The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 103

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. Finger was married near Arlington Texas April 8, 1891, to Miss Bettie Swann, a native of Missouri, and a member of a well known family of that state. Her father, Ferdinand Swann, was a native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. and a mem- ber of one of the state's outstanding families. The Finger home is located at 214 College Avenue.

Mr. Finger died at Arlington, February 23, 1924. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Methodist Church in which he was a stew- ard for many years. Of an old and honored Texas family Mr. Finger was loyal to the teachings and traditions of his family and state. His brother, George W. Finger, served for several years as land commissioner of Texas and his regime in this office was marked with much good. He was a gen- ius by nature and particularly was this shown in farming and stock raising. He was one of those individuals who have these activities in the blood, and he followed them because he loved the work. Perhaps no man of Tarrant County had more friends than did Mr. Finger, who lived practically all his life in the county and almost in the same locality where he died. honored and esteemed as a friend, neighbor and citizen.

ILLIAM HENRY HARRISON CALDWELL of Dallas, a pioneer farmer of the Lone Star State, came to Texas in 1870 and for more than thirty years was continuously engaged in farming, his fine land being located in Coflin County. In 1909 he came to Dallas and for a period of fifteen years was one of the es- teemed residents of this city, and while not actively engaged in business he took a keen interest in all matters pertaining to his city.

A native of Georgia, Mr. Caldwell was born near Griffin, December 3 1841. His father, Henry Allen Caldwell, was a native of South Carolina, and his mother, Mrs. Susan Russell (Beckham) Caldwell, . was a member of a Georgia family. His early edu- cation was received in the schools of his native state and he was reared on his father's farm. For the first sixteen years of his life, he remained on his father's farm, after which he went to Alabama and farmed in that State until he enlisted in the Con-

federate Army for service in the Civil War. Al- though he received a severe knee wound at Shiloh, he served throughout the remainder of the war. Returning to his native state after the war, he again took up farming which he continued until 1870 when he moved to Texas. In 1903 he retired from his farm work, and established a home in Nevada, Texas, coming to Dallas in 1909 where he spent much time in his yard among the flowers, which he cultivated,

Mr. Caldwell was married in Elba, Coffee Coun- ty, Alabama, November 5, 1867, to Miss Laura Dor- othy Simmons, a member of a prominent family of Alabama. Her parents, E. H. and Mrs. Eldyss (As- kew) Simmons, were members of pioneer families of Georgia. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell. six of whom are living: Charles S., a farmer of Nevada, Collin County; Susie E., now Mrs. H. T. Jordan of Dallas; J. Allen, engaged in farming near Nevada, Collin County; R. E., of Lub- bock, Texas; W. H. and W. F. of Nevada and also identified with farming activities of Collin County. All five of the boys are farmers and have never been engaged in any other field. Mrs. Caldwell resides with her daughter at 4719 San Jacinto St.

Mr. Caldwell died in Dallas July 21, 1924. He was a member of the Baptist Church and was well known in Dallas and throughout North Texas, for his many charitable deeds. Mr. Caldwell possessed the warmth and sympathy which enable men to make fast friendships and these he created in a number that made him one of the best loved citi- zens of Dallas. Although he had reached the age of eighty-two years, his mind was alert and he took an active interest in all matters pertaining to his city and state. As a farmer, he was one of the most progressive of his time and as a citizen, he met all of his earthly obligations.

RANK ZELOSKI. A resident of Fort Worth for upward of two score years. Frank Zeloski engaged in business here during that time and also took an active part in the civic development of the city. He entered the employ of the Texas & Pacific Railway shortly after his arrival in Fort Worth in 1886, as foreman of the paint department, working between Fort Worth and El Paso for several years. He then left this service and engaged in business on his own ac- count buying and selling real estate in which he was actively engaged during the rest of his career. He invested in Zeloski Heights where he built the pioneer business block in Arlington Heights. The family still owns more than 1000 feet on Camp Bowie Boulevard. He donated the land for two streets in this section and after his death the fam- ily gave land for another which was named Zelos- ki Place in his honor. They also built another bus- iness block and today there are fifteen stores on their property.

Frank Zeloski was born in Poland, the first day of May, 1863, and was a son of Vincent Zeloski and Antonia (Osmauski) Zeloski, both natives of Poland. Mr. Zeloski was educated in the schools of Poland, following which he came to the United States, arriving in Texas in 1883, and in Fort Worth in 1886.

