The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 59

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. Capps was married at Sherman, Texas, on the second day of June, 1887, to Miss Sallie A. Brooke, a native of Sherman, and a daughter of John and Nancy C. (Chaffin) Brooke. Dr. Brooke. a native of Leeds, England, came to the United States as a young man, and was a resident of Texas for many years. Mrs. Brooke was a native of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Capps were the parents of three children, namely: Alba, wife of H. G. Lucas, of Brownwood, Texas; Mattie Mae, wife of Frank M. Anderson, of Fort Worth, and Count Brooke Capps, of Fort Worth. The family honie is located at 1120 Penn Street.

William Capps was an Elk, a Knight of Pythias, a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, the Fort Worth Club, the Rivercrest Country Club, and

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belonged to various social and civic organizations. During the half century of his residence in Fort Worth there were few civic movements in which he did not actively participate. He felt a deep interest in all that pertained to the betterment of the city, contributing generously to all charitable and welfare work, and to any movement that had as its purpose the growth and advancement of the community. Mr. Capps also was very inter- ested in politics, and was one of the best informed men on events of political importance in the city. His death, which occurred on the fifth day of Oc- tober, 1925, was a great loss not only to Fort Worth and his many friends there, but to the entire state.

ILLIAM ELDREDGE SHEETS. Few men connected with the laundry industry in Fort Worth did more toward its advance- ment than William Eldredge Sheets. Mr. Sheets came to Fort Worth in 1899, and began with the Acme Laundry. Then but nineteen years old, he entered the plant with the intention of learning the laundry business from every angle, and as the years passed he advanced through the various departments, and became general manager and vice president of the Acme Laundry. During the quarter of a century he was connected with this laundry he always kept the best interests of the plant and its customers uppermost, and inau- gurated many improvements that played an impor- tant part in the growth of the business. Mr. Sheets was a self-made man, advancing from an humble position to the place of executive in one of the largest laundry plants in Texas entirely through his own efforts, and his ambition and energy in working toward the realization of that ambition.

William Eldredge Sheets was a native of Texas, born in Weatherford, the twenty-third day of Feb- ruary, 1880, a son of A. E. Sheets and Mary Eliz- abeth Sheets. He was educated in the schools of Texas, following which he came to Fort Worth and entered the laundry business.

Mr. Sheets was married in Fort Worth, on the first day of June, 1921, to Miss Lela M. Stitt, a native of this city, and a daughter of Fogg W. Stitt and Vera (Bishop) Stitt, the former a native of Illionis, the latter of Virginia. Mr and Mrs. Sheets had one child, Dorothy Jane. Mr. Sheets also had one child, William Eldredge, Jr., by a for- mer marriage. Mrs. Sheets and her daughter re- side at 1620 Ashland Street.

Mr. Sheets' death occurred in Fort Worth, the twentieth day of February, 1925. He was a Ma- soll, Knight Templar and Shriner, and belonged to the First Christian Church. One of the most prog- ressive men connected with the laundry industry, Mr. Sheets was well known over the state, and had many friends in Fort Worth.

RED SHAW for more than a quarter of a century was a factor in the mercantile business of Texas, where he owned stores in San Antonio, Kaufman, Kemp and other . lina, the latter of Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons points in the state.

A native Texan, Mr. Shaw was born in Prairie- ville, Kaufman County, June 24, 1873. His father Capt. R. B. Shaw, deceased since June 1919, was a native of Alabama, who came to Texas in the early days and for several years was sheriff of Kaufman County.

Captain Shaw was the captain of Texas Cavalry Brigade No. 105, serving throughout the Civil War. Fred Shaw's mother, Mrs. Sue E. ( Vannoy) Shaw, deceased since March 16, 1909, was a member of a Tennessee family. His education was received in the public schools of Kaufman County, and South- western University of Georgetown, Texas. He spent his entire life in the mercantile business and was known as a progressive citizen and merchant.

Mr. Shaw was married in Thornton, Texas, Au- gust 22, 1909, to Miss Effie O. Randall, a native of this state. Mrs. Shaw is a reader and impersona- tor by profession and taught elocution in college for four years. Her father, R. C. Randall, a native of Mississippi, came to Texas in the early days and became a factor in the agricultural and business life of his community. Her mother, Mrs. Minnie S. (Eaton) Randall, a native Texan, was a member of a family who came here from Ten- nessee in the early '50s and settled in Limestone County. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw; Lankford Shaw, who is a student of Texas Tech. The Shaw home is located at 4630 Travis Avenue, Dallas. Mr. Shaw had one child by a prior marri- age, namely, Lois, now Mrs. J. J. Springfield.

