USA > Texas > The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2 > Part 90
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A native of Arkansas, Mr. Rainey was born at Morrolton. His father, was a native of Ireland, who came to Arkansas as a young man, and his mother was from Scotland, who came to America as a child. His education was received in the public schools of Arkansas. He assisted his father on his farm as a boy and continued to farm until 1877 when he came to Dallas where he entered the employ of the city. In the history of Dallas, perhaps there has never been a more loyal or efficient employee than the subject of this sketch, who was esteemed by the heads of the various departments and by his fellow workers in a manner that reflected his splendid character.
Mr. Rainey was married in Los Angeles, July 4, 1897 to Miss Eugenia Phifer. Her father, James Curtis Phifer, a native of Tennessee, was one of the early pioneers of the Lone Star State. Her mother, Mrs. Sarah Louise (Ayers) Phifer, was a member of one of the foremost families of Ken- tucky. The Rainey home is located at 423 White street.
Mr. Rainey died in Dallas, July 28, 1926. He was a charter member of the Dallas Lodge of I. O. O. F., being one of the oldest in point of member- ship in the state, having belonged to this organi- zation forty-four years. Serving as a member of the Dallas fire department when it was not as efficient and modern as it has since come to be, Mr. Rainey had many escapes from death and per- formed many acts of heroism, as told by his comrades in fire fighting. As a citizen of Dallas he contributed liberally to every movement for the city's betterment and advancement. His death not only was a personal bereavement to his many friends but a distinct loss to the fire department of Dallas, of which organization he had become a part. A. gallant and fearless man passed on when Willian Rainey died.
AVID LEE LONG throughout his life was a leader in the business circles of Denton, Texas, and while engaged in the merchan- dising business practically all of his life, he was interested in many of the worthwhile industries of North and West Texas. Mr. Long was active in educational matters and was one of the chief promoters of the College of Industrial Arts of Den- ton and perhaps did more than any other man in securing this college, which is one of the largest of its kind of the Southwest, for his city.
A native son of Texas. Mr. Long was born in Denton County, April 4. 1874. His father, David Russell Long. a native of Kentucky for many years was a leader in the commercial life of Denton Coun-
ty. His mother, Mrs. Martha I. (Johnston) Long, a native of Virginia, was a member of a prominent family of that state. His education was received in the schools of Denton and Dallas, Texas. He started his business career in Denton as a grocery merchant, continuing in this branch of merchandis- ing for a number of years. Later he entered the dry goods business and for many years was a lead- ing merchant of this city in this line. He had many other interests in Denton, being the vice-president of one of the flour mills there, and was interested in several other stores of this city, besides large inter- ests in farms and merchandising establishments in West Texas.
Mr. Long was married in Denton, December 8, 1897, to Miss Grace Mae Gibson. Her father, John Fletcher Gibson, was a native of Ohio and prior to his removal to Texas had been an active figure in the business life of that state. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Jane (Anderson) Gibson, was a native of Illinois and a member of one of the foremost fam- ilies of that part of the state where she was born, reared and educated. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Long, Frances Maye Long of Dallas. The Long home is located at 914 North Bishop Avenue.
Mr. Long died in Dallas, April 9, 1910. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the First Presbyterian Church of Denton, besides holding membership in various civic, fraternal and com- mercial organizations. Mr. Long was a leader in the upbuilding of Denton, where he spent practi- cally all of his life and was known to almost every citizen of Denton County. He was one of the veterans in the battles of Denton, although he was only thirty-six years of age at the time of his death. He demonstrated his faith in his city and community by both words and deeds. He was associated with the first industries of any magnitude in Denton and he was a constant worker in bringing new business to his city. Mr. Long was of that kind of men whose lives make a community great and his many good deeds live after him.
ILLIAM A. WYATT came to Dallas in 1897 as manager of Bradstreet's of this city and for seventeen years was in charge of the business of this organization here and was numbered among Dallas' leading business men and enterprising citizens.
