New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 142

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

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counties. A Real Estate Department, handling the sale and rental of all classes of real estate. A Mortgage Loan Department, enabling the investor to secure first mortgage real estate notes in de- nominations ranging from $200.00 up. A Safe- keeping Department, for the convenience of its cus- tomers, where they can leave securities to be looked after during their absence.

From the above it may be seen that a man can carry his checking account with the Guardian Trust Company, the same as any other banking institu- tion, may borrow money from it to finance the building of his residence or business home, or may secure credit on approved collateral; may purchase either from the Mortgage Loan Department real estate notes as investment for his surplus funds, or from the Bond Department well seasoned and gilt edge securities for the same purpose; he may buy through the Real Estate Department a lot for residence or business home, or any other class of real estate, and when he desires to place his prop- erty where his estate will be carried on and ad- ministered after his death for the benefit of his family, he may name the trust company as executor under his will, providing as to how the estate may be distributed, or should he desire to establish dur- ing his lifetime a voluntary trust for the benefit of any member of his family, or for educational purposes, he may set aside a portion of his estate for that purpose. The Guardian Trust Company has a capital and surplus of six hundred thousand dollars, undivided profits of over one hundred and thirty-seven thousand dollars, and deposits, includ- ing trust funds, of about three millions five hundred thousand dollars.

The company was organized by Capt. James A. Baker, C. M. Malone and others. The officers are: Capt. Jas. A. Baker, president; C. M. Malone, active vice president, and W. Browne Baker, active vice president and trust officer; I. F. Reed, vice presi- dent and Louis Duquette, vice president.

W. Browne Baker was born in Houston, January 23rd, 1900, son of Capt. and Mrs. James A. Baker. He was educated in the schools of Houston and the Hills School of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, graduating from the latter in 1917. In the fall of 1917 he entered Princeton, but his college work was in- terrupted by a period served in the United States Navy. In the spring of 1918 he joined the navy and served at Cape May, New Jersey, being dis- charged December, 1918. He re-entered Princeton and graduated in 1921 with the A. B. degree. Re- turning to Houston he entered the South Texas Commercial National Bank and was employed in various departments until April, 1923, when he became Assistant National Bank Examiner in the eleventh Federal Reserve District. He held this office until January, 1924, when he returned to the South Texas Commercial National Bank as assist- ant cashier, leaving this position in July, 1925, to go with the Guardian Trust Company.

On December 23rd, 1923, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Adelaide Lovett, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Odell Lovett. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have one child, W. Browne Baker, Jr. Mr. Baker is a member of the Houston, Houston Coun- try, and University Clubs, and takes a live interest in all that pertains to the betterment of the city of his nativity.

949

MEN OF TEXAS

ARRY A. BLACK for more than a quarter of a century a factor in commercial circles in Texas and for the last fifteen years in Galveston has attained a commendable repu- tation for his progressive activities in the wholesale hardware business and is one of the leading civic workers of this section, taking an active part in all organized work to assure the growth and prosperity of Galveston. Mr. Black is president of the Black Hardware Company, a firm established many years ago as the Blum Hardware Company, and bought out by the present organization in 1910; the name being changed to Black Hardware Company about six years later. The Black Hardware Company incor- porated under state laws, does a large business principally wholesale, in hardware, plumbers sup- plies, iron and steel, including structural steel, rail- road equipment and building material; supplies and contracts for finished oil storage tanks. Their terri- tory includes Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona, also a part of Mexico when conditions there permit. A force of sixteen salesmen represent the firm on the road; the local force numbering around eighty. The Black Hardware Company is located at 2213 Strand, Avenue "B" in Galveston, where a large modern building is occu- pied. In addition they occupy a large warehouse located on the water and track front. The stock carried is unusually complete, insuring patrons of the company against unnecessary delay. Officers of the company are, Harry A. Black, the subject of this sketch, president, his son Harry G. Black, vice presi- dent, J. W. Lockett, secretary and C. S. Peek, treasurer.

