The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 102

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1328

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Mr. Wall died in Grapevine, April 15, 1922. He was a member of I. O. O. F., the Woodmen of the World and the Baptist Church. Throughout his travels which took him to all parts of the world, Mr. Wall made many friends. He was known far and wide as one of the most efficient salesmen of his time and was held in the highest esteem by the executives of the various organizations which he represented for so many years. Ile came to Texas when it was truly a pioneer state in the full sense of the term. Fort Worth was little more than a trading post on the frontier, and its few eitizens were living mostly in log houses, but he had faith in the future of the Lone Star State, and through- out his travels the idea was uppermost in his mind to return here when he had finished his business activities, and live the remainder of his life among the friends of other days.

B OSTON GIDCUMB of Dallas, a pioneer im- plement man of the Lone Star State, spent almost his entire life in this field and was associated with some of the leading firms. of this city. He had many trying experiences in the early days of Texas as the agricultural frater- nity was slow to grasp the new labor and time-sav- ing implements. Mr. Gideumb brought the first threshing machine to West Texas when there were no roads leading to that part of the State, and in-

troduced in Texas many of the implements now in general use on farms.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Gidcumb was born September 5, 1856. His father, was a native of Kentucky and his mother of Illinois. He attended school in Kentucky, but his real education was ob- tained later in life through self help and he was known as a well educated man. As a very young man he followed various lines of business in Ken- tueky, but after coming to Texas in 1877 he began his career in the cotton gin industry with his broth- er at Waxahachie, later moving to Dallas where he was employed by Parlin & Orendorf Company and worked himself up to the position of assistant manager, remaining with this firm for fourteen years. He then went with the Moline Plow Com- pany as the Texas manager for about three years. He then went with the Parry Buggy Company and Leudinghouse Wagon Co., becoming district sales manager for both of these firms, with whom he re- mained for more than fifteen years. Mr. Gidcumb then became associated with the Studebaker Auto- mobile Company, as sales manager of both the wholesale and retail sales of this organization, mak- ing a great success for himself and the firms which he represented. He retired at this time and pur- chased the Caddo Lake Farm in Harrison County. He farmed here on a large and scientific scale, and while he made Dallas his home, he personally managed this plantation.

Mr. Gideumb was married in Waxahachie, No- vember 13, 1879. to Miss Caledonia Bales, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of Thomas J. Bales, a native of Illinois, who lived the greater part of his life in Missouri. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gidcumb, both of whom are residents of Dallas: Ida B., now Mrs. George W. Frierson and Bertha M., now Mrs. Ernest L. Corley. The Gid- cumb home is located at 223 East Davis Street.

Mr. Gidcumb died in Dallas May 11, 1914. He helped in the upbuilding of Dallas and showed his faith in the future of this city in his real estate investments here. Mr. Gidcumb had many friends throughout the State and was loved by all with whom he came in contaet. He was a generous eitizen public-spirited, and esteemed by all Dallas.

ALTER S. TRIGG, for more than a quarter of a century, was identified with the mercantile interests of North Texas, ten years of which were spent in the city of Dallas, and nearly a score of years at Paris, to which city he later removed. He was a man of sterling virtue and high ideals and made an enviable record in the communities in which he lived. He numbered his friends by the hundreds and left a legacy of which his family and friends could well be proud.

Walter S. Trigg was born in Gallatin, Tennessee. July 22, 1854. His parents were John H, and Catherine (Sheppard) Trigg. His father was engaged in the mereantile business in that state. His elementary education was seeured in the Tennessee public schools, after which he clerked for several years in his father's store. He then took up a course in dentistry and followed the dental profession for several years. In 1876, when 19 years of age, Mr. Trige eame to Texas and located in Dallas. He first began the praetiee of dentistry but later went to work in the harness and

864

Chas Wall

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بهسائ

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

saddlery business following that business for ten years and laying a foundation for a future business. In 1886 he moved to Paris, Texas and established a wholesale saddlery and harness business which he condueted for a period of n'early 19 years. He started with a limited capital but soon built up a fine business and later built a horse collar factory from which he sold eollars all over the Southwest. In 1905 he sold out his business and retired. He moved to Dallas where he lived at 4503 Junius street.

