New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 74

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 74

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The grandfather was born in Nelson County, Vir- ginia, and was a member of an old family which came to America from England in the early Col- onial days and settled on the James River near Blue Ridge, Virginia. He was reared on a farm and attended the county schools and the University of Virginia, one of the oldest seats of learning in the country. He entered this institution in 1830, grad- uated from its law department and came to Texas in 1837, locating in Brazoria County and beginning the practice of law in 1838. He was senior mem- ber of the law firm of Harris and Pease, his partner later becoming governor of Texas.

As a member of the first Legislature of Texas, Mr. Harris in 1839 introduced and secured the pas- sage of the bill changing the form of practice in Texas from the Mexican to the English Common Law form and was also the father of a bill pro- tecting the rights of married women. This bill was later made an integral part of the first constitu- tion of Texas.

After Texas was admitted to the Union, Mr. Har- ris was appointed attorney general by the first gov- ernor of the new state and re-appointed on account of his valuable services to the state during the for- mative period of statehood. He served in the Legis- lature in 1839 and again was a member in 1872. He was known far and wide as one of the greatest of the famous pioneer lawyers of Texas. In 1852 he was married to Mrs. Annie P. Dallam of Matagorda, Texas, who came to this state from Philadelphia in 1832. Mr. Harris accumulated large tracts of land in Texas from which he derived little or no income, and a considerable portion of the earnings of a lucra- tive law practice for years went to pay taxes only. these undeveloped lands. He died in 1892.

J. W. Harris II was admitted to the bar and fol- lowed in the steps of his illustrious father for six years when he gave up his practice to devote his time to the management of his father's estate, who at this time was in failing health and unable to devote much time to his business affairs. He was married to Miss Minnie Knox Hutchings, member of an old pioneer Galveston family. Mr. Harris was for some time actively engaged in the insurance business, being associated with Mr. Will Rogers. Mr. Harris died June 6, 1918, and his wife died May 14, 1922.

John W. Harris III was born at Galveston Septem- ber 23, 1893. He received his education in the schools of Galveston and the Episcopal High School of Vir- ginia and matriculated at the University of Virginia

where he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with the class of 1920. His university work was interrupted by the World War but he re-entered school after his discharge and completed the work for his degree and was admitted to the bar on November 1, 1920.

Enlisting as a naval aviator on October 17, 1917, Mr. Harris was commissioned as ensign on Septem- ber 11, 1918. As a cadet he was rated as chief quar- termaster and later was assigned as instructor at the flying field at Pensacola, Florida.

On June 14, 1917, while a student at the univer- sity, Mr. Harris was married to Miss Eugenia Davis, daughter of Dr. John Staige Davis, professor of medicine at the Univesity of Virginia. They have two childen, Eugenia Davis and Anne Pleasants. The family home is at 2603 Avenue O.

Mr. Harris takes an active interest in civic affairs and is a member of the Galveston Country Club, the Artillery Club, the University of Virginia Chapter of the D. K. E. fraternity, the Galveston Bar Asso- ciation, the Rotary Club and the Galveston Cham- ber of Commerce. He is intensely interested in mod- ern farming and is a close student of agricultura! economics.

A. RILEY came to Galveston, Texas, in 1921, as Accountant of the National Oil Company of this city, and later was placed in charge. As manager of the National Oil Company, Mr. Riley had much to do with the success of this company's operations here. The National Oil Company established its business in Galveston in 1920. Prior to this date, Mr. Riley was interested in ship building at Orange, Texas. He had been for many years with the National Oil Company at Seattle, Washington. This company has large holdings in Mexico and imports the Mexi- can crude oil from their Mexican operations, and sells same to the various railroads and industrial plants throughout the country. Their product is shipped out from their Mexican activities by railroad from their storage plant, which has a capacity of 165,000 barrels. Fifteen people are employed at the Galveston agency, which is located at Pier A. The National Oil Company is also engaged in ac- tive operations in the oil fields of Texas, and are engaged in developing some new territory. This work of development is also under the supervision of the Galveston office. Mr. John F. Penrose of New York City, is the president of the company.