Mr. Shaw died in Dallas March 11, 1922. He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Knights of Pythias and other organizations. Mr. Shaw was charitable, public-spirited and of sterling qualities, to whom success meant opportunity for doing good.

FEWTON C. SIMMONS, throughout his busi- ness career in Fort Worth, was connected with the stock business. As a young man, Mr. Simmons began as a bookkeeper for his father, the latter being a member of the firm of Cook-Team & Simmons, dealers in horses and mules in Fort Worth. Mr. Simmons, Sr., establish- ed the first mule barn in Fort Worth, and was a pioneer in the horse and mule business here. New- ton C. Simmons also was associated with this busi- ness during his entire business career, and advanced from the position of bookkeeper to an executive position.

Newton C. Simmons was born at Bruceville, Tex- as, on the seventh day of January, 1886, and was a son of Daniel Price Simmons, and Julia (Hix) Simmons. Daniel Price Simmons, a native of Ala- bama, came to Texas as a young man, and was con- nected with the stock business thereafter. Mrs. Simmons was a native of Texas. Newton C. Sim- mons was educated in the schools of Texas, attend- ing Texas Christian University when it was located at Waco, and known as Add Ran College. He also at- tended military school. During the World war, Mr- Simmons enlisted in the service, spending nine months over-seas with the Thirty-ninth Field Hos- pital Corps. On his return, he resumed his con- nection with the Cook, Team & Simmons Company.

Mr. Simmons was married at Fort Worth, on the ninth day of April, 1918, to Miss Frank Ethel Har- rison, a daughter of J. W. Harrison and Sallie (Fos- ter) Harrison, the former a native of South Caro-

had one child, Julia Catherine Simmons, who, with her mother, resides at 2310 Market Street.

Mr. Simmons' death occurred on the nineteenth day of March, 1924. Ile was a member of the American Legion, Boswell Kane Post, and was known as one of the most progressive young busi- ness men of Fort Worth.

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ARCHIBALD WILLIAM CAMPBELL for more than forty years made his home in Dallas, during that period acquiring pro- perty interests in the city, and engaging in the real estate business. Mr. Campbell came to Texas as a young man, locating in Deni- son, in 1871, and two years later moved to Dallas. Here he entered the real estate business, in which he was thereafter engaged, and built the Campbell Ho- tel, which he operated until his death.

Archibald William Campbell was born in Canada, April 21, 1844, and was a son of Allen Campbell, a merchant and land owner in that country. He was educated in the schools of Canada, but left home as a boy of fourteen, and in the years im- mediately following worked at several different places, finally coming to Texas. He acquired much property in Dallas, this including the Campbell Ilotel, which he operated for many years, city property on the opposite corner from the hotel, and property on Main and Elm Streets, as well as vari- ous pieces of residence property, the majority of his investments being in real estate. In making these investments Mr. Campbell showed unusual dis- crimination, and all investments steadily increased in value. He was one the earliest advocators of street widening in the city and aided in other civic and social affairs. The old Campbell homestead was situated on the property on the southwest corner of Harwood and Elm Streets.

Mr. Campbell was married in Cannington, On- tario, Canada, to Miss Sarah H. Clark, a daughter of Alexander Clark, a merchant in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell had four children, E. J., of Dallas, P. S., a Civil Engineer, living in California; Roy C., of Dallas; and Annette, wife of Peter O'Donnell. The family have resided at 2025 Bryan Street for many years, and are members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Campbell is a Charter mem- ber of the Eastern Star in Dallas, and an associate member of the Dallas Woman's Club, and belongs to the Auxiliary of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Campbell was very active in Masonic work, and in 1901 was elected Grand Junior Warden of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas, this being fol- lowed by his serving for one year as Grand Senior Warden, then Deputy Grand Master, and in 1904 he became Grand Master of the Texas Grand Lodge of Masons, the higliest distinction Texas Free Ma- sons could bestow upon him. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Knight Templar in which bodies he was active. Sam P. Cochran said of him, "Mr. Campbell was a good Mason, an excellent business man and a splendid citizen. He was a man of fine character and stood very high among his friends. He was upright, sober and temperate. He was a member of the building committee that was in charge of the construction of the Masonic Temple at Main and Pearl Streets."

