USA > Texas > Tarrant County > Fort Worth > History of Texas : Fort Worth and the Texas northwest edition, Volume II > Part 27
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The aviation construction program at Fort Worth was probably the greatest in the entire country with the exception of San Antonio. Three regulation aviation fields were located in the proximity of this city. The first field, originally known as Hicks Aviation field and later
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changed to Talliaferro field, was located on the Forth Worth and Den- ver Railroad, nine miles north of Fort Worth, at a station known as Hicks. This field consisted of 688 acres and was considered one of the best flying fields in the entire country. The second field was located on the International & Great Northern Railway, nine miles southwest of Fort Worth, near Everman. This field was originally known as the Everman field but later changed to Barron field, and consisted of 633 acres.
The third field was located six miles west of Forth Worth, on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, near Benbrook. This field was originally called Rall field but later changed to Carruthers field.
These fields were provided by the Chamber of Commerce at a rental of approximately six dollars per acre per annum, which was in one instance less than one-half the actual amount in rental that the Chamber of Commerce was obliged to pay for same.
Railroad and telephone connection and good roads to the several fields were provided by the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these three Aviation fields the Chamber of Commerce provided some three or four
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additional tracts of land, which were used as special training areas. located adjacent to the several Aviation fields. One such area was the Aerial Gunnery range at Hicks, adjacent to Talliaferro field. This range consisted approximately of 11,000 acres and was used as a Target train- ing area, being the only one of its kind in the Middle West.
The construction of these fields began about August 1, 1917, and were occupied about the first of October. The total cost of these fields was estimated at three and one-half million dollars. On the completion of these fields the British Government transferred from Canada its Avia- tion training to Fort Worth. Major General Hoare was in command. Approximately 3,000 Canadian aviators were trained at these fields in addition to a large number of American aviators, who were placed under the direction of the British officers for military training.
About April 1, 1918, the British aviators returned to Canada and the fields were occupied by American aviators under the command of Col. David Roscoe. Approximately 5,000 American aviators were in con- stant training at these three fields.
At the conclusion of the war these fields were abandoned by the Gov- vernment and sold at public auction.
The Government located at Fort Worth, about three miles north of the city, the Argon Gas Plant, at an added cost of approximately $500,- 000, and connected it by a 12-inch gas main to the Petrolia Gas Fields at an added cost of $1,500,000. This plant manufactured helium gas for balloons. This gas was a closely guarded secret and even the people of Fort Worth scarcely knew that the plant was located so near the city. The great value of the gas is that it is not inflammable and hence it was of great military importance.
The Army Camp Cantonment area after its dismantlement was rapidly built up as a fashionable residence section. The water and sewer lines. hard surface roads, excellent street car facilities, which were placed there for the benefit of the camp, afforded immediate inducements to the owners of the land to build residences.
The activities of the citizens of Fort Worth in war work was no less extensive than in their co-operation with the Government in providing facilities for the training of troops. The various quotas assigned to the citizens as subscriptions to Liberty Loan Campaigns, Red Cross, United War Activities, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A .. War Saving Stamps and the like were all promptly sub- scribed and in every instance over-subscribed.
The method of subscribing the Liberty Loans quota was unique enough to mention here, and will likewise serve as an illustration of the loyalty and Americanism of its people. At the beginning of every Lib- erty Loan drive a dinner was served at the Metropolitan Hotel by the Chamber of Commerce, to which the public was invited. At this dinner the allotment of Fort Worth was explained and the people were called upon to subscribe. In most cases every citizen present, and there were usually some four or five hundred, arose in his turn and announced the amount of his subscription before the gathering and it was very seldom that any man went away from the dining-room that evening that had not subscribed. This method of raising war funds was adopted in raising the quotas of all war drives.
CHAPTER LIII
"There is properly no history, only biography."-Emerson.
"Biography is the most universally pleasant, universally profitable, of all reading."-Carlyle.
"As it often happens that the best men are but little known, and con- sequently cannot extend the usefulness of their example."-Fielding.
The following biographical sketches are of men who came to Fort Worth when it first attracted general notice, and who aided by their work and money to lay the foundation of the city-and most of whom have answered the last "roll call."
