The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 61

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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HOMAS DICK HOVENKAMP was a pio- neer farmer of Tarrant County, Texas, where he also was one of the best known and esteemed men of his time in his sec- tion of the state. Ile was progressive in his ideas and these he put into execution, having learned at an early age, thrift and industry and other sturdy virtues. Mr. Hovenkamp was a constant worker for the upbuilding and betterment of his community, and took a leading part in every en- terprise for that purpose. He was educated for the law, and after receiving his degree from col- lege, he returned to Texas, starting the practice of his profession in Fort Worth, and, in a short time, built up a large practice. He soon found that law was not to his liking, and after a few years return- ed to the country home in Tarrant County, where he was born, and engaged in farming. He was a successful farmer and never left the field of agri- culture, although he served as tax assessor of Tar- rant County for a period of nine years to the entire satisfaction of the people.

A native Texan, Mr. Hovenkamp was born in Birdville, Tarrant County, February 15, 1860, of parents who came from Kentucky in the early days and were among the pioneer settlers of this county. His father. Edward Hovenkamp, born and reared in Kentucky, was one of the leading farmers of this part of Texas. Ilis mother, Mrs. Belle (Arthur) Hovenkamp, was a member of one of Kentucky's oldest families. His education was received in the public schools of Tarrant County, the schools of Thorp Springs, Texas, and the law college in Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he graduated. 1

Mr. Hovenkamp was married in Birdville, Texas, November 13, 1889, to Miss Minnie Boaz, a native of Birdville and a member of a pioneer Tarrant County family. Iler parents. R. Boaz and Mrs. Lucy (Pinsley) Boaz, were natives of Kentucky, Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoven- kamp, four of whom are living: Ed. Bena. now Mrs. John Brooks; Arthur F., and Mary, all of Birdville.

Mr. Hovenkamp died in Birdville, August 19. 1916. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., Mod- ern Woodmen of the World and the Christian . Church. Mr. Hovenkamp was a substantial citi- zen. not only of his community, but of Tarrant County and of Texas. Few men have served their communities as nobly and as effectively as did Mr. Ilovenkamp. llis success in his chosen field served to inspire him to greater efforts. He was a man his.community learned to depend upon for its prog- ress and achievement.

705

MEN OF TEXAS

LOYD J. HOLMES, of Fort Worth, for many years was prominently identified with the oil industry of the Lone Star State, where he organized several large companies, in each of which he was one of the chief executives.

A native Texan, Mr. Holmes was born in Nocona, Montague County, December 15, 1885. His father, the late Rev. T. Jeff Holmes was one of the early settlers of Montague County, where he was engaged in farming and preaching, as he also was a Baptist minister. Rev. T. Jeff Holmes was an Indian fighter, having many encounters with the redskins in the early days of Texas. He also was a hunter and brought many loads of buffalo hides to the Fort Worth market. Floyd J. Holmes' mother, Mrs. Dora (Deaton ) Holmes, was a native of this state and a member of a pioneer family. Her father, born and reared in Texas, was in the cattle business in Callahan County for many years. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public and high schools of Nocona. As a young man, he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He then, for a few years, engaged in the cattle business on a small scale in Montague County, after which he moved to Petrolia, Texas, and in 1910 started in the oil business there. He bought and sold leases in large numbers, and was successful in his lease trading. In 1913 he became associated as confidential agent with Edward Swift, of Chicago and traveled Texas, Oklahoma, Cali- fornia and Mexico until 1918. He then organized the Planet Petroleum Oil Company during the latter part of that year. Mr. Holmes was general manager of this company with offices in Fort Worth, and had holdings in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. In 1921 he sold this company and or- ganized the Comet Petroleum Company, in- corporated for $250,000. of which he was the president and general manager. The Comet Petroleum Company operated in Texas, and was one of the most successful of its time. Mr. Holmes was interested in other enterprises in Fort Worth. He organized and financed the Mid-Continent Supply Company and was one of its directors. In 1922 he purchased the six-story Fort Worth Club building, Sixth and Main Streets, and renamed it the Holmes' Building.

