New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 72

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

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Mr. Griffin was married in Houston, in 1902, to Miss Maud Canniff, a member of a well known Har- ris County family, and a daughter of John W. and Gertrude Canniff, both belonging to pioneer Texas

families. The wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Griffin with indeed ideal. In business, as well as home life, they were true helpmates. Mrs. Griffin holds a unique place, being probably the only woman in the state of Texas to hold a captain's license to operate a steam boat, which she operates as well as any man, regardless of his experience.

Mr. Griffin was a member of the Houston Build- ers' Exchange, and took an active interest in this organization, and in all movements for the improve- ment, progress and advancement of Houston. His time and means were given generously to any pro- ject having to do with the improvement of his city, and Houston lost a true and valued citizen when Mr. Griffin passed away.

AMES BUCHANAN BROCKMAN. In re- counting the history of the Texas Bar the name of James Buchanan Brockman, for over two decades a resident of Houston, stands out as one of the foremost of its criminal lawyers, and one of the most distinguished criminal lawyers of the country. Yet high as was his stand- ing in the Bar, Mr. Brockman was not only great as a lawyer, and while his masterly platform man- ner, and his legal poise and ability, won the admi- ration of the Bench and Bar, his qualities as a citi- zen stood out and characterized him as a Christian citizen and a real man, in the highest sense of the word. Where the future of Houston was concerned Mr. Brockman was indefatigable in his efforts, con- tributing generously, both of his time, and of his wealth, that this city might achieve the future he foresaw for it. A lover of humanity, he gave freely to all charitable work, making these benevolences unostentatiously, and few men had more friends, men, women and children, than he.

James Buchanan Brockman was born at Sweet- water, Georgia, the twenty-fourth of February, 1864, the son of James and Katherine (Albright) Brock- man, both of whom died when their son was a small boy. Mr. Brockman was reared by an uncle and his own sisters, in Ohio, attending the public schools of that state. However, with brief educational oppor- tunities, he was largely self educated, and his achievement in the Bar came entirely through his own efforts and the determination, formed during his boyhood, to become not only a lawyer, but a great lawyer. Mr. Brockman was admitted to the bar at the age of seventeen, but as he could not practice in Ohio until he attained his majority he spent the intervening years teaching school. Later he went to Arkansas, beginning his practice there, and later went to New York City, where he engaged in practice a short time, after which he came to New Orleans, and some time later to Houston, be- ginning his practice here in 1890. Mr. Brockman's advancement in his profession was rapid, and he early showed the promise of a wonderful future as a criminal lawyer, a future the subsequent years more than fulfilled. In twenty years of practice and service in Houston he enjoyed the distinction of never having lost a major case, and he figured in some of the hardest fought legal battles of his time. Mr. Brockman's reputation as a criminal law- yer was not local in character, but he was known over the entire Southwest as one of the most dis- tinguished criminal lawyers this section has pro- duced, and as a lawyer well able to match his wits with the foremost legal talent of the country and

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come out with honor.

Mr. Brockman was married at Alton, Oklahoma, the twenty-fifth of December, 1896, to Miss Lola Eldora Davis, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of M. D. Davis, and Mary (Miranda) Davis, both of Ohio. Mr. Davis removed to Kansas from Ohio, later coming to Houston, where he resided for seven years and still later going to Oklahoma, where Mr. and Mrs. Davis now live. Mr. and Mrs. Brockman resided for many years at 3004 Hamilton Street at Houston. They had one child, Mary Kath- erine, a professional singer, who makes her home with her mother.

Mr. Brockman was a member of many fraternal and civic organizations and clubs, and few men could count more friends than he. An interesting conversationalist, a brilliant speaker, he had a per- sonality that made him an outstanding figure in any gathering, and marked him as a man of achievement. Mr. Brockman was assassinated at Houston, the twenty-sixth of October, 1910, on the streets of Houston, by former Chief of Police, Ransom, thus ending a career of rare promise, and of rich fulfill- ment.

