New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 125

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

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Benjamin Garland Sterling's life was cut short May 20th, 1921, when the automobile in which he was riding was struck by a train in Liberty County. Mr. Sterling was a Mason, member of Blue Lodge at Dayton, York Rite, and a member of Arabia Temple Shrine. He was also a member of the Eastern Star, a member of the T. P. A. and the U. T. C. He was largely responsible for many civic advancements in Dayton, taking great interest in planning for the development of his community. His life was dis- tinguished by a spirit of friendship that won to him friends by the hundreds, a true Christian char- ity that made him beloved by those less fortunate than himself, and a business integrity that won the admiration and respect of all who came in contact with him. His life, measured by the real benefits he accorded to his fellowmen, his successes, his friendships, was well lived, and he will be remem- bered and honored throughout the years to come.

FRANK KEITH. Beaumont has produced many generous and public spirited citizens, men who figure prominently in its history because their unselfish interest in the com- mon welfare has made possible the city of today, and of these none are more conspicuous, or have done more for the community than did J. Frank Keith, who, throughout more than a quarter of a century was the spirit of progress, holding Beau- mont first in his interest, and contributing to its growth in every way. Mr. Keith was a man whose high ideals of citizenship prompted him to make Beaumont his first consideration, and although he acquired wealth during the years of his residence here, it is not as a capitalist that he was best known, but as a city builder. When new advantages were offered the city, when some progressive move- ment was first launched, he was always the first to come forward and contribute to it in a way that insured its success, and today these enterprises which he sponsored form the backbone of the city's prosperity, and are a monument to the vision of this splendid citizen.

J. Frank Keith was born in Jasper County, Texas, on the eighteenth day of December, 1857, son of Henry Cortes Lafayette Keith and Sarah E. (LaPorte) Keith, who came to Jasper County dur- ing the early pioneer days. When he was a small lad, during the Civil War, the family moved to Sabine Pass, where the father's death occurred in 1869. J. Frank Keith then came to Beaumont and became identified with the mill operated by Long & Company, then located on Brake's Bayou, and here he learned the lumber business while yet a boy. Later he went to Village Mills, a short dis- tance from Beaumont and became general super-

intendent of the Village Mills Company, building a saw mill which at that time was considered the largest and best equipped mill in the country. Eight years later Mr. Keith returned to Beaumont in an executive capacity with the Texas Tram Company and also at that time purchased the property now occupied by the Keith Building. In 1899 he organ- ized the J. F. Keith Company, operating a saw mill at Hook's Switch, and later disposing of this prop- erty to the Kirby interests. In 1902 he organized the Keith Lumber Company, building the large mill at Voth, which he operated until his death. Mr. Keith was one of the founders of the American National Bank and a director in that institution until his death, and was also interested, financially and otherwise, in practically every other enterprise in Beaumont.

J. Frank Keith was married the twenty-ninth of March, 1882, at Beaumont, to Miss Alice Carroll, a member of a pioneer Jefferson County family, and daughter of F. L. Carroll, pioneer lumberman of Beaumont, and one of the builders of Baylor University, of which he was treasurer for many years, and Sarah Prichard Carroll. Mrs. Keith has long been interested in civic affairs at Beaumont, and is widely known for her many benefactions as well as her interest in and aid of all matters in which Beaumont women are concerned. She is a constant worker for the advancement of Beau- mont, much of her time being devoted to work for the United Charities, in recognition of which she has been made honorary president for life, and for life, and for the Day Nursery and other like organ- ized charity and social work. Mr. and Mrs. Keith had an ideal home life, delighting in the charming home they had made, and in the family of children whom they reared. The only son is W. Carroll Keith, president of the Keith Lumber Company. He is married to Miss Blanche Doucette, and they have one child, William Carroll Keith, Jr. Four daugh- ters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keith: Cecil, wife of Chester A. Easley, of Beaumont; Olga, wife of Harry C. Wiess, of Houston; Azilee, wife of Con Clark, of Beaumont, and Alice, wife of Harry Hutch- ison, of Beaumont.

