The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 66

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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ILLIAM ANDREW JOHNSON FAIR came to Dallas from Tennessee in 1906. pur- chased Dallas property and was engaged in the real estate business for several years. handling his own properties mostly but some for clients. He also was engaged in building, and near his beautiful home at 3509 Ross Avenue, he built several residences besides much building in other parts of the city, where he had purchased vacant property soon after locating in Dallas, see- ing the wonderful future for this city.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Fair was born April 29, 1850. His parents, James and Stacy (Lenvill) Fair were natives of Pennsylvania and members of well known families of their respective com- munities. His education was received in the schools of Tennessee.

After leaving school, Mr. Fair farmed with his father, in Tennessee, but after a few years removed to Bristol where he engaged in the real estate busi- ness. After several successful years in this field. his health failed and he came to Dallas, where in order to be outdoors he again engaged in the

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real estate line. Although he was a busy man, he : . and time to devote to civic and religious af- 's rs while residing here, besides assisting in every way in the development of this city.

Mr. Fair was married in Bristol, Tennessee, August 29, 1878, to Miss Emma Carriley Ferguson, a native of Virginia. Her paternal grand-father was one of the early settlers of Virginia and the family was associated with the State's affairs :roughout the several generations. Her parents, Hagh D. and Mrs. Fannie Aiken (Tysinger) Fer- g.son, also were natives of Virginia. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fair: Juanita, 110W y.s. J. B. Long of Dallas; Stacy Cleo, now the w.fe of Judge S. E. Taylor of San Angelo, Texas; Rob Roy, well known real estate man of Dallas; Willian Wren of Dallas, Assistant Chief to the General Passenger Agent of the Texas and Pacific Calroad, and Leta, now Mrs. H. R. Boren of Dallas. The Fair home at 3509 Ross Avenue has been their residence for more than two decades.

Mr. Fair died in Dallas, September 30, 1909. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and of commercial and civic organizations of the city. Al- though a resident of Dallas for only three years, he made many friends, who knew him to be a man of fine character who had lived a righteous life.

ENRY HAMILTON was a pioneer merchant of Dallas and for forty-five years was a leading spirit in the commercial life of this city where during this period he was asso- ciated with several of its leading enterprises and also was associated with every movement having as its object the development and advancement of Dallas. Mr. Hamilton came to Dallas when it was a mere village, without railroad or street car ser- vice. He was a very young man but he had faith in the future of this city which he helped to build and he lived to see his judgment vindicated. Mr. Hamil- ton's first venture in the business life of Dallas, was in a paint and wall paper store, which, with Mr. Horton, he started in a small way under the firm name of Hamilton & Horton. This business grew with the years, keeping pace with the growth of the city and the firm name was in later years changed to Hamilton & Young, through the sale of his partner's interest. After a few years, Mr. Hamilton purchased Mr. Young's interest, becoming the sole owner of the establishment which had Frown to large proportions. After a few years Mr. Hamilton sold his paint and paper store and with his associates organized the Lone Star Life Insur- ance Company of which he became vice-president. He had a share in building this insurance company into one of the largest of its kind of that time. He continued in the insurance business until 1916 when he retired from all business activities. Dur- re the period in which he was active in business, Mr. Hamilton invested largely in Dallas real estate and was connected with various other business enterprises, being a director of the American Ex- change National Bank of Dallas and the Texas Mid- 'and Railroad. Although he was a busy man, he al- ways had time to devote to civic matters and orved as alderman in Mavor Connor's administra- "on. He was active in the Citizen's Association ved managed the Henry Lindsley campaign which friulted in his election to the position of Mayor '! Dallas. Mr. Hamilton was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Central Christian Church.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Hamilton was born in Danville, November 29, 1854. His father, Henry Hamilton, a native of Kentucky also, for many years was one of the leading merchants of Danville. His mother, Mrs. Nannie (Hughes) Hamilton, was a native of Kentucky and a member of a pioneer family of that State. His parents came to Texas in 1880 and spent the remainder of their lives in the Lone Star State. His education was received in Center College in Danville, Kentucky after which he attended college in Louisville, coming to Texas and starting his business career when only eighteen years of age.

