New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 133

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

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John Calvin Mccullough was born at Lima, Ohio, the nineteenth of April, 1859, the son of Matthew Hillis Mccullough, a farmer of that state, and Sarah Jane (McKibbin) McCullough. He spent his early years in Lima, attending the public schools of that city through high school. Graduating there he en- tered the Ohio State University, graduating from that institution with the C. E. Degree. Following he returned to Lima, where he remained a number of years, during which time he served as City En- gineer and as surveyor of the railroad between To- ledo and Columbus, Ohio. Later he held other im- portant engineering positions in Ohio. In Baltimore, Ohio, he was with a large oil company in the engi- neering department. He returned to Lima after several years, entering oil field work in the oil fields of Ohio. In 1904 he came to Texas, where he became associated with J. S. Cullinan at the time the Texas Company was being organized. He went with the company at that time and remained active in this organization until his death. At the time he went with the Texas Company, when its organi- zation was first effected, the company was small, and it was his privilege to watch its development into one of the largest oil companies in the United States, and a factor in the oil development work in this state, and elsewhere, and in this work he took an important part, directing the spending of millions of dollars for construction.

Mr. Mccullough was twice married, the first wife having been Edith Wilson Kelly Mccullough, who is deceased, leaving one child, Hillis Kelly Mc- Cullough, who resides at Port Arthur, and is mar- ried to Miss Edith Kuntz, having one child, John Calvin Mccullough. Mr. Mccullough was married the second time at Lima, Ohio, in 1914, to Miss Anna Jeanette Boone, a native of that state. Since Mr. Mccullough's death, Mrs. McCullough has con- tinued to reside in Houston, living in the Oxford Apartments.

John Calvin Mccullough died at John Sealy Hos- pital, at Galveston, the fifth of June, 1924, and was buried at Lima, Ohio, his former home. His death marked the passing of one of the leading oil engineers of the coastal district, and was a great loss, not only in oil circles, but to his many personal friends in this part of the state, who knew and esteemed him for his many admirable qualities.

ENRY S. FOX, JR., banker and city builder, for a great many years was closely identi- fied with the progress and development of the City of Houston. As a leader in banking circles he upheld the esteemed reputation which he inherited from his father, and contributed his full quota to the commercial and business progress of his native city, and in which, as a banker and builder, he had made a creditable record. Mr. Fox was president of the Houston National Bank, which had its beginning in 1876 when Henry S. Fox, Sr., established a small private bank. Under the guid- ance of the elder Mr. Fox, and in later years his son, Henry S. Fox, Jr., and a strong, capable corps of officers and directors the institution has grown until today it is one of the most important financial establishments in South Texas. The magnificent engineering feat of the Houston Ship Channel with its splendid docks and other port facilities where sea-going ships of nearly every nation of the world discharge and receive their cargoes, is a silent but everlasting tribute and a monument to the faith and perseverance of Henry S. Fox, Jr. His per- sistent faith in the ultimate success of the project and his boundless determination that Houston should become a port of entry, was in no small measure responsible for the fact that today Houston is fast becoming one of the most important shipping cen- ters of the entire South. Mr. Fox was also inter- ested in the cattle business, and is given credit for having done more toward rehabilitating the cattle business in Texas than any other one man. It was his dream, and he had worked unceasingly to accomplish his mission. It is lovingly said of Henry S. Fox, Jr., that he never turned down a worthy applicant.

Henry S. Fox, Jr., was born at Houston on Jan- uary 23rd, 1874, a son of Henry S. and Lena (Gohl- man) Fox. After attending a local school he at- tended Riverview Academy, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he attended Washington Lee University. graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and later taking the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the same institution. He entered the service of the Houston National Bank as a runner in 1891, following the completion of his college work, and by steady degrees worked his way to the presi- dency. Mr. Fox was also president of the Houston Clearing House Association at the time of his death.

Mr. Fox died at Houston, Texas, April 19th, 1925. His death was the cause of widespread sorrow and regret. He numbered his friends by the thousand, many of whom he had aided in time of need, it being said he had helped more people than any other man in Houston. A notable tribute having been paid him that he was a real builder of men. Mr. Fox was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Houston Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Houston Coun- try Club.