Mr. Keith was the first park commissioner of Beaumont, and has for many years devoted much time to this work, building Keith Park, one of the most attractive pleasure spots of Beaumont, him- self. He was one of the earliest and most enthus- iastic supporters of the deep water harbor, and it was largely due to his efforts that this project became a reality. He was also responsible for bring- ing the first steamboat to Beaumont, and was one of the supporters of the movement to build the railroad from Beaumont to Waco. He also pro- moted and was for years a stockholder of the old Beaumont Telephone Company, and was interested in many other activities, of both a public and an industrial nature. His death occurred at Beaumont the sixth day of November, 1921, following an opera- tion. Although he had lived his three score years he was young in spirit and had the enthusiasm of a young man in all his work for Beaumont. His death cut short a life lived to the full, and the mem- ory of his usefulness, his deeds, his generousness, will be an inspiration to those who follow him to emulate him, and will be a bright page in the his- tory of Beaumont throughout the years.

1899

MEN OF TEXAS

ILLIAM STAMP FARISH. Although the

Lone Star State never claimed him for a resident, the name of William Stamp Far- ish, prominent legist of his day, and a man preeminently qualified to occupy a place of leader- ship, is well known in Houston. A man of sterling qualities, of outstanding attainments, he passed these characteristics on to his sons, and they are all men of affairs in the Lone Star State, and held in high esteem at Houston.

Mr. Farish was a native of the State of Missis- sippi, his birthplace being at Woodville, and his parents, Hazlewood and Jane (Davis) Farish, the latter a great-niece of Jefferson Davis, and both of whom were natives of Virginia. Mr. Farish after some years of attendance in the schools near his home, entered the University of Virginia, as a law student, and was there when the Civil War broke out. He left the university, at the age of eigh- teen, to enlist in the Confederate Army, and after the close of the conflict returned to finish his course. He had his law degree conferred on him by this in- stitution, and returned to his native state to begin his interesting career.

Mr. Farish's first practice was at Mayersville, where his unusual ability won him instant recogni- tion. He had a distinguished bearing, a real talent as an orator, and a keen discrimination that marked his career, and gave significance to his whole life. Mr. Farish was elected to the Mississippi State Legislature, where he impressed his influence on much of the important legislation of the day and added further to the prestige won as a lawyer. He also held the office of district attorney for four- teen years and while in that office demonstrated at all times his devotion to the best interests of his community.

William Stamp Farish was married at Mayers- ville, Mississippi, May 19th, 1880, to Miss Katherine Power, daughter of Steve Power of Ireland, and Rosina Harris Power of Mississippi. Mrs. Farish is a highly accomplished woman, sincere, and charm- ing. As a wife she was a comrade and helpmate, the inspiration of her husband, and a devoted mother to a family of five children. She came to Hous- ton in 1918, almost two decades after her husband's death, and built the beautiful Farish home, at 4412 Montrose Boulevard, where she and her daugh- ter have since resided. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Farish are: William S. Farish, president of the Humble Oil and Refining Company, and prominently identified with activities at Houston, and incidently one of the editors of this work; R. D. Farish, formerly of the Land and Lease Depart- ment of the Humble Oil and Refining Company; Thomas Harrison Farish (deceased), formerly with the Humble Oil and Refining Company at Cisco, Texas; Stephen P., president of the Navarro Oil Company and Rosalie Farish.

William Stamp Farish died at his home in Mayers- ville, Mississippi, in November, 1877, being at the time of his death fifty-four years of age. During his lifetime he exerted a vital influence over the life of the day, and was one of the men taking an ac- tive part in moulding public opinion. Mr. Farish had intellectual talents of high order, and much of his success was due to his ready perception of the basic principles of a proposition, and a personality that impressed itself on those about him. In his

political life he was honest and steadfast in his convictions, and in private and social life a con- genial, warm hearted and generous man. The achievements of his life make a bright page in the history of Mississippi, and Houston is indeed proud to honor him, and in honoring him likewise honor his sons, by a place in this volume.

OL. CHARLES DILLINGHAM, during his lifetime of twenty-seven years in Houston, was identified with the group of farsighted business men who laid the foundation of the city of today with its metropolitan aspect. He was prominently identified with three of the factors that have contributed most to the rapid growth and expansion of Houston, namely: railroads, ship channel and banking.

