The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 78

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. Harrold was married in McLean County, Illinois, April, 1864, to Miss Mary M. Alexander, a native of Wapella, Illinois. Her father, William Alexander, was a native of Dundee, Scotland, who came to America as a young man and soon made his influence felt in the business life of his com- munity. Her mother, Mrs. Joan (Adams) Alexan- der, also was a native of Dundee, Scotland. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrold: Josephine, now Mrs. M. M. Barnes, of Fort Worth and Abigail and Nora, both deceased. The Harrold home is located at 1502 Summit Avenue.

Mr. Harrold died in Rochester, Minn., August 17, 1911. He was a member of the Christian Church. In chronicling the activities of the early day Texans, no name stands out with greater prominence than does that of Mr. Harrold. He was one of the builders of Fort Worth, and many of the great institutions of this city, had their start through the aid of Mr. Harrold. He was a great citizen, a helpful and progressive city builder and a loyal friend to the many Texans who knew and esteemed him.

ILLIAM BRYANT ALLEN. A pioneer in the mercantile business in Fort Worth, W. B. Allen spent nearly two score years in this city, and took an active part in its development during that period. Mr. Allen was a man of staunch integrity, and his business policies, incorporating honesty and fair dealing, were well known to all. Mr. Allen came to Texas as a young man, and began his business career in Crosby County, Texas, where he was manager of a large ranch for some ten years or more. He then came to Fort Worth and entered the retail grocery business, and for the next thirty years was engaged in this line, operating one of the large grocery stores in the city. About 1920, Mr. Allen retired from this business, and during the remaining years of his life looked after his property interests, loaned money on good security, and also looked after the estate of Mrs. J. P. Daggett, the Daggett and Allen families being very old friends.

W. B. Allen was born in Rome, Georgia, on the sixteenth day of October, 1858, and was a son of Virgil and Maria (Arnold) Allen, the parents both being natives of Georgia. Mr. Allen was reared in his native state, attending the schools there, following which he came to Texas.

Mr. Allen was married at Lampasas, Texas, on the nineteenth day of August. 1883. to Miss Lou V. West, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of George and Adaline (Hicks) West. Mr. West was a native of Berlin, Germany, and Mrs. West of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were the parents of five children, all of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Allen makes her home at 303 East Weatherford Street, the old family home.

W. B. Allen passed away in Fort Worth on the eighteenth day of June, 1927, at which time he was sixty-eight years of age. One of the most venerable and honored of Fort Worth's pioneers, Mr. Allen had been a resident of this city for nearly forty years, and during that time had watched the city grow from a small town to a thriving city, and in this growth and development he took an active part. He counted his friends in this city by the hundreds, and to them, as to his business associates, his death was the cause of a deep felt regret and sorrow.

771

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MEN OF TEXAS

OL. JOHN W. BURGESS, for many years was one of the leaders in the cattle busi- ness of Tarrant County, where he owned extensive ranch lands, and one of the largest herds of registered short-horn cattle in the Southwest. He was one of the first men of this part of the state to improve their herds, from the original long-horns to the high-grade cattle of the present time. He also was one of the largest wheat growers in this part of the Southwest, for many years having more than two thousand acres planted to this crop in Tarrant County.

A native of Kentucky, Col. Burgess was born in Maysville, March 29, 1836. The Burgess fam- ily are among the makers of the history of Mary- land, having brought to America their own ship- load of colonists and settling in Annapolis in 1650. The first was William Burgess, who came from England, and his sons all fought in the Revolu- tionary war. The father of the subject of this sketch, John Dorsey Burgess, was born in Mary- land, and was an active figure in the affairs of this state. Col Burgess received his education in the schools of Marysville, Kentucky, after which he attended school in St. Joseph, Missouri, and college in Lexington, Missouri. While he was a mere boy, the clouds of war were settling over the peaceful valleys of Kentucky, and when six- teen years of age, he volunteered for service, joining the Confederate army. Soon after he en- tered the army, he staked a claim in Kansas, across the river from where the troops were quar- tered. After the close of the war, he returned to Kentucky, and engaged extensively in the live- stock business. He came to Texas from Lexing- ton, Kentucky, in the early '80s, having been sent here by the Lexington Cattle Company, to pass on the livestock and ranch prospects in Garza County, near what now is the town of Post. At that time he owned the Lexington Stock Yards During this, his first visit to the Lone Star State, he decided to remain, and invested in ranch prop- erty, buying the large ranch of Col. Peter Smith. He added to his acreage, from time to time, until he owned in fee, about nine thousand acres on Blue Mound, eight miles from Fort Worth, this property running from eight to sixteen miles from the city. He then imported registered short-horn rattle, and built up the largest herd in its class in Texas, sometimes having as many as 700 head. Colonel Burgess was one of the organizers of the first stock yards in Fort Worth. He won many premiums in all parts of the country with his fine cattle. In 1886, he returned to Kentucky, sold his interest there, and brought his family to Fort Worth. Later, he sold his interests in Garza County, concentrating all his holdings in Tarrant County.

