New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 104

Author: Davis, Ellis A.
Publication date: 1926
Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?]
Number of Pages: 1262

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Mr. Kleas is also part owner, and the founder of the Kleas Drug Company, a business that has been an integral part of Port Arthur for many years. This store, the finest in the city, was estab- lished in 1908, and has kept pace with the develop- ment of the city since that time, prospering as the city has prospered. The Kleas Drug Store is lo- cated at 506 Procter Street and is under the man- agement of Richmond Kleas, son of Milam R. Kleas. Mr. Kleas is also a director of the First National Bank of Port Arthur, and has other interests here, including real estate and investments of like char- acter.

Milam R. Kleas was born in Jackson County, Texas, the second of January, 1872, son of Philip and Julia (Raleigh) Kleas, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Arkansas, both of whom are now deceased. The elder Mr. Kleas was also in the drug business for many years, and was brought to America by his parents at the age of five years. Mr. M. R. Kleas attended the public schools of Jackson County, Texas, and worked in his fa- ther's drug store, later opening a store of his own, which he operated for a number of years. He then went on the road for the Southern Drug Company, representing that firm for one year. During this time he decided on Port Arthur, which he consid- ered the fastest growing city in the state, as a busi- ness location, and came here in 1908, establishing the Kleas Drug Store in that year. From time to

time he has made other investments in the city, taking part in the organization of various enter- prises, the Linn Motor Company, of which he is vice president and manager, being the last.

Mr. Kleas was married at Edna, in Jackson Coun- ty, Texas, the tenth of May, 1893, to Miss Julia Sparks, a native of the Lone Star State. Mr. and Mrs. Kleas have one child, a son, Richmond, who is manager of the Kleas Drug Store. The family re- side at 1148 Procter Street. Mr. Kleas is a mem- ber of the Elks Club, of which he is also a trustee, is a Woodman of the World, and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is one of the real busi- ness leaders of the city, and is active in all civic work. Mr. Kleas is a man of recognized success in the business world, and his influence, as a busi- ness man, has been used to secure many advantages for Port Arthur.

RANCIS G. MCEWAN, whose name for the past decade and more has been significantly associated with ship building activities at Port Arthur, has taken a leading part in the development of this industry, and is the only ship builder in this city and one of the foremost in the state. Mr. McEwan is the owner of the McEwan Ship Building and Repair Company, which he estab- lished at Port Arthur, in 1912. The ship building and repair plant, engaged in all classes of ship building, and handling a general ship repair busi- ness, is located at Port Arthur docks at the Turning Basin, while the main offices are in the Merchants National Bank Building. Mr. McEwan also does general boiler repair work. He has built a large number of boats since establishing his plant here, and has attained an enviable reputation for his work in this line. Mr. McEwan employs a force of effi- cient workmen, and has a modern plant, completely equipped.

Francis G. McEwan was born in Scotland the fifth of November, 1882. His father, William T. McEwan, and his mother, whose maiden name was Gibson, were members of Scottish families who could trace their ancestry back to the eleventh century. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. McEwan was educated in his native country and is a graduate marine and sanitary engineer and naval architect. He began his career with a ship yard of Scotland. After serving as engineer for some time in Chili, South America, he came to this country on a visit, stopping off on his way to South America, but not with the intention of remaining here. However, after three months in New York City, where he landed, he made the decision that this country of- fered a real future, and came to Port Arthur in 1911, going with the Texas Company, where he served in various capacities. After leaving that company he established his present business as ship builder, and has so continued to the present time.

Mr. McEwan was married at Port Arthur the nineteenth of October, 1916, to Miss Gertrude Hall, a native of Ohio. They have three children, Jean, Carol and Donald, and reside at 1248 Procter Street. Mr. McEwan is a member of the Board of Trade and the Rotary Club. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to that order in Scotland. Mr. McEwan has taken an active interest in all that concerns the future of Port Arthur since coming to this city, and is a leader in all civic work.

