New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 108

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

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Mr. Mills was married at Port Arthur, Texas, the sixth of December, 1917, to Miss India Mae Young, daughter of the late John A. Young, one of the earliest business men of Port Arthur, and one of the prominent men of this section. Her mother, the widow of Mr. Young, is still a resident of Port Arthur and lives at 545 Fifth Avenue, Model addi- tion, one of the finest residences in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Mills reside at 3049 Seventh Street, Model addition. They have two children, Mary Eliza- beth and Lucia Virginia. Mr. Mills is a director of the Building Homestead Loan Company, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Young Men's Business League, and the Rotary Club, and is active in every line of civic endeavor, and one of the most public spirited citizens of Port Arthur.

HILIP INMAN, who has spent practically all his life in the city of Port Arthur, and is one of the younger element of progres- sive business men here, has for the past several years been associated with the automobile business, and has been a factor in the large increase in automobile sales in this city. Mr. Inman is sec- retary, treasurer and general manager of Philip In- man and Company, dealers for Chevrolet automo- biles, which was established here in January, 1920, and incorporated at that time. The firm has met with a rapid growth, selling a record number of these popular cars in this city, and is one of the largest automobile companies in Port Arthur. The business is located in a modern building, seventy- five by one hundred and forty feet, at 625 to 635 Procter Street. A complete line of Chevrolet cars is carried, including the standard touring, roadster, coupe, sedan, chassis and light delivery truck and ton truck chassis. Mr. Inman operates a complete sales and service department, the latter being in charge of expert mechanics, and carrying a full line of Chevrolet parts. All work turned out by the service department is high class, conscientious work, and Chevrolet owners have found it especially convenient. A complete line of tires and accessories is carried. A recent Springtime Savings Club has resulted in an unusually large volume of spring sales, and has enabled those who would otherwise find car ownership impossible to become Chevrolet owners. Officers of the Philip Inman Company are: E. E. Hartford, president; August Yokie, vice presi- dent, and Mr. Inman, secretary and treasurer.

Philip Inman was born at Rowles, Kentucky, the thirteenth of September, 1895, the son of W. P. In- man of Virginia, and Sallie Gorin Inman, of Ken- tucky, who now reside at Port Arthur, to which city they removed in 1900. Mr. Inman was educated in the public schools here, later attending Port Arthur College, and entered business as bookkeeper with the Warren-Hartford Company, with whom he re- mained four years. During the war he was with the government as civilian employee, in the Air Service Department, in the mechanical department at Buffalo and other points. He then returned to Port Arthur, and after one year as an automobile salesman established his present business.

Mr. Inman resides at 1010 Procter Street, with his mother. He is active in all civic work, taking a deep interest in the future of the city, and is one of the coming men in the automobile business.

1787

MEN OF TEXAS

ILLIAM PIERCE MCFARLAND came to Port Arthur, Texas, in 1914 where he im- mediately identified himself with the busi- ness, civic and social life of this city. Dur- ing his residence here he was engaged in the jewelry business and was one of the best known jewelers of this section of the state. Practically all of his busi- ness life was spent in the jewelry and kindred lines of acivity after first preparing himself for his life work in a college for this profession. He was re- garded as one of the most efficient jewelry men of South Texas and was highly successful in his chosen field. Prior to locating at Port Arthur he had been for about fifteen years engaged in the jewelry busi- ness at Orange, Texas, where he was well known and successful.

