New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 106

Author: Davis, Ellis A.
Publication date: 1926
Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?]
Number of Pages: 1416

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W. COLVIN came to Houston in 1918 from Pennsylvania and since that time has be- come a factor in the business circles of this city. Mr. Colvin is president of the Keystone Building Company, and is vice president of the Colvin Corporation, with offices in the Key- stone Building. The Keystone Building Company completed the construction of a ten-story, reinforced concrete building at the corner of Texas Avenue and San Jacinto Streets in December, 1923. This building is modern in every way, all offices being outside with unobstructed light and air, and three high-speed elevators. The building is beautiful in general appearance, and has 125 feet on San Jacinto Street and 73.45 feet on Texas Avenue, and is regarded as one of the most substantial and ornate office buildings in the city. Mr. Colvin is interested in various other commercial enterprises and at this time imports considerable steel products from Ger- many, as well as representing the German Tube Syndicate in southwestern distribution of all im- ported seamless casing. In 1925 he represented eastern bankers in the liquidation of the India- homa Corporation for the account of bondholders and sold properties to the extent of over one million dollars. The Colvin Corporation is an investment business, and Mr. Colvin's father, George E. Colvin, is the president of the company.

Mr. Colvin was born at Warren, Pennsylvania, on May 23rd, 1893. His father, George E. Colvin, also a native of Warren, Pennsylvania, was prom- inent in the business and oil circles and was pres- ident of the Clarendon Refining Company, which was sold to the White Oil Corporation. His mother was Miss Anna Katherine Ogden, a native of New York and a member of a prominent family there. His education was obtained in the public and mili- tary schools, and he later attended Alleghany Col- lege. After leaving college, Mr. Colvin began his business career in the banking business and re- mained in this line of endeavor from 1910 to 1913, when he engaged in the oil business at Warren, being associated with the Clarendon Refining Com-

pany, which had a capital stock of $20,000.00 and after six years was sold to the White Oil Corpo- ration for $1,900,000.00. During this time Mr. Col- vin served as vice president and general manager and much credit was given him for the growth and success of this company. In 1918 he went with the Crown Oil and Refining Company as vice pres- ident and in 1919 was made vice president of the White Oil Corporation, which position he held until 1921.

Mr. Colvin was married in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, May 23rd, 1917, to Miss Elizabeth Ber- nard, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Robert Young Bernard, a prominent railway supply man. They have two children, Jay Wallace and Ellis Bernard. Mr. Colvin is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Houston Club, and the Methodist Church. Although located in Houston but a short time, Mr. Colvin has become active in the affairs here, and his faith in the future of the city is evidenced by his many investments here.

LFRED N. LEWIS, pioneer insurance man, has devoted twenty-five years of his life to the insurance business, during which time he has been a keen student of this interesting field of activity, and today is especially fitted to give expert service and advice to his patrons. He conducts his business under the name A. N. Lewis and Company, with offices in the Bankers Mortgage Building, and writes a general line of insurance, representing a group of com- panies of the best class who give coverage in every field, and service that is unexcelled.

Alfred N. Lewis is a native Texan, born in Gal- veston, March 21st, 1853, the son of Mr. Allen Lewis (deceased), and Mrs. Caroline (Shaw) Lewis, both natives of Maine. He received his education in the schools of Texas, Maine and Canada. His first business experience was in the cotton compress line, in Houston and Galveston, and was so occupied for about six years. For a period he was ticket agent and in charge of loading and unloading cotton for the S. P., and H. and T. C. Railroads. Following this for two years he was with the Houston Gas Company. He then served as bookkeeper for the Henry Fox Bank of Houston. At the expiration of this employment he entered the insurance business, and for seven years he was with several agencies. About eighteen years ago he engaged in business on his own account, and since that time, by careful at- tention to the interests of his clients has built up a substantial patronage that has grown from year to year.

On January 8th, 1882, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss M. Cecilia Tonglet, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a member of an old New York family. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have three children: Fannie, now Mrs. A. G. McDonald of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Lola, now Mrs. R. W. Gillette of Houston, and Harry A. of Houston. The family re- side at 4608 Main Street, and are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and while he is primarily a home man, yet he takes the interest of a good citizen in all things going to the betterment, socially, civically and commercially of his native State and Houston.

