History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston; containing a concise history of the state, with protraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named cities, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families, Part 82

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing co., 1895
Number of Pages: 1532

USA > Texas > Harris County > Houston > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston; containing a concise history of the state, with protraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named cities, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 82
USA > Texas > Galveston County > Galveston > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston; containing a concise history of the state, with protraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named cities, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 82

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2724 Market street, where he purchased property in 1889. In 1891 Mr. Pierson equipped his establishment with machinery, which he found to greatly expedite his work. In 1892 he erected his present house, a sub- stantial, two-story brick structure 42 x 75 feet, and arranged for the convenient carrying on of his business. He employs twenty-three girls and two men throughout the year, and turns out annually a large amount of manufactured goods, which he finds a ready sale for in the markets of Gal- veston and Houston.

On the 22d of October, 1880, Mr. Pier- son married Miss Maggie Williams, of Gal- veston, who from that time since has ma- terially aided him in his business, 'being the efficient manager of his shop and giving her personal attention to most of the details of the business in that department. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierson six children have been born, four of whom are living: Andrew, Marcus, George, and Henry. Mr. Pierson is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M.

J OHN JACOB WEISS. - The thought which presents itself to the far-seeing and conservative mind when the question is propounded as to what es- sentials are necessary to a man's success in business, is that they are industry, sobriety, economy and honesty, and a history of all well-established firms will corroborate this. The business career of John Jacob Weiss was marked by the most upright business methods and by a success which was well deserved and well earned; and, although he has for some time past been retired from the active duties of life, the business which he established is being successfully carried on

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HISTORY OF TEXAS.

by his son, August J., and his nephew, J. F. Weiss, Jr., (a sketch of whom appears in this volume).

John Jacob Weiss was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 11, 1851, a son of John and Barbara Weiss, and grandson of Jacob and Elizabeth Weiss, all of whom were born in Germany. On the 25th of December, 1867, John Jacob Weiss landed at Galves- ton, Texas, a stranger in a strange land, but very soon after made his way to Houston, and began learning the baker's trade under Peter Floeck, with whom he remained four years, gaining a thorough insight into the business. After leaving his services he was for some time with William Rumpel, then returned to Mr. Floeck and was with him for about one year. When this period had elapsed he and Adolph Heise went into the bakery business, under the firm name of Weiss & Heise, on the west side of Congress avenue, between Main and Travis streets, but after two years of successful copartner- ship, Mr. Heise died, after which Mr. Weiss continued the business alone some two years longer. He then sold his business to Mr .. Floeck, but later opened another establish- ment in the Priester building, subsequently buying thestock, fixtures and good will of Wil- liam Rumpel. This business he conducted suc- cessfully for eight years, when, in 1892, he admitted to a partnership his son, August J. Weiss, and his nephew, J. F. Weiss, as above stated, the style of the firm becoming J. J. Weiss & Company. The management of the establishment was turned over to his partners, who are thoroughly competent to look after its interests, and Mr. Weiss de- votes his own attention to looking after his real-estate interests. The firm of which he is the senior member is located at 314 Pres- ton street, and the place is in every respect

first-class. Mr. Weiss is at present en- gaged in no particular line of business, and it is not necessary that he should be, for his early years of labor resulted profitably, and he has an abundance of this world's goods. He has always made it a rule through life to consider well before taking a decisive step, and as a result his enterprises have seldom fallen short of his expectations, but on the contrary have usually resulted to his advant- age. Through his own efforts he has made his way from the bottom to the top round of the ladder, but is by no means bigoted or self-assertive. He pursues the even tenor of his way, and his kind heart and many generous and disinterested deeds of charity have made him very popular.

He was married in 1872, to Johanna Koenig, a native of Houston and daughter of August Koenig, and by her is the father of two children: August J., of whom mention has been made, and Bertha, deceased. Mr. Weiss has a beautiful home at 1406 Edmonds. street, corner of Hickory street.

J UDGE PETER W. GRAY was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on De- cember 12, 1819. His father was William Fairfax Gray, who moved to Texas about 1837, and settled at Hous- ton. The father was a lawyer by profes- sion, and a man of good general attainments. He was a clerk of the House of Representa- tives of the Republic in 1837, and was sub- sequently elected district attorney, which office he was holding at the time of his death, in 1841.