. Mr. Hamilton was married in Weatherford, Texas, November 26, 1879, to Miss Hattie E. Rice, a native of Dallas and a member of an outstanding family of this city. Her father, Dr. Anderson D. Rice, a native of Kentucky was educated in Louis- ville Medical College and came to Texas about 1854 and started the practice of his profession in this State, where he became one of the leading physicians of his time. Dr. Rice served as Mayor of Dallas in 1858-59, and during the period in which he lived here he was active in the development of Dallas and in real estate. He was a Past Master of the A. F. and A. M., active in Masonic work and a charter member of the First Methodist Church and the first superintendent of sunday school of this church, also the leader of the singing. Dr. Rice was a Southern gentleman of the old school, loved by all who knew him. He died in Dallas Octo- ber 10, 1869, and was buried in the old Masonic Cemetery here. Her mother, Mrs. Zeriah (Beeler) Rice, was a member of a prominent Virginia family who came to Texas in 1854. Four children, all of whom are boys, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamil- ton : Claude R., married to Theresa Dombs and is a resident of Los Angeles: Charles A., married to Beatrice Malone, is a resident of Dallas where for many years he has been active in the drug business; Graham, married to Ethel Williams is a resident of Dallas and has one child: Mary Elizabeth. The old family home of the Hamiltons is located at 2101 Bryan Street. When this residence was built, it was considered almost out in the country from the business district, but now the business district has built up to it.

Mr. Hamilton died at the old home in Dallas. Texas, January 3 1919. No man did more toward promoting the business welfare of Dallas than Hen- ry Hamilton. He was one of those pioneer business men whose progressive spirit raised the city to metropolitan proportions and made it the distribu- ting headquarters of the Southwest for all kinds of merchandise. He was a man who has been missed both as a friend and as a business asset of Dallas. where he left a host of friends from every walk of life.

Mrs. Hamilton, since the death of Mr. Hamilton. has resided at the Sanger Hotel. She has been an active figure in every movement of a civic nature for the advancement of her city. She is a member of the Daughters of 1812. Daughters of the Con- federacy. the Eastern Star of which organization she is a Past Matron. Mizpah Club and the Method- ist Church. She is especially active in church and missionary work and has done much to further many of the organizations having this work in hand. She is one of the most loved women of Dallas. where she is widely known for her many charities and good, Christian work along many lines.

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ILLIAM JAMES ODOM was a true type of self-made man who, unassisted, made his own way to the top of the ladder of learning and business success and devoted several years of his life to teaching in order to encourage other youths to emulate his example. This he did although handicapped by the loss of the right limb below the knee. Later he entered the business world at Dallas and for almost fifteen years was a leader in his particular field. He was the father of the driverless rent car service of Dallas and one of the most successful Ford car dealers of Texas.

A native Texan, Mr. Odom was born in Rusk, June 16, 1884. His father, Charles Ball Odoni, also a native of this state, throughout his life was actively engaged in farming in East Texas and was known as one of the successful members of this fraternity. His mother, Mrs. Rebecca Bird (Hassell) Odom, was a native of Anderson, Texas, and a member of one of Grimes county's out- standing families. His early education was ob- tained in the public schools of Rusk, Texas. He left home at the age of sixteen years and entered the Texas State Teachers' Normal College at Huntsville from which he received a permanent teacher's certificate. With this certificate and his strong personality as his principal assets, he started teaching at the Denton College of Indus- trial Arts where he remained for several years and then attended the University of Texas, at Austin, teaching at various times, his entire teaching experience at Waxahachie, Palmer and Ennis covering a period of nine years. While it is a wide range from professorship in a leading Texas college to the life of a cowboy on a primi- tive Texas ranch, this is what Mr. Odom did, in order to enjoy the freedom and regain his former health, remaining for two years on the Slaughter ranch in West Texas. In 1914 he came to Dallas and started his business career in this city in the automobile rent service at 2227 Bryan street, where he organized the driverless rent service and his business soon increased until he was forced to seek larger quarters. He then removed to 1310 Commerce street, opposite the Adolphus Hotel, and as soon as located in this place MIr. Odom went to Chicago where he purchased and installed the Yellow Cabs in this city and also in Fort Worth, further extending his already large business by installing the Dollar Dodge Sedan and rent service. He also maintained a Ford salesroom on Commerce street and in Fort Worth, handling new Ford cars and in this additional business he exceeded any and all Ford dealers in Fort Worth in point of sales. After his very successful business venture Mr. Odom entered the investment business, with offices at 711 Main street, which he continued for many years with the same success that marked his noteworthy success in his automobile innovations.