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UGH BASCOM BERRY has been a resident of Houston and Harris County for many years, where he has taken an active part in public and commercial affairs. Mr. Berry is president of the Noyes Safe and Lock Com- pany, one of the largest firms dealing in bank safes, vault doors, iron and cabinet safes, steel shelving, lockers, filing cases and desks, in the city. The company was established in 1868 by Mr. L. T. Noyes, and is the oldest one in this line in Texas. The Noyes Safe and Lock Company also repair, rebuild and open safes, experts being employed to give the very best of service. Salesmen cover the Gulf Coast of Texas for the firm. Mr. Berry has been prominent in political circles, holding public offices for many years before taking his present position. He was a peace officer in Dallas during the pioneer days of the 80's, when it took a real man to hold his own with the "bad men" of the community.

Mr. Berry was born in Alabama, October 28th, 1867. His father, John F. Berry, also a native of Alabama, came to Texas in 1869, arriving in the Lone Star State via the "Ox Team Route," and settled first in Van Zandt County, later removing to Kaufman County, and still later to Hill County, where he died. Mr. John F. Berry was engaged in farming all his life. His mother was Miss Evelyn Hayes, a member of a prominent family of Ten- nessee, who also died in Hill County, Texas. His education was obtained in the public schools of Hill County, growing to manhood on his father's farm, where he farmed for several years, and then became engaged in farming for himself, and continued in this line of endeavor until he removed to Dallas.

Mr. Berry was married on August 23rd, 1923, to Mrs. Mary Virena Scott. He has one daughter by a former marriage, Mrs. Pate Schrimshire of Dal- las. Mr. and Mrs. Berry make their home at 716 Willard.

Mr. Berry is a member of the A. F. and A. M., with membership in Temple Lodge, No. 4, of Hous- ton. He is also a 32nd degree Mason, Houston Consistory; a Shriner of Arabia Temple, and has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for about thirty-six years, a member of the Dokies and other organizations of the city and State. Mr. Berry has great faith in the future of Houston and be- lieves that the time is near at hand when this city will be come the metropolis of the Southwest.

ILLIAM R. MACFADDEN recently left Houston and the W. R. Pickering Lumber Company to go to Quincy, Illinois, where he is now connected with the J. W. McKee Lumber Company of that city.

Mr. MacFadden was born at Watertown, New York, the fourteenth of June, 1891, son of William E. MacFadden, a contractor and builder, and Frances Rea MacFadden. He was educated in the schools of Watertown and of Cleveland, Ohio, then going to Syracuse University for two years, finishing in 1912. After leaving school going into the contract- ing business with his father, until 1914. In that year he enlisted in the infantry of the United States Army and was on the Mexican border with General Pershing for over two years. He was then sent to Fort Wayne, at Detroit, Michigan, and after one month there sent to Montgomery, Alabama, where he remained six months. This was followed by three

months at Leon Springs, Texas, and in November, 1918, he was on his way to France, in mid-ocean at the time the Armistice was signed. He returned to the states and was discharged the twenty-third of February, 1919.

After receiving his discharge Mr. MacFadden went with the Harvard Lumber Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, remaining with this firm for four years. The first of January, 1923, he came to Houston to be- come sales representative for Houston of the W. R. Pickering Lumber Company, remaining with this company until making his present connections.

Mr. MacFadden was married at Montgomery, Ala- bama, in 1918, to Miss Carra Williams, daughter of H. D. Williams, in the cooperage business there, and Carra Cogswell Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Mac- Fadden have one child, Marjorie. Mr. MacFadden is a member of the Lumbermen's Club.

C. ROSS has a broad knowledge of the principles that govern factory organization, B and as manager of the Ross-Carter Grain Company, has demonstrated a genius for management. Mr. Ross is the owner of one-half interest in the Ross-Carter Grain Company, whole- sale dealers in all kinds of grain, hay, cotton seed products and rice products. They are manufactur- ers of corn meal, chicken feed, chops, feed meal, and all kinds of stock feed. The Ross-Carter Grain Company's plant is conveniently located at 2020 Conti Street, on the main line of the Southern Pa- cific Railroad, where they have an elevator storage capacity of twelve thousand bushels. The grinding mill of this company is complete and modern in every detail. Mr. C. M. Carter is associated with Mr. Ross and is the owner of one-half interest in the Ross-Carter Grain Company. Fifteen people are employed by this company, which was incorpo- rated in 1921. The business has increased 400 per cent since its inception.