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ILLIAM F. WOHLT, well known sign man of Houston, has for more than a decade in- fluenced materially the commercial sign world in this city, and for several years past has operated one of the most successful sign companies in the outdoor advertising field. Schuler- Wohlt Company, a partnership composed of Mr. Wohlt and George A. Schuler, was established in May, 1919, is located at 308 Crawford Street, where they have an adequate space arranged to suit the requirements of their business, with commercial sign department, bulletin studio, executive offices and store room. They handle any sign work, big or little, and all classes of signs, either outside or in- side. The enterprise has thrived from the begin- ning, their slogan, "Let George and Bill Do It," finding much favor with the advertisers of the city. The firm keeps in close touch with the outdoor ad- vertising situation, and they are thoroughly skilled in every branch of this art of outdoor publicity, and in addition, decorative artistic indoor signs. They employ five trained men to assist them in handling this business in an efficient way.

William F. Wohlt was born at Patterson, Texas, in 1893, son of F. C. Wohlt, a native of the Lone Star State, and Christine Parker Wohlt, a native of Houston, and both members of pioneer Texas fami- lies. Mr. Wohlt was educated in the public schools of Houston, and after finishing his education began work in a sign shop at Houston. After an experience of fourteen years in various shops in this city he opened a business of his own, which he operated for five years prior to going into partnership with Mr. Schuler and establishing the present business .

Mr. Wohlt was married at Houston in 1912 to Miss Anne Boysen, a native of the Lone Star State. They have two children, La Verne and William F., Junior, and make their home at 3010 Ada Street.

HARLES H. KING, well known in the busi- ness circles of South Texas, where he has been engaged in the undertaking business for the past ten years, has recently opened a modern undertaking establishment at 2018 Caro- line Street, Houston, in association with Mr. C. L. Morgan. Mr. King came to Houston from Hum- ble, Texas, where he had been engaged in the undertaking business since 1916. He started in the undertaking business at San Antonio, Texas, soon after leaving school, and served in the undertaking parlors of that city in order to learn the various branches of the business. He also began the study of embalming and in 1914 obtained a State license to practice this art. He remained in San Antonio until 1916, when he came to Houston and became asso- ciated with the Sid Westheimer Undertaking es- tablishment and remained with this firm until Sep- tember of that year when he removed to Humble.

Mr. King was born at Steinpass, New Mexico, on May 3rd, 1892. His parents, Charles King and Susan E. King, were well known and highly esteemed citizens of New Mexico. His father, who died about twenty years ago, was throughout his life engaged in the railroad business. His mother, whose maiden name was King, a native of Mississippi, where she was a member of a prominent family, is now a resi- dent of Houston. His education was obtained in the public schools of San Antonio, which he left at an early age in order to enter the business world.

Mr. King has been twice married. His first mar-

riage was to Miss Roselle White (deceased since March, 1923). Of this union one child was born, Welcome. His second marriage was on March 27th, 1924, to Miss Vivian Smith, a resident of Humble, and a daughter of R. E. Smith and Mrs. Phenie Smith, very prominent citizens of Humble and Har- ris County. Mr. King is a member of the A. F. and A. M. with membership in Humble Blue Lodge, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias.

ILLIAM C. ROSS, with other business men of Port Arthur, Texas, organized and es- tablished the Milk Products Company, Inc. at Port Arthur in 1917. The business of this company increased rapidly and branch manu- facturing plants were established at Beaumont and Orange, Texas. Mr. Ross came to Beaumont in 1919 as treasurer and general manager of the Milk Pro- ducts Company, Inc. in this city, which has grown to be the largest of the three plants. This company manufactures Kewpie ice cream, and the Beaumont plant has a capacity of seven hundred and fifty gallons of ice cream per day, and the combined capa- cities of the Port Arthur and Orange plants are five hundred gallons per day. Twelve experienced people are employed in the operation of the plant at Beaumont, eight at Port Arthur and four at Or- ange. Other officers of the Milk Products Com- pany, Inc. are D. Button, president (inactive), C. R. Stephenson, vice president (inactive), and R. C. Al- lis, secretary. All members of the firm, other than Mr. Ross, reside at Port Arthur, Texas. The Beau- mont plant is conveniently located on the channel at the foot of Pearl Street, at the corner of Austin Street. Mr. Ross began his business career in the lumber industry of Mississippi, and was engaged in this field of activity prior to coming to Texas ten years ago. On his arrival in the Lone Star State, Mr. Ross began to travel over the state in search of a location in a town with a future, and after much time spent in looking over the various industries, and locations, he decided on Port Arthur. He be- came associated with the Gulf Refining Company of that city, and was in the storehouse department of this large company, which stores millions of dollars' worth of goods at all times. He severed his connec- tion with this company in order to take charge of the Milk Products Company, Inc., which had been or- ganized by Mr. Ross and his associates, at Port Arthur, Texas.

