at that point. Moreover, his name was a syn- onym for business integrity and honor above re- proach and his career commanded the respect, while it excited the admiration of his contem- poraries. For many years he was the president of the Carnival Court, the most prominent or- ganization of the Madri Gras celebrations of the Crescent city. About 1900 he retired from ac- tive participation in nearly all of those interests save that he still retains the presidency of the New Orleans National Bank. He has long been a prominent figure in the promotion of the best civic interests, a stalwart champion of the pub- lic school system and a co-operant factor in many measures and movements which have led to ma- terial development, intellectual growth and aes- thetic and moral culture. He has attained the highest rank in Masonry, the thirty-third degree having been conferred upon him. His wife is connected with many of the most prominent French Creole families of New Orleans and was born in that city.

David G. Baldwin, after completing his edu- cation, entered his father's bank and was con- nected continuously with banking operations in New Orleans for seventeen years. During the

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

Mckinley administration he was appointed post- master of that city and was re-appointed by Pres- ident Roosevelt, but served for only a short time under the present chief executive, resigning on account of failing health. He then sought a more congenial climate and in 1903 located in El Paso. He was so greatly benefited by the change that he determined to establish his per- manent home here and to build a great sanator- ium that others might enjoy the benefits of the salubrious climate of this city under favorable conditions for the restoration of health and strength. This Mr. Baldwin has done, naming the institution in honor of his father. The geo- graphical location of this splendid hospital and sanatorium is unique and most favorable, being unequaled by anything of similar character near- er than Los Angeles or Denver, Colorado. Its purpose is to supply medical and surgical treat- ment for all classes of diseases. The climate is particularly favorable for tubercular patients and special attention is paid to this feature, stress being laid upon the fact, however, that patients suffering from tuberculosis are received into quarters separate and distinct from the main building, a system of comfortable and home-like cottages being arranged for their special benefit. Along modern and successful methods of treat- ment for this disease, the patients are receiving the care needed with the outdoor life, the sun- shine, the fresh air, nourishing food and genial and healthful surroundings in the midst of a climate said by experts to be as nearly perfect as possible for pulmonary troubles.

The sanatorium stands at the edge of High- land Park, the eastern addition to the city of El Paso, on the foot hills, about a mile and a half from the center of the city, with excellent street car facilities connecting it with the busi- ness district. In the rear rises historic Mount Franklin, reaching an altitude of over seven thousand feet. The selection of this location for the sanatorium was the result of much study and among other advantageous features is the fact' that it is situated in a sort of atmospheric cone, caused probably by the contiguous mountain, whereby it remains free from the annoyance of

dust during the usual dust storms that visit this locality during the three spring months. The mountain also protects the premises from disa- greeable and annoying winds of all kinds, leav- ing it in a flood of warm sunshine, as it faces the south, far above the city, free from all smoke and impurities in the air and looking down from a distance over the beautiful Rio Grande valley, thus making a unique, picturesque and ideal lo- cation where the purest air is breathed. The al- titude of the Baldwin sanatorium is thirty-eight hundred feet.

The following facts and figures, taken from United States statistics, though general in in- formation, are particularly apropos in this con- nection :

Location : El Paso is located most fortunately and also has the advantage of nine railroads, six of which are trunk lines, consequently can be reached from any point on the con- tinent.

Comparative Elevation of El Paso with other points shows El Paso to be just the proper elevation as shown by the following table : Santa Fe, 7,000 ft .; Colorado Springs, 6,098; Silver City, 5,800; Denver, 5,200; Albuquerque, 5,200; Las Vegas, 5,200; El Paso. 3.767 ; Tucson, 2,300; Phoenix, 1, 100; S. Antonio, 704 : L. Angeles, 330.

Comparative Humidity of El Paso is the least of any other as is shown by the following table: San Francisco, 82% ; Chicago, 80% ; Des Moines, 79% : New Orleans, 75% : St. Louis, 72.5% ; San Diego, 71% ; New York, 70% : Los Angeles, 70% ; Indianapolis, 69.5% : San Antonio, 68% ; Denver, 48% ; Tucson, 38%; Phoenix, 38% ; El Paso, 37%.

Comparative Sun-Shine. El Paso has the largest per cent as is shown by the following table : San Antonio, 64% ; Denver, 71% ; Chicago, 53%: Indianapolis, 54%; Portland, 41% ; San Francisco, 58% ; Los Angeles, 74%; Kansas City, 56% ; St. Louis, 63% ; New York City, 59%, and El Paso, 84%.

Comparative Cloudy Days. El Paso has less in number during the year, as is evidenced by

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

the following table: New York, 118 days; St. Louis, 117 days ; Albuquerque, 117; Des Moines, 104; Kansas City, III; Chicago, 106; San Antonio, 92.7 ; Santa Fe, 63 ; Den- ver, 60; Los Vegas, 46; Los Angeles, 42; and El Paso, 39.