Mr. Campbell was killed on the first day of April, 1917, the automobile which he was driving being hit by a train, he being fatally injured. He was seventy-three years of age, and was actively en- gaged in business until his death. A pioneer of Dallas, Mr. Campbell had done much toward its development through his investments in real estate here, and was held in high esteem by his business associates, and counted his friends by the hundreds.

HARLES EDWIN ANDERSON. For nearly half of a century the name of Charles Ed. win Anderson was closely associated with the history of Austin, and during that time he was connected with many of the important in- dustries of this section, and few men of his time figured more prominently in early development activities. Mr. Anderson was very public-spirited, imbued with a high sense of duty to his community. and gave of his time, his money and his influence, that Austin might prosper. The highest type of Christian manhood, he adopted in all his business relations a high standard of integrity which shad- owed all that he did, and made his life, as a business man and as a citizen, an influence for good.

Charles Edwin Anderson was born in Rusk, Texas, September 28, 1852, the son of James M. and Winifred P. Anderson, the father being one of the most prominent attorneys of his time, and a res- ident of Waco for many years. Charles Edwin Anderson received his education in the public schools of Waco, Baylor University and East- man Business College, Poughkeepsie. . He re- turned to Texas, coming to Austin in 1885 and spent a number of years in the General Land Of- fice. Later he organized the Matadora Land and Cattle Company, and was for many years one of the leading cattlemen of the State. During his connection with the cattle business, Mr. Anderson was greatly interested in the future of this indus- try, which he felt to be one of the most important of Texas. He served as President of the Texas Cattle Raisers' Association and while in that office urged cattlemen to adopt modern methods and to improve the industry generally. After the Spindle Top Oil field came in he was one of the organ- izers and Vice-President of the Haywood Oil Com- pany, and one of the first to operate in this Field. From time to time he invested in various enter- prises in Austin, and much that he did in a busi- ness way was of direct importance in the growth of the city.

Mr. Anderson was married in Bastrop, Texas, to Mrs. Myrtle Rogers Looney, of Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had an ideal married life, he find- ing his greatest delight in home and family and Mrs. Anderson being the true type of helpmate who finds in home and children her chief interest. Mr. Anderson had two children by a former mar- riage, namely, Edwin Anderson, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Winnie Benson. Mrs. Anderson has one daughter also, by a former marriage, namely, Mrs. W. L. Thornton of Dallas.

Mr. Anderson was an Elk, a member of the Aus- tin Country Club of which he was one of the found- ers, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He served for many years on the City Council, using his influence to secure advantages for Aus- tin, and was a leader in public affairs. Generous in the extreme, he gave freely of his means to every worthy cause, and there was no charitable or- . ganization, no church, or educational institution that appealed to him in vain.

Mr. Anderson died in Austin February 27, 1924, his going marking the passing of one of the real builders of Austin. A man who had accounted well for himself in the world, generous and loyal, he counted his friends by the hundreds, and his life was an inspiration to all who knew him.

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SCE GOODWIN. The name of Osce Good- win is interwoven with the progress of Dallas where he was one of the outstand- ing figures in the development of the Elec- tric Railway system, extending for many miles across the broad expanse of the State and entering this city. Mr. Goodwin demonstrated an ability which made him a leader among the business men of Texas and resulted in the upbuilding of the Elec- tric Railway which is of vital importance to the prosperity of this city.

A native of Louisiana, Mr. Goodwin was born July 9, 1862. His father, R. P. Goodwin, a native of South Carolina, was a large land-owner and cot- ton planter of the State of Louisiana. His mother was Mrs. Susan (McLain) Goodwin. His early education was received in the various schools of Louisiana, after which he attended school at Waxa- hachie, Texas, later entering the University of Texas where he pursued literary and law courses, graduating from this institution with the L. L. B. degree. After leaving college Mr. Goodwin estab- lished his home and office at Waxahachie and start- ed his career in the legal profession with Judge W. L. Harding, one of Texas' best known lawyers of his

time. After practicing his profession for a few years, he became associated as cashier with the First National Bank of Waxahachie. While serving in this position he became interested in the Texas Traction Company, at that time in an embryo state. Later, in order to give his entire time and attention to the workings of the Electric Railway, he removed to Dallas, severed all business connections else- where, and became vice president and treasurer of the Texas Electric Railway. Later the original company, of which he was a large stock holder, was merged with the Southern Traction Company and it became the Texas Electric Railway and he was one of the most active officials of this organization, with his heart in the work of making it one of the most successful electric lines of the country and in this he was signally successful.