Mr. Ross was born at Brookhaven, Mississippi, on May 31st, 1891. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native state, which he left at an early age in order to enter the business world, where he has achieved success.

Mr. Ross is a member of the A. F. and A. M. with membership in Beaumont Blue Lodge, and has at- tained to Knight Templar degree in this order, and is a Shriner of El Mina Temple of Galveston, Texas. He is a member of the Lions Club of this city and is a director in this organization, and is also a director in the Wholesale Credit Men's Association, He is a director of the Texas Ice Cream Manufac- turers Association, in which he takes an active in- terest. Mr. Ross is ambitious for his city and his company and has succeeded in making Kewpie ice cream a very popular product throughout South and Southeast Texas.

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MEN OF TEXAS

ILLIAM H. RICHARDSON for about a dec- ade has been identified with the develop- ment of Port Arthur as a shipping point, and as the representative of two leading steamship lines, with a large forwarding and brok- erage business, has taken a major part in transporta- tion activities. Mr. Richardson is the head, and sole owner of a large forwarding and brokerage business, operated under his own name, which he established at Port Arthur in 1920. This serves to bring shipper and carrier together to the advan- tage of both. He keeps in close touch with the movements of all vessels docking at Port Arthur, providing these vessels with a cargo, and securing advantageous transportation facilities for the ship- pers of this section. As a forwarder Mr. Richardson combines the smaller shipments, contracting with the steamship companies for their dispatch, and thus secures for his patrons the benefits of low rates and good service. In addition to the forward- ing and brokerage business, which is one of the leading ones of its kind in Port Arthur, Mr. Rich- ardson also acts as agent for the Ward and Cunard steamship lines, looking after the local interests of these two major steamship companies in a compe- tent and efficient manner. Mr. Richardson has his offices in the Deutser Building, and has an ample force to look after the details of the business in a manner that reflects credit on his firm.

Mr. Richardson was born in Canada, on April first, 1875. His father, Oliver Richardson, a native Canadian, came to Illinois a number of years ago, and later, after his retirement from active busi- ness life, removed to Niagara Falls, where he now resides. His mother's maiden name was Mary Ann Essery. Mr. Richardson was educated in the pub- lic schools of London, Ontario, graduating from the high school there, after which he went to Chicago, and went with the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1892, remaining with that road until it was merged with the Union Pacific in 1900. He then became traveling freight and passenger agent for the Mexican Central Railroad, holding that position until 1903, when he when to Galveston to take a position with the Mexican-American Steamship Company. He remained there until 1907, when he went to San Antonio as general agent for the Mex- ican Central Railroad, and a year later in 1908 was transferred to St. Louis, with that same road, and remained in that city until the road was merged, and became the National Railroad of Mexico. He acted as general agent of that road, with head- quarters at St. Louis, until 1916, when he came to Port Arthur to take the position as secretary of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce. He had charge of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce from that date, until 1920, when he resigned to launch his present business, and during those years was active in every line of civic endeavor and did much to promote the growth and development of the city.

Mr. Richardson was married at San Antonio, Tex- as, the tenth of December, 1916, to Miss Elizabeth Denny, a native of Belton, Texas, and a graduate of Mount Eagle Seminary at Mount Eagle, Tenn. Mrs. Richardson was the daughter of Henry Clay Denny, for many years one of the most prominent bankers of the Lone Star State and active in the banking world until his death. Her mother is Mrs.