A native of Missouri, Mr. Wyatt was born in St. Joseph, January 10, 1860. His father, J. J. Wyatt, was a native of Kentucky and a member of a pioneer family of that state. His mother, Mrs. Emily (Gooding) Wyatt, was a native of Ken- tucky, but her parents were pioneers of Virginia. His education was received in the public schools and college of St. Joseph, Missouri. As a young man he started his business career as a grocer in St. Joseph and for seven years was the owner of one of the leading grocery stores there. He then became manager of Bradstreet's in Omaha. remaining in that capacity until he was transferred to Dallas. Mr. Wyatt was well known in North Texas, and through his splendid personality and affiliation with Bradstreet's, he became acquainted with the leading business men of his territory, and these were numbered among his friends.
Mr. Wyatt was married in St. Joseph, July 9, 1898 to Miss Dixie Howard, a native of that city. Her father, Dr. J. B. Howard, a native of Kentucky,
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was a well known physician and surgeon, and her mother, Mrs. Sarah (Herndon) Howard, also was a native of that state. The Wyatt home is located at 6321 Bryan Parkway.
Mr. Wyatt died in Dallas, January, 1914. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. and the Christian Church, and for many years was a deacon of that church. During his residence here he was a worker for the betterment of his adopted city. Mr. Wyatt was a man of unswerving loyalty to principle and he was an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact. He had a strong personality and throughout his career was a man of large influence. His passing occasioned sorrow through- out the country where he was best known and particularly Dallas where his many kind deeds won and held an increasing circle of friends.
AMILTON FRANKLIN SIMMONS was a pioneer in the mercantile business of Texas having started a general merchan- dise store at Mexia in 1865 which he con- ducted for forty-six consecutive years, establishing a record for service in this field.
A native of Mississippi, Mr. Simmons was born in Kosciusko, on April 27, 1847. His father, was a native of Mississippi and died from a wound re- ceived in the Civil war. His mother, Mrs. Lucy (Smith) Simmons, was a member of one of the old- est families of that state, her ancestors having come to America from Scotland and settled in Kentucky, the next generation moving to Missis- sippi. His education was received in private schools of his native state. After finishing his education in Mississippi, he removed to Texas, bringing with him his mother and sisters. At the beginning of the Civil war, Mr. Simmons enlisted at the age of fifteen and was in active service throughout the time of the war. After its close he returned to Mexia and engaged in business.
Mr. Simmons was married in Mexia to Miss Anora Means, a native Texan and a member of one of the state's most prominent families. She is a graduate of Trinity University, where she received her A. B. degree. Her father, Dr. T. L. C. Means, was a prominent figure in the medical circles of Texas as well as one of the state's most prominent citizens, who assisted in its development. Mrs. Simmons is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and has taught a class in the Sunday School of this church since she was sixteen years of age, and one of the best known members of the Presbyterian denomination of Texas. Her mother, Mrs. Annette (Wills) Means, was a native of Lebanon, Tennessee, where she belonged to a pioneer family. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons: J. E. (deceased since February 10, 1918) ; Roy, who for many years has been a leading merchant of Wortham, Texas, where he has continued the general mercantile business es- tablished .bv his father and himself; and Mrs. Nettie Pearl MacLauchlin (deceased since 1913). The latter married Rev. A. M. MacLauchlin a Presbyterian minister. Roy and J. E. graduated with honors from Austin College. Roy is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and has been a success- ful oil operator at Wortham. J. E. Simmons, children are: J. Elmore and Hal Francis; Roy Sinimons' children are: Ed Roy and Franklin; Mrs. MacLauchlin's child is Muldrow. Ed Roy has two
children : Roy Dean and Sally. The Simmons home is located at 501 East Jefferson street.
Mr. Simmons died in Dallas, September 21, 1911. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, hay- ing for several years prior to his death, held an official position with this organization. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and active in church matters of this denomination. An enter- prising business man, a charitable citizen, and a Southern gentleman of the old school was Hamil- ton Simmons, loved by all who knew him.
OHN J. METCALFE, for many years, was prominently identified with the business life of Dallas where he organized one of the successful building and loan associa- tions and for several years was associated with one of Dallas' leading banks. He was well known throughout North Texas, not only as a banker but as a progressive business man and esteemed citizen.
