New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 140

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

USA > Texas > New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1 > Part 140

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Pittman was married at Denison, Texas, in 1910 to Miss Nellie Hemphill, a member of a well known North Texas family. They have five chil- dren, Virginia, Grover Pittman, Jr., Josephine, Mary and Woodrow. Mr. and Mrs. Pittman reside at 612 Cordell Street. In fraternal, social and commercial organizations, Mr. Pittman holds membership in Will N. Kidd Chapter Royal Arch Masons, the Glen- brook Country Club, the City and County Club and the Houston Chamber of Commerce. He is a staunch and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Having been actively engaged in the cotton business all his life, Mr. Pittman is considered an authority on cotton and knows this commodity as few men know it. He has great faith in the future of Hous- ton and believes this city will soon become the lead- ing shipping port and cotton market in the entire Southwest.

933

MEN OF TEXAS

UDGE JOHN GRANT TOD, as lawyer and jurist occupied a high place in the confi- dence of the people of Houston, a faith that in a career covering more than three decades he never betrayed. At various times Judge Tod was called upon to fill positions of public trust, in which he demonstrated his official and judicial ability and his devotion to the best interests of his community. There have been few judiciaries at Houston who have won so many friends, been so generally beloved, as was Judge Tod, and who have been associated in so many ways with the prosperity of their community. Not alone on the bench did he win distinction, but as a citizen, interested in the welfare of his community. His work in behalf of the deep water ship channel was largely instru- mental in securing this advantage, and many other activities might be cited wherein he proved his real interest in his city.

Judge Tod was born the fourteenth of January, 1864, at Richmond, Texas, son of John Grant and Abigail Tod. His father, a native of Kentucky, and of Scottish ancestry, was educated in the schools of that State, being a graduate of the famous old Center College. He followed the high seas for the most of his life, spending many years in the United States navy. Later he was with the Mexican navy, until the beginning of the Mexican troubles with Texas, at which time he became a commodore in the Texas navy, serving with distinction. At this time he brought his family to Galveston, in the early days of that city, and later removed to Rich- mond. His latter days were spent at Harrisburg in retirement and where he died in 1877. Judge Tod's mother, prior to her marriage Miss Abigail Fisher West, was a native of Delaware, and was married to John Grant Tod at her home in Louis, Delaware, in 1850. They had a family of three children, one who died in infancy, a daughter, Mrs. C. H. Milby, and a son, John Grant Tod. the sub- ject of this sketch.

Judge Tod received his early education in the schools of Texas, later going to Yale, where he took his LL. B. degree in 1885. He came direct to Hous- ton and began his practice in the office of Major Looscan, prominently identified with the early days of Houston's history. Later he practiced alone, earning noteworthy prominence, and his standing as a lawyer was early stamped with the approval of his community by his elevation to the bench. Judge Tod served two terms as county judge, after which he was elected district judge, holding that office for two terms also. He was appointed secretary of state under Governor Sayers during his last term as district judge and resigned from the bench that he might fill this position. When the Sayers ad- ministration ended Judge Tod returned to Houston, forming a partnership with Lewis R. Bryan and Charles McRae, this association lasting a number of years, after which Judge Tod practiced alone, until shortly prior to his death, in 1918.

Judge Tod was married to Miss Osceola Morriss, the eleventh of June, 1890. Mrs. Tod was the daugh- ter of Osceola Morriss, a native of the Lone Star State, whose birthplace was Seabrook, Texas, on the old Morriss headright survey. Mr. Morriss was a planter on a large scale, one of the early cotton growers, and a prominent man of his day. His death occurred during the Civil War. Mrs. Tod's

mother, before her marriage Miss Mary Frances Brock, was a native of Harris County, where she was born, near the old Allen homestead. Mrs. Tod was born and reared at Harrisburg. Mr. and Mrs. Tod had two children: Miss Mary Tod, educated in the Harrisburg schools and the Texas Presby- terian College at Milford, Texas, and Mrs. Rosa Tod Hamner, who was educated in the Harrisburg schools, Texas Presbyterian College, and the Uni- versity of Texas, of which she is a graduate. Mrs. Tod and family reside in Houston.