Harriet Denny. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have made their home in Port Arthur since 1916, and have four children: Dorothy Elizabeth, Clara Mae, Laura Louise, and Mary Adelaide. Mr. Richardson is a Mason, being affiliated with Harmony Lodge No. 6, Texas Consistory, and El Mina Temple Shrine, all at Galveston. He belongs to the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce at Port Arthur, and is secretary and treasurer of the Seamen's Church In- stitute. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are members of the Episcopal Church, and he has been a vestry- man of this church during his entire life in Port Arthur. During the recent war he was a leader in all patriotic movements, directing local war work, and was one of those citizens of Port Arthur car- rying heavy burdens of responsibility. He is at all times deeply interested in the advancement of Port Arthur, and sees for this city a great future as one of the principal shipping points on the Gulf, and as the center of a great lumber, oil and refining dis- trict.

ULIUS DEUTSER, one of the real pioneers of Port Arthur, and for almost a quarter of a century a merchant of this city, has, while growing up with the community, and prospering as it has prospered, taken an important part in all civic and commercial development, and is one of the real builders of the city as it is today. Mr. Deutser is president of the Deutser Dry Goods Company, a closed corporation, with his wife, Mrs. Fay Deutser, as vice president, and J. W. Williams as secretary. This business dates back to 1909, when it was established by Mr. Deutser, in a small way, to meet the growing demand for a real high- class dry goods establishment. From the beginning, the firm met with rapid growth, and in 1922 the business was incorporated, and plans made for the fine new building the establishment now occupies. This new home, occupied in 1923, marks a progres- sive step in the history of Port Arthur, and gives this city an exclusive women's store in keeping with the spirit of the city. The building itself, a modern four-story structure, is the finest in the city, and an important addition to the business center. The dry goods store occupies the first two floors, while the third and fourth are arranged as an office building, and the suites are occupied by many of the leading professional and business men of the city. The Deutser Dry Goods Company is one of the most complete stores for women in this section of the country, and nothing has been left un- done by the management to make this a store where shopping is a pleasure. They are prepared to serve their many customers in every possible way, and the store is a model for the entire Southeast Texas.

Julius Deutser was born in Germany, the twenty- ninth of August, 1883, the son of H. Deutser, now a resident of Texas. His mother is deceased. At the age of seventeen years Mr. Deutser came to the United States, going first to St. Louis, where he remained several years. In 1900 he came to Port Arthur, and began in the mercantile grocery busi- ness, with Deutser and Goldberg, the former being a cousin of his. He remained with them until 1903, when he went in the retail grocery business, operat- ing a grocery store until 1909. He then opened the dry goods store that formed the nucleus of the present store, beginning in a small way, in a build- ing twenty by sixty feet, and with one employee to

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assist him, but with a desire to give real service, in- corporated in the business. In 1912 the business had grown to such proportions that the first store was inadequate, and Mr. Deutser moved to a larger build- ing, more in keeping with the growing town, and his growing trade. This building was occupied until the recent move into the fine new home of the Deutser Dry Goods Company.

Mr. Deutser was married at Henderson, Texas, the first of August, 1911, to Miss Fay Marvil, the daughter of N. L. Marvil, for many years a resi- dent of Henderson, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Deutser have two children, Alton and Marion. The family reside at 1819 Proctor Street. Mr. Deutser is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Re- tail Merchants Association. He belongs to the Port Arthur Tarpon Club, and is an enthusiastic tarpon fisher. He is affiliated with the various civic or- ganizations, and is in every way a public spirited citizen, finding in the success of his city a satis- faction greater than any personal success. There have been few civic movements since the early days of Port Arthur, with which Mr. Deutser has not been associated, and in which he has not been an active worker. The establishment of his first store was a testimonial to his confidence in the city's growth, and this confidence he has never lost. To him the rapid growth of the past quarter of a cen- tury is but an indication of the progress that the coming quarter of a century will witness. Real estate investments have always appealed to Mr. Deutser, and from time to time he has invested his surplus funds in Port Arthur real estate, and is now one of the large property owners of the city. He is in every way a city builder, in spirit and in deed, and it is to him, and men like him, who have backed the city to the limit, that Port Arthur owes its achievement.