The son, Peter W., was reared chiefly in Houston, studied law in the office of his father, and succeeded him as District At- torney by appointment from President

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Houston. In 1846 he was elected to the first State Legislature and served with dis- tinction in that body, becoming the author of the practice act, which led to the present excellent systems of pleading and practice in the Texas courts. In 1854 he was elected Judge of the Houston District, composed then of ten counties, extending from the Sabine to the Brazos, and almost identical with the present First Congressional Dis- trict. So learned and impartial was the manner in which he performed his judicial duties while holding this position that he was characterized by Chief Justice Roberts as "the very best district judge that ever sat upon the Texas bench." By compari- son of his decisions with those of other dis- trict judges, a much larger per cent. were affirmed than of any other judge.

As a lawyer Judge Gray attained in early life a high standing at the bar, and was distinguished for his astuteness and vigor and for his solid professional attainments. His knowledge of law was profound, he was proficient and practical in the application of principles, his mind was highly analytical, and he was expert in separating truth from the speciousness of circumstances. Subsid- iary to this, his love of justice and abhor- rence of wrong prompted his best exertions in the establishunent of legal, right and equit- able principles. He was ardent in his de- votion to duty and conscientious in his pro- fessional dealings, which qualities engaged the confidence of his clients and the esteem of the people. He was thoroughly familiar with Texas jurisprudence, and his knowledge of statute law, and of the import and reason of the decisions of the Supreme Court made him a safe counselor and a successful law- yer. These qualities, enhanced by habits of self-reliance and independence of thought,

responded to the requirements of an eminent judge, and attained for him the distinction upon the bench so generously canonized by the eulogy of the Chief Justice. -

Judge Gray represented the Houston District in the Confederate States Congress, and during his service in that body his con- duct was such as to commend him to the confidence of President Davis, by whom, in 1864, he was appointed fiscal agent of the Confederate States Government in the Trans-Mississippi Department, retaining this position till the close of the war.

After the war he returned to Houston and resumed the practice of his profession, endeavoring by example and counsel to re- establish the order of peaceful pursuits and ameliorate the condition of his people. In 1873 he took a trip to Europe for the bene- fit of his health, which had been on the de- cline for a year or two, and, returning some- what restored, was appointed by Governor Coke, in February, 1874, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge W. P. Ballinger. But he was soon warned by the condition of his health that he could not long endure the labors and responsibilities of his new position, and rather than take a va- cation and risk embarrassing the court by an evenly divided judiciary he resigned his seat on April 18, after two months of service. Returning home he died, October 3 fol- lowing.

Judge Gray married Miss Jane Avery, in Houston, on January 23, 1843, with whom he lived in happy companionship until his death, his widow surviving him until Febru- ary 3, 1894, when she, too, passed away.

In early manhood Judge Gray connect- ed himself with the Protestant Episcopal Church, continuously during life filling

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HISTORY OF TEXAS.

positions of trust and confidence in the church and directing his best energies to ad- vancing its interests. He repeatedly repre- sented his church in general convention, and was often called in council as a lay member on matters of church polity and general con- cern. He became a Mason while yet a young man, advancing to the highest degree in the order, -- that of Knight Templar, - serving as Grand Commander in 1868 and Grand Master in 1869.

In private life Judge Gray was pleasant and affable, and he was especially dis -. tinguished for the interest he took in the so- ciety and companionship of young people. To the young men of his profession he was like a father, always kind and helpful, ready with counsel or other assistance, and many have acknowledged their indebtedness to him for the promptings they received to honor- able and successful careers.