A native Texan, Mr. McFarland was born in New- ton County on April 21st, 1882, but removed to Orange with his parents when a mere boy. His father, R. E. McFarland, also a native of this state, is well known in the business circles of Southeast Texas where for many years he has been active in the real estate business at Orange, Texas. His moth- er, Mrs. Elizabeth (Windham) McFarland, a native of Alabama, was a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of that state. Her grand- father was a member of the historic Lee family, who also figured prominently in the early days of the Lone Star State. Mr. McFarland's father, Robert Edward McFarland, was born in Newton County, but his father, Col. Thomas Stuart McFarland, was born at Lexington, Indiana, in 1810, went South with his father and after living for several years at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, removed to Monroe, Louisiana, where in 1828 he was made of age by process of law and appointed postmaster. In 1830 Col. Thomas Stuart McFarland moved to Nacog- doches, Texas, thence to San Augustine County, where he and others laid out and sold the town of San Augustine. There he organized and recruited a company of soldiers and led them in the war with Mexico for the independence of Texas. In 1838, at Melrose, Texas, he married Miss Elizabeth Mills Eubank of Salem, Virginia, and moved to Jasper County, settling in the portion which is now New- ton County. In 1842 he was a member of the con- gress of Texas. He surveyed and established the line between Texas and Louisiana. As a member of the Texas congress he introduced a bill which later became a law, making the English language the official language of Texas. He also introduced a bill which became a law setting aside lands for the support of the public schools of the state. This law made possible the wonderful public school system that is in effect today. He was later elected and served as a member of the Texas legislature. He served the people in pub- lic office in some capacity until his death in 1880. The subject of this sketch was the great- grandson of General William McFarland and Ann Singer. General William McFarland was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1774, was married to Ann Singer in 1799. After her death in 1816 he moved South, finally settling in Nacogdoches, Texas, in 1830. There he was prominently identi- fied with the Masonic Lodge and the records of the fraternity at this old historic city show that he gave to the A. F. and A. M. their home there. Later he was Chief Justice (Alcalde) of San Augus-

tine, Texas. He was a member of the committee who framed the Texas constitution. In 1838 he laid out Belgrade on the Sabine River, at that time lo- cated in Jasper County, and made his home there until his death in 1840. There are still preserved as relics in the possession of the family, pistols and swords which he used in the War of 1812 and the war of Texas Independence in 1836. At San Augus- tine are many records of and by both General Wil- liam and Col. Thomas Stuart McFarland in the archives of the public records and those of the Masonic Lodge. William Pierce McFarland was the great-great-grandson of Thomas McFarland and Hannah Stuart, Thomas McFarland being born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1745. He was married to Hannah Stuart in 1773. He was a ser- geant in the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment Contin- ental Line, Washington's army under Col. Hampton. He died at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on June 4th, 1817. William Pierce McFarland was the great- great-great-grandson of William McFarland, born in Pennsylvania in 1717, and was the great-great- great-great-grandson of Thomas McFarland, born in Scotland in 1689. He came to America about the time that William Penn came to this country and settled in the Penn Colony. He was a member of the McFarland Clan of Scotland, which had its origin in Gilchrist, second son of the Earl of Lennox, brother to the King of Scotland. They came to America for freedom of religious worship. Mr. McFarland's education was obtained in the public schools of Texas after which he became a student of a college for watchmakers in Chicago, from which he graduated.

Mr. McFarland was married at Orange, Texas, on June 18th, 1907, to Miss Lena Stewart, a native Texan and a daughter of A. C. Stewart, pioneer lumber man of Orange, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Farland have two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, four- teen years of age, and Theron Mae, aged eleven years. The McFarland home is located at 1900 Procter Street, Port Arthur, Texas. Mr. McFar- land died at Port Arthur on August 20th, 1924. He was a member of the B. P. O. E., the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and many other of the city's fraternal, social and civic organ- izations, in all of which he took an active interest. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. McFarland's forbears were Texas pioneers, who figured prominently in the early history of the Lone Star State and perhaps no native Texan ever had more reverence for his state than did William Pierce McFarland. He was a constant worker for the good of his community, exerting at all times an influ- ence for good throughout a wide range of activi- ties. He was a leader in his chosen profession and a steadfast exponent of its highest standards, a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen, loved and re- spected by all who had the pleasure of his ac- quaintance.

OHN ALFRED YOUNG. The name of John Alfred Young, one of the real pioneers of Port Arthur and associated for many years with civic activities of highest order, has many memorials in this city, and the record of his life forms a bright page in the history of this com- munity. Mr. Young was that type of sterling citi- zenship who gives his best to his community, and who finds his highest duty and privilege in service.