869

MEN OF TEXAS

ARVEY LEE MITCHELL, one of Houston's most distinguished native sons, and for many years a factor in the mercantile world here, was held in high esteem for his many activities of civic and commercial importance. As a business man Mr. Mitchell was progressive and while often in advance of his time, he took the lead in every forward movement and was largely re- sponsible for higher standards and ideals of business conduct. He was that type of sturdy citizen who gave his best to the community in which he lived and his life was spent in the development of his home city.

Mr. Mitchell was born in the heart of the city of Houston, in the Bender Hotel block, on the fifteenth day of September, 1875. His father, G. B. Mitchell, for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Houston, and honored as a real pioneer, came to Texas in the fifties. He was a Civil War Veteran, serving throughout that conflict, and was active in building up Houston. He was married to Miss Catherine Wheeler, a native of Houston, and daugh- ter of that pioneer family of Wheelers that helped lay the foundation of the city.

Mr. Mitchell was educated in the schools of Hous- ton, and after finishing his education went with the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, remaining with that road eleven years and holding the position of Auditor. He then went in the clothing business, organizing the firm of Hutchinson and Mitchell Company, Clothiers. This firm met with an in- stantaneous success, and operated along conservative and progressive lines, grew rapidly to meet the de- mands of the growing city. The firm is still in op- eration, one of the largest clothing stores in the city, and since Mr. Mitchell's death, in 1916, his widow, Mrs. H. L. Mitchell, has been Vice-President of the firm. The business is located at 404 Main Street.

Mr. Mitchell was married at Houston, the fifth of September, 1906, to Miss Annie E. Hewes, also a native of Houston. Her father, Samuel D. Hewes, came to Houston in 1852 from his native State of Pennsylvania and was active in the industrial life of that city. He began the manufacture of corn mills, and later went in the lumber business, in which he was a leader until his retirement a short time prior to his death in 1906. Mr. Hewes was a Civil War Veteran, having fought on the side of the Con- federacy. Mrs. Mitchell's mother, before her mar- riage, Miss Elizabeth Moore, was a native of Lynch- burg, Texas, and the daughter of Luke Moore, who came to the Southern part of Texas in the early twenties.

Mr. Mitchell was a real family man, finding his greatest delights in his home, and his two children, Catherine E., now a student in Central High School, at Houston, and Annie Lee, still a small girl. Mrs. Mitchell is an exceptionally talented woman, and a real home maker. She was the constant comrade and companion of her husband, sympathetic and encouraging him in all his endeavors, and was the inspiration of his practical career. She makes her home at the family residence, 2802 Milam Street.

Mr. Mitchell's death occurred at Houston the ninth of February, 1916. Just in his prime, not yet forty- one, his career was unusually promising, and his death was a distinct loss to the commercial life of his city. Not only did he win success in business,

but he found time to devote to civic and religious duties. He served as a member of the Board of Directors, and Treasurer of the Y. M. C. A., and as Treasurer of the Trinity Episcopal Church, aiding materially in securing the location where the church stands today. Assisting young men to get a start in business gave him pleasure. He was interested in various enterprises, many of which he served as a director, and was a member of the Houston Club and the Houston Country Club. He was a man of striking personality, of high intellectual attain -. ments, and there was ever associated with his name an integrity that influenced his entire life. He had many friends, drawn to him through his many likable qualities, and was one of the best liked of Houston's citizens.

LBERT BREYER, pioneer cotton man of Houston, and authority in all phases of this great industry of the Lone Star State, was for years a leader in commercial and civic activities, taking great pride in the accom- plishments of his city and identifying himself with all movements that have insured its progress and welfare. Mr. Breyer was associated with the cot- ton business from his early manhood and made cotton a life study, attaining the reputation of an authority in all branches of the industry, promot- ing the highest development of the industry. Mr. Breyer from his first association with the cotton business saw in this vast industry an economic problem that would for years to come influence the prosperity of the Lone Star State, and studied the business from every angle. He originated the firm of A. Breyer and Company, Cotton Exporters, and was in the cotton export business for about thirty years. He built up one of the largest cotton com- press enterprises at Houston, the Union Compress and Warehouse Company, of which he was for many years president, and which has since his death, con- tinued to develop along the lines mapped out by him.

