USA > Texas > The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2 > Part 82
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
HEODORE HARRISON of Dallas, for al- most two decades was a worthy and etfi- cient member of the Dallas police force, being sergeant and captain at different times during this period. He was one of the best law enforcement officers Dallas ever had. fearless, but at all times exercising good judgment. During his regime, he established an enviable record, gam- blers and law breakers of all kinds feared him, and while he had many narrow escapes, he was always equal to every emergency.
A native of Tennessee, Mr. Hamilton was born in Olimphia, November 27, 1870, and was brought to Texas by his parents when six months old. The family settled in Erath County where they started farming operations, after cutting the virgin timber and building a log house. His parents were among the first settlers of this County where they resided until 1885, when they moved to Dallas and his father was for many years thereafter employed by the express company. His father, Benjamin F. Harrison, a native of Tennessee, throughout his life there was engaged in farming with the excep- tion of the time spent as a Confederate soldier. After coming. to Texas in 1871 Mr. Harrison, in addition to being a successful farmer, was a Justice of the Peace of Palo Pinto County for many years. Theodore Harrison received his education in the schools of Palo Pinto and Erath Counties. He started work as a boy, selling newspapers for a time, and later entered the employ of Vilbig Bros. when that large firm was a small concern. with only a few teams and Mr. Harrison drove a team hauling sand and remained with this organization for two years. He then tended bar for a short time and then was made sanitary collector and inspec- tor under Tom Lackins and Will Coe. He continued in this work for several years. In 1901 Mr. Harri- son was appointed on the Dallas police force, and was a member of this organization until 1919, after serving as sergeant and captain and was a sergeant when he retired. He was the first man to retire on a pension. He then went to California for his health and for a much needed rest. When he re- turned to Dallas in 1920 he engaged in the real es- tate business and for many years was salesman for the Dallas Mortgage and Realty Company.
Mr. Harrison was married in Dallas, April 25, 1897, to Miss Cinderella Spray, a native of Joplin, Missouri. Her father, Jesse Spray, now deceased,
came to Texas in 1876, and soon thereafter came to Dallas where he was a freighter for a time, later engaging in the gravel roofing business. Jesse Spray was in charge of the excavation for the making of Kidd Springs. The Harrison home is lo- cated at 4427 Vandelia Street.
Mr. Harrison died in Dallas, September 5, 1925. Ile was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Oak Lawn Methodist Church. He was active for many years in the work of this Church. Throughout his residence in Dallas he was a con- stant worker for the betterment of his city and was known as one of its most charitable and public- spirited citizens. Mr. Harrison had many friends from every walk of life, from the lowest to the highest, and at all times had a cheerful word for all, regardless of conditions. Ilis death was a loss to Dallas and Dallas County.
ARCHIBALD PERRY BLACK was for more than thirty-five years a well known figure in the business lite of Dallas where for two decades he owned and operated on Elm Street one of the leading retail paint and paper stores.
A native of North Carolina, Mr. Black was born in Fayetteville, May 22, 1858. His father, Archi- bald Black was a native of Scotland who came to America as a young man and soon made hs in- fluence felt in the commercial circles of his com- munity. His mother, Mrs. (Perry) Black, was a native of North Carolina and a member of a prominent family of that State. His early educa- tion was received in Fayetteville, and he took a business course in one of Dallas' colleges after lo- cating in this city. Mr. Black started his business career as a painter when a mere boy in Fayette- ville, where he learned this trade. Coming to Caldwell, Texas, when eighteen years of age he worked as a painter for three years. He con- tinued in this line of work in Dallas, and for a few years was foreman for the Henry Hamilton Paint Company, after which he opened his own paint and paper store.
Mr. Black was married at Yellow Prairie, Bur- leson County, Texas, December 19, 1879, to Miss Newell Crane, a native of this State. Her father, Newell W. Crane was a cattleman coming to Texas before the Civil War and died in the service of the Confederate Army. Her mother, Mrs. Eliza- beth (Tolbert) Crane, was a member of one of Texas' pioneer families. The Black home is lo- cated at 205 South Clinton Avenue. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Black, eight of whom are living: Archibald N., Dallas; Nona B., now Mrs. N. B. Bradley, Dallas; Annie now Mrs. H. II. Man- ner, Dallas; R. R., Dallas; B. F., San Antonio; Allen P., Doris and Stewart McGregor, Dallas.
