Galveston County, Texas - The whole text, 1895 (part 18 of 26)

Stephen F. Noble was born in Georgia, in 1806, and was reared in Mississippi. In 1833 he married Martha P. Bohanon, then residing in Hines county, Mississippi, but a native of the Crab Orchard country of Kentucky, and with her and their two children, Curtis W. and Frank, moved to Texas in the fall of 1837, ^s noted. He came to this country with some means, his father having left him Several sla\es and some personal property, to which he had added by his own industry and good management. After locating in Houston, he purchased lands on the Trinity river and opened plantations, which he conducted profitably with slave labor for several years before the war. He was also a contractor on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad, building most of that road from Houston to Hempstead, and grading it from Hempstead to Navasota. Like man\- others, he lost heavily by the late war, but his last years on earth were passed in peace, and in the enjoyment of the confidence and good will of those among whom he had so long lived. On settling in Houston, Mr. Noble purchased property on the north side of the bayou, in what is now the F'ifth ward, and there he lived during the forty years of his residence in this place.

At the time he settled in that locahty, however, there was no Fifth ward. That section of the city was a wilderness of pine trees and thick undergrowth, having but little around it or about it suggestive of its present condition. There are old settlers still living who used to hunt wolves and deer in the heart of what is now the Fifth ward. Mr. Noble saw the city grow from a straggling village, skirted with such pine thickets, to one of the largest and best cities in the State. Literally emerging from the mud, he saw it assume such proportions as gave abundant evidence of what it is destined to be: the railway center and chief commercial emporium of Te.xas. He witnessed many changes, political, social and material, in the country, and was not an uninterested spectator in what was going on around him. He had but little to do with public matters, his attention centering chiefly in his business pursuits, but like all old Texans, he watched the political aspect of the times with great interest, and was always solicitous for the welfare of the country.

Mr. Noble lost his wife in this cit}', in 1852, after having had ten children: Curtis W. ; Elizabeth died young; Frank; George died young; Annie died young; Mary; Cornelius; Emily; Martha P. died young; and Jackson B. But two of these, the eldest and the youngest, Curtis W., and Jackson B., are living. The father died in 1882.

Edward P. Noble, the eldest brother of Stephen F., came to Texas in 1S38, and, accompanying Stephen F. to Chocolate bayou in 1842, came the following year to Houston, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1880. He was married in Mississippi previous to his removal to Texas, and left two sons and two daughters: Edward P., of Velasco; Stephen F. , of Fort Worth;

Abram W. Noble, the younger brother of Stephen F., came to Texas in 1840, settling in Nacogdoches county, whence after a residence of a few years, he mo\-ed to Billum's creek, in Tyler county, thence in 1849 t^o Houston, and in 1865 to Kaufman county, where he died in 1893. He left one son, Edwin A. Noble, of Houston, and four daughters: Araminta, who was married to A. W'ettermark, of Nacogdoches, Texas, and is now deceased ;Mrs. Emily Spence,of Montgomery county; Mrs. Eugenia Drew, wife of O. C. Drew, of Houston; and Mrs. Louisa Marsden, wife of Charles Marsden, also of Houston. Mrs. Asenith Tillman, the sister of Edward P., Stephen F. and Abram W. Noble, died at Corsicana, in this State, where her descendants reside.

The three Noble brothers, Edward P., Stephen F. and Abram \\^ , were men of plain ways, honest, earnest and industrious, faithful in all the relations of life, all of them having served their country in times of war, Edward P. and Stephen F. in the early days in Texas, taking part in the Cherokee war of 1838, and Abram W. in the late civil war, being a Captain in the Confederate army.

Curtis W. Noble, eldest son of Stephen F. and Martha P. Noble, was born at Jackson, Mississippi, October 29, 1835, and was only about four years old when his parents came to Texas. He was reared mainl}' in Houston, in which place he has also spent his entire life. His bo3'hood and youth were passed about the old homestead, and the labors of his youthful days were interspersed with many a wolf hunt and deer drive, in the heart of what is now the Fifth ward. He remembers when the pine trees were cut from around his father's house for

In August, 1 86 1, Mr. Noble entered the Confederate army, enlisting in Company D, Second Texas Infantry, with which he served for six months on the coast of Texas, when his command was ordered, in February, iS6j, to join the army forming in western Tennessee. Beginning with the battle of Shiloh, he was in all the engagements fought by the Western army in Tennessee and Mississippi, under Johnston, Price and Van Dorn. He escaped capture at Vicksburg by being absent from his command on account of sickness, and soon afterward joining Company E, Ninth Texas Regiment, j First Texas Brigade, General Ector, he en- i tered on the Georgia campaign with Joseph E. Johnston's army, joining it at Cassville, and was with it down to Lovejoy's Station. He was with Hood on the return into Tennessee, being wounded at Nashville, and surrendered at Mobile, Alabama.

Returning to Texas, Mr. Noble married Miss Laura Coleman, of Liberty county, in this State, in December, 18O5, and settled in Houston, where he has since resided. By the marriage here mentioned he had four children, one daughter, Laura M., wife of Harry Andrews, and three sons: Robert I'"., Wallie L. , and Willie S. , - all of whom arc residents of Florida, the daughter residing at Glenwood, and the sons at DeLand. Mr. Noble lost his first wife in 1874, and December 5, 1882, he married Mrs. Hattie Plummer, widow of William Plummer, and a native of Cleveland, Ohio, there being no issue of this last marriage.

at the old Noble homestead, in the city of Houston, May 13, 1851. He was reared in this city; married Mollie E. Lord, a native of Georgia, and a daughter of Hon. I. C. Lord, ex-Mayor of Houston, Sejitember 16, 1874; was in the mercantile business in east Texas from 1879 to 1889, when he retired oti account of ill health, since which time he has lived in retirement. Mr. Noble has had seven children, fi\e of wh<Mn are living, the full number being; Emely Ada, Edna Fay (deceased). May Elna, Grace Blair, Jennie Allyne, Jackson B , Jr. (deceased), and Cornelius L.

BERDINAND L. JUNEMAN. - Although he whose name heads this sketch has been dead since 1872, his life here on earth was marked by an earnest desire to do his duty, and his memory is still cherished by many who knew him and respected him for his many worthy traits. He was born in Hanover, German}-, November 6, 1833, and upon leaving his native land came direct to Galveston, in 1850, and here followed the calling of an architect and builder, a calling for which his practical mind and superior judgment eminently fitted him, as well as the fact that he thoroughly fitted himself for his calling while in his native land, his uncle, Louis Juneman, being his teacher. His uncle preceded him to Gah'eston several years, and after his arrival here they erected many of the substantial buildings of the city, among which w^ere the Tremont Hotel and others of that class. He was married here to Miss Dorothy Dreyer, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1836, and came to Galveston, Texas, in 1854, she being the only member of her family to make this country her home.