Albert Breyer was born in Saxony, Germany, the twenty-first day of August, 1853, and reared in that province. His father, and his grandfather, were both cotton men of prominence in Germany, and reared in this environment it was but natural that he should turn to this enterprise when coming to the United States in his early manhood. A brother was already in New York, and Mr. Breyer spent his first months in that city, later coming to New Orleans, where the cotton exporting business claimed his attention for several years. He then came to Houston in 1886, and went in the cotton business. A little later he organized the Union Compress and Warehouse Company, and was for many years Pres- ident and Manager of this enterprise.

Mr. Breyer died at his home in Houston, the 11th day of August, 1915, his death a distinct loss to the cotton industry of the State, and the commercial world of Houston. He had many friends, both cotton men and men from every walk of life, who sincerely mourned his passing. Mr. Breyer was one of those pioneers who took an active part in building his city and there are today in Houston many activities and industries that owe their success to his in- terest. The welfare of his fellowmen was for Mr. Breyer a matter of deep concern and he was at all times ready to help those less fortunate than him- self, holding out a helping hand to those in trouble.

870

Mrs. S. L. Mitchell

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

HARLES M. REIN, veteran newspaper man, poet, oil and mining promoter and business man, was, for more than three decades, an influential figure in the life of Houston, and was known throughout the Lone Star State for his many activities of more than local prominence. Mr. Rein was a man of many interests, equally at home in an editorial office, or on the sage brush plains of Mexico, tramping as prospector for valu- able mineral lands. Perhaps his own explanation of this diversity of interests, as expressed in his verses on "Fate," wherein he says, "Is it fate that carries us blindly along, with no thought our own wishes to fulfill," offers the keynote to his life. But what- ever the call that led him on, that gave his life this many sided interest, there was an underlying intensity and determination that made of each ven- ture a success.

Charles M. Rein was born at Kenosha, Wisconsin, the first of February, 1861, son of Hubert Rein, a native of Luxemberg, who came to the United States as a young man, and was, until his death, a bridge contractor. His mother, prior to her mar- riage, Miss Marie Sauber, was a native of Germany. Mr. Rein's life was rather uneventful, the usual life of the American school boy, until he reached the age of fourteen, when he became a machinist's ap- prentice, and, applying himself with diligence to the intricacies of this trade, soon mastered it. He then went to Rockford, Illinois, where he followed his trade. In 1883 he entered the hotel business at Elgin, making a remarkable success of the venture. Seeking a broader field he went to Chicago and be- came Western agent for the Aetna Chemical Fire Engine Company, this venture also proving a suc- cess.

Then came the call of the South, and, in 1895, Mr. Rein came to Houston, a little later becoming the publisher of the Houston Daily Age, one of the lead- ing newspapers of that day. After a number of years as editor of this paper Mr. Rein disposed of this interest and went to Orange, where he became Editor of the Daily Tribune and the Orange Weekly Leader. Here he encountered many delightful ex- periences, from which the incidents of his book, "Ex- tracts From a Country Paper," are taken. This volume contains delightful bits of humor and verses, expressive of both serious and more frivolous moods, and is an interesting contribution to Texas litera- ture.

Mr. Rein was a business executive, as well as a newspaper man, and, while at Orange, he made some of the largest real estate deals in the history of that town, up to the time of his return to Houston. Returning to Houston in 1905, Mr. Rein established the printing business, Rein & Sons, Company, which he managed for many years thereafter, building up a successful and modern plant, and which is now operated as the Rein Printing Company, and con- ducted by his sons.

