The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 83

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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M.H. Miller.

F. P. Widenen

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مانفدت بهكود ماكستسقط .

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

RANKLIN PIERCE WIDENER. A pioneer in the building trades in Dallas, Franklin Pierce Widener engaged in the contracting business here for nearly twenty years, and Aring that time built many residences in Dallas sid Oak Cliff. Mr. Widener came to Texas as a hang man and spent several years in Johnson reunty, following which he went to Wichita, kansas, where he engaged in contracting for six rars, from 1884 until 1890. He then came to Pallas, and entered the contracting business here, which he continued until his death.

Franklin P. Widener was born in Kokomo, 1- diana, on the fifth day of January, 1854, and was a son of John Widener and Mrs. Widener, whose maiden name was Pierce. Mr. John Widener, a cative of Tennessee, went to Indiana as a young ".an and engaged in farming there for many years. Franklin P. Widener was educated in the public schools near his home, following which he helped Ns father on the farm for several years, going :) Kansas in 1874, and farming and working in the building trades until coming to Dallas in 1890.

Mr. Widener was married at Lawrence, Kansas, in December 1882, to Miss Carrie Wilson, a daugh- 'er of Joseph Wilson and Mary Edna (Shipley) Wilson. Mr. Wilson, a native of Knoxville, Tenn- risee, was a farmer and stock raiser of Missouri, and later of Kansas for many years. He was a third cousin of President Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Wilson served through the Mexican war, seeing s tive service in Mexico. Mrs. Wilson also was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. Mrs. Widener was born in Independence, Missouri, and was edu- cated in Johnson County, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Widener had two children, Charles Edward Wide- ner, who married Miss Stella Baker, they having tre child, Stella Lynn; and one child deceased. Mr. Widener was first married to Emma Wilson, a sister of his second wife, and one boy was born to this union namely, Jacob Vernon Widener.

Mr. Widener belonged to the Carpenters' Union, And the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon in the church. His death occurred on the third day : August, 1908. Mrs. Widener resides in Dallas, 2: 5404 East Side avenue.

ENRY ENGELSON for almost fifty years was one of the leading contractors of painting and paper hanging in Dallas, Texas, and was one of the pioneers of this stry in this city. He spent his entire life in the "arious branches of painting, decorating and paper miging and was one of the most skilled men of time in his special field. He did a large volume : business, which was chiefly confined to the best mes of that time and many of the old homes of · wnificence and important business houses of the early days bespeak the efficiency of this contractor, who gave his personal attention to all work.

A native of Germany, Mr. Engelson was born . wir the city of Koln May 1, 1847. His parents i'h were natives of the Fatherland and members ' representative families of their communities. Ilis :Gration was received in the various schools of . rmany. When about thirty years of age, Mr. lyon came to Dallas, which at that time was 'hing more than a village. Having learned his 'Made in Germany, he immediately started in at this * ork In his new home and even at that early day,

soon built up a large business which grew with the years as the city progressed. Mr. Engelson was one of the builders of Dallas, using from the first his money and ideas to create a city.

Mr. Engelson was married in Dallas, May 6, 1880, to Miss Flora Kadel, a native of Bloomington, Illi- nois. Her father, Daniel Kadel, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was a member of one of the leading families of the Fatherland. Her mother, Mrs. Flora (Haacke) Kadel, was a member of a well known family of Germany. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Engelson: Dora, now Mrs. William Soergel of Oklahoma City, and Rose, now Mrs. Will Young of Dallas. The Engelson home is located at 909 Liberty Street. Dallas Texas.

Mr. Engelson died here March 4, 1924. He was a member of the Lutheran (Zion) Church. Per- haps no man of his time had more friends than did Mr. Engelson. He was a man of rare sincerity and high standards and his influence was always evi- dent for those things which he conceived to be for the good of Dallas. He was, during his residence here covering a period of almost half a century, one of the most earnest and effective civic workers of his time and many of the projects carried out at a later date, was started by Mr. Engelson and his comrades of early days.

OBERT BEN NELSON for more than thirty years was identified with the com- mercial life of Dallas where he was en- gaged in the liquor business and his entire experience was in one location, at the corner of Ervay and Jackson Streets. While Mr. Nelson gave away a great deal, he was very successful in his business ventures, and with an abiding faith in the future of Dallas he became a large property owner here.

