The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 98

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. Wilkes died in Dallas, October 30, 1928. He was a member of the Catholic Church. He had a host of friends throughout the country from every walk of life. Mr. Wilkes was a self-made man, a true friend and a substantial citizen. His success in the various fields in which he was engaged serv- ed to inspire him to greater effort and his death was a severe loss to the best business interests of Dallas.

UGENE HARRISON BAKER, a native Texan, grew up in an atmosphere of the merchandising business and has been an active figure in this field since starting his business career in his father's store at Seguin, Texas. In addition to the merchandising business, cotton and all kinds of country produce was pur- chased from the farmers and young Baker obtained a valuable insight into the buying and selling of the fleecy staple. Later his father took him in as a partner and he remained with him for more than eight years. Later, he moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota, where he engaged in business for about two years. Later he returned to Texas, locating at San Antonio, and opened a general store in that city, but remained there for only a short time. The Baker family then removed to Dallas while Mr. Baker went to Southern California in 1925.

Mr. Baker was born in Seguin, Texas, October 7, 1865. His father A. L. Baker, a native of Georgia, came to Guadalupe County, Texas, in the early days and opened the first store of any consequence at Seguin. His mother, Mrs. Amanda (Walker) Baker., was a member of a well known family of Mississippi. Ilis education was received in the schools of Texas, attending Baylor University when it was located at Independence. Being literally born into the merchandising business, it is quite natural that he made this his life's work.

848

J. F. EDMONDSON

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داولات

Will Elthile-

NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

Mr. Baker was married in Houston, February 16, 1887, to Miss Annie McGary, a native of this state and a member of one of its pioneer families. Her father, Col. D. L. McGary was a pioneer newspaper man of Texas and one of the best known men of his time, not only in the newspaper world, but in poli- tics and all matters having to do with the welfare of the State. Col. McGary founded the Brenham Ban- ner, and for many years edited the Houston Eve- ning Age of Houston. He was active in newspaper work up to the time of his death. Her mother, Mrs. Martha (Summers) McGary, was a member of a prominent Missouri family. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker: Vibella of Dallas, Ray- mond of Little Rock and Eugene, well known in the business circles of Fort Worth. The Baker home is located at 936 North Windmere Avenue. Mr. Baker was a member of the Methodist Church and active in all matters having to do with the upbuild- ing and development of his state. He was an en- terprising business man and public-spirited citizen, with many friends in all sections of the State.

ILLIAM E. WHITE, for more than a quarter of a century was prominently identified with the musical activities of Dallas, where he appeared in more than fifty-five recitals. Mr. White was a talented and accomplished in- structor and pianist and an artist on the pipe organ.

Mr. White was a native of Buffalo, New York. His father, was owner of many of the largest tan- nery plants of New York State. His mother, came of one of the leading musical families of her day in New York State, her brother being a famous tenor. His early academic education was re- ceived in the schools of Buffalo, and his musical training was under the famous musician, Alfred H. Pease, at that time the most prominent pianist of America. His other teachers included Edmund Neupeurt, a great composer and pianist of Norway. He also had instruction under Willian Mason, com- poser and pianist, Rafael Josseffy, of Hungary, famous pianist, composer and instructor and Joseph Roff, German teacher of the piano. Mr. White had an association with Ignace Paderewski for many years and many messages were received by him in his triumphs in the musical world from the fore- most artists of America. Many newspaper clip- pings from eastern papers, written by the severe crities of the country, praised his work as an artist.

In 1889, Mr. White started his career, teaching and giving concerts in many parts of the East. In 1895 he came to Dallas, and continued his profession in this city the remainder of his career, gaining new laurels with the years.

Mr. White was married in Dallas, to Miss Ada Williams, a native of New York State and a mem- ber of a well known family, who later moved to Texas. Her father, Sterling M. Williams, was a leading cattleman of the Lone Star State, locating here in the late '80s. Her mother, Mrs. Louise (Bryan) Williams, was a native of New York State. Mrs. White, for many years has been one of the leading musicians, teachers and pianists of this city, and for several years was a special music critic for the Dallas News. Among her many pupils are some of the foremost musicians of the South. Mrs. White has been one of the most successful of music teachers of Dallas, and aside

from her musical temperament and knowledge, she possesses possibly the most valuable collection of musical works and autographed photographs of great artists of any private instructor in the South.