A native of Kentucky, Mr. Metcalfe was born in Carlisle. June 13, 1850, and was a member of one of that state's foremost families. His paternal grand- father, Thomas Metcalfe, born at Forest Retreat, Fuqua County, on March 20, 1780, was a captain of Kentucky Volunteers in the War of 1812, and was a member of Congress from 1818 to 1827 and Gov- ernor of Kentucky from 1828 to 1832, becoming a member of the United States Senate in 1848. Thomas Metcalfe was president of the Board of International Relations from 1848 to the time of his death in 1855. He was at the convention which nominated William Henry Harrison for president. The father of the subject of this sketch, Leonidas Metcalfe, a native of Kentucky and a graduate of West Point, served in the Civil war and after this conflict, was well known in business life of his state. John J. Metcalfe was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati. As a young man he came to Waxahachie, and farmed in Ellis County. Later. with Tom Ferris and H. Trippit, he organized the Waxahachie National Bank and for a period of twelve years was with this institution. He then came to Dallas and organized a building and loan association and for seven years remained as an official of it. For several years he was identified with the National Bank of Commerce, and then retired from active business.
Mr. Metcalfe was married in Cincinnati, to Miss Ella Parker, a native of that city and a member of a prominent family. Her father, Isaac W. Parker. owned a spice mill for many years in Cincinnati. Her mother, Mrs. Rachel (Huber) Parker, a native of New York, as a child, came to Cincinnati in a canal boat on the Ohio River. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Metcalfe: Wallace Parker, who is associated with the National Bank of Commerce of Dallas; Lillian, now Mrs. Ross Davis, of San An- tonio; Earl, with the American Exchange National Bank of Dallas, and Helen, now Mrs. Mendez Young, of Dallas. The Metcalfe home is located at 4019 Elni Street.
Mr. Metcalfe died in Dallas August 4, 1920. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. and other organizations, in all of which he took an active in- terest. For more than forty years he occupied a place of leadership in his city where he was loved by a host of friends from every walk of life. I. his death the profession of banking and inae . lost one of its most able figures and the city of Dla !. las a staunch, wise and constructive citizen.
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OAH CRABTREE was for more than a quarter of a Century one of the leading grocery merchants of Dallas where he was born, reared and with the exception of three years which were spent in Dallas County, he lived his entire life in this city. Mr. Crabtree had a share in the building and development of Dallas, where he was known as one of its most enterprising business men, an asset to his city.
Mr. Crabtree was born December 2, 1871. His father John Lewis Crabtree, was one of the pioneer settlers and business men of Dallas, where in the very early days of this city he owned a grocery store on Mckinney Avenue. His education was re- ceived in the public schools of Dallas. As a very young man he started to work in his father's store and when he was about seventeen years of age he went to work for the Western Newspaper Union as shipping clerk, where he remained until 1900 when he started a grocery store of his own at the corner of Commerce and Crowdus Streets. This store was operated under the name of the Com- merce Street Grocery and for eighteen years was one of the largest and best grocery establishments of this part of Dallas. Mr. Crabtree sold this busi- ness and moved to Grand Prairie, Dallas County, where for a period of three years he was engaged in truck growing and in 1921 he returned to Dallas and again engaged in the grocery business at 1311 Forest Avenue, where he also made his home. He soon built up a large trade in this section and con- tinued at this location for several years.
Mr. Crabtree was married in Dallas, July 30, 1892, to Miss Ella Hamilton, a native of Dallas and a member of a pioneer family of this part of Texas. Her father, L. D. Hamilton, was engaged in farm- ing here until his death which occurred when Mrs. Crabtree was a small child. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree: Bessie, mar- ried to M. F. Dresler; Ethel, married to A. Sam- uels; Edna, married to G. E. Norris; Roy; Ray- mond; Wilbur; Frank and Frances, twins. The Crabtree home is located at 1311 Forest Avenue.
Mr. Crabtree died in Dallas, November 9, 1928. He was a member of the Congregational Church and throughout his life had labored for the better- ment of the city of his birth. He knew and loved his city and State as only a native can. He had been a part of this city's life for so many years that his passing removed one of the foundation beams upon which has been reared the structure of a great citizenship, and his finest memorial is found in the hearts of those who knew him.
