Memorial and biographical history of Dallas County, Texas, Part 81

Author: Lewis publishing company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1128

USA > Texas > Dallas County > Memorial and biographical history of Dallas County, Texas > Part 81

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" Honor and shame from no condition rise Act well your part ; there all the honor lies."

Mr. Mayer has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity, and he is also a leading member of all the German socie- ties.

R. GEORGE WILLIAM EWELL is a native Virginian, his birth occurring in Prince William county in 1821, and is a son of James B. and Sophia (Douglas) Ewell, the former a native of the Old Do- minion and the latter of Maryland. The father followed the occupation of an agricult- urist, and moved from his native State to Tennessee in 1839, remaining there until his death. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church. Mrs. Ewell was a descend- ant of Lady P. Douglas, of Scotland. The founders of the Douglas family in America were three brothers, George, William, and Richard Douglas, the former settling in New York city, and the two latter in Maryland. Mrs. Ewell died in Virginia, and the father afterward married a Miss Gwynn, who died in Tennessee. To his first union were born eight children, one of whom, a son, is resid- ing in Waco, Texas, and a daughter, the eld- est, is now a resident of Peoria, Illinois, and although quite old, is still hale and hearty. Dr. George W. Ewell was reared in his na- tive State, Virginia, until eighteen years of age, received a good practical education in private schools, and then went to Tennessee, where he began the study of medicine under Dr. Richard Ewell, in Hardeman county. He later entered the College of Medicine at Philadelphia, and graduated from that institu- tion in the class of 1842, with the degree of M. D. Ile began practicing in north Missis-

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

sippi, and continued there for fourteen years, and then came to East Texas, located at Mar- shall, Harrison county, where he remained twelve years. He praetieed his profession until his healthı failed, and then, in 1871, eame to Dallas, settling on what is now Elin street, then a new-eut road through the woods, but now in the very center of the eity. He owns considerable real estate in the eity. Dr. Ewell has been a member of the Presbyterian Choreh sinee sixteen years of age, and has been elder for fifty years. He is a direet descendant of a family of Presbyterians and is a worthy representative. He built the first Presbyterian church in Dallas, when there were but seven members, and eontin- med to be one of its stanchest supporters. Dr. Ewell was married in 1845, to Miss Sul- livan of Alabama, and to them were born six children, three of whom are now living: William Sullivan, died at the age of ten years; Mary Douglas, at home; Sallie, now Mrs. Captain E. S. Gay, resides in Atlanta, Georgia; Rosa F., was the wife of Dr. Camp- bell, and died leaving a daughter, Mabel Ewell, who makes her home with her grand- parents; there was also an infant son, George W., Jr. In polities Dr. Ewell was formerly a Henry Clay Whig, but he now affiliates with the Democratic party.

R. V. P. ARMSTRONG, a prominent physician and surgeon of Dallas, and health officer of this city, born in David- son county, Tennessee, February 18, 1855.

His parents were John W. and Panline Armstrong, the former a native of Alexan- dria, Virginia, and the latter of Dover, Ten- nessee. The Doctor's father was a steamboat captain for twenty-five years, his career as

such ending in 1865. He owned the Run- yan, one of the largest vessels plying Cui- berland river, running between Nashville and New Orleans. After the war he turned his attention to the wholesale groeery business at Louisville, Kentucky, and from his estab- lishment there the wholesale house of Arm- strong Company of Dallas, was formed. the firm being composed of John S. Armstrong and Henry C. Armstrong; the former a wealthy banker of Dallas, the latter of Louis- ville, Kentucky, both being brothers of Dr. Armstrong. This family consisted of thir- teen children, the subject of our sketch being the seventh-born and one of the seven who are still living.

Dr. Armstrong was educated at Notre Dame, Indiana, where he received the de- gree of A. M. He graduated from the Medical College of Louisville in 1877, after which he began the practice of his pro- fession at Caldwell, Texas. He remained there thirteen years. At the end of that time he took a post-graduate eourse at Bellevue llospital, New York, followed by courses in the Polyclinie of New York and a post-grad- nate course in the Post-Graduate Hospital of that eity; after which lie went abroad, spend- ing one year in London and Paris, winding up with a special eourse at Birmingham, England.