Harry A. Black was born in New York City, August 22nd, 1866, and was educated in the public schools there. He left New York in 1875 and was in the timber business for many years, being con- nected in a big way with the timber interests in the United States. He came to Houston in 1900 and was at that time general manager for the timber de- partment of the Houston Oil Company. In 1910, he, with associates, bought out the Blum Hard- ware Company, reorganized it and changed the name to the Black Hardware Company. Mr. Black has been president since the company was bought by the present owners.

He was married at Chicago, Illinois, in 1887 to Miss Ella M. Smith, member of a well known Chica- go family. They have one son, Harry G. Black, who is vice president of the company and one of Gal- veston's progressive young business men. The fami- ly reside at 2528 Avenue J, and take an active part in social affairs of the city. Mr. Black is a mem- ber of the Rotary Club, the Country Club and many others. He is a director of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce and is past president of this organiza- tion and is now serving as chairman of the Traffic Committee. He takes a deep interests in Chamber of Commerce work and is one of the leading figures in the local chamber. He is vice president for the Southern States of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, and has been very active in that work since the organization of the national body. One very important project in which Mr. Black took an active part was that undertaken to bring into being what is now popularly known as the Dawes Reparations Commission. The idea of this

commission first originated with Secretary of State Hughes, and it was placed before the board of di- rectors of the United States Chamber of Commerce for their consideration. The board met at the Gal- vez Hotel, Galveston, November, 1922, to discuss the merits of the plan and to outline a possible plan of operation. The idea met with the favor of the board and an appropriation of $75,000.00 was ob- tained to forward the work. Fifteen men, each an expert in his field and all practical economists were selected to go to Europe to create a sentiment in favor of the plan which was the restoration of Germany to a proper financial basis. They sailed for Europe, January, 1923, on the S. S. Caronia and were in continuous session on board ship during the trip across. The exact form of resolutions, which since then have become internationally known as "The Rome Resolution" to be presented to the Euro- pean Nations was drawn up. The party was under the leadership of five men, namely, Julius Barnes, president of the United States Chamber of Com- merce; Arthur Reynolds, Silas Strawn, Harry A. Black and John H. Fahey. On reaching Europe, after the Rome Convention, the party separated, different members going to different countries. The civic organizations, leading business men, govern- ment officials were called upon and the plan ex- plained to them. Meetings were held in many European cities of note, no fewer than eighteen countries being visited. Mr. Black spent a great portion of his time in Germany, Austria and Poland. The efforts of the party, individually and collective- ly met with complete success, and made the way easy for the commission, better known as "The Dawes Commission" when it went over to complete the work started by Mr. Black and his associates. Mr. Black has always been a close student of eco- nomic conditions throughout the world, and his opin- ion on matters pertaining to business conditions are of particular value.

ARRY G. BLACK is one of the young pro- gressive men of Galveston, who has achieved a definite measure of success. He is vice president of the Black Hardware Company of Galveston one of the city's largest insti- tutions. This firm was established many years ago as the Blum Hardware Company and was bought out by the present company in 1910. In 1916 the name of the organization was changed to the Black Hard- ware Company and has been in continuous operation under that name since that time. They do a large wholesale business in all kinds of hardware, plum- bers' supplies, iron and steel and railroad building equipment, etc. They do business in Texas, Louisi- ana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and also parts of Mexico when conditions there permit. The Black Hardware Company is located at 2213 Strand, where they occupy a large modern building. In addition they have a large warehouse located on the track and water front. Other officers of the company are Harry A. Black, president; J. W. Lockett, secretary, and C. S. Peak, treasurer. Mr. Black first entered the business in 1910, passing through the various departments until he had ob- tained a complete working knowledge of the various branches of the business. In 1920 he was made vice president which position he has held since that time.

950

١٠

Harry aBlack

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

His activities in the service of his country do honor to himself and to his city. During the Mex- ican trouble on the border he was a second lieu- tenant in the Texas National Guard. He resigned his commission in the guard to organize the Texas Naval Militia. The organization of this unit forms an interesting part in the history of Galveston.