Mr. White died in Dallas, November 18, 1921. Although he gave his time to his work atong musical lines, he was interested in welfare activities and in the development of his city. Ilis death was a distinct loss to the world of music, and many generations may pass ere we see his like again. He had a host of friends in the musical fraternity. who regarded him as one of the outstanding artists of his day.

R. ROBERT SIDNEY PAYNE came to Dallas, Texas, in 1921, bringing with him a knowledge and experience gained through more than twenty years of practice of medicine and surgery in other parts of the state. Later in life Dr. Payne specialized in kidney and bladder disease and was regarded as one of the outstanding physicians in this special work.

A native of Arkansas, Dr. Payne was born Febru- ary 25, 1874. His father, Chesley Payne, spent part of his life in farming in the State of Arkansas, and was a Confederate soldier in the Civil war, having served throughout this conflict. In the late '70s he settled on a farm near Clarksville. Texas, where he lived until his death. Ifis mother, Mrs. Martha (Davis) Payne, was a mem- ber of a pioneer family of Arkansas. His educa- tion was received in the public schools of Clarks- ville, Texas, and in the University of Texas from which he graduated. Ile then entered the medical department of the University of Texas, at Galveston, where he remained for two years and graduated with the M. D. degree. At the age of twenty-seven years he started the practice of his profession at Webb, Tarrant County, 20 miles from Fort Worth, and remained there for thirteen years. In 1913 he moved to Waxahachie and practiced medicine there for five years. In 1918 he went to New York and took a post-graduate course and in 1921 came to Dallas, his office being located in the Mitchell building on West Davis street. Dr. Payne practiced alone throughout his career, and although his brother, Dr. J. E. Payne, occupied offices in the Mitchell building, they were not partners.

Dr. Payne was married in Clarksville, Texas, August 1, 1892 to Miss Ruina Brodie, a native Texan and a member of one of the pioneer families of North Texas. Her father, Charles Edward Brodie, a Confederate veteran, came to Texas in 1869 from Mississippi, where he had been engaged in school teaching. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Payne: Alma, married to C. P. Duval; Maud, at home in Dallas, and Susie Lee. married to B. D. Abney. The Payne home is located at 902 Thomason Drive.

Dr. Payne died in Dallas, December 12. 1927. Ile was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Oak Cliff Lodge No. 705, and of Hella Temple Shrine. He also was a member of the Southern Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the State and County Medical Associations and the Methodist Church, being one of the most active members of this denomination. During the period in which Dr. Payne was a resident of Dallas, he made many friends here, and his death was a Severe loss to the medical profession.

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MEN OF TEXAS

ULIUS FRANZ was a pioneer in the profes- sion of home decorating and fresco paint- ing of Dallas, Texas, where his fame as an artist in his chosen field soon became known and he was acclaimed one of the best artists of his time in the Southwest. Coming here in 1888 he found that Texas was very definitely a pioneer State, but with the aid of a few enterprising pio- neers, Dallas soon started cityward. The opportun- ity for business success in his profession was appar- ent to Mr. Franz and he set about at once to make the most of the possibilities and his business kept step with the growth of Dallas.

A native of Germany, Mr. Franz was born Sep- tember 10, 1859. His parents, Xavier Franz and Anna (Deghart) Franz, both were natives of the Fatherland and members of prominent families of their respective communities. Mr. Franz enjoyed educational advantages, having attended the best schools and colleges of Germany, besides having a musical education received under the masters of Germany, and was an accomplished musician. Soon after leaving college he studied painting and interi- or decorating and until he was twenty-five years of age continued this work in Germany and started it immediately after coming to New York and four years later to Dallas. Many of the old homes of the first families of Dallas, together with business houses, churches, depots and other buildings in this city and throughout North Texas carry to the younger generations the work of Mr. Franz which has been praised by critics of this art.

Mr. Franz was married in Germany to Miss Wal- berger Merk in February, 1881. Her parents, John and Walberger (Blumberger) Merk, were members of well known families of Germany. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Franz, two of whom are living: Julius Franz of Germany and Frank Franz of Dallas. The Franz home is located at 2515 Gould Street.

Mr. Franz died in Dallas, November 4, 1919. He was a member of the German Catholic Church, the Sons of Hermann, the Dallas Turnverein, being pres- ident of the last named organizations for a period of eighteen years. He also held membership in various civic and commercial organizations, in which he was a leading spirit. He was a charitable man, his generous deeds being known only to his most intimate friends. Being an accomplished musician and well read along all lines he was always the central figure at social gatherings. Mr. Franz was a man of unswerving honesty and loyalty to principle and the city is better today for his having been its citizen.