3 OHN H. HERNDON. - The subject of this brief memoir was born in Scott county, Kentucky, in July, 1813. His parents were Boswell and Barbara Herndon, who were among the first settlers of central Kentucky and were well-to-do people. The father was a farmer, and John H. was brought up on the farm, the pursuits of which occupied his early years. He received his education chiefly at Transylvania University, at Lexington, at which he graduated in both the collegiate and law branches, and upon these credentials received a license to practice his profession in his native State. He never entered on the practice there, however, but came to Texas shortly after graduation, reaching Houston in January, 1838., Here he made a stop of a few months, during which time 30 .

he met inany prominent Texans who were either residents of, or sojourning at, the capital of the new Republic. He made use of the opportunities offered him by associa- tion with these gentlemen to acquaint him- self with the condition and resources of the country, and at length decided to settle per- manently for the practice of his profession at Richmond, in Fort Bend county. He had brought with him to the country some money, received from his father's estate, and, investing this in wild lands in the south- western counties, he was, by diligence and the exercise of good business judgment, soon in the enjoyment not only of a very respect- able law practice, but was the owner of considerable land and stock. He seemed to fully foresee the possibilities of the ranch- ing business in Texas at that time, and as fast as his means accumulated he invested them in cheap wild lands, which he stocked with cattle, horses and sheep. So rapid became the growth of this interest in his hands that he found it necessary in a few years to give up his law business and devote his attention exclusively to his planting, stock and real-estate matters, relinquishing his profession about the year 1854. By 1861, the opening of the war, he had acquired title to large bodies of land through- out the State, owning, in addition to his Brazos bottom plantation, three fine stock ranches situated in Matagorda, Guadalupe and Medina counties, respectively.

Being a Southerner by birth, and trained in the Democratic school of politics, Mr. Herndon's sympathies were naturally with his section at the outbreak of hostilities between the North and South, and, although he did not take up arms in behalf of the Confederacy, he lent it very substantial aid, drawing upon his ample resources time and

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again for equipments and supplies for differ- ent military organizations. He had full faith in the ultimate success of Southern arms, and, in such transactions as he con- tinued to carry on during the war, he un- hesitatingly accepted notes and bonds issued under the Confederate government. With the fall of the Confederacy, therefore, he found himself, like thousands of others, ruined in fortune and confronted with con; ditions to which he had hitherto been a stranger. He made an honest and intelli- gent effort to meet his obligations, and at the same time save something from the wreck; but in this he was only partially suc- cessful, since, although he had considerable property left, it was impossible, on account of the unsettled condition of things, to raise money even on the best of securities. For several years after the war Mr. Herndon was engaged in straightening up his affairs, never relinquishing the hope of fully regain- ing his former condition, but at last, over- come by failing health brought on by busi- ness cares he died, July, 1878, having only in a measure realized his hopes.

Surviving him Mr. Herndon left a widow and four children. . He was married at Richmond, Texas, August, 1839, to Barbara Calvit, a daughter of Alexander and Bar- bara Calvit, who came out as one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 families. (See biography of Alexander Calvit else- where in this work.) Mrs. Herndon sur- vived her husband a number of years, dying in March, 1888. Their sons and daughters who grew to manhood and womanhood were: Joseph Calvit Herndon, who recently died in Brazoria county; Alexander Calvit Herndon, of Houston, further mention of whoin will be found in this volume; Cor- nelia, wife of Dr. J. C. Mayfield, of Alvin,

Texas; and Florence, wife of Dr. L. W. Groce, of Hempstead, this State. One brother of Mr. Herndon, Robert S., came to Texas about 1839 and settled in Brazoria county, where he died in 1845.

John H. Herndon inade his home in Richinond until 1853, when he removed to Brazoria county, and two years later to a place which he had purchased at the mouth of the Brazos, where he erected an elegant home and lived for many years in the splendid style that characterized the better class of Brazos planters. Here he had erected a good school building and main- tained, at his own expense, a good school for the benefit of his own and his neighbor's children. While having the air of one greatly devoted to business, Mr. Herndon always took the liveliest interest in his horne and family and made every reasonable pro- vision for those dependent on him. He was especially fond of the society of young people, and his house was always open to them, as well as to his friends and associates of more mature years. He was a man of strict morals, temperate habits and chaste conversation, and possessed an unblem- ished reputation both as a lawyer and man of affairs.