Mr. Black died in Dallas, May 29, 1919. During the long years of his residence here he took an active part in every movement for the good of his city. For more than eight years he served as Al- derman from the Seventh Ward, and for many years was a member of the School Board. He was popular with all classes and was known as one of the most public-spirited citizens as well as one of the most charitable. Mr. Black was a man of ster- ling qualities, loved by those who knew him. A gentle, kindly character that appealed to all. ever ready to contribute his material aid and time to- ward the upbuilding of Dallas.
787
MEN OF TEXAS
EORGE A. WEBSTER, of Dallas, Texas, had a wide and varied business career, withal a successful one and in each field he was widely and favorably known, but perhaps was best known as a steel and iron con- tractor in which work he specialized for many years in various parts of the country.
A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Webster was born in Lime, January 11, 1845. His father, Daniel Noble Webster, a native of Connecticut, moved to Conneaut, Ohio, while Mr. Webster was quite a child and where he was successful as a merchant and banker. Ilis mother, Mrs. Lois (Swain) Webster, was a member of a well known family of Connecticut. IIis education was received in the schools of Ohio. At the age of seventeen he enlisted at Greenfield, Huron County, Ohio, August 15, 1862, as a Federal soldier in the war between the North and South. He was sergeant of Company C, 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at one tinie was given charge of his company but his youth prevented him from being commission- ed as captain. During the war he took part in nine hard-fought battles and numerous skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Winchester in June, at the time of Milroy's defeat, and was placed in Libby Prison but later was transferred to Belle Island. In July of the same year he was paroled. At Berryville, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, September 3, 1864, he again was taken prisoner and was held until February or March of the following year. He was also at Lynchburg and Salsbury, North Carolina. He was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, June 12, 1865.
Mr. Webster started his business career in the insurance business in Alliance, Ohio, where he was active for several years and built up a large clientele. Disposing of his business in Alliance in 1874 he accepted a position with E. Remington & Sons, manufacturers of fire arms, cotton gins. sewing machines, etc., representing them in Texas and the Southwestern states. Later he became associated with the American Sewing Machine Company, being manager of this organization for a period of several years, with several states direct- ly under his personal management. This organi- zation was engaged in both a wholesale and retail business and their trade was one of great volume in the various states. Later, Mr. Webster was en- gaged in the sale of musical instruments, doing both a wholesale and retail business in this class of merchandise. For a number of years prior to his death he was southwestern representative of the Pauly Jail Building Co .. of St. Louis, Mo.
He was a very popular man with all classes of people. He was urged many times by his friends to consent to make the race for various public offices, but in each instance he steadfastly refused. As a private citizen. he did however, contribute to the welfare of Dallas. At the time when the city was about to lose what is now the City Park, he circulated a petition (1887) that caused the city to avail itself of a certain agreement which gave to Dallas its first park.
Mr. Webster was married in Pittsburgh, Penn., . July 15, 1869 to Miss Mary Frances Garrison, a native of Ohio and a member of a prominent family of that state. Her father, James W. Gar- rison, was born at Sewickley, a suburb of Pitts- burgh, Penn., moving to Ohio in the year 1850.
Her mother, Mrs. Amanda (Rhodes) Garrison, was a member of one of the pioneer families of Phila- delphia.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Webster, four of whom are living: Fannie, now Mrs. Win. Nolan Peacock, of Dallas; John Lee, well known in the business circles of Dallas; Miss Helen, of Dallas; and Mary Esther, now Mrs. Paul G. Wallof, Jr., of Dallas. The deceased are: Daniel George and Edward Thomas. The children of John Lee Web- ster are: John Lee, Jr., and Anna Frances; of Daniel George Webster are: Daniel George, Jr., John Bookhout, and Ella Margaret: of Mrs. Paul G. Wallof, Jr., Paul G., III. The Webster home is located at 1916 South IIarwood street.
Mr. Webster died June 10, 1907, at Robert Lee, Texas, while on a business trip, and was laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery, in Dallas, Texas, with Episcopal service and Masonic honors, June 13, 1907.