OHN WEBSTER PARKS, of Dallas. was a pioneer in the railroad circles of this state, having entered the service of the Texas & Pacific railway in 1875, and continued with this line for more than forty years, during which time he held various responsible positions unti! he was retired with a pension, being at that time one of the oldest employees from the service stand- point.
A native of Pennsylvania, Capt. Parks, was born in Dauphin, July 17, 1843. His father, Joseph Wilson Parks, also a native of Pennsylvania, for many years was associated with a bank at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Joseph Wilson Parks was of English parentage. being a member of a prominent family of England and was active almost up to the time of his death when ninety-one years
of age. His education was received in the schools of Dauphin, Penn. His first work of any im- portance was when he was twenty-three years of age, when he held a responsible position with the Philadelphia Traction Company where he remained for several years and then became associated with the Dolan Woolen Mills, remaining with this enter- prise until 1875 when he come to Texas. Landing in Marshall, he soon secured a position with the Texas & Pacific railroad at that point, where he remained until 1892 when he removed to Dallas as stock claim agent, under the late L. S. Thorn, general manager. After forty-one years of service Capt. Parks was retired on a pension, at the recommendation of the officials of this line who held him in the highest esteem.
Capt. Parks was married in Germantown, August 22, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth A. Hinkle, a native of that city. Her parents, John A and Elizabeth A. Hinkle, also were natives of Germantown, and members of pioneer families of that city. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Parks; Howard W., who for many years was associated with the Texas & Pacific railroad and also was a well known auditor of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. Howard W. Parks was married to Miss Lulu Smithson, a native Texan, whose parents came to the Lone Star State from Georgia in 1869. The Parks home is located at 1409 Royal street, where they have resided for many years.
Capt. Parks died in Dallas, April 17, 1919. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. When eighteen years of age he volunteered his services to the Grand Army of the Republic and served throughout the Civil war, entering as a private and later made a captain. The career of Capt. Parks was remarkable, and during his long years of service he was known as one of the most efficient men of his organization, loved and es- teemed both by the executives and by his fellow employees.
NUD LARSEN started his career as a con- tractor and builder in Dallas in 1904. Soon he became one of the leaders in this line in this city where today manv of the buildings stand as a monument to his skill.
A native of Denmark, Mr. Larsen was born April 17, 1873. His father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Lars Larsen, also were natives of Denmark, the for- mer being a well known figure in the commercial life of his community. His education was received in the secondary schools of Denmark, and at Norre Nissum College, also of that country.
Mr. Larsen started his business career in Den- mark as a very young man in the hardware busi- ness, which he continued for several years. He then engaged in general merchandising in Bording, Den- mark, which he continued with success until 1904, when he came to Dallas where he immediately em- barked on his career as a contractor. Mr. Larsen helped build up many residential sections of Dallas, and during the period in which he was so engaged, perhaps did as much building as any other contrac- tor of that time. He erected many of the fine residences and apartments here. together with some business buildings. Since his death Mrs. Larsen has carried on his work and has to her credit in Dallas several apartment buildings and residences.
Mr. Larsen was married in Denmark, October 1,
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1902, to Miss Anna Hvam Sorensen, a native of Denmark and a member of a well known family of that country. Her parents, N. Sorensen and Mrs. Inger Marie Sorensen, were members of old and esteemed families of that country. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Larsen: Knud Evans Larsen, underwriter with the Automobile Underwriters In- surance Co. with headquarters in Dallas. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska from which he received the A. B. degree in 1925.
Mr. Larsen died in Dallas September 27, 1913. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Through- out his residence in Dallas Mr. Larsen was active in all movements for the upbuilding and betterment of this city, where he was held in the highest esteem and loved by all who knew him. As a builder, he was outstanding in his profession in Dallas and as a citizen, one native born could not have been more loyal than was Mr. Larsen. Wherever he went he carried his enthusiasm for the work that he was doing and made friends everywhere. His untimely death was a distinct loss to this city and to Texas.