Mr. Odom was married at Mineral Wells, Texas, August 4, 1919 to Miss Kate Harris, of Dallas and a member of a pioneer Texas family. Her father, Herman Harris, a native of Hamburg, Germany, who came to America and to Texas as a young man was the owner of the first packing house in Dallas and also was an extensive cattle raiser and dealer. Iler mother, Mrs. Hectoria Marie (Peyton) Harris, was a native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky and a member of a prominent family of that city and state. Her father was a large

plantation and slave owner of Kentucky prior to the Civil War. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Odom: William James Odom, Jr., four years of age and Katy Gertrude Odom, age six years. The Odom home is located at 5702 Vanderbilt Drive.

Mr. Odom died at Jacksonville, Texas, February 16, 1927. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and had been an active worker in this organization for many years. He also held membership in the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and other civic and social organizations of this city, where he was known as one of its most progressive business men and helpful citizens. During the World war, Mr. Odom offered his services to the United States government, but on account of having lost a portion of one of his limbs, he was rejected, although he tried all branches of the service. He was widely known as a hunter and sportsman throughout the States and Mexico, having on numerous occasions visited and hunted on former . President Obregon's Hacienda in Mexico, also on the ranch of Mr. J. M. Dobe, a wealthy landowner of Cotulla, Texas. Mr. Odom was one of a family of six children, born in Texas and all are still residents of this state: Mrs. Edna Fielder of East Texas; the subject of this sketch being the second child; Mrs. Kate Bell, a resident of Prosper, Texas; Joe, of Prosper; Gilbert, of Rusk, and Roy, for many years a popular salesman, of Dallas. Financially Mr. Odom was one of the best known business men of Texas and his credit was unlimited at the various banking institutions, on his open note. The business which he established, the W. J. Odom Investment Com- pany, 711 Main street, Dallas, since his death has been operated by Mrs. Odom, who is known as one of the most skilled business women of this city. Although Mr. Odom was a busy man, he found time to devote to the civic betterment of Dallas and gave liberally of his material aid to every worthy project. He was one of the most progressive men of his time and many years may pass before Dallas and its citizenship sees his like again, straight-forward, and an advocate of the highest standards in all business transactions.

BEVERLY SCOTT, of Dallas, Texas, had a wide and varied career in both his busi- ness life and in public office which he started as a clerk in a general merchandise store, later holding many positions of honor and trust in both the city of Dallas and of Dallas county.

A native of Virginia, Mr. Scott was born in Lynchburg, May 29, 1853. His father, Dr. Roy Beverly Scott, also a native of Virginia, came to Texas before the Civil war, when the subject of this sketch was only four years of age. The Scott family was a member of a caravan comprising more than one hundred families and about three hundred slaves, who removed to Texas and settled in Dallas County, just north of this city and after the close of the war, the Scott family removed to Dallas. His mother, Mrs. Lucy Ann (Holcomb) Scott, was a member of a prominent family of Virginia. His education was obtained in Professor Scales' school for boys in Dallas, Texas. He started his career in the business world as a clerk in a general merchandise store, where he remained for three years and he then clerked in a grocery establish- ment for about six months, after which he made

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the race fer county tax assessor and was elected ., this office, in which he served for six years,

Je then was elected to the office of county clerk, which he held for four years, after which he en- asked in the real estate business. remaining in this ... of work for several years. During the regime ! Mr. William Holland as the mayor of Dallas, Mr. Scott was made street and bridge commissioner, and served with distinction in this office .. Mr. wcott was perhaps the best known real estate man ! Dallas of his time, and was regarded as an expert on valuation of both city and farm proper- Des.

Mr. Scott was married in Dallas, January 1, !.. 0, to Miss Mary Mildred Salmons, a native of Kentucky and a member of one of the foremost families of that state. Her father, J. M. Salmons, was after coming to Texas, engaged in the cattle dustry, owning much ranch land and large herds : cattle which he shipped to the northern and eastern markets. Her mother, Susan Gardner (Saunders) Salmons, was a native of Virginia, but had lived for many years in Kentucky. Mr. Scott's ancestors were the Spottswood families of Virginia, numbered among whom was Alexander Spotts- wood, who was the first royal governor of Virginia. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Camilla Beverly, now Mrs. Dr. H. C. Hall, of Laredo; Mrs. Alexander T. Johnson, whose hus- band is an engineer with the Callahan Construction Company and Mrs. John Mettenheimer whose late husband was for many years associated with the Trinity Cotton Seed Company. The Scott home is located at 2909 Swiss avenue where the family has resided for forty-five years.