It is considered appropriate that this record should be made of their activities, their public spirit and generous contribution to the upbuilding of the city.
It is a matter of regret that they could not have lived to witness the consummation of their efforts, hopes and aspirations.
JOHN PETER SMITH
Among the many progressive public spirited citizens of Fort Worth who assisted in laying the foundation for its present prosperity, Col. John Peter Smith stands pre-eminent. In all its history Fort Worth has not had a citizen more enthusiastically devoted to its material welfare than he. He contributed liberally to every public enterprise and was always ready to assist every worthy individual even to the extent of his personal financial embarrassment.
Coming to Fort Worth in 1853, he acquired a considerable amount of lands in the city and county when it was comparatively cheap, and its increase in value brought him a considerable fortune for that time. He was of a generous disposition and never knew how to say no to anyone who solicited pecuniary aid. He went on every man's bond and signed every man's note who applied to him for financial assistance.
Colonel Smith was born in Owen County, Kentucky, September 16. 1831. He was raised on a farm and after the deaths of his father and mother, in 1844, went to live with his cousin, W. H. Garnett, of Owen County, whom he selected as his guardian. Here he worked on the farm, attending school during the winter months. His guardian kept him in the best schools in the neighborhood and in 1849 entered him in Franklin College, Indiana, where he remained ten months. In September, 1850. he went to Bethany College, Virginia, where he remained for three years. Sharing the honors of his classes in ancient languages and mathematics, he graduated from Bethany with the class of 1853, and in July of that year returned to his home in Kentucky. He left Kentucky in November. 1853, for Texas. He visited Fort Worth and was so fascinated with the beauty of the place and surrounding country that he determined to make it his future home.
In January, 1854, he opened the first school taught in Fort Worth but after three years he closed it on account of failing health. He needed outdoor employment and a more active life than the school afforded and
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turned his attention to surveying, an occupation which he pursued at intervals until the year 1860. While engaged in surveying he also read law, and without attending any law school was admitted to the bar and was a successful practitioner in the city and Federal courts.
In 1861 he opposed a vote against secession but, when war was de- clared, deemed his allegiance due first to his state and her people. He enlisted in the Confederate Army and served until the close of the war. He assisted in raising a company of 120 men in Tarrant County, and with them was mustered into service at San Antonio as Company K. Seventh Texas Cavalry, which served during the war in New Mexico and Western Louisiana. He participated in the principal engagements of the Army of West Louisiana, was at the capture of Galveston from the Federal forces in January, 1863, was severely wounded June 23, 1863. near Donaldsonville and slightly wounded at the battle of Mansfield, Louisiana.
In 1864 he was promoted to the rank of colonel of his regiment, which position he held until the close of the war, when he disbanded his regiment on the Trinity River in Navarro County in May, 1865. He returned to Fort Worth and resumed the practice of law in association with Judge H. G. Hendricks. In 1874 he joined Major K. M. Van Zandt and J. J. Jarvis in the purchase of the interest of James B. Wilson in the banking firm of Tidball & Wilson, and participated in the organ- ization of the firm, Tidball, Van Zandt & Co., which firm was finally merged into the Fort Worth National Bank.
Colonel Smith was a charter member and the first secretary of Fort Worth Lodge No. 148, A. F. & A. M. He was never a candidate for any political office except that of mayor of Fort Worth, which office he held for two terms.
He was married in Tarrant County, Texas, October 16, 1867, to Mary E. Fox, widow of Dr. F. A. Fox, of Mississippi. They had four chil- dren, James Young, Peter, Florence and William Beall. Both Colonel Smith and his wife were earnest working members of the Christian Church and were liberal contributors to church charities and enterprises.
Colonel Smith was the promoter and owner of the first gas works in the city, a charter member and part owner of the first street railway, a large stockholder in the El Paso Hotel, the first hostelry of any impor- tance in the city, a director of the Fort Worth National Bank and many other industrial and commercial enterprises.