RANK WELDON BLAKENEY was for many years a potent factor in the business life of Dallas where he was Vice-President of the S. G. Davis Hat Company and one of the organizers of this Company. Prior to lo- cating in Dallas and the establishment of this firm, Mr. Blakeney had a successful business career which he started as a traveling salesman out of Chicago and was one of the best known and popu- lar traveling salesmen of his time of the Southwest. Tiring of traveling, Mr. Blakeney entered the gen- eral merchandising business at Ladonia, Texas, where he remained for several years, and until he came to Dallas to assist in the organization of the S. G. Davis Hat Company and to become one of its chief executives. He was an ardent and tireless worker in the upbuilding of this firm and he did more to assist in its upbuilding and progress than any other man connected with this organization, with the probable exception of Mr. S. G. Davis.
A native Son of Texas, Mr. Blakeney was born in Ladonia on November 18, 1877. His father, George Whitfield Blakeney, a native of South Car- olina, came to Texas in the early days and became one of the leading business men of Fannin County. His mother, Mrs. Nancy Brown ( Weldon) Blakeney, was a native Texan and a member of one of the pioneer families of this State. His education was received in the schools of Ladonia, after which he attended Georgetown University at Georgetown, Texas, where he pursued various courses, which were of benefit to him in his life of business in af- ter years.
Mr. Blakeney was married in Ladonia August 29, 1895, to Miss Myrtele Kate Pickens, a native of Alabama. Her father, Joseph Israel William Pic- kens, was a native of Alabama also and was a mem- ber of one of the foremost families of that State. Her mother, Mrs. Emma (Dickson) Pickens, was a member of a well known family of the state of Ala- bama. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs Blakeney, Zala, now Mrs. A. A. Jackson, Jr., of Dallas.
Mr. Blakeney died in Dallas March 11, 1921. A native Texan, he was true to the traditions of the Lone Star State. His was a nature of more than or- dinary warmth and geniality and these gave to the friendships he established the fervor of fraternal
affection. Mr. Blakely was a business man whose progressive spirit helped raise this city to metropoli- tan proportions and helped make it the distributing headquarters of the Southwest for all sorts of mer- chandise. He was one of the first men of Dallas to recognize the importance of organization in com- mercial enterprises. Mr. Blakeney has been keenly missed both as a friend and as a business asset of Dallas.
ILLIAM KELLY was a pioneer in the com- mercial life of Dallas and was one of the first men to engage in the furniture busi- ness in this city where, for almost half a century, he owned and operated one of the leading furniture stores of this part of the State.
A native of new York State, Mr. Kelly was born in Lockport, January 1, 1850. His father, Thomas Kelly, a native of Ireland, came to America as a young man and became a leader in the business life of his community. His mother, Mrs. Mary (Ilicks) Kelly, was a member of a well known family of Ireland, where she was reared, educated and mar- ried. His education was received in the schools of Wisconsin, which he left to enter the Civil War.
He enlisted at the age of sixteen years, in the Union Army, and was a corporal in Company D., 17th Wisconsin Infantry, and was said to be the youngest soldier in that army. After the close of hostilities, he took a commercial course at Little Rock, Arkansas, and pursued his studies at various intervals after that time.
Prior to entering the furniture business, Mr. Kelly had a wide and varied business ca- reer which he started as a young man, his first posi- tion being that of passenger agent, having charge of the mail on boats running between Little Rock and Memphis, which he held for a period of three years. He then served for two years in the rail- way service as a clerk in the railway station at Little Rock. Following this he became captain of a ferry boat, remaining in this position for three years, after which he came to San Antonio, where for about one year he was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. In 1877, he moved to Dallas and opened a furniture store. This store grew to be one of the leaders in this city. His business extended to all parts of North Texas where he was well known and had a host of friends.
Mr. Kelly was married in Dallas June 17, 1880. to Miss Annie Fleischhauer, a native of Germany, who, as a child, came to Texas with her parents. Her father, George Fleischhauer, and mother, Mrs. Cath- erine (Crush) Fleischhauer were natives of Germany and members of prominent families of the Father- land. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly: Elsie, now Mrs. Elsie Owens of Dallas; John Thomas, Stafford E., and William P., all well known members of the business fraternity of Dallas. The Kelly home is located at 5703 Palo Pinto Avenue.
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