A native of Nebraska, Mr. Riley was born at Hastings on April 17th, 1889. His father, C. A. Riley, also a native of Nebraska, has been engaged in farming in that state during his entire life, and resides near Hastings. Mr. Riley's early education was obtained in the country schools of Nebraska, after which he became a student of the high school at Hastings, and still later attended a business col- lege. His first activities were confined to farming, after which he went to Seattle, where for a period of five years he was employed by the Telephone Company in various capacities. He then became associated with the present company, who at that time were engaged in ship building.

Mr. Riley was married at Seattle, Washington, on October 20th, 1915, to Miss Mildred V. McMullen, a member of a well known Washington family. They have two children: Jean Louise and Marian Joyce.

1537

MEN OF TEXAS

APT. THOMAS BARRY, former head of a river packet line on the Alabama River, had since 1916 been a factor in the business life of Houston, Texas, where he owned and operated a series of news stands, shoe shine parlors and shoe shops in this city. He had had an unusual business career, withal a successful one, it being characteristic of him to put all his energies into whatever he undertook. During a portion of his business career here he owned and operated six shoe shops in this city, all of which did a good business, due to his splendid business ability and attention to his work. In

his

addition to business Capt. Barry was an active leader in the civic, re- ligious and political life of this community during the years of his residence here.

A native of Alabama, Capt. Barry was born at Mobile on September 25th, 1877. His father, Capt. Robert Barry, was for many years a captain and owner of boats that plied the Alabama River and also was the owner of some of the first boats on the Alabama River. Capt. Robert Barry was a native of Ireland, where he belonged to a well know fam- ily of the Emerald Isle. Capt. Thomas Barry's mother, Mrs. Ellen (Preston) Barry, a native of Pittsburgh, was a member of a prominent Alabama family. His education was obtained in the public schools of Mobile, which he left at an early age in order to join his father on the Alabama River boats. In his early manhood he worked on boats out of Mo- bile. He was a conservative business man, exercis- ing rare judgment in his various business transac- tions and he prospered. In 1915 he retired from the river packet service, and having a desire to come to Houston for many years, through his knowledge of this city's growth, he accordingly located here the following year. His faith in the future of Hous- ton grew stronger as the years passed, and he al- ways did what he could for the city's interest, prog- ress and advancement. He acquired a splendid in- come from his several shoe stores here, which had good locations on Main Street and Texas Avenue, and his places were known throughout Harris and contiguous counties and were very popular with the public.

Capt. Barry was married on his ship Peerless at Montgomery, Alabama, on April 4th, 1915, to Mrs. Annie Louise (Hasselvander) Schweiger, a daugh- ter of J. N. Hasselvander, a native of France, but became a leader in the business circles of Selma, where he was one of that city's best known and most active real estate dealers of his time. Her mother, Mrs. Martha Lee (Bolton) Hasselvander, was a na- tive of Richmond, Alabama, where she was a mem- ber of a well known family. The Barry home is located at 819 Harold Street. Capt. Barry was a member of the B. P. O. E. and took a keen interest in this organization. He was also a member of many of this city's civic and commercial organiza- tions. His church affiliation was with the Episco- pal faith. Capt. Barry died at Houston, Texas, on November 6th, 1924. Perhaps no man who ever resided in Houston for the same length of time that Capt. Barry lived here, made as many friends as did Capt. Barry, who was loved by all with whom he came in contact. He was a great home man, loving dearly his home, flowers and children, being a prime favorite with the children of the neighbor- hood in which he lived. He possessed a rare knowl-

edge of the river boat traffic on the Alabama, Tom Bigbee and Warrior Rivers, which he would give out when urged by friends to tell of his experiences on these waters. Houston and its citizenship lost a staunch friend who was ever ready to do his part, contributing his material aid to every worthy proj- ect for the betterment of this city.

ARL J. SUHM has for many years been an active figure in the business circles of Houston, Texas, and is perhaps the most widely known man of his profession of South Texas. Mr. Suhm is a partner in the C. J. Suhm Machine Shop, agents for Howe Scale Com- pany and adjusters of cotton beams and all kinds of scales. Associated with Mr. Suhm in this busi- ness is Mr. Rudolph P. Suhm, also well known in the business circles of South Texas. Mr. Suhm repairs scales of all makes and kinds and is regarded as an expert in this line of activity. Having spent practically all of his business life in the various branches of the scale industry, he knows this busi- ness as few men know it. Being a student, he goes into the most minute details of his work. The Suhm Machine Shop is located at 306-8 Preston Street and does a large volume of business, being the largest plant of its kind in this city.