Mr. Ross was born at Adair, Illinois, in 1884. His father, Eric Ross, was a large land owner and farmer of Illinois. His mother was Miss Addie Reedy, a member of a well known Illinois family. The public schools of Illinois supplied the founda- tion for Mr. Ross' education; later he attended a normal school, and a business college provided him with his early business training.

Mr. Ross has had a wide and varied business career, which he began as a traveling salesman, handling various lines. He came to Texas and to Houston in 1904, where he was employed by Armour and Company for three years. He then went to Beaumont, where he was engaged in the furniture business for three years, after which he was con- nected with the Texas Company for three years. He then entered the retail feed business which he continued until 1912, when he started the Waldmen- Ross Grain Company, which he continued until 1921, when he entered his present business. Mr. Ross was married at Cleburne, Texas, to Miss Ethel La- nier, a member of a well known Johnson County family. They have two children, B. C. Ross, Jr., and Bernardine. Mr. and Mrs. Ross reside at 1617 Hardy Street. In fraternal and social organizations Mr. Ross is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Turn- verein. He has taken an active part in the organ- izing of the Houston Merchants Exchange, an or- ganization of grain dealers. Mr. Ross has made a name among business associates for his straight- forward methods and keenness of judgment.

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R OBERT I. COHEN, pioneer merchant of Galveston and vice president of Foley Bros. Dry Goods Company of Houston, has for a period of more than forty years been an active figure in the business and financial circles of Galveston and South Texas. The life of Robert I. Cohen has been singularly typical of the romance of American business and more particularly as it has paralleled the wonderful expansion and development of Texas during the past forty years. The Galves- ton store of Robert I. Cohen, located at 22nd and Market Streets, was established in 1887. This store employs one hundred people, and occupies a space eighty-five feet wide and one hundred and twenty feet in length, with three floors, and embodies in the stock everything carried in a ready-to-wear store for men, women and children. In 1917 Mr. Cohen with his son, Geo. S. Cohen, purchased the Foley Bros. Dry Goods Company of Houston. This firm carries a complete line of high class mer- chandise and its popularity as a trading center is evidenced by its rapid growth in business. The Foley Bros. Dry Goods Company occupies three floors and a basement, and recently built a nine-story addition. More than six hundred people are employed and the annual business is over $2,500,000.00. Other officers of the company are George S. Cohen, president, and F. J. Matzinger, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Cohen was born in London, England, in 1856. His father, Judah Cohen, was for many years en- gaged in business in London, where he established himself as a dealer in antiques and works of art in 1833. During his life time he was considered one of the best judges in his line in England. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of London, England.

Mr. Cohen was sixteen years of age when he set out on the great adventure of his life with America as his destination, and located in Boston, where for six months he traveled for an English firm. Later he came to Galveston in 1877 and for about four years was employed in the mercantile establishment of Levy and Weis. He began business under the firm name of Cohen and Schram and about one year later went with Levy and Cohen, and then Cohen and Michael. This firm continued for several years when he started in business alone in 1887, under the old Opera House in Galveston, with a stock of men's furnishings. Mr. Cohen's life has been of that abundant kind that overflowed the confines of one big business, and in 1919 he became secretary and treasurer of the Houston Mill and Elevator Com- pany with a capital stock of $750,000.00, and with a daily capacity of 1800 barrels, which can be in- creased to 4000 barrels per day. Mr. Cohen is closely connected with the commercial interests of both Galveston and Houston and while he retains his home in Galveston, more of his business interests are centered in Houston.

In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Lord. Mr. and Mrs. Cohen have three chil- dren: Geo. S., Robert I., Jr., and Gladys. Mr. Cohen has been active in the affairs of both cities and State, and his counsel has been sought and freely given in many great business enterprises, where he is known as one of the progressive, public-spirited citizens and merchants .of the Southwest. Beginning as a poor boy he has by hard work and fair dealing reached a position of prominence in the business

world. Yet he has devoted much of his time and means to civic and charitable causes. For years he served as director of the Chamber of Commerce in Galveston, where he organized the Retail Merchants Association. For thirty years he has served as an officer of the Jewish Church there, twenty-five years of which as president; for over thirty-five years he has served as treasurer of the Jewish Chari- ties and now he is also treasurer of the United Charities of his home city. He is a man of a kindly disposition, beloved by his associates and employees, a man rightfully entitled to a position of honor and respect among his fellow citizens in Texas.