Mr. Scott died in Colorado Springs, August 27, 1925. He was a member of the Knights of l'ythias, having held membership in this organi- zation for more than thirty years. He also was a member of the Fin and Feather Hunting and Fish- ing Club and the Central Christian Church of Dallas. Mr. Scott grew to manhood in Dallas and throughout his life he was active in every movement for the upbuilding and betterment of his city, where he was loved by all who knew him. He was a pioneer in many of Dallas' early day business ventures and in many it was his assistance that made them successful. As a public office holder, there was none to say aught against his policies. As a man of unswerving loyalty to principle. the city of Dallas was made better by his having been Its citizen for almost seventy years.

A. MICHALSON was a pioneer in the busi- ness life of Dallas. having entered the em- ploy of Sanger Bros. in 1887 as head of the nien's clothing department. Thereafter he was associated with the House of Sanger for thirty- eight successive years, during which period he be- came a stockholder in the firm. To think of the great Sanger store, to hundreds of customers in Dallas and throughout the Southwest, was to think of Mr. Michalson, who was one of the best known clothing men of Texas.

A native of Russia, Mr. Michalson was born in Metau City, Kurland Province. His father, S. Mich- alson, of Metau City, for many years was one of the leading merchants of that city. His mother, Mrs. Lena Michalson, was a member of a prominent family of Metau City. Her father, was the founder of the Jewish Church of Dallas in the early 80's.

Her paternal grandfather was a Rabbi in Metau City, Russia, and was decorated by "Czar Alexan- der" of Russia for his help and sacrifice during the time of the terrible plague which swept that part of the world. During his entire life I .. A. Michalson was a student, and through his reading and study became well educated. Coming to America as a young man, he started his career in Arkansas, sell- ing dry goods. Later, he moved to Memphis where he engaged in business until the early 70's when he came to Galveston. He engaged in merchant tri !- oring in the Island City and for four years con- ducted a successful business there. In 1876 he moved to Dallas where he established the Buck Horn Grocery Store at the corner of Pearl and Elm Streets, which he continued until becoming asso- ciated with Sanger Bros., in the early success of which he was a factor.

Mr. Michalson was married in Galveston. Feb- ruary 23, 1873, to Miss Lena Iralson, a member of a prominent Texas family, whose ancestors helped in the early history making of the Lone Star State. Two of her uncles served throughout the Civil war, being active participants in many of the leading battles of that war. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Michalson: Jacob E., a well known lawyer of Dallas. The latter was born in Galveston, Nov. 7. 1875. He attended the public schools of Dallas and received the B. Lit. degree from the University of Texas in 1897. His education at the university was largely under the able tutelage of Prof. David F. Houston, Professor of Political Economy. Later, Mr. Michalson became a student of the Chicago Col- lege of Law, graduating with the class of 1900 with the LL. B. degree. On his return to Dallas, he opened offices here and since that time has been successful in his practice. Jacob E. Michalson of- fered his services during the World war, passed the examination for field artillery at the officers' train- ing camp, was recommended for acceptance by the citizens' examination board, and was prepared to entrain when the Armistice was signed. He was one of the three-minute men in Oklahoma during the Liberty Loan drives and assisted his govern- ment in every manner possible. He is a member of Tannehill Lodge No. 52, A. F. and A. M., University Club, Dallas Bar Association, Temple Emanuel and of the Legal Advisory Board of the Jewish Federa- tion for Social Service.

L. A. Michalson died in Dallas September 18. 1924. He was a member of Temple Emanuel and was the founder and past president of the B'nai B'rith 179 of Dallas. During his residence in Dallas. which extended over a period of forty-eight years. Mr. Michalson at all times was active in every proj- ect for the upbuilding of his city. He was a char- itable man, giving liberally in his quiet way to the many organizations and charities, for the help of the sick and needy. Few men of Texas were better known than Mr. L. A. Michalson, and certainly none in the city held in higher esteem.

Throughout his wide business career Mr. Michal- son always gave the credit for his success to his faithful helpmate, Mrs. Lena Michalson, who gave counsel and advice, besides assisting him in his var- ied work. In the Jewish Church, Mrs. Michala was one of its most active workers and her chari' ... knew no bounds. In her death which occurred in August 3, 1926, the poor and needy of Dallas lest a faithful friend, and the city one of its most noble citizens.