Mr. Suhm was born at Winterthur, Switzerland, on February 9th, 1879, but came to America and to Houston in 1881, when a boy less than three years of age and has resided here continuously since that time. His father, Carl Suhm, a native of Germany, was regarded as one of the most efficient cabinet maker of his time. His mother, Mrs. Agatha (Goekel) Suhm, was also a native of Germany and a member of a well known family of the Father- land. His education was obtained in the public schools of Houston, which he left at an early age in order to enter the business world where he has met with great success.

Mr. Suhm was married at San Antonio, Texas, on June 25th, 1907, to Miss Rose V. Gahwiler, daughter of G. Gahwiler, who was born in Switzer- land, but came to America at an early age and for many years was a successful business man of the Alamo City. Her mother was also a native of Switzerland, where she was a member of a well known family. They have two children: Carl Eugene and Vera Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Suhm reside at Forest Hill and their home is one of the most attractive on Alta Vista Avenue. Mr. Suhm has always taken an active interest in the civic improvements of this city, giving of his time and means to further all projects for the betterment of the Magnolia City, where he is regarded as one of its most progressive citizens and leading busi- ness men. His church affiliation is with the Catho- lic faith and he is active in the work of this church. Mr. Suhm has great faith in the future of Hous- ton and believes that she is destined to become the leading city of the Southwest, not only in shipping, but in all other activities that go to make a great city. He has at all times maintained one of the most modern plants of its kind in the country, in- stalling from time to time all the latest devices made in order to turn out the most satisfactory work possible in his line, and to add to the efficiency of his employees in their respective lines. His busi- ness continues to increase and his reputation has spread to all parts of Texas.

1538

This Barry

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

HARLES M. CRAWFORD was for many years prominent in the automobile circles of Houston and South Texas. He was the owner of a large garage, automobile sup- ply house and filling station, a business he had built up from a small beginning to one of the most popular garages in the city. Mr. Crawford came to Houston more than fifteen years ago, and during his residence in the city made a host of friends.

Mr. Crawford was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on February 3rd, 1882, but was brought to Texas by his parents when only a few years old. His father, C. W. Crawford (deceased since 1908), came to Texas and to Houston in the early '80s, where he contributed his material aid and time toward the upbuilding of Houston. He was the first secretary of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, and was active in securing the Electric Street Railway for the city, and was a constant worker for deep water here, and made many trips to New York in the in- terest of this great project. He was known to his intimate friends as "Deep Water Crawford," and was a man of sterling qualities, loved by those who knew him, intuitively esteemed by all who had the honor of his acquaintance. A gentle kindly charac- ter that appealed to all, and a man of vision, far- seeing, yet conservative. His mother was Miss Clara Fuller, a native of Illinois, where she was a member of a prominent family. His early educa- tion was obtained in the public schools of Houston and later attended college in New York City.

His untimely death on September 15th, 1925, was a loss to Houston and South Texas. While still a young man, his business standing was established, and his future gave promise of still greater achieve- ments. Respected and loved by his many friends, he will be long remembered as a progressive young man and a citizen who was ever ready to lend his aid to any good cause.

M. B. GRIFFIN for thirty-five years was a sterling citizen of Houston, impressing his influence on the life of the community, and contributing in many ways to the pros- perity of the city. Dr. Griffin was prominently identified with the dental fraternity of Houston, having practiced dentistry ever since coming here as a young man of twenty-six. During the later years of his life he specialized in bridge work, and became an expert in this field.

Wm. B. Griffin was born in Moss Point, Missis- sippi, March 1st, 1863, son of J. W. Griffin, a lum- berman of Scranton, Mississippi, and Virginia (Brown) Griffin. His early education was received in the public schools of Moss Point, later taking his degree in dentistry. After finishing his educa- tion he came to Temple, Texas, to start his career, and after a short stay in Galveston came to Hous- ton. Mr. Griffin was a lover of the great outdoor, spending every hour that could be spared from work and duty in some outdoor sport. Hunting and fishing were his hobbies, although all outdoor sports interested him. He was a great baseball fan and for a number of years was president of the Houston Rooters' Club.