A native of Alabama, Mr. Nelson was born in Gadsden, August 8, 1871. His father was a sea captain and pilot and traveled all over the world many times having many strange and dangerous adventures. His education was received in the schools of Gadsden. At the age of 16 he set forth afoot to the great State of Texas, where wealth, romance and adventure awaited him. He worked his way along the route until he reached Terrell, where he secured work of different kinds, later finding a permanent place in a cigar store. This seemed a little slow for young Nelson and he came to Dallas. Here he engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business and so continued the remainder of his life.

Mr. Nelson was married in Dallas, April 10, 1900 to Miss Bessie Diment, a native of Topeka. Her father, Louis Diment. a native of New York for many years was a leading merchant of Topeka. Her mother, Mrs. Celia (Abraham) Diment, was of a well known New York family. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, Milton J. and Harold R., who own the Nelson Pharmacy, one of the finest in Dallas, located on. Main street near Ervay. The third son Lloyd D. is a student. The . Nelson home is located at 2321 Forest Avenue.

Mr. Nelson died in Dallas April 4, 1923. He was a member of the Koon Kreek Klub and the Baptist Church. In the death of Mr. Nelson, Dallas lost one who worked zealously in the building of this city. As a business man, Mr. Nelson was an advocate of the highest standards and as a citizen, he was one of the most enterprising of his time.

791

MEN OF TEXAS

ILLIAM ALBERT HASSELL of Dallas was a pioneer in the civil engineering profes- sion and a premier railroad builder of the Lone Star State, later becoming one of Texas' leading merchants.

A native of Louisiana, Mr. Hassell was born Jan- uary 15, 1846. His parents, William Page and Emily (Warnack) Hassell were natives of Ten- nessee. Ilis education was received in the college at Goliad, Texas, where his parents had moved when he was a child. He started his career as a civil engineer with the Houston & Texas Central Rail- road, remaining with this organization for about six years, when he suffered a sunstroke and was forced to leave this kind of work. Ile then engaged in general merchandising at Wellborn, Brazos County, the railroad at that time having reached this point. At this time he was agent for the rail- road, postmaster and held other offices and posi- tions. He prospered at Wellborn, but later estab- lished the leading dry goods store at Bryan which he continued for more than fifteen years. He sold his interests at Bryan on account of failing health and accepted a position with a large insurance com- pany as traveling representative with headquarters in Dallas. He made investments in real estate here which have since come to be very valuable.

Mr. Hassell was married in Wellborn, February 4, 1868, to Miss Mary R. Scott, a native of Eufaula, Alabama. Her father, Daniel Scott, was a native of South Carolina and her mother, Mrs. Mary (Wellborn) Scott, was a native of Georgia. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hassell, six of whom are living: William Fred of Detroit, Michi- gan; Miss Katie of Dallas; Walter Scott of Dallas; Miss Daisy of Dallas; Jess T. of Dallas; and Frank James of Los Angeles. The Hassell home is located at 233 Cumberland Street.

Mr. Hassell died in Dallas February 20, 1911. He was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, was Grand Chancellor for Texas of the Knights of Pythias, was Grand Master of the An- cient Order of United Workmen, prominent in Woodmen of the World circles and was affiliated with other organizations. He was senior warden and . superintendent of the sunday school of the Episcopal Church in Bryan. Mr. Hassell served in the Confederate Army throughout the Civil War. He was elected major of the United Confederate Veterans Camp at Corpus Christi. He was a leader in the development and upbuilding of Texas and took an interest in young men and aided inany to enter business or receive training for this work. Mrs. Hassell assisted her husband in his successes and encouraged him in his charitable deeds. She is one of the most popular and active women in Dallas having held important offices in charitable . societies. She is among the fast disappearing wonen who are the wives or widows of Civil War veterans. When she was married in the small South Texas village conveniences were not to be had and Texas was a wild waste of prairies, with long-horn cattle ranging over it. Too much praise can never be given to Texas' pioneer women who endured the early hardships and vicissitudes with their husbands in order that the later generations might enjoy all the modern conveniences of today. All honor is due them.

ILLIAM A. WOFFORD, a native son of Texas, was born in an atmosphere of the mercantile business and had a successful career as a merchant, spending his entire life in this field at Athens, Texas. With his brother, J. B. Wofford, as a partner, he owned, for many years, the largest mercantile store in this part of the state. Later, he merged his firm with another large business of Athens, which was chartered under the firm name of the Wofford- Murchison Corporation, of which William A. Wof- ford was president.