Mr. Herndon's large and varied business interests took him to many parts of Texas, and brought him at one time and another in contact with many of Texas' leading men, the friendship and esteem of most of whom he enjoyed. His position, both as a lawyer and business man, caused him to take part, to some extent, in public matters, but he could never be induced to accept of- fice of any kind, and in consequence he was free throughout his long career from all sorts of political and personal entanglements. He was a Democrat in political faith, favored

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annexation in 1846 and secession in 1861. He joined the Masonic fraternity at Rich- mond when a young man, becoming a mem- ber of Morton Lodge, and held a member- ship in that lodge until his death.

In personal appearance and every-day intercourse, Mr. Herndon was the type and manner of man more frequently met in ante-bellum days than in recent years. He was social in disposition, pleasant in ad- dress and of clean and wholesome appear- ance, always maintaining the air of a digni- fied and cultured gentleman. He weighed, when at the full tide of manhood, about 185 pounds, stood five feet eleven inches in height, had dark hair and eyes and a swarthy complexion. He conld hardly be said to have been of striking personal appearance, but he was a man who possessed a marked individuality, and throughout life he held a · career quite his own.

0 R. JOHN J. BURROUGHS .- Long before the good Samaritan dressed the wounds of the poor man whom he found on the Jericho road, the healer of diseases was distinguished for his kindness and humanity. Whatever the skill of the physician and surgeon, he can never be truly great unless he is truly touched with the spirit of man's infirmities, and moved of a heartfelt purpose to relieve suffering for the sake of the race. In the list of those physicians who have had long and varied experience in practicing the "healing art" stands the name of Dr. John J. Burronghs, now the oldest practitioner in the city of Houston.

Dr. Burroughs was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, May 1, 1831, and is a son of Ray- mond and Elizabeth H. Burroughs, natives

of Ireland, who emigrated to America early in the present century. After a brief resi- dence in Maryland his parents settled in Alabama, where they subsequently lived and died. Of a family of seven children born to them, four are still living, all being residents of this State. Benjamin F. resides in Leon county, being a civil engineer by profession, now engaged in farmning pursuits; James M. resides at Galveston, where he ranks as one of that city's men of solid means; and Hardy M. lives at Lampasas, being a minister in the Baptist Church.

John J. Burroughs received his early education in private schools, and at the age of twenty-two took up the study of medicine with a view of fitting himself for the practice. of it as a profession. In 1853 he came to Texas and located in Milam, in Sabine coun- ty, where he continued his studies for some time, after which he attended medical lec- tures at the New Orleans School of Medicine for five consecutive sessions, practicing his profession between terms. He graduated at this institution in 1859, and, locating in Woodville, in Tyler county, entered regular- ly on the practice, which he pursued with success until the opening of the war.

Responding to the patriotic sentiment of the times he entered the Confederate army in 1861, enlisting as a private; was elected Second Lieutenant a month later; was soon made Surgeon, and within six months was promoted to the position of Surgeon of his regiment, the Thirteenth Texas Cavalry, commanded by Colonel John H. Burnett. Beginning active service in Arkansas he was successively under Generals Price, Holmes, Kirby Smith, and Walker. In July, 1863, he was captured in the fight at Lake Provi- dence, Louisiana, and was held a prisoner during the remainder of the war, having

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been an inmate, at different times, of each of those four celebrated Federal prisons: at Alton, Illinois; Johnson's Island, Point Lookout, and Fort Delaware. A singular coincidence of Dr. Burroughs' prison life is that he was a prisoner of war at the same place his maternal grandfather, Jolın Foster, was during the Revolutionary struggle, the latter having been captured while serving in the Continental army and imprisoned at Point Lookout.

At the close of hostilities Dr. Burroughs returned. to Texas, reaching his home at Woodville, July 4, 1865, without means, or even his professional accoutrements and supplies. Turning his attention to the problems of peace he resumed the practice of his profession. On the ist day of Octo- ber, 1865, he loaded his family and all his earthly possessions into a wagon drawn by an ox team, and started for Houston, reaching this city after a nine-days journey, with $3 in money. He at once located, and having come with the determination to stay, he hung out liis sign and offered his services to the public. This has since been his home, and here he has been actively engaged in professional pursuits for the past twenty- nine years. In this time he has become widely and favorably known, and is re- spected, not only for his eminent ability as a member of the medical profession, but also as a citizen who is interested in the general welfare of the community and State.

