USA > Texas > Past history and present stage of development of Texas. Memorial and biographical history matter of the Lone Star state > Part 26
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Prof. Sears was married July 31, 1898, to Miss Florence Rippertoe, of Lipau; Hood county, and they have five beautiful and bright-faced daughters, as follows: Misses Ima, Sylvia, Orlena, Inez and Berta Ruth. Of a literary and instructive turn of mind, Prof. Sears is engaged in a work that comes natural to him in the educational world, and, being of an interesting and attractive personality, is a positive influence for good in society. His position iu regard to moral questions is pronounced and well uuder-
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stood; he is a strong friend of education, and at this time is using his best efforts to lift the school system of Erath county to a higher plane of effectiveness, in which work he enjoys unlimited confidence among his people. Prof. Sears belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, W. O. W., M. W. A., U. B. A., and is an elder in the Christian church.
STUBBS FOUNDRY COMPANY, James Thomas
Mr. James T. Stubbs was born in Tippah county, Miss., Nov. 11, 1867, and remained on his father's farm to the age of eighteen, when he entered the pursuit of railroading. His beginning was with the construction departments of the K. C., MI. & B. and Illinois Central railways, covering a period of seven years. Was later in the operating departments of the T. & P., Vicksburg Southern, L. & N. and the T. C. I. Ry. Co., the last named in the "Bir- mingham Distriet." Then spent four years in the foundry trade at Bessemer, Ala., after which he became a journeyman to the better learn his trade by working in many of the largest fonndry and machine shops in the United States. The years 1903-4-5 Mr. Stubbs spent in Dallas. In January, 1906, he chose Waco for his home, and leased what is known as the old Canentzen Foundry, which he operated from the month of January to that of August. when he burned out and purchased what was known as the Banning Foundry, which occupied his time the rest of that year. In 1907 he built his present plant, since which time he has employed all the way from five to twenty men. Each year of Mr. Stubbs' business shows an increase over the preceding one, and it will probably be news to many people to know that this industry is doing business as far North as Louisville, Ky., over Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and in all parts of Texas in the line of the company's specialties, which are: Grate bars, lintels, sills, columns, iron stairways, journal boxes, sash weights, hangers, etc. The plant is located at 122-124 Pleasant street, East Waco.
On June 22, 1902, Mr. Stubbs was happily married to Miss Alice Jett, of Jefferson county, Ala., and they have two sons-John Richard and James Thomas, Jr. The family is an exceptionally happy one, and Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs find much pleasure in their harmonious and enthusiastic discussion of politics and questions of science and religious creeds as they affect the commercial and social life of today. Mr. Stubbs is a Southern Democrat, with strong Socialist tendencies. His intelligence is of a high flavor; he is a student of the times, appreciates his responsibility as a citizen and sympathizes with the great masses of the people in their gigantic struggle with the conscienceless trusts and other arbitrary and great central pewers. He believes America is today in the stepping midst of a stubborn revolution, and unless the people are given relief war will eventually be the result. If in previous years we had had several million voters like Mr. Stubbs the present deplorable condition of the country would never have come about, and it is the fearless and independent voter that we must depend on to save the country from an impending calamity. Incidentally, Mr. Stubbs is very much pleased with Waco as a place to live and do business. He believes this city will eventually go to 100,000 people, and says if certain future developments do not fail him he will add fifty men to his payroll within the next twelve months. Another incident of his life was when fire completely destroyed his plant in 1906, without a dollar's insurance, and no funds. He at once re-established and put three men to work, not knowing where their pay would come from. He would today invoice $12,000 to the good on the right side of the ledger. Mr. Stubbs is a Maccabee, and the family worship with the Elm Street Methodist church.
SCOTT, David Milton
The writer has heard it said that the county clerks of Texas are "the best looking, most jovial and intelligent body of men in the state," and while we would not like to be forced onto the witness stand to testify to this fact, we do take great pleasure in speaking of one in the most complimentary terms when we find him to be a self-made man, which is the case in the career of Mr. David Milton Scott, clerk of Brown county, of which Brownwood is the county seat of government. Mr. Scott was born March 22, 1866, in Montgomery county, Arkansas, one of the greatest states in the Union, and one, too, that has been unjustly maligned by such writers as Opie Read and others. Mr.