Mr. Rein was married the twenty-third of May, 1882, to Miss Esther Penrose Teague, a native of Australia, and the daughter of William and Kather- ine Penrose Teague. Both Mr. and Mrs. Teague were natives of England, Mr. Teague going to Aus- tralia as a young man, and later coming to the United States, just after the close of the Civil War, and locating at Rockford, Illinois, which was his home for many years. Mrs. Rein is a woman of

accomplished intelligence and character, and, be- sides giving inspiration to her husband in his ca- reer, she reared and gave careful training to a family of three children, two of whom survive. These children are: Harold Rein, who is married and has one son; and Donald Rein, who is married and has two sons, and both of whom are active in the printing business established by their father; and Charles M. Rein, who, until his death in 1916, was also interested in the printing business.

Charles M. Rein, Sr., and the subject of our sketch, died suddenly at his home in Houston, at 1712 Elgin Street, Friday, November the ninth, 1917. The funeral was held under the auspices of Triangle Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, of which Mr. Rein was a member. His death was a great shock to his many friends, for he had spent the previous day at his plant, and apparently in the best of health. The older residents of Houston recall many delightful reminiscences of his life, and of the early days at Houston, when he formed some of the friendships which have grown stronger with advancing years. A man of many interests, as well as experiences, he was always an entertaining talker, his personality impressing itself on all who knew him, and his death was a distinct loss to his com- munity.

JOSEPH PERRY, one of the younger busi- ness men of Houston, has for several years been the head of one of the finest under- taking establishments in the city. £ Mr. Perry is president and general manager of Wall and Stabe Company, Incorporated, funeral directors and embalmers. This firm occupies a modern establish- ment, at 2310 Main Street, the home being the for- mer W. T. Carter home, and surrounded by a beau- tifully kept lawn, with hedges and flowers. The parlors are attractively furnished, with adjoining embalming and slumber rooms, and well arranged display rooms. The management accentuates quiet- ness and refinement and caters to those desiring dis- tinctive service. Mr. Perry has been in charge of this business since leaving school, and his success has been noteworthy. He supervises every detail of the operation of the establishment, and has five trained assistants. Mr. Perry is president and gen- eral manager of the Wall and Stabe Company, his mother, Mrs. E. J. Perry, vice president, and his sister, Miss Ellen Perry, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Perry is a native Houstonian, having been born in this city the twelfth of January, 1897, son of E. Joseph Perry, a native of Kansas, who came to Houston in 1895, where he was engaged in the merchandising and brokerage business until 1911. In that year he took over the firm of Wall and Stabe, operating the establishment until his death in 1920. His mother, prior to her marriage Miss Louise Scott, is a native of Sherman. Mr. Perry attended the pub- lic schools of Houston, graduating from the high school here. He then went to Texas A. and M. College, where he attended one year, leaving in 1920, when his father died, to assume the management of the Wall and Stabe Company

Mr. Perry makes his home at 2310 Main Street, where he resides with his mother. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kiwanis Club, the Campus Club and the Ex-Students Association of A. and M. College.

875

MEN OF TEXAS

OL. EDWARD BENJAMIN CUSHING-It is given few men to hold the high place in public esteem, as it was to Col. Edward Benjamin Cushing, lifelong resident of Houston, and whose name is held in high honor for his many activities incident to the prosperity and welfare of the city. Whether as private citizen, business man, or soldier in the service of his coun- try, Col. Cushing represented the very flower of Christian manhood, and the record of his life is an inspiring bit of the history of Houston.

Col. Edward Benjamin Cushing was born at Houston the twenty-second day of Nevember, 1862, the son of E. H. Cushing, a prominent Texan of Civil War days, and in appreciation of whom his son, Col. Cushing, in after years wrote a sketch which was published by the Southwestern Historical Society. Mr. Cushing was one of the pioneer news- paper men of the state, and a well known writer in the fields of history and economics, and in the early days, when Houston was a village of some twenty- five hundred inhabitants, he secured control of the Houston Telegraph, one of the most powerful fac- tors in strengthening the cause of good government in the decade preceding Civil War days. Later he sold the paper and was in the wholesale and re- tail book and stationery business until his death in 1879. Col. Cushing's mother, before her mar- riage, Miss Matilda Burke, was a native of Hous- ton, and a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of this city. Her father, A. J. Burke, was a pioneer merchant of Houston.