He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. with membership in Tannehill Lodge of Dallas No. 52. Dallas Chapter No. 47, Royal Arch Masons. He was past eminent commander of Dallas Command- ery No. 6 Knights Templar, was high priest and prophet of Hella temple A. A. O. N. M. S., which office he held for a period of twenty years. Mr. Webster was a Christian man, loved and esteemed by all who knew him. His charities were many and unostentatious, helping the needy without re- gard to creed or color. His was a gentle Christian character that appealed to all. Throughout the many years in which he made Dallas his home he was an incessant worker for the betterment of his city and the welfare of its citizenship. Endowed with vigorous intellectual powers, lofty ideals of commercial and civic virtue, a personality that was at once energetic, strong, gracious and command- ing, Mr. Webster always occupied a place of leader- ship in the business, fraternal, social and civic life of his city on which indelibly he impressed the seal of his usefulness. In his death the business fra- ternity of Texas and the Southwest lost one of its most able figures and the City of Dallas, one of its most constructive citizens. In paying tribute to the memory of Mr. Webster, too much cannot be said, and the city and state will ever pay sincere tribute to the memory of one whose attributes endeared him to a host of friends and made his name illustrious in the life of a great city and state.
OL. JAMES EDGAR MCLEMORE, for thirty years, was prominently identified with the business life of Dallas, the last twenty years being in the field of insur- ance, as general agent for Texas of the American National Insurance Company, with headquarters in this city. He was an authority on salesmanship and widely known as a lecturer on this subject. He was the author of a book, "Fundamentals of Salesmanship,' which was dedicated to his wife. This work achieved a nation-wide reputation for Col. McLemore. Prior to entering the insurance field, he was division commercial agent for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Under the auspices of the World's Salesmanship Congress, he gave a series of lectures, and wrote many ar- tieles on salesmanship. He also gained prominence as the owner of one of the finest farms in the state and for many years was one of the most
788
NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS
able lay members engaged in religious and benev- olent activities in Texas.
A native Texan, Col. Mclemore was born in Crockett, October 6, 1870. His father, Capt. John Anderson Mclemore, was a native of Marion County, Alabama and came to Houston County, in what was then the Republic of Texas in 1843.
During the war between the states, Capt. Mc- Lemore rendered distinguished service to the Con- federacy as captain of Company I, 18th Texas cavalry, Randall's regiment, Walker's division. Captain McLemore organized this company, tak- ing one hundred and sixty-eight men with him from Houston County and surrounding territory, returning with only sixteen men of the original number. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Margaret (Hall) McLemore, was a daughter of James Hall, who served as the first grand lec- turer for the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. When Col. McLemore was fifteen years of age, he began to learn telegraphy in Waco, Texas, and started his career in this work as a telegraph oper- ator at a small railroad station. He rose in that profession to be one of the most expert and widely known commercial and Associated Press operators in the United States. One distinction that can be properly claimed for him is that he was one of the first telegraph operators to use a typewriter in transcribing his messages. In Texas he was As- sociated Press reporter in San Antonio, Waco and Dallas, coming to the last named city in 1896. After locating here he was Associated Press oper- ator for seven years, after which he entered the insurance business. His first work in this field was under Capt. A. J. Brown, with whom he was associated until 1907, when he became general agent of Texas for the American National Insur- ance Company. While serving in this capacity, he had more than seventy-five agents under his supervision. In 1913, Col. McLemore purchased one of the richest farms in the state, located in Harrison County, about twenty miles from Mar- shall. It consisted of seventeen hundred and fifty acres of fertile soil devoted to cotton, corn and livestock, with an orchard of seventy-five thousand trees. The residence on the farm was a two-story, Colonial structure equipped with all modern con- veniences.
Col. McLemore was married in Waco, Septem- ber 3, 1891, to Miss Lotta Bracken, born in Pal- estine, Texas, and a member of a pioneer family of Anderson County. Her grandfather, Rev. Jacob Crawford, was the first Methodist preacher west of the Sabine River. Eleven children were born to Col. and Mrs. McLemore, namely: C. Jim- mie, William C., James E. Jr .. Sam and Dan Mc- Lemore, all of Dallas; Mrs. W. W. Hawkins and Mrs. Wilmot A. Marshall, both of Fort Worth; Mrs. Jere I. Miller of Chicago; Miss Dorothy, deceased ; and Misses Ruth and Florence of Dallas. The Mc- Lemore home is located at 303 South Rosemont Street.