Returning to Texas, Dr. Armstrong lo- eated in Dallas in 1890, sinee which time he has been a worthy member of the medieal profession here. At Caldwell he served as local surgeon for the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad. He has been for some time, and is now, examining physician for several life-insurance companies and secret organiza- tions. His extensive and thorongh prepara- tion for his life work, combined with his nat- ural genial disposition and courteous manner,

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

renders him a deservedly popular man.

Dr. Armstrong was married in 1877, to Miss Tennie Brymer, daughter of A. R. Bry- mer who settled in Texas in 1845. Mr. Bry- mer died in 1890, aged eighty-one years. The Doctor and his wife have one child, John S.

Dr. Armstrong takes little interest in po- litical affairs, his attention being wholly occu- pied by professional work. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, having passed all the chairs in his lodge. He is at present advocating the cause of sanitation in the city of Dallas and exerting his influence to place the health department of the city upon a plane with the largest and most prosperous cities of the East.

L. McDONALD, attorney at law, Dallas, was born in Grimes county, Texas, Jnne 29, 1860, a son of General J. G. McDonald and Julia (Davis) McDonald, natives of Tennessee. The father was an attorney of Grimes county, for many years, and is still a resident of that county, aged sixty six years. He was Brigadier Gen- eral of the State troops of Texas during the late war, but on account of poor health, was never actively engaged. He took an active interest in politics, was a member of the Legislature three terms before the war, and was District Attorney two terms, of four years each, his first term being from 1856 to 1860. The mother of our subject was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church Sonth, from girlhood, and her death occurred October 29, 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years. She was active in church work, and was univer- sally admired for her many good qualities and her amiable traits of character. The

parents reared a family of ten children, seven of whom are still living, and our subject is the fifth child in order of birth.

W. L. McDonald, the subject of this sketch, took an academic course at Patrick's Academy, at Anderson, receiving two gold medals for declamation and oratory, and later took a law and English course at the Texas University, and in 1885 graduated at the Southwestern University. He stood the ex- amination before the Supreme Court of Texas, in June, 1886, and in July of the same year began practice at Dallas, under the firm name of McDonald & Porter. Was elected a member of the Texas Bar Association in 1886. In 1887 Mr. McDonald was admitted to prac- tice in the United States Courts. He has been a Notary Public for the past four years. In 1885 was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State, serving two terms, aud later was appointed Deputy United States District Clerk for the Northern Dis- trict of Texas, serving one year.

He was married October 26, 1887, to Miss Hattie A. Stemmons, of Dallas. She died February 22, 1888, aged twenty-four years, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Dal- las, through life. Mr. McDonald is a men- ber of the Masonic order, blue lodge and chap- ter; also of the O. E. S., and Good Samari- tans; of the I. O. O. F .; is Prelate in the K. of P., Cœur de Lion, No. 8, Dallas; and is a member of the First Methodist Episco- pal Church South, of Dallas, in which he has held the office of Steward for four years. He has been Superintendent of the Sabbath- school of the same church for two years, is first vice-president of the Sunday-school Superintendents' Association, and is also an active member of the Y. M. C. A. Is a member of the Texas Literary Associa-

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

tion, several temperance societies, and the Band of Hope, and attorney for the Mntual Building Association. Mr. McDonald has made his own start in life, having been born on a farm and raised to work, and also taught school thirteen months; clerked in a law office and store, and canvassed for books and papers. He is a Democrat in his political views, and by hard work, economy and good management, has risen to his present position. He has a good law library, and has a fine future prospect before him.

M. BRAMLETT, architect, contractor and builder, located in Dallas in 1886. Here he has erected a number of the finest residences and business buildings, among the latter being the Jones Bros.' real- estate building. He is now putting up the Tenth Ward school building.

He was born in Giles county, Tennessee, in 1850, the second-born of the seven chil- dren of A. J. and M. R. (Wallace) Bramlett. His father, a native of Georgia, was a planter who was married in Macon, Alabama, and early settled in Tennessee, but now re- sides at Rome, Georgla. His wife was born in Virginia. Mr. Bramlett, whose name heads this sketch, was raised near Rome, Georgia, in which town he was educated and learned his trade. After working at his trade for a time in Georgia, he went to Mis- sissippi and worked four years,-at Sardis, Pontotoc and other points. In 1881 he came to Texas, settling at Weatherford, where he was foreman on the construction of the courthouse. He was also foreman on the courthouse at Pecos City. IIe also took contracts and erected buildings at many other points in Texas, New Mexico, La Cru-

ces and also a large factory in old Mexico. In June, this year (1891), he commenced a very large building in this county,-Buck- ner's Orphan Home.

