New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 139

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

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Mr. and Mrs. Craig had a family of three chil- dren, Leonard Wiles Craig, now of California, who married Miss Bessie Boyle, a Houston girl, and who has four children, Leonard, Betty Louise, Lucy Sher- man and William Reavis Craig; Doddridge Henry Craig, a railroad official who resides with his mother, and William Kendall Craig, a cotton man of Houston. Mrs. Craig is a highly accomplished wo- man and has many friends in Houston. Mr. Craig was a Blue Lodge Mason, of St. Louis, and a mem- ber of the Christian Church. His death, which oc- curred in Houston the fourth of April, 1917, was a deep loss not only to the business world, but to his many friends here, and the memory of his richly lived years should furnish inspiration to others.

ENRY ST. JOHN WAGGAMAN. The name of Henry St. John Waggaman has for many years been accorded a place of honor on the list of pioneers who laid the foundation of the Houston of today. Coming to this city in the early days of its history, in the seventies, he was associated in many ways with the prosperity of the growing community and was a leader in the activi- ties of his day directed toward civic improvement. Mr. Waggaman was a man of high ideals and to him success meant more than the mere acquirement of wealth, and was measured by the respect ac- corded a man in his community, and his real worth to his fellowman. He took his duties as a citizen seriously, helping to lay the foundations of a great city, and it is a pleasure to accord him the honor that is his due.

Henry St. John Waggaman was born on the Avon- dale Plantation, near New Orleans, on the thirteenth day of August, 1849, son of Henry St. John Wagga- man and Adele Victoire Bujac Waggaman. His father was one of the large plantation owners of that day and his grandfather, Senator George Augustus Waggaman, a statesman of more than local recog- nition. Mr. Waggaman attended the schools near his home, and at the time the Civil War began was in college in his native state. He was captured, a lad of thirteen, with a group of other students, and held for many months in a prison camp before his release could be secured. Returning to his home, he spent the time up until 1873 in Louisiana, in that year com- ing to Houston. Shortly after his arrival, he helped organize the first ice factory to be established in this city, but was unsuccessful in the venture and after a time gave it up entirely. He then went in the post office, spending a short time there, after which he went with the J. L. Mitchell Jewelry Store, as manager, in 1880. He remained with that firm until his death in 1901 and was a factor in building up the store, organizing it along progressive lines, and giving special attention to trade building.

Mr. Waggaman was married at Houston, the twen- ty-seventh of April, 1881, to Miss Marie Aurelie Court, who was born in Houston, at the corner of Travis Street and Prairie Avenue, in 1854. Her father, Carl Court, a native of Europe, came to the United States in 1848, going first to New York City, then coming on to Houston, where he spent the rest of his life. Her mother, before her marriage Miss Louise Mohl, was a native of Germany and came to the United States with her parents in 1832. Mrs.

Waggaman is a woman of charming personality, tal- ented and well read, and during her many years in Houston has made hosts of friends, who delight in hearing her recount her experiences during the early days in Houston. During Mr. Waggaman's lifetime, she was his constant companion, interesting herself in all his work and furnishing inspiration through- out his career. Mr. and Mrs. Waggaman were the parents of five children, Henry St. John Wagga- man Jr., Miss Louise Waggaman, J. L. M. Wagga- man, of Spokane, Washington, Miss Adele Wagga- man, and Camille, wife of Major Roy Stuart Brown of the United States Army, in the Air Service, sta- tioned at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Alabama. Several years after Mr. Waggaman's death, Mrs. Waggaman built the present home of the family at 2218 Caroline Street, and here they have lived for the past two decades in an atmosphere of real South- ern hospitality.

Henry St. John Waggaman died the eighth of August, 1901. He was at his death fifty-two years old, a man in his prime, and a leader in the commer- cial world in Houston. He had many friends here, from every walk in life, and who admired and re- spected him for his high ideals, his real Christian citizenship and simple virtues. Mr. Waggaman was actively interested in the growth and prosperity of his city, taking the lead in all movements of the day, and one of the real builders of his time. He was benevolent without ostentation, always ready to lend a helping hand to a fellowman, and a lover of humanity. His place in the history of his city is one of honor and esteem, and the record of his life an inspiration to all those who knew him.

