USA > Texas > Washington County > Brenham > The history of Brenham and Washington County > Part 7
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
Therefore, Be it resolved :
1. That the members of the Bar Association of Wash- ington County deplore the loss of their deceased brother, D. C. Giddings, and join the people of Texas in mourning his death. The State has lost an eminent citizen, fifty years of whose life were spent in the advancement of its political and material prosperity; and the people of Washington County have lost a friend whose devotion to their interests has been attested by many acts of public spirited generosity. A good citizen, a just man and a generous friend has gone from our midst.
2. In the memory of our deceased brother, the Court of Records of Washington County, the Court of Civil Appeals for the First District and the Supreme Court of this State, will be requested to take appropriate notice of his death, and make such orders as may be deemed suitable for the permanent record thereof. For that purpose, these resolu- tions will be presented to the County Court by the Hon. Ben S. Rogers, and to the District Court by the Hon. W. W. Searcy, and the Hon. Thos. B. Botts. The Hon. F. Chas. Hume is requested to present them to the Court of Civil
78
Appeals, and the Hon. W. M. Walton is requested to present them to the Supreme Court.
To the family of the deceased we tender our respectful sympathy in their grief for the death of their beloved father and head, whose life of love, strength and devotion attached them to him by the tenderest and dearest ties. Their con- solation is that he lived to a ripe old age and departed after a well spent life, full of honors, beloved and respected.
That the members of the Association attend the funeral of the deceased in a body.
The secretary will record these resolutions and send copies thereof to D. C. Giddings, Jr., E. H. Cooke, J. L. Wilkin and Mrs. Heber Stone. He will furnish copies to the news- papers for publication.
C. C. Garrett, Chairman, Ben S. Rogers, W. W. Searcy, W. B. Garrett, J. M. Mathis.
On motion of Major Thos. B. Botts, the resolutions as presented were unanimously adopted.
A motion was made and unanimously carried that all members of this Association, meet at the office of Major Botts at 4:30 p. m. for the purpose of attending in a body the funeral of our late lamented brother, Col. D. C. Gid- dings. There being no further business, the Association adjourned.
W. W. Searcy, President. R. J. Swearengen, Sec'ty.
D. C. GIDDINGS.
D. C. Giddings, the son of Col. D. C. Giddings and Ma- linda C. (Lusk) Giddings, was born in Brenham, Texas, January 27, 1863. His education was acquired in the Bren- ham Public Schools, at A. & M. College, the Southwestern University at Georgetown, and at the University of Vir- ginia. In 1881, when 18 years of age, he entered the banking house of Giddings & Giddings, and has been con- tinuously identified with this institution for 34 years. He received his interest in the business in 1884; and since the death of his father, in 1903, he has been the active head of the banking house established in 1866 by J. D. and D. C. Giddings.
Mr. Giddings fills many prominent positions in Bren- ham, being president of the Brenham Compress Oil and Manufacturing Company, which is a consolidation of the
79
D. C. GIDDINGS
Brenham Oil Mills, the Brenham Electric Light Company and the Brenham Ice and Cold Storage Company ; president of the Brenham Compress Company, and president of the South Texas Cotton Mills. Since 1905 he has been city treasurer. Politically, Mr. Giddings is a staunch democrat, and was, as long as he desired the honor, chairman of the Washington County Democratic executive committee. In 1895 he was elected a representative to the 24th State legislature. He is a charter member, and was the first exalted ruler of Brenham Lodge No. 979, B. P. O. E.
As president of the bank of Giddings & Giddings, his work requires in a constant degree the courage born of clear thinking, and the capacity for rendering manifold forms of human service. Great wealth carries with it grave responsibilities; and under his careful control this business institution has grown beyond the most sanguine hopes and wishes of its founders. It has passed safely through every financial crisis, and for forty-nine years its doors have never been closed. In addition to being a mon- etary center, it is a bank of noble principles, where every moral obligation is faithfully fulfilled.
D. C. Giddings and Miss Carrie Bassett were united in marriage in Brenham in 1884. Mrs. Giddings' father, William H. Bassett, was an extensive planter and successful merchant of Evergreen, Louisiana. He was a bold and daring Confederate soldier. Her mother, Mrs. Caroline Bassett, was descended from a fine old Southern family. Upon the death of her beloved companion she came to Texas, and for many years this sweet and gentle Christian woman was closely identified with the charitable and religious life of Brenham. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have three children, Linda, who married E. P. Anderson ; D. C. Giddings, Jr., of the firm of Giddings & Giddings; and Carolyn, the wife of John D. Rogers of Allen Farm.