December 18, 1871, at Rome, Georgia, he married Laura Richardson, a native of Geor- gia and a daughter of D. K. and M. R. (Johnson) Richardson, natives also of the same State. Mr. and Mrs. Bramlett have two children, namely: Walter Sherwood, who graduated at the high school June 28, 1891, delivering the valedictory; is an apt student and will attend college; Richard Eldridge, now attending the Dallas high school.

Mr. Bramlett, an ardent Democrat, has taken an active part in politics. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

ALAWAY H. PATRICK .- Kentucky has furnished Texas with many of her representative citizens, among whom may be mentioned Calaway H. Patrick, a native of Perry county, that State, born October 20, 1822. His parents, Alexander and Catherine (White) Patrick, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, the father born November 14, 1794. The latter moved from his native State to Madison county, Kentucky, and was there married in 1818. He moved from there to Robinson (now Leon) county, Texas, and there received his final summons on the the 18th of November, 1872. He was a self-made man and what he accumulated in the way of this world's goods was the result of his own good fighting quali- ties. He surmounted many difficulties and became one of the prominent men of his connty. He was a Whig and by that party was sent to represent his county in the Legis- lature of Kentucky for a number of terms.

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

For years he was an active member of the Baptist Church. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Calaway) Patrick, the father a native of Ireland, and his grand-parents, Isaac and - (Bell) were both natives of the Emerald Isle. Our subject's maternal grandparents, George and Rachel White, were residents of Madison county, Kentucky, and the former was drum major in the Revolutionary war. To Alexander and Catherine (White) Patrick were born thir- teen children, who are named in the order of their births as follows: Alexander B., de- ceased; William W., deceased; Calaway H .; John Davis, deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Mr. Custer, who was an unele of General Cus- ter; Henry D., resides in Austin, Texas, and is now acting as deputy agent of the Central Texas Railroad; Amelia, deceased, was the wife of Mr. Shelton; Mary H., deceased, was the wife of Fletcher Chatham; George C., resides in McLennan county, Texas; Richard W., deceased, was Captain of his company and was killed in the Confederate army in the Salem or Jenkins' Ferry fight, in 1864; James I., deceased; and Thomas D., deceased.

Calaway H. Patrick, the subject of this memoir, left his native State and moved with his parents to Texas in 1841, settling on the west bank of Trinity river and thence to Franklin, Robertson county, to escape the In- dians. He joined the minute company, of which he was a member from 1841 to 1845, and in the last named year he joined the rangers, being afterward stationed at Jolın- son Station four months. In 1846 he volun- teered and went to the Mexican war. He was in Captain Eli Chandler's company, Colonel John C. Hays' regiment and for services rendered during that time he is now drawing a pension. Returning to Texas he settled on a place about one mile east of his

present property and there resided until 1849 when he returned to Robertson county. He served as Distriet and Deputy Clerk of that county for two years and returned to his pres- ent home, where he has continued up to the present time.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Eighteenth Texas Cavalry, Company I, under Captain Perry, and served the lost cause faithfully until the close. He was at Gainesville, Texas, at the time of the surrender.

On the 13th of March, 1847, Mr. Patrick was married to Miss Rhoda I. Smith, a na- tive of Alabama, born in 1830, and the daughter of Abram and Elsie Smith. Her grandfather was General Bird Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick became the parents of ten children: Abraham A., a resident of Hamil- ton county; Susan E., wife of John H. Stad- den, who died in 1864; Naney A., wife of W. F. Lovett; William J., on the old farm; El- sie C., wife of F. M. Woodard, and resides in Fish county ; George C., died in 1888; Mary Allin, died 1870; James L .; and Emma A., now the widow of Mr. S. B. Ashley, and died November 15, 1891. Socially Mr. Pat- riek is a Royal Arch Mason, and in polities he is a supporter of the Democratie princi- ples. He and Mrs. Patrick hold member- ship in the Baptist Church.

ANIEL F. SULLIVAN, one of the prosperous business men of Dallas, is engaged in plumbing, steam and gas fitting, and occupies an important position in the world of commerce as it exists in Dallas county. He was born in the city of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, December 19, 1858, and is a son of James and Mary Sullivan, natives of the beautiful "Emerald " Isle.