ICHARD WILLIAM BEST, for a number of years one of the most honored residents of Houston, was during the time that he spent in this city a leader in commercial activities and civic development. Mr. Best was one of the founders of a manufacturing enterprise that was during his life time, and has been since, pre-em- inently successful. This company, the Moncrief- Lenoir Manufacturing Company, is today the largest factory in Houston and in Texas, manufacturing tin containers, and is enjoying a prosperity that in a measure was made possible by the sincere efforts and keen business judgment of Mr. Best. This firm, with Mr. Best as vice president, was established in 1912, and was one of the first enterprises in Houston to develop the business of manufacturing tin con- tainers to the point of a large commercial industry. Mr. Best, in spite of heavy business responsibilities, found time to take an active part in the development of Houston, and was one of the most public spirited citizens of his community.

Richard William Best was born in Hamilton Coun- ty, Canada, son of Albin Charles Best, a native of England who came to Canada as a young man and whose death occurred there at the age of seventy- enty-six, and Annie Kennedy Best, a native of Ire- six, and Annie Kennedy Best, a native of Ireland. After finishing his education, Mr. Best left his home in Canada and came to the United States, going to New York City, where he went into a large litho-en- graving plant. Here, applying himself closely to the details of this craft, he soon became an expert steel engraver, and for a number of years was associated with several large plants in the East. In 1912 Mr. Best came to Houston and in association with Messrs. Moncrief and Lenoir founded the Moncrief- Lenoir Manufacturing Company. Mr. Best was also, while in the East, engaged in manufacturing, and was with the Crown Cork and Seal Company for a number of years. Mr. Best, through training and a natural ability, had the executive ability to oper- ate such an industry along the most progressive lines and aided in building up an organization of which Houston is justly proud.

Mr. Best was married the thirtieth of January,

1901, at New York City, to Miss Anna Moore, a native of New York state. She contributed much to his success in the business world by her sympathetic interest in his affairs, and throughout the years of their married life was ever a loyal wife, a real com- rade and helpmeet. Mr. and Mrs. Best had a family of three children, Richard A. Best of Houston, a graduate of Texas A. & M. College, class of '23, where he specialized in textile engineering and is now with the Houston Textile Mills; Francis L. Best, a graduate of Rice Institute with the B. A. degree and Joseph Best, a student in the Houston public schools. Since the death of Mr. Best, Mrs. Best has continued to maintain her home in Houston, living at 604 West Main Street.

Richard William Best died at Houston January 1st, 1920, his death a distinct loss to his many friends and to the commercial and manufacturing world. A member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Mr. Best took a sincere in- terest in religious work and was a liberal con- tributor to the support of these organizations. As a business man he had a wise influence on the life of his community, an influence which he always used to advance Houston. As a citizen he was active on the side of right, generously supporting any move- ment directed toward the welfare of his fellow citi- zens, and ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than himslf who appealed to him for aid. And it is thus he will be remembered, a sincere Christian, a business man of highest integrity and a good citizen.

R. ELBERT ARTHUR NORTON, during his lifetime an acknowledged leader in the fields of medicine and surgery at Houston, devoted his talents to the service of hu- manity along the lines that best promoted the development of his life's vocation, and was well worthy the duties and obligations of his calling. Dr. Norton was a man of exceptional attainments, his natural ability, mental endowment and excellent medical training being contributing factors to his successful practice. He always kept apace with the advancements made in modern medicine and his practice was broad and general. He was inter- ested in civic affairs, especially athletics, and was a leader in work along this line. Dr. Norton was also a law graduate, thoroughly versed in medico- jurisprudence, and was at one time district judge of Alaska, being appointed to this position by the government, and at the same time directed health work in that territory.

Dr. Norton was born in New York City, son of Captain William Norton, a native of that metropolis, and a city official there until his death. He was educated in the public schools of New York City, afterward attending Fordham Military College, where he graduated. He later studied law, taking the LL. B. degree, then entered Baltimore College of Medicine, where the M. D. degree was conferred on him. He served an interneship at Bellevue Hospital, in New York City, and later engaged in the practice of medicine in New York. He was appointed district judge of Alaska, by the govern- ment, serving also as head of the health department there, and remaining in that territory until he came to Houston, in 1910, and engaged in the practice of medicine. Here he devoted himself not only to his private practice, wherein he built up an ex-

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RICHARD W BEST

D. C. HELBERG

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

tensive clientele, but to the broader interests of his profession, and took an active part in civic organizations, helping to make this city the great city it has become. He was especially interested in athletics and was president of the Gulf Coast Athletic Club. His death, occurring the fourth of October, 1922, was a loss not only to his profession but to the entire city, and was sincerely regretted.