D. C. Giddings is true to his illustrious ancestry ; and no one who views the tall, commanding figure can help being impressed with the tranquillity, serenity and firmness of the man, and the fact that he is of a race of men of superior physical and mental endowments. He is true to the highest ideals, and is governed by no customs, conventionalities, or arbitrary man-made rules that are not based upon the loftiest principles. Strong in purpose, shrewd in foresight, of stout courage and independent spirit, he is a great factor in every phase of life in Washington County, and is one of the most prominent men in Texas. In the democratic councils of the State his advice and opinions are always sought, and are highly valued. He has steadily declined all high political offices.
81
As a citizen he stands pre-eminent, encouraging and sup- porting every public enterprise that in his sound judgment is indicative of the advancement and betterment of Bren- ham along moral, intellectual and financial lines. No sub- scription lists of great moment, and few of any other kind, are circulated without his name at the head. He never speaks of his acts of charity, however; but many a dis- tressed business man has been saved from bankruptcy, and many a widow's mite has brought surprisingly large interest through trust in him. Daily he sows the seeds of service in the soil of human hearts, and he is reaping the joy of living which this work imparts.
With him it's no great rarity To lighten somebody's woes, By little aets of charity Of which nobody knows. Princely deeds of kindness He does every blessed day,
To help some souls in blindness Groping along the way.
With him it's always understood, That in every thought and deed. He gives the service of brotherhood, In the field of human need; And when he lays his burdens down, To go some other where,
There'll be stars in his bright crown,
Because he placed them there.
D. C. GIDDINGS, JR.
D. Clinton Giddings, Jr., is a member of the firm of Gid- dings & Giddings, having been given a copartnership by his father, D. C. Giddings, in 1913. No young man in the State has a greater future before him, and to few have been given greater opportunities for achieving success. Socially he is quite popular; and in spite of his youth he wields a strong influence in commercial circles. He is glad to live because of the chance to work and play, to make people happy, and to find the most beautiful things in the world. While gazing at the mountain peaks, he smells the roses blooming in the valleys, and there is ever the song of a true manhood in his heart. He hates nothing save false- hood and meanness, and he fears nothing but cowardice.
D. Clinton Giddings, Jr., will add largely to the estate that will come to him by inheritance, and no doubt will be as great a factor for good in Brenham as is his father, D. C. Giddings ; and he will unquestionably give new lustre to the already distinguished family name of Giddings.
D. C. GIDDINGS, JR.
CHAUNCY B., JAMES E. AND SETH SHEPARD
Two brothers, C. B. and J. E. Shepard, were closely identified with the legal practice in the early days of Texas. These able practitioners were members of the Washington County Bar when that organization proudly boasted a co- terie of lawyers second to none in the State; and, at a period when the ethics of this old court circle demanded that a lawyer should possess merit, personal honesty, fidelity and integrity in the highest degree. Chauncy B., a brilliant lawyer, came in 1840; and James E., an equitable judge and brave Confederate lieutenant colonel, arrived in 1846.
JAMES E. SHEPARD.
James E. Shepard was born in Mathews County, Vir- ginia, April 24, 1817. His father was Dr. Seth Shepard, and his mother was Mary Fountain Williams. At the age of 16 years young Shepard went to Lewis County, Ken- tucky, to make his home with Chauncy B. Shepard, a bach- elor uncle. His legal education was acquired in the law office of William R. Beatty, of Greenupsburg. In 1838 he was admitted to the bar, graduating that same year from the Cincinnati Law School, after which he entered the active practice at Flemingsburg.
Stories of the marvelous resources of the new State of Texas interested J. E. Shepard, and its great possibilities attracted him. just as other pioneers were attracted, so he came in November, 1846, and located in Brenham. He im- mediately formed a copartnership with his brother, C. B. Shepard, who had arrived five years before. His first thought was the upbuilding of his adopted town, then scarcely three years old, and no man gave more freely of his time and talents to this worthy cause than did he. On January 1, 1848, he purchased the lot upon which now stands the Brenham High School, and this home, presided over by his estimable wife, became the center of hospitality. and many of the leading men of Texas were entertained within its walls. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard were instrumental in the establishment of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and were charter members.