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

In 1878 he removed to Dallas, when the pres- ent flourishing city was a mere hamlet and plumbing was in its infancy. He has de- voted himself faithfully to his business, and has used his utmost endeavors to bring the trade of plumbing to a standard which makes it both an art and a science.

Since 1887 he has been located at No. 107 North Market street, and has won a patron- age from the best class of citizens. By cor- rect business methods and high and honor- able dealings he bas gained the confidence of the community, and the esteem and respect of a wide circle of acquaintances.

OHN S. MOAD, a member of the firm of Gill, Moad & Gill, architects and superintendents of construction, was a few years ago an obscure carpenter in Geor- gia, but has arisen to a position of financial independence and enjoys the confidence of the entire body of business men in Dallas. Ile is a native of the State of Georgia, born November 30, 1851, in Walker county, near the Tennessee line. He is the oldest of a family of eight children born to Sterling and Sary (Barber) Moad, who were natives of Tennessee. When the father was twenty 'years of age, he went to Jefferson City, Mis- souri, and eulisted in the Mexican war, serv- ing the United States thirteen months. After hostilities ceased he removed with his father's family to Georgia, just across the Tennessee line, and there they lived during the late war; the father was an invalid, and so did not participate in the conflict. The residence was near the scene of the battle of Chickamanga, and during this fight the mother and children were sent into the spurs of the mountains for protection; the father

was left at home, but suffered no bodily harm from either party. They continued to live there until 1882, when they removed to Henry Grove, Texas. In 1888 they went to Caddo, Indian Territory, and now reside with a son. John S. began life as an ap- prentice to a carpenter in Chattanooga, and mastered the trade at the age of nineteen years. He went to St. Louis, Missouri, and there worked as a journeyman until 1874, when he took a trip through Illinois and Iowa; he also visited Nebraska, and finally stopped in Kansas City, where he remained about one year. In 1883 he went to Wichita, Kansas, and there opened an office for the pur- pose of establishing himself as an architect; he had previously made a thorough study of the business, and during the phenomenal growth of Wichita, made an enviable reputa- tion. In the spring of 1887 he came to Dal- las, engaging in the same business, January 1, 1890, he formed his present business re- lations, which have been most advantageous. IIe has furnished designs and estimates for the greater part of the fine buildings in Dal. las. The architecture of this city reflects great credit upon both architects and builders.

Mr. Moad was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pettigrew, March 4, 1875. Mrs. Moad was the daughter of Jason Pettigrew, one of the first settlers of Fannin county, Texas. He was an agriculturalist and was widely known through eastern Texas. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was instrumental in establishing more lodges than any other one man during his time. He died in 1886, and his remains were laid to rest with all the honors of the order. Mrs. Moad died August 9, 1887, leaving her hns- band and one child, Buena Vista, born August 14, 1876. Mr. Moad was married a second time May 16, 1880, to Miss Callie F.

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

Smith, a friend and school-mate of his first wife, and a daughter of W. P. Smith, one of the pioneers of Fannin county.

Mr. Moad is a member of Dallas Lodge No. 44, I. O. O. F., and of Tannehill Lodge No. 52, A. F. & A. M. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and cordially support those movements which are calculated to elevate the moral standard of the community.

NDREW B. KIRBY was born in Mon- roe county, Kentucky, June 30, 1839, son of John and Anna J. (Nelson) Kirby. His father was a native of Monroe county, Kentucky, born November 24, 1816, and his mother was also a native of that State, her birth occurring October 27, 1817. The senior Mr. Kirby was a farmer by occupation and owned land in Kentucky. Disposing of his interests there, he moved to Texas in 1854 and settled in Dallas county on the last day of November. Here he bought 800 acres of land, improved it and lived on it for sixteen years. His death occurred on the 19th of July, 1870, at the age of fifty-four years. llis wife died March 30, 1862, aged forty- five. They had seven children born to them, of whom Andrew B. the subject of our sketch, is the oldest. The others are Nancy A., now deceased, who was first married to James Cormack, and after his death to N. M. Ballard; Mary J., who died young; B. C., a resident of Bosque county, Texas; James W., also a resident of Bosque county; Julia C. became the wife of Zechel Hughes, and has since died; and Sarah T., wife of B. Toller.