Mr. Holmes was married in St. Jo, Texas, May 28, 1906, to Miss Alma Wegener, a native of this state and a member of one of its pioneer families. Her father, the late Ernest Wegener, came to Texas in the late '60s and settled in Cooke County where he became a successful grain grower. Her mother, Mrs. Alice Reimers Wegener, was a native of Germany. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes: Woodrow Floyd, who is a student . of the Fort Worth High School. The Holmes home is located at 2516 Ryan Place Drive.

Mr. Holmes died September 21, 1927, in Los Angeles, while on a visit to that city. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner of Moslah Temple, a member of the Fort Worth Club, the Rotary Club and the Broadway Baptist Church. During his residence in Fort Worth, he was active in movenients for the advancement of his city and gave liberally of his aid and time and means to these activities. After his death Mrs. Holmes, who had familiarized herself with his various business interests during his lifetime, took charge of his business and has proved herself to be one of the

leading business women of Fort Worth. Mr. Holmes was known as one of Texas' most enter- prising citizens, and this asset coupled with his splendid personality, made him a leader. He had many friends throughout the state, not only in the oil industry, but from every walk of life. His in- fluence for good covered a wide field and his place in the commercial life of Texas and in the hearts of his many friends has not been filled.

THOMAS FEARN MASTIN, of Fort Worth, was a pioneer in the ranching and bank- ing activities of this state, where for forty years he owned and operated one of the leading cattle ranches of Hill County and was president of the First National Bank of Grandview.

A native of Alabama, Mr. Mastin was born in Huntsville, June 7, 1851. Ilis father, G. L. Mastin. was a native of Virginia and a member of one of the best known families of that state. His mother. Mrs. Mary Eleanor (Fearn) Mastin, was a member of the Shelby family of Kentucky. His early education was received in private schools of Alabama, and the Virginia Military Institute. After a few years spent in the latter, he entered the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in both law and literary departments. After

leaving college, he became the secretary of the supreme court of Alabama, at Montgomery, and remained in this position for seven or eight years. In 1883, he moved to Hill County, Texas, where his ranch, known as Island Grove, was one of the most picturesque in Hill County. For fourteen years he lived on this ranch and in Grandview, which was the nearest town to his ranch property. During this period, he was president of the First National Bank of Grandview, and was one of the best known bankers of this part of Texas. In 1913 he moved to Fort Worth, but retained his cattle ranch in Hill County, which had been stocked with improved cattle.

Mr. Mastin was married in Nashville, Tennessee, January 17, 1878, to Miss Mazie Bates, a member of one of the most prominent families of Tennes- see. Her father, William Brimage Bate, was a major in the Confederate army during the Civil war. He held the highest offices with the gift of the citizenship of the State of Tennessee, being elected twice to the governorship of his state and was four times elected to the United States sen- ate, serving nearly twenty-four years as a member of this body, and died while a member. Her mother, Mrs. Julia (Peete) Bate, was a member of one of the outstanding families of the State of Alabama, having been born in Huntsville. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mastin: Wil- liam Bate, of Fort Worth: Mary Eleanor, now Mrs. John S. Douglass of Galveston; Thomas Fearn and Julian Brimage, both of Fort Worth. Mrs. Mastin resides in Fort Worth.

Mr. Mastin died in Fort Worth. September 28, 1923. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Coming to Texas in the pioneer days, he did much for its development and aided every project for the improvement of its ranch and cattle activities. As a banker, he was one of the most efficient and best loved of his time, and much of the success achieved by the institution of which he was the head, was due to his ability and strong personality. The many attributes of Mr. Mastin endeared him to a wide host of friends.

706

FLOYD J. HOLMES

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

HEODORE A. ALTMAN for many years was one of the outstanding lawyers of Fort Worth, to which city he moved in 1890 from Burnet and became associated with i: bert W. Flournoy, one of the leading lawyers „! his time in that city, and engaged in a general practice of law. This firm represented many of the important interests of Fort Worth, and some As far distant as St. Louis. This association con- .. nued until 1900 when Mr. Altman went to Pres- ett, Arizona for the benefit of his health, but continued the practice of his profession while re- aling there. In 1910 he returned to this city and associated himself with O. W. Gillespie, this part- sership continuing until 1915 when he was ap- pointed city attorney. He held this office until 1:17 when he returned to his private practice. Mr. Altman was the recipient of many positions of honor and trust at the hands of his fellow men, all of which he filled to the satisfaction of the people, and his adherence to high ethical standards and his success in caring for his clients rights brought him distinction as a lawyer.