During his residence of twenty-eight years in Brenham, J. E. Shepard was one of the most honorable and influential
84
citizens. That he had the trust and confidence of the people of Washington County was shown by the many public offices which he filled. He was a member of the legislature of 1850 and served a subsequent term prior to the war. In 1861 he was a delegate of the secession convention. A fiery Southerner in his views and sentiments, he very promptly offered his services to the Confederacy, enlisting in the 16th Regiment of Texas Infantry, being made lieutenant colonel. This regiment fought in Arkansas and Louisiana; and, while still at its head, he was elected, without his knowl- edge, judge of the Third Judicial District, which honor he accepted. He was re-elected to this responsible position in 1866, but was removed in 1867 by the military powers as an impediment to reconstruction.
As dean of the third law faculty, composed of J. E. Shep- ard, R. T. Smith, John Sayles and B. H. Bassett, of Baylor University, when that famous seat of learning was located at Independence, J. E. Shepard gave instructions in the rudiments and fundamental principles of law that were of incalculable value to the students. His law office was always open to these students, and to every young practitioner at the bar, and he was never too preoccupied to encourage and assist them.
In 1874, to the keenest regret of his friends in Brenham, this prominent citizen and just judge removed to Austin, where he continued his activities in the law profession, and served as one of the commissioners of the State Peni- tentiaries ; four years later retiring from active practice.
Judge Shepard had a State-wide reputation as a lawyer of force, ability and rare learning, and he had the power to convert this extensive knowledge of law into special knowledge when the occasion demanded, for he was a mas- ter of legal tactics, a skillful jury lawyer and an equitable judge. His life was "distinguished for public service and eminent integrity."
CHAUNCY B. SHEPARD.
The elder of these two brothers, C. B. Shepard, was born in 1812 in Mathews County, Virginia. He was educated in some of the best schools and colleges of the Old Dominion- special attention being given to his training for the profes- sion of law. At Louisville, Kentucky, August 10, 1842, he was united in marriage to Mary Hester Andrews.
Conditions were extremely unsettled in 1840, when this pioneer arrived in Washington County, and being a man of great intelligence and courage, and a lawyer of outspoken candor and honesty, he soon became the leader in many
85
public affairs. His opinions and advice aided in the adjust- ment of important questions concerning governmental rule. During the first year of his practice he attended court at Washington, and when Mount Vernon became the county seat, in 1841, he argued his cases before R. E. B. Baylor, who was then the judge. Upon the removal of the county seat of justice to Brenham in 1844, he established a per- manent office here. Before the advent of his brother and partner, James E. Shepard, he had built up an extensive and lucrative practice, over a wide territory, numbering prominent and influential citizens among his clients. Prior to the war between the States he served several times in the Texas senate, and his great ability and learning were recognized in the number and importance of the commit- tees of which he was chairman.
In connection with the work in town, C. B. Shepard super- intended his big plantation eight miles west of Brenham. He introduced improved agricultural methods, and had a fondness for raising fine stock and thoroughbred horses. His home was the rendezvous of people of culture and refine- ment ; and, people who were in need and distress were not turned away empty handed, for he was liberal to a fault, and charitable above all things.
As old age crept on, C. B. Shepard relinquished the law and retired to his country home, where the declining years of his long and useful life were sweetened with the knowledge that he had the love and esteem of his fellow men. His death occurred December 31, 1892. He was a man of fine presence, gracious manners, generous impulses, and his beautiful character summed up all that was idyllic in chiv- alry, scholarly attainments and Christian fortitude.
SETH SHEPARD.
Chief Justice Seth Shepard, of the District of Columbia, the eldest son of Chauncy B. and Mary Hester Andrews Shepard, was born April 23, 1847, on the -Shepard planta- tion, eight miles west of Brenham. His elementary school- ing was obtained under Rudolph Krug, a learned teacher. who conducted a fine school at Greenvine. In 1868 he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. from Washington College (now Washington and Lee University), and in 1895 was honored with the degree of LL. B. from the Georgetown University at Washington. He began the practice of law in 1869 at Brenham, subsequently moving to Galveston, and later to Dallas.