Mr. Zeloski was married in MeDade. Bastrop County, Texas, the tenth day of January, 1888, to Miss Martha Kujawski, a native of Poland, and a daughter of Stanislaus Kujawski, an officer in

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Le, W hank

(هند مة.

ـنة

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

the German army, and Mathild (Von Page) Ku- jawski, also a native of Poland. Mr. and Mrs. Zeloski were the parents of nine children, Miss Flora, of Fort Worth; Rose, wife of Henry L. Fisher, of New York, she having the distinction of being the first woman to receive the law degree from the University of Texas; Mary, A. B. degree T. C. U .; Margaret, Frank, Jr., Martha, Frances, William, and Thomas, all of Fort Worth. The family resides at 3859 Camp Bowie Boulevard, their home for many years.

Mr. Zeloski died on the fifteenth day of April, 1925. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Ze- loski contributed generously to all welfare and charity work in Fort Worth, being particularly in- terested in the upbuilding of hospitals for the treatment of the poor. He also was active in civic work, and gave both of his time and means, that Fort Worth might grow and prosper.

EORGE NORTH FUNK, a Presbyterian evangelist for two decades, was well known in Texas, and in Fort Worth, where he made his home for many years. In the course of his career Rev. Funk did much mis- sionary work, and built several churches in North Texas, and also was instrumental in building up the membership of many others. He was a self-made man in the best sense of the word. For five years after leaving school, Rev. Funk engaged in edu- cational work, teaching school in Iowa. He then entered the drug business, and as a registered pharmaeist handled the prescription work in his drug store. A few years later he went to Louisiana where ,he engaged in rice farming and also taught music during that period, he being an accomplished musician. While thus en- gaged he heard the call to preach and began his ministerial studies, following which he was ordain- ed and during the next twenty years preached the gospel as a minister of the Presbyterian Church. He was very successful in this work, and had many eonversions, as well as building up a number of churches.

George North Funk was born in Illinois, on the eighteenth day of March, 1853, a son of Michael Funk, and Adeline (Newcomber) Funk. Mr. Funk, Sr., a native of Maryland, went to Illinois as a young man and lived in that state for many years. Mrs. Funk also was a native of Maryland. George North Funk attended the public schools of Iowa, to which state his parents moved during his boy- hood, and later studied pharmacy, taking his de- gree in that, and still later studied for the ministry.

Rev. Funk was married at Marshalltown, Iowa, on the first day of August, 1878, to Miss Ida Mae Benedict, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of Jon- athan S. Benedict, and Elizabeth Ann ( White) Benediet, both of Ohio. Rev. and Mrs. Funk were parents of two children, Alma Blanche, wife of O. M. Humphreys, of Keokuk, Iowa; and Clem Michael Funk, of Guymon, Oklahoma. The grand- children are Geo. D. Humphreys, Mrs. Edith G. * Knox, Mrs. Enid Statler, Mrs. Percy A. Harlan, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Fells, all children of Mrs. Hum- phreys; and Geo. N. and Kathryn Mae, children of C. M. Funk. There are also four great-grandchil- dren. Mrs. Funk resides in Fort Worth, at 322 South Jennings Avenue.

Rev. Funk was a man of high mental attain- ments, of sincerity of purpose, and a brilliant speaker. As a Presbyterian evangelist he did much for the extension of the church, and his work at all times had the approval of his Pres- bytery. A true Christian, his influence was un- questioned, and he so lived that his life will ever be an inspiration to those who knew him. Rev. Funk passed away on the twenty-sixth of Novem- ber, 1926, his death depriving the Presbyterian ministry of one of its most forceful and sincere preachers.

IDACO BIANCHI of Dallas was throughout his life a leader in the art of modeling, which he started when thirteen years of of age. He was a maker of ornamental stone designs for all kinds of buildings, also for in- terior decorations and ornamental relief work of all kinds, and being an expert in his chosen profession he built up a large business. Mr. Bianchi did the ornamental work and artificial stone work on many of the fine buildings in Dallas and throughout this part of the State. The desire to become a modeler was born in him. When a mere child he would model all kinds of images of common clay to the surprise of his parents and friends. This art grew with the years and as a boy, he decided that this would become his life work. He came to Dallas in 1905 and was one of the first modelers of this city.