Judge Tod died at Galveston, to which place he had gone for medical treatment, the 20th of Feb- ruary, 1918. His death was a deep loss to his city, and keenly felt by the bench and bar, and the citizenship at large. A man of understanding per- sonality, highest ideals of citizenship and sterling character, he had impressed his influence on the life of his city, endearing himself to all who knew him. His many activities in behalf of his city will be recalled throughout the years to come, as will his many benevolencies, his unostentatious charities, and his real friendships. Judge Tod was one of the most brilliant speakers before the bar of his day, and was identified with many of the important cases of that time. On the bench he was equally eloquent, favoring no side, but standing for the right as he saw it, and for justice to all. Judge Tod was a Mason, and for many years a member of the Gray Lodge. He also belonged to the Scot- tish Rite and Shrine.

HOMAS HUTCHINSON BOTTS. In the history of the bar of Harris County there are few names commanding a higher de- gree of respect and admiration than that of Thomas Hutchinson Botts, native Houstonian, and for many years prominent in legal and civic af- fairs here. Mr. Botts was widely known not only for his ability as a lawyer, but as a counselor and friend and possessed that rare faculty of under- standing which made him stand out as a man as well as a lawyer, adding much to the illustrious family name so ably established by his father, Colonel W. B. Botts. Mr. Botts figured in some of the notable cases, both civil and criminal, to be tried in the courts of Harris County, and distin- guished himself on many occasions. Perhaps the secret of his great success was his natural ability for his profession, combined with habits of concen- tration and a complete mastery of the work in hand. He was a platform orator of pleasing address, well able to hold his own and match his wits against the finest legal talent of his state.

Mr. Botts was born in Houston, the eighth of July, 1878, son of the late Colonel Walter Browne Botts, one of Houston's greatest men and most distin- guished lawyers, and Mattie McIlhenny Botts. Col- onel Botts was prominent in civic advancement as well as an attorney and took the leading part in all forward movements of his day. He was the founder of the firm of Baker, Botts, Parker and Garwood, of which his son was later to be a member, and was until his death active in this firm. As a boy, Thom- as Hutchinson Botts attended the public schools of his native city and later graduated with honors from Welch Academy at Woodberry Forest, Virginia. He then entered the University of Texas, graduating in 1901.

Shortly after his graduation he entered the law

934

ISTER

零用技术

14.8

ERES.P

Jod

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

firm of Baker, Botts, Parker and Garwood, with whom he was associated until his death. Here he displayed an ability to take infinite pains and to place to his advantage every legal resource. His briefs displayed a clearness and directness and a ready perception of the basic principles of a prop- osition. His advancement in his profession was rapid and success came to him early and increased with each year until he occupied a place among the foremost lawyers of his day. His death, on the sec- ond of June, 1922, was a distinct loss, not only to his profession, but to his city and cut short his career while he was yet in his prime.

Mr. Botts was married in Houston on the twentieth of April, 1908, to Mrs. Alice Borgella Duquette, a native of Chicago and the daughter of Pierre Alfred and Adele (Young) Borgella, both natives of France. They resided in Chicago for many years and it was here that Mr. Borgella continued his work as an artist. Mrs. Botts is a woman of accomplishments and was an ideal wife and helpmeet, giving inspira- tion to her husband throughout his career and rear- ing a family of three children, Louis, vice president of the Guardian Trust Company, Seymour and Mat- tie Adele.

Mr. Botts was a member of a number of the lead- ing clubs of Houston, among them being the Hous- ton Club and the Houston Country Club. He was active in all civic development and identified him- self with various movements for the advancement of his native city. He was one of the most prominent and admired members of the Harris County Bar As- sociation and his death was the cause of a deep and sincere regret, not alone among members of this or- ganization, but among his many friends in the city from every walk in life. A man of brilliant attain- ments, he never lost sight of the charm of simple things, and few men had his understanding of his fellowmen and his sympathy for those less fortunate than himself. He gave to his friends an interest that even the press of a busy life did not lessen, and his life was a constant source of inspiration to those about him.