Col. McLemore died in Dallas, October 13, 1927. lle held honorary memberships in the Rotary, Kiwanis and Salesmanship Clubs, and was a mem- ber of Washington Lodge No. 1117 A. F. and A. M., the York Rite and Scottish Rite bodies and Hella Temple Shrine. The most notable feature of Col. McLemore's life for the past several years was the remarkable success he achieved in church and
Sunday school work and his generosity in contrib- uting to practical religious work. He was a meni- ber of the Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church, where for many years he taught a Bible class that had reached the number of one hundred and sixteen men. His teachings resulted in some notable con- versions in Dallas. Ile took a great interest in boys and for many years was an honorary member of the National Newsboys Association. He made close friends everywhere and these friends were from all classes. His human sympathy was so gen- uine, and he was so entirely free from bigotry in his religious teachings that all were inspired who came in contact with this true, Christian gentle- man. Men of the sort of Col. McLemore are bound to be missed when they are gone. Their number is all too few.
ILLIAM HARDEN BUTLER was a resident of Dallas, Texas, for more than a quarter of a Century, during which time he was en- gaged in farming and also owned and oper- ated a large dairy near this city. Coming to Dallas in 1892 he farmed for several years acreage that is now Oak Lawn one of the finest residential sections of Dallas. A native of Kentucky, Mr. Butler was born in Barron County, March 26, 1862. His father, George Butler, also a native of Kentucky was one of the representative business men of his commun- ity. His mother, Mrs. Mary Jane (Butler) Butler, was of a Southern Kentucky family. His education was received in the schools of his native State. Soon after leaving school, Mr. Butler engaged in farming in Kentucky for many years. Knowing of the opportunities offered in Texas, he moved to this State, settling in Dallas, where he continued to farm and raise cattle.
Mr. Butler was married in Tennessee, September 29, 1886, to Miss Mary Ella Richey. Her father, Erwin Richey, was a native of Kentucky, and a member of a well known family of that State. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Susan (Huffman) Richey, was a member of a Kentucky family and was reared and educated in that State. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Butler, all of whom are residents of Dallas: Annie, now Mrs. Annie Arthus; Porter Butler, well known business man here; Maggie, now Mrs. Claude Martin ; Rener, now Mrs. E. B. Basye and Maybell, now Mrs. A. Goodpaster. The Butler home is located at 4310 Lemmon Avenue.
Mr. Butler died in Dallas, October 19, 1918. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and other organiza- tions. His Church affiliation was with the Chris- tian faith. Mr. Butler was well known in Dallas and Dallas County for his many traits of splendid Christian character, and had a host of friends throughout North Texas. He was a leader in the farming industry and also aided in the upbuilding of the dairy industry in this part of the State. being among the first men to bring thoroughbred cattle into the dairying here. IIe helped other dairymen in building up their herds and in their marketing. While his interests were outside of the city, his family re- sided here and never lost sight of the welfare of Dallas. He followed farming because he loved it. and although he could have been more successful in a monetary way in other fields, nothing could have induced him to quit farming. For years he had labored for this section of the State and his death was a distinct loss to North Texas and to Dallas in particular.
789
MEN OF TEXAS
HARLES STEINMANN. A pioneer of Dallas, Charles Steinmann first came here in 1876, but it was not until 1890 that he made this city his permanent home. Mr. Steinmann was active in public life, serving as the first alder- man of Oak Cliff. which office he held for two terms, and as chairman of the fire committee for two years. At the time of his death he was chairman of the sani- tary committee. He came to Dallas in 1876, and made his home with his uncle. August Schneider, during that period working for the Schoellkopf Saddlery Company. A year later he went on the road for this firm, being the first man thus to represent this house. Ten years later he went with Ganahl Schallert & Company, of St. Louis, and was with them until they sold out. In 1885 he went to San Antonio, and opened a business of his own, engaging in the leather business there for two years, following which he went to Houston, and engaged in the same line for three years, returning to Dallas in 1890. Here he operated a retail and wholesale business under the name of Speer & Steinmann Saddlery Company, of which he was president at the time of his death.
Charles Steinmann was born in 1859, in the Dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, a son of Carl and Helena Steinmann. Carl Steinmann was a writer of historical records, and a man of high standing in his community. Charles Steinmann was given every educational advantage, attending private schools, in Brunswick, and after coming to Dallas studied English here.