A native son of Texas, Mr. Altman was born in Burnet, December 24, 1866. His father, John Altman, a native of Alabama, came to Texas in the early days and was a pioneer rancher of Burnet County. John Altman served throughout the Civil War as a Confederate soldier, coming to Texas soon after the close of hostilities. The education of the subject of this sketch was received in the schools of Burnet. After leaving school, he taught school in this county for several years, and read law during his spare moments. Later he was em- ployed in the law offices of Ward & Hammond at Burnet and studied under Mr. Ward. He passed the bar examination in Burnet. Texas, in 1888, and started the practice of law in that little city, among the friends who had known him all his life. He continued there until he came to Fort Worth. Mr. Altman was an enthusiastic worker for Fort Worth and helped to bring many worthwhile enter- prises to this city.

Mr. Altman was married in Burnet, Texas, June 1. 1911, to Miss Thula Cole. a native Texan, and a member of a pioneer family of this state. Her father. James Cole, came to Texas with his parents as a boy eleven years of age, in 1838. He entered the army of the South at the beginning of the Civil war and served during the conflict. After the close of the war. he returned to South Texas where he engaged in farming and stock raising. lle later retired and came to Fort Worth where he died at the age of eighty-nine years. The Altman home is located at 1506 Hurley Street.

Mr. Altman died in Fort Worth, September 7. 1920. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and for many years held an important office with this · organization. He also was a member of the Sons of Texas Improvement League. the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Presbyterian Church. During his life he was keenly interested in the education of the Texas youth and served on the school board of Fort Worth from 1913 to 1915. The death of no member of the Fort Worth bar "ver caused more sincere sorrow than did that of Mr. Altman. He was kindly, courageous and genial. and commanded not only the respeet, but the sin- cere and effectionate regard, of the entire circle of his acquaintances. As a resident of Fort Worth he contributed the leadership and standing of a

respected member of the bar as well as the in- fluence of a Southern gentleman of the old school, in all relations of life.

ILLIAM JESSE BOAZ, for almost a half century, was an important factor in the financial and business life of Fort Worth where he was associated with three leading banks, one of which he organized. In addition to these interests, he was active in every movement for the upbuilding of Fort Worth and gave liberally of his material aid and time to every project having as its object the progress and development of his city.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Boaz was born in Hickman County, August 26, 1840. His father. Samuel Boaz, a native of Virginia, but reared in Kentucky, was a leader in the business and social life of the latter. His mother, Mrs. Agnes (Freeman) Boaz, was a native of North Carolina and a member of an outstanding family. His education was received in a log school house, the term lasting about three months each year. He was reared on a Kentucky farm, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he en- listed and served throughout the war in the Confederate Army. In 1860, he came to Fort Worth where he engaged in the mercantile business for about four years. He then sold his store and purchased stock in the California and Texas Bank of Fort Worth which he served as president. Some years later he became associated with the Traders National Bank of Fort Worth as vice-president and for about eight years remained in this official position, after selling his stock in the latter he organized the American National Bank with which he was associated the remainder of his life.

Mr. Boaz was married in Guadalupe County, Texas, August 22, 1868, to Miss Mary Bell Ander- son, a native of Rusk County, Texas, and a member of a pioneer family. Her father, William Ander- son, a native of Kentucky, came to Texas in the early days and became a farmer and stock raiser of Rusk County, where he was well known and held in the highest esteem. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Temple (Dickson) Anderson, was a native of Shelbyville, Tennessee, and a member of one of the outstanding families of that city and state. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boaz, the surviving are Mariola, now Mrs. L. B. Comer; Sam D., Clement A., Wallace P., Ernest O. and Jessie, now Mrs. C. C. Gumm. The deceased children are Luther I., who was a banker and William L., who died at the age of ten. The Boaz home is located at 1418 Elizabeth Boulevard.

