New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 119

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

USA > Texas > New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2 > Part 119

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Mr. Cooper first began his career as an educa- tor as a teacher in the public schools of Logan County, Kentucky, acting in this capacity from 1885 to 1897. In 1897 he attended the Bowling Green Business University and completed the full shorthand and bookkeeping courses in one year. From 1898 until 1901 he was principal of the com- mercial department at the Monterey High School of Tennessee. From there he went to the University of Florida at Lake City as principal of the shorthand department in which position he remained from 1901 to 1903. In 1903 he went to Santa Cruz, California, and was principal of the Chestnutwood Business Col- lege, shorthand department, until 1905. At this time he came to Texas, joining Hills Business Col- lege as principal of the shorthand department at Waco, Texas, where he was occupied until Decem- ber, 1907. In December, 1907, he came to Galveston as manager of Draughons Business College and in 1908 bought the school.

Since Mr. Cooper took over the school considera- ble improvement has been made both in the faculty and in the equipment used in training students. The school was originally located in the Y. M. C. A. building but moved to Twenty-third and Postoffice Streets in 1898. The school moved to the present address October 1st, 1922. The location is at 23111/2 Avenue D. It has a seating capacity for 400 pupils the classrooms being large and airy and well de- signed for their purpose. There is a faculty of nine highly competent instructors, including Mr. Cooper, who exercises general supervision over the school. Instruction is given in typwriting, shorthand, com- mercial law, banking, bookkeeping, penmanship, multigraphing, printing, the use of calculating machines and other allied subjects. Before they graduate they must successfully pass rigid tests. While the student body is recruited largely from Galveston there are also a number of students who come from other parts of the state and from other states. Individual attention is given to each student, this feature is largely responsible for the success of the school.

Paul E. Cooper was born at Auburn, Kentucky, February 12th, 1873, the son of Ryland D. Cooper, a native of Virginia, but who for the greater part of his life was a well known farmer of Kentucky. His father died April 4th, 1873. His mother, Nel- lie (Lewis) Cooper, was a member of a highly re- spected family of Auburn, Kentucky, and resides in Kentucky at the advanced age of 82 years. His preliminary education was obtained at the public and high schools of Auburn and Middleton, Ken- tucky.

Mr. Cooper is a Mason of Tucker Lodge, Galves- ton, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Rotary Club and the Galveston Chamber of Commerce. He is a staunch supporter of the First Methodist Church, having been in charge of its

finances for fourteen years. Mr. Cooper takes an active interest in the Boy Scout movement and the Y. M. C. A.

Paul E. Cooper fills an important niche in the business life of the Island City and his ability as an educator is recognized by the fact that practically every business institution in Galveston calls upon him to supply trained people for their needs. He is a modest and unassuming gentleman who believes in letting his work speak for itself.

HOMAS G. DODD of Galveston, Texas, in- herited his taste and talent for marine and technical work, both his father and grand- father being naval architects. Mr. Dodd is ship and engineer surveyor for Lloyd's Register of Shipping, and is the exclusive representative of this large concern here. This office has supervision of the gulf coast west of New Orleans territory. Mr. Dodd has had much experience in various parts of the world, and has been in every port on the globe. He came to Galveston in August, 1922, and imme- diately identified himself with the business and so- cial life of the city, where he has made many friends. The office of the Lloyd's Register of Shipping is located at 925 American National Insurance Building.

Mr. Dodd was born in Scotland on July 12th, 1881. His parents, Thomas J. Dodd and Amy Dodd, were well known in the business and social life of their native land. His education was obtained in Scot- land, where he attended the Glasgow Technical Col- lege, and graduated from this institution with a diploma in engineering. After leaving college, Mr. Dodd entered the machine shops to learn the art of moulding and pattern making. In 1897, he went to sea as an engineer, and in this capacity traveled all over the world, serving as an engineer during the six years at sea. He then became associated with the Fairfield Ship Building Company at Glas- gow, Scotland, and remained with this company for two years, and during this period he was in charge of fitting out and final trials of ships. In 1910, he went with the Lloyd's Register of Shipping, and was stationed at Middlesburgh, England, in the same position which he now occupies. He remained at Middleburgh for one year, and was transferred to Hull, England, where he remained for three years, after which he came to America. He was first lo- cated at Philadelphia, in the same kind of position which he now holds, and after serving for a time in Philadelphia, he was transferred to various eastern ports and the Great Lakes, until he came to Gal- veston.