Comparative Rain-Fall is shown by the follow- ing table, which shows El Paso with one ex- ception to have the least : Chicago, 51 inches; Asheville, N. C., 41.9 inches; San Antonio, 23.8 inches; Santa Fe, 17 inches ; Roswell, 17 inches; Los Angeles, 16.9 inches; Denver, 12.5 inches; Colorado Springs, 12.4 inches; Tucson, 10.2 inches ; Albuquerque, 10 inches; Las Vegas, 9.5 inches; El Paso, 8.1 inches; and Phoenix, 7.3 inches.

The sanatorium building is a three-story- struc- ture with one hundred and fifty-nine feet south front, one hundred and twenty-nine feet east front and one hundred and eleven feet west front. It is beautiful in design, of Spanish Mis- sion architecture, white salicious Arizona stone, complete and convenient in arrangement, pro- vided with hot, cold plunge, steam, shower, and needle baths, complete water connections in ev- ery room with stationary sanitary washstand, sanitary toilet connections on every floor, din- ing, massage, operating and sterilizing rooms fully equipped, sun rooms, steam heated through- out, every room being an outside room and open- ing on porches or covered verandas, thus afford- ing an abundance of sunshine and fresh air, there being extensive cement porches or verandas on all sides, covering a floor space of eight thousand eight hundred square feet, electric lights, gas, phone and call bell in every room, and having a long-distance phone connection.

The most capable and distinguished medical and surgical practitioners are in attendance, to- gether with experienced nurses and a nurses' training school is maintained in connection with the institution. All the modern surgical appa- ratus and equipments for the operating and an- aesthetic rooms have been supplied and there is complete sterilization facilities, all modern ap- pliances, especially for baths and all equipments

for various kinds of electrical treatment, mas- sage, hydro-therapy baths and sun rooms.

Particular attention has been paid to ventilation and the sanitary features of the institution and the back-vented plumbing system has been in- stalled. There is a scientific dietary department for the serving of the most nourishing and palatable foods and the hygienic arrangements throughout are of the best. The sanatorium is built on a large and generous scale, affording every oppor- tunity `for the pleasure and enjoyment and the well being of the patients in every stage. The co-operation of the leading scientists and physi- cians of this and other states has been secured in the maintenance of the sanatorium and hos- pital and although recently established the san- atorium . is already an institution of which El Paso has every reason to be proud. Mesa water is used, obtained from the wells of the institu- tion, thus escaping the possible contamination of city pipes. Everything is done in full accord with the latest medical and scientific research without regard to cost, and ethical principles are insisted upon in transactions with patients com- ing to the institution.

Mr. Baldwin was married in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 9, 1890, to Miss Mathilde Seipas, and they have four children: Cuthbert, David G., Jr., Lawrence Jacob, and Mathilde Marguerite.

PARK W. PITMAN. On the roster of county officials in El Paso county appears the name of Park W. Pitman, who is now filling the office of county clerk. He was born at Gales- burg, Knox county, Illinois, July 18, 1861, his parents being John W. and Nancy Ann (Haley) Pitman. The father, a prominent lawyer, is a native of Kentucky, related to the Kinkaid fam- ily of that state. In 1863 he removed from Galesburg to Havana, Mason county, Illinois, where he is still engaged in the active practice of his profession. He has been associated with many of the prominent men of his adopted state, particularly in the Democratic party, including John M. Palmer and other illustrious leaders of Democracy there. His wife, also a native of

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

Kentucky, is a direct descendant of the major in the continental army who did valiant service for the cause of independence and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Her death occurred in Havana in 1870. It was in the maternal line that Mr. Pitman is des- cended from Revolutionary ancestry and he is now secretary and treasurer of the local society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Park W. Pitman was but two years of age when his parents removed to Havana, Illinois, where he was reared, being recognized there as a hard-working and studious youth who always stood at the head of his classes. He passed through successive grades of the public schools of Havana and upon graduation from the high school with the class of June, 1879, entered Lin- coln University, where he was a student for three years. While still pursuing his education he devoted his leisure hours and the periods of vacation to farm work, driving a team on rail- road work or to any employment that would yield him an honest living. When his university course was completed he went to Chicago and secured a clerkship in the general offices of the Wabash Railroad Company, there remaining for four years. It was in March, 1886, that Mr. Pitman arrived in El Paso and for two years he was employed as a brick maker of this city. He afterward worked for three years as bookkeeper for P. E. Kern, the jeweler, and for Charles Merrick, a clothier, remaining in the latter ser- vice as bookkeeper for a number of years. He has always been an earnest advocate of Dem- ocratic principles and a helpful worker in the local ranks of the party, and in 1896 he was nominated and elected county clerk, to which po- sition he was re-elected at each biennial election to the present time, so that his incumbency cov- ers an entire decade.

Mr. Pitman was married in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Miss Nancy Chick, and they have three children : Ann Elizabeth, Mary Chick and Park W. Mr. Pitman is recognized as one of the public-spirited citizens who have given efficient aid in the upbuilding of El Paso city and county and as an official he has made a record that is

above question, being characterized by prompt- ness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties.