Dr. Norton was married to Miss Eva Bertha Sale, a native of Montreal, Canada, and a graduate of the Laura Franklin Hospital Training School for Nurses, where she took high honors. Mrs. Norton specialized in surgical work, wherein she attained distinction and was considered exceptionally well equipped for. Previous to Dr. Norton's death she spent several years perfecting a preparation, "Pro- tectone", which she is now placing on the market on an extensive scale. Her laboratories, at 605 Francis Avenue, are well equipped for her work, and she has spent much time in experimental work before she considered her preparation sufficiently perfect to begin its manufacture.

Dr. and Mrs. Norton had two children, a daughter, Frances, a student in the public schools of Houston, and one of the most talented pupils of Mrs. C. J. Geizendanner's Dancing School, where after five years special training she graduated and won through her teacher a scholarship in the American Ballet Association of Washington, D. C., valued at $1,000.00, for three months' training. Her ambition is for a professional career. She also took special work in New York for two summers, and has dis- played remarkable artistry in her chosen mode of expression, and for the past two years acted as assistant and demonstrator for Mrs. Geizendanner. She was the winner in three different beauty con- tests. Her younger sister, Genevieve, is also a talented dancer, studying under Mrs. Geizendanner. Mrs. Norton and her daughters make their home at 605 Francis Avenue.

AVID CHRISTIAN HELBERG, for upwards of four decades a factor in the merchan- dising business at Houston, gave many years of an industrious and busy life to the development of his community. Mr. Helberg came to Houston in 1875, as a young man, and at once went to work in a grocery store here. His close application to business brought him rapid success. and he later opened a grocery store, the D. C. Hel- berg Grocery, becoming one of the leading retail grocers of his time. After a number of years he sold his store and for a time was not engaged in active business, but after a few years again entered the grocery business, in which he was active until his death.

Mr. Helberg was born the thirtieth of March, 1855, in Germany, where he spent his boyhood and was educated. He came to the United States when in his teens, and was in New York City for the first year or two. While in that city he became attracted by the opportunities the Southwest offered a young man for advancement, and in 1875 came to Texas and to Houston.

Mr. Helberg was married at Houston, the eighth of January, 1880, to Miss Emma Quensell, daughter of William and Louise (Reinermann) Quensell. Her father came to Harris County as a young man and was a farmer for many years. He served all through the Civil War, and after the war came back to his

farm in Harris County, where he resided until com- ing to Houston to live the last few years of his life. He took part in the development of the agricultural resources of this section, and was one of the most successful farmers of that time. Her mother, Mrs. Louis Reinermann Quensell, came to Harris County with her parents when she was a child of three years old. She spent her entire life thereafter in Harris County, living to be eighty years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Helberg had one son, W. T. Helberg, well known public accountant of Houston. He was married to Miss Ella Streit, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and has three children, Dorothy Emma, Gladys Louise and Ella Marjorie. Mrs. Helberg re- sides at 1318 Crawford Street.

Mr. Helberg died at Houston in November, 1912. He had been closely associated with the history of the city, taking an interest in its development and progress. In the early days he was active in the German Methodist Church, and was a member of the Elks, K. of P., and D. O. K. K. Lodges.

His activities in the mercantile business were characterized by a sound integrity and spirit of fair- ness that marked his entire life.

EN ROMM .- Although a resident of Hous- ton but a half a decade, Ben Romm was able to influence the trend of commercial pros- perity to a gratifying extent, and was al- ligned with many of the important civic movements of his time. Essentially the business man Mr. Romm was appreciative of the fact that the business stand- ards and the business advantages of a city are a true barometer of the growth of the city, and to this end he was active in the encouragement of commercial development at Houston. A business man of unusual discernment and soundness of judg- ment, Mr. Romm was quick to appreciate true values, and particularly in the matter of real estate and land values was his judgment unerring and invalu- able.