Mr. Wofford was born in Fincastle, Henderson County, December 7, 1858. His father, B. W. J. Wofford, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, born February 27, 1832, came to Fincastle in the Spring of 1851. The Woffords were among the first settlers of Spartanburg County, Pennsylvania. It appears that five brothers of this name came from Mary- land to this county. The tradition in the family is that two brothers of this name came from the north of England and settled in Pennsylvania near the Maryland line and that one of these brothers was the father of Wm., Joseph, James, John and Benja- min. The grandfather of B . W. J. Wofford, Wm. M. Wofford, was born July 3, 1796, and died March 1846. He was married to Mariah Frances Johns- ton July 6, 1826, who died September 5, 1844. B. W. J. Wofford had three sisters who died while young. He was married to Frances Eliza Ayers, in Salem, Mississippi, June 20, 1855. The latter was born in Alabama, May 13, 1834. B. W. J. Wofford engaged in the mercantile business, farming and stock raising, in which he was successful. In 1886 he moved to Athens where he continued in business until his death.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was Miss Frances E. Ayers, a native of Mississippi. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. B. W. J. Wofford, namely, George M .; John B .; William A .; Mrs. S. M. Cain, Mrs. C. H. Coleman and Reagan P.

George M. Wofford, the eldest son, was born in Henderson County, February 3, 1853. He lived on the farm until twenty years of age when he en- gaged in the mercantile business in Nechesville, Anderson County, for a short time. Returning to Fincastle he joined his father under the firm name of Wofford & Son, this firm continuing for about seven years. In 1879 he moved to Tyler and organ- ized the firm of Wofford, Gaston & Company, which partnership existed for two years. His next move was to Athens, where he continued in the merchan- dising business. In 1890, with others, he organized the First National Bank of Athens. He was chosen cashier of this institution and held this position for a period of eight years, resigning in 1898 to look after his other interests. Later he organized the Guaranty State Bank, of which he became president, serving in this capacity until his death. He was twice married. His first marriage was to Miss Lucy Murchison, daughter of Mr. T. F. Murchison of Athens. She died leaving one son, Tom B. Wofford, who is president of the Guaranty State Bank, of Athens. Tom B. Wofford was married to Miss Ethel Marsh, of Tyler. Texas, and has four children, Billie M., Hilda, Arabella and Tom B., Jr. His second marriage was to Miss Willie Perry, daughter of Dr. J. J. Perry of Hempstead, Texas. To this union, two

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NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

children were born: Lucy Mae, now Mrs. Fred Jamison, and George M. Wofford, Jr., both of Los Angeles.

J. B. Wofford was born in Fincastle, July 4, 1855. He grew to manhood in that community and attended Trinity University at Tehaucana. For a time he was associated with Wofford & Son. He moved to Athens about 1884, and engaged in the mercantile business there until coming to Dallas, where he engaged in private banking until his death. When the town of Athens was incorporated, a large number of citizens petitioned him to serve as one of the aldernien. which he consented to do and was elected to this office. He was very suc- cessful in all his enterprises. He was married to Miss Rena Rose and had two children: Julia, now Mrs. John P. Mayfield, of Corsicana and Bush Wofford, Dallas business man, who married Pearl Ilall, of Temple.

William A. Wofford was married at the Carpenter country home. six miles west of Corsicana, to Miss Sallie Carpenter, a native of Tennessee and a mem- ber of a pioneer Texas family. Her father, Thomas Wirt Carpenter, a native of Alabama, came to Texas in 1876 and settled just west of the city of Corsicana. He served throughout the Civil war with the 1st Tennessee Brigade and was twice wounded. Her mother, Mrs. Ellen Isaphine (Dick- son) Carpenter, was a member of a well known family of Hardin County, Tennessee. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are: Mrs. W. F. Love, Corsicana; Lewis T. Carpenter, Dallas; Mrs. T. G. Gowns, Powell; Mrs. W. R. Bishop, Athens; John W. Carpenter. Dallas, and Mrs. J. F. Neff, Ballinger. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Wofford: William Reagan, of Dal- las, and Miss Claire Carpenter. The Wofford home is located at 3626 Princeton avenue. W. A. Wofford died July 1. 1906. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Presbyterian Church. As a merchant and citizen, he was known as one of the most progressive and public-spirited, and his character will ever be a splendid inspiration to those who remember his life of unselfish service.