Mr. Dodd was married in England in 1919 to Miss Delia Graham, a member of a prominent English family. They have one son, Thomas James Dodd, aged one year. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd reside at 3223 Avenue Q. In social organizations here, Mr. Dodd is a member of the Aziola Club and the Galveston Country Club, in both of which he is active. Since leaving college, Mr. Dodd has devoted himself ex- clusively to the engineering profession and it is conceded that he is one of the best in his line of endeavor in this portion of the country. He is inter- nationally known, having lived and practiced his profession in many parts of America and the Con- tinent, as a man of the very highest attainments along his chosen line.

1856

W. X. tamauch

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

APTAIN W. L. FARNSWORTH, for some thirty years connected with marine and shipping activities, has recently come to Galveston as surveyor for the New York Board of Underwriters. He has offices in the American National Bank Building. Due to his con- nection with shipping interests in years past he is in a position to render the Board of Underwriters a particularly valuable service, and the board's in- terests, both at Galveston and Houston, which port he also has under his direction, are being adequately looked after.

Captain W. L. Farnsworth was born at Jonesport, Maine, the fourteenth of February, 1879, son of L. L. Farnsworth and Mrs. Judith (Foss) Farns- worth. Mr. Farnsworth, Sr., is also a native of Maine, and is well known in business circles there. The first American Farnsworth came over in the Mayflower, and the family has been prominently connected with the early history of our country, the great-grandmother of the subject of this sketch hav- ing melted her pewter spoons to make bullets to be used in the first moral battle fought by the colonists.

Captain Farnsworth attended the schools of Jones- port, and graduated from high school there in 1897. Prior to that, however, he had had his first sea ex- perience, going to sea in 1893, at the age of fourteen. In 1903 he became captain of a sea-going vessel, at that time being but twenty-four years of age, hold- ing that office until 1915. From 1915 until 1917 Captain Farnsworth was marine superintendent for Marden, Orth and Hastings in New York City, re- signing that position to enter the United States Navy as lieutenant commander, U. S. N. R. F., in command of the U. S. S. Hilton, commanding that vessel in foreign waters until April, 1919, transport- ing supplies to the allied armies between France and England. While in command of the Hilton, Captain Farnsworth was attacked four times by the enemy and got away without any damage to his ships or men. During his service thirteen ships that he was with in Conway were torpedoed and sunk. He was recommended by Admiral Andrews, in charge of Base 29, for the Distinguished Service Cross for extra effort in getting in and out of port without bringing any charges against the government and for keeping off the rocks and for not getting hit by mines nor torpedoes. At the close of the war Cap- tain Farnsworth retired to private life, and went with A. H. Bull Steamship Company, in command of trading between New York and the West Coast of Africa, being engaged in that work until 1922, when he became agent for the Bull line at Grand Bassam, French Colony in West Africa. He also represented the New York Board of Underwriters, the American Salvage Association and the American Bureau of Shipping in West Africa, remaining there until the early part of 1925. He then returned to the states, and was appointed surveyor to the New York Board of Underwriters in New York, remaining there from May until the middle of July, when he was trans- ferred to Galveston as representative of the New York Board of Underwriters at the ports of Gal- veston and Houston, entering upon his duties here on the fifteenth of July, 1925.

Captain Farnsworth was married at Jonesport, Maine, the third of August, 1903, to Miss Laura Rogers, daughter of Captain and Mrs. G. N. Rogers.

Captain Rogers is a sea captain and connected with the Baltimore Rio de Janeiro, coffee packet busi- ness. Captain Farnsworth resides at 1812 Avenue P, and has four children: Hazel, Elmer, Dorothy and Walter, Jr. He is a Knight Templar, and member of Kedive Temple Shrine at Norfolk, Virginia. Cap- tain Farnsworth was already known in Gulf ports prior to coming here in his present connection, hav- ing brought the first ocean-going ship, the S. S. Dorothy, belonging to A. H. Bull, into the Houston Ship Channel on the twelfth day of October, 1915.