ON. JOHN CALDWELL. Few States, formed in either ancient or modern times, can boast a galaxy of greater names in the same period of time, than those which adorn the pages of the early history of Texas, and among the leading spirits of his day was Hon. John Caldwell. He came to Texas from North Alabama in 1831. He brought with him a young wife, whose maiden name was Lucinda Haynie, and settled on the Navidad, where he developed a farm and resided until 1834 when he removed to Bastrop County, ever after his home. He was born at Frankfort, Kentucky, December 10th, 1802, was the oldest of six children and was sixteen years of age at the time of the death of his father, Mr. Adam Caldwell, which occurred at Nashville, Tennessee, July 12th, 1819. The support and education of the children thereupon devolved upon him. The family, after Mr. Caldwell's death, located at Nashville, Ten- nessee, for a number of years. Adam Caldwell was a professional man and his son inherited from him a love for books, for he applied himself with dili- gence to the study of law while. supporting the family and was admitted to the bar at Nashville in 1823. Later the family moved to Tuscumbia, Alabama. There John Caldwell practiced his pro-

fession with marked success until 1831. Upon com- ing to Texas he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. His home in Bastrop County was located on the Colorado River, about twelve miles from the present town of Bastrop (then known as Mina) where he engaged extensively in farming. The Caldwell mansion was known as the "White House" and the home of one of Texas' most intelligent, courtly and chivalric gentlemen. Here Houston, Henderson, Rusk, Williamson, Wharton, Archer and Burnet delighted to tarry overnight when traveling through the country, and to discuss issues pending and to consult the reliable judgment of their es- teemed host and friend. The Caldwell family of four sons and two daughters were all born here. Col. Caldwell was a prominent participant in the events that led to the Texas Revolution, was one of the first to respond to the call to arms and was one of the most ardent of those who advocated the issuance of a declaration of independence. While with the army on its retreat he was detailed by General Houston to ride through the country and give warning to the settlers of the approach of the three Mexican columns under Santa Anna. He set about the performance of the duty assigned him and having accomplished it, hurried forward to join the army under Gen. Houston and reached it the day after the battle of San Jacinto. It was always a source of regret to him that he was prevented by circumstances from taking part in that great engagement. In September, 1838, he was elected to represent his district in the House of the Third Texas Congress and acquitted himself with distinc- tion. Returning home he was called upon more than once to help chastise hostile Indians. On the 5th of August, 1840, a band of a thousand, composed mostly of Comanches and Kiowas, passed down the country to Victoria. They committed many murders along the way, and proceeded to the village of Linville, on Matagorda Bay, which they looted and then burned to the ground. The news spread and pursuing parties were organized, one of which was by Col. Caldwell.

Col. Caldwell retired to his home near Bastrop, where he spent in quietude the last four years of his life. There he peacefully breathed his last on the 22nd day of October, 1870, surrounded by his sorrowing family. Death never gathered to its cold embrace a more devoted patriot or stilled the pul- sations of a truer or more manly heart. His mem- ory deserves ever to be revered by the people of Texas, whom he served in so many and such various capacities. His beloved wife survived him for many years, dying December 30th, 1895, in the city of Austin, where she removed in the spring of 1871, to live with her children. She was born in Knox- ville, Tennessee, December 8th, 1809. She was a noble Christian lady, distinguished for every grace that endears to us the names of wife and mother. She was a daughter of Rev. John Haynie, one of the most famous and best remembered of the pio- neer preachers of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Caldwell was the mother of eight children, viz .: Margaretta, John Adam, Mary, who married John H. Pope; Charles G., Walter H., Lucinda P., who married R. T. Hill; Oliver B., and Orlando. All members of the Caldwell family have occupied honorable positions in life. W. M. Caldwell, son of the late Oliver B. Caldwell, is a well known lawyer and business man of Houston.

937

MEN OF TEXAS

W ILLIAM HENRY LLOYD. A resident of Houston throughout his life, William Henry Lloyd, pioneer in the iron foundry business, was ever alert to contribute to the growth and prosperity of this section, and the Houston of today owes him an acknowledged debt for his ef- forts in behalf of civic advancement. But great as was his interest in the growth of Houston, and much as he did to secure that growth, Mr. Lloyd made a greater contribution to the prosperity of the city in the establishment of one of the pioneer iron foundries here, a business in operation today, and a concrete memorial to the business acumen of its founder. In developing this plant Mr. Lloyd had two ideals, the one the building of a foundry that would serve the Houston of that time adequately and well, the other the founding of a business that would give that same service through the years to come, and in both these desires he succeeded ad- mirably. To this end he kept in close touch with all developments in the foundry business, and sev- eral times remodeled his plant that it might better fill the needs of a progressive city.