Colonel Smith died in St. Louis on April 11, 1902. A number of the early settlers of the city raised a fund for the erection of a simple monu- ment to his memory, which stands opposite the City Hall, at the inter- section of Jennings Avenue, Throckmorton and Tenth streets.
WALTER A. HUFFMAN
One of the early citizens of the city worthy of mention in this chapter is the subject of this sketch. Unfortunately he has no descendants living in the city from whom his activities and achievements can be obtained. His widow and son now live in Siam.
He was a man of great energy and activity. He was engaged in the agricultural implement business in the early days, but this field afforded
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him limited scope for his activities, and he disposed of his holdings and engaged in larger enterprises. He acquired the Street Railway on Main Street and extended it for many miles across the river to the North Side. Under his direction the city of Fort Worth was the first in the United States to be equipped with electricity. In this connection he acquired large land holdings on the North Side.
He owned large real estate holdings in the city and erected many sub- stantial business houses on Main Street and other parts of the city. He was a liberal contributor to every public enterprise calculated to promote the interests of the city.
These extensive operations necessitated the borrowing of large sums of money, and the panic of 1893 was his undoing. Being in feeble health at the time, he was unable to give that personal attention to his affairs that their importance demanded. He died in Chicago. Had he lived and retained his health and vigor he could have weathered the storm and amassed a large fortune.
He is remembered with high regard by all who knew him.
JOSEPH H. BROWN
Among the many who contributed of their time, talent and money to laying the foundation of this city was the subject of this sketch. He was born in Scotland, November 22, 1842, the son of J. William Brown, a grain merchant. He received his education at Dundee. In 1859 he came to America and located in Chicago, where he was a clerk for James Duffee, a cigar and tobacco merchant, until 1863, when he engaged in business on his own account. From there he went to Fort Scott, Kansas, where he remained till 1873, when he came to Fort Worth and estab- lished a retail grocery store, which grew and prospered until it developed into the largest wholesale grocery establishment south of St. Louis at that time ; and his name, as a business man, became known and honored over the northwestern part of Texas.
He was a liberal contributor to every enterprise for the promotion of his city ; he never thought how small a contribution he could make but what was his share.
He was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Mary Oliver, who died in Fort Worth. He was married a second time, to Nellie M. Chick. of St. Louis, a daughter of W. H. Chick, a wholesale grocer of that city.
He had three brothers, George, James and William, the latter of whom still resides in Fort Worth.
He died in December, 1890.
WILLIAM HENRY DAVIS
William Henry Davis was born in Mecklenburg County, Kentucky, September 13, 1820.
He went to California during the gold excitement in "49," and re- mained there about two years, when he returned to Missouri.
He was married to Sarah Ellen Peyton in Calloway County, Missouri, near Fulton, January 21, 1852. They had one child, Sarah Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Newton H. Lassiter, of Fort Worth.
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Mr. Davis moved to Henry County, Indiana, in 1853, where he re- mained until 1866, when he came to Texas and settled at Fort Worth and engaged in a general merchandise business. For many years his was the largest business in the city. His store was located at the corner of Weatherford and Main streets.
About 1875 he removed to Oak Grove in the southern part of Tar- rant County, where he continued in business for several years, when he retired. He had made fortunate investments in real estate, the enhance- ment of which provided a handsome competency for his family.
He was one of the original stockholders and directors of the first National Bank, which position he held until his death.
He was a man of strong convictions on all public matters, and was universally admired and esteemed by all who knew him. His death occurred February 13, 1905.
DR. WILLIAM PAXTON BURTS
The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, Ten- nessee, December 7, 1827. He was the third of a large family of eleven.
He attended school at the Martin Academy at Jonesboro and subse- quently at Washington College, Greenville, Tennessee. He chose the profession of medicine for his life work and graduated in 1852 at Geneva Medical College, Geneva, New York.
In 1858 he came to Fort Worth and pursued his profession until 1872, when he engaged in merchandising under the firm name of New- man, Young & Burts.
This did not appeal to him as a life work, and he soon returned to the practice of his profession, which he continued until his death.
He was married on October 23, 1852, in Green County, Tennessee, to Miss Anne G. Henderson. They had five daughters and one son. Two of the daughters are still living in Fort Worth.