MORRIS B. PARKER, of the firm of Parker & Parker, mining and consulting engineers of El Paso, is one of the more recent acquisitions to the life of this city, but has gained favorable regard as a representative of mining interests. He was born at Penn Yan, Yates county, New York, as was also his brother, James H. Parker, who is his partner. These gentlemen both re- ceived thorough literary, scientific and technical training preparatory to the practice of their pro- fession as mining and consulting engineers. Morris B. Parker studied at Colorado College in Colorado Springs and completed his mining engineering course in the Missouri School of Mines, at Rolla, Missouri. James H. Parker was a graduate of the College of Mines at Golden, Colorado, and of the mining engineering depart- ment of the Columbia College in New York City. Since finishing their education these brothers have lived in the west, or more particu- larly in the southwest mining country and have been identified with its interests in this direc- tion since 1882, hence are thoroughly familiar with all of its phases.

For four years Morris B. Parker was mining superintendent of the Candelaria Mining Com- pany, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was also mining superintendent for the copper mines of Phelps, Dodge & Company in Sonora, Mexico, this com- pany being the great copper mine owners of Arizona and Old Mexico. In October, 1903, the brothers located permanently in El Paso as mining and consulting engineers under the firm style of Parker & Parker. They act as consult- ing engineers for different companies operating in the mining country tributary to El Paso and also handle mining propositions and invest- ments for eastern investors. In addition to this they operate mines of their own, having a placer gold proposition at Shandown, Mexico, a gold proposition in Sonora, Mexico, and a copper proposition in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Morris B. Parker is president of the Inter- national Miners' Association of El Paso, Texas,

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HISTORY OF NORTH AND WEST TEXAS.

an organization composed largely of mining en- gineers and mine owners, with its membership roll showing the names of bankers and promi -. nent business men of El Paso, the Southwest and Mexico.

THAD S. HARRISON is descended from an honored pioneer family of Texas and is now the head of the firm of Harrison & Bergeman, mer- chants, millers and grain shippers of Myra. He also has an elevator there and is proprietor of a hotel and livery business. He was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, May 9, 1845, and was reared to farm work, pursuing his education in the common schools. Although his advantages were somewhat limited in that direction, he has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. His parents were Alford C. . and Orpha L. (Eagan) Harrison, both of whom were natives of Limestone county, Alabama, but they were married in Missouri. The paternal grand- father was a native of Ireland and became a pioneer settler of Alabama, where he purchased land and improved a farm, remaining there for a number of years. He afterward became a pioneer settler of Missouri, where he developed a good farm which he conducted successfully until late in life, when he retired from active business cares and took up his abode in Warrens- burg, enjoying a well earned rest there until called to his final home. Politically he was a stanch Whig. His children were: Henry, Joe, Jess, Alford and James. All settled in Missouri.

Alford Harrison went to Missouri in early manhood and settled upon a farm, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits there until 1856, when he removed to Fannin county, Texas. There he bought land and improved a large farm, giving his' attention to the tilling of the soil and also raising and handling stock. Both branches of his business proved profitable. Dur- ing the time of the Civil war he was drafted into the Confederate army in the state service and his military duty was all in Texas, mostly en- gaged in defending the border in the western part of the state and also on the Rio Grande river. He continued in active service for

eighteen months and near the close of the war was sent to a hospital because of disability. Soon afterward he was discharged and returned home. He then resumed farming and in 1866 he sold the place upon which his family had lived during the period of the war. He then purchased other land and improved a second farm upon which he' spent his remaining days, passing away in 1896 at the age of seventy-four years. In poli- tics he was a Republican and he was appointed by the provisional governor during the recon- struction period as a deputy sheriff of Fannin county, discharging his duties through one term with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He never aspired to office, how- ever, but preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business interests. He had been a sol- dier in the Mexican war and in recognition of his aid was granted a pension by the government during his later years. His unquestioned integ- rity and genuine personal worth won him the respect and good will of his fellow men. His wife passed away in 1890 at the age of sixty- eight years. She was a daughter of a native of Scotland, who became one of the early settlers of Alabama, where he reared his family and car- ried on agricultural pursuits with good success. His children were : Orpha L., who became Mrs. Harrison; Lewis; John; James; Susan; Mis- souri ; Mary ; Eliza ; and Jane. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were born six children : Thad S., of this review ; Harriet, who died in childhood; Theo- dore, of Navarro county, Texas; Minerva, the wife of S. Story; Theressa, the wife of John Wade; and Sallie, the wife of Sid Reeve.

Thad S. Harrison, born in Missouri, came to Texas with his parents when eleven years of age and was reared to manhood in this state. He remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, when he became a cowboy in the employ of James Dumas, who went to Western Texas and established his ranch on the Big Wichita river in Clay county, where he remained until 1861. He then enlisted in the Confederate service as a member of Jack Marshall's squad- ron and went into camp at Fort Wichita, in the Indian Territory, where the troops were drilled

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of north and west Texas, Volume I, Part 79

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co. Number of Pages: 968

Author: Paddock, B. B. (Buckley B.), 1844-1922; Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing co.
Number of Pages: 968