Mr. Steinmann was married in Dallas, February 16, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth Caugnard, a native of New Orleans, and a daughter of Joseph and Bedelia (Fahey) Caugnard. Joseph Caugnard, a native of New Orleans, was associated with the United Trust Company of New Orleans for many years. Mrs. Bedelia Caugnard was born in Ireland, and was brought to New Orleans by her parents at an early age. She was the sole member of her family to survive the yellow fever plague in New Orleans in the year 1854. Mrs. Steinmann is a sister of Joseph Caugnard, a pioneer of Dallas, who came here in 1873, and was with Schneider & Davis until 1887, when he moved to Buffalo. Three years later he returned to Dallas and engaged in the produce line; at this time he is in the real estate business. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmann were the parents of three children. Helena, wife of Rupert Eldridge, cashier of the Republic National Bank, of Dallas; Elsie, wife of R. S. Blair, of Dallas, and Carl, a real estate man of Dallas, and connected with the company operating Kidd Springs. Mrs. Steinmann resides at 306 East Sixth street.
Mr. Steinmann was an Oddfellow, and was presi- dent of the Dallas Commercial Club. Of his public life too much cannot be said, he having devoted his efforts for many years toward those civic activi- ties that have been factors in the growth of Dallas. Mr. Steinmann's death occurred on the fifteenth day of June, 1906, and at that time Mayor Smith and other leading citizens of Dallas united in paying tribute to him. The Times-Herald of that date in speaking of his work characterized him as one of the most public spirited of Dallas' citizens, sacri- ficing himself for the good of the city and others. His motto was "Greater Dallas," and during his life time he was ever on the side of progress, sup-
porting the movement for the annexation of Oak Cliff, for the building of the new jail, for improve- ments of the fire department, and all civic improve- ments, and his death was a great loss to the city.
ASSIE HENRY MILLER was a pioneer in the mercantile business of Texas, having established a general merchandise store at Clarksville, about 1864, which he operated for several years. Later, he became a factor in the business life of Dallas, where he was engaged in the furniture and carpet business, in one of the leading establishments of its time of this city.
A native of Missouri, Mr. Miller was born in Paris, September 14, 1843. His parents were na- tives of Missouri and members of well known fami- lies. His education was received in the public schools of Paris, Missouri, prior to the time he was fifteen years of age, as he joined the Southern army at that age and served throughout the Civil war. When twenty years old Mr. Miller entered the em- ploy of the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, remaining with this firm for several years. He then opened a general merchandise store at Clarksville, Texas, which he continued for some years and then moved to Dallas where he became associated with the C. G. Eckford Company, the lead- ing furniture and carpet dealers of this city at that time. He remained with this firm for a period of five years, when he was forced to retire from active business on account of failing health.
Mr. Miller was married in New Orleans. to Miss Fannie Wright, a native of Macon, Georgia, and a member of an outstanding family of that state. Her father, Col. W. B. Wright, was one of the makers of laws of Texas, along with Judge John H. Reagan and his picture now hangs in the state cap- itol. Col. Wright was in the Southern Congress during the Civil war. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, two boys and two girls, three deceased and Frances, now Mrs. Frances (Miller) Cabell, wife of Col. Lawrence Cabell, Q. M., United States Army, Organized Reserve Corps. Col. Cabell was quartermaster in charge under General Goethals and was with the first regiment (the 10th Infantry) to arrive and start on the building of the Panama Canal. Col. Cabell was with General Per- shing on the punitive expedition into Mexico from Naco, Arizona, after Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico, and was in charge of the Quartermaster's supply depot at Mons. France, under General Persh- ing during the World war. Col. Cabell's complete military record is in the files at Washington, D. C .. and is outstanding in point of service and in many other ways, familiar to military men of the coun- try. The Cabell home is located at 3702 Craigmont Avenue.
Mr. Miller died in Dallas, November 29, 1921. He was a member of the Christian Church. During his life Mr. Miller took a keen interest in the affairs of his state and aided in every movement for the betterment of his community. In Dallas he was known as one of this city's most enterprising busi- ness men and esteemed citizens, ready at all times to to assist his city or an individual in need. Ilis many friends remember him as having labored without stint for the upbuilding of Texas and the Southwest, and his good deeds will ever abide, treasured within the hearts of hundreds who knew him and loved hin1.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.