William Henry Lloyd was born at Calvert, Texas, on the thirteenth of November, 1869, the son of W. H. Lloyd and Sue L. (Ransome) Lloyd, the father a native of Georgia, the mother of Mississippi. His father is deceased, but his mother resides in Hous ton. Before William Henry Lloyd was one year old the family had removed to Houston, where he made his home subsequently until his death. Mr. Lloyd attended the schools of Houston, and after complet- ing his education entered the foundry business, in 1900-establishing the Lloyd Metal Works, of which plant he was active head until his death. The plant manufactures sash weights and manhole covers ex- tensively, and also various foundry products, and since Mr. Lloyd's death has been managed by James Fitzgerald. The Lloyd Metal Works occupies a large industrial site. All foundry buildings are modern and well equipped, and every facility for the manufacture of a superior product is available. Service, a feature stressed by Mr. Lloyd, is still the governing rule in the plant, and the efforts of the entire force are directed toward giving real service to their customers.

Mr. Lloyd was married at Fort Worth, Texas, on the fourth day of March, 1903, to Miss Lillian L. Logan, daughter of the late J. R. Logan, native of Virginia, and Jean (McDougall) Logan, a native of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd had an ideal married life, she taking a deep and sympathetic interest in his business career, and he finding in his home his highest interest. They were the par- ents of four children, three sons, William Henry, Jr., Norris L., and John R. Lloyd, and a daughter, Lillian Jean Lloyd. The family home is at 716 Marshall Street. Mr. Lloyd was a member of the Houston Club and the Houston Country Club, the Elks, the Lumbermen's Association and the Turnve- rein. He served several terms as county commis- sioner of Harris County, and was active in all civic and charitable work and otherwise showed his interest in the welfare of his community. Mr. Lloyd's death occurred on the twenty-third of Au- gust, 1919.

AMES EDWIN NEWTON .- In recounting the history of the development of ranching interests in Harris County, the name of James Edwin Newton stands out as a man

whose many interests, particularly his interest in fine stock, made him a factor of prime importance. Mr. Newton was one of the large ranch owners of Harris County, and for many years raised thorough- bred horses, mules, cattle and sheep on a large scale. He was also one of the promoters of the Sour Lake Health Resort, and at one time owned all the land that is now known as the Sour Lake Oil field, and which he sold at the beginning of the oil boom for a million dollars.

James Edwin Newton was born at Ripon, Wis- consin, the thirty-first of March, 1853. His father, Ezra Newton, after many years of residence in Wisconsin, went to Denver, Colorado, in the early eighties, and began in the lumber business there. The firm he established is today one of the larg- est lumber companies and dealers in builders sup- plies, in Colorado. Both Mr. Eza Newton, and his wife, Mrs. Ruth Newton, lived in Colorado until their death. James Edwin Newton first attended the public schools of Wisconsin, and later finished his education at Evanston, Illinois, where he at- tended college. He then went to Denver, and was with his father in the lumber business there for a number of years. He also had other interests in that state and owned a number of large ranches, and bred thoroughbred horses. The first of Janu- ary, 1891, he came to Sour Lake, Texas, and with several others opened a large health resort, the Sour Lake Health Resort. He was one of the

largest land owners in this section, and owned prac- tically all of the land that has been developed into the Sour Lake oil field. This he sold, and thereafter devoted his time to raising fine stock. On his large ranch near Cypress, in Harris County, he raised not only thoroughbred horses, but fine cattle, sheep and mules. Horses were his real hobby, however, and he always drove the finest horses in Houston, where he made his home. His activities as a stock breeder were a factor for progress in Harris county, and many farmers of this section first became in- terested in better stock for their farms through Mr. Newton.

Mr. Newton was twice married, his first wife, and the two children resulting from that union being deceased. He was married for the second time in Boulder, Colo., April 5, 1888, to Mrs. Emma K. Bar- ber Crocker, a native of New York, and later of Denver, where she met and married Mr. Newton. Mrs. Newton took a real interest in her husband's career, and especially did she share his love of fine stock. Their home was the seat of a gracious and flowing hospitality, and in social life they were congenial, kind-hearted and generous. Mrs. New- ton was the daughter of Zacheus Barber, of New York, and Hannah Martin Barber, a member of a prominent New York family. Several years follow- ing their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Newton came to Texas, and for many years made their home at the old Newton Homestead, on Mckinney Avenue, which has since been torn down to make room for business houses. The new home was built at 412 Marshall Avenue, and Mrs. Newton has continued to reside here since her husband's death.