A family of six children were given them, as follows: Louis; Eliza, wife of Paul Auerbach, of Galveston; Henrietta; Lena; wife of William Smith; Ida, wife of William Roark and Ernest, deceased. In 1875 Mrs. Juneman was married to George Juneman, half-brother of her former husband. He died March 3, 1892. The children of this union are Ella and George. The Junemans have a very comfortable and pleasant home in Galveston, which is presided over by Mrs. Juneman, who is a woman of excellent mind and possessed of considerable executive ability. Mr. Juneman was a man who was univei'sally respected, and he left the heritage of an honorable name to his children, which is far more highly prized by them than if he had bestowed upon them great riches.

>^ACOB METZGER, deceased. - The f scythe of time cuts down all; noth- A 1 ing of the physical man is left. The monument which his children or friends may erect to his memory will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, its achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. Jacob Metzger was a well-known member of the German colony of Galveston, and an industrious, conscientious, frugal citizen.

He was born on the banks of the celebrated river Rhine, Germany, in 1828, and left his native country for this in 1845, when about seventeen years of age, and with his parents and brother and sisters came direct to Galveston. Of these children, four in number, our subject was next to the youngest. The father, Jacob Metzger, was soon followed to this country by a sister, now Mrs. Anna

Burges, a resident of Galveston, and a brother, Antone, who likewise settled and still lives in Galveston. Fritz Metzger, a Mexican veteran, is a brother of our subject, and now resides in Houston, Texas. After locating in Galveston, our subject embarked in the grocery business at Sixteenth street and avenue L,and continued the same until about i860, when failing health caused his retirement. He made a trip to Germany in quest of a restoration of the same, but failing in this he started on his return home and suffered a severe relapse, and died when fourteen days out from Galveston. His remains found a grave in the great deep. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger were married January 22, 1853. The latter, whose maiden name was Frederica Reiners, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, January 22, 1824. She has three living children; George, Caroline and Fritz. George Metzger was born in Galveston, July 8, 1855; and married Sophia Zeh, by whom he has two children : William and Agnes. Caroline, born July 20, 1858, was married to Mr. George Apffel, a painter by trade, by whom she had the following children : August, born December 11, 1885, Hampton, September 11, 1888; Fredrick, March 30, 1890; and Dora, born January 21, 1S92. Fritz Metzger married in 1886, and has three children : Herman, Ireine and Freda.

aAPTAIN L. M. HITCHCOCK. - Lent Munson Hitchcock was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in the year 18 16, descending from good, old New England stock, being connected with the family of Ethan Allen, Joshua Newhall, the Hawleys and Burroughs. His father, Lent Munson Hitchcock, was also

The subject of this sketch grew up in his native place, whence he went, at about the age of fourteen, to sea, shipping as a cabin-boy. His followed the life of a sailor many years in various capacities, visiting during the time all of the important seaports of the world. He served mostl\- in the merchant marine, but was also in the general Government service, being at one time mate of the United States Government vessel Potomac. As early as 1828 he was in the waters of Galveston bay and visited Galveston island. At that time there was no one living on the island, though there were plainly to be seen the signs of its former occupancy by the plotters and pirates who had made this the place of their rendezvous.

Being in New York city in 1837, when a fleet was being fitted out for the Texas na\'y. Captain Hitchcock enlisted in the naval service of the Republic, and early in 1838 came to Texas as mate of the steamer Brutus, commanded l)y Captain Norman Hurd. After a few months spent cruising in the waters of the gulf he resigned his position in the navy and took up his residence at Galveston.

He became one of the first pilots on Galveston island and was an honorary member of the Pilots' Association as long as he lived. He assisted in organizing the city government in August, 1838, was the first harbor master at this port, and fur a period of thirty years, until his death, was prominently connected with the business and social life of the city. He held more offices and was longer in office during the first twelve or fifteen years of the city's history than any Other man in the city, serving eight times as

Alderman, four times as harbor master, four times as Treasurer and several times as acting Mayor and acting Clerk of the Council. His name appears oji all the important committees during the time he was in the Council and as the originator of many of the chief municipal measures of that jieriod. He was a charter member of Hook and Ladder Cornj)any, No. i, the first fire company ever organized in Texas; of the Galveston Artillery Company, one <.)f the oldest and most select military organizations in Texas, was an early member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and of Trinity Episcopal Church, being the leader of the choir of this church for nearly a quarter of a centurw He was one of the most active and aggressive business men of Galveston, possessed one of the most varied Inisiness interests, and up to the opening of the civil war had achieved as large a measure of success as any other man in Galveston. He conducted at different times, and sometimes simultaneously, these establishments, agroeery store and shipchandlerj', meat and produce market and hotel. He was a charter member of Union Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the oldest insurance company in Texas; the Galveston, Houston & Henderson Ivailroad, one of the pioneer railwa)' lines of the State, and of Galveston & Brazos Na\'igation Company, in each of which he was a member of the board of directors, and had to do with the active management of all, and of everything with which his name was connected.

In his business affairs, and in all he did. Captain Hitchcock was plain, direct, jiractical and forceful. He had received the elements of a fair English education in his youth, on which he had improved by study and observation as he advanced in years.

The entries made by him while acting as City Clerk, and the reports signed by him as chairman of different committees, now on file in the City Clerk's office, are clear statements of fact and evince a keen appreciation on his part of the truly essential in all matters under consideration.

Captain Hitchcock was very successful in business His energy, strong practical sagacity and far-reaching disposition, re-inforced by excellent business methods and habits, enabled him to lay the foundation of a comfortable fortune, which, despite reverses and the disasters of war, he held well together until his death. Besides his business interests already mentioned, he owned a great deal of land in Texas, some of which has in recent years become very valuable. Most of the land in the vicinity of Hitchcock, Galveston county, belonged at one time to him, the town being named for him.

At Hartford, Connecticut, Captain Hitchcock married Miss Emily Sarah Elizabeth Clifford, a daughter of James Allen Clifford, and a native of Savannah, Georgia, though born of New England parents, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her ancestors were among the early settlers of Connecticut, coming originally from England, where the\' connected with someof the oldest and wealthiest families of that country. Mrs. Hitchcock accompanied her husband to Texas in 1838, and shared with him all his labors here at an early day. The offspring of their union was four children, two of whom became grown: Emily Burroughs Hitchcock, who died at the age of nineteen, the wife of Charles Vidor, of Galveston, and Lent Munson Hitchcock, also of Galveston.