Colonel Burgess was married in Kentucky, Sep- tember 3, 1868, to Miss Sue Innes, a native of Kentucky, but of Scotch descent. Seven children were born to Col. and Mrs. Burgess, six of whom are living and residents of Fort Worth: W. W., deceased, who was a successful farmer of Tar- rant County; J. I., engaged in farming, and owns extensive real estate in Fort Worth; J. E., en- gaged in the construction business; Duke, a well known contractor; Lillie. now Mrs. Mark W Hoven- kamp; Anne, now Mrs. VanZandt Jarvis, and Mary E., now Mrs. Guy S. Perry.

Colonel Burgess died in Fort Worth, in 1901. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and since his early youth, was a devoted member of the First Christian Church. He saw Fort Worth grow from a mere village to the great metropolis, and had a share in its upbuilding. He gave liberally of his material aid and time, and to every worthy project that had for its object the welfare of Fort Worth and its citizenship. Few men have served their cities as nobly and as effectively as did Col. Burgess. He was a man loved by all who knew him. The rugged honesty and hearty good will that marked his very face, made him a compelling figure in his community. Discouragement would not face him for he would not brook its approach. His friends often feared for his success, because of his boldness in the face of difficulties, but he achieved success in his many undertakings, and greater still, was a loyal citizen, a faithful friend, and a conscientious helper of his community.

IRGIL A. REEVES was an active figure in the professional and business circles of Fort Worth for more than thirty years. During part of this period he was as- sociated with some of the largest wholesale grocery firms of this city as accountant and later engaged in the wholesale business for himself.

A native of Georgia, Mr. Reeves was born near Macon, June 20, 1859. His father was a native of Georgia, where after receiving his degree from a medical college, he practiced medicine for many years and was one of the leading physicians and surgeons of his community. His education was received in the public schools of his native state and in a business college. As a young man, he went to Kansas, where, for many years, he worked as a cowboy, during which time he learned the ranching and cattle industry, but this did not appeal to him as a life work. He then went to Mexico and for about six years was employed in a large store as an accountant. Coming to Fort Worth, he was employed as an accountant with the McCord-Collins Grocery Company, where he re- mained for several years. He next was employed by the Turner & Dingee Grocery Company, as an ac- countant and remained with that concern for about fifteen years. He then engaged in the wholesale seafood business for himself and soon built up a large trade, remaining active in this field for eleven years, after which he retired from all business.

Mr. Reeves was married in Fort Worth, January 24, 1897, to Miss Georgia F. Fleming, a native Texan, and a member of a pioneer family. Her father, J. W. Fleming, was a native of Alabama, who came to Texas in the early days, where he became one of the esteemed citizens and business men of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Watson) Fleming, was a member of a well known family of Georgia. The Reeves home is located at 1830 6th avenue.

Mr. Reeves died in Fort Worth, Texas, May 8, 1922. He was a member of the B. P. O. E. and active in civic matters having to do with the betterment of Fort Worth. He was widely known throughout Texas and had a host of friends, whom he had won and held through his appealing person- ality. Mr. Reeves was a useful and progressive citizen, a neighbor, and loyal friend.

