New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 71

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

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Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Henry Cruger Bailey died at his home in Houston on the fifth day of November, 1907, after a career of intense activity and usefulness. His participa- tion in the railroad world of his day added much to the potential wealth of Houston, and in a day when railroad building was almost at a standstill, was a factor in the development of his community. A man of outstanding personality he was equipped by nature for the management of big affairs. He was a student and scholar, a citizen of true Chris- tian character, and above all, a man of tolerance and understanding. Perhaps one of his greatest distinctions was his ability to win friends, for these he attracted to himself by the hundreds, men and women from every station in life, and who deeply mourned his passing.

ACOB FRANKEL, for many years a prom- inent figure in the insurance world of the Lone Star State, and one of Houston's most distinguished and respected citizens, repre- sented the true self-made man who has achieved suc- cess in the world entirely by his own efforts. Mr. Frankel entered the insurance business as a young man, determined to rise to a position above the average, and this will to succeed, with a definite talent for business, was not long unrecognized, and he held positions of importance and responsibility. Mr. Frankel was not only successful as an insurance man, but as a friend and he counted friends in Hous- ton by the hundreds. He took a deep pride in his city, and was always eager to do his part toward making possible growth and development.

Jacob Frankel was born in Roumania, on the eighteenth of January, 1870. He spent his early boyhood in his native country, then, with his par- ents came to the United States, and to New York. Here he went to work, although but a small boy, and attended school at night. Later he went to Chicago, and from there to Dallas. Shortly after his arrival in Dallas he went to work for I. Reinhardt, at the time he operated a clothing store in that city, and remained there until Mr. Reinhardt went into the insurance business. He then went with the in- surance firm of I. Reinhardt, and was with them until 1902, when he came to Houston as agent for the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Cali- fornia. During his many years with this strong company, Mr. Frankel wrote a large volume of busi- ness on the books of the company, each year making

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a new record. In 1917 he was made general agent, in acknowledgement of his success, and held this position until his death. Mr. Frankel was always enthusiastic, imbued with the highest business ideals, and determined to make a real success in the insur- ance world. He was a real business getter, and an organizer capable of building up a real insurance organization, and was known throughout the state for his many achievements in this business.

Mr. Frankel was married at Corsicana, Texas, the thirtieth of April, 1895, to Miss Belle Schwartz, a native of that city. She was the daughter of Aaron Schwartz, who came to Corsicana as a young man, during the early days of the city, and remained there until his death. He was a cotton man throughout his life, and prominent in social and civic activities. Her mother, prior to her marriage Miss Caroline Zander, was also active in the social life of Corsi- cana, and one of the outstanding women of her day. Mr. and Mrs. Frankel had an ideal married life, she taking a deep interest in his aspirations and activities in the business world. She was a real companion to him, and was also a devoted mother to the one child born to the couple. This child, a daughter, Miss Julia Frankel, was married on June 10th, 1924, to Alfred Goldman of Corsicana where they make their home.

Mr. Frankel's death occurred at Houston, the sev- enth of May, 1923, and he was buried in the Jew- ish Cemetery. He was an honored member of the Elks Club, the Turnverein Club, the Conopus Club, and a member of Brith Abraham. Mr. Frankel was a great civic worker, and there were few civic movements at Houston during his residence here, that he did not participate in. Generous and bene- volent, it was one of his highest pleasures to con- tribute to the happiness of those less fortunate than himself, and these benevolences, in keeping with his character, were entirely without ostentation. In his business relations he was known for his outstanding attributes of integrity and high ideals, unfair compe- tition and petty jealousies were never associated with his name. In his friendships he was steadfast and sincere, ever ready to lend a helping hand if trouble came, as well as sharing the joys of those so fortunate as to be able to call him friend. His family was his greatest delight, and he was never so happy as when surrounded by wife and daughter, giving them a devotion that was often remarked. His death was a great loss not only to the bereaved widow and daughter, but to the entire city, and Mr. Frankel will be remembered for many yars to come.