E. WATSON, marine engineer, and one of the best known men in maritime circles in the Southwest, has been a resident of Gal- veston since 1920, having come here in Feb- ruary of that year, to accept the position as super- intendent of the Galveston Dry Dock and Construc- tion Company. He remained with this concern for more than two years, resigning his position to en- gage in business for himself, specializing in marine surveying and appraisal work, being especially well qualified by education and experience for work of this character.

Mr. Watson maintains office at 412 American National Insurance Building and is splendidly equipped for giving the best of service to his clients, among whom are included a number of the larger maritime and ship building companies of Galveston and other gulf ports.

A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Watson was born at Manitowoc, on September 9, 1881, a son of William and Ella Louise Watson. His father was a well known watch maker and jeweler and after the younger Watson had completed his preliminary edu- cation, he entered the Massachusetts School of Technology at Boston, Mass., where he specialized in marine architecture and mechanical engineering, completing his studies there in 1901. After finish- ing his studies he joined the engineering department of the United States Navy, entering the service as a machinist of the first class and being dis- charged in 1906, with the rank of warrant machinist.

Upon completing his term of service with the navy, Mr. Watson, in 1906, became connected with the Cramp Ship Building Company of Philadelphia, as superintendent of outside machinery and re- mained with this company until 1910, when he went with the Union Iron Works of San Francisco. After four years with this concern he became identified with Harland and Hollingsworth at Wilmington, Delaware, where he remained until 1916. From Wilmington, Mr. Watson went to Alabama, where he was employed as chief engineer of construction for the Alabama Dry Dock and Ship Building Company until 1918. He then was with another dry dock company in New Orleans, where he remained until his removal to Galveston in 1920.

Mr. Watson is a very busy man, but takes an active interest in civic affairs of Galveston. He is a member of the Aziola Club and of the Scottish and York Rite Masonic organizations. He is also a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being affiliated with Alba Temple at Mobile, Alabama. Among techinical organizations in which he holds membership are included the Association of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. A man of splen- did personality, Mr. Watson is also one of the leaders among his profession.

1859

MEN OF TEXAS

C. EVANS, one of the younger and most progressive business men to take part in the industrial advancement of Texas City, has been active in the petroleum business since coming here several years ago. Mr. Evans is superintendent of the Humble Oil and Refining Company at this point and has charge of storage and pipe lines, docks, the loading of boats, and ac- tivities of a like nature. The Humble plant is one of the larger loading terminals located at Texas City, and has a storage capacity of around five hun- dred and thirty-five thousand barrels, and a loading capacity of seventeen thousand five hundred barrels per hour. Mr. Evans has an efficient force of work- men under him, and his department is one of the smooth functioning units that go to make up the

Humble organization. Mr. Evans began with the Humble Company after leaving the navy, in 1919, when he went in the pipe line department at West Columbia. Several months later he was sent to Goose Creek, and later to Texas City, coming here as timekeeper, and later being made dockmaster, which position he held at the time of his appoint- ment as superintendent in June, 1922.

Mr. Evans was born at Chandler Valley, Pennsyl- vania, the thirteenth of May, 1898, his family re- moving to Texas during his boyhood. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Beaumont and Sara- toga, Texas, graduating from high school at the lat- ter place. He then entered the University of Val- paraiso, in Indiana, and after leaving there began in the oil business, with the Gulf Company, in the Saratoga field, in 1914, working in various depart- ments until his enlistment in the navy, the four- teenth of December, 1917. He served in the U. S. Armed Guard Service, rate, A. B., on various ships, crossing the Atlantic, serving as gun pointer. While in service he made twenty trips across the Atlantic, and was discharged the fourteenth of August, 1919, coming with the Humble Company shortly there- after.