In 1893 President Cleveland appointed Seth Shepard associate justice of the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, and he remained as one of the associates until
S6
January 5, 1905, when President Roosevelt advanced him to his present position of chief justice. Since 1895 he has been lecturer on constitutional law, equity, jurisprudence, and law of corporations at the Georgetown University.
At the early age of 17 years Judge Shepard entered the Confederate army, enlisting in Company F, 5th Texas Mounted Volunteers, his services dating from July, 1864. Although a mere youth, his record for bravery was unsur- passed by that of older soldiers.
In 1874 he was a member of the Texas senate. Beginning with 1883 he served eight years as a member of the board of regents of the University of Texas, then in its infancy. His wise counsel at this period in the early life of the University is largely responsible for its present usefulness. He was one of the builders of the solid foundation that is now upholding this splendid temple of learning erected by the people of Texas.
Texas history has ever interested this loyal Texan. He is an author of note. The graphic and interesting story of "The Alamo," in the Comprehensive History of Texas, was written by him. To Judge Shepard the State owes a lasting debt of gratitude for having found the original man- uscript of the Declaration of Texas Independence, which was lost for more than sixty years. He discovered it in the archives of the State Department at Washington, D. C., and returned it June 11, 1895, to the Lone Star State. The famous document bears the following indorsement: "Left at the Department of State, May 28, 1836, by Mr. Wharton. Original."
Judge Shepard has membership in many prominent or- ganizations, among the number being the American Bar Association, Sons of American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, United Confederate Veterans, and Southern His- tory Association. He is a Fellow in the State Historical Association, and is president of the Southern Educational Society.
Judge Shepard requiring a broader law field for the development of his talents than that afforded by the small city of Brenham, moved away many years ago. He was popular and commanded the inviolable esteem of every cit- izen of the county, and his going was the source of deepest regret. His brilliant career has been viewed with pride and gratification by his old friends, and the memory of the dis- tinguished man is held in affectionate regard yet, and Wash- ington County still claims him as one of her favorite sons.
87
W. W. SEARCY
One of Brenham's chief claims to recognition in the his- tory of Texas is furnished by its eminent lawyers. The list extending through more than seventy-one years is a long and illustrious one of men of great mental endowment and legal equipment. Some of them have lived on surrounding farms, and some have resided in the city, but each one has practiced in Brenham. The different epochs include names like these: J. D. Giddings, W. H. Ewing, Asa M. Lewis, J. & A. H. Willie, W. H. Higgins, John Sayles, W. Y. McFarland, Joe Crosby, G. W. Horton, Barry Gillespie, B. E. Tarver, W. P. Rogers, J. E. & C. B. Shepard, R. E. B. Baylor (lived near Gay Hill but spent much of his time in Brenham), of the first period; D. C. Giddings, T. W. Norriss, J. T. & P. H. Swearingen, E. F. Ewing, C. R. Breedlove, B. H. Bassett, Jefferson Bassett, B. H. Davis and Isham G. Searcy of the second period; Seth Shepard, T. B. Botts, C. C. Garrett, Goss, Dan McIntyre, L. R. & Beauregard Bryan, J. C. & E. B. Muse, O. L. Eddins, H. E. Williams, W. P. Ewing, W. W. Searcy and W. B. Garrett of the third period. The last period and those of the present day are J. D. Campbell (now of Beaumont), R. E. Pennington, J. P. Buchanan, J. M. Mathis, H. O. Schulz (now of Rosenberg), W. R. Ewing, L. E. Ras- berry, T. B. Botts, Albert Stone, W. H. Bassett and W. J. Embrey.
Connecting the past with the present stands the life of W. W. Searcy, a living example of the courtly gentleman of the old school who helped the courts dispense speedy and substantial justice to the citizens without embarrassment, delay or chicanery. He is dean of the legal practitioners at the Brenham bar, and one of the most prominent lawyers in Texas. He was born August 1, 1855, in Lavaca County, Texas. His parents were Albert Wynne Searcy and Mary Louise Searcy, descendants from distinguished ancestors. Ilis father was a brave and gallant soldier who gave his life to the cause of the Confederacy. His beloved mother faced the loss of her cherished companion with Christian fortitude and devoted her life to rearing their children.