Dr. Griffin was married on October 6th, 1885, in Temple, Texas, to Miss Lula Randolph, native of Navasota, Texas, and a daughter of John and Jane H. (Paul) Randolph, both of whom were pioneer Texans. Three children were born to Dr.

and Mrs. Griffin, two daughters, Mrs. R. K. Cleve- land of St. Louis, Missouri, and Mrs. J. S. Vedder of Galveston, and one son, Wm. B. Griffin, Jr., of Houston.

Dr. Wm. B. Griffin passed away on December 29th, 1924. During his long residence in Houston he made many warm friends, who knew him as a jovial, kindly, generous and charitable man. To know him was to love him, and many close friends were left to mourn his passing.

HARLES E. GARDNER, well known in the financial and business circles of Houston, owns and operates the plant bearing his name at 70 Heights Boulevard where the highest type of auto painting and top covering, all classes of auto body building and repairing, fender work and upholstering is done. The splendid build- ing, owned by Mr. Gardner, was constructed for his business and opened on April 25th, 1921, the floor space in which is fifty feet by one hundred and fifty feet and is one of the best equipped and most com- plete plants of its kind in South Texas. Mr. Gardner employs eight people, all of whom are experts in their respective lines.

Mr. Gardner was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 5th, 1872. His father, Arthur Gardner, also a native of Ohio, spent practically all his life in that state, where he was well known in the business cir- cles. His mother was Miss Sara Judd, a member of a prominent Ohio family. His education was ob- tained in the public schools of Cincinnati. Mr. Gard- ner began his business career as a boy in a buggy factory, where he worked in the paint and top de- partments, and remained in this factory and learned this branch of the business, and when automobiles came into general use, he was a very highly skilled man, and was superintendent of the paint depart- ment of the Packard Motor Company, of Indian- apolis, and later was superintendent of the Na- tional Motor Car Company in their paint department. Later, he became superintendent of the paint de- partment of the Upper Sandusky Buggy Company, and still later became superintendent of the paint department of the Bimel Buggy Company, also was in charge at consecutive times of the paint depart- ment of other large auto and buggy manufacturing plants in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, and came to Houston in 1909 as paint foreman for the Mosehart- Keller Company. He remained with this firm for some time and then formed a partnership with J. R. Patton, which was known as the Texas Carriage and Top Company, which was located on Congress Ave- nue, and this business was continued from 1911 to 1919 when he sold his interest in the business and after a short rest from active business duties, built his present plant and started in his present business.

Mr. Gardner was married at Hempstead, Texas, in 1918 to Miss Mamie Snell, a native of the Lone Star State. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner reside at 1136 Col- umbia Street. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Tem- ple Lodge No. 4, A. F. and A. M. of Houston, and of the Scottish Rite to the 18th degree. Mr. Gard- ner has made a host of friends since locating in Houston, and is a recognized authority on all mat- ters pertaining to his business as regards paints and finishes, having spent almost a lifetime in this line of endeavor, and his plant would be a credit to a city of larger proportions than the South Texas metropolis.

1541

MEN OF TEXAS

EORGE A. BRANARD, Senior, throughout his business career was engaged in the plumbing industry at Houston, and for many years prior to his death was one of the largest plumbing and heating contractors in the city. Mr. Branard was born in Houston in 1876, son of George and Julia House Branard, residents of this city for many years. He was educated in the Houston public schools and after graduating from high school entered the plumbing business. Mr. Branard was recognized as a skilled man in his work, his ability being fully conceded by his asso- ciates and patrons. By dint of hard work and per- severance he built up a splendid business located at 513 Dallas Avenue where he had attractive display rooms and a well equipped shop. At the height of his activities and in the full bloom of his life Mr. Branard passed away. The manner of his passing was typical of the man.