Captain Hitchcock died in this city, February 28, 1869, and his wife at Leesburg, Florida, February 22, 1884, both being buried in the Episcopal cemetery in this city. The death of Captain Hitchcock was made the occasion of universal mourning in Galveston, every possible mark of respect being shown to his memory. One brother of Captain Hitchcock, Frank, for about thirty years a citizen of Galveston, a prosperous and popular gentleman, was among the lost on the ill-fated Verona, which sank off the coast of Florida on October 19, 1870, and upon which perished so many old Galvestonians.

a HALES WOOLLAM, proprietor of ^^'oollam's Lake, a summer and winter resort of Galveston, Texas, was born in England, August 28, 1845, and was educated in the common schools of the same. A desire to try his fortune in the new world induced him to leave home and friends when twenty-six years of age and cross the ocean. He came direct to the Lone Star State, settled in Galveston, and for a number of years was engaged in various enterprises in that city. In 1885 he purchased his present property, consisting of five acres, and all the improvements on the same have been placed there by Mr. Woollam. A beautiful lake is on this tract of land, which is rendered still more attractive by the large shade-trees, ornamental shrubbery and tropical plants, etc., by which it is covered. It is Mr. Woollam's intention to make it the Mecca of all visitors. During the summer season he has open-air concerts, light operas and instrumental music. Here are also to be found oyster bakes, for which Galveston is so famous. Mr. Woollam is well known for the interest he takes in the progress, develop- ment and prosperity of Galveston and surrounding" country, and is active in the support of all worthy movements. Politically he is non-partisan and votes according to his convictions, irrespective of party. Mr. Woollam was married in his native country to Miss Hester Green, and to this union have been born three children, only two of whom, Bettie E. and Hester Anna, are living, the eldest, Ellen Sarah, being deceased. Mr. ^^'oollan^ is a member of the Episcopal, and his wife and daughters members of the Baptist Church.

'HEOPHILUS JAMES COLLfNS. - Within years of recent date the remarkable growth of the real-estate business has given it a prominence and placed it in a position that is attained by very few other elements in this country. This increase and promotion can be nothing less than a refle.x of the progress and prosperity of every general interest in the community, and constitutes a strong reason for gratification among all observant and appreciative business men. Theophilus J. Collins has been prominent in this business, and has been a participator in every movement tending to enhance the value of property, and is one of the most reliable and best informed dealers of Houston. He has had an office in this city since 1S92, and is the owner of a considerable amount of valuable land in Harris county, and some very fine property in Harrisburg, in which place he has made his home for about a quarter of a century.

Mr. Collins was born in Fort Bend county, Texas, Jime 15, 1847, received excellent educational advantages in private schools, and finished his literary education by a twoyears course at St. Mary's College, of San Antonio, this State. Upon attaining a suitable age he began working in the lumber yards of O. E. Stevens, and was later with Charles Bunker, the lumber dealer, at Harrisburg. After leaving the employ of this gentleman he opened a grocery store at Harrisburg, which he operated for about six years, after which he was for some time extensively engaged in cutting, boiling and shipping prairie hay, and in shipping wood. These occupations, however, in time gave place to the real-estate business, which now occupies his attention. Since 1879 he has been married to Miss Minnie Compton, by whom he has four children: Theophilus J., Jr., Stafford, House, and Mabel. Mr. Collins is a son of William and Mary Margaret (Compton) Collins, the former of whom was born in St. Landry parish, Louisiana, a son of Theophilus Collins. In 1846 he removed to Brazoria county, Texas with his wife and four children, - William, Celeste, Laura, and Theophilus James, - all of whom are deceased, with the exception of the last mentioned, but like so many of those who ambitiously sought to make a home for themselves and those depending on them in a new country, he lived but a short time, his death occurring on his plantation, known as Chocolate Bayou, in 1847, he having been engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. His wife was born in Rapides parish, Louisiana, March 30, 1 82 1, and their union took place when she was but sixteen years of age. Her parents, Alexander and Elizabeth (Calvert) Compton, were born in Maryland and Rapides parish, Louisiana, respectively, their marriage taking place in the mother's native parish. When a child Alexander Compton was taken by his parents to Ken- tucky, thence to Louisiana, and, in 1840, he took up his residence in Brazoria county, Texas, where his attention was given to planting up to 1859, after which he made his home with his daughter, Mary Margaret, until his death in 1870 at the age of seventy years. He was a son of Philip Compton, a native of Maryland, and a grandson of one who came to this country from England, at which time the Compton family-tree first took root on American soil. The wife of Alexander Compton lived to be fifty-five years of age. Her father was Anthony Calvert. To her union with Mr. Compton seven children were born, - Mary Margaret, Eva, Ann Eliza, Elenora, Henrietta, Martineza, and Alexander, all of whom are dead, with the exception of Elenora, the widow of Henry Kyle, and a resident of Galveston, Texas, and Mary Margaret, who was married March 12, 1S47, to Dr. Elias T. Pilant, after the death of her first husband, Mr. Collins. Her union with the Doctor resulted in the birth of four children, - Tilford, Joseph, William and Linder, - all of whom are dead. Dr. Pilant was born near Nashville, in Robinson county, Tennessee, May 14, 1821^ and is a son of Elisha Pilant, who was a soldier of the war of 181 2, and grandson of George Pilant, a native of France, and a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. Pilant, mother of Mr. Collins, is a remarkably preserved woman, and although now past seventy-three years of age does not appear to be over fifty-five, a fact which is, no doubt, in a great measure attributable to her happy and hopeful disposition. She has always been surrounded with everything to make life enjoyable, and thoroughly appreciates her many blessings. In her youthful days she was a fine shot with a rifle and frequently went deer-hunting with her husband, and wild indeed was the horse which she could not ride and control. The family is an old and prominent one of southern Texas, and among its members are those who helped to develop the country from a primitive wilderness to a well-cultivated section with thriving towns and a prosperous people.

aOLONEL A. M. SHANNON- - Nearly a century ago Joseph Shannon, a native of Virginia, emigrated with his family from the "Old Dominion " to western Kentucky, and settled in what is now Logan county. There, to himself and faithful spouse, a son, whom they christened Granville B. , was born in the year 1801. This son, actuated by the same spirit of enterprise evinced by his parents in their emigration to the wilds of western Kentucky, went when a young man to the then newly settled State of Arkansas, where he fixed his domicile in the rich valley of the Arkansaw river by the purchase of a considerable tract of wild land. Later he met and married Unity Williams, of that State, a comely orphan girl, ten years his junior, with whom he settled on his land and engaged in the profitable business of cott(jn-planting.