1788

مسيعدة طرق

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

Coming to Port Arthur in the early days of this city's development, he entered heartily into all ac- tivities of a civic nature, and took a deep pride in every forward step along the road of progress that this city made. He entered the business world with an enthusiasm that resulted in a success that was reflected in the success of the city, and both in a civic and a business way became an integral part of Port Arthur, and one of its most valued citizens.

John Alfred Young was born in the State of Pennsylvania on the fifth day of June, 1867. His father, H. B. Young, a native of that state, re- moved with his family to Missouri when the son was an infant of nine months, and resided there until his death. His mother, whose maiden name was Miss Margaret Ann Tritt, was also a native of Pennsylvania and like the father spent her latter years in Missouri. John Alfred Young attended the public schools of Missouri, and later entered on his business career in that state. At the beginning of that career he was for some years a farmer, oper- ating a farm around twenty-five or six miles from St. Louis, at the town of Oregon. He later went to Forbes, Missouri, where he engaged in the drug business for two years, and while at that place, through Robert Patterson, one of the earliest resi- dents of Port Arthur, heard of this city and was impressed with the future it offered a young man. Consequently, in 1898, he arrived in Port Arthur, when this city was just at the beginning of its history, and became a part of the young commu- nity. He was associated with Mr. Patterson in operating one of the first hotels here, the Missouri House, and also engaged in other activities. Later he went in the ice and brewing business. H. O. Mills is now manager of the ice plant he estab- lished. Still later he turned his attention to the cattle business, and about eight or nine years prior to his death bought a tract of land of some twelve hundred acres near Nederland, which he stocked with cattle, and also farmed to some extent, and in addition to this held about a thousand acres of pasture land under lease. Mrs. Young still retains the ranch land and other interests, her son-in-law, H. O. Mills, assisting her in their management.

Mr. Young was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Ramsey, a native of Missouri, and who in addition to being a delightful companion and true helpmeet to her husband, and an ideal and devoted mother, was his inspiration throughout his practical busi- ness career. She took a deep interest in all his business activities, and to her he attributed a large measure of his success. Four children were born to them, and were reared in Port Arthur, where they have taken an active part in all social activi- ties. These children are: India Mae, wife of H. O. Mills, one of the prominent young business men of Port Arthur; Mary Ethel Young, and Leta, wife of William H. Latham, who is engaged in the men's furnishing business in Port Arthur; Clarence died at the age of twenty-six. The family reside at 545 Fifth Avenue, in the beautiful home planned by Mr. Young just before his death, and since com- pleted in 1923 according to those plans by Mrs. Young.

Mr. Young's death occurred in Port Arthur on the ninth of September, 1922. His passing marked the loss of one of the most generous and noble of Port Arthur's citizens. A man who had ever given

of his best to his community and to his hundreds of friends, who had in highest degree those qualities of friendship and citizenship that mark the flower of Christian citizenship. He was admired and re- spected by the entire citizenship of Port Arthur, and his death was sincerely mourned throughout the city, and his name will be accorded through the years to come an honored place on the roll of the builders of Port Arthur.

OLCOMB W. BAIRD, of Port Arthur, Texas, owner of the contracting business bearing his name, started his career as a builder when sixteen years of age, and has con- tinued in this line of activity since that time. Mr. Baird has been engaged in the general contracting business in Port Arthur for the past ten years, but for the past five years has been engaged in the building of homes here, and during the year 1923 he built a total of eighty-five homes in this city for himself, and practically the same for 1924, the difference being only in the quality, which he has sold to parties desiring to own their homes here. Mr. Baird has done much toward the development of Port Arthur, and has aided people in obtaining homes, who otherwise would never have owned their homes. He has devoted his entire life to this field of activity, and has made a close study of all the details of the contracting and building business, and knows the building business and materials used in same as few men know it. Mr. Baird owns all his own equipment and is in a position to handle con- tracts of any kind or size, but prefers to devote his best efforts to the building of homes. His office is located in the Lattimer Building, at 547 Procter Street, and he has established an enviable repu- tation in the splendid work which he has done in this city.