RED WINDT, for almost two decades, was an esteemed resident of Dallas, where he followed his trade of wagon maker, being one of the most efficient men of his time in his chosen field. He also preached occasionally in the Methodist Church, of Dallas, from 1901 to 1909 and was beloved by the members of the church.

A native of Germany, Mr. Windt was born at Parofer, Nuremberg, on May 18, 1863. His father, Wilhelm Windt, also a native of Nuremberg, Ger- many, throughout his life was an active figure in the affairs of his community. His mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Windt, was a member of a well known family of the Fatherland, where she was reared, educated and married. His education was received in the public schools of Germany.

As a youth Mr. Windt learned the wagon maker's trade and being a serious student of the Bible, he read the bible in church in Germany, while pursuing his work as a wagon maker. Hearing much of the great opportunities offered in America, Mr. Windt came to Texas, landing in Galveston where he remained only a short time, coming to Dallas where he immediately. found work at his trade.

Mr. Windt was married in Perry, Falls County, Texas, December 15, 1908, to Miss Flora Hartmann, a native of the Lone Star State and a member of one of its pioneer families. Her grandparents came to Texas in the early days, and her father, Louis Hartmann, was born in Texas in 1857 and became one of the early farmers of Falls County. Her mother, Mrs. Minna (Weigant) Hartmann, was a member of a well known family of South Texas. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Windt, all of whom are living and are residents of Dallas: Emma, for several years associated with a local firm; Lydia, Frederick, Martha and Raymond, the four last named being students of various schools and colleges. Lydia won a $500 scholarship and is attending the University of Texas. Mr. Windt has three children by his first wife, namely: Paul, of New York City, and William and Elizabeth, of San Francisco. The Windt home is located at 4700 Abbott avenue.

Mr. Windt died in Dallas, December 23, 1920. He was a life member of the Methodist Church in which he was an ardent worker. A man of large heart and generous impulse, he gave freely to charity as well as to individual appeals. As a citizen, he was progressive and assisted in every way in the betterment of his city and community, and the many deeds of charity and his great work as a churchman will live for many generations in the Lone Star State.

ENJAMIN WOFFORD BOGAN, a pioneer in the plumbing business of Dallas, was a leader in this field for forty years. He was also an expert machinist, being able to make almost any kind of engine and operate it. Mr. Bogan was the father of sanitary plumbing in Dal- las. the work of this kind which had been done here prior to his coming in 1884 was of a more or less crude kind.

A native of South Carolina, Mr. Bogan was born in Bogansville, which was named for his forbears, located near Spartanburg June 22, 1842. His par- ents, Mr. and Mrs. Caswell Bogan were natives of South Carolina. The Bogan family was one of the first to settle in this State. His early education was received in the schools of Spartanburg, after which he attended Wofford College in the same city, where he specialized in engineering and mechanics. He left school to go to the Civil War an'd served four years. His first work after the war was as a machinist in Mississippi, then moving to Dallas.

Mr. Bogan was married in Columbus, Mississippi, · February 8, 1879, to Miss Sarah Levisa Hanks, a native of Alabama. Her father, Alexander Moseley Hanks was a native of South Carolina, but lived many years in Alabama. Her mother, Mrs. Levisa (Sanders) Hanks, was born near Birmingham, Ala- bama. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bogan: Clara B., Hemphill, of Dallas and Sarah, the

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JULIUS FRANZ

J.6 Black

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NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

widow of B. B. Ilogue, who was a popular and prominent newspaper man and Editor of the Dallas Times Herald, also a resident of this city. The Bo- gan home is located at 1217 North Beckley Avenue.

Mr. Bogan died in Dallas, March 14, 1922. He was a member of the Congregational Church and of other organizations of Dallas. Mr. Bogan served the entire period of four years in the Civil War, and the family now has a gun which he took from the Union side during the War. Mr. Bogan was active in the plumbing business to the time of his death, although he had reached the age of eighty years. He never allowed his assistants to complete any work except under his personal supervision. He had many friends in Dallas and was known to more peo- ple of this city than perhaps any other citizen of his time. Mr. Bogan was a man of rare sincerity and his influence was always evident for those things which he conceived to be for the good of Dal- las.