AMES L. BOYD, for upwards of three dec- ades associated with transportation activi- ties in Texas, since coming to Beaumont, Sabine District, several years ago, has taken a leading part in shipping. For some time he held the position of manager of the Transmarine Corpor- ation at Port Arthur, and during the time he held this position he worked out a program of efficient operation for this steamship line. After leaving this company he moved his headquarters to Beau- mont, and then entered the shipping business on his own account, and is now at the head of the James Boyd Company which is among the leaders in the freight forwarding and ocean brokerage business in this section of the Gulf Coast.

James L. Boyd was born at Hope, Arkansas, the son of Thomas M. Boyd, a native of Virginia, who later went to Arkansas, where his death occurred eight years later, and Emma (Finley) Boyd, a na- tive of Arkansas, and also deceased. Mr. Boyd at- tended the public schools of Hope, Arkansas, later attending business college at Kansas City, Missouri. He began his business career with the Rock Island Railroad, as mail clerk, later going with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and later to Hope, Arkansas, also with that road. He came to Terrell, Texas, in 1893, with the Texas and Pacific Railroad, later going to Longview, and from there to Dallas, then to Texas City, and then to Beaumont, after which he went to Port Arthur to become man- ager for the Transmarine Corporation, and then to

Beaumont again at the head of his own company. Mr. Boyd's entire business career has been in the railroad and steamship business, from the freight end, and he is thoroughly familiar with freight transportation, both inland and ocean.

Mr. Boyd was married at Hope, Arkansas, to Miss Camilla Barlow, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have two children: Thomas M., who mar- ried Miss Phyllis Bunker, a Texas girl, and has one child, and Helen Boyd, a student in the Beau- mont schools. Since coming to Beaumont, Mr. Boyd has taken an interest in all public affairs, particu- larly those having to do with the growth of the city, and the improvement of the port and trans- portation facilities.

BASCOM FUNCHESS, for around a quar- ter of a century has been established as one of the leading printers in Beaumont, and has been held in high esteem for his work in this field, and for his interest in the devel- opment of the city. Mr. Funchess is president and general manager of the American Printing Com- pany, a business established in 1906, and which was taken over by the present management in 1910. The American Printing Company is located at 229 Bowie Street, and does a general job printing business and blank book work. The plant represents an investment of around fifty thousand dollars, and is equipped with the latest and best types of motor- driven machinery, including automatic feed presses. A force of seventeen employees in maintained, and an unusually large volume of work is handled in the plant, which is the largest in Beaumont. The American Printing Company serves a trade terri- tory which includes Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, in addition to the large volume of local trade. The officers of the company are, H. Bascom Funchess, president and general manager, and H. B. Funchess, Jr., secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Funchess was born at Westville, Mississippi, the first of July, 1870, son of Dr. G. J. D. Funchess, a physician and surgeon of that place, and Mrs. L. A. Funchess. He spent his boyhood in Missis- sippi, attending the schools of that state, after which he entered the printing business, in which he has engaged throughout his business career. He bought the Garrison Signal, which newspaper he published for nine years, after which he went to Yoakum and bought the Daily Herald, which he published for two years. He then came to Beaumont in 1900 and was in the job printing business for four years, after which he organized his present company.

Mr. Funchess was married at Nacogdoches, in 1896, to Miss Fannie Simpson. They make their home in Beaumont, at 488 Franklin Street, and have two children-Bascom, a student at Texas Univer- sity, and Rhoene. Mr. Funchess is a member of the Kiwanis Club and is a Mason, taking an active part in Masonic affairs. He belongs to both York and Scottish Rite, and is a Thirty-second degree Mason, K. C. C. H., and a member of El Mina Tem- ple Shrine at Galveston. Mr. Funchess has been actively interested in educational work for some years, serving as a member of the school board for a decade and a half, both during Mayor Fletcher's administration, and after an interval of four years is again a member. He is also interested in the advancement of Beaumont along commercial and civic lines and has done much to further the progress of this city.

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L. RUTT, city builder and well known busi- ness man, has been a resident of Beaumont since 1905. During this period he has been actively connected with the city's commer- cial and industrial activities and has contributed no small part to its growth and development.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 104

Author: Davis, Ellis A. Publication date: 1926 Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?] Number of Pages: 1262

Author: Davis, Ellis A.
Publication date: 1926
Publisher: Dallas, Tex. : Texas development bureau, [1926?]
Number of Pages: 1262