Ben Romm was a native of Germany, born the twenty-seventh of August, 1864. He spent his early years in his native land, attending the schools there, and obtaining a good education. As a young man, however, he made the decision to come to America, as offering a greater future to one of his ambi- tions, and at the age of twenty-three years he left Germany and came to the United States, coming di- rect to Texas. He located in Navasota and engaged in the liquor business there until prohibition meas- ures were enacted, when he entered the real estate business. After a short time in that business at Navasota Mr. Romm disposed of his interests there and came to Houston. Here he entered the real estate business, building up a large clientele, and becoming known as a progressive type of realtor who is an asset to the city wherein he is located, and who is the real type of city builder, using his own and his clients' money for the development of the community. Mr. Romm was able to see present advantages, but more than this he was able to visualize future growth, and to anticipate the trend of development, making his advice in regard to in- vestments particularly valuable. In the five years of his business connection with Houston Mr. Romm made many friends, and was known to his asso- ciates as a man of high integrity, and square deal- ing.

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Mr. Romm was married at Houston, the twenty- first of September, 1919, to Miss Ola Goldberg, a native of Columbus, Texas, and the daughter of Adolph and Pauline Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg was one of the prominent business men of East Texas and well known in that section for his many activi- ties relative to the prosperity of the community. Mrs. Romm has two brothers, Leo and Ike Gold- berg, residents of Freeport, Texas, where they are engaged in the mercantile business, and are well- known as progressive and forceful citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Romm resided at 1816 Pierce Avenue, Houston, and here Mrs. Romm, and her son, Julius, have continued to reside since the death of Mr. Romm. Mrs. Romm is an accomplished young woman and has made many friends in Houston since her home has been in this city.

Ben Romm died in Houston on the twenty-fourth of March, 1924, and his death was deeply felt by his many friends and associates, who had found in him not only a sincere friend, but a man of high calibre. In the half a decade of his life in Houston he had made himself a real factor in the life here, and the influence of his brief con- nection with the business world here will long be felt.

ORDELLO STEPHEN MURRAY during his residence in Houston, Texas, extending over a period of almost a score of years, was at all times active in the commercial, civic and financial circles of this city. Beginning his business career here with the Well Fargo Ex- press Company he remained with this company for several years, after which he became asso- ciated with the Lumbermans National Bank of Houston and for thirteen years held the position of cashier of this institution. Mr. Murray aided greatly in the success achieved by this bank, being popular with all who knew him, not only those with whom his banking association brought him in contact, but with the citizenship of Harris County.

A native Texan, Mr. Murray was born at Angleton on August 22nd, 1883. His father, Rev. J. L. Mur- ray, a minister of the Methodist Church, was a mem- ber of one of the best known families of the State of Missouri. Rev. Murray was a minister in South Texas when that portion of the state was sparely settled and the different churches which he pastored were many miles apart. He not only suffered the vast inconvenience of this condition, but also the dangers of Indian raids in those days. He was among the first to preach the gospel in many of the small rural churches of this portion of the Lone Star State. His mother, Mrs. Emma (Munson) Murray, a native Texan, was a member of a pioneer family of South Texas. His grandfather, Mordello Stephen Munson, was the first white child born on the Trinity River. His education was obtained in the public schools of Angleton, Texas, after which he attended a business college at Waco, starting in the business world at a very early age.

Mr. Murray lived with his mother at their for- mer residence at 3108 Caroline. He never married, but chose to remain at home in order to take care of his mother, for whom his affection was very marked. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. with membership in the lodge at Houston in which he took an active interest. He was a member of the Methodist Church, that being the religion of his

forbears. He was deeply interested in church work, and devoted much time to this work, and gave liberally of his means to further all religious activi- ties. Mr. Murray died at Houston on November 22nd, 1923. In addition to being known as one of the leaders in the banking industry, he was regarded as one of Houston's most enterprising citizens. Mr. Murray was one of those rare souls worthy of that highest title of human esteem, a real friend. Being a man of sterling qualities, he was loved by those who knew him, intuitively esteemed by all who had the honor of his acquaintance-a gentle, kindly char- acter that appealed to all. He loved Houston and was ready to contribute his material aid and time to- ward the upbuilding of this city. Nobly born of a family that was typical of the best in the old South, Mordella Stephen Murray embodied and exemplified the traditional magnanimity of the old South that now lives only in song and story and united them with the nerve and the alertness of the new South in a most magnificent manner.