In the course of time they had a large family of children, the fourth of whom in age was a son, Alexander M., who is the subject of this sketch. He was born at the old homestead in Washington county, on the 7th day of May, 1839. When he was fourteen his parents moved to Texas, and his youth was passed partly in what is now Johnson county, where they first settled, and partly in Gonzales county. From Gonzales county he went, after attaining his majority, to Karnes county, where he was residing at the opening of the war. Mr. Shannon was opposed to secession, and cast one of the seven votes which were cast against the measure in Karnes county; but when Texas withdrew from the Union he acquiesced in the general judgment, and at once raised a company, of which he was elected Captain, joined Sibley's brigade, and served some months as Captain of Instruction, when he entered Company C, of Terry's Te.xas Rangers, of which he was made Lieutenant, and at once went to the front. He was elected Captain of his company in a few months, and served as such up to July, 1864, when he was placed in charge of a detached command in the secret service of the army, and so served till February, 1865. At that time he was made a full Colonel, and given a regiment composed of detachments and recruits from several sources, which he commanded till the close of hostilities. He participated in all the engagements in which Terr\'s rangers took part, from Woodsonville, Kentucky, where Colonel Terry fell, to Bentonville, North Carolina; was never captured, but was four times wounded, sustaining one serious wound, at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and three slight wounds in as many different skirmishes.

After the war, up to 1868, Colonel Shannon was engaged in trade operations in New Orleans, and between that city and the isthmus of Panama. He then became associated with General John B. Hood in the commission and insurance business in New Orleans, Louisiana, and resided in that city until 1869, when, their business having grown to such proportions as to necessitate a separation, he took the Texas division and came to Galveston and settled, for the purpose of looking after that interest. In 1880

Colonel Shannon engaged in Government contracting and for a period of ten years following he did most the work of this kind on the coast from Sabine to the Rio Grande. In 1890 he was made general manager of the Galveston cS; Western Railway, and in December, 1S93, he was appointed Postmaster at Galveston, which last two positions he still holds.

Since settling in Galveston Colonel Shannon has always manifested a proper interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the city. He has been very little in public office, has taken practically no interest in partisan politics, but has aligned himself with the businessmen of the community and has always lent the weight of a strong personal example to the side of law, order, progress and prosperity. When Galveston experienced its first serious labor troubles, during the Santa Fe strike in 1885, he was made leader of a large body of representative citizens and property-holders, and as such put down the local disturbances which for a time seriously threatened the peace and welfare of the community. He was subsequently made president of an association growing out of the same matter, the object of which was to protect public and private property against lawlessness and to promote the public peace, which association continued in active operation as long as there was any necessity for its existence.

Colonel Shannon was made a Mason in i860, the night after he was twent}'-one years old, in Concrete Lodge, No. 182, at Concrete, DeWitt county, Texas, and he has been an active member of the order since. In politics he is a Democrat.

but originally from Clark county, Alabama, where Mrs. Shannon was born, she being a grand-daughter of ex-Governor Murphy, of that State. The issue of this union has been seven children. Colonel Shannon's father died in Washington county, Arkansas, in 1872, having returned to that State after the war. His mother, now in her eighty-fifth year, born March 28, 18 10, resides in the same countv.

- Few, perhaps none, save those who have trod the arduous paths of the profession, can picture to themselves the array of attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor qualities essential to the making up of a truly successful physician. His constitution must needs be of the hardiest to withstand the constant shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of sleep and rest, the evergathering load of care, the insidious approach of every form of fell disease to which his daily round of duties momentarily exposes him. The above are but a few necessary remarks introducing Dr. William R. Eckhardt, who is an exceptionally popular and successful young physician of Houston, Texas. He is scholarly and well informed in every branch of his profession, and has already given abundant evidences of the ability which qualifies him for a high place in the medical profession. He is a product of the Lone Star State, for his birth occurred in Dewitt county, September 15, 1864, being the third of eleven children born to Robert C. and Caroline Eckhardt, and he fortunately, in his youthful days, was given good educational advantages, and besides the common schools attended Cuero

Institute, in his native county, and took a three years' course in the Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Bryan, Texas. At the age of nineteen years he began the study of medicine under Dr. Roger Atkinson, and, after thoroughly fitting himself under the able instructions of this gentleman, he took a full course of medical lectures at Tulane University of New Orleans, after which he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and took a course of lectures in the Hospital College of Medicine, at which institution he graduated in June, 1887. While in that city he took a special course in surgery under Dr. A. M. Cartledge, after which he returned to New Orleans and graduated in the Medical Department of Tulane University, in March, 1 888, after which he was appointed a member of the visiting staff of the Charity Hospital on ner\'ous diseases, which place he continued to fill, greatly to his own benefit and also to that of those among whom he labored. In November, 1889, he resigned this position and went to Gonzales, Texas, where he took up the general practice; but wishing to further perfect himself in his profession, he, in 1890, went to New York city and took a course of lectures in the New York Polyclinic Medical College, at which he graduated, and at the same time took up a special course of operative surgery under Drs. Gill Wylie and John A. Wyeth. Knowing that health is the most precious gift of nature, and how to retain it and how to regain it when lost, are matters of vital moment, he has entered heart and soul into his profession, has attained a degree of eminence far beyond the average, and his patrons are among the most exclusive families of Houston, to which city he came in January, 1891. He has handsomely furnished offices in the Kiam building, and, while doing a large general practice, makes a specialty of diseases of women. The Doctor is of a social, genial and kindly tlisposition, and is a prominent member of the honorable order of the Knights of Pythias. He was married in 1890, to Miss Iris'Kent, of Gonzales, Te.xas, a daughter of Jack Kent, of that place, and to them two bright little children have been born: Frances Irene and \\'illiam K. , Jr.

£~V* IMON PRIESTER, for thirty years -^^^^ a resitlent of the city of Houston, K^T being now deceased, was born in the village of Detmold, principality of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, April 29, 1833. His father was Simon Priester, Sr. , and his mother bore the maiden name of Henrietta Badger. The father was a baker by trade, and young Simon learned this trade under his father.

At the age of eighteen, on the advice of his two brothers, who had previously come to Texas and settled in Houston, he came over, accompanied by still another brother, Emil, sailing from Bremen in the latter part of April, I 85 I, and reaching Houston July 8, following, took up his residence in this city. He immediately found employment at his trade in this place, working for H. Back for about twelve months. In the spring of 1854, he married Wilhelmina Herdejuergen, and with her personal assistance, and what means he had saved during the previous three years, he started a small bakery on Congress avenue, about where Dumler's restaurant now is, between Main and Travis streets. Here he did a prosperous business until he was burned out, some six or eight years later. The greater portion of the period covered by the war he spent in

Mexico, but after the return of peace he purchased two lots on Preston avenue, opposite the market house, on one of which he erected a two-story brick, and again opened a bakery. He built up a good business in this place, which he subsequently sold to Bollfrass Brothers, who were succeeded by Browne & Bollfrass, Mr. Priester remaining out of business four or five years, when he again opened another establishment, which he was conducting at the time of his death, June 15, 188 i. He never held any public positions, lived modestly, accumulated considerable property, and died well respected. He left a widow, three daughters and one son surviving him, all of whom are residents of Houston.