OHN E. PEARCE has been a resident of Gal- veston, Texas, for thirty years and is iden- tified with many of the city's most import- ant financial and industrial activities. Mr. Pearce is president, manager and owner of the contracting and stevedoring company bearing his name, which is among the oldest companies of its kind in Galveston. He organized this business in 1903, and is engaged in marine work, loading and unloading vessels of all kinds. Mr. Pearce is presi- dent and general manager of the Hotel Galvez Operating Company, which was organized on Feb- ruary 1st, 1922, that leases and operates the Hotel Galvez. This hostelry is one of the largest and best equipped of its kind in the Southwest, with a capac- ity of five hundred guests and employs more than one hundred and fifty people in its operations. Mr. Pearce is also secretary treasurer and general man- ager of the Murdock Bath House Company, which owns and operates the Murdock Bath House. This bath house was erected in the spring of 1916, and is among the largest places of its kind on the coast. Mr. Pearce is the sole owner of the Galveston Grand Opera House. His office is located at 108 Security Building, which is the office of the J. E. Pearce Con- tracting and Stevedoring Company. In 1896, when Mr. Pearce came to Galveston, he was at that time a young man of twenty years, ambitious, and with the stories told of the opportunities to be found in the Lone Star State still ringing in his ears, he accepted work as a telegraph operator for the G. H. & H. Railroad, with offices at 33rd and Mechanic Streets and remained in this position for a period of three years. He then became interested in con- tracting along the wharf front, and has continued in this field. In July, 1924, Mr. Pearce was elected police and fire commissioner, and served until May, 1925, at which time he was elected mayor of Gal- veston. During his administration $3,500,000 has been spent for raising the grade in the area lying West of 39th Street to the city limits; the city is spending $350,000 in paving, the citizens spending $700,000 for their share; $100,000 has been spent in resurfacing; $75,000 for a new incinerator site and equipment; and $200,000 for extension of sewers.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Pearce was born at Big Clifty, Grayson County, on March 8th, 1876. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native State.

Mr. Pearce was married at Galveston, Texas, on December 12th, 1909, to Miss Mary K. Pope, a mem- ber of a well known Houston family. Mr. and Mrs. Pearce reside at the Hotel Galvez. Mr. Pearce is a member of both the York and Scottish Rite bodies of the Masonic order, is a Shriner of El Mina Tem- ple, and a member of the Elks Lodge. His mem-

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bership in the A. F. and A. M. is with Harmony Lodge No. 6 of Galveston. He is also a member of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, Galves- ton Country Club, and the Artillery Club. In the midst of his private work, Mr. Pearce finds oppor- tunity to give his time and assistance to many im- provements of a public nature, and is regarded as one of the Island City's most progressive and public spirited citizens.

US I. ARNOLD, 2124 Avenue C, is one of the best known real estate and insurance men in Galveston and has been actively engaged in both lines for many years.

The real estate firm of Dreyfus and Arnold was organized in 1907 and continued as a partnership between Mr. Arnold and Raoul Dreyfus until the death of the latter, which occurred in December, 1916. Mr. Arnold has since sonducted the real estate end of the business alone.

In the insurance department Mr. Arnold is asso- ciated with Mr. E. E. Rice, under the firm name of Rice and Arnold. Mr. Rice is one of the oldest insurance men in Texas, being past eighty years of age, but is still active and has a remarkable grasp of the firm's business details. This partner- ship was formed in 1916.

Mr. Arnold is actively engaged in buying and selling city property for his own account and for others, and builds and sells homes, financing the sale on the easy monthly plan of payment. The rental business is an important department also. Mr. Arnold handles the large Darragh estate and other important properties.