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Scott's father, James A. Scott, was born iu Alabama, later lived on the Duck river iu Tennessee, and migrated to Montgomery county, Arkansas, when a young mau. He was there married to Miss Mary C. Jeffrey, a native of that section of the state, and to them were born nine sons and two daughters, four sons being dead. Those of the children now living are William J., one of the leading attorneys of Brownwood; Charles J., with the Frisco railway train service; J. Newt, farmer, nine miles northeast of Brownwood; Elbert F., Chicago; Mrs. Samuel Milton, Temple, and Mrs. Ernest Hickey, Stephenville. The parents have rented their farm, purchased a home in Brownwood, and are now residing in this city, the father being now in his seventieth year and the mother in her sixty-eighth year.
Mr. D. M. Scott lived iu Moutgomery county, Arkansas, uutil 1877, when the family moved to MeCleunau county, Texas, where they farmed on Hogg Creek for one year, and in November, 1878, settled on a farm eleven miles east of Brownwood. Having taken advantage of the public schools aud equipped himself with a course in the Howard- Payne Business College, Browuwood, Mr. Scott disengaged himself from pastoral pur- suits in 1891 and came to Browuwood as a "faithful executor of small jobs" about town, which occupied his time aud attention for two or three years. He next worked iu the Santa Fe roundhouse, fired a switch eugiue, and was road fireman, all told, for three and a half years, and worked for six years as a mercantile salesman in the different business houses of Brownwood. Iu November, 1906, he became first deputy under County Clerk Thad T. Cabler, and on May 31, 1909, was appointed by the county commissioners' court to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Cabler, that gentlemau and his whole family having been killed while visiting his father and mother at Zephyr when the disastrous cyclone almost wiped that town off the map and killed something like thirty-four people, among whom also was Mr. Cabler's father, C. D. Cabler. Iu the Democratic primary held in July, 1910, Mr. Scott was made the party uominee and regularly elected at the following November electiou. He is making Brown county an efficient and popular officer, and is assisted by Mr. William A. Story. Mr. Scott was married February 16, 1890, to Miss Martha Elizabeth Davis, who was boru iu Kaufman county, Texas, and they have three sons and two daughters. Mr. Scott belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, Odd Fellows, W. O. W., and is clerk of the Baptist church in Brownwood, the Scott family lineally being Baptists.
ST. BASIL'S COLLEGE
The many schools and colleges in Waco has naturally given this city of 40,000 souls, just now donning its metropolitan attire of hustle, more than a state-wide reputation as the ceuter of learning in Texas, which proud distinction it wears with profound appreciation and becoming modesty. Waco being pre-eminently the cradle of Texas history and the freshest of thought, the home of culture, pleasure and distinguished men and women, there is natu- rally much here to impress and inspire the youth toward the broader and higher ideals of life while undergoing development. Prominent in the list of Waco colleges is that of St. Basil's for boys, and a splendid institution it is. Situated at College Heights, in the southwestern suburbs, commanding a beautiful view of the city and surrounding country, its location is excellent in that it is removed from the bustle of the city and in easy touch of the car line. St. Basil's College was founded by the Basilian Fathers at the request of the Right Rev. N. A. Gallagher, Bishop of Galvestou, in July, 1899, the local work being superintended by Father Clancy, then pastor of the Church of the Assumption, this city. The cornerstone of the present four-story new and modern pressed brick building was laid April 6, 1902, by Bishop Gallagher. Here boys and young men are taught the classics, scientific and business courses and music, and prepared for matriculating in the leading colleges and universities in the country, in which work St. Basil's enjoys a high standing. Students are drawn from all parts of Texas and surrounding states. The preseut enrollment is about 125 pupils, and as the dramatic, literary and social clubs and all the legitimate forms of athletics are in healthy operation the student life at St. Basil's is interesting as well as being very busy. The dormitory is capable of caring for eighty to uinety subjects;
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the campus comprises twenty-two acres, and the college property, as a whole, represents an investment of about $75,000.