James Edwin Newton died at his home in Hous- ton the third of July, 1910. Few men in the stock raising industry had more friends, or had had a wider influence in the development of this industry. Harris County owes him much for his many activi-

938

M.st. Lloyd

J.L. Putnam

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

ties along the lines of civic development, and the record of his life is a bright page in the history of this county, and one not to be soon forgotten.

L. PUTNAM, a resident of Houston for a quarter of a century, was well and favor- ably known as the inventor of the sleeve valve for automatic water heaters, and president and owner of the Putnam Water Heater Company, manufacturing the only water heater made in Texas. Mr. Putnam established the com- pany in 1922, and its rapid growth was due to the several distinguished features of the heater which Mr. Putnam had covered by patent. The heater is of aluminum, has packless valves, consumes less gas and the coils are made in such a way that they cannot become stopped. In short, it is probably the best heater made today and is destined to make the name of Putnam known throughout the land. Mr. Putnam probably shortened his life in perfect- ing his invention.

Mr. F. L. Putnam was born at Rome, New York, the fifth of September, 1865, son of the late Richard A. Putnam, and Maria (Phillips) Putnam, both na- tives of New York State. Mr. Putnam was edu- cated in the schools of New York State, and as a young man entered the carpentering, and later the plumbing business. He came to Houston in 1899, having spent six years prior to that date in Texas, and was in the contracting and plumbing business here until 1922, when he perfected his in- vention of the sleeve valve, and organized the Put- nam Water Heater Company. While engaged in the contracting line, he built several houses in Hous- ton.

Mr. Putnam was married at Lyons Falls, New York, the fifth of September, 1890, to Miss Marie Jordan, daughter of the late C. Jordan and Fannie (Lemp) Jordan, both natives of France. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam had a family of three children-Flor- ence, now Mrs. M. E. Curtis of Houston; Lincoln F., now in government service in Denver, Colorado, and Arthur Putnam of Houston, Texas. The Putnam home is at 87 Drew Street, where Mrs. Putnam continues to reside. Since the death of her hus- band she sold the business to Mr. Hugh Wilkin, but retains the patent and royalty rights to her late husband's inventions.

Upon the death of Mr. F. L. Putnam on Decem- ber the 19th, 1925, Houston lost one of its sterling citizens who was interested in all civic movements for the good of the city, and willing at all times to lend his aid to any worthy cause. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and the Houston Building Trades Association.

ILLIAM THADDEUS CONKLIN-For al- most a half of a century the name of Will- iam Thaddeus Conklin figured prominently in the commercial world at Galveston, and he was held in high esteem not only for his business connections, but for the interest he took in civic advancement and in the development of Galveston as a maritime city. Mr. Conklin was a business man of distinct executive ability, progressive ideas and a talent for organizing large affairs, and his in- fluence on the commercial world at Galveston was a factor in the early prosperity of the city. He took a constructive interest not alone in his private

affairs, but in Galveston generally, building up a mercantile brokerage business known all over the country, and alligning himself with big business interests. Mr. Conklin was a student of economic problems and foreign trade, having at his command a fund of knowledge in these fields that made his opinion especially valuable, and he was frequently consulted in regard to the problems arising from time to time, in these particular fields.

William Thaddeus Conklin was born at Houston, the fourteenth of November, 1852, the son of Matthias Dayton Conklin, for many years in the drug business at Houston, and a member of the pioneer drug firm of Conklin, George and Gaines. Mr. Conklin attended the Houston public schools, and after finishing high school came to Galveston as a young man. He worked for a time in various posi- tions, then went on the road, handling various lines of merchandise, principally of Eastern manufacture. After several years in this field he entered business for himself as a general merchandise broker, a field in which he continued until his death, building up a merchandise brokerage business which was not only one of the largest in Texas, but one which through careful management and his business ingenuity made him a fortune. Mr. Conklin handled many of the big lines of merchandise carried in Texas, and for years before the establishment of Armour branch houses here represented this large packing house. Mr. Conklin was pre-eminently fitted to di- rect a business of this kind, having the executive ability necessary to handle the administrative end, and the special knowledge both of merchandise and markets to give to that phase of the business a con- sideration which was no small factor in the success of the enterprise.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 140

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