JOHN EDWARD BLOCK was for more than forty years a leader in the financial, com- mercial and manufacturing circles of Dal- las, Texas, where during this period he was the owner of several wholesale and retail estab- lishments, besides one of the largest manufacturing plants of its kind of the Southwest. Coming to Dallas in 1883 Mr. Block started in the retail shoe business owning and operating the Palace Shoe Store for several years. Later, he disposed of this business and engaged in the wholesale produce busi- ness with his brothers, Sam and Joseph under the name of Block Bros. After some years in the whole- sale produce business Mr. Block engaged in the ci- gar manufacturing business, owning the largest plant here. Later, Mr. Block disposed of the cigar manufacturing plant and entered actively into the wholesale distribution of cigars, and was very suc- cessful in this enterprise, which he continued until he practically retired from active business pursuits, looking after his properties to which he gradually added in the building of houses for rental purposes.

A native of Arkansas, Mr. Block was born in Camden, November 26, 1856. His father, Solomon Block, was a native of Wassarau, Bohemia, and his mother, Mrs. Mary (Levenson) Block, was a native of Mitau Kurland, Russia. His early education was received in the public schools of Camden, Arkansas, later attending Soule College and Literary Institute at New Orleans.

Mr. Block was married in Little Rock, Arkansas, August 25, 1880 to Miss Rachel Bloch, a native of Cincinnati. Iler father, Abraham Bloch, a native of France, came to America as a young man and be- came a leader in the commercial life of the cities in which he lived. Her mother, Mrs. Sarah (Judah) Bloch, was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, and a member of a well known family of the Fatherland. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Block, both of whom are residents of Dallas and leaders aniong the younger generation of business men of this city : Leonard A. and Solomon George. The Block home located at 1721 Hickory Street has been the family residence for almost forty years.

Mr. Block died in Dallas, July 29, 1926. He was one of the best loved citizens of Dallas, helping every one in need and was one of the most progres- sive citizens of this city, doing much for its upbuild- ing and development. He was a member of the T. P. A., the Royal Arcanum and other social and fra-

ternal organizations, in all of which he took an ac- tive interest. Mr. Block was one of the oldest de- positors of the American Exchange National Bank, being a valued customer of this institution for more than forty years during which period he never owed a cent nor asked for a loan. A pioneer merchant, he was a man of high standards in business and in his social life. ffe was an honorable and highly re- spected merchant, esteemed alike by customer and competitor. He wisely builded his institutions on foundations that endured. His death left a deep impression upon the pages of Dallas' history.

OBERT MOWAT, of Dallas, was one of the outstanding dairymen of the early days of Dallas County where he owned and oper- ated the largest and most complete sani- tary dairy of that period in this part of the state.

A native of Scotland, Mr. Mowat was born in Caithnesshire, February 22, 1853. His father, William Mowat, also a native of Scotland, left his native land in 1870, coming to America and settling near Ontario, Canada where, for fourteen years, he was engaged in dairying and farming. In 1884 he sold his interests in Canada, came to Texas and settled in Dallas County, where he founded the dairy which was continued by his son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Mowat's mother, Mrs. Eliza- beth (Bremner) Mowat, was a member of a well known family of Scotland, where she was born, reared and educated. His education was received in the public schools of Scotland. Throughout his life he was associated with his father in the dairy- ing industry and continued with him until his death. After the death of his father, he continued the dairy, adding much to it in modern methods and equipment as the years passed making it one of the finest of the country. Mr. Mowat was married in Dunnville, Canada, November 12, 1877, to Miss Nancy Adams a native of Ireland and a member of a well known family of her country. Her father, John Adams was well known in the commercial life of his community. Her mother, Mrs. Mary (Jameson) Adams was a member of a prominent family of North Ireland. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mowat, all of whom are living and are resi- dents of Dallas County: Oliver C .; Robert G .; Alex- ander G .; Thomas C .; who for several years has been connected with the Cullum-Boren Company and Lettie, now Mrs. L. B. Cheaney. The Mowat home is located at 4223 Congress Street. Thomas C. Mowat. the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Mowat, saw much service during the World War. He enlisted for service and saw twenty-nine months of actual warfare with the 3rd Division. 3rd Sanitary Train and had an active part in the battles of the Marne. St. Mihiel, Meuse, and Argonne Forest and others. After the signing of the Armistice, he saw much service with the Army of Occupation in Germany.