On June 13th, 1923, George Branard unselfishly and bravely laid down his life in an effort to save the life of one of his employees who was engaged in work in a sewer manhole. The young man was overcome by noxious fumes and Mr. Branard imme- diately went to his rescue but he also was overcome and both men died before assistance could reach them. So passed on a brave man, a devoted husband and loving father.

George Branard, as he was affectionately called by all that knew him, and his popularity was at- tested by his large funeral and many beautiful floral offerings. He laid down his life to save that of an- other; as he died so he lived, in his effort to be of service to others. As a friend he was a loyal one. He was considered a first class workman for his skill and accuracy could not be surpassed, and like all good mechanics was no braggart but was will- ing to let the kind of work he did speak for itself; in fact, modesty was one of his virtues.

He never spoke ill of anyone, always sound in judgment and not easily persuaded once his mind was made up to do a certain thing in a certain way. His errors were few and were of the head rather than of the heart. It may well be said that a fit- ting epitaph for Mr. Branard would be, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."

As an indication of the esteem in which Mr. Bra- nard was held, the following resolution was made and passed by the Association of the Local Plumb- ers: "Whereas, Almighty God, in His divine wis- dom, has seen fit to remove from this life our former good brother, George A. Branard, therefore be it resolved that we, the members of Local No. 68, Houston, Texas, extend to his family our sin- cere sympathy in their hour of sorrow; and be it further resolved that upon the reading of this res- olution we stand for one minute in respectful silence to his memory; and be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the min- utes of our meeting and a copy sent to his wife and family, also to the Houston Labor Journal and U. A. Journal for publication."

Mr. Branard was married in 1897 to Miss Eliza- beth Connor, daughter of James Connor and Cath- erine Connor. Mr. Branard left his wife and three

children, George A. Jr., John and a daughter, Eliza- beth.

George A. Jr., is carrying on the business and is following closely in the footsteps of his father. He has the same high ideals and principles and every indication points to his success.

SIEWERSSEN, pioneer business and cattle man, now a retired capitalist, came to Hous- ton in 1878, and for a period of more than forty years was active in the business life of this city. As a pioneer cattle man, Mr. Siewers- sen was well known, not only in his own state, but in many others and particularly to the St. Louis and Chicago markets. He was for many years engaged in the hide and wool business in Houston and owned and operated the leading establishment of its kind in South Texas. Mr. Siewerssen owned many hundreds of cattle, but during the past few years has disposed of much of his live stock bus- iness holdings, and has purchased much valuable real estate in Houston, and farm and ranch lands contiguous to the city.

Mr. Siewerssen was born in New Orleans in 1848. His father, Francis Siewerssen, was one of the lead- ing citizens and business men of New Orleans. He was chairman of the finance committee for two years in New Orleans, and for a period of four years was a member of the state legislature of Louisiana, and fathered many measures that to this day stand as a monument to the good work he accomplished for the residents of his state. His mother was a member of a well known Louisiana family. His early education was obtained in public and private schools of New Orleans, after which he was a stu- dent for four years of Gordon's Academy in New Orleans.

Mr. Siewerssen has had a wide an varied busi- ness career which he began in the cotton business. He entered the employ of the Longstreet and Owen Company and remained with this firm for three years in New Orleans. He then came to Galveston and entered the hide and wool business and remained in this business for about five years in the Island City. He then came to Houston and opened a branch house here for T. H. Anderson and Company, and after five years spent in the employ of this firm, Mr. Siewerssen bought the business, and has owned it since that time. The growth and enlargement of the business kept pace with the development of Houston along all lines, and as Houston prospered, so did Mr. Siewerssen and his business. While this business still retains Mr. Siewerssen's name, he has disposed of all interest in the business. He is today one of Texas' most esteemed pioneers, and is the type of the old-time cattle men, who are fast giving way to modern civilization, progress and advance- ment in every line of endeavor. Mr. Siewerssen is the type of yesterday's men, who built so wisely that the Lone Star State today in all its prodigious industries is making such strides in expansion and big business. He has seen Houston emerge from the small town to the big, thriving city of today and he believes that the big development only had its beginning with the ship channel, and Houston is soon to become the leading city of the entire Southwest.

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New encyclopedia of Texas, volume 2, Part 74

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