Mr. Baird was born at Waldo, Arkansas, on De- cember 14th, 1883. His father, D. A. Baird, was a well known Methodist minister of Arkansas, where he resided practically all his life. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native state, and his great knowledge of building was ob- tained through practical experience, and close at- tention to details.

Mr. Baird was married in Arkansas on April 28th, 1912, to Miss Ellie Turner, a native of Arkansas, and a member of a prominent family of that state. They have three children, Jack, Billie and Hol- comb W. Baird, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Baird reside at 605 De Queen Boulevard. Mr. Baird is a member of the A. F. and A. M., with membership in Cos- mopolitan Lodge No. 872, and is a member of both the York and Scottish Rite bodies of this order, and is a Shriner of El Mina Temple of Galveston. Since coming to Port Arthur, Mr. Baird has identi- fied himself with many of the business institutions of this city, and has taken the leading part in the building development here, and has built more homes than any other man who has engaged in any kind of development work here, and in this way he has done more for Port Arthur than any one individual. He has always been active in the business, social and general community life of Port Arthur, and gives liberally of his time and means to all projects tending to the welfare and advancement of this city, where he is recognized as one of Port Arthur's most progressive and public spirited citizens.

1791

MEN OF TEXAS

ERNON JENNINGS WISTNER, one of the foremost attorneys and citizens of Port Arthur, has engaged in the practice of his profession here for around a decade, secur- ing and maintaining therein a prominent position, and winning the highest esteem of bench and bar. Mr. Wistner is attorney for the Port Arthur Build- ing and Loan Association and is senior member of the law firm of Wistner and White, a firm composed of himself and Fred A. White, and handling a gen- eral civil practice. The firm has offices in the Brinkman Building. Mr. Wistner is city attorney of Port Arthur, to which office he was elected in May, 1923. Prior to that time, the office was filled by appointment.

Mr. Wistner was born at Grover Hill, Ohio, the thirtieth of December, 1887, the son of John Edward Wistner, a farmer of that state, now retired, and Viola E. (Geething) Wistner, a native of Ohio, now deceased. Mr. Wistner received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of Ohio, after which he entered Cumberland University, at Lebanon, Ten- nessee, receiving his LL.B. degree in 1915. After receiving his degree he wrote to the Chamber of Commerce in various Southern states, requesting information in regard to the opportunities offered a young lawyer. The answer from the Chamber of Commerce in Port Arthur impressed him with the need of high class attorneys here, and indicated a broad opportunity for a man of ability. Mr. Wist- ner made the decision to come to Port Arthur, and prove his ability. Establishing his practice in this city, he was from the first successful, and his pro- fessional work has attracted the attention of his confreres, who predict for him a brilliant career.

Mr. Wistner was married at Grover Hill, Ohio, the eighteenth of August, 1910, to Miss Blanche Fish, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wistner have four children, Viola E., Ruth V., Roger Paul and Vernon J., Jr. The family reside at 2633 Fifth Street. Notwithstanding the exacting demands of his profession, Mr. Wistner has been very active in civic matters, and has been a leader in all civic movements in recent years. During the World War he was chairman of the Exemption Board, and took an active part in all war work. He is now presi- dent of the Civitan Club, and a member of the Elks Club, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Wood- men of America. He is a member of the Christian Church and a member of the board of trustees.

APTAIN SAMUEL W. LEVINGSTON, for around a decade a factor in shipping and navigation affairs at Port Arthur, and for many years one of the greatest authorities on shipping along this section of the coast, has a specialized knowledge of this enterprise, and is qualified to speak with final authority on questions concerning shipping and its problems. Captain Levingston is a former president of the Sabine Pi- lots Association, an organization composed of eighteen members, who receive their appointment from the governor of Texas, and pilot all ships en- tering Port Arthur and the Beaumont Channel. Captain Levingston has been a pilot since Governor Colquitt's administration, having received his ap- pointment from him, and been reappointed by each succeeding governor. The president of the associa- tion has under his direction the harbor pilotage of all ships docking at the port here, and all those

entering the channel, and the general efficiency of the harbor is largely in his hands. Captain Leving- ston fully appreciated that every unnecessary hour spent in port is at a loss to the owners, and co- operated with the shipping interests in the working out of a program that expedites loading and un- loading at this busy port where ocean and inland transportation meet. During the years he served as president of the Sabine Pilots Association, he was a firm advocate of all measures taken to increase port facilities, and to make Port Arthur one of the most important terminals along the Gulf Coast. The improvement of the water front, wharves, sheds and other port facilities, were in large measure due to his interest in the development of the harbor, and has gone far to increase the standing of Port Arthur as a water terminal.