In the early part of 1915 Mr. Black made repre- sentations to the Governor of Texas regarding the need for a naval unit in Texas. Before these could be made a great deal of study had to be made of the conditions and needs of such a project. That the preliminary work was carefully planned is indi- cated by the fact that the proposal was received favorably and shortly after a bill was passed in legislature creating the Texas Naval Militia and Mr. Black was commissioned by the governor to proceed with the recruiting and organizing of this unit. He, assisted by several members of the Gal- veston Artillery Club, worked hard and continu- ously and on May 15, 1915, had secured sufficient enlistments to justify their induction in the Texas Naval Militia. On the above date a representative of the adjutant general of Texas administered the oath to each officer and enlisted man. Lieutenant Commander Black and his officers proceeded to drill the organization as infantry and took advantage of every opportunity offered by the government to increase the efficiency of the personnel. In 1916 he was ordered to Key West to join the destroyer force for a period of instruction, and was there given instruction in handling destroyers and in navigation. While with the fleet, trouble broke out in San Domingo and the ship to which he was assigned was ordered to proceed to the scene of the trouble. There was not time available to get his release from the ship so he went along, thereby gaining an unexpected experience. Frank Douglas, who had been closely associated with Mr. Black, was sent to Washington to attend the school for pay- masters. The rank and file were ordered to Nor- folk, Virginia, and given a cruise on the battleship "Louisiana" where they were taught the elements of gunnery and routine of duty. Early in 1917 it became apparent that there was every possibility of being called to duty and enlistment became very active; every officer was given instruction in his particular duty and drills were held every night. A unit of the battalion was formed in Houston, the government furnished uniforms, arms, ammu- nition and all necessary equipment and the men were given opportunity of small arms target prac- tice every week. The city of Galveston furnished an armory without cost.

On April 6, 1917, Lieutenant Commander Black received a telegram reading "mobilize": this meant, according to written orders previously received, "Report at once to Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina. Every necessary preparation had been made by Paymaster Douglas and, on receipt of the wire the signal was given by fire alarm "whistle", every man reported to armory in full uniform. In a few minutes crowds began to gather at the armory at 24th and Strand; volunteers rushed in to insist on enlisting and mothers, sweethearts and wives began their farewells. At midnight, headed by the combined bands of the Shrine and the local musi- cians, escorted by the Girls' National Honor Guard, the march was taken to the Union Depot through

lines of citizens; the depot was filled; thousands of patriots, men and women, were there to say good-bye; at 12:40 a. m., the boys entrained and moved to the front. This was the first organized movement of troops of any kind after the declara- tion of war, a record of efficiency and patriotism that reflects great credit to the State of Texas, the City of Galveston, and one that will as time goes by be a heritage of pride to every member of the Texas Naval Militia and his descendants. In New Orleans the marines were ordered into camp and the seamen and engineers proceeded to Charleston. On reaching the navy yard in Charleston the organ- ization encamped and in the next few days was disbanded as an organization and the officers and men inducted as "National Naval Volunteers" and distributed to various branches of the naval service. It is the proud boast of the officers that every man made good in his appointed place; some saw service in France, on destroyers and mine layers; gold stars soon appeared on the records. Wherever placed the Texas Naval Militiamen, by their effi- cient training, individually performed valiant serv- ice, Before the battallion was disbanded in Charles- ton, Admiral Beatty, commandant of the navy yard there, complimented Lieutenant Commander Black on the promptness of the Texas Naval Militia in reporting and said, "We admit we were not ready for you; your record has never been equalled. The boys came back singly, after the war; some on crutches, some with unhealed wounds, some with decorations; some never came back; they gave their lives for their country. Harry G. Black was re- warded for the promptness in reporting to Charles- ton by being given a confirmed commission and was given the command of the destroyer Schubrick, oper- ating as escort to convoy out of New York and in the submarine zone. The following year he was assigned to the destroyer Monaghan, on patrol and escort duty on the French coast. He remained there until the Armistice. Later he became flotilla com- mander of Flotilla B. Destroyer force, consisting of twenty-one oil-burning destroyers of 742 tons each. He put these vessels out of commission at Philadelphia and was discharged from the service November, 1919. As far as is known Mr. Black was the only reserve officer to command a destroyer in the war zone. When ordered to command the destroyer Schubrick he was rated as a lieutenant commander but the rules of the service made it impossible to retain this rank on account of his age. He at once resigned this commission to accept that of lieutenant, later being promoted to lieuten- ant commander. He is now in command of the Naval Reserves of Texas and Oklahoma.