Mrs. Smith Cain has three children, Wofford R., in the cotton compress business at Italy, Texas; John. S., Ford dealer, in Ennis, Texas. and married to Margaret Byers, of Uniontown. Pennsylvania, and has one son, James; and Mrs. S. F. Denius, of Dallas, who has one son. Franklin Wofford.

Reagan Payne Wofford, capitalist, for more than twenty-five years was prominent in the banking and business circles of Dallas. He was born in Henderson County, December 9, 1871. He was educated in Southwestern University, Georgetown but owing to the death of his father and to his desire to enter business, he left just before gradu- ation, entering the banking business at Athens. Of a forceful personality, and with vigorous intel- lectual powers, his career leaves to all young Texans, an inspiring example of what can be ac- complished when enthusiasm for accomplishment is not wanting. This enthusiasm he possessed to a high degree and with it he combined vision and doing what he set out to do. These qualities en- abled him to achieve success in so many things of moment. In addition to looking after his own business, he was a director in various corporations of importance. He was a sportsman, clubman and member of many organizations, among which are

numbered, Masonic Lodge, Knights Templar, Shrine and the Dallas, Dallas Country, Athletic Clubs and the Presbyterian Church. His death May 21, 1923 eaused sincere sorrow among his numerous friends, many of whom he staked when sorely in need of a helping hand, for his generous soul was as big and as beautiful as a Texas prairie in springtime.

R. WILLIAM ERVIN KING was a pioneer of the medical profession of Texas, having started the practice of medicine in Collin County, in 1878, where for a quarter of a century thereafter he was the leading physician and surgeon.

A native of North Carolina, Dr. King was born on a farm in Polk County, January 26, 1854. He was a member of a family of physicians. His father, Dr. C. King, was one of the first physicians and surgeons of the State of North Carolina and his fame in the medical profession spread throughout the contiguous states. His brother, also attained distinction in the field of medicine. His mother, Mrs. Ellen (McCalister) King, was a member of a well known family of Knoxville, Tennessee. His early education was obtained from a private tutor, who gave instruction to him along academic lines for a period of seven years. Later, he started read- ing medicine under his father, after which he took a course of medical lectures under the best talent of that time. He then started the practice of medi- cine, later graduating from the Georgia Medical College of Augusta, Georgia. Knowing of the many opportunities offered to a young physician in the Lone Star State, he came here and practiced for twenty-five years prior to locating in Dallas in 1903, where he had intended to retire from active work, but was not allowed to do so, as he con- stantly had calls from the families which he had served for many years and from many new friends. Dr. King did much charity practice, never refusing to visit the poor when called. Throughout his ca- reer as a physician, lie built up and held a practice, that was, by far, the largest of that time. He also did much for his community, being known as one of the most enterprising citizens of North Texas, giving all of his spare time to civic organizations, in an effort to build up his city and community.

Dr. King was married in Dallas, Texas, on August 10, 1880 to Miss Dorothy E. Murphy, whose father, William Murphy, a native of North Carolina, for many years was a potent factor in the commercial life of Texas. Her mother, Mrs. Dorothy (Iludi- burg) Murphy was a member of a prominent family of Knoxville, Tennessee. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. King, only one of whom is living: Nelle, now Mrs. L. F. Turney of Dallas. The King home is located at 536 West'Seventh Street.

Dr. King died in Dallas September 14, 1909. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and was associated with all local organizations with Dal- las' welfare as its object. In addition to being one of Texas' pioneer physicians Dr. King also was one of its pioneers in all matters pertaining to its better- ment. As a citizen, a physician and a friend. Dr. King distinguished himself in a manner that the loss involved in his death has been keenly and wide- ly felt. As a resident of Dallas he contributed the leadership and standing of a respected member of the niedical fraternity and profession as well as the influence of a thorough-going gentleman.