A native of Italy, Mr. Bianchi was born at Fer- rard, Renazzo, November 18, 1877. His parents were both natives of Italy and members of well known families of their respective communities. His education was received in the schools of Boston, Massachusetts, but his most liberal education was gained in the school of experience.

Mr. Bianchi was married in Dallas, March 5, 1907, to Miss Ida Waespi, a native of Dallas and a member of a pioneer family who came from Switzerland in the early days and settled in Dallas County. Her parents, Jacob and Bertha (Tobler) Waespi, were members of prominent families in Switzerland and were identified throughout their lives in this country with the business and social life of Dallas. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bianchi: Theodore Jacob, attending A. & M. College, and David Bianchi, attending Bryan High School. The Bianchi residence is located at 4503 Reiger Avenue.

Mr. Bianchi died in Dallas January 31, 1914. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Dallas Turnverein. the Unitarian Church and other organizations of this city. Throughout the years of residence here he took an active interest in the up- building of Dallas and aided in its development. Starting his business from a few occasional orders for his work, he built up a wonderful business to which he gave his personal attention and his ser- vices were constantly in demand, as each piece of work was a living advertisement for many others. The decorative art to be found on many of Dallas' most important buildings stands as a monument to Mr. Bianchi as an artist of the highest order. He had many friends in Dallas and throughout North Texas who mourned his passing in the sense of a complete loss of an artist and of a superior man. who did such splendid service to his eity and com. munity.

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UGUST J. STELLMACHER, for more than thirty years, has been identified with the progress and upbuilding of the city of Dallas where he has accumulated many valuable holdings and has taken a prominent part in the upbuilding of his adopted city.

Mr. Stellmacher was born in Brandenburg, Germany, November 2, 1848. His parents were John Gotlieb and Louise (Klabaka) Stellmacher of Germany. His father was a proprietor of a boat and was engaged in transportation in Germany. In 1871 the subject of this script came to America and first located in Dodge County, Wisconsin. There he remained for eight years, then he moved to Minnesota and engaged in farming for a period of nearly twenty years. In 1895 he sold his farm in Minnesota and came to Texas, locating in Dallas. Since coming to Dallas he invested in Dallas real estate. He bought fifteen acres of land in Junius Heights District, later selling it at a handsome profit. Ile also owns two business buildings on Elm street.

Mr. Stellmacher was married on the 26th day of February, 1879 to Miss Otelia Leek, of Pommar, Germany and has one son, Ilerbert. Herbert Stellmacher is in the printing business at 2715 Elm street, which is located in his father's building. He has three children, Herbert, Jr., Betsy and Teddy, Mrs. Otelia Stellmacher died in 1908 and Mr. Stellmacher married to Mrs. Louisa Marzahn in Milwaukee, November 17, 1927. For a man of 80 years Mr. Stellmacher is very active and alert and resides at 5237 Terry street. He is a member of the Lutheran church, takes an interest in all activities whose purpose is for the progress and up-building of Dallas.

AMES BAXTER HUFFMAN spent his en- tire life in the stonecutter's trade and contracting, more than thirty years of this time being in Fort Worth, where he was recognized as one of the most skilled and efficient men of his chosen field. He cut and laid the stone work in many of the largest and most important buildings in this city, and in practically all parts of Texas.

A native of West Virginia. Mr. Huffman was born in Boone County, December 15, 1868. His father, Aaron William Huffman, also a native of West Virginia, was a well known figure in the business life of that state. His mother, Mrs. Caroline F. (Ilarvey) Huffman, was a member of a prominent family of West Virginia. His educa- tion was received in the schools of his native state. He learned the stonecutter's trade from his father, who owned one of the largest stone yards in West Virginia, and as a young man started his career in this line. Mr. Huffman continued in this work in his native state until 1890 when he came to Fort Worth and founded the J. B. Huffman, stone con- tracting business, which soon became one of the most important enterprises of its kind in this part of the state.