From the beginning of St. Basil's College Father T. J. Hayes was in charge four years; then came Father Forster for four years, and at this writing (1911) Father Ryan is now iu his fourth year, all of whom are Canadiaus by birth aud education. Father Hayes is now Treasurer of St. Michael's College, Toronto, which is affiliated with the Government Univer- sity, aud Father Forster is President of Assumption College at Sandwich, Ontario, opposite Detroit, Mich. Father Ryan, the present President of St. Basil's, is, like his predecessors, vet on the youthful side of life. As a member of the best educated body of men in the world, he is distinguished for his natural endowment, scholarly attainment, lofty purpose and catholicity of spirit. He enjoys life and knows how to handle boys and young men, who entertain the highest respect and affection for him.
STANSBURY, Dr. Leander Gexter
For a historiau to review the list of old ex-Coufederate soldiers in Gregg county miuus the personality of Dr. L. G. Stansbury would be an injustice to the uoble cause for which they so freely and gallantly offered up their lives. Dr. Stansbury comes of proud Keutucky ancestry, and his sentiments and every de- meauor are iu accord with the noted charac- teristies of that aristocratic state. His father, Samuel Stansbury, was reared in the blue grass section, and was a brick mason by following, working in the different states at his trade. He died while visiting one of his daughters at Aransas Pass, Texas, in 1906, aged ninety years. He was married in 1836 at Paris, Ky., to Miss Mariah Haucock, and of the seven sons and one daughter born to them there are now living Rev. McClure Stansbury, Memphis, Tenn .; Rev. George G. Stansbury, Longview; John W. Stansbury, Oil City, La .; Mrs. Lizzie Yarbrough, Rockport, aud the subject of this sketch, Dr. L. G. Stansbury. The mother died at Hot Springs, Ark., in 1877, aged sixty-seveu years.
Dr. Stansbury grew to manhood in Louis- ville aud iu Trimble county, Kentucky. While in Trimble county, on September 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Coufederate army- Orphans' Brigade, commanded by Gen. John C. Breckinridge. Exactly one year later he was promoted from private to assistant field surgeon on detached service, and was transferred to the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry. Dr. Stansbury's principal service in the army was in the states of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, though he fought in other states also. He participated in forty-two regular engagements, and, skirmishes included, was under fire more than two hundred times. Among the more important battles in which he took active part were those of Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, La .; Harpers Ferry, Chambersburg and Gettysburg; under Gen. Hood at Nashville, Franklin and Columbia, Tenn., and was wounded at Mt. Sterling, Ky., in "Bill Shawhorn's Gun Clubbing Contest." He was captured in the battle of Goose Creek and kept prisoner of war seven months at Camp Chase, Johnson's Island, and was exchanged at Vicksburg in Deetmber, 1863. Choosing the profession of medicine and surgery, Dr. Stansbury was graduated in the old Kentucky School of Medicine in Louisville in 1867, and took the Adaundum degree at the Alabama Medical College,. Mobile, in 1877. He practiced for
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one year at Belmont, near Louisville, and came to Longview, Texas, in 1868, where he has since resided. Dr. Stansbury has been twice married, first to Miss Hulda Hocker, of Columbus, Ind., October 3, 1863, who died in 1866, after giving birth to one son. He was married the second time, April 14, 1869, to Miss Bettie MaGill, of Longview, and there was born of this nnion one daughter. Both of Dr. Stansbury's children are dead. Dr. Stansbury has lived a busy life and has not only been successful in the practice of his profession, but has prospered in his business affairs, he owning valnable property in Longview and large landed interests in southwest Texas. He attended the first gathering of the United Confederate Veterans that was held in the history of that organization, which was held in New Orleans in 1886, and of the nineteen national gatherings since held he has attended sixteen of them. Aside from serving two terms as city alderman, Dr. Stansbury has studiously kept aloof from politics, though he takes a warm interest in all public affairs. He stands high in his profession, and is a member, of the County, State and American Medical Associations. His old comrades in arms informed the writer that Dr. Stansbury was a gallant and brave soldier, and many of his old friends over Texas will no doubt be delighted to read this sketch of him as he will enjoy reading biographies of them. Dr. Stansbury is a Methodist and has one of the most comfortable homes in Longview.