Mr. Black was born at Chicago, May 7. 1889. the son of Harry A. Black, one of Galveston's best known men and who for some years has been very active in work of the United States Chamber of Com- merce. His mother was Miss Ella Smith. member of a well known Chicago family. He received his pre- liminary education in the grammar schools of Chi- cago, Gray's Military School of Houston, Texas, the Texas A. and M., the Colorado School of Forestry and the Biltmore School of Forestry at Asheville, North Carolina. After graduating from the Biltmore School he joined the Black Hardware Company. He was married at Key West, Easter Day, 1916, to Miss Ruby Hobson, a native of Florida. Two children were born of the union, Harry G. and Jack

955

MEN OF TEXAS

Lamont. He is a member of the Artillery Club, the American Legion, the Rotary Club, the Coun- try Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Episcopal Church. The family own their home at 1513 Twenty-third Street. Mr. Black is popular in all business and social circles in Gal- veston and is one of its most ardent supporters.

ALTER ARTHUR KELSO, one of the pro- gressive business men of Galveston, since his entry into the business world here around a decade ago, has been associated with construction work and like activities, and is firmly established as a business man who makes his influence felt in industrial circles. Mr. Kelso is the owner of the firm of W. A. Kelso, a business he has operated since 1917, and which is the largest team- ing contracting business at Galveston. Mr. Kelso handles a general teaming contracting business, do- ing all kinds of hauling, and gives special attention to building material and special mud shell deliveries. He employs around fifty teams and furnishes em- ployment to a large force of men. He is also presi- dent of W. A. Kelso and Company, Incorporated, 'a firm which handles paving and road contracting, and all kinds of concrete construction, including wharves, docks, warehouses and like construction work; is president of the Lone Star Stables, teaming contractors, and is a director of the United States Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Offices are located at 2215 Avenue C. The officers of the W. A. Kelso and Company are W. A. Kelso, president; R. M. Sias, secretary and treasurer.

Walter Arthur Kelso was born at Galveston the eighth of August, 1892, the son of Munson C. Kelso, whose death occurred in 1910, and Catherine Kelso, who died in 1923. The elder Mr. Kelso was one of the old settlers of Galveston and for many years was engaged in the contracting business here. Walter Arthur Kelso was educated in the schools of Galves- ton, and after finishing high school went in the teaming contracting business with his brother, James C. Kelso, later securing an interest in the business. James C. Kelso died in 1912, and until 1917 Mr. W. A. Kelso operated the business for his brother's estate and himself, in that year purchas- ing the business from the estate. He has since op- erated the business alone-building it up until it is the largest business of its kind in Galveston.

He has taken a pride in doing only first class work and when he does a job for a man or company, he makes a permanent client. He does considerable wharf construction and recently built the wharves and front paving for the Galveston Wharf Company, paved the causeway and Twenty-fifth Street. In 1923 he put in the floors for the Merchants and Planters Compress and Warehouse Company, and in 1925 did the same work for the new addition to the plant. He employs some three hundred and fifty men in the busy seasons.

Mr. Kelso was married at Galveston in 1916 to Miss Elizabeth Newkirk. They reside at 1506 N1/2 Street, and have two children, Alvin Newkirk and Walter Arthur Kelso, Jr. Mr. Kelso is a member of the Bay Shore Golf Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is an Elk, an Eagle and a T. P. A. Mr. Kelso is the type of business man who can be counted on to give his support to all progressive civic measures, and has done much to insure the growth of Galveston.

UDGE HENRY O'DELL, judge of the Cor- poration Court of the City of Galveston and well known member of the local bar, with offices at 40712 Twenty-first Street, has been engaged in the practice of law here for the past seventeen years, having been admitted to the bar in 1907. He has served with distinction as as- sistant county attorney, having been appointed to this position a few months after being admitted to practice, as assistant district attorney and is now serving his third term as judge of the Corporation Court.