Virginia, December 18, 1889, to Miss Minnie Myrtle Groves, a native of Charleston, and a member of a pioneer family of that city. Her parents, James R. Groves and Mrs. Mary Louise (Stark) Groves, were natives of West Virginia and members of esteemed families. Four children were born to

Mr. and Mrs. Huffman, three of whom are living and are residents of Fort Worth: Marguerite, now Mrs. Harry Kahn; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John A. Schlottman; James William, well known business man, and Mary Caroline (deceased.) The Huffman home is located at 2223 Lipscomb Street.

Mr. Huffman died in Fort Worth, May 27, 1923. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner, a member of the Woodmen of the World, the I. O. O. F. and the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Huffman was widely known throughout Texas where he had a host of friends from all walks of life. The business which he founded is still operated under the original name and owned by his family, his brother, J. C. Huffman being the manager. Mr. Huffman was a man of fine and genial disposition, always ready to respond to any call for civic service and both as a citizen and business man, his record will ever stand as a fitting tribute to his splendid character.

NSON L. ADAMS came to Fort Worth October, 1919, and for several years there- after was associated with important oil organizations of this city, where he was known as one of the efficient men in his particular line. He was first associated with the Home Oil & Refining Company as salesman, remaining with it until it failed. He then went with the Trans- continental Oil Company as salesman and worked his way up to the position of assistant sales manager for this district.

A native of Nebraska, Mr. Adams was born in Central City, November 16, 1884. His father, Charles Adams, (deceased) for many years, was an official with the Union Pacific railroad, with head- quarters at Central City. His mother, Mrs. Gertrude (Conrad) Adams, was a native of New York state and a member of a well known family. His education was received in schools in different parts of the country. He finished high school although he did much traveling during his school years. As a young man he started in hotel work at Grand Rapids, where he remained for several years and then went to Memphis, Tennessee, where for several years he worked in various capacities with the Gayoso and Peabody hotels, working there from 1906 to 1916. He then went to Chicago where he was employed as a room clerk by the Grand Pacific Hotel. In 1918 he went with the Union Petroleum Company as a traveling repre- sentative, with whom he remained until coming to Fort Worth.

Mr. Adams was married in Memphis, Tennessee, April 16, 1908, to Miss Mary Smith, a native of Memphis and a member of one of the outstanding families of that city. Her father, Victor R. Smith, (retired for several years) is still a resident of Memphis, where for many years he was one of the leading lumber dealers. The Adams home is located at 2012 Carleton Avenue.

Mr. Huffman was married in Charleston, West . First Christian Church. While he was a resident

Mr. Adams died in Fort Worth, January 4, 1926. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Knight Templar. and a member of Moslah Temple Shrine. He held membership also in the Fort Worth Club and the of Fort Worth for only seven years, he made a host of friends in this city and throughout North Texas. He had the energy and efficiency that go to make the progressive and successful business man, and to these splendid qualifications, he added, a genial and forceful personality.

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NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

OHN CHARLES JAHNS was a pioneer in the business life of Fort Worth, where he located in 1878 and established the Fort Worth Carriage Works, one of the largest fumis of its kind in this part of the state. As a young man he learned his trade in Houston, and spent his entire life in some of its branches and was regarded as one of the most efficient men of his time in this class of work.

A native Texan, Mr. Jahns was born in Victoria, August 3, 1853. Ilis father, J. C. Jahns, was a native of Germany who came to Texas as a young man and was active in the business life of Victoria for many years. His mother, was a native of Germany and a member of a well known family of her community. His education was received in the schools of Victoria, Texas. He first served as an apprentice blacksmith and after mastering this trade, he came to Fort Worth and established the business which he owned and operated suc- cessfully for more than twenty years, retiring on account of failing health.

Mr. Jahns was married in Houston, December 20, 1882, to Miss Emma Franks, a native of Hous- ton, and a member of a pioneer family of that city. Her father, John F. Franks, was a native of Ger- many, who came to Houston as a young man, where he soon made his influence felt in the business life of this city. Her mother, Mrs. Sophia (Pape) Franks, was a native of Germany and a member of a representative family of the Fatherland. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jahns, all of whom are residents of Fort Worth; Bertie, now Mrs. Bertie Baird; Charles S. Jahns, and Laura Mae, now Mrs. H. R. York. The Jahns home is located at 3333 Hemphill avenue.

Mr. Jahns died in Fort Worth, September 13, 1911. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Evangelistical Church. Mr. Jahns had a host of friends in Fort Worth and throughout the northern part of the state, where he was well known. In his death this city lost a good citizen who helped lay the foundation of the Fort Worth of today.