A native Texan, Mr. Arnold was born in Galveston on January 19, 1881, a son of Isadore and Maria Anne (Hug) Arnold. His parents were each natives of Alsace-Loraine and came to Texas in the early days. His father was a Civil War veteran and served in the same command with Mr. Rice, insur- ance partner with Mr. Arnold. The parents of Mr. Arnold have been dead for several years.

After completing his studies in the public schools at Galveston Mr. Arnold began work in a real estate office and has devoted his entire business career to real estate and insurance. He was connected with several old established firms for some years before engaging in business for himself.

The insurance agency of Rice and Arnold is one of the largest in Galveston, handling the lines of such well known companies as the Continental In- surance Company of New York City, Fidelity Phoe- nex, London Assurance Corporation, Fire Associa- tion of Philadelphia, The Hudson, North River, The Austin Underwriters of the Republic Insurance Com- pany of Texas, The American Fire and Marine In- surance of Galveston, a local company, organized by Galveston interests. Some of the most important buildings of Galveston are protected by policies written by the Rice and Arnold agency.

Mr. Arnold has been more than ordinarily suc- cessful in business and is interested in a number of Galveston enterprises. He is secretary of the Peo- ples Loan and Homestead Company, organized in 1884 and the oldest company of its kind in Gal- veston, and a director of the Galveston Building and Loan Company, organized in 1890. He takes an active interest in civic and commercial affairs and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Galveston

Artillery Club, Country Club and the Galveston Rotary Club. He is a consistent booster for his native city and believes that Galveston is facing an era of the greatest prosperity it has ever known.

AM L. MCCARTHY is well known in the S financial and business circles of Galveston, where prior to engaging in the banking business, he was for a period of twenty- two years associated with the Mallory Steam Ship Company in this city. He has been engaged in the banking business since 1907, as a partner in the private banking establishment of Ed Mccarthy and Company. On May 8th, 1923, Mr. McCarthy was elected to the office of finance and revenue com- missioner of Galveston, and as finance commissioner is handling the funds for the grade filling work in the West End. $1,250,000.00 in bonds have been sold for this work, and is carried out as rapidly as possible. He is also handling the fund of $100,000.00 for street improvement, which consists of a perma- nent pavement program, using mostly the rock as- phalt paving to replace the mud shell paving, as this form of paving has not proved a success here. A $125,000.00 bond issue for water works improve- ment has been successfully terminated in July, 1924, an additional bond issue for $125,000.00 for a new water works reservoir located on property owned by the city, was placed in effect, also $300,000.00 for street improvement. Since Mr. McCarthy came into the office of finance commissioner, some of the most important work in the history of the Island City has been undertaken, and will be pushed to a success- ful conclusion. In addition to his important office with the city and his banking interests, Mr. Mc- Carthy is interested in many other of the city's in- stitutions, and is secretary and treasurer of the Reliance Coffee and Spice Company.

A native Texan, Mr. McCarthy was born at Gal- veston in 1871, grew to manhood in this city, and practically all his life has been spent here. His father, Thomas R. McCarthy, came to America from Ireland with his parents when six years of age. The family landed in Chicago, and Thomas R. came to Galveston when sixteen years of age, and was among the pioneers in this city in the general con- tracting business. He served in the Civil War with the Confederate forces. He is known as one of the builders of the Island City, and many buildings stand as a momument to his skill and ingenuity. Mr. McCarthy's mother was Miss Mary Elizabeth Glass- cock, a native of Springfield, Illinois, where she was a member of a prominent family. His education was obtained in the public schools of Galveston.

Mr. McCarthy was married at Galveston on April 17th, 1895, to Miss Mary Frances Aguilo, a native of Galveston and a member of a pioneer family. They have three children, Grace, now the wife of Alfonse Kenison, Jr., who operates the oldest Insurance Agency in Texas; Alysa and Samuel A. McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy is a member of the Galveston Cham- ber of Commerce and takes an active interest in this organization. Mr. McCarthy is popular in the busi- ness and social circles of Galveston, and is a man of sound judgment, fully competent to manage the high position he holds and the responsibilities in- volved. He is ever ready to assist in any manner in the advancement and progress of his city, where he is regarded as one of its most public spirited citizens.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 106

Author: Davis, Ellis A. Publication date: 1926 Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?] Number of Pages: 1416

Author: Davis, Ellis A.
Publication date: 1926
Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?]
Number of Pages: 1416