Mr. Goodwin was married in Waxahachie, to Miss Rosa McMillan, a native of Alabama, and a member of a prominent family. Her father, Judge A. A. McMillan, was a native of North Carolina and was one of the leading jurists of his time in Ala- bama. Her mother, Mrs. Scotta (Mckenzie) Mc- Millan, was a member of an outstanding family of South Carolina, in which State she was reared and educated. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Good- win, Scotta, now Mrs. T. H. Obenchain of Dallas. The Goodwin residence is located at 5509 Hudson Avenue.

Mr. Goodwin died in Chicago on September 9, 1917, and is buried in Waxahachie. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He also held mem- bership in the B. P. O. E., the Woodmen of the World. the Dallas Country Club the Idlewild Club, the Lakewood Country Club, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the First Presbyterian Church of which he was a deacon for several years. Mr. Goodwin was, at all times, awake to his duties which had to do with the progress of this city, where he was known as one of its most enterprising citizens and business men. The will to do was a significant element in the character of Osce Goodwin that blessed Dallas with so many of his good works. With his ability and talent, together with a zeal for service, he reached the executive position of the

highest rank in the realm of the field of electric railways. While Dallas was his adopted home, he loved this city as only a native could and was ever zealous as a teamworker in the development of the city.

Educated for the law, Mr. Goodwin's life was of that ample kind that overflowed the confines of a profession and, with the wide vision that character- ized him, he saw a great future for Dallas and the electric lines that made the paths leading in and out of the great North Texas nietropolis. His was a nature of greatly more than the ordinary warmth and geniality, and these gave to the friendships he established the fervor of fraternal affection. Mr. Goodwin was more than a brilliant business man, he was a genius, and his career brought not only honor to himself but credit to his city and State. He has been missed both as a friend and as a business asset of Dallas,

ILLIAM E. McGRAIN, one of the pioneer business men of Dallas, came here in 1875 and was connected with business interests in this city for thirty-five years. Mr. McGrain first came to Dallas as the represent- ative of St. Louis capitalists, to look after interests in the old Exchange National Bank of Dallas, and was engaged in this work until 1879. He then established the Herferd, Kerfed, McGrain Insurance Company, in which he engaged three years, at which time the firm was sold to Mr. Rein- hart, pioneer Dallas insurance man. Following this Mr. MeGrain became connected with the city government, later being appointed city secretary, which office he held through two administrations. Following this he went with the Gibson Petroleum Company, as field representative, and after several years again returned to the city hall, where he was connected with various city activities for several years. Following this he became chief clerk for the Oriental Laundry, and was with this company until his death.

William E. McGrain was born in Louisville, Ken- tucky, on the twentieth day of February, 1850, and was a son of James and Virginia (Corlett) Mc- Grain. James McGrain, a native of Ireland, came to America from Dublin, with his father, and his brother, Thomas. The latter settled in Indiana, Mr. McGrain, Sr., and his son. James, settled in Louis- ville, where the elder Mr. McGrain engaged in the mercantile business for many years. James McGrain later came to Texas, and took an active part in the war for Texas independence, and was paid for his service in the Texas Army by land grants, receiving two leagues of land in Wichita and Nueces counties. He later returned to Ken- tucky, where he resided until his death. William E. McGrain, the subject of this sketch, was edu- cated in the schools of Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1864 went to Potosi, Missouri. Later he moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, and was assistant state auditor of Missouri, and served under Major - Clark for two terms. Following this he went to St. Louis, and from there came to Texas in 1875.

Mr. McGrain was married in Potosi, Missouri, in October 1872 to Miss Agnes Crane, a daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Shanahan) Crane. Mr. Crane, a native of Ireland, came to America with his wife shortly after their marriage. Mr. Crane was a railroad builder and lived in Boston and Vir-

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¿ Aa for a time, later going to Missouri, where his .25th occurred, in 1878, following which Mrs. Crane sae to Texas and made her home with her daugh- ... Mrs. McGrain. Mrs. McGrain was born in A Inmond, Virginia, and was educated there. Mr. 4. 1 Mrs. McGrain had three daughters, Miss Agnes, .: Dallas; Miss Kate, of Dallas, and Louise, wife of smuel C. Weller, automobile man of Dallas.