AMES WILLIAM MESSICK, for many years was engaged in railroad service with headquarters in Fort Worth. The greater part of this time he was employed as a locomotive engineer and was known as one of the most efficient and careful men in this business.

A native of Kansas, Mr. Messick was born in September, 1861. He was reared in Kansas and his education was received in the schools of that state, where his parents had moved when he was a small ehild. As a young man, Mr. Messick worked in a livery stable in Burlington, Kansas. With an innate love for horses, his idea was to start some business whereby he might come directly in contact with them, and this prompted the idea of a livery barn. He continued in this work for several years. Later, he came to Fort Worth, where he entered the railroad service, starting in the round house here, where he did various kinds of work. After a few years he was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer and spent the remainder of his life in this work. Mr. Messick was well known to the railroad fraternity of Texas and was held in the highest esteem, both by the executives and his fellow workers.

Mr. Messick was married in Kansas City, Mis- souri, October 12, 1887, to Miss Adelia Eubanks, a native ot Burlington, Kansas, and a member of an esteemed family of that city and state. Her father, Captain Joseph W. Eubanks, a native of Tennessee, served throughout the Civil war as a captain in the Union army, where he established an enviable record and participated in many im- portant battles of this conflict. Her mother, Mrs. Sarah Frances (Arbaugh) Eubanks, was a native or Arkansas. The Messick home is located at 906 Travis avenue.

Mr. Messick died in Fort Worth, July 31, 1904. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. During the period in which he was a resident of Fort Worth, he assisted in every way in the up- building and betterment of this city, where he was widely known and held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was a progressive, public- spirited eitizen and worked for the good of his city.

AVID MAGARD WHITE, for a period of ten years, was a well known figure in the business life of Fort Worth, where he was associated with one of this city's largest department stores. Mr. White spent his entire life in the various branches of the dry goods business, and knew merchandise as few men have known it.

A native of Mississippi, Mr. White was born in Baldwin, September 23, 1861. His father was a native of Mississippi and was active in the busi- ness and agricultural circles of that state. His education was received in the schools of Missis- sippi and Texas. He started his business eareer as a clerk in a store at Glen Rose, where he re- mained two or three years, and then removed to Buffalo Gap, where he engaged in the dry goods business with his uncle, for about three years. Selling his interest in this store, he went to Abi- lene where, for twenty years, he was associated with one of the leading dry goods firms of that eity. He then located in Fort Worth, and became associated with one of the city's largest depart- ment stores, and also looked after his farming and other interests which he had acquired.

Mr. White was married in Abilene, Texas, Jan- vary. 6, 1884, to Miss Lottie L. Fulwiler, a na- tive of Virginia, and a member of an old and es- teemed family of that state. Her parents were James and Mary (Groves) Fulwiler, of Virginia. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. White; Iva Mae, now Mrs. Brooks Morris, of Fort Worth, and Lucy W. White, of Baltimore. The White home is located at 1117 College Avenue.

Mr. White died in Fort Worth, Mareh 26, 1924. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Methodist Church. During his residence in Fort Worth, Mr. White took an active interest in civie matters. IĪ℮ was well known throughout Texas as a high-class business man, who was ex- pert in the dry goods line. His appealing person- ality won and held a large number of friends. lis death occasioned sorrow in Abilene and Fort Worth, where he had made his home for more than thirty years. Hle has been missed, both as a friend and a business asset of Fort Worth.

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INDEX

Page

Barber, A. C. 324

Bolin, James M. 579

Bond, LaFayette Washington 822

Adams, Anson L 870

Bardeen, Charles W 345

Bonner, J. H. S. 660

Adams, J. C 574

Bardin, John C. 431

Bonner, Jouette M. 340

Bonner, Shearon 381

Boren, James Henry. 778

Bosworth, Howard T. 807

Aggers, W. A

383

Barnes, Dr. Robert W

315

Barnes, William C.

431

Ailes, O. T.

377

Barnes, William Reeves

803

Bowles, Frank R. 285

Bowser, Oliver Perry 689

Boyer, John Everest 858

Boyd, Harry F 433

Bradford, James Frederick .. 808

Alexander, J. M. 518

Barr, Richard Earle

525

Bradley, Tom C. 336

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 103

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