Mr. Trigg was married Deeember 15, 1880, to Mary Catherine Hatzenbuehler, who was a native of Illinois, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Lutz) Hatzenbuehler both of whom were natives of Germany. Mrs. Trigg was the oldest of the family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Trigg had one son, Ruby Sheppard Trigg, a successful business man who was married to Miss Mary Felix Coonce, from St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Trigg died in Dallas, August 3, 1905, but a few months after his retirement and removal to Dallas.

HOMAS M. TUNSTALL. A pioneer in the contraeting business in Dallas, Thomas M. Tunstall was actively engaged in this line here for nearly a seore of years. He eame to Dallas in 1886, from Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he had been engaged in the contracting business for four years, during which time he had done residence work, and entered the same busi- ness here. He specialized in fine residences, and many of the homes built in Dallas during that period were contraeted by him. The J. Dabney Day and Herbert Audrey residences are examples of his skill in home building. He also handled the eon- tracts for a number of business houses and eon- struetion of this type. Mr. Tunstall was recognized not only for his ability and skill in his ehosen field but because of his absolute honesty and reliability. He made and held friends and enjoyed the confi- denee of his workmen as well as the people for whom he erected buildings.

Thomas M. Tunstall was born near Glasgow, Kentucky, on the first day of April 1863, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Tunstall, his mother's maiden name having been Peddigo. The family settled in Kentucky in the late thirties, coming from England. Mr. Tunstall was educated in the Glasgow public schools, and began his business eareer at the age of nineteen years, entering the contraeting business with his brother, shortly after- wards going to Fort Smith, Arkansas, from which place he eame to Dallas.

Mr. Tunstall was married in Dallas, the twenty- fifth day of March, 1895, to Miss Martha E. Brown, a native of Ellis County, and a daughter of Captain Issac M. Brown and Lueinda (Miller) Brown. Captain Brown, a native of North Carolina, lived for a time in Tennessee, and later eame to Texas. settling in Ellis County shortly after the Civil war, through which he served as a eaptain. He was a farmer and building contractor. Mrs. Brown was a native of Miller Valley, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Tunstall had one child, Gertrude L., who was educated at the Southern Methodist University, wife of J. G. King, Mr. King being a civil engineer with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad at Dallas.

Mr. Tunstall was an Oddfellow, belonging to Dallas Lodge No. 44., and a member of the Method- ist Church. His death oceurred on the twenty- fourth way of October, 1910.

The old Tunstall home was located at 4008 Main street. In 1914 Mrs. Tunstall bought her present residenee at 800 North Lancaster which she has remodeled. In 1925 she built an eight apartment, brick veneer building next door to her home. Mrs. Tunstall is a business woman of ability and devotes her time to looking after her property and other interests.

OHN BRASHER, a pioneer in the agrieul- tural life of Texas, spent his entire life in this work, following it because he loved it. Hle was one of the most successful farmers of his time, being one of the first to put into praeti- eal application the intensive methods, which later came into general use.

A native of Louisiana, Mr. Brasher was born in Union Parish, January 14, 1848. His father, Wil- liam Brasher, was a native of Kentucky, where he was a member of one of the first families of that State and after moving to Louisiana as a young inan, beeame one of the suceessful agrieulturists of that State. His mother, Mrs. (Beatty) Brash- er, was a native of Louisiana. His edueation was received in the schools of his native State.

He started farming in Union Parish as a young man and farmed in that loeality for several years. In 1880 he came to Texas where for a period of nineteen years he farmed in Lamar County, near Paris. He then purchased a large farm, just North of Bonham in Fannin County and while he lived in Paris he gave his personal attention to this large farm on which he was sueeessful in raising all farm produets indigenous to North Texas.

Mr. Brasher was married in Union Parish, Louis- iana, on August 20, 1874, to Miss Naney Findley, a native of that Parish and a member of one of the oldest families of that part of the State. Her father, Thomas Findley, a native of Tennessee, came to Louisiana, in the early days and beeame one of the largest planters of the Parish in which he resided. Her mother, Mrs. Naney (Bledsoe) Findley, was a native of Georgia and a member of a prominent family of that State. Eleven ehildren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brasher, seven of whom are living: Etta now Mrs. E. D. Owens of Dallas; Daisy, now Mrs. Fred Fuller of Dallas; Bertie, now Mrs. M. J. Hancock of Dallas; Cordie, now Mrs. William Paine, Jr., of Dallas; Jonnie, now Mrs. J. W. Hyland of Dallas; Carrie, now Mrs. Neil Keith of Wichita Falls, and Edgar, well known as a leader among the younger generation of business men of Dallas.