Mr. Evans was married at Texas City the twenty- second of May, 1920, to Miss Bessie Latimer, daugh- ter of G. A. Latimer of this city. They have two children, Bernice Evans and Betty Evans, both of whom were born here. The family have an attrac- tive home here. Mr. Evans is a Mason, Texas City Blue Lodge No. 1118, and Consistory of Galveston. He has taken the thirtieth degree, and intends to reach the higher degrees in this order. He is a member of the American Legion. Mr. Evans takes a deep interest in the future of Texas City, and is ready at all times to assist in any movement for the advancement of this city along civic or com- mercial and industrial lines.

EORGE B. STOWE, architect, senior mem- ber of the firm of Stowe and Stowe, with offices at 3091/2 Twenty-second Street, has been engaged in architectural work in the city of Galveston for more than thirty years and is the oldest architect here. During the three decades Mr. Stowe has been engaged in designing and super- intending the construction of important buildings in Galveston he has seen the city develop into a leading seaport of the Southwest and has witnessed the won- derful restoration and transformation that followed in the wake of the disastrous flood of 1900. Asso- ciated with Mr. Stowe is E. E. Stowe. The firm has done more construction work in the city of Galveston

than all the other firms in the city combined.

A branch office of Stowe and Stowe is located in Houston and looks after the work of the firm there. Most of the prominent buildings in Galveston and quite a number in Houston and other cities were designed by Mr. Stowe and erected under the super- vision of his firm.

Mr. Stowe is a native of Galveston and was born in 1873. He is a son of W. N. and M. E. (Beadles) Stowe. His father for many years was prom- inently identified with the banking interests of Gal- veston and for many years was vice president of the First National Bank here.

Receiving his education in the schools of Galves- ton and at Crawford's private academy, Mr. Stowe, following the completion of his studies, took up architecture and has been engaged in this line of work all his life. He had advanced in his chosen work so rapidly that at the time of the storm in 1900 he had in his office more than two million dol- lars of work. At one time Mr. Stowe had one of the largest architectural offices in the entire state of Texas and was regarded as the leader of his pro- fession in this state. Among other important pieces of construction at Galveston designed and built under his direction is the immigration station of the United States government. He also designed and constructed many other government buildings here.

Mr. Stowe was married at Austin, Texas, in 1905 to Miss Naomi Perry, member of a well known Texas family. Mrs. Stowe died in January, 1913.

A splendid business man as well as architect, Mr. Stowe has enjoyed a successful career and has left an indelible impression on the commercial and indus- trial life of his native city in the substantial char- acter of the buildings he has constructed. Mr. Stowe has always been intensely interested in any move- ment for the upbuilding and development of Galves- ton and has done much for the city in many ways.

R. BENNETT, who has recently come to Texas City, has entered actively into the commercial life here, and as an engineer has been a factor in the industrial develop- ment of the city. Mr. Bennett is superintendent of the Swiftsure Petroleum Company, coming to Texas City in May, 1921, to build the plant, and re- maining here in charge of its operation. Under his management the plant has developed into a well or- ganized, efficiently operated terminal, and is one of the important industrial enterprises of Texas City, furnishing employment to a large number of people. The plant is modern in every detail, and all equip- ment of the best. The manufactured products are shipped from Texas City to various points, and are of recognized quality. Mr. Bennett is exceptionally well equipped for his work and has had the advan- tage not only of an excellent technical education, but of practical experience.

H. R. Bennett was born in New Brunswick, Can- ada, the eighth of September, 1895, his father be- ing at that time stationed there. In 1900 the family returned to the United States, to Massachusetts, and Mr. Bennett received his elementary and high school education in the public schools of that State. He then entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, taking the B. S. degree there in 1916, and entering upon his active business career. He spent one year with H. Koppers Company of Pitts- burgh, Penn., at Jersey City, and then entered mili-

1860

N. C. G

Carl Newly.

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

tary service, shortly after the entrance of the United States in the World War. He enlisted in the air service in June, 1917, as first class private, and was later cadet and then second lieutenant, air service. He spent four months overseas, and was discharged the seventh of February, 1919. After leaving the army he resumed his professional career, and was engineer for the Arkansas Natural Gas Company in Louisiana. After a period in business for himself, in Shreveport, he came to Houston in 1920, with the Crown Oil and Refining Company as engineer, on construction work. He later spent a short time with E. E. Sands, coming to Texas City in May, 1921, to build the Swiftsure Petroleum Company's plant, and has remained here as superintendent.