Charles Dillingham was born in Waterbury, Ver- mont, February 18th, 1837, the son of Governor Paul Dillingham of that State, and Julia Carpenter, and a brother of the late Senator Wm. P. Dilling- ham of Vermont. He was educated in his native State, studied law, and was engaged in the prac- tice of his chosen profession when the Civil War began. Immediately upon the outbreak of that con- flict he raised a company of his native town and was made its captain. Later he was successively promoted to major and lieutenant colonel of the 8th Vermont Volunteers and came south with his regiment. After the war he settled in New Orleans, where he was appointed to the position of collector of the New Orleans port. Leaving this service he engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1885, when he was appointed receiver of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. He moved to Houston in this year and entered upon the duties of this position, which he creditably filled until his resignation in the early 90's. He then turned his attention to the banking profession, in which he was active during the remainder of his life. He was one of the in- corporators of the South Texas National Bank, which he served as vice president and later as pres- ident for a number of years. When the South Texas National Bank consolidated with the Commercial National Bank to become the South Texas Commer- cial National Bank he became chairman of the board of directors of the latter institution. Mr. Dilling- ham was as successful as a banker as he was in his other undertakings, and lived to see his bank grow to be one of the leading financial institutions of the South. He was keenly interested in all things that might contribute to the upbuilding of Houston, but particularly in the securing of deep water and was active in all efforts to bring this about. He served diligently and ably for a number of years as chairman of the Houston Deep Water Committee, and was one of perhaps half a dozen men to whose efforts the realization of Houston's dream of a ship channel to the sea was largely due.

On November 5th, 1863, Mr. Dillingham was united in marriage, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Frances M. Cutter of that city. To this union were born Edwin Kirke Dillingham and Mary Pauline Dillingham, both of Houston. Mrs. Charles Dilling- ham resides in Houston at 3214 Austin Street. Charles Dillingham died in Houston, June 19th, 1917. His life was a successful one, not only in a material way, but in all others. Although his business de- mands were great, yet he did not fail to take a live interest in the civic and social life in the cities

1900

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

in which he resided, contributing both of his time and means to the furtherance of those activities that contribute to the welfare of a community.

OUIS F. HALLER. The name of Louis F. Haller will ever be associated with the early days of Victoria as that of a pioneer who by his sincere belief in, and untiring efforts for, the development of this city, was a factor in its upbuilding and progress. Mr. Haller, a native of Victoria, began his business career here, as a young man launching a small mercantile ven- ture with an enthusiasm and energy that marked it for success from the start. With advancing years this business, so closely interwoven with the his- tory of the progress and growth of Victoria, grew and prospered, and twenty-eight years after its establishment, at the time of Mr. Haller's death, was, and had been for many years, the largest mercantile establishment here, and one of the vital business interests here. Mr. Haller also made numerous in- vestments in Victoria property, and built the build- ing occupied by his store, as well as one two-story business building and two one-story buildings. He also owned and operated two farms in this sec- tion, one at Bloomington, and one three miles out of Victoria, this last being known as Brookridge Farm.

Louis F. Haller was born at Victoria, on the four- teenth of August, 1869, son of Eustacus Haller, and Christine (Luter) Haller, both natives of Germany, who came to America during their early years. Louis F. Haller attended the schools of Victoria, but like many of the boys of that day, his school days were brief, and he acquired his education largely in the school of experience, that greatest of all colleges. He spent a number of years with the First National Bank, serving as teller for seven years, during the early part of his career. Later he established the Haller Dry Goods Company, in a small way, and was active in the management of this business for twen- ty-eight years, building up the largest mercantile establishment in Victoria, a large, well-stocked store that supplied the merchandise needs of the city in an adequate and satisfactory way. This store, built as it was on the desire to give the people of Victoria real service, was more than a mere business es- tablishment, and was regarded as a Victoria in- stitution, and a friendly store that had the best in- terests of its patrons uppermost, a factor that was a reflection on the policy of Mr. Haller throughout his merchandise experience of over one score and a half years.