Mr. Boaz died in Fort Worth, December 14, 1916. He was a member of the Southern Methodist Church. He did much to assist in the making of Fort Worth into the modern city which it is today. Mr. Boaz was a strong and benevolent personality, closely identified with the social, civic, business and financial life of Fort Worth and contributed to many of the churches, and schools. A leader in the profession of banking he was a steadfast ex- ponent of its highest standards. As a member of the first city council of this city, he made his influence felt in laying the foundation for the great Fort Worth of today. He had many friends throughout the Southwest, who knew him for his absolute sincerity of character.

707

MEN OF TEXAS

OHN STUDEBAKER WITWER, of Dallas, for more than four decades was one of the leading implement dealers of this city, owning and operating the implement busi- ness conducted under the firm name of J. S. Witwer. In addition to his business, Mr. Witwer was one of the most active men of his time in the civic and social affairs of Dallas, being a constant worker for its upbuilding and betterment.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Witwer was born in Willow Grove, June 11, 1850. His father, Rev. Geo. Witwer, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Ohio in the early '30s, and his forbears were members of the Holland Dutch who came to Pennsylvania in the early days of that state. Rev. Witwer was a minister of the German Baptist Church and lived and preached in his native state, Indiana and Mis- souri, dying in the last named state at an advanced age. His mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Studebaker) Witwer, was a native of Ohio and a member of one of its distinguished families. She was a sister of John Studebaker, famed throughout the vehicle and automobile world as one of its premier manu- facturers and financiers. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Indiana and Ohio. As a young man he entered the implement business representing the Stude- baker line and so continued throughout his life.

Mr. Witwer was married in LaPorte, Indiana, August 16, 1871, to Miss Florence C. Buck, a native of Indiana, and a direct descendent of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Her father, Alvin Buck, for many years was a leader in the cheese manu- facturing industry of Massachusetts. Her mother, Mrs. Alvira (Wadsworth) Buck, was a daughter of General Wadsworth, who captured General Pres- cott's silver cup which is still in the family and prized very highly. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Witwer: Ella, now Mrs. P. G. Clai- borne; Clare Witwer, a well known cotton buyer of Dallas; Louise, now Mrs. J. H. Pierson. and Wilbur Witwer, a well known business man of Dallas where for several years he has been a repre- sentative of an Eastern firm here. The Witwer residence is located on Ross avenue, among the old homes of the representative citizenship of another day and generation. Mrs. Witwer now resides at the Melrose Court.

Mr. Witwer died in Dallas. December 28, 1912. During his life he occupied many positions of honor and trust. He served as postmaster of Dallas for four years and it was largely through his personal effort that Dallas obtained a first- class post office in the early days. He was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and for many years served as a deacon of this denomination. He had many friends in Dallas and throughout the country and was one of the most charitable men of his time. He did much for the good of Dallas and his influence was always evident for those things which he conceived to be for the improvement of his city. Of an old and honored family, he em- bodied and exemplified the traditions of the early pioneers, the Holland Dutch, who ventured into the unknown places of America and won for civilization. Mr. Witwer was a gentleman of the old school, a modern business man and a friend to every one, loved by all who knew him.

R. LEE MAXWELL NANCE for many years was one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Dallas, Texas, and also was one of this city's most progressive citizens and loved by all who knew him. In addition to his work in the field of medicine Dr. Nance took an active part in the fraternal, civic and social life of Dallas where he exerted an influence for good throughout a wide range of the city's activities.

A native of Mississippi, Dr. Nance was born at Crofford on November 2nd, 1873. His father, James Nance, a native of North Carolina, was carried to Mississippi by his parents when a small child, and grew to manhood in that state. When the clouds of war began to gather, James Nance was one of the first to volunteer for service and served during the Civil War with General Lee, and was wounded in battle, but not incapacitated. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Emily (Toland) Nance, was a native of Mississippi and a member of one of that state's most prominent families. Her uncle, Hugh H. Toland, was the founder of Toland University, which is now the University of California. His education was started in the public schools of St. Louis, Missouri, after which he attended the A. and M. College of Mississippi, graduating from this institution with the B. A. degree. He then became a student of the University of California, entering the medi- cal department, where he remained for several years and then came to Texas and entered Baylor University, receiving his degree of M. D. from this college. During the World War, Dr. Nance was in the Medical Reserve Corps and offered his services to the Mississippi State Charity Hospital at Vicksburg, Mississippi. In 1920, he became a F. A. C. S. at Montreal, Canada.