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g. W. Burgess

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NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

ILLIAM CURTIS WEEKS, for more than . two decades, was the leading contractor and builder of Arlington, Texas, where the greater part of the buildings of this city today stand as a monument to his skill as a builder and his enterprise as a citizen. He was known as the father of the building industry of Arlington, and his name is linked with every worthwhile enterprise in this city during his resi- dence here, extending over a period of thirty-six years. He was instrumental in having the sewer- age system installed here and was the builder of this civic improvement. Mr. Weeks served as mayor of Arlington for one term and carried many improvements to conclusion and started many that were finished later. He also served as county commissioner and much of the road work in Tar- rant County was either finished or started during his regime, besides the various other details of this office which he attended in the most efficient manner. He also was on the board for water conservation and contributed many ideas that were carried out to the advantage of the country af- fected.

A native son of Texas, Mr. Weeks was born in Gainesville, May 7, 1860. His parents, John W. and Mrs. Idris Louise (Sparks) Weeks, both were members of old and esteenied families of the South. His education was received in the schools of Texas. As a young man he started his business career in his father's flour mills at Gainesville, where he remained for several years and learned the various branches of this industry. His father having many interests in Gainesville, he became as- sociated in the handling of these interests, remain- ing with his father for about six years. He then moved to Fort Worth, where he engaged in the brick manufacturing business, with William Bryce as a partner, and remained in Fort Worth for five years. He then moved to Arlington where he con- tinued manufacturing, owning and operating one of the largest brick plants of this part of Texas. He then engaged in contracting and building, the greater part of his career in this field being in Arlington, where he practically built the city. During this period he was vice president of the First State Bank of Arlington, and one of the most popular bankers of Tarrant County.

Mr. Weeks was married at Arlington, December 10, 1913, to Miss Marguerite Thornton, a native of Tennessee, but reared in Arlington. Her par- ents, W. A. and Mrs. Josephine (Smith) Thorn- ton, both were natives of Tennessee and members of pioneer families of that state. By a former marriage to Miss Ella Potter, of Gainesville Texas, four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weeks: Burdah, now Mrs. F. W. Adams, of Dallas: Fred W. and Harry C., well known lawyers, of Wichita Falls; and Mae Potter, now Mrs. D. H. Conner. of Arlington. The Weeks home is located at 806 East Abram Street. and is one of the attractive residences of this city.

Mr. Weeks died in Arlington, February 1, 1926. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M., being a Shriner of this fraternity and a member of the Presbyterian church. In the history of Arlington there has been no citizen who has aided this city in its forward movements as did Mr. Weeks, who was loved by all who knew him. His death brought more than ordinary grief to the citizenship of

Tarrant County and particularly to the people of Arlington because of his comradeship in all works and battles which had the material, social and moral betterment of the city for their end.

EORGE K. BEGGS, of Fort Worth, was a pioneer of the cattle business of the Lone Star State and spent his entire life in the various branches of this industry. For more than forty years he was one of the leading cattle men of Fort Worth and was one of the oldest livestock commission men of the Southwest. IFe was widely known, not only throughout the South- west, but in the livestock markets of the North and East as well.

A native of Ireland, Mr. Beggs was born near Ballymena, County Antrim, August 31, 1845. IFis father, William, and his mother, Mrs. Martha (Gihon) Beggs, both were natives of Ireland and members of prominent families. His early edu- cation was received in the schools of Ireland and he later attended college near Liverpool, England, from which he graduated. As a young man he came to Illinois where he started his career in the stock business in Mount Sterling and Clayton, dealing largely in horses and mules. He remained in this business for three years, coming to Fort Worth, in 1877 and immediately engaged in the cattle busi- ness, and for many years thereafter was one of the leading cattlemen of this city. He then went into the livestock commission business and for thirty years was one of the largest and best known live- stock commission men, not only of Fort Worth, but of the Southwest. It is an interesting fact that the family built the third house in Village Creek, now known as Handley, five miles east of Fort Worth.

Mr. Beggs was married in Hudson City, New York, December 21, 1870, to Miss Maria Deborah Dickey, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and a member of a prominent family. Her father, John Dickey, was a native of County Antrim, and her mother, Mrs. Harriett Caroline (Bowen) Dickey, was a member of a well . known family of the Emerald Isle. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beggs, six of whom are living and are residents of Fort Worth: Martha, now Mrs. James Anderson; Christina Casement, now Mrs. Claude Arnold; Emma, now Mrs. Lionel Bevan; George, Jr. : William Dickey and John Erin. The sons are continuing in the livestock business under the firm name of Beggs Brothers, which is widely known throughout the country. Mrs. Beggs makes her home with her son George at 1200 Clara Street.