Mrs. Priester was born in Detmold, principality of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, being a daughter of Anton and Wilhelmina (Larma) Herdejuergen, who emigrated to Texas in 1847, settling at Houston. Her mother died here the following year, and her father in 1852. One brother, Fred, and one sister, Louisa, also died here; one sister, Hannah, married and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she died, and one brother, Anton, still resides on Bray's ba3-ou, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Priester's children are: Simon; Mary, wife of Henry Bering; Ella and Teresa.

The religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Priester held a membership for a number of years before his death.

>^AMES STERLING PRICE, the effi- ^ cient general manager of the Mer- A 1 chants' & Planters' Cotton Oil Company, of Houston, is a native of South Carolina, having been born in the village of Somerville, twenty-two miles from Charleston, on November 7, 1862. He descended from an old South Carolina family on his father's side, being the fourth removed from William Price, Sr. , who settled in Charleston more than a century ago. Mr. Price's father, James Price, was born in Charleston, as was also his grandfather, William Price, Jr. , and these, as well as the great-grandfather, were engaged at different times in planting and in the commission and shipping business, William Price Jr. , being the owner of Price's wharf at Charleston. The mother of the subject of this notice bore the maiden name of Rosalie Weynian, and was born near New York city on the island of New Rochelle, which was originally called Weyman's island, being the property of her ancestors.

James Sterling Price was reared in Charleston and was educated in the schools of that city. He began hisconnection with the cotton-oil business before he attained his majority, at Charleston. After a service of five years in three different mills in that city and one year as superintendent of the mills of Oliver Brothers, of Charlotte, North Carolina, he organized the Raleigh (North Carolina) Cotton Oil & Fertilizer Company, of which he was superintendent for three years, until it was sold to the American Cotton Oil Company, at which time he became associated with the Southern Cotton Oil Company, and built the mill now operated by that company at Columbia, South Carolina. It was as manager of the interest of this last named company that Mr. Price came to Texas to take charge of their mills at Houston. After a year so spent he associated with himself a number of leading business men of Houston and organized the Merchants' & Planters' Cotton Oil Company, of which T. W. House became president, William D. Cleveland, vice-president; and himself general manager. The plant put in by this company is one of the most extensive and best equipped in the State, and the company has done a large and steadily increasing business since it opened its mills two years ago.

Mr. Price's knowledge of the cotton-oil business, as well as the confidence reposed in him by those with whom he has been and is now associated, is fully attested by the foregoing brief statement of his career, and he needs no commendation at the hands of the writer. Young, intelligent, honest, capable, he has won the place which he occupies in the judgment and good will of the business world by his own merits, and his hold upon that place is secure.

In March, 1887, Mr. Price married Miss Nellie Maynard Williamson, a daughter of P. B. Williamson, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jxnd the offspring of this union has been two children : James Sterling and Isabel Williamson. Mr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Episcopal Church, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, aAPTAIN CHARLES FOWLER. - This old and popular citizen of Galveston, recently deceased, was a native of Connecticut, having been born February 20, 1824, in the town of Guilford, where his ancestors settled over 200 years ago. At the age of fourteen he went to sea, became master of a vessel at twenty-one, and followed the vocation of seaman in that capacity until 1866, when he became the manager of the Morgan interests at Galveston, which position he held until his death, twenty-five years later. His first

, visit to Galveston was in 1849, as captain of the brig "Mary." Settling here that year, he became a pilot and identified himself with the city, in the welfare of which he ever after exhibited the keenest interest. In 1S51 he returned to Conni'cticut and married Miss Mary J. Booth, of Stratford, \vho, accompan3'ing him back to his new home, shared his fortunes during the remainder of his life.

Captain Fowler entered the Confederate service at the opening of the war, enlisting in the naval branch of the service, in which he had charge of the fitting out of a fleet to raise the blockade along the Te.xas coast, and commanded different vessels so engaged both before and after the battle of Galveston. He was not in the battle of Galveston, but took an active part in the battle of Sabine, where he was in command of a vessel that captured the Federal sloop of war Morning Light, shortly after which he was himself taken prisoner. He was confined in prison at Fort Lafayette, New York, and Fort Warren, Boston, about a year and a half, when he was released through the intervention of his brother. Colonel Henry Fowler, an influential Federal officer. From the time of his release till the close of the war he was engaged in the Cuban transport service.

Joining his family after the cessation of hostilities, he again entered the employ of the Morgan company, with which he had previously been connected, and taking the captaincy of the steamer L C. Harris, he returned to Galveston, where a year later he was placed in charge of the Morgan interests at this place.

In 1 868 Captain Fowler undertook the work of deepening the water on the inner bar, on which there was then a depth of eight feet, all vessels being subject to a pilotage of $3 per foot, besides the $4 per foot on the outer bar. In 1869 he handed in his certificate as president of the board of pilot commissioners, reporting a depth of fifteen feet on the bar and recommending the abolition of the pilotage, vvhicii was forthwith done.

In I 87 3 he was elected to the Board of Aldremen, serving one term, and was again elected in 1885, being a member at the time of his death, having served continuously for a period of six years. He was chairman of the finance committee during the entire term of his last six years' service, and as such exerted a controlling influence in the city's fiscal affairs. Although frequently importuned to become a candidate for the office of Mavor he would never consent to do so, because he felt that the great corporation which he represented had claims on his time and attention, which he could not afford to neglecf even to serve the public in the important position of Mayor. He exerted himself, however, as a member of the Board of AlJermen and as a citizen of the communit_\- to promote in every proper way the public good.

Captain Fowler was a plain, direct, practical man, jiossessing sound judgment and good general information. He was a good judge of men, and having been reared and passed most of his life among the people, he was well qualified to know their wants and to provide the means of meeting them. The moral fiber of his nature was strong and deeply embedded. He was pleasant and companionable in private life, a faithful friend and tender and indulgent husband and father. He died March 17, 1891. An old citizen said to the writer: "Few men ever lived in Galveston who were more universally respected and esteemed, and few deaths were e\'er the occasion of more general regret, all classes and conditions of people displaying alike an abiding sorrow over his loss."

Captain Fowler left surviving him a widow and one son, Charles Fowler, and two daughters, Mrs. Arthur Bornefeld and Miss Louise Fowler, - all of whom reside in Galveston.