Mr. Bennett was married at Dallas in April, 1918. He has made Texas City his home since his business has been centered here, and takes an active interest in all community progress. He belongs to the American Legion and has served as post commander of the Texas City post.

ARL NESSLER, public official, banker, busi- ness man, and citizen of high order, has for more than a decade been a factor in the progress of Texas City, and has contributed materially to the advancement of this city. Mr. Nessler came to Texas City in December, 1911, and shortly after his arrival built the ice and cold stor- age plant, one of the most important industrial en- terprises of the city, and has since been president and manager of this concern. The plant, one of the best organized refrigerating plants in this section, has a storage capacity of sixty thousand cubic feet, and a manufacturing capacity of forty-five tons of ice each twenty-four hours. A force of skilled op- eratives are employed to maintain the plant, and ice is supplied to Texas City and other towns in Galveston County and surrounding counties. Tlie plant also supplies ice to a number of ships, and is operating to full capacity. In addition to the ice and storage business a large fuel business is op- erated in connection with the ice plant. Mr. Nessler has recently built an ice plant at Hitchcock, Texas, which was completed in July, 1923, and has since been one of the prosperous industrial concerns of that place.

Mr. Nessler is president of the Texas City Na- tional Bank, one of the strong financial institutions of Texas City and as a banker his sound financial policies have directly influenced community pros- perity. He is also president of the Home Building and Loan Association, a capably directed associa- tion that since its organization has encouraged home ownership, and has done much to make Texas City a desirable residence city.

Mr. Nessler was elected mayor of Texas City in 1916, and has since been re-elected four times. He brought to bear in directing the municipal affairs of the city the same enthusiasm that characterized his activities in the business and banking world, and has insured his success. As mayor he devoted his time to the advancement of Texas City, extending public utilities, such as water mains, sewerage, and like services, and encouraged all progressive and constructive public advancement. Under his admin- istration the entire municipal government has been placed on an efficient, businesslike basis. The re- sult has been a marked civic improvement, and an excellent financial condition, and Texas City has en-

joyed one of the most prosperous periods in its his- tory.

Mr. Nessler was married at St. Charles, Missouri, the twentieth of April, 1912, to Miss Eda Burtes Salveter. They have since made their home in Texas City, and have four children-Leneda, Mar- gurite, Mary Louise, and Carl, Jr. Mr. Nessler belongs to the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers, and the Southwestern Ice Manufacturers' Association. He is ex-president of the Practical Refrigerating Engineers' Association, an organiza- tion including the United States, Canada, and other countries of the world, having served as president in 1914. He is also treasurer of the Galveston Coun- ty Fair Association, and a member of the County Fair Board. Mr. Nessler is interested in all that concerns the development of Texas City, and there are few men who have taken so vital a part in the upbuilding of this community.

ILLIAM HASTINGS, who has been a prime factor in the petroleum industry at Texas City for the past several years, is a real pioneer in the oil business, and his three decades and more of practical experience qualify him to speak authoritatively on any phase of the indus- try, particularly from construction and pipe line angles. Mr. Hastings is superintendent of the Vacuum Oil Company at Texas City, coming to this place the first of January, 1921, to take this posi- tion. Since he took charge of the plant the business has been materially built up, and the plant is op- erating on an efficient, economical basis.

Mr. Hastings was born at Wellsville, New York, the twenty-eighth of April, 1865, and spent his boy- hood on his father's farm, where, although he did not at the time realize it, he learned from nature the most valuable lessons of his life, and laid the foundation of his career. The farm he calls "Na- ture's College." He attended the public schools near his home, and later worked around the tan- neries, and also learned telegraphy and did some railroad work. He then began in the oil industry, and spent thirty-three years with the Iroquois Nat- ural Gas Company in New York, as superintendent of field construction, pipe lines, and work of this kind. He was later with other companies for a short period of time, and then came to Texas City, where Mr. W. C. Brower got in touch with him and induced him to take charge of the plant of the Vacuum Oil Company at Texas City.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 119

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