SUHLER, Dr. Aron
Dr. Suhler was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 4, 1846, of exceedingly poor parents, and was left an orphan boy at the age of thirteen. "Work awhile and attend school awhile, interspersed with midnight oil," was the course of his earlier year, and to put himself through college he taught private lessons in his native land and tongue. He finished his literary education and qualified himself for the ministry at Rabbinical College, Wurzberg, Germany, after which he held an important chair of teaching in one of the leading colleges in Mayence, Germany, for several years. Dr. Suhler entered the Jewish ministry a number of years before coming to America, first locating at Akron, Ohio, in 1871, where he had charge of the Jewish congregation until 1875, when he was called to Dallas, Texas. Here he had the honor to establish the first secular school in that city, which he taught along with his ministerial work, and which was patronized by some of the most prominent families of the metropolis, being a school of a high order and of excellent discipline. In 1879 Dr. Suhler was called to Vicksburg, Miss .; spent two years and returned to Texas, this time settling in Waco, where he engaged in the ministry two years and resigned in 1884. From that time to the present hour he has been engaged in the insurance business, being now the general agent for the State Life Insurance Company, of Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Central Texas territory, his office quarters being on the second floor of the Central National Bank building.
Wherever Dr. Suhler has lived and worked he has set a high standard of citizenship, and has been a beacon light of intelligence for his-the Jewish people-having ever looked to their spiritual, moral and material welfare and advised them whenever of moment. Wherever he has served in the ministry he has labored with good results in strengthening the Jewish churches and schools, and here in Waco he helped to build up Congregation Rolef Sholom from a small membership to its present healthy condition, A gentleman of distin- guished natural endowments, scholarly attainments, lofty purposes and boundless sympathy, Dr. Suhler has many warm friends throughout Texas, and no man, we believe, better deserves them. He has the confidence of the business element of this city, and takes great delight in aiding and observing its almost phenomenal growth. Dr. Suhler has been a Mason since 1880 and an Odd Fellow since 1871, and has twice served as Grand Chaplain in Texas of the last named order. He is also an Elk.
SCHACK, Adolph
It is accepted, we believe, that the German language is the finest and most expressive of any in the world-which is a reflection of the character of that Nation's people. For men of letters, science and genius of mechanics Germany has for many centuries stood to the fore-
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front of the world's advancement. Those of her native sons that have come to America have almost invariably given a good account of themselves, and their citizenship is not only a credit to the Fatherland, but to this country as well. As a prominent figure in the great body of Germans in Texas, Mr. Adolph Schack is herewith accorded an appropriate and due position in the history of Central Texas. Mr. Schack was born March 3, 1860, on his father's farm, near Berlin, Province of Brandenburg, North Germany. He attended the public schools, then took two year's course in Preparatory school, and three years in State Normal, at Neau Ruppin-which ended in 1880, and which finishing entitles one to enter any of the higher institutions in Germany. Ile taught five years in public schools of his native land, and set sail for America in 1885, via England and Halifax, Canada. Locating in Chicago, he taught in public schools for two years, and held a chair in German Theological Seminary, Crete, Neb., from 1888 to 1891. Deciding to come to Texas, he settled at Meyers- ville, DeWitt county, where he taught in public schools for five years; six years in same capacity at Germantown, four years at Lindenau, and two years at Hoheim Prairie. Came to Waco and on July 1, 1909, purchased The Waco Post-succeeding F. Lneders, who had con- ducted the paper for twenty years. The Post is the oldest newspaper in Waco and the only German medium in Central Texas. Under the present management its circulation continnes to enlarge and its prestige among the business men is growing-advertisers finding it a valua- ble medium through which the reach the German element. Mr. Schack, the editor and pro- prietor, is a scholar in three languages-German, English and Spanish-is a good writer and an influential leader among the Germans of Texas. His politics is Democratie, his church worship German Evangelical, and he belongs to the Sons of Herman. A visit back to the old country in 1905 convinced Mr. Sehack that Germany is keeping apace with the world's advancement-educationally, politically, industrially and commercially.