Captain Levingston is a native of the Lone Star State, and was born at Orange, Texas, the second of May, 1871. His father, S. H. Levingston, a na- tive of Florida, was a seaman and shipbuilder. Dur- ing the Civil War he was master of a vessel, and later came to Orange, by boat from New Orleans, shortly after the close of the war and engaged in shipbuilding until his death. His mother, whose maiden name was Asineth Moore, was a native of Florida, and is now deceased. Captain Levingston was educated in the public schools of Orange, Texas, and after finishing there went to Michigan, where he took a business course. He went to work as a bookkeeper in a machine shop at Orange, after his return from Michigan, but did not remain there long, for he had a genuine love for the sea, and the close confinement of office work was trying. He went on a tugboat at Orange and Sabine, and later was manager of a tugboat company. Still later he became captain on a coastwise vessel, and held that position until his appointment from Governor Colquitt as a pilot, at which time he came to Port Arthur and has since made this city his home.

Captain Levingston was married at Lake Charles, Louisiana, the twentieth of December, 1893, to Miss Emma Rachel, a native of Louisiana. Captain and Mrs. Levingston have a family of eight children, Alonzo, who is married and has one son; Bertram, William A., who is married and has one son; Love- lace, also married; James R. and Jules H., twins; Samuel W., Jr., and Elizabeth, a student at St. Mary's College, at Dallas. The family home, one of the fine residences of Port Arthur, at 1301 Sixth Street, was purchased by Captain Levingston several years after coming to this city. While at Orange, Captain Levingston served for more than a decade on the school board, and has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce at Port Arthur and at Orange, and belongs to the Elks Club, the Odd Fellows, and the Woodmen of the World, the latter at Orange. Captain Levingston has done more perhaps than any other one man to advance Port Arthur as a shipping terminal, and to make it one of first importance along the coast. He is an au- thority on all phases of shipping, especially in pilotage, and port management, and many questions concerning these matters arising at Port Arthur, are referred to him for settlement. Captain Leving- ston is equally interested in the development of Port Arthur as a city, and is active in all movements whose purpose is the growth of this prosperous city.

1792

. Je Thistwee

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

AMUEL H. CROSBY, a resident of Port Ar- thur for the past several years, is a lawyer actively identified with the business life of this city and community. From the stand- point of ability and business integrity few men stand higher.

Mr. Crosby was born at Grinnell, Iowa, November 5th, 1880. He is the son of the late George H. Crosby, a native of Maine, and member since 1877 of the bar of Iowa. After attending the public schools of Grinnell, the Denver, Colorado, high school and Bucksport Academy at Bucksport, Maine, Mr. Crosby entered Grinnell College, where he was grad- uated in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was also admitted to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, an honorary society whose membership is limited to high ranking students. He then entered a law office in his native state, reading law, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1908, and to the United States Supreme Court in 1912. Later he went to Denver, Colorado, where he engaged in gen- eral practice of law for several years prior to com- ing to Port Arthur in 1917. He is a member of the American Bar Association, and has had wide and successful experience as a practicing attorney.

Mr. Crosby was married at Talladega, Alabama, in August, 1902, to Miss Sadie Baechtold, a native of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby have two children, Theodore and Anna Ruth. Mr. Crosby is one of the substantial residents of Port Arthur and has taken an active part in community progress. He was the organizer and first manager and attorney for the Homestead Building and Loan Association, incorpor- ated in 1923 with an authorized capital of $2,000,- 000, now an important factor in residential develop- ment of Port Arthur. In his business relations Mr. Crosby combines ability with conscientious respon- sibility to himself and his associates and he ranks among the business leaders of Port Arthur.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 108

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