ILLIAM ALFRED WOOD. Whether as banker, lumberman, planter or individual citizen, it is doubtful if any name in the history of Southeast Texas has a larger command of respect and admiration than that of William Alfred Wood. For many years one of a group of bankers carrying a heavy load of responsi- bility, he had a direct influence on commercial and industrial affairs at Brenham, his native city, and this influence was largely responsible for many pro- gressive development movements there. In Houston, his home for a number of years, he was also active in banking and civic affairs, and contributed much to constructive banking service in this city. Mr. Wood also took a deep interest in practical farming, and himself directed the operation of his farms and exerted a real influence on the agricultural devel-

opment of the southeastern part of the state.

William Alfred Wood was a native of the Lone Star State, his birthplace being in the city of Bren- ham, on the twenty-sixth day of April, 1880. His father, William Alfred Wood, came to Brenham as a boy of thirteen and lived in this city for the rest of his life. He had large lumber interests in this section and also extensive farm holdings, and was one of the leaders in the early development of Bren- ham. His wife, and the mother of the subject of our sketch, was a native of Houston, Miss Fannie Wheeler, before her marriage. Her birthplace was in the Bender Hotel block, where in the early days of Houston's history, her parents, real pioneers here, had built their home. Her death occurred in the city of Brenham.

Mr. Wood was entered as a boy in the schools of Brenham, and after finishing the course of study there entered the West Texas Military College, at Llano, Texas, where he spent several years. He then supplemented his work there with a business course at the business college at Waco, after which he re- turned to his native city. He began his business career with his father and was associated with him in the lumber business until the latter's death, the firm being known as W. A. Wood and Company, lumber. He was also associated with the bank at Brenham, and had farming interests in that section and was active in civic development.

Mr. Wood came to Houston in 1913 but did not enter the business world here, making this city his headquarters while looking after his varied interests. He did, however, buy Houston property, and was also one of the organizers of the State National Bank at Houston, of which he was vice president until his death. While Houston and Brenham claimed him as a citizen, the entire state felt the trace of his many activities and he took an interested part in civic development throughout the Lone Star State.

Mr. Wood was married at Brenham, the twentieth of September, 1905, to Miss Susie Shepard, a native of that city. Her father, John Shepard, who was also born at Brenham, was a planter and farmer in Washington County all his life, and still resides there, taking a prominent part in the life of his community. Her mother, prior to her marriage Miss Alice Thornhill, was a native of Mississippi, and came to Texas as a child.

Mr. and Mrs. Wood had one of the most attrac- tive homes in Houston, made further delightful by their true hospitality and the presence of a son, William Alfred Wood, III. Mrs. Wood is a woman of more than average accomplishments, with many natural endowments, complemented by an excel- lent education. She takes a deep interest in home, but not to the exclusion of other interests, and is active in welfare work and civic progress.

Mr. Wood died at his home in Houston, 417 West Alabama Avenue, on the twenty-sixth of March, 1921, just one month before his forty-first birthday. He was taken to his old home in Brenham for burial, and there a simple, impressive service was held. Mr. Wood was one of the most admired men of his time, typifying that type of Christian citizen- ship that makes for leadership in any community. He gave his best to his business and his fellowmen, and the record of his life is a bright page in the history of his native city and his adopted city, Bren- ham and Houston.

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ENRY C. FISCHER-Few men have com- bined business ability and a capacity for friendliness and genuine interest in life and affairs more agreeably than Henry C. Fischer, native Houstonian, and a resident of this city during his entire life. Throughout his business career Mr. Fischer was associated with merchandis- ing, for many years operating a retail grocery house, and later entering the wholesale grain busi- ness. His business activities were actuated by un- usually high standards, and there was always as- sociated with his name a reputation for square deal- ing that was no small factor in the success of his ventures, and in the esteem in which he was ever held by his associates.