R. JAMES MONROE BOYLES. In the his- tory of the medical profession of Harris County there are few names that stand out more prominently and are more worthy the honors and obligations of this profession than that of Dr. James Monroe Boyles, pioneer physician and surgeon of Houston. Dr. Boyles came to Houston in the early days, in 1874, and devoted himself to the service of humanity. He was a physician of the old school, a general practitioner in the best sense of the term, practicing his profession wisely over a territory where doctors were few and the early residents of this section knew him and loved him. He was at once physician, counsellor and friend to a large patronage whose well being he considered his sacred trust and few physicians of that day were more beloved.

Dr. Boyles was born in Baldwin County, Alabama, the first of March, 1857, the son of James M. Boyles, a resident of that state for many years. His early education was received in the public schools of his native county after which he entered the Univer- sity of Alabama, in the medical department at Mo- bile, this institution conferring on him the medical degree. He came direct to Houston and became con- nected with the old Houston Infirmary, in 1874. For many years his work centered there. After these years he gave his time exclusively to his private practice, practicing alone until 1919 when he re- tired, three years prior to his death. .

Dr. Boyles was married at Houston, Texas, the seventeenth of February, 1887, to Miss Margaret McAllister Campbell, a native of Walker County, Texas. Her father, Dr. F. Campbell, a native of North Carolina, came to Texas in 1859 and practiced

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medicine in Walker County until his death. Her mother, whose maiden name was Miss Ella Single- ton, was a native of Alabama and is now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Boyles lived in Houston throughout their married life, which was ideal in every way. Mrs. Boyles gave her deepest interest to her hus- band's professional duties and was ideally fitted to be a physicians's wife. Her home and her children, next to her husband, were her joy and delight and she was a devoted mother. The four children of Dr. and Mrs. Boyles are Edward Sewall Boyles, a prom- inent attorney of Houston and a young man to whom the future promises much. He is married to Miss Constance Weldon. A daughter, Ella Campbell, is the wife of F. S. K. Clemens, of Houston, and has one child, Frank Carter Clemens. Of the other two daughters, Miss Reba Scott Boyles is a teacher in the Junior High School at Houston and Miss Eliza- beth Gerald Boyles is an employee of the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston and both make their home with their mother at 1201 Gray Avenue.

Dr. Boyles died at his home in Houston the twen- ty-fifth of October, 1922 and was buried in Glen- wood Cemetery. Throughout his busy career he kept apace with medical development and was a member of all the medical associations, taking a deep interest in the meetings of these organizations. He was held in high esteem by the medical frat- ernity and was always an advocate of the highest development of the profession and the improvement of medical standards. To his hundreds of patients in Houston he was more than physician and they found in him ever a true friend, a sympathetic ad- visor and counsellor. His home and family were his delight and even in his busiest hours he always found time to give some portion of the day to them. Dr. Boyles was also deeply interested in the welfare of his community, questions of public health and child welfare especially appealing to him. As a citizen he was always on the side of development and progress and ready to contribute to any movement that had these ends for its goal. In his benevolences he was quiet and unostentatious, giving where he felt the need was greatest and his services were always at the command of the suffering, even in the lowliest walks of life. His memory will live for many years to come in the hearts of those who knew him, and Houston is proud to honor him as one of the pioneer physicians who took a part in making this city the place it is today.

IMON ROOS .- In the early days of Hous- ton's history there came to live in that little village a young man, but a short time before arrived in the United States from his native country of France, Simon Roos, whose name was later to take high place among the pion- eers and builders of the Houston of today. Mr. Roos was imbued with the indomitable spirit of the pioneer, and, beginning at the lowest rung of the ladder of the mercantile world, as itinerant merchant, with team and wagon selling his dry goods throughout that section, step by step climbed to the top, and at his death operated one of the finest men's furnishing stores in the Lone Star State.