He was one of the most cheerful and affable of men. His manners were easy and free from arrogance and his address attractive and assuring.
In 1873 he was elected mayor of the City of Fort Worth and re- elected in 1874, being the first mayor of the city.
He died on the 5th day of September, 1895.
R. E. BECKHAM
R. E. Beckham was one of the most forceful of the early citizens of Fort Worth. He was born in Murray, Calloway County, Kentucky. April 13, 1844.
In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, serving under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. He was made prisoner at one time and spent four months at Alton and on Johnson's Island. After his exchange he was in Buford's command, with whom he served until the surrender at Selma, Alabama, in April, 1865.
When the war closed he began the study of law and in 1866 was elected clerk of Calloway County, Kentucky, where he continued the study of law and was soon admitted to the Bar.
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He came to Fort Worth in 1873, where he followed the practice of his profession.
In April, 1878, he was elected mayor of the city in one of the most hotly contested campaigns in the history of the place. The campaign was waged on the question whether law and order should reign in Fort Worth or the city be overrun by the lawless and vicious. The better element prevailed in the election, and he soon placed many restrictions on gambling and other lawless pursuits.
He was married June 18, 1871, to Miss Mary W. Godwin, daughter of J. S. Godwin, of Murray, Kentucky, who came to Fort Worth at the same time as did Judge Beckham.
During the Greenback craze, which swept over the country Judge Beckham was an ardent advocate of sound money, and by his influence Tarrant County was kept in the sound money column. He died June 9. 1910.
No man ever enjoyed the full confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens more highly than Judge Beckham.
DR. ISAAC L. VAN ZANDT
Dr. Isaac L. Van Zandt was one of those who came to Fort Worth in the early days and aided in laying the foundation upon which the city of Fort Worth was builded.
He is a native of the Republic of Texas, the son of Isaac Van Zandt and Frances Cooke Lipscomb and was born January 5, 1840, in a one- room log cabin in what is now Harrison County, about eighteen miles east of the now prosperous city of Marshall. He was educated in the schools of Marshall and completed his academic acquirements at Franklin College, Nashville, Tennessee, at which institution he graduated in 1857. Returning to Marshall, he began the study of medicine. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private in Company D, Seventh Texas Infantry. After two years' service in the ranks he was trans- ferred to the Medical Department, and continued therein until the close of the war. Returning home, he resumed his medical studies and was graduated at the University of Louisiana in New Orleans in 1867. In April, 1867, he was married to Miss Ellen Henderson, of Marshall, Texas, and immediately thereafter he left Marshall and settled in Dallas, Texas, where he remained one year. In 1868 he came to Fort Worth and engaged in the practicing of medicine, being associated with Dr. W. P. Burts and later with Dr. E. J. Beall.
Dr. Van Zandt is an honored citizen of Fort Worth, whose life has been full of good works. His children are: Frances, the only daugh- ter : Claude, Luther. William L., John H. and Isaac L., Jr.
CAPT. M. B. LOYD
The subject of this sketch was a peculiar character. He disliked notoriety and consequently has left no record of his activities. He was born in the State of Kentucky, and claimed to be the only Kentuckian who did not come from the "Blue Grass" region. He went from Ken- tucky to Missouri and thence migrated to Texas in the fifties ; the exact date is not obtainable. He engaged in cattle and horse raising and
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amassed a comfortable competency. In the war between the states he served as captain of a company of cavalry doing duty on the border between Mexico and New Mexico.
In 1873 he engaged in business, being the senior member of the firm of Loyd, Marklee & Company. He soon sold his interest in that con- cern to W. J. Boaz and J. F. Ellis and proceeded to organize the First National Bank in 1877, of which he was president until his death. He was always a friend of the poor and needy if worthy of aid and assist- ance. Numerous men in Fort Worth were the recipients of financial aid in times of stress. In his own way and without ostentation or publicity he was charitable and benevolent. He died on the 16th day of April, 1912, leaving an estate of over a million dollars, which was divided between his daughter, Ruth, and her two children, Thomas L. and Ann V. Burnett.