Henry C. Fischer was born at Houston on the twenty-fifth of July, 1867, son of C. F. Fischer and Sophie (Stahl) Fischer, both natives of Germany. Mr. Fischer, Sr., a pioneer contractor of Houston, was very active in the business world here during the early days and was well known in this section. Henry C. Fischer, the subject of this sketch, ob- tained his education in the schools of Houston and after leaving school began working for Henke, now Henke and Pillot. After some years with that firm he entered the retail grocery business, estab- lishing a small grocery store which later became one of the largest, if not the largest, retail groceries in Houston. A policy of service and fair dealing was the foundation of the success of that venture, and friendships and business associations formed during that time lasted throughout his lifetime. After a number of years in the grocery business Mr. Fischer sold that interest and entered the whole- sale grain business, and up until his death, was the owner of the Acme Feed Mill. This business grew by leaps and bounds, and all products marketed by the company were of recognized quality. Sev- eral years prior to his death Mr. Fischer was forced, on account of ill health, to resign the active man- agement of the business, but he never relinquished the deep interest he took in it.

Mr. Fischer was married at Houston, the seventh of November, 1888, to Miss Annie Dora Bammel, daughter of Christopher and Mrs. Dora Bammel. Mr. and Mrs. Bammell were both natives of Ger- many, but spent the greater part of their lives in Houston where Mr. Bammel was engaged as a mechanic. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer had a very happy married life, their home, at 110 Lenox Avenue, be- ing one of those real homes that mould true char- acter and inspire high ideals in the children reared there. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer had five children, Henry C. Fischer, who married Miss Marie Gaywal- ler of San Antonio; Edna, now Mrs. W. H. Irwin of Houston; Lois, now Mrs. L. S. Kleinfelder of Hous- ton; Emma, now Mrs. J. H. Bussell of Houston, and Annie, now Mrs. W. Scheiler of Houston.

Mr. Fischer was a Woodman of the World, Mag- nolia Camp No. 13, and belonged to the Turnverin Club and the Methodist Church. His death oc- curred in Austin on the twenty-fourth of August, 1925, funeral services being held from his home in Houston two days later, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Fischer's name stands as that of a business man, who while devoting much of his time to his business, never neglected an opportunity to serve his city or his fellow citizens.

REDERICK GERALD LAEVERENZ was for almost a quarter of a century one of the leaders in the business and social life of Houston, Texas, and prominent in the Masonic circles of this city. Coming to Texas and to Galveston in 1877, when nineteen years of age, from his home in Germany. Mr. Laeverenz started his business career in the new world with the G. W. Nordholtz Company, one of the leading mercantile establishments of the Island City and was promoted from time to time until he had reached a very re- sponsible position with this firm.

After the storm of 1900, which swept Galveston, he removed to Houston. After locating here he was for several years associated with the Ed Kiam establishment. Later he engaged in the clothing business with S. E. Sims. A few years later he entered the field of insurance, associating himself with the Great Southern Life Insurance Company, remaining with this organization for about ten years. Mr. Laeverenz was active in the Masonic circles being one of the best known men of this order of the state. His membership was in Holland Lodge No. 1 of Houston, and he had served in practically every office of the A. F. and A. M. He served as past master of Holland Lodge, was past venerable master of the San Jacinto Lodge of Perfection, was past wise master of Houston Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix, knight comman- der of Court of Honor, treasurer of all Scottish Rite bodies, member of the Ransford Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and member of Arabia Temple Shrine. Mr. Laeverenz had devoted much time to the Ma- sonic order, and he was regarded as one of the greatest men of Texas in this work by the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Laeverenz was born in Oldenberg, Germany, on November 27th, 1858. His father, John Laever- enz, and his mother were both natives of the Father- land. His education was obtained in the schools of Germany; although he came to America when very young he was very highly educated, the foundation of which was laid in his native country and the re- mainder was obtained entirely through self help. He was throughout his life a student-devoting his spare moments to the reading of books from which he obtained the most valuable information. He was well versed on practically every subject of the day and it was a pleasure to hear him talk. Mr. Laever- enz believed that all fowls and animals were God's creatures and should live their allotted time here. Throughout his life he never took the life of any kind of animal or fowl, domestic or otherwise.