Mr. Brasher died on March 18, 1902. He was a member of the Baptist Church and was active in the workings of this denomination. Throughout his life he had been active in the eneouragement of the farmers of the Lone Star State to better and more modern farming methods and in this way he did much for the farming fraternity. Mr. Brasher was active in civic and upbuilding movements and gave of his material aid and time to every project for his community and State. Of a courteous, kindly na- ture, he commanded not only the respeet but the sincere and affectionate regard of the entire circle of his aequaintanees.

865

MEN OF TEXAS

OHN MARTIN, a pioneer in the black- smith's business of Fort Worth, spent his entire life in this work and was known as one of the most skilled and efficient men of ms time in his chosen field of endeavor.

A native of Illinois, Mr. Martin was born in Henry, Marshall County, May 27, 1859. His father, John Martin, Sr., also a native of Illinois, throughout his life, was a factor in the business circles of his state. His mother, Mrs. Lois L. (Bouton) Martin, was a member of a prominent family of Ohio. His education was received in the schools of Illinois, which he left at an early age to enter business. Coming to Fort Worth in 1877 he started work in his father's blacksmith shop. The association with his father was termi- nated by the death of the latter in January 1878, after which Mr. Martin took charge of the shop and operated it with success for almost half a eentury. The Martin shop, which was one of the best equipped in this part of the state, was located at the eorner of Thoekmorton and Fourteenth streets. He was the owner of the property on which the plant was loeated, which consisted of a large two-story building. In addition to the regular blacksmith's work, Mr. Martin made a great number of the tools used by stone masons, plum- bers and various kinds of mechanics, being an expert in this particular work. He also had special machinery to sharpen stone eutters' tools, which he also manufactured.

Mr. Martin was married in Fort Worth, February 12, 1899, to Miss Nora Neal, a native of Birdville, Texas, and a member of a pioneer Texas family. Her father, W. O. Neal, a native of Tennessee, was brought to this state when nine years old and was successful in agriculture and business. Her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Maria (Marsh) Neal, was a native of Farmers Branch, Texas, and a member of a pioneer family of Dallas County. The Martin home is located at 424 Galveston avenue, where the family has resided for more than thirty years.

Mr. Martin died in Fort Worth, August 24, 1923. He was a eharter member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce, and although not a member of any ehureh he was of the Methodist faith. Mr. Martin was well known and had many friends in North Texas. He aided in every project for the growth and upbuilding of Fort Worth and took great personal pride in his city. As a youth he was industrious and ambitious. Coming to this city when eighteen years of age, looking for a congenial and fertile field of operation, Fort Worth, even as small a plaee as it was in those days, was big enough for him, as he had the discernment to look into the future. He was of that type whose presenee is an asset to any eity.

OHN LALA, of Fort Worth, for almost forty years was an active figure in the eom- mercial life of this city where, from an humble beginning, he built up a large gro- eery business and acquired much valuable property. Mr. Lala eame to Fort Worth in 1889, and worked in the lunch eounter of John Lanier. For two years he remained in this work, at the same time learning the English language and American business methods and customs. He then engaged in the groeery business for himself at the corner of East Sixth and Jones streets. He started in a small

way in a rented frame building later buying the lot and in 1901 built a briek building, and con- tinued his grocery business there until 1927 when he disposed of it and leased the building to others. during these years he invested in real estate and had other interests. Ilis business was conducted under the name of John Lala. Mrs. Lala worked in the store and assisted Mr. Lala in every way, and in all his business ventures and labors, he depended on her assistance and advice.

A native of Italy, Mr. Lala was born in Cor- linio, June 24, 1860. His father, Anthony Lala, a native of Italy, was well known in his community. He retired from active business in Italy and came to Fort Worth, where he remained until his death, at the age of eighty-six years, John Lala was edueated in Italy, where he also spent three years in military serviee.