Dr. Nance was married in Vicksburg, Mississippi, June 4, 1913, to Miss Dorothy Rose, a native of Vicksburg and a member of one of Mississippi's most prominent families. Her father. J. B. Rose, was a native of Tennessee. Her grandfather, Zakariah Rose, was a native of North Carolina and her great-grandfather, Francois Rose, a native of Anvergrie, France, came to America with LaFayette in 1777, and fought in the war of the Revolution with the Colonial armies. He settled in Maryland and married Elizabeth Ford of Maryland, removing to North Carolina where Zakariah Rose was born, seventh in order of birth. Zakariah Rose married Sarah Cate Birch of the Birch family, for many generations prominent in the State of Tennessee, and he later became a member of the Baptist church. Her mother, Mrs. Nancy (Ensiminger) Rose was a member of a well known family of Athens, Tennessee. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Nance: Lee Maxwell, Jr., William Rose and Dorothy Rose Nance. The Nance home is located at 3718 Holland Avenue.

Dr. Nance died at Dallas, Texas, on December 1st, 1924. Dr. Nance was a 33rd degree Mason and a Shriner of this order. He was a member of the Baptist church. As a citizen, a physician and a friend Dr. Nance distinguished himself in such a way that the loss involved in his death has been keenly and widely felt. As a resident of Dallas he contributed the leadership and standing of an esteemed member of the medical fraternity as well as the influence of a Southern gentleman in all relationships of life.

708

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

AROLD WILSON WALKER was well known in the business circles of Dallas, where as an executive of the Walker Realty Company he handled some of the

largest realty transactions ever consummated in this part of the state. Although Mr. Walker was educated in law, he practiced this profession only a short time.

A native son of Texas, Mr. Walker was born in Claude, Armstrong County, November 6, 1896. His father, Judge A. W. Walker, of Dallas, a native of Louisiana, for many years was engaged in the practice of law in Dallas and also was judge of a civil court here for some time. Mr. Walker was educated in the public schools, at Polytechnic College in Fort Worth, Baylor University of Waco, University of Texas and Cumberland University of Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received his law degree. After leaving college, Mr. Walker re- turned to Texas and started the practice of his profession at Van Alstyne, Grayson County, later becoming associated with the Walker Realty Com- pany of Dallas. He was a veteran of the World war and his record was noteworthy. He served in the United States Marine Corps from May 3rd, 1918 to June 18th, 1919, and was with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, A. E. F. in France. He was an officer of Company C. Casual Battery at Quantico, Virginia, prior to sailing for France. In testimony to his service in the United States Marine Corps, the following letters signed by C. E. Nutting, Major, assistant adjutant and inspector United States Marine Corps, was sent to Mr. Walker January 31, 1925, from Washington, D. C: "Inclosed you will find the insignia listed below to which you are entitled for your services in U. S. Marine Corps: Victory Medal, St. Mihiel Battle Clasp, Meuse-Argonne Battle Clasp, Defensive Sector Battle Clasp, Three Bronze Stars and Silver Victory Button." He also received the French Citation "L'Order De'L' Armee." In 1924 at the solicitation of his many friends he consented to enter the race for lieutenant governor of Texas, but withdrew some weeks prior to the primary election. Several years prior to that time he was a condidate for mayor of Dallas and in the opinion of his many friends would have made a good head of this municipality.

Mr. Walker was married April 23, 1925, in Fort Worth to Miss Olive May Jones, a native of Palo Pinto County, Texas. where she was a member of a pioneer family. Her father, John N. Jones, a native of Tennessee, was brought to Texas as a child by his parents, where he grew to manhood and lived the remainder of his life. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Belle (Bates) Jones, a native Texan, was born in Bell County, where her father had settled prior to the Civil war. The Walker home is located at 1 A, 4030 Lemmon avenue.

Mr. Walker died in Dallas, May 4. 1925. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Hella Temple Shrine. His A. F. and A. M. membership was with Trinity Lodge No. 1048 of Van Alstyne.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 61

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