I I - This gentleman has every reason //^^J to be proud of the stock from which he sprung, for in the progress and development of this country his ancestors have ever taken a prominent part, and have been loyal and law-abiding citizens. The early members of his family, both on the father's and mother's side, were participants in the early Indian wars, the war of the Revolution and the war of i8i2, from which it may be inferred that they settled on American soil during the Colonial period. One of the great-great-grandfathers was with General Putnam at Stony Point, and another was taken prisoner by the British and was for seven years confined in a dungeon in Great Britain. William Wilson, the grandfather of Dr. Wilson, was of Scotch descent, and was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1785, He was married to a Miss Becraft, in whose veins flowed sturdy English blood, and their son, Nathaniel Chapman Wilson, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 15, 1817, in the vicinity of Hagerstown.

Upon attaining a suitable age he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and graduated at that institution. He now makes his home in Houston, Texas, with the subject of this sketch, and has been a success-.- ful practicing physician since 184S. His wife, whose maiden name was Christiana Deal, was born in 1820, and also resides in Houston. She is a daughter of George and Mary (Morgart) Deal, who were born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1788, and February, 1791, respectively; but during the early history of this country her ancestors were residents of the State of New Jersey. They were of German extraction, and they inherited many of the most worthy qualities of that race, which made them valuable American citizens.

Dr. John Sydenham Wilson was the youngest of the three children in the family to which he belonged, the other members of the family being George William, who is a resident of Content, Runnels county, Texas, and Mary C, who is the widow of Captain P. J. Oakes, and is a resident of Columbus, Texas. At the age of six months Dr. J. S. Wilson was taken by his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and after one year spent in that city they moved to Richmond, Indiana, and in 1859 to Kearney county, Texas. After spending two years at this point they took up their residence in Columbus, Texas, and during this time Dr. Wilson was given the advantages of the common schools in the different localities in which they resided, and obtained a comprehensive knowledge of Latin and Greek. Up to the 24th of May, 1868, he lived in Columbus, Texas, then went to Kansas City, Missouri, and eventually graduated at the high school of that city, after which he served a four-years apprenticeship at the drug business, and at the same time studied medicine, under the able instruction of his father, for some three years.

his health becoming very much impaired, he, at the age of twenty-five years, went to the western frontier of Texas to engage in the stock business, making a speciahy of sheep, thinking to benefit his health by life in the open air, and in this he was not disappointed, for his bodily health improved very much, but in the accumulation of worldly wealth he was not so successful, and he discontinued this work after a few years. He then practiced his profession for a short time, but this life did not at all agree with him, and he forsook the practice to engage in the drug business in Houston, in June, 1884, and has found this occupation both congenial and profitable. His place of business is located at 2219 Congress avenue, and he carries a very extensive stock of drugs, chemicals, elixirs, extracts, perfumes, druggist's specialties, toilet articles, etc., all of the highest grade, and makes a specialty of his prescription department, which is one of the finest in the city, and has called forth the hearty indorsement of the leading physicians of Harris county. His business policy has always been one of strict integrity, is loyal to his promises at all times, and is readily recognized as one of Houston's most successful and representative business men. He is also popular in the social circles of the city, and is an enthusiastic Mason, having taken all the degrees in the Ancient York rite, up to and including that of Knights Templar, and has also taken the thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite. He is at present Worshipful Master of Gray Lodge, No. 329, of the F. & A. M. ; is High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M ; Captain General of Ruthven Commandery. No. 2; is Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and in 1 893 was Grand Tyler. November 8, 18S1, Dr.

Wilson led to the altar Miss Mary F. Kelly, of Kearney county, Texas, a daughter of Riley and Mary A. Kelly, and to their union three children have been given, Roy D. being the only survivor.

eUGENE PILLOT, one of the old settlersnf Harris county, and a resident of Houston since 1868, is a native of France, having been born in the department of Haute Saone, on the loth day of February, 1820. For many generations, extending back even to the thirteenth century, his ancestors were residents of this portion of France, where they were people of great respectability, mostly farmers by occupation, and manufacturers of oil from hemp and grape seed, and from the seed of the French walnut. His father's full name was Claude Nicholas Pillot, and his mother's maiden name was Jeanne Loiseley. They were born at the close of the last century, the father on August 10, 1793, and the mother on January 3, 1790. They married in their native place, and resided there, where the father was engaged in teaching until 1832, when they emigrated to America, and remained for a time in New York. In the northern portion of that State, and in the city of New York, the father was engaged in the timber business and at his trade as a carpenter and joiner until August, 1837, when he moved with his family to Texas, and took up his residence in Harris county, on Willow creek, twenty-six miles north of Houston. Here he "laid a headright," and established himself as a farmer, following this business with reasonable success until his death, which occurred in the city of New Orleans, in

1863, while in blockade at that places following a business trip to his native country. His wife died three years later, at the old homestead in Harris county. Of their five children but one is now living, Eugene, the subject of this notice. Their eldest daughter, Hannah, was married to a man named Phipps, and died a number of years later in Harris county, where her decendants now live. The second son, August, (Eugene being the eldest), died in this county in i 844, at the age of twenty-one, unmarried. The third son, Gabriel, died also in this county, in 1859, leaving one son bearing his name, who lives near Waco, Texas. Rosalie, the youngest daughter, was married to D. Dechaume, and died here in 1864, at the age of twenty-seven, leaving eight children.

Eugene Pillot was just verging on to manhood when his parents came to Texas. On account of the frequent removals which his father found it necesssary to make after coming to America, and before permanently establishing himself in this State, the son's education fell short of what it might otherwise have been, but was not wholly neglected, as he had the advantages of some training in the schools of New York State, which was supplemented by private instruction from his father. Young Pillot learned the trade of carpenter and joiner under his father in New York, and put his knowledge to good use after comingto Texas, becoming one of the first builders of Harris county. He recalls the fact that he assisted in putting up some of the first buildings that were erected in Houston, one of which was a small one-story frame structure, which was occupied as a general store and stood on the site of Kiam's present imposing fivestory brick building, on the corner of Main street and Preston avenue. After a short residence in Houston he moved to the country with his father, and in a measure abandoned his trade, turning his attention to the timber business, which he found very profitable and followed successfully for some time. Later he took up farming, and for twenty-five years was one of the leading planters of Harris county. The rapid settling of the country and increased demand for building material caused him again to embark in the lumber business, which he followed until 1867, at which time he sold out his sawmill interest, and, on January i, 1868, moved to Houston, where he already owned considerable real estate, to the improvement of which and to other private interests he turned his attention. He is at this writing one of Houston's largest propperty owners and has also valuable holdings in the city of Galveston. Some idea of the extent of his possessions may be obtained from the statement that his taxes amount annually to between $4, 500 and $5,000. His city holdings are what the real estate men call "inside property" and are very valuable, the Tremont Opera House at Galveston belonging to him.