Robert Mowat died in Dallas, January 22, 1919. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was one of the most esteemed citizens of Dallas County, where he had resided for more than thirty-five years. He did much in improving the dairy industry of this part of the state and owned one of the finest herds of milk cows of this part of Texas. He in- troduced all the latest sanitary methods in his industry and his plant was said to be one of the cleanest of its kind. As a citizen, he aided in every way in the upbuilding and development of Dallas County.

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MEN OF TEXAS

ARCUS LAFAYETTE SAMMONS, of Dallas, for more than thirty years was an active figure in the publishing business of this city, where for twenty-seven years he published the leading trade journals. Prior to entering the publishing field he had a wide and varied business career, which he started in the general merchandising business at Union City, Tennessee.

A native of Tennessee, Mr. Sammons was born in Woodville, July 8, 1858. Ifis father, Hardy Gilliam Sammons, also a native of Woodville, was for several years engaged in the shoe business there, later moving to Brownsville, Tennessee, where he owned the leading general merchandising store of that city. The Sammons family were originally from England, settling in Virginia about the middle of the 17th century. Mr. Sammons was educated in the schools of Brownsville, Tenn.

At the age of eighteen he went to Cairo, Ill., where he remained one year and learned the printing trade and then for four years helped his father in the merchandising field at Brownsville. Then for about four years he engaged in the publishing business in Union City. Ile then went to Fulton, Kentucky, where he operated a large printing plant, publishing a Baptist paper. From there he went to Paducah, Kentucky, where he managed the Paducah Standard. In 1886, he went to Martin, Tennessee, and owned the Martin Mail and in 1887, he moved to Clinton, Kentucky and conducted a store and a hotel. In 1888 he came to Texas, locating first at Brownwood, but after a few months, moved to Dallas where for several years he published the Baptist Standard. Later he purchased the Texas Trade Review, and a few years later organized the Hardware and Implement Journal, which he published for more than a quarter of a century. In 1900 he re-organized the Hardware and Implement Club, in which he held the office of secretary and treasurer for several years.

Mr. Sammons was married at Union City, Ten- nessee, February 1, 1883, to Miss Laura Robertson, a native of Mississippi, and a member of a promi- nent family of that state. Her father was John Holland Robertson, whose father Col. Abner Robertson was a son of General James Robertson, of Revolutionary fame. He later helped clear Tennessee and Alabama of Indians and built the first log cabin on what is now the site of the State Capitol building at Nashville, Tennessee. The county is named Robertson County in honor of Col. James Robertson. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sammons, three of whom are living: Jessie Pearl, now Mrs. Bertram C. Hill, of Dallas, whose husband is an architect; Hardy Bell, engaged in the advertising business in Dallas and Laura Mae, now Mrs. Horace Lane Pinkley, of Dallas, whose husband is in the automobile husi- ness. The deceased children are: Annie Wright, Loula Marie, 'LaFayette and Ruth. The Sam- mons home is located at 1806 Annex avenue.

Mr. Sammons died in Dallas, on November 5, 1926. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., the Hardware and Implement Club and was a student of Christian Science. During his long residence in Dallas, Mr. Sammons took an active part in all matters having to do with the upbuilding of his city.

ILAN NINICH. The life of Milan Ninich, for more than thirty years a factor in the business life of Dallas, Texas, was truly a romance of American ideas and business. A native of Servia, Mr. Ninich was born in Bel- grade, in 1877. His parents were natives of Servia and members of well known families of that country. His education was received in the schools of Servia, which he left at an early age in order to enter the world of business. Mr. Ninieh was eighteen years of age when he set out on the great adventure of his life with America as his destination. He began his Ameri- can career as a student worker in a candy manufac- turing establishment of New York. He worked hard in the plant and in leisure studied the Eng- lish language and American business methods, and soon was able to make candy. After paying for the training he had received in the art of candy making, he started out on his first business trip with a push cart filled with merchandise of his own making to sell to the families in the tenement districts of New York City. After two years spent in New York he came to Fort Worth, Texas where he engaged in the candy business, but after about five years spent in Fort Worth, he disposed of his business there and removed to Dallas where he engaged in the manufacture of candies, selling to both wholesale and retail trade. His business grew with the growth of Dallas and his establish- ment became one of the largest of its kind of this part of the state.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.2, Part 98

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