ICHARD HALL HANNA was for many years identified with financial and commer- cial activities at Houston, and was firmly established as a business man of wide in- fluence. Mr. Hanna was a banker of construc- tive policy, familiar with sound financial principles, and enjoyed the absolute confidence of the public. Until ill health forced his retirement from the busi- ness world, he had been for a number of years in charge of the tellers of the South Texas Commercial National Bank of Houston, and devoted himself with characteristic thoroughness and energy to the wel- fare of the bank, his business and banking methods greatly affecting the industry of his community.

Richard Hall Hanna was a native son of the Lone Star State, born in Matagorda County, February, 17th, 1856. His father, Robert Hall Hanna, a native of Tennessee, came to Matagorda County in the early days and was a greatly beloved and admired physician of that time, and spent many years alle- viating suffering in Matagorda County. His mother, whose maiden name was Louise Thompson, was born in the Blue Grass State, but spent many years in Texas and died in this state.

Mr. Hanna received his elementary instruction in the schools of Matagorda County, later attending school at Navasota, after which he went to Mexia and began his business career with the Houston & Texas Central Railroad at that place. Later he was transferred to Ennis, with the same road, and still later went to Dallas with Oliver and Greggs Bank, a private banking institution of that time. While in Dallas he was also with the Gaston National Bank, but in 1888 came to Houston, which he made his home thereafter. He went with the South Texas Bank of Houston, shortly after his arrival in the city, beginning as bookkeeper and steadily advanc- ing until he was made head of the tellers depart- ment. When the South Texas Bank merged with the Commercial Bank, becoming the South Texas Com- mercial National Bank, Mr. Hanna remained with the consolidated institution, and was with them until his retirement, a year prior to his death.

Mr. Hanna was married at Mexia, the seven- teenth of February, 1880, which was also the anni- versary of his birth, to Miss Mary Taylor, a native of Columbus, Kentucky, and the daughter of Wil- liam Henry Harrison Taylor, a native of that state

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m.s. murray. .

James A Laman

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

who came to Texas and lived in various parts of the state, his death occurring in Robertson County. Her mother, before her marriage Miss Nancy Bird Esk- ridge, was a native of Tennessee.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanna had a most happy married life and Mrs. Hanna was always a sympathetic and interested companion, eager to do her part toward making her husband's career a success, and giving him inspiration to do bigger things. She is a wom- an of charming personality, cultured and interested in both civic and social activities, and has many friend at Houston. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna had a family of three children, Nannie Louise, wife of J. F. Renfro, of Brownwood, and who has two chil- dren, Joseph and Nancy; Robert Hall Hanna, assist- ant vice president of the South Texas Commercial National Bank; and Richard Taylor Hanna, of Atlan- ta, Georgia, and who married Miss Marie Martin and has two children, Richard Taylor, Junior, and Robert Hall Hanna.

Mr. Hanna died at his home in Houston the second day of February, 1918, at the age of sixty-two years. He had been ill for more than a year, and had retired from active business life for some time prior to his death. Mr. Hanna was a Mason, Holland Lodge No. 1, and took an active interest in the affairs of that order. He had many friends among the bankers of the state, as well as in his home city, and was one of the most highly esteemed and capable men in the banking world.

AMES F. GORMAN, well known in the re- tail trade circles of Houston, where for the past eight years he had been active in the millinery trade. Mr. Gorman was presi- dent, treasurer and manager of the James F. Gor- man Company, Incorporated, which was one of the most exclusive millinery establishments in the Southwest. He made a specialty of individual mod- els from noted designers. The salon was beauti- fully fitted, created with a view providing a fit- ting environment for their millinery creations. It was conceded that Mr. Gorman featured the best display windows in the city.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 72

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