Mr. Laeverenz was married at Galveston, Texas, on May 13th, 1891, to Miss Anna Hall Raymond, a daughter of Martin Raymond, a native of Taunton, Massachusetts, and a well known sea captain of Galveston and other ports of the world. Her mother, Mrs. Anna Marie (Pattison) Raymond, was born in Santiago, Cuba, when her parents were tempora- rily residing there. The Laeverenz home is located at 119 East 3rd Avenue, where he died on November 2nd, 1924. He was engaged in the insurance busi- ness at the time of his death, and was well and favorably known in this field of activity. Mr. Laeverenz was a great lover of nature, and devoted much of his time to the cultivating of natural things. He had a beautiful garden with flowers

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and shrubs where he enjoyed seeing God's things grow and flourish. Mr. Laeverenz was great in every relation in life, having many very admirable characteristics that made all those with whom he came in contact love him; his outstanding charac- teristic being an unwavering affection for his friends. His funeral was perhaps the largest and most elaborate ever performed by the Masonic or- der in Texas.

OHN YOUNG. In every city there is to be found a group of men, not spectacular in their performance, but sound, constructive business men, forging ahead in a conserva- tive way, who can be counted upon to support those civic activities directed toward municipal growth, and who can be depended upon in every emergency. Such a man was John Young, for more than four decades a resident of Houston, and one of the best known and most highly esteemed bakers of Texas. Mr. Young was a business man of that safe, sane, and sensible type who are equipped by nature to bear heavy responsibilities without flinching, and who look the world squarely in the face with the conviction that they have nothing to hide.

John Young was born in Kaiserlautern, Germany, in the year 1849, the son of sturdy German parents. He spent his youth in his native country, receiving the usual education of the German school boy and learning the baker's trade in Germany. In 1881 Mr. Young came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, and coming from there to Houston, on his way to Weatherford, at that time his idea being to make Weatherford his home. The short time of his stay in Houston, however, left a vivid impression on him as to the future this city offered, and after a winter in Weatherford, he returned here to make Houston his permanent home. He went to work in the H. and T. C. Railway shops, as a painter, and a year later went with Browne, Bolfrass, bakers and merchants, as foreman of the bakery, remain- ing two years. During that time, by rigid economy, Mr. Young saved enough to start in business in a small way and organized Young's Bakery at 73 Washington Street, in 1885, as a small baking estab- lishment. This bakery grew under his management and direction until it became one of the largest and most prosperous in Houston, at the time of Mr. Young's death the plant having a capacity of ten thousand loaves per ten hour day. As Mr. Young's sons reached manhood they became associated with him, and for some years before his death, the man- agement of the plant had been largely in their hands, and he was preparing to relinquish the entire man- agement of the plant to them at the time of his death. The plant and retail store is located at 2212 Odin Avenue.

Mr. Young was married in Germany, in 1875, to Miss Katherine Frank, a native of Germany, and who was his faithful companion and constant inspiration throughout the years. She resides in the old Young home place, at the age of sixty-eight. Mrs. Young was the true type of home maker, finding her great- est delight in the happiness of husband and chil- dren, of whom there were fourteen born to Mr. and Mrs. Young, seven surviving. The surviving chil- dren are J. Hugo, who married Miss Dollie Purkes in 1900, seven children, Rosie (married to A. V. Treppeke), George H., Katherine, Mildred Carrol, Audrey, Dorothy Alice and J. Hugo Jr., being born

to this union; William A. Young, who is married and resides in Temple; Carl Young, who married Miss Birtie Clark, and who resides in Houston and is active in the bakery; Fred W. Young, who married Miss Estelle Pridgeon, and who has two children, John F. and Alice E., and is also with the bakery; Marguerite Louise, wife of J. F. Green, who has two children, James E. and Marguerite Louise; Alice, wife of Arthur Marmion, who has three children, Lenora, Kenneth and Cora Louise; and Rosie, wife of Marcus D. Burkett, and who has one child, Helen Annette.

John Young died at Houston the twenty-third of March, 1924, at the age of seventy-five years. He was one of the oldest members of the Master Bak- ers Association in Texas, and was well known throughout the state. While he was active in civic work he did not belong to the various civic organ- izations, and, in fact, was not the type of man to take an interest in clubs and lodges and like organ- izations, although he counted his friends at Houston by the hundreds. In the early days he belonged, however, to the Saengerbund, Turnverein and the Sharks Club. He found in his family and home his chief interest and delight, and when his strenuous business day was over, preferred to spend his time with his family.