Mr. Pillot has given his entire life to pursuits of a business nature, but has unavoidably been placed in some official positions where his services and experience have been in demand by the public. He has served twice as a member of the Board of Aldermen of Houston, was once Treasurer of Harris county, and is now a member of the Board of Public Works. He was a member of the City Council when the movement was set on foot for the present market house, and as chairman of the buildingcommittee it fell to his lot to supervise the erce- tion of that structure, - a dut\' which he performed to the satisfaction of the taxpayers of the city and to iiis own credit. The truth is, Houston has not had, even among her old citizens, one who has watched her progress w'ith greater interest, or who has lent more substantial aid in that direction than has Mr. Pillot. He has given his active sympath}- and support to CNer)- public measure calculated to advance the city's interests, while his own personal example of improving his holdings with handsome and substantial structures has not only added to the city's taxable wealth and impro\ed its appearance, but has exercised a wholesome influence by strengthening the confidence of the people in the future of the place and thereby causing others to do the same with their property.

Mr. Pillot has taken but little part in partisan politics, and in fact can hartily be said to be a partisan in political matters at all, since he does not afiiliate regularly with any organization. His principle has alwaj's been to vote for measures rather than men, but, in all contests between mdividuals, to give his suj^port to the one whom he believed to be the most honest and most capable, regardless of political affiliations.

On January 7, 1S45, Mr. Pillot married Miss Zeolie Sellers, a daughter of Achille Sellers, and a native of parish Lafayette, Louisiana. Mrs. Pillot comes of I'rench extraction, and is a member of one of the old French families of Louisiana. She is one of eight children, but two of whom, besides herself, are now living. She has a brother, Peter Sellers, who resides at Hockley, in Harris county, this State, and a sister, Mrs. Amelia Ann House, who li\'es at Ennis, in Ellis county. Mr. and Mrs. Pillot are the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, only six of whom are now living, three having died in infancy and three in early childhood and youth, - Celeste at the age of four, Alexander at the age of thirteen, and Joseph at the age of eighteen. Those living are Julia, now Mrs. Clemille Sellers, of Harris county; Nicholas, who resides near the old homestead in this county; Celestine, the wife of Charles F. Saigling, of Piano, Collin county, this State; Camille, a member of the firm of Henke & Company, wholesale grocers of Houston; Zeolie, wife of Jacob Hornberger, a leading citizen of Houston; andTeoline, clerk in the book and stationery house of W. J. Hancock & Company, of this city. Mr. Pillot has twenty-two grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Although past the usual age of three score and ten allotted to man, he is still vigorous in mind and body, and continues to give his personal attention to all the details of his business and takes an active interest in all matters of public concern. In the last twent}' years he has made no less than seven trips to Europe, spending a considerable portion of the time during his absence in his native country, where he has traveled amidst the scenes of his childhood, and looked up places of interest in connection with the history of his family. While he cherishes that feehng of attachment which it is most natural for one to have towards the place of his nativity, he still regards the country of his adoption as the one to which he owes the strongest allegiance, and of Texas especially he speaks with that peculiar pride and affection which all old Texans are wont to show in referring to the State in which they have so long lived and the making of whose history they have watched from its infancy up.

>Tr'OHN KUHLMAN - About the close m of the first quarter of the present A 1 century three brothers, John, Henry, and George Kuhhnan, emigrated from Germany to the United States, coming probably at different times, and settled in New Orleans. John was a sailor, following seafaring life both before and after co'ming to America. In his voyage on the gulf he heard a great deal of Texas, and in 1836 visited the country to look it over with a view of settling, provided he was pleased with the prospects. He seems to have been satisfied, for he returned to stay in 1839, locating at Houston, at which place his brothers, Henry and George, subsequently took up their residence, and all three here spent the remainder of their lives. They were all born in Germany, John on December 25, 1812, and Henry and George at intervals of about two years later.

John Kuhlman was a poor man when he came to Houston, and like the industrious, thrifty, German that he was, he accepted whatever kind of work he could get to do, being variously engaged at gardening, farming sawmilling and railroading. As soon as he was able he purchased a small place of his own and settled on it, and from that time on gave his attention chiefly to the pursuits of the farm. He was very saving, and by investing his means in cheap lands and town lots he came, in the course of thirty or forty years, to be a large real-estate holder, and died leaving an estate valued at over $100,000. He was three times married and the head of a numerous household. His first marriage occurred in New Orleans previous to his coming to Texas, and was to Mary Ann Heitman, by whom he had five children, all of whom became grown and three of whom; Mary, Kathrina and Caroline are still living. His last marriage was to Mrs. Sarah Williams, of Houston, a native of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, born March 9, 1836, and daughter of H. P. and Lavania Stroud, and the issue of this marriage was seven children: Annie Henrietta, Ada, Ida, Henry, George, John, and one that died in infancy. His descendants, children and grandchildren, now number between forty and fifty, and these, with the children and grandchildren, of his brothers, Henry and George, make the Kuhlman family one of the largest of the county. Mr. Kuhlman died in Houston in 1882 and his death was taken notice of by the local press as the passing away of "one of Harris county's early settlers - an honest, industrious, good citizen. "

HNDRE SEUREAU. - Physcians of eminence testify that the existence of a well-conducted drug shop is as necessary to the medical world as the advice and prescriptions of doctors. In fact it would be difficult to name a branch of business more important to the welfare of the community than that devoted to the sale of drugs and chemicals, or one demanding more ability and scientific knowledge on the part of those engaged. From the very earliest ages the art of preparing the compounds that arrest and remove pain and heal the sick has been regarded as among the highest of human functions, and thus it is that so much interest and importance' attach to the calling of the druggist in the present day.

Among the leading and most reliable members of the pharmaceutical profession in Houston may be mentioned Andre Seureau, whose place of business is at 2001

Congress avenue. He was born in Gemozac, Charente Inferieure, France, January 3, 1865, a son of Auguste and Laura Seureuu, who were also natives of that country. The family came to the United States on the steamer Chateau Lafitte, the voyage lasting fourteen and a half days. They landed in New York city July 14, 1882, and, after remaining there abuut two weeks, went to Dan\'ille, Kentucky, antl two months later came tcj Houston, where Auguste Seureau purchased a tract of land, comprising about 4,000 acres, at Red Bluff, Harris county, and here he embarked in the raising of cattle and sheep, and has (hjnc well, being also the owner of some valuable real estate in Houston. His children were named Emile, Edward, Jeanne (deceased), Andre, Paul, and Suzanne.