Judge O'Dell was very active in the movement to organize the Citizens Party of Galveston, an organ- ization which had for its object the unification of all factions of the city for the common good. The Citizens Party succeeded in taking local political control out of the hands of warring factions and enabled the city government to run its affairs on a business like basis and not in the interest of any particular clique. Men were elected to office on the basis of honesty and fitness for the position sought and committees from the Citizens Party kept constantly in touch with them. A spirit of co-ordination in public efforts for Galveston has been achieved and the various public utilities con- trolled and regulated upon a basis of fairness both to the companies and the public.

One of the outstanding achievements of Judge O'Dell was the securing of an ordinance extending the jurisdictional scope of the Corporation Court with the result that fines heretofore going to county officers are paid into the city treasury and the Corporation Court made more than self-sus- taining. Another accomplishment was an order re- quiring the depositing of city funds in banks re- gardless of political affiliation and the securing of interest on daily balances at the rate of four per cent per annum.

Judge O'Dell has fought the city's battles for many years, both in the political field and in the courts and has seen his efforts crowned with splen- did success and Galveston much nearer the goal it is seeking.

A native of this city, Judge O'Dell was born March 3rd, 1874. He received his education in the public schools and at Ball High School and read law in the office of Judge John C. Walker. He also attended night school and earned his way by working for various dock companies and in other smaller com- mercial activities until he began the active prac- tice of law.

On July 5, 1905, Judge O'Dell was married at Galveston to Miss Nellie Caldwell. They have two children, Lloyd and Ursula, both students at Ball High School. The family home is at 3101 01/2 Street.

Judge O'Dell takes an active interest in civic affairs and is a member of the Young Men's Pro- tective League, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen, Redmen, Eagles and of the Texas State Bar Association. He is a communicant of the Epis- copal Church.

An untiring worker for the city of Galveston, Judge O'Dell is very earnest in his desire and ef- forts to further peace, harmony and prosperity among his people. He enjoys the unbounded con- fidence of the citizenship as a whole, who believe that he means fully what he says and practices what he preaches.

956

W. a. Kelso

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

A. JOHNSON, one of the best known and most prominent laundry owners of Texas, has possibly done more than any other man to place the industry on its present high plane, not only in Texas, but in the entire country. Mr. Johnson is general manager of the Model Laun- dry and Dye Works of Galveston, one of the most up-to-date plants to be found anywhere. The Mod- el Laundry and Dye Works dates back to 1888 when it was established by Trimble Brothers, who oper- ated the plant until 1909, when it was taken over by Mr. Johnson and associates. That year marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the plant, and each succeeding year has seen a steady growth in the volume of business handled and the quality of the work done, until today it stands as a criterion of what an efficiently managed laundry plant should be. Only the best and most efficient equipment is used, coupled with skilled operatives to maintain it.

The plant is housed in a modern fireproof, two- story reinforced concrete building located at 2502- 2512 Avenue F. The plant is regarded by the laun- dry machinery manufacturing companies as a show place and second to none in the country. Around twenty thousand dollars annually is spent by the laundry to keep the plant abreast of the times in improved machinery and methods. Laundrymen from all over the state visit the plant to study laundry methods and to get practical demonstrations of laundry machinery. The Model Laundry and Dye Works give employment to one hundred and sev- enty five people as a minimum, this number being considerably increased during the summer season. All employees are carefully trained by Mr. Johnson and his associates. Weekly meetings are held with the employees to discuss the problems encountered in their work, and to coach them in the latest scien- tific methods. This is particularly true in the selling of laundry service as each driver represent- ing the plant is a qualified salesman, operating on a merit system so that his earnings are the direct result of his own effort. A fleet of eighteen de- livery trucks is maintained to cover Galveston and Texas City. The plant has its own garage and mechanics to maintain the delivery trucks. Mr. John- son has given much thought and study to the work- ing conditions of his employees and without adopt- ing a paternalistic attitude he has been successful in building a loyal and capable organization. The Model Laundry and Dye Works provides life insur- ance for all employees. It was one of the first in- dustrial plants in the state and the first laundry in the state to provide this protection for its employees. Individual lockers and shower and tub baths are provided for the comfort of employees. Arrange- ments are also made whereby employees can have adequate meals brought in from the outside at a fixed price.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 1, Part 142

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