Col. Edward Benjamin Cushing attended private schools at Houston until his entrance at Texas A. and M. College, where he took the civil engineering degree. He returned to Houston, and after a short time working for Col. Ashbel Smith as a civil en- gineer, he joined the staff of the Southern Pacific Lines, with which he was connected for forty-two years. He was made assistant general manager, maintenance of way, a position he held for many years, and wherein he rendered distinguished service.

Shortly after the entry of the United States in the World War in April, 1917, Col. Cushing went to France, as major with the Seventeenth Engineers, and was later made director of the ports of debarka- tion at Antwerp and Brussels. He was then pro- moted to the rank of colonel, and was advising engi- neer on the personal staff of General Pershing. His war record was one of achievement, and Hous- ton is proud of the part he took in the late war. On his return to civil life he became a federal bank examiner, and at the time of his death was re- ceiver for the First National Bank of Ranger, Texas, where his services in connection with this institu- tion showed the executive and constructive busi- ness ability that had marked his previous career.

Col. Cushing was married in Houston, the eleventh of February, 1888, to Miss Florence Powars, a native of this city, and the daughter of Will Powars, whose death occurred in 1870, and Mary (Ely) Powars, a native of Georgia, whose death oc- curred in 1907. Mr. Powars was a native of Canada, and a Civil Engineer by profession. He came to Houston in 1854, and surveyed this section of the state and was thereafter active in civil engineering work until his death. Col. and Mrs. Cushing had a family of three children: Mildred, wife of W. E.

Granger, with the Gulf Coast Railway Lines, at Houston; Converse S., who married Miss Helen Walsh, and who has three children, Edward B., Florence M., and Helen Mildred; and Anette Eloise, wife of C. J. Koenig of Houston, and who has one child, Charles J., Jr. Mrs. Cushing, who resides at 303 Stratford Avenue, is one of the most charm- ing of Houston women, and is active in social and civic affairs.

Col. Cushing's death occurred in Houston the seventeenth of February, 1924, funeral services being held the following Wednesday. Col. Cushing was a Mason, and was active in every movement of importance to the civic advancement of Hous- ton, taking a deep interest in all that concerned this city. The record of his busy life forms a bright page in the annals of the history of Hous- ton, and will serve as an inspiration for others to emulate his example.

OBERT ALEXANDER BOND, whose life for more than a quarter of a century was closely interwoven with the progress and prosperity of Houston, enjoyed some of the highest distinctions and honors of his home com- munity, and was a factor in the civic and commer- cial life there. Mr. Bond, during the many years of his connection with the business life of the city at- tained the reputation of a merchant of the highest ideals and integrity, and gave his energies toward promoting a business that would be an asset to community life, rather than a monument to his own private gain, and the C. L. and Theo. Bering, Jr., Inc. Hardware Company, of which he was owner, stood as a memorial to his ideals.

Robert Alexander Bond was born in the state of Georgia, on the twenty-second day of August, 1870, son of Edward Bond, a native of South Carolina, but who spent most of his life in Georgia, and Georgia Wooden Bond, a native of Georgia. Up until the age of thirteen years Mr. Bond attended the schools near his home, but in that year his father died and he was thrown on his own resources. He went to Cedar Keys, Florida, and for a number of years thereafter worked for the various lumber companies there. At the age of eighteen, with five years business experience behind him, he came to Galveston and began work with Mr. Becker, at the Becker Mill and Elevator. He then entered the hardware business in that city and for the ensuing five years was in a hardware store in Galveston. In 1897 Mr. Bond was attracted to the business future Houston offered to the ambitious young man, and came to this city. He went with the E. P. Dun- lay Hardware store, remaining with that firm for three years. In 1900, when the firm of C. L. and Theo. Bering, Jr., Inc., was being organized, Mr. Bond went with the new institution, later buying an interest in the business, and still later buying out the Bering interests and becoming sole owner. The firm name, under which the business was or- ganized, the C. L. and Theo. Bering, Jr., Inc., was still retained, and the business continued under the management of Mr. Bond. He had had charge of the operation of the business since its organization, for neither of the Berings had had experience in the hardware line, and had ordered the first bill of goods for the new store. His business policy was sound and constructive, and it was his ambition to build a store that would be in keeping with the

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 133

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