Mr. Beggs died in Fort Worth, September 3, 1920. He was a member of the Cattlemen's Association and the Episcopal Church. He was one of the pioneers whose varied activities. decades ago, made possible the great Empire of the South- west. He possessed the soul of the pioneer who builded his dreams into actualities. His was a suc- cessful life. Kind, courteous, generous. far- visioned, progressive, including within the scope of his thought and vision the betterment of his fellow man, he left the greatest heritage any man can leave-an unblemished record of a life dedicated to purposeful service. The city of Fort Worth ard the State of Texas suffered a distinet loss in the passing away of Mr. Beggs, who had been for So many years a leading factor in the progress and development of the livestock industry.

773

MEN OF TEXAS

AMES BUFORD DAVIES, for more than a quarter of a century, was an outstand- ing member of the legal fraternity of Fort Worth. During that period he was at- torney for the Land Mortgage Bank of Texas to which he gave his entire time, and was known as one of the state's foremost attorneys in land law and in the examination of abstracts.

A native of South Carolina, Mr. Davies was born in York, August 9, 1864. Ilis father, Rev. James Adam Davies, for many years was a beloved min- ister of the Presbyterian faith of York, South Car- olina. His mother, Mrs. Mary Foster (Black) Davies, was a native of South Carolina, and a sister of the wife of Governor Lubbock of Texas. His education was received in various schools and colleges of his native state, graduating from the University of South Carolina. After finishing college in 1887, he came to Austin, Texas where he started reading law, and at the same time, prac- ticing his profession. He started the practice of law in the office of Z. T. Fulmore, one of the out- standing lawyers of Texas. He remained in Mr. Fulmore's office for four years. He then became associated with the Land Mortgage Bank of Texas at Austin and after its removal to Fort Worth in December 1892 he came to this city as attorney and remained with this institution throughout his career here.

Mr. Davies was married in Austin, June 6, 1889, to Miss Fanny Virginia Speed, a native of Marion, Alabama, and a member of a pioneer family of that city and state. Her father, Judge J. H. Speed was judge of the higher courts in Marion, Ala- bama and a familiar figure in the politics of that state. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davies: James B. Jr., a well known architect of Fort Worth; Joseph S., successful young lawyer of Fort Worth; Mary V., Lois A., Frances W., Francis Lubbock, who is associated with the Acme Brick Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Zarah E. deceased. The grandchildren are James B., and Robert W., sons of J. B. Davies, Jr., Edith Frances and Francis Lubbock, children of Jos. S. Davies. The Davies home is located at 1312 Hemphill Street.

Mr. Davies died in Fort Worth January 3, 1917. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, with membership in Lodge No. 1114. His sons belong to the A. F. and A. M. He was a member of the Rivercrest Country Club and the Presbyterian Church. During his residence in Austin he was deacon of the Presbyterian church and was an elder in the College Avenue Presbyterian Church during the period he lived in Fort Worth. He served one year on the school board of Fort Worth, but resigned in 1913, because he could not give sufficient time to such a position. He was active in affairs having to do with the up- building and progress of his city, and was. known as one of its most loyal and public-spirited citizens. Mr. Davies did much to bring Texas before the rest of the United States and was con- tinually looking toward the upbuilding of the state from every angle. In his passing the city of Fort Worth and the entire state suffered a distinet loss.

OBERT LEE LANE, for upward of thirty years, was engaged in business in Fort Worth, and during this period was held in high esteem by his many friends and associates here. Mr. Lane came to Fort Worth is 1892, as a young man, and went with the Fakes Furniture Company, as a salesman, remaining with that firm for several years. He then went to Hillsboro, remaining there a short time with the J. K. Dennis Furniture Company, following which he returned to Fort Worth and traveled out of this city for the Ellison Furniture Company for three or four years. Leaving that firm, he went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, traveling for different manufacturing companies there for two years. when he again returned to Fort Worth and went in the real estate business. He also engaged in the oil business, his activities being largely in the Burk- burnett field, where he brought in three wells.