The early part of Mr. Searcy's life was spent at Halletts- ville; and he was educated at the Military Institute in Aus- tin, Texas. Later he went to Lebanon, Tennessee, where he was graduated with high honors in the law department
88
-
W. W. SEARCY
. of Cumberland University. In January, 1877, he settled in Brenham, and since that time has been closely identified with the legal profession not only in the city of his adop- tion, but in the Lone Star State.
Close application to his law practice has caused Mr. Searcy to decline many offers of political preferment. Occasionally, however, when his patriotism has been touched, and he has seen where he could advance the best interests of Brenham and Washington County, he has accepted positions of public trust. He was elected, at the solicitation of many friends, chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee in 1880, and for twelve years discharged the duties of the office faithfully and well. An uncompromising advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, he was an active and influential factor in all local councils ; and dur- ing his administration the political situation in the county became thoroughly democratic. He was city attorney for six years, from 1880 to 1886, and gave legal advice backed by sound judgment, which resulted in the adoption of or- dinances that improved conditions in various ways. In 1892 he was elected to the State Senate, where his great ability as a law maker, and his extensive knowledge of the law made him the peer of his colleagues.
The State Bar Association, established a few years ago, is composed of some of the leading minds of Texas. This or- ganization of brilliant lawyers paid tribute to Mr. Searcy by selecting him as president. He presided at the meeting held in Dallas in June, 1914, and delivered an eloquent address in which he gave an exhaustive analysis of the laws passed by the last Legislature, and outlined plans for obtaining much- needed reforms in the statutes of Texas. This speech was highly complimented by the Association and by the public press.
For many years this talented lawyer served as a very valuable member of the board of trustees of the Brenham public schools. He encourages education among the masses, and is a strong believer in modern methods. It was largely through his efforts that the Brenham High School and the Alamo buildings were erected. The high esteem in which he is held by the children of the school is evidenced by the fact that the Junior grade selected him as sponsor. He is actively interested in the work that is going forward at Blinn Memorial College ; and, when Brenham was confronted with the serious question of the removal of this educational institution, no man labored more diligently or successfully to meet the requirements of the College officials than did Mr. Searcy. His time, professional services and money, were given freely and cheerfully to this worthy cause.
90
Few men have striven more earnestly for the building of Brenham along business, educational and religious lines than has Mr. Searcy. He is charitable, too, but his right hand rarely ever knows what his left hand does. He is given the lead in many public enterprises where a man of unusual ability is needed, or where a magnetic and eloquent speaker is required. His clientage has become extremely large; and he is now in the enjoyment of all that the profession can give in reputation and emolument. In nearly every im- portant case that has been tried in Brenham for the past 37 years he has been an able and wise counsellor on either one side or the other. Among the leading cases in which he has been a conspicuous figure may be cited :
Simon vs. Middleton, et al .; Rankin vs. Rankin; Gid- dings vs. Fischer; Seale vs. G. C. & S. F. Ry. Co .; Harlow vs. Hudgins; Swearingen, et als., vs. Bassett; Johnson & Co. vs. Heidenheimer; Simon vs. Fisher; Robertson, et al., vs. Breedlove; Evansich vs. G. C. & S. F. Ry. Co .; Ewing vs. Teague, et al .; Washington County vs. Schulz; Mikeska vs. L. & H. Blum; Trustees of Union Baptist Association vs. Huhn.
The law is an exalted profession. To be a good lawyer requires brains, a strict sense of justice and a kind heart. This trinity of virtues is responsible for the eminent success that has attended the practice of W. W. Searcy of Bren- ham. To his great credit be it said he is a Christian, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and that he has always lived a life above reproach. He believes and says :
This world's a beautiful place to live in, And there is no use of ever being sad, Oh, it is a wonderful place to give in, And in giving make somebody glad. Give freely of your heart's best thought, When judging of your fellow men, True merit may be found if sought, In spite of defects now and then.
Learn to look for good in all that you see, And forget the troubles you have had, Most folks are just as good as they can be, And none are ever wholly bad. The Master said, "Love ye one another," On the journey down life's way, And to help a sad and fallen brother, And cheer him kindly day by day.
Keep busy with life's beautiful things, And watch the beauty in the rose, And forget the thorn that hurts and stings, On the sweetest flower that grows. Give thanks each day for this beautiful place, And meet your fate with a sunny smile,
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.