Mr. Haller's home life was made ideal by his wife, Annie Weber, whom he married in 1891, on the fif- teenth of June. Mrs. Haller was a daughter of Michael Weber, a brewer, who came to Victoria from Germany, at the age of eighteen years. Her mother, whose maiden name was Katherine Fuhn- man, was also a native of Germany. To Mrs. Haller and her constant inspiration and interest in his af- fairs, Mr. Haller always attributed much of his success. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haller: Raymond B. Haller of Del Rio; Clarence F. Haller of Houston, Elmer M. Haller of Victoria, Leonard E. Haller, with Munn's, at Houston; Christine, now Mrs. Albert Harrison of Victoria, and Lawrence F. Haller, a student in the Vic- toria schools. Mr. Haller was a Catholic and a Knight of Columbus and an Elk. Since his death,

which occurred the eighteenth of March, 1919, the family have continued to reside at 207 North Glass Street, the family home for many years. Mr. Haller was a man of high ideals and honest friendships, and was the finest type of self made man, rising to his position entirely through his own efforts. He will be remembered at Victoria as one who impressed his life indelibly on the community in which he lived.

OHN HOUSTON McCLUNG was for more than thirty-five years a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Houston, Texas, where throughout this period he was a staunch supporter of every movement for the better- ment and advancement of this city. During practi- cally all of his business life he was associated with the well known law firm of Baker, Botts, Parker and Garwood as auditor, having served this organization in that official capacity for almost thirty-five years, at which time he was forced to abandon his work as auditor on account of ill health. After retiring from active business pursuits, with Mrs. McClung, he traveled for about four years, in an effort to restore his health. On his return to Houston, he became manager of the estate of James Bute (deceased), managing all business affairs for the heirs of this large estate for several years.

A native of Virginia, Mr. McClung was born at Fairfield, Rockbridge County, on September 4th, 1861. His father, Dr. John A. McClung (now de- ceased), was also a native of Virginia and a well known pioneer physician of that State. His mother, Mrs. Mary (Wilson) McClung, was a member of a prominent Virginia family. His education was ob- tained in the schools of his native State, graduating from the Fancy Hill Academy. After leaving col- lege, Mr. McClung taught school for two years in Virginia, prior to coming to Houston, Texas. While he was a native of Virginia, Mr. McClung had lived in Houston since early manhood and had a host of friends in this city and community.

Mr. McClung was married at Houston, Texas, on July 11th, 1906, to Miss Dolores Pearl Guion, a native of Louisiana and a daughter of E. B. Guion (now deceased), who was a native of New Orleans and a member of a prominent family of that city. Her mother, Mrs. Eliza Stuart (Hartwell) Guion, also a native of New Orleans, was a member of a pioneer family of the Crescent City. The McClung home is located at 2314 Caroline Street. Mr. Mc- Clung held membership in the B. P. O. E. and many of the commercial, social and civic organizations of this city, in all of which he took an active interest. Mr. McClung died at Houston, Texas, on May 12th, 1922. While throughout his life he had been a man unassuming in his manners, he drew to himself many staunch friends in both business and social life. He was indeed a true Southern gentleman, in all that expression implies. In him were resurgent the characteristics of the Southern atmosphere-in- cluding courage, generosity and deep sympathy for all who might be in distress. His mind was keen and clear, his purposes were magnanimous, his will was unconquerable. To many of Houston's citizen- ship the unselfish friendship of John Houston Mc- Clung was one of life's greatest benefactions, and his memory is a benediction upon the lives of all who knew him.

1901

MEN OF TEXAS

AJOR BENJAMIN FRANCIS WEEMS, a resident of Houston for over half a century, took an influential part in the commercial and civic affairs of this community. Com- ing here in the pioneer days when the city had just a fair start, along with such men as W. D. Cleve- land, Capt. J. C. Hutcheson and Capt. Sinclair Talia- ferro, he helped lay the foundation for the Houston Ship Channel that has played such an important part in the recent rapid growth of this community. Although a civil engineer by profession, his career after coming to Texas was devoted to banking, insurance and investments. Few pioneer Texans have been held in higher esteem by his contempora- ries. He was a Southern gentleman of the old school and a man of great personal charm. An im- print of his life has been left in Houston, where his name is recorded as a soldier, early pioneer, builder, good citizen, and a man of courageous hon- esty and of spotless character.