Robert Lee Lane was born in Homer, Angelina County, Texas, the twenty-fifth day of January, 1875, and was a son of Judge H. G. Lane and Virginia (Hall) Lane. Judge Lane, pioneer lawyer and jurist of Texas, was a native of Tennessee, coming to Texas as a young man. Mrs. Lane was a native of Virginia. Robert Lee Lane was edu- cated in the schools near his home, following which he came to Fort Worth and began his business career in this city, and, with the exception of but a few years, made Fort Worth his home until his death.

Mr. Lane was married at Hillsboro, Texas, on the eighteenth day of September, 1902, to Miss Dorinda Marshall, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of James M. and Sarah E. (Chamberlin) Marshall. Mr. Marshall was born in LaFayette. Tennessee, and Mrs. Marshall in Macon County, Tennessee. Mrs. Lane and family reside at 1005 Southland street. They were the parents of four children, Clara Elizabeth, Robert M., Philip II., and James G., all of whom live at home.

Mr. Lane was a thirty-second degree Mason. a Shriner and a member of the Christian Church. A business man of unquestionable integrity, he did much to promote the growth of Fort Worth during his residence here, and as a real estate operator took an active part in furthering the development of the city. His death occurred on the twenty- fifth day of September, 1926, he being at that time fifty-one years of age.

ENJAMIN FRANKLIN WALLIS, of Fort Worth was a pioneer in the hotel business of this city, where he located in 1884, pur- chasing a hotel at 17th and Jones Streets, which he operated with success for eighteen years. When Mr. Wallis came to this city, it was little more than a trading post of the settlers of North Texas. Faith in the future of Fort Worth was not so great as it has since come to be, yet Mr. Wallis foresaw a great and steady growth which must make it a commercial metropolis. He be- lieved that it was destined to supremacy, and in- vested in real estate. After selling the hotel, he continued his investments in Fort Worth property, and lived to see his judgment vindicated.

A native of Georgia, Mr. Wallis was born June 6, 1847. His father, Cynkler Wallis, a native of Georgia, for many years was active in the affairs

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J.B. Davies

L. G. Moore,

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

of his community and state. His mother, Mrs. Lucy (Standfield ) Wallis, was a member of a pio- neer family of Georgia. His early education was received in the schools of his native state, after which he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Mr. Wallis was married in Hot Springs, Septem- ber 13, 1882, to Miss Mary Frances Humphrey a native of Tennessee, and a member of a well known family of that state. Her parents, E. W. Humphrey, was of North Carolina, and Mrs. Har- riett Newel ( Kelley) Humphrey, was of Missis- sippi. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, one of whom is living: Grace Frances, now Mrs. J. M. Givens, of Fort Worth. Gussie Wallis York died in 1914, and Benjamin Franklin, Jr. died in infancy. The Wallis home is located at 127 West Broadway.

Mr. Wallis died in Fort Worth, February 26, 1910. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of this city. During the period of his res- idence here, he took an active part in matters hav- ing to do with the upbuilding of the city. He served for several terms as alderman, and for many years was a member. of the school board. Mr. Wallis had many friends throughout the Unit- ed States, and was very popular with the travel- ing public. He possessed the warmth and sym- pathy which enable men to make fast friendships, and these he created in a number that made him one of the most popular and beloved citizens of Fort Worth. He was of that kind of men whose lives make a community better.

HOMAS GREEN MOORE, of Fort Worth, spent his entire life in the wholesale grain business in different parts of the state and, for almost two decades was one of the leading wholesale grain merchants of this city.

A native Texan, Mr. Moore was born in La- Grange, September 5, 1874. His father, Robert J. Moore, also a native of the Lone Star State, throughout his life was an active figure in the business and agricultural life of LaGrange and Fayette County. His mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Ligon) Moore, was a member of a pioneer Texas family. His education was received in the schools of Texas, Add Ran College of Michigan, and Eastman Business College of New York State, taking the complete course in the latter.

After finishing his education, Mr. Moore started his career in LaGrange. in the grain and grocery business, continuing in this line there for about six years. He then moved to Gainesville, Texas, where he engaged in the wholesale grain business for a short time and then went with the Whaley Roller Mills. After one year in Gainesville, he moved to Fort Worth and entered the wholesale grain business. During his career in this city, he made many friends and his business extended to all counties contiguous to Tarrant, enjoying a large measure of success.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 78

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