KE BLIEDEN, whose business activities for more than two decades identified him with the city of Houston, during that time attained the reputation of a merchant of experience and success, and made many friends throughout this section of the country. Notwith- standing his close attention to business, Mr. Blieden took a deep interest in civic affairs and in the devel- opment of the community in which he lived. He was one of those business men of determination to whom the country is indebted in many ways, allowing no obstacles to stand in the way of success and believ- ing that he who is not willing to fight for success is not entitled to assistance.

Mr. Blieden was a native of Russia, coming to the United States alone, at the age of fifteen, truly a stranger in a strange land. He went first to New York City, remaining there but a short time, then going on to Philadelphia where he spent three months, while awaiting the arrival of his mother, who had been widowed while the subject of our sketch was on his way to the States, and his sisters, Rose and Annie. When they joined him, he made his way to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he re- mained several years. He was married there in 1900, coming after several years to Houston after that event. He first went with the L. B. Price Com- pany as salesman but after four months with that firm went in business for himself, and during the four succeeding years built up a fine business. Then came a period of nine months when he was ill and unable to look after his interests and during this time the business he had worked so hard to establish went under. However, on regaining his health he again started a business, this time a hardware and salvage business, known as I. Blieden Hardware, which managed in the enthusiastic and capable man- ner that had brought his previous success, was soon in a flourishing condition. This establishment was first located on Milam Street, later being moved to different locations on this street to secure larger

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quarters, and at his death was located at 206-8 Milam Street.

Mr. Blieden was married at Terre Haute, Indiana, the seventh of March, 1897, to Miss Ella Weis, a native of Roumania, who came to the United States with her mother after the death of her father, Leo Weis, in the old country. Mr. and Mrs. Blieden, as we have stated, came to Houston several years after their marriage and made this city their home. They had a family of four children, Adolph, a grad- uate of the Houston high school, and a business man of Houston; Clara, Fannie and Esther, who are at home.

Mr. Blieden's death occurred the twenty-fourth of March, 1921, following an operation. One of the predominating characteristics of his life was a high integrity and a habit of seeing whatever he tackled through to a finish. He was that sterling type of citizen whose delight is in home and family, and when not at his business he was most often to be found in his home. Mrs. Blieden was a real home maker and the residence at 3007 Caroline Street was the seat of a gracious hospitality. Mr. Blieden had many friends, both in the business world and from every station in life. His many benevolences and acts of kindness endeared him to all who knew him and his life will be remembered through the years to come.

EORGE C. GRIFFIN, one of the best known men along the waterfront, where he had for thirty-five years been engaged in the tow boat, sand, and shell business was probably unparalleled in his knowledge of this class of work. His wife was his able assistant until his death, at which time she bravely took charge of the business, carrying it on, knowing that her husband had su- preme faith in her business ability, it being his habit to say his wife was "the best partner in the world."

In the thirty-five years in which Mr. Griffin was engaged in this work he built up one of the largest trades in the city. The equipments of the concern are complete, consisting of a large power boat, three barges with 535 yards capacity, one river dredge and trucks for delivery from the docks to the trade, which is retail as well as wholesale. The large stor- age yards at Commerce and San Jacinto Streets are equipped with power hoisting cranes with which barges are unloaded into bins.

A short time before Mr. Griffin passed away, he leased for a period of twenty-two years a two and one-half acre piece of land with 500 foot water front- age at Harrisburg, where he contemplated conduct- ing his wholesale sand business, and where he ex- pected to manufacture concrete products. In addi- tion to his sand and shell business, he was also interested in the cattle business.

Mr. Griffin was born at Shasta, California, on July 29th, 1874. His father, George L. Griffin, was a prospector and miner of California and removed to Texas in 1879. His mother was Miss Amanda J. Summers, a member of a well known Illinois fam- ily. His education was obtained in the public and high schools of Houston. In 1888 Mr. Griffin started in the tow boat and sand business and continued in this line of endeavor until his death, July 6th, 1924.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 71

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