Simon Roos was born in the village of Belfort, France, on Christmas Day, 1842, the son of French parents, and spent his boyhood in that village. As

a young man he came to the United States, spend- ing one year in New York City, after which he came to direct to Houston, and went in business for himself, with his team and wagon and stock of dry goods becoming a familiar figure throughout that section. But the spirit that had brought him from his home in France across the seas to live in a new country, a free and untrammeled life, urged him to a career more promising than that of travel- ing merchant, and in 1867 Mr. Roos disposed of his interests in that line and established for himself a small business in the rapidly growing village of Houston. This establishment prospered, and ex- pansions were soon necessary to meet the demands of his trade, expansions to be followed by others and still others, until the business became one of the largest and finest in the city, and the oldest firm in business here with the exception of James Bute Company and William D. Cleveland Whole- sale Grocery Company, which were established the same year. This latter firm, as is also the business founded by Mr. Roos, are now, since the death of their founders, under the management of sons of the founders. The Simon Roos and Sons Men's Clothing and Furnishings store is located at 912 Preston Avenue.

Mr. Roos was married twice, his first wife, Paul- ine Kauffman Roos, leaving at her death two chil- dren, Gus S. Roos, and Theresa Roos, wife of Henry S. Kottwitz, who has one son, Reginald P. He was then married to Miss Lucy Smith, whom he had known all her life, and whose father, F. W. Smith, for many years a seaman, later came to Houston and went into the grocery business. Mrs. Roos was born in Galveston, but came to Houston as an infant. There were born to this union six children, five of whom are living, and one, Albert, is deceased. These five are, Miss Cora Roos, at home; Philip Roos, who is married; Louis Roos, Leon Roos, who is married and has two children, Simon Robert and Leon, Junior; and Camille Roos. The family reside at 1301 West Alabama Avenue.

Simon Roos died at his home in Houston the fifth of November, 1912, just a few weeks prior to his seventieth birthday. He had those sterling quali- ties of honesty, unswerving integrity, great indus- try and patient perseverance, which formed the foundation of his successful career. A man of rugged health, he remained active in his business, and at its head, until his last illness, giving to the direction of his establishment the same enthusiasm, the same eager attention, that marked his early days. Notwithstanding the demands of this large mercantile business Mr. Roos took an active inter- est in public affairs, especially those that concerned the progress, development and beautification of Houston. He was a charter member of the Wood- men of the World, and was interested in other or- ganizations of a political and civic nature. With that spirit of the builder, of the man not content with things as they are, but who sets out with cour- age and enthusiasm to make of the existing thing something better, Mr. Roos built not only a great business, but helped to build a great city, and his name will have a place of honor throughout the years to come, as one of the real builders of the city.

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ENRY LEE PORTER-Among those out- standing men of Houston whose success in the business world has been reflected in the prosperity of Houston, Henry Lee Porter, for upwards of three decades associated with this city, stood out as one who not only at- tained the esteem and good will of all who were associated with him, but as a citizen who was justly entitled to a large measure of credit for the ad- vancement of the commercial center of Houston. Mr. Porter was the progressive type of business man, alert to every opportunity, appreciating the value of a high integrity, and at all times ready to lend his aid to the success of forward looking movements. Actuated by a belief that no man rises higher than his ideal, he conducted his busi- ness affairs in such a way that to know him and to be associated with him in a business way, gave inspiration to others to follow in his lead. A marine insurance expert, Mr. Porter was especially awake to the opportunities for advancement in Houston in building up foreign trade, and was an enthusiastic advocate of expansion in this direction.

Henry Lee Porter was a native of Georgia, in which state he was born, at Griffin, on the nine- teenth of October, 1875. His father, James K. Porter, a native Georgian, spent his entire busi- ness career in the cotton business, engaging in this line in Georgia for many years, and later, after his son, Henry Lee Porter, came to Texas, also coming here, where he was associated with the large firm of Inman & Read, Cotton Factors, until his death, which occurred in 1900. James K. Porter was married in Georgia, to Miss Laura C. Corbin, a native of that state, who after her husband's death in 1900, made her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Porter was an ideal son, showing a filial devotion to his mother that filled her years with pleasure, and looking after her welfare and comfort, which he valued far above the successes he achieved in the business world. Mrs. Porter and her son lived at the Rice Hotel for many years, and since his death she has made her home with a daughter, Mrs. C. M. Everts, who resides at 1111 West Drew Avenue, Houston. Mrs. Porter also has two other daughters, Mrs. A. M. Harrison, and Mrs. J. E. Hero, both of whom reside in Houston.