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OUIS SIMPSON was a pioneer in the lum- ber industry of Texas where, for annost a quarter of a century, he was manager of one of the largest lumber companies of the state. Later, he engaged in this line for him- self, and owned and operated lumber yards in many parts of Texas, becoming a power in the field. His business was conducted under the name of the L. Simpson Lumber Company, and was one of the best known in Texas.

A native of Louisiana, Mr. Simpson was born in New Orleans, May 20, 1855. His father, James Simpson, a native of Virginia, was active in the business life of his state and later became a factor in the commercial circles of Arkansas. His moth- er, Mrs. Sophia (Sturk) Simpson, was a native of South Carolina, and a member of a well known family of that state. His education was received in the schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Emi- nence College, of Eminence, Kentucky. He started his business career in Little Rock, with Clark & Breckenridge, brokers, of St. Louis, as their rep- resentative in Arkansas. He remained in this po- sition for several years. Later, he went to Pine Bluff and started a brokerage business there under the name of Simpson & Lewis. After four years he came to Abilene, Texas, where, with his asso- ciates, he opened the wholesale and retail grocery business of Carson-Simpson Grocery Company, which he operated successfully for about three years. He then became associated with the Cam- eron Lumber Company, and was manager of that company's plant at Bowie, Texas for several years. He later was transferred to Quanah, Texas, as manager of the yard there. Mr. Simpson was known as one of the builders of Quanah. He was on the first train to enter that city, and was active in its development and progress. He then went to Waco as general manager of the Cameron Lum- ber Company and remained in this position for several years, after which he returned to Quanah and started in the lumber business for himself, later opening many lumber yards over the state. He moved to Fort Worth in 1913, as this was the most central point from which to look after his in- terests. Mr. Simpson was one of the most suc- cessful lumber men of Texas, and also one of the best known and most highly esteemed. He had a host of friends in all parts of Texas, and from the workers in the yards to the executives of the larg- est lumber companies.

Mr. Simpson was married in Pine Bluff, Arkan- sas, November 22, 1882, to Miss Nannie Hocker, a native of Kentucky, and a member of a pioneer family of that state. Her father, W. K. Hocker, was a native of Kentucky, and her mother, Mrs. Virginia (Brown) Hocker, was a native of Virginia. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simpson : Louis C., of Abilene; Nannette, now Mrs E. L. Gun- kle, of Fort Worth, and Willie K., now Mrs. Harvey McLean, of Kansas City. The Simpson home is located at 326 South Henderson Avenue.

Mr. Simpson died in Oklahoma City, January 4, 1922. Coming to Texas in 1883, Mr. Simpson pi- oneered in many business enterprises, his career be- ing a varied one, withal successful. As a lumber- man. he was perhaps, without a peer in the state. managing one of the largest organizatons for many years, and then embarking in the lumber business for himself on a large scale. He was one of the developers of West Texas towns, who helped many

settlers to own their homes in this new country. This section owes much to his energy and enter- prise. Of a genial, kindly nature, he held the es- teem and love of his fellows, whether they were his associates or his subordinates. Perhaps the out- standing feature of Mr. Simpson's personality was his optimism, his unflinching faith in Texas and the Southwest. His death was a severe loss to Fort Worth Texas, and to the entire Southwest.

EORGE ANDREW SHAW. One of the pioneer dairymen of Texas, George Andrew Shaw came to Fort Worth many years ago and contributed materially to the develop- ment of this city. Mr. Shaw, in partnership with his brothers, went in the dairy business in Fort Worth in 1892, starting with but one cow. Care in the production of milk, high ideals of customer service, and the adoption of high standards, soon began to be reflected in the rapid growth of the business, and the dairy is now one of the largest in the entire south. Shaw Brothers Dairy, as the plant has been known for many years, is equipped with the most modern machinery for the pasteuriza- tion and handling of milk, and every detail connec- ted with the production of dairy products of highest standard is given expert and constant attention. The plant produces milk, cream, butter, cottage cheese, and ice cream, and in addition to a large local trade, also ships dairy products to adjoining towns. Mr. Shaw's brother now owns and operates the business. At the time of his death he was in the grain business with his brothers, he put on several additions to Fort Worth and owned various properties here.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 66

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