Andre Seureau received excellent educational advantages in his youth, and for five years was an attendant of the Cognac College, and afterward took a three-years course in pharmacy, in which he graduated, being at the same time a fine Latin, Greek, French and English scholar. He is gifted with a fine mentalit}', has always made the most of the opportunities that have come in his way, and, as a natural consequence, no more talented or accomplished gentleman can be found in Houston than he. He is peculiarly qualified for the successful professional career he is pursuing, has the confidence of the public, and his extensive business is not confined alone to Houston, but extends over a wide territory. A special feature is made of the prescription department, all physicians' formuUt and family recipes being dispensed with accuracy and precision. In the winter of 1 891, Mr. Seureau, in company with R. D. Cline, opened his establishment in Houston, the style of the firm being Cline & Seureau; but June 10, 1893, Mr. Seureau became the sole projirietor, and has remained so up to the present time. He keeps a full line of the purest drugs, patent medicines, and the various toilet articles that go to make up a first-class drug-store, and among his patrons are the first people of the city. He is looked upon as one of the rising and substantial young business men of Houston, is to be relied upon at all times, and his honesty is above suspicion. Since the i6th of .-\ugust, 1893, he has been married to Miss Josie Ohlson, a native of the city in \\hich the}' now reside. This worthy young Couple move in the highest social circles, are hospitable and cordial, yet unostentatious, in their home, and have many friends.

@ FORGE E. DICKEY, architect, of Houston, was born inWilmot, New Hampshire, October 29, 1840, and is a son of James and Sebra Dickey, both of New Englarid birth and ancestry. He was educated in the public schools of his native place, and in the high school at New London, New Hampshire. He studied architecture in Boston, and in 1868 opened an office in Waltham, Massachusetts, and one shortly afterward also in Boston , both of which he conducted successfully until 1873. At that date he mo\-ed to Toronto, Canada, where for fi\x' years he followed his profession with growing success.

But, his attention having been attracted to the South, he came to Texas, in 1878, and located at Houston, where he has since resided. For the past sixteen years he has been successfully engaged in his profession in this city,, during which time he has come to be well and favorably known in connec- tion with the building interests of the city of Houston and vicinity, having drawn the plans for and supervised the erection of many of the pubhc buildings of this city, as well as many of the dwellings that beautify and render attractive its thoroughfares and suburbs. Without attempting to give a full list of the buildings put up under Mr. Dickey's supervision, the following may be mentioned: The Graitd Central depot, the Capitol Hotel, the Armory, the Shearn Methodist church, the First Baptist church, the Presbyterian church, and most of the fine residences in the city, and H. A. Landes' residence in Galveston. He was also the supervising architect for the United States postoffice building at Houston. Mr. Dickey's qualifications for the successful pursuit of his profession, - accurate, technical knowledge, practical experience, devotion to his calling, and faithful attention to the interests intrusted to his care, - have been fully demonstrated; and account for the large amount of work which has always found its way to his office. Identifying himself with the business and social life of the city on casting his lot here, he has always taken a becoming interest in everything relating to its welfare, being a member of that body of representative citizens, the Cotton E.xchange, and of the usual number of social orders. He is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, having held a membership in this church for a number of years.

Mr. Dickey has been twice married, in 1862 marrying Miss Mary Messer, of New London, New Hampshire, and after her death, some years later. Miss Maria Watier, of Montreal, Canada. He has had six children, three by each marriage: Dura A., Annie, and Delia, by the first; James, Nellie and Georgie, by the last.

LEXANDER C. MORIN. - There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform than to record the life achievements of a man who has begun life's battles under adverse circumstances, and through his own unaided efforts has secured the general acknowledgment of being an honest man, and has acquired a profitable and lucrative business.

Such a man is Alexander C. Morin, contractor and builder. The average citizen, interested as he may be, in the progress of the city in which his interests are centered, pursues the even tenor of his way with little thought of the wonderful improvements that are going on about him, or of the men in whose brains the plans for these projects originate. There is no more important industry in a growing city or in one in which its exponents are in greater demand than that of the builder and contractor. Houston's massive business buildings and fine residences have proved this, while the builder may with truth be designated as one of the foremost developers of a vicinity. Mr. Morin was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1827, and was sixth in order of birth of seven children born to Alexander C, Sr. , and Mary (Harwood) Morin. The senior Morin was a native of Paris, France, and when but twenty years of age came to the United States, settling in Philadelphia, where he met and married Miss Harwood. She was born on the Emerald Isle, but was brought to Philadelphia when a child and here became a woman. He was a skilled artist, being an engraver, and most of the time he was engaged in engraving dies for the Government. He was a fine workman and was never out of employment. He and wife passed their last days ill Philadelpliia, the mother d vine;" when but forty years of age, the father reaching the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Our subject has a card made from a die engra\-ed by his father which tool< the premium at the Frankhn Institute in Philadelphia. He was also an engraver on steel and wood, etc., Only three of the children born to this estimable couple are now li\'iiig, our subject and two sisters, Louisa and Mary Ann, both of whom reside in Philadelp)hia, unmarried. Caroline, Margaret, John, and Anthony are deceased. The last namt'd was a soldier in the Union armv during the Rebellion and held the rank of Captain. He was severely wounded, a bullet passing through his cheeks just as he opened his mouth to give a command. His death occurreil in Philadelphia about 1892.

Alexander C. Morin, of this sketch, was educated in the schools of Philadelphia, and at an early age served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, following the same in that city until twenty-one years of age. From there he went to Pittsburg, Penns\-1- vania, and later to Louisville, Kentucky, working as jcjurneyman at Ixith places, and then, in November, 1S52, he came to Houston, Te.xas, where he continued his trade as a journeyman for three j'ears. After that he began contracting and building on his own account, and was so engaged until the breaking out of the civil war. While hostilities continued Mr. M(.)rin was in the employ of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad Comjiany as a car-builder, but resumed his trade on the return of peace. Since that time he has had steady employment, and has erected many of the principal buildings in Houston. Among them are the Grand Central depot, four of the principal public-school buildings, the Milby & Dow building at the corner of Congress and Louisiana streets, besides many residences. All of these are monuments to his handiwork, and there are many other fine buildings he could point to with pride. He is fully awake to the gre^t progress of the city of Houston and has won and kept the confidence of his patrons as none but a man of honorable antecedents and continuous trustworthy operations coulif do,

Mr. Morin married Miss limnia DeWees, (if Philadelphia, this lady dying in that city in I 860. On the i st of January, 1867, Mr. Morin married Miss Bettie Slocumb, of Houston, and the daughter of John R. and Sarah (Shoat) