New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 121

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

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HARLES FREDERICK GERLACH, for a quarter of a century a factor in the baking industry, in the decade of his residence at Houston, made rapid strides forward in the development of this craft, giving conscientious study to improvements and new ideas incident to the ad-

vancement of the industry. Mr. Gerlach learned the bakers craft in Louisville, Kentucky, later going to Chicago, Illinois. In 1898 he came to Texas, locating at San Antonio, where he opened his first bakery. After a year he went to El Paso where he opened and operated the Purity Bakery Company, until 1909, in which year he came to Houston. Here he opened a small shop at 509 Dallas Avenue, later, in 1911, buying the property and building a fine, and mod- ernly equipped bakery, one of the finest in the city. The building covered a site of fifty by one hundred feet, and was a two story, of brick construction. The second story he arranged as an apartment, and with his family made his home there.

Mr. Gerlach was an expert in all phases of the bakery industry, and combined this knowledge with a keen business ability that made his advancement rapid. At the time of his death, the thirtieth of March, 1921, he had opened bakeries throughout Southeast Texas and in Louisiana, operating the entire system himself. After his death, Mrs. Ger- lach disposed of these bakeries, and has since made her home in Houston, living at 509 Dallas Avenue.

Mr. Gerlach was born in Germany, the twenty- sixth of March, 1872, son of William Gerlach, and Freda Gerlach, whose death occurred in 1922. The family came to the United States during Mr. Ger- lach's boyhood, locating on a farm in Kentucky. Mr. Gerlach was educated in the schools of that state, and served his apprenticeship in one of the large bakeries of Louisville.

Mr. Gerlach was married at Chicago, Illinois, the fourteenth of June, 1894, to Miss Augusta Pieplow, a native of Germany, and daughter of Charles and Hannah Cook Pieplow. After the death of her father in Germany, she came with her mother to the United States, in 1890, making her home in Chicago, where Mrs. Pieplow still resides.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach had a family of three chil- dren, Dora, wife of W. Leifestes; Minnie, wife of Leon Ruffle, and Helen, at home. Mr. Gerlach did much to advance the bakery industry at Houston, setting a high standard of operation, and encour- aging progress. He believed in the co-operation of bakers, and in keeping in touch with what the trade was doing to effect better work, produce better qual- ities, and better service.

SORGE EVERETT LINDSEY, widely known as a railroad man, was during his lifetime one of those thoroughly public- spirited citizens, who have helped to make Houston the city it is today. A man of practical attainments, be brought to the world of railroading an understanding, which combined with his real knowledge of his field, soon advanced him to a place of importance in the Southern Pacific Lines. Mr. Lindsey came to Houston as a young man, and for a short time after his arrival was instructor in a local business college. He then went with the Southern Pacific Lines, as secretary to J. J. Ryan, and was with the Southern Pacific from that time until his death, in 1910. During that time he trav- elled over the entire system, looking after the in- terests of the company, and became widely known to the railroad fraternity. He had many friends, all of whom knew him as a man thoroughly con- versant with every phase of railroad operation.

Mr. Lindsey was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, the twenty-sixth of December, 1865. His father, Mar-

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ion Lindsey, was a native of Ohio and spent his entire life in that state. His mother, before her marriage Miss Laura Green, was also a native of Ohio. Mr. Lindsey was educated in his native state, and after finishing his education there came to Texas, in 1887.

Mr. Lindsey was married at Houston, to Miss Theresia Priester, the fifth of September, 1894. Her father, Simon Priester, was one of the pioneer residents of this city, and took an active part in its development. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey had a fam- ily of three children-Marion, who married Miss Erma King, a Houston girl, in 1922, and who is a veteran of the World War, Rainbow Division, and now in the automobile business; Roy, who married Miss Zelda Harris, of Houston, in 1921, and who is also a World War veteran, ambulance corps; and Miss Lucy May Lindsey, at home. Mrs. Lindsey makes her home at the Lindsey Apartments, which she owns.

Mr. Lindsey died at Houston the eighteenth of May, 1910, his death being a distinct loss to the railroad world, and deeply regretted throughout the city. He had, during the many years he spent in Houston, impressed himself upon the world as a man of high ideals and integrity, who inspired the confidence of his fellowmen and created happiness wherever he went.

OHN FLETCHER GARROTT. The name of John Fletcher Garrott is closely inter- woven with the growth and development of the City of Houston in general, and in the building up of one of the city's largest business institutions, in particular. For about forty years Mr. Garrott was actively identified with the James Bute Company, one of the oldest business insti- tutions of the city. To him is given a great meas- ure of credit for the growth and expansion of this company. He was a man of unusual business and financial acumen, who treated fairly and courteously his own associates, employees, as well as the pub- lic in general.

John Fletcher Garrott was born in Marion, Ala- bama, the son of General Isham Warren and Mar- garet Garrott. General Garrott, one of the heroes of the Civil War, was killed at Vicksburg, where a monument to his memory has been erected. Mrs. Garrott was a member of the well known Fletcher family of Alabama. J. F. Garrott attended school in Marion, but he could not follow his studies long. His widowed mother and family needed his help to support the family. In 1874, with his mother and family he came to Marshall, Texas. As a young man he came to Houston and was given an oppor- tunity to work by the late James Bute. Of course he began at the bottom in a clerical capacity and by hard work and application he learned the busi- ness thoroughly, and came to be the managing executive of the firm after the death of James Bute. Much of his spare time during these years was devoted to study, and so he became well versed in all matters useful to a business leader. By good management he amassed a comfortable for- tune, but he always remained modest, never court- ing publicity, but shrinking from it. He had other financial interests in Houston, and some years ago built a large warehouse on land he owned in the Fifth Ward. He held membership in the Houston, Houston Country and River Oaks Country Clubs,

and was interested in the Baptist faith. Mr. Gar- rott had one son, Warren Bute, by his first wife, Gloria Bute Garrott (deceased). She was a daughter of the late James Bute.

On September 2nd, 1920, Mr. Garrott was united in marriage with Mrs. Lillian Lea Brown. Mrs. Garrott is the daughter of Judge J. V. and Mary Alice (Mitchell) Lea, native Texans and residents of Houston. Judge Lea served as District Attorney of Harris and Galveston Counties and was one of the leading criminal lawyers of Texas during his active practice. The Lea and Mitchell families are num- bered among the pioneers of Texas. Margaret Lea, the second wife of Sam Houston, was a sister of the grandmother of Mrs. Garrott. Mary Alice Mitchell Lea is a daughter of Captain W. D. Mitch- ell, who served in the Civil War, and who came from Mississippi in the early days and was a planter in East Texas. Mrs. Garrott had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Brown, by her first marriage. One of the great sorrows of her life came when this beauti- ful eight-year-old child was killed by an automo- bile. Mrs. Garrott devotes much of her time to charity and benevolences, and is superintendent of the Kindergarten Department Church. of the Baptist

In the passing of John Fletcher Garrott on Feb- ruary 10th, 1925, Houston and Texas lost one of its outstanding citizens and business men; a man who loved his fellows, and assisted many who were less fortunate than himself during his lifetime. His charities were many, but unostentatious. His charitable nature is exemplified in his will, where- in he made provision for a trust fund for the poor and needy whereby they may receive treatment in the Baptist Sanitarium. The loss of John Fletcher Garrott to the citizenship of Houston has been felt in the various walks of life, but he has left many monuments to his memory, and his name will ever be recorded in the history of Texas.

UDGE WILLETT WILSON. The name of Judge Willett Wilson represents one of the most honored and prominent in the Texas bar, and for many years was associated with signal achievement in the legal profession. As lawyer and jurist, Judge Wilson ever occupied a high place in the esteem of the people, and at various times during his career was called upon to fill posi- tions of public trust, both in state and county offices. While in office, he invariably demonstrated an offi- cial ability and a devotion to the best interests of the people that won hearty approval and materially added to his standing professionally. Although a resident of Houston but a short time prior to his death, Judge Wilson was known as one of the ablest attorneys of the city and both as a lawyer and as a man was an ornament to the Texas bar.

Judge Willett Wilson was born at Jefferson, Texas, September 10, 1873, son of Dr. William Fran- cis Wilson and Sarah (Burnside) Wilson. Dr. Wilson, one of the pioneer physicians of Texas, was a factor in the early medical advancement of the state, and through a long period of practice was the faithful custodian of his patients' welfare. He practiced in Jefferson County for many years, later going to Waxahachie, and after several years of practice there to Port Lavaca, where his death occurred. Mrs. Wilson, a member of one of the prominent fam-

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ilies of Texas, still makes her home in Port Lavaca, although she spends most of her time visiting among her children. Judge Wilson was educated in the schools of Texas, first attending the public schools near his home, and later entering Texas A. and M. College, where he graduated with highest honors, taking the A. B. degree. He then entered the Uni- versity of Texas, in the department of law, again re- ceiving highest honors, being valedictorian of his class and taking the L. L. B. degree. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi college fraternity. Judge Wilson began his practice at Port Lavaca, steadily advancing to a position among the foremost attor- neys of his day, and becoming a familiar and prom- inent figure in the Texas bar. During the early years of his career he served as county attorney, later being elevated to the bench and holding the office of county judge for eight years. Following this, Judge Wilson also held several state offices, moving to Houston in December, 1919, at which time he formed an association with Judge Lewis Wood, and estab- lished a large private practice, this association last- ing until his death. In 1922 he was a candidate for Congress from this district. Judge Wilson was a shrewd investor, from time to time investing in lands, and acquiring a fortune during the course of his career. He owned a farm, comprising eighteen hundred acres, in Calhoun County, as well as other properties.

Judge Wilson was married at Brazoria, Texas, September 29th, 1897, to Miss Aurelia Melgaard, daughter of George Melgaard and Christine (Prell) Melgaard. Mr. Melgaard, a native of Paris, France, where he spent his early days, came to the United States as a young man, locating in Texas, where he engaged in business. Mrs. Melgaard is a native of Texas. Judge and Mrs. Wilson had three children, Willett Wilson, Jr., a graduate of Houston High School and Rice Institute, where he took high hon- ors, and later a student at Harvard, in the law de- partment, leaving that institution at his father's death, and a graduate of the Univeritsy of Texas with the L. L. B. degree; Miss Christine Wilson, a student in a private school at Houston, and Wallace Wilson, a student of the Houston schools. Judge Wilson's death occurred the twenty-third of Decem- ber, 1923, following an accident. Mrs. Wilson and the children continue to reside at the beautiful Wil- son home, 618 Sul Ross Avenue, in Montrose.

Judge Wilson, whether as a lawyer, as a public official or a private citizen, represented the highest type of Christian manhood, and his death marked the passing of one of the outstanding members of the 'Texas bar. Few men had more friends, or were held in higher personal esteem, and the memory of his - life is an inspiration to all who came in contact with him to emulate his high example.

MILE JAMES DE BLIEUX. On his beau- tiful plantation in Louisiana lived for many years Emile James De Blieux, one of the foremost factors in the agricultural devel- opment of that State, and a man of superior mental attainments. His sugar and cotton plantation, rep- resenting an interest that his father had founded on coming to the United States from France, was cap- ably directed and operated along scientific lines, and the progressive and business-like methods which he introduced were watched with interest by other

planters. The De Blieux family were closely allied with the history of the State of Louisiana, both be- fore and after the Civil War, and the De Blieux name has many memorials there.

Emile James De Blieux was the son of Alexander De Blieux, who came to Louisiana from his home in France many years ago, and later became known as one of the largest sugar planters in the State. On his beautiful plantation the boy, Emile James, was born and grew up amid these surroundings. He at- tended the schools of his State, going through the University of Louisiana, and after finishing his work there returned to his home and took over the management of his father's plantation. Here his energy and natural ability found outlet, and under his direction the productivity was materially in- creased, with a like increase in profits and satisfac- tion. Later, on account of ill health, Mr. DeBlieux was forced to retire from active life, and relinquish, at least in a measure, his management of this in- terest and come to Houston in search of improved health. He spent the rest of his life in this latter city, his death occurring at the age of fifty-two.

Mr. De Blieux was married at Natchitoches, Louis- iana, to Miss Eva Margaret Pearson, daughter of Judge Aaron Howell Pearson, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, in which State he began the practice of law, later removing to Louisiana, where he con- tinued to follow this profession, advancing to a place among the foremost jurists of his day whose honors were in keeping with his years of service. Mrs. De Blieux's mother, Eva Margaret Pearson, was also a native of Rhode Island, and a member of a prominent family of that State. Mr. and Mrs. De Blieux made their home in Louisiana until Mr. De Blieux came to Houston in the vain hopes of re- gaining his lost health, and both in Louisiana and in Houston were loved and admired for their charming hospitality, their true generosity and personality. They had a family of six children, Eva Margaret, of Houston; Ethel, wife of Benjamin F. Storey, of Co- lumbus, Mississippi, and who has three children, Benjamin F. Storey, Junior, Elliott and Elizabeth Storey; Emile James De Blieux, of Houston, and who is married and has one child, Margaret De Blieux; Mrs. Gussie De Blieux Steen of Houston, Florence, wife of James F. Busby, and Lelia Theresa De Blieux of Houston.

Since the death of Mr. De Blieux Mrs. De Blieux has entered the business world, establishing herself in Houston as both capable and successful, and is now efficiently managing the Garden Court Apart- ments, one of the finest apartment buildings in the city. She makes her home there, occupying Apart- ment 1-B. A woman of striking personality, com- bined with culture and natural executive ability, she has been very successful in her chosen vocation, and has made many friends in Houston, whose good wishes are assured.

Mr. De Blieux died at the age of fifty-two years, after several years of ill health. His work in agri- cultural development in his native State of Louis- iana won him recognition during his lifetime and was a factor in the important work of developing the sugar plantations of that State to the highest degree of productiveness. As a citizen Mr. De Blieux felt deeply his duties to his fellowman and gave generously both of his time and his means where he could further welfare work and be of service to others.

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RANCIS CHARLES HUME, JR., lawyer, statesman and orator, was for a quarter of a century a prominent figure in the public life of Texas. For more than a score of years he practiced before the bar of Hous- ton and attained to an eminent position in the legal fraternity. He was the local attorney for the Western Union Telegraph Company, holding this position until his health failed. As federal referee in bankruptcy for the Houston district he had a prominent place in the public life of the city, and administered the duties of this responsible posi- tion in a manner which did great credit to himself as a lawyer and public official. He served in the House of Representatives for two years and in the State Senate from the Houston district for a period of four years, in which time he distinguished him- self as an orator and statesman. He introduced a number of important measures which were enacted into law for the benefit of Texas.

Francis Charles Hume, Jr., was a native of Texas. He was born at Galveston June 7, 1874. His par- ents were Major F. Charles Hume, Sr., and Marie Lea Hume; both natives of Texas, his father having been born at Huntsville and his mother at Cold Springs. Major F. Charles Hume, Sr., was an honored member of the Texas bar, having practiced law in Galveston for many years, but moved to Houston in 1902 and practiced law here until his death in 1920. Major Hume was attending the University of Virginia when the country was called to arms, and left the university at the age of sev- enteen, serving four years in the Confederate Army, Hood's Brigade, being promoted several times, hav- ing the rank of Major at the close of the war. Major Hume was a descendent of the House of Hume of Scottish nobility. Mrs. Hume, Sr., was a granddaughter on her mother's side of General James Davis, who served on General Sam Houston's staff and fought with him in the Indian wars. Her grandmother on her father's side was Nancy Lea, who was the mother-in-law of General Sam Hous- ton, Sam Houston having married her father's sister.

Francis Charles Hume, Jr., after attending the schools at Galveston completed his elementary edu- cation at the Abbotts School, Bellevue, Virginia, later attending the University of Texas, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He took his legal course at the George Washington Uni- versity, Washington, D. C., then known as the Co- lumbia College, from which he was graduated in law. While at the University of Texas he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. On becom- ing admitted to the bar in Texas, Mr. Hume began practice with his father's law firm in Galveston, under the firm name of Hume, Shepherd and Hume. In 1901 Mr. Hume moved to Houston and the fol- lowing year his father also came to Houston and the firm of Hume and Hume was established, which continued until the death of Major Hume. Mr. Hume's remarkable ability as an orator won him international renown. He was invited to speak at various associations and conventions, both in Texas and other states. He had a most engaging person- ality; with an unusual personal magnetism and gift of eloquence which made him in great demand as an after dinner speaker, at which it was said he had few equals. An after dinner speech which he

made at the annual banquet of the American Bar Association at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 31, 1906, entitled "The Young Lawyer" was ac- claimed as a perfect example of an after dinner speech and published at St. Louis, Missouri, in a school text book of the World's Best Orations. It was also included in the American Law School Re- view of November, 1906, and it was in such demand that it was later published in pamphlet form in six different languages. Another after dinner speech entitled "Attorney and Client" which was delivered at the American Bar Association banquet at Seattle, August 28, 1908, was also published in the Amer- ican Law School Review of December, 1908.

Mr. Hume was elected to represent the Houston district in the State Legislature; first serving in the House of Representatives from 1908 to 1910 and later in the State Senate from 1910 to 1914, and in 1920 was appointed to succeed his father as referee in bankruptcy, serving in this responsible position until his death.

Mr. Hume was married at Austin in 1916 to Miss Martha Dial, daughter of Robert and Mary Earn- shaw Dial. Mrs. Hume was an exceedingly attrac- tive and much beloved woman, with a personality that typified the finest of culture and refinement. Mr. and Mrs. Hume had one daughter, Mary Char- lotte Hume, who died in infancy. Mr. Hume's life was saddened by the death of his wife, who was killed in an interurban accident at Galveston in 1924.

Mr. Hume held membership in the Royal Society of London, International Law Association, Texas Citizenship League, the Elks, University Club and the Presbyterian Church. His death which occurred January 26, 1926, was a distinct loss to the legal profession, and to the citizenship of Houston. He had not passed on life's pathway the stone that marked the highest point-the shadows still were falling in the West, but while in the full bloom of manhood was called to his reward, having already made an imperishable imprint on the community and institutions for which he had so arduously labored and so faithfully served. His record was worthy of emulation by the thousands who knew and loved him.

The following resolution was adopted by the Har- ris County Bar Association:

"Charlie Hume, as we all called him, has passed beyond, after years of suffering and affliction, mingled with great bereavements. He was born in Galveston on June 7, 1874, and began the prac- tice of law there with his father, moving to Houston after the great storm in 1901.

"His father, Major F. Charles Hume, who pre- ceded him in death but a few years, was one of the great lawyers of Texas. His mother, a splendid and beautiful woman, who survives him, is a niece of the wife of Sam Houston. From both sides of the family Charlie is descended from an illus- trious heritage. His ancestors were among the great of the South. This family of Hume is directly descended from a line of Scottish peers, and during his lifetime Major Hume was advised that he was entitled to a British peerage, but with his char- acteristic modesty, said he had rather be an Amer- ican citizen.

"Charlie attained national prominence as an after dinner speaker and addresses which he delivered

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before the Houston Bar Association, the State Bar Association and the American Bar Association were widely published and read, both in this country and England. He performed useful public services as a legislator and as a state senator, and during the last several years of his life was referee in bankruptcy for this division of the Southern dis- trict of Texas.

"This in brief tells the story of his two and fifty years. He was an honest man and during the many years of his public and professional life his integ- rity was never questioned.

"Be it resolved, by his brethren at the bar who survive him, that we regret his passing at an age when he should have been entering into his greatest usefulness, and we tender to his splendid mother and the surviving members of his family our sin- cerest sympathy.

"(Signed) : C. R. Wharton, Chairman; C. W. Rob- inson, W. E. Monteith, Thos. H. Ball, John Charles Harris."

F. ARNOLD, since coming to Houston sev- eral years ago has taken an important part in the development of the oil resources of the Lone Star State, and is a man whose vast experience and knowledge of every phase of this industry entitles him to recognition as an authority. Mr. Arnold served several years as deputy supervisor of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas, having execu- tive powers in the Coastal fields. He has studied oil development and production in many of the different fields of the United States, making a scientific study of the business, and is one of the few men qualified to speak with authority on any phase of the industry. As supervisor of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas, he was instrumental in inaugurating many improvements in oil production methods, and was of material assistance to the various companies operating in the fields. He was induced to accept this position by the heads of several of the big oil companies, and he more than proved the excellence of their judgment in suggesting him for the posi- tion. Mr. Arnold left this position in May, 1924, to go with the Jenks interests of London, directing oil operations in Colombia, South America. When his contract was up in May, 1925, he went with Colombia Syndicate, a subsidiary of the Atlantic Gulf Steamship Company, and is directing their oil operations in South America.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 121

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