SCHNABEL, Francis Albert
Elsewhere in this book we have dwelt upon the subject of American citizenship, and in so doing we have spoken in the most complimentary terms of the German element, which is, in all probability, the strongest in number of any other contingent. From the beginning of the settlement of this great country to the present hour, the German people have certainly done their duty as good citizens, and they have a jnst right to claim a large share of the glory in our marvelous achievements and advance- ments. One of the prominent German citizens of Erath county is Mr. F. A. Schnabel, and his bakery and grocery establishment in Stephenville is one of the conspicuous commercial ornaments on the north side of Conrt Square. Mr. Schnabel was born in the state of Wirtemberg, South Germany, July 30, 1857, his father, Daniel Schnabel, passing beyond the veil of this life when the son was eighteen months old. His mother before marriage was Miss Catherine Gebhart, and to the union were born twelve children. In 1865, Daniel, one of the sons, came to the States and was in the wholesale butcher business in New York City. Soon after the death of her husband, the mother and four sons-F. A., Charles, Chris and George-also came across the Great Divide, in 1867. Mrs. Schnabel upon coming to this country chose to make her home in New York City, and she continued to reside there until her death, which occurred in 1878.
When Mr. Schnabel came to America he was a mere youth of ten summers, and his boyhood days from that time to 1879 were spent in New York City. In 1879 he and his brother George came to the Southwest, first landing at Dallas. Here they purchased and fitted themselves a vehicle traveling outfit to prospect through the country by easy stages. Leaving Dallas, they came via Stephenville and as far down as Brownwood, when they decided to make their future home in Stephenville, establish themselves in business and cast their lot with the good people of Erath county, which they did in February, 1880. Each had about $500 in cash, which was pooled, and a grocery and bakery business was founded which has since been a commercial fixture of the city. After something like two or three years, Mr. George Schnabel withdrew from the firm of Schnabel Bros. and established himself in business at Burnett, Texas, where he has since done well financially and is happy with his wife and four sons. Mr. F. A. Schnabel
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was married Aug. 21, 1887, to Miss Dove Sloan, who was born and reared in Stephenville. Their children are Albert, Robert, Lynn and Josephine. Mr. Schnabel's grocery store is one of the largest and best stocked in the city, and his well equipped bakery is one of the much needed and popular items of Stephenville life. Besides this he owns a com- fortable home and valuable business property, in the face of the fact that his business bnrned out in 1897 and his home was destroyed by fire in 1901. It is sad to relate in this counection that of the twelve children born to his parents all have passed over the River of Death, including parents, excepting himself and his brother George; some are buried beneath the sun kissed sod of the fatherland, some sleep beneath American soil. What Mr. Schnabel lacks in this respect, however, he makes up in a wide circle of friends. He belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, K. of P., and his choice of worship is with the German Lutheran church.
SCHRAMM, W. F.
Very nearly ever nationality in the world is represented in the composite citizenship of the United States, and each and every indi- vidnal was either born in, or is descended from some part of the old world. It is generally conceded, we believe, that the Germans, as a body of people, are abont the best citizens we have in this country-thongh this is no reflec- tion on other nationalities. The subject whose name precedes this article, Mr. W. F. Schramm, is a member of that proud old mother coun- try, and, be it said to his credit, he was born in northern Germany-date, March 9, 1858. He there matured to yonng manhood, received his education, and served his apprenticeship in the carpenter's trade, which means in the old country that he learned it well. On May 25, 1882, he was married to Miss Loueze Boge- mahl. On Oct. 24th of that same year the happy conple left Germany for the United States, and npon landing at Galveston came directly to Waco, where they have since un- interruptedly resided. In the meantime they have reared three danghters, who are all mar- ried.
Upon coming to Waco Mr. Schramm fol- lowed his chosen trade for a few years, after which he actively engaged in contracting and building for some years, when he retired on account of being hurt in a mishap. In the year 1904 he organized the Deutscher Central Verein with some of the most popular and influential German citizens in Waco, and led the movement to bring about the splen- did club quarters at the corner of Webster and Ninth streets. Mr. Schramm managed this enterprise for three years, and again took charge of it in 1910. Under his present management it is today considered the popular rendezvous for enjoyment among the better class Germans of Waco. The building and beer gardens afford all manner of refreshments and enjoyments characteristically German, both day-time and night-time. Personally Mr. Schramm is a man of a high order of intelligence, and is one of the best known Germans in Texas. He has thousands of friends among them and exercises a potential influence toward the good of the country. He is oue of the shining lights of the Sons of Herman, and for the past six years has been commander of the local German Veterans' Associa- tion, made up of transcendent soldiers of the German army, which numbers something like twenty-five or thirty members.
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