Andrew B. was sixteen years of age when

his parents moved to Texas. He remained with his father until the war came on, when he entered the army, remaining in the ser- vice until hostilities ceased. A portion of the time, however, he was at home. He did not take much interest in the war, and says he never stood guard but one night. Although he was a Democrat, he was opposed to secess sion and did not vote for it in Texas; take- little interest in polities now.

January 21, 1863, Mr. Kirby was united in marriage with Sarah A. Ballard, who was born in Kentucky, February 15, 1840, dauglı- ter of Reuben and Eliza (Butler) Ballard. Her father was born August 4, 1807, and died November 13, 1887, aged eighty years. Her mother was born September 2, 1814, and died August 5, 1878, at the age of sixty-four. They moved to Texas in 1847 and settled in Dallas county, making the journey with wagons and being six weeks en route. Mrs. Kirby, being seven years of age at that time, remembers vividly the hardships they en- dured. Their whole diet at first was wild game. All their bread stuff had to be hauled from Paris. After they raised corn they ground their meal in a hand mill. The Bal- lard family consisted of the following namned children: Neeley; Lneinda J., wife of Will- iam Ray; Lewis J .; Francis M .; Sarah A., wife of Andrew B. Kirby; Thomas A .;. Nancy E., wife of Alford Compton; Nathan B .; Lieuviey, who was twice married and is now deceased, her first husband being Will- iam Miller, and her second, E. A. Stallenp; Martha J., who has been twice married, first to W. R. Compton, and after his death to W. A. Cantrell; and John B Glover and Reu- ben, deceased. Following is the issue from Mr. and Mrs. Kirby's union: Anna E., wife of G. W. Jones; Robert B., deceased; next, Alvin R., living; Lucinda, wife of J. F. Pot-

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HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY.

ter; David T .; and William Roseo, deceased ; and Lieuviey, living. Mrs. Kirby and her daughters are members of the Christian Church.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Kirby owned 175 acres of land. On this he built a house, moved to it, began improving his land, and now has a fine farm. Reared in a new country where there were no schools, he was deprived of edneational advantages. Politi- eally he is a Democrat.

Of Mr. Kirby's ancestors, it should be further stated that his grandfather, Robert Kirby, a descendant of an English family, was born in Virginia, and was on the battle- field at the surrender of Cornwallis, being then twelve years of age. An older brother of his served in the Revolutionary war for five years as a drummer boy. Mr. Kirby's grandmother, whose maiden name was McCoy, also witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis, and at that time became acquainted with Robert Kirby, to whom she was afterward married. The grandfather died when Mr. Kirby's father was eighteen years old, and the grandmother lived until after he was married. Robert Kirby and his wife moved to Kentucky soon after their marriage, and were prominent among the early pioneers of that State.

~ ENJAMIN D. ATWELL, son of Ben- jamin A. and Ann (Dodson) Atwell, was born in 1842, in Anne Arundel county, Maryland. His father was born in that same county, in 1813, and remained there until 1845, when he removed to Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1850, he removed to Mad- ison, Wisconsin, remained there until 1890, and then came to Texas to pass the rest of his days with his son, the subject of this

sketeh. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed until he went to Madison, Wis- consin. At that place he engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued for a period of abont thirty years. He is a eon- sistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in polities, a Republican. Mr. Atwell's mother was born in 1817, at Washington, District of Columbia. She re- mained there until her marriage, which event oeenrred in 1837, at the Rock Creek Church of that place. Following is the issue from their union: Their first-born died in infancy ; Benjamin D. was the second; The third-born, William P., is at. present holding the posi- tion of United States Consul at Roubaix, France. He was first appointed under Pres- ident Arthur's administration, and served an entire term at Amsterdam; was, again ap- pointed by President, Harrison. He was a Captain in the regular army, but is on the retired list. He was educated in Madison, Wisconsin, and married Miss Fannie MeNeal, daughter of General John McNeal. In 1864, he organized Company G, Thirty-seventh Wisconsin, and participated in several severe engagements. He lost his leg at Petersburg. After that he was transferred to the regular army, and when General Hancock organized what was known as the Invalid Corps, he was commissioned as Captain, which office he held until placed on the retired list. The fourth-born in the family was Joseph, and the fifth, Sarah, died in infancy.

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Memorial and biographical history of Dallas County, Texas, Part 81

Author: Lewis publishing company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1128

Author: Lewis publishing company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1128