Mr. Lala was married in Fort Worth, February 14, 1892 to Miss Josephine Petta, a native of New Orleans. Her father, Frank Petta, came to Fort Worth in 1887, and was engaged in the barber business for many years in this city. Two ehild- ren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lala: Anthony, who for many years has been bookkeeper for the Fort Worth Stock Exchange, is married and has two ehildren, and Frank, at home. The Lala home is located at 612 Jones street, but prior to moving to this address, for many years was at 400 East Sixth street.

Mr. Lala died in Fort Worth, May 1, 1928, He was a member of the Italian Social Club and the Catholie Chureh. During nis long residence here he was actively interested in the upbuilding of Fort Worth and his faith in the future of this city grew with the years. Mr. Lala had many friends in this city and the surrounding territory. He was indeed an example of energy, thrift and pluck, as he started with no eapital and without a knowl- edge of the English language or Ameriean ways and aeeumulated a small fortune.

OHN HENDERSON FITZGERALD was a pioneer of the eommereial life of Fort Worth, where he located in 1876, and for more than forty years thereafter was aetive in different fields of business.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Fitzgerald was born December 25, 1843. His edueation was received in the schools of Arkansas, where his parents mov- ed when he was a small boy. During his early manhood he was engaged in farming and after eoming to Texas in 1875 he farmed here for one year. The following year he moved to Fort Worth where he engaged in the eattle business. buying and selling eattle and other livestock. He was successful in this business which he eontinued for several years. He then engaged in house moving and for more than thirty years was aetive in this work in Fort Worth. It is said that during his eareer he moved more houses than all his compet- itors combined, and there was not a street in this city on which he had not moved houses. His ser- viees were in demand in other parts of the state and he moved some of the largest buildings that others had attempted unsuecessfully to move dur- ing his time. He had confidenee in Fort Worth and invested in Wes: Seventh Street and North Henderson Street property mueh of which is owned by the family and is very valuable,

866

Johan Kiatis

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2. M. Hensley

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

Mr. Fitzgerald was married near Batesville, Ar- kansas, October 15, 1872, to Miss Martha C. Mas- sey, a native of North Carolina, and a member of an outstanding family of that state, she being the third generation to be born and reared there. Her parents, Abe Massey and Mrs. Margaret (Wal- lace) Massey, were members of pioneer families of North Carolina. There are six living children of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald: Leslie Roy and P. Marvin, of Fort Worth; Otis Louis, of California; Viola Rebecca, now Mrs. J. W. Shear, of Fort Worth; Etta Cornelia, now Mrs. Parnell O'Toole, of Cali- fornia, and Arkie Bernice, now Mrs. II. G. Cor- natzar, of Dallas.

Mr. Fitzgerald died in Fort Worth, May 31 1918. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M., and the Christian Church. Mr. Fitzgerald was widely known and had a host of friends from every walk of life. He was active in the upbuilding and development of his city. Of an affable nature, he was generous in his opinions of others and was a source of encouragement to all in need, making his life an imprint on the memory of all who knew him.

M. HENSLEY was a pioneer of the cattle business of Texas, coming in 1865 to Comanche County, where he was employed on a ranch by C. C. Campbell. He also was a pioneer of the cattle industry of New Mexico, where, in addition to his cattle interests, he served with distinction for several years as deputy sheriff.

A native of Indiana, Mr. Hensley was born in Anderson, December 1, 1845. His education was received in the schools of Indiana, after which he joined the Union army and served four years during the Civil war. Ilis father, James Hensley, was a native of Virginia but moved to Anderson, Indiana. In 1868 Mr. Hensley made a trip up the trail to Kansas City with cattle from other ranches as Mr. Campbell was a trail man himself. To go up the trail with a herd of cattle was an epoch in every cowman's life. He engaged in the cattle business for himself in Comanche County on free range ad- joining the Campbell ranch and later in Callahan County. He made many more trips up the trail. some of which were with Mr. Campbell who had become his father-in-law in 1882. In 1885 Mr. · Hensley and family moved to Seven Rivers, New Mexico, and he was made deputy sheriff soon after, and remained in this office for several years. He served as deputy sheriff under James R. Brent, who was sheriff for many years. In 1898, he re- turned to Comanche County, Texas, and engaged in the contracting business until 1902, when he moved to Fort Worth. For twenty years he was employed by Swift & Company and was in charge of the millwrights.