793

MEN OF TEXAS

EDWARD COOMBS SMITH, of Dallas, for more than forty-five years was one of the leading undertakers and funeral directors of this city. Starting alone as a young man in the undertaking business, he took his brother into the firm after a few years after which the firm was known as Ed. C. Smith & Brother. This firm was the first to introduce many of the latter day inno- vations in the field of undertaking and their parlors, embalming rooms, chapel and all equipment, including their hearses and ambulances were the best to be found in the country.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Smith was born in 1849. His father, Colby T. Smith, also a native of Kentucky, was one of the leading architects of his native state. His mother, Mrs. Miriam (Stevenson) Smith, was a member of a prominent Kentucky family. His education was received in the puble schools of Dallas County, his parents removing here when he was a small boy, and he grew to manhood here. His first work after leav- ing school was in his father's office, but not having a special liking for the profession of architect, he soon left and engaged in the undertaking business in which he met with signal success, building up for Dallas one of the most modern places of its kind in the state.

Mr. Smith was married in Dallas, October 6, 1873, to Miss Martha Ann Fletcher, a native of Illinois and a member of one of the foremost families of her community. Her father, John L. Fletcher, came to Dallas County in 1854 as a farmer and surveyor, remaining here until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he volunteered and served throughout the period of the war. Her grandfather, Russell Fletcher, was one of the pioneers of the State of Illinois, later coming to Texas in 1854. The four sisters of Mrs. Smith are Eliza Jane, (deceased) was married to Geo. Waller; Mary Elizabeth, (now deceased) was married to Wni. Hancock; Catherine, now Mrs. L. W. Bond and Carrie, now Mrs. H. E. Luck. her husband the Rev. H. E. Luck is chaplain of the Boys' Training School at Gatesville and for many years has been one of the most loved ministers of the Christian Church of Texas. The Smith home is located at 3602 Rawlins, street. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smith, five of whom are living: Lawrence Taylor, M. D., who for many years has been a leading physician and surgeon of Rusk, Texas; Hood Fletcher (deceased since April 1925) ; Blake, the executive head of the Blake Smith Undertaking Company, one of the leading establishments of its kind of Dallas; Eula, now Mrs. Fred S. Webster; Edna, now Mrs. Emil F. Smrz and Edward Coombs, Jr., employed in the City National Bank of Dallas. Edward Coonibs Smith. Jr., served throughout the world war, being with the A. E. F. in France, in the cavalry division for the entire time of the war He was promoted to the rank of captain and was disabled during the war.

Mr. Edward Coombs Smith died in Dallas, April 28, 1907. Ile was a member of I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias and the Central Christian Church. Mr. Smith was known as the father of the water system of Dallas as it was started by him. Due largely to his efforts the modern in- provements in the system were made at the Turtle Creek plant, the first pumping plant in Dallas and

this was built so well that it is still in operation here and giving satisfactory service to the depart- ment. He held many offices of honor and trust at the hands of the citizenship of Dallas. Before the commission form of government he served three terms as alderman, and during his regime many improvements of substantial character were ac- complished. During his race for mayor of the city of Dallas, he was defeated by only one vote, this being testimony of the friendship in which he was held here and the faith had in his efficiency as an officer of the city. Perhaps no citizen of Dallas did more for the upbuilding of his city than did the subject of this sketch. He was an incessant worker for the city's upbuilding, contributing his material aid and time to all projects for develop- ment. Few men have served their cities as nobly and as efficiently as Mr. Smith. He was a man loved by all who knew him. He was a factor in the affairs of Dallas for so long that his death left a vacancy that will not be filled. In the profession which he made his life's work, Mr. Smith practiced it with the highest ethics of the fraternity, and none could say aught against him. His heart was pure and clean, his purposes were magnanimous. He was indeed a true friend, an enterprising business man and a Southern gentleman.

MORY DUNCAN MALONE, of Dallas, for many years was associated in various capac- ities with the largest and most important implement organizations of the country and was one of the best known and most popular implement men of the Lone Star State of his time.

A native of Illinois, Mr. Malone was born near Enfield, May 24, 1858. His father, Jesse Malone, a native of Illinois also, throughout his life was iden- tified with the business life of his state. His mother. Mrs. Caroline (Reeder) Malone, was a member of a well known family of Illinois. His education was received in the various schools of his native state. As a very young man he started his career as a teacher in Illinois, which he continued for several years. He then came to Texas and located at Sher- man where he was associated with the Walter A. Wood Harvester Company for about three years. He then went with the McCormick Harvester Com- pany, remaining with this organization for several years and then became manager of the Deering Harvester Company, remaining in this position for a period of four years. Later, he became traveling representative of the Moon Buggy Company, accep- ting this position on account of his health, believing that a position outdoors would be beneficial to hini after being confined to office work for many years.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 83

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