Henry Lee Porter spent his boyhood in Georgia, attending the schools of that state, and after fin- ishing high school entered the A. and M. College of Alabama. Mr. Porter then began his business career, entering the insurance business in Atlanta, Georgia, and a little later coming to Texas, in 1894, where he became associated with the firm of Inman and Read Company. While in Georgia Mr. Porter gained his first experience in the insurance field, and after several years of connection wth Inman & Read he left that firm and began in the insur- ance business, later organizing the firm of Adams and Porter, of which he was a member until his death. Mr. Porter's activities in the field of marine insurance attracted „tatewide attention and he was well known as an authority on marine insurance and one of the best versed men in Texas on this subject.

Mr. Porter took an active part in club life and was a member and one of the founders of the Thalian Club, which later became the Houston Club.

He was also a member of the Houston Country Club, and the Houston Cotton Exchange and the Board of Trade. Mr. Porter had a wide acquaint- ance among cotton men of Texas, and was also prominently identified among the insurance men. He was an interesting conversationalist, a man of striking personality, and few men at Houston com- manded a greater respect or were accorded a greater measure of esteem than he. His death, which oc- curred in a Houston hospital the twenty-seventh of January, 1924, was deeply felt throughout the city and took from the business world a man, just in his prime and who, with a record of achievement behind him, faced a future which loomed especially promising.

ILLIAM BUTLER KING. For many years the name of William Butler King held a spe- cial significance in the city of Houston, where, throughout a useful and busy life, he was a factor in the business and commercial world. Mr. King was a business man of many. interests, and much that he did in a business way was directly reflected in the prosperity of his community. He took a deep and lasting interest in civic develop- ment, and was an indefatigable worker in all causes directed toward the growth and progress of his city.

William Butler King was born in Georgia, in Tal- bert County, the eleventh of March, 1855. His fa- ther, W. P. King, also a Georgian, came to Texas during the latter part of his life, and resided in Sherman until his death. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Thornton, also died in Sherman. Mr. King was educated in the schools of his native state, and as a young man came to Texas, locating at Gal- veston. Here he went to work for Colonel Austin Clay Baker, one of the largest cotton factors of that city and a prominent man in civic affairs. He was with Colonel Baker for many years, later marry- ing his daughter. A short while prior to leaving Galveston, Mr. King engaged in the real estate busi- ness, and after a period of successful operation, dur- ing which time he handled many big deals, he dis- posed of that interest and came to Houston. Shortly after his arrival in this city he established a whole- sale business. Later he disposed of this and formed the firm of Wm. B. King and Company, stock and bond brokers, in which he was active until his death.

Mr. King was married at Galveston, the third of October, 1877, to Miss Annie Laura Baker, a native of Washington County, Texas, and the daughter of Colonel Austin Clay Baker and Mrs. Susan Baker. Her father, a native of Caldwell County, Kentucky, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Susan Elizabeth Summers, came to Washington County be- fore the Civil War, and was a prominent merchant until the war. He enlisted in the Confederate army, served with distinction during part of the conflict, and at its close moved to Galveston. Here he en- tered the cotton business with his brother, W. M. Baker, and was with him for many years, conducting an extensive business and establishing a reputa- tion that extended throughout the Gulf Coast dis- trict. He was al:) at one time a partner with Colonel Moody, but after his daughter's marriage and removal to Houston, he disposed of his interests in Galveston and came to this city, where his death occurred the thirteenth of June, 1898. Mrs. Baker also died in Houston, the twenty-fifth of February, 1905.

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Mr. and Mrs. King had a family of two children, William Olive King, of W. O. King and Company, stocks and bonds, and who is married to Miss Hattie Van Pelt, a native of Texas, and Ethel, wife of Thomas L. Powell, a business man of Houston, who has two children, Dorothy and Laura Jeane. Mrs. King has continued her residence in Houston since her husband's death, almost a decade ago, and has a beautiful home at 606 Sul Ross Avenue. She is a charming woman, a delightful hostess and interested in both social and civic affairs.