Mr. Hensley was married in Comanche County, Texas, October 12, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth E. Campbell, a native Texan and a daughter of C. C. Campbell, who located in Texas in 1849 and for several years' was Ranger on the Texas-Mexican border. Her mother, Julia (Rubarth) Campbell, was a native of Beaumont. Texas, and a member of a pioneer family of Jefferson County. Her father was a hero in the War with Mexico that gave Texas independence. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hensley: Margueritte, now Mrs. Bert E. Brading, of St. Louis who has two children; Euleon F., a ship captain; Joe L., in the electric

business; and Dewey C., an electrician of Fort Worth. The deceased children were: James Campbell and Euphemia. James Campbell was a resident of San Antonio, and active in Masonic circles. He was married and besides his widow left one son, Harry S. Hensley. The Hensley home is located at 2208 Pearl Avenue.

Mr. Hensley died here January 22, 1922. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M., being master of the Masonic Lodge of North Fort Worth at the time of his death. C. C. Campbell was master of the Comanche Lodge in which he was initiated. All of his sons are Masons. He was a charter member of the Pearl Avenue Methodist Church, and for many years was chairman of the board of stewards. During his residence in Fort Worth he exerted an influence for good throughout a wide range of the city's activities.

UKE LANZA, of Dallas, for fifteen years was engaged successfully in the grocery business in this city and was highly esteem- ed by his fellow men.

A native of Italy, Mr. Lanza was born in 1871. His father, Nick Lanza, also was a native of that country who came to America in the early '80s, and settled near Bryan, Brazos County, where he purchased land and became a successful farmer. His mother, Mary Lanza, was a member of a well known family of her community in Italy. The Lanzas were married and several of their children were born prior to their coming to America. His education was received partly in the schools of Italy and partly in the schools of Texas. Mr. Lanza grew to manhood on a farm and continued to farm until 1903 when he came to Dallas and engaged in the grocery business on Elm Street. After three years his business outgrew this location and he moved to 3024 Elm Street, where his sons assisted him in his growing and successful business. This property is owned by Mrs. Lanza, where, after a fire, she erected a new building in 1923.

Mr. Lanza was married in Bryan, Texas, January 7, 1890, to Miss Frances Collett, a native of Bryan and a member of a well known Brazos County family. Her father, John Collett, for many years was a successful farmer of that part of Texas. Her mother, Mrs. Leona Collett, was a member of a well known family of Italy. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lanza, namely: Mrs. Mary Winborn. whose husband holds a responsible posi- tion with the Santa Fe railroad; Nick Lanza. who is a well known candy maker of Dallas; John Lanza, who is carrying on his father's business; Bassett Lanza, a well known farmer and business man of Carrollton, Texas; Mrs. Annie Rovilla, and Bonna Lanza, salesman for a Dallas produce house.

Mr. Lanza dicd in Dallas, September 7, 1918. For many years he was a member of the DeRoma Lodge and active in all its workings. His charities were not confined to the members of his own people for he gave to the needy, regardless of nationality or creed. He was an honorable and highly re- spected merchant, esteemed alike by customers and competitors, and built up a large business, which his son has conducted since his death. Mr. Lanza was ready at all times to contribute his time and money to the upbuilding and betterment of Dall .. ..

As a grocery merchant, he was an exponent of the highest standards in this business.

867

MEN OF TEXAS

OSEPH PLESS FINGER, of Arlington, Texas, 'was a pioneer in the farming and stock raising activities of this state and spent his entire life in this field. Born on a farm, as a child, he had the desire to become a cowboy, and as a young man he started out to satisfy this ambition by obtaining employment on a large ranch and continued to work as a cowboy for several years. Later, he engaged in farming and stock raising on a farm in Tarrant County, near Arlington, where he spent the remainder of his life.

A native son of Texas, Mr. Finger was born near Arlington, April 7, 1855. His family was among the early settlers of this part of the state and the name of Finger is associated with much of the history of Texas in the early days. His father, Lewis Finger, was a native of North Carolina and a member of a prominent family of that state. His mother, Mrs. Christina (Pless) Finger, was a member of a pioneer family of North Carolina. His education was received in the public schools of Texas, which he left at an early age to become active in the work which he continued throughout his life.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 102

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau Number of Pages: 1328

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1328