Mr. McGrain was a Knight of Pythias. The crater part of his life in Dallas Mr. McGrain was .. "nected with municipal affairs, and made a splen- : : record as city secretary and as deputy tax asses- y :, both of which offices he held for years. His .rath occurred on the seventh day of February, :. 11. Mr. and Mrs. McGrain lived for many years :: 1627 St. Louis Street, to which home they moved * June, 1882 but Mrs. McGrain later sold this prop- enty and resided at 5020 Victor Street until her death Nov. 29, 1928.

ILLIAM ANDREW (FARMER) SHAW, widely known writer and publisher, humor- ist, lawmaker, prominent and helpful citizen, throughout his eventful life was 37 agent for the upbuilding of Texas and an aid *o its citizenship.

A native of Arkansas, Mr. Shaw was born in avier County, May 16, 1846. His father died before he was born and Mr. Shaw was reared by . widowed mother, who brought him to Texas 2 1854 when he was eight years of age, settling = Burnet County, where they lived for two years Arfore making their permanent home in Austin where he started his education. At the outbreak of the war between the States Mr. Shaw enlisted in the Confederate Army. He first served in Green's regiment and later was transferred to McNally's Scouts, being on active duty with this organization. After the close of the Civil war he located in Galveston where he engaged in the printing busi- "rss. which was the beginning of his successful + :siness career. With his half-brother, Louis i"aylock, who for many years has been one of Dal- as' most prominent citizens, serving this city as its chief executive, the partnership of Shaw & Blay- "rk was organized in 1866. The firm published Galveston Journal for many years, Mr. Shaw entributing the greater part of the matter con- 'sined therein, he being at that early day con- !ered an aggressive as well as a practical writer. After two years in the publishing business at i'veston, young Shaw sold his interest in the om and went to St. Louis to study, as his educa- ' n up to this time had been very limited, and after a few years was graduated from Arcadia College. During the period in which he was at- 'ending college, he worked for St. Louis news- " apurs, and earned a part of his schooling expenses " this way, besides getting a good knowledge of **** paper operations. In 1874 he returned to Culveston and the firm of Shaw & Blaylock was reorganized. In 1875 he went to Illinois and poon his return to the Island City was accompanied y his wife, having made the trip for the purpose ! being married. About this time, the publication . f the Christian Advocate was started and this r& rindical survives to this day. The publication ' the "Texas Farmer" was undertaken in 1880, " led to his being familiarly known throughout Texas as "Farmer Shaw". In 1887 the firm of

Shaw & Blaylock removed to Dallas and the publi- cation of the two papers was continued from this city. In 1894 the firm was dissolved, although Mr. Shaw continued the publication of the "Texas Farmer" until his retirement from business on ac- count of ill health in 1911. Throughout his career Mr. Shaw was interested in politics, taking an active part in many campaigns. He was especially active in the Hogg-Clark campaign, which attracted nation-wide attention, being a supporter and a very close friend of Governor J. S. Hogg. Though often urged, he consistently refused to accept any appointment from Governor Hogg. Mr. Shaw served in the 27th Legislature, being elected to this body from Dallas County in 1900. Prior to the commission form of government, he served for several years as alderman of Oak Cliff and took an active part in the campaign for the an- nexation of Oak Cliff to Dallas. After the sale of the Texas Farmer, Mr. Shaw devoted the great- er part of his time to practical farming, although he continued to reside in Oak Cliff.

Mr. Shaw was married at Lebanon, Illinois, February 1, 1875, to Miss Julia Ann Keach, a native of Astoria, Illinois, but who was brought to Galveston, Texas, by her parents when nine years of age. Her father, Elias Keach, was a mem- ber of a pioneer family of Ohio. Her mother, Mrs. Mary McNeal Keach, was a member of a prominent family of Illinois. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw three of whom are living: W. A., Jr., well-known Dallas business man; Irene, now Mrs. C. C. Jones and Roy R. The Shaw home is located at 237 South Lancaster street, Oak Cliff.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 59

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