MAJOR J. J. JARVIS
Major J. J. Jarvis, who was one of the most able jurists of the State of Texas, was born in Surry County, North Carolina. At the age of seventeen, he migrated with his parents to the State of Tennessee, where he remained three years, and then removed to Nebo, Illinois, and there studied law with Judge W. D. Sawers, a very able and prominent lawyer of that city. Major Jarvis was admitted to the bar in 1856, and was licensed by the Supreme Court of Illinois, after which he removed to Texas in 1857, and was licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas in the same year, and immediately entered upon a large and remunerative prac- tice, and at the same time wielded the editorial pen for a popular paper of his town. Major Jarvis' ability, both as a lawyer and a journalist, when a young man, won for him the applause and admiration of all who knew him and the stranger who read his paper. As an editor he was brilliant, firm and fearless.
Actuated by the ethics of journalism, he struck with vim the offenders of public policy. For two years Major Jarvis dictated to the public through the silent medium of the press, after which time he vacated the editorial sanctum and devoted himself exclusively to the practice of law until the War of 1861. Major Jarvis, being devoted to the interests of his country, and realizing the fact that his services were needed, enlisted in the Tenth Texas Cavalry, and served in the capacity of Adjutant Major. He was a brave, gallant and commanding officer, was in several battles, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro, Ten- nessee. At the close of the war he was appointed by Governor Hamilton district attorney of the Sixth Judicial District of Texas, in which posi- tion he served for two years, with much credit to himself and honor to the courts. About the close of his term of office he was married at Marshall to Miss Ida C. Van Zandt, youngest daughter of Isaac Van Zandt and Frances C. Van Zandt.
Major Jarvis came to Fort Worth in June, 1873, and entered the law firm of Hendricks & Smith, and at once took a leading position at the bar in this district. When the firm of Tidball, Van Zandt & Co. pur- chased the interest of Wilson in the Tidball & Wilson Bank, Major Jarvis took his share and remained with the firm until it was merged into the
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Fort Worth National Bank, when he was elected a director and vice president, which positions he continued to hold until his death.
He became one of the largest real estate owners in the city, having purchased a large acreage of the Toombs & Crawford's holdings along the west fork of the Trinity, and in city and suburb properties. He also purchased extensive ranch properties in Hood and Erath counties.
When Add-Ran College was moved from Thorp Springs to Waco Major Jarvis acquired the Thorp Springs property, enlarged it, endowed it and was its ardent supporter.
He was a large contributor to every public enterprise calculated to advance the business interests of the city. He represented Tarrant County for two terms in the State Senate, and his only other political activity was that of alderman of the city in the early '70s.
Major Jarvis died on the 20th day of January, 1914, leaving a widow, two sons, Van Zandt Jarvis and Daniel Jarvis, and a daughter, Mrs. John I. Burgess.
DR. CARROLL M. PEAK
The subject of this sketch was the earliest settler at the post of Fort Worth except those who came with the troops.
Dr. Peak was born in Gallatin County, Kentucky, in November, 1828. The ordinary schools of the country afforded the principal means of education in those days, as in these, and a grammar school subsequently taught in the county town was where his education was acquired. Choos- ing the medical profession as his life's work at the age of twenty, under competent preceptors, he entered on the regular study of that profession and in March, 1851, graduated at the University of Louisville.
In the spring of 1852 he came to Texas and settled at what was then known as the Three Forks of the Trinity, which has of late years grown to the city of Dallas.
In the spring of 1853 he returned to Kentucky, where he was married, and with his wife returned to make Texas his home and settled in Fort Worth. He was a surgeon of the Post under Major Arnold, and his eldest child, Howard W. Peak, was born in one of the rude buildings which constituted the barracks.
Dr. Peak was a man of more than ordinary ability and judgment and was always at the front in every enterprise calculated to upbuild the city. The most conspicuous service rendered by him was his advocacy of public free schools. When this question was presented to the people of Fort Worth Dr. Peak was an ardent worker for the cause. His advice and assistance was sought by those who believed with him in the public free school system. In season and out of season he presented arguments in favor of making Fort Worth an independent school district.
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