Major B. F. Weems was born June 23rd, 1839, son of Dr. Francis Marion and Frances E. (Ewell) Weems of Prince William County, Virginia. Frances E. Ewell was a sister of Gen. Richard S. Ewell, a graduate of West Point, class 1840, and Command- ing General of the Second Corps of the Army of Virginia under Gen. Robt. E. Lee. Major Weems was a grandson of Mason Locke Weems, George Washington's first biographer. He was educated in the schools of Virginia and York, Pennsylvania, where he studied engineering. At the age of six- teen he went to Illinois as a civil engineer for the C. B. & O. Railroad. When this work was com- pleted he joined an engineering party going to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. He was chief of the party that was engaged to lay a road across the Isthmus. On his return to the states and to New Orleans he was engaged as a civil engineer under Bentley B. Hazel, chief engineer of the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad. When the work under- taken for this railroad was completed he returned to York, Pennsylvania. In the winter of 1860, at the age of twenty-one, he joined a party of engi- neers in New York, and with them came to Houston to locate an extension of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad from Columbus to San An- tonio. The New York office for this railroad decided not to go forward with this contemplated work be- cause of the threatened war between the states. Ma- jor Weems planned to visit his cousin, Dr. Mason L. Weems in Brazoria County, Texas, before return- ing to New York. While on this visit the South was recruiting soldiers for the war that seemed imminent. He joined the first company of soldiers at Columbia, Texas, that was raised by Capt. John A. Wharton for Terry's Texas Rangers. This reg- iment was sworn into service in Houston, Texas, September, 1861, and immediately sent to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Throughout the war he fought with the Army of Tennessee and won promotion for gallant service. His rank at the close of the war was that of Adjutant-General on the staff of Gen. John A. Wharton, who commanded the 8th

Texas, known as Terry's Texas Rangers. He and Gen. Wharton were wounded at Murfreesboro. At the close of the war he returned to Houston, in 1866, and for over fifty years resided in the old family home at 1616 Rusk Avenue. He soon took his place among the hardy pioneers who made the beginning of a great city. His influence was felt in every walk of life, contributing of his time and means to the commercial and social development of the then little community. He lived to see the city develop from a small struggling town on the bayou to a veritable metropolis, sea-port and rail- road center, whose future outlook is unsurpassed in the South.

Major Benjamin Francis Weems was united in marriage on December 7th, 1876, with Miss Maria Nash Carrington, daughter of Dr. William Fontaine Carrington of Charlotte County, Virginia. The lat- ter received his A. B. degree from the Hampden Sidney College of Virginia in 1841, and the M. D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania shortly thereafter. He was a surgeon in the U. S. Navy and resigned when Virginia seceded from the Union and became chief surgeon of the Confederate States Navy. Mrs. B. F. Weems was a niece of Col. Charles S. Venable, Professor of Mathematics, University of Virginia, 1865-1900, and President of this univer- sity 1870-1875. Col. Venable was on the staff of Gen. Robt. E. Lee, and served during the entire war with distinction.

The children of Major and Mrs. B. F. Weems, all of whom were born in Houston, are Fontaine Carrington, Dr. Benjamin Francis, Wharton Ewell and Kate Allen. Fontaine Carrington Weems re- ceived the B. Litt. and A. M. degrees from Prince- ton in 1907 and 1908 respectively. In the World War he served as Lt. Col. Gen'l Staff U. S. A. He received a Distinguished Service Medal from the U. S. Gov. and was made an officer of the Order of the Crown by the Italian Gov. He is with J. P. Morgan and Company, New York, and is a writer of distinction. Dr. Benjamin Francis Weems received the A. B. and M. D. degrees from Johns Hopkins University and was a post-graduate student in the University of Freiberg, Germany. During the World War he served as Capt. U. S. Medical Corps, Base Hospital No. 2, A. E. F. He is now a practicing physician in Washington, D. C. Wharton Ewell Weems received the A. B. and A. M. degrees from the University of Virginia, and the L.L. B. degree from the University of Texas. Dur- ing the World War he was Capt. in the Air Serv- ice, U. S. A. He is a member of the law firm of Vinson, Elkins, Sweeton & Weems, Houston. Kate Allen Weems is the wife of H. R. Dulany, Jr., a practicing attorney of Washington, D. C.

In the passing of Major Benjamin Francis Weems on June 28th, 1923, Houston and the South lost one of her most beloved and eminent citizens. His career as a soldier, business man, husband, father and citizen was an inspiration to all who knew him and is worthy of emulation to those who aspire to real success.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 125

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