Dr. Burroughs has of necessity had to give his attention to the general practice, never claiming distinction in any branch, but demonstrating his ability in all. He has a particular fondness for surgery, as being that branch of the art in which scientific principles enter most largely, and he has performed a number of really noteworthy

operations in this branch. The Doctor has given his attention exclusively to his profes- sion, and has sought in every available way to qualify himself for its successful practice. In 1870 he took a post-graduate course in the Jefferson Medical College at Philadel- phia, from which he received a diploma, and again in 1874 he attended lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, from which institution he also holds a diploma. He has been a member of the Texas State Medical Association for thirty years, and has contributed, as occasion has offered, to the different medical journals. His profession has been the ambition of his life and he has at all times pursued its arduous duties with a zeal born of a desire to do good to his suffering fellow-beings.

In former years Dr. Burroughs was a Democrat and had an abiding faith both in the sufficiency of the principles of his party and in the integrity and patriotism of its leaders. He was taught to revere the mem- ory of Jefferson, and has always regarded with admiration the character of Jackson. But in recent times he has seen what he be- lieves to be a departure from the funda- - mental principles of good government as expounded by these great lights of Democ- racy, and believing that principles are al- ways the same, men only changing, he has seen fit to sever his connection with his former political associates and cast his fortunes with that organization, -- the Popu- lists, -which though comparatively new in the field of politics has made rapid advance in public favor, and which promises much in the way of governmental reform and the administration of the public interest in be- half of the public good. On June 30, 1894, he was nominated at Houston by the Populist convention as a candidate for Con-

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gress from the First Congressional District, the nomination coming to him without hav- ing been sought by him and without even his wishes having been consulted. He ac- cepted this nomination as a mark of special confidence, and has undertaken to lead the fight in the interest of reform in this Demo- cratic stronghold.

On the 3d of June, 1859, Dr. Bur- roughs married Annie Elizabeth Buslı, of Georgia, a daughter of General D. B. Bush, who won his title in the Florida Indian wars and for years was commander of the State militia in Georgia. The offspring of this union has been seven children, three of whom died young and four of whom are living: James M., an attorney of Hous- ton; Lee, now engaged in clerical pursuits in this city; and John and Zurleen, still un- der the paternal roof.

ENJAMIN DOLSON .- The sub- ject of this sketch is a native of Norway,' having been born in the town of Frederikstad on March 1, 1834. Frederikstad is situated on Bohus bay, a considerable inlot of the North Sea, by which it and all the surrounding country has easy communication by water with the out- side world. As a result most of the people in that portion of the kingdom follow mari- time pursuits of one kind or another. Young Dolson became a sailor almost without knowing how or why. . He began in the usual way as a helper on local crafts plying along the southern coast of Norway and Sweden and neighboring European ports, and finally, in 1854, made a trip to America, sailing aboard a British vessel from London, England, to Philadelphia. Four years later he came to Galveston, where he took up

his permanent residence, and continued his pursuits as a seaman until 1860.

He then quit the water with the intention of settling himself in other business, but, the war coming on the following year, his plans were laid aside, and he entered the Confed- erate army, enlisting in Cook's regiment, with which, and on detail duty, he served until the close of hostilities.

After the war he began the stevedore busi- ness at Galveston, and has successfully fol- lowed this since. This important branch of the shipping interest of Galveston has never been in more competent hands, and in it Mr. Dolson has succeeded in building up an excellent reputation with the merchants and shippers, and making it the source of an honest and competent living for himself and family.

Mr. Dolson married in Galveston, in 1861, Miss Jane Kelley, a native of county Louth, Ireland, who came to this city in 1859, and the offspring of this union has been nine children: Mary Ellen; Jennie, now Mrs. John C. Christensen; Benjamin, Jr .: Katie, now Mrs. Charles Suderman; Anna, Clara, Adolph, Edna, Walter and Sydney.

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Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing co., 1895 Number of Pages: 1532

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing co., 1895
Number of Pages: 1532