William Butler King died at Houston, the ninth of September, 1914, at the age of fifty-nine years. His entire life was well spent, the years richly lived, and he left hundreds of friends in various parts of the state who mourned his loss. Mr. King was one of the most generous of Houston's citizens, and did much for his city, as well as taking an active interest in the welfare of his fellowmen. He was a man of highest integrity and there was ever asso- ciated with his name those sterling qualities which command respect and admiration in any gathering.

SCAR C. LANG, president of the Houston Drug Company, and well known in the business circles of South Texas, has had an important part in shaping the destinies of the business which he heads. The Houston Drug Company, located at the corner of Caroline and Preston Streets, was established in 1895 and in- corporated for $100,000.00. The capital stock has since been increased to $500,000.00. The company owns the building where the establishment is located, containing 78,000 square feet, being 156 feet by 100 feet, four stories and a basement. The Houston Drug Company employ about one hundred people, and have traveling salesmen who cover the entire territory within a radius of two hundred miles of Houston. Mr. Lang came into the firm in 1909, as bookkeeper, and in 1918 became vice president and general manager, and in January, 1923, he became president.

A native Texan, Mr. Lang was born at McGregor, in 1888. His father, Gus Lang, a native of Germany, came to America and to Texas when a. boy. His mother was Miss Matilda Melonson, a member of a well known Texas family. Mr. Lang's education was obtained in the public schools of various towns of Texas.

Mr. Lang began his business career at the age of fourteen, as office boy in the H. & T. C. R. R. office in Houston. With this as a beginning, he later became chief clerk for the resident engineer of the maintenance of way department for the same railroad. Four years later, when he was eighteen years of age, he accepted employment with the Houston Oil Company as statistician, where he re- mained for some time, and resigned this position in order to go with a wholesale produce firm as office manager, where he remained until 1907. For three years he was traveling representative for a wholesale produce company, and left this company in order to become associated with the Houston Drug Company.

Mr. Lang was married in Houston, in 1907, to Miss Mayme Elizabeth Keenan, a member of a pio- neer Houston family. They have one child, Vera. The Lang residence is located at 901 Kipling Street. Mr. Lang is a Mason, being affiliated with Gray Lodge, No. 329, Galveston Consistory and Arabia

Temple Shrine. He is a member of the executive committee of the Houston Civic Council, is past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the Houston Trade League, vice president of the National Wholesale Druggists' Association, presi- dent of the Houston Better Business Bureau, and a member of the executive committee, and chairman of the trade expansion committee of the Houston Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Houston Club and the Houston Country Club. Mr. Lang is a staunch and consistent member of the Christian Church, and president of the men's Bible class. He is interested in all things pertaining to the progress and civic betterment of Houston, and expects the city to continue its steady, consistent growth, and is looking forward to an era of great business prosperity in all lines.

Note: Since this sketch was written, Mr. Lang died, December 11th, 1925.

ROVER O. PITTMAN has for more than two decades been a factor in the cotton cir- cles of Texas, and is manager of the Cage Cotton Company, cotton merchants, with of- fice located at 908 Franklin Avenue and 1010 Texas Avenue. This company was organized in 1919 and do a large domestic spot cotton business, and have direct wires to New Orleans, and have buyers sta- tioned at the principal inland cotton points in the state. They employ fifteen men in their Houston of- fice. Associated with Mr. Pittman in the cotton business in Houston, is Mr. Elliott Cage, well known in the financial circles of Houston and in Texas, where he has for many years been engaged in real estate and financial enterprises.

A native Texan, Mr. Pittman was born at Fair- field, October 8th, 1886. His father, D. D. Pittman, was for many years engaged in the contracting busi- ness in Fairfield, but for the past twenty years has been active in the business circles of Houston, where he is still residing. His mother was Miss Lyda Williams, a native of the Lone Star State and a member of a well known family of Central Texas. His education was obtained in the public schools in various cities of Texas, and when sixteen years of age, he began his business career with the Vivian Commission Company of Fort Worth, where he re- mained from 1902 to 1907. From that time to 1916 he was associated with various cotton firms in dif- ferent capacities and in 1916 came to Houston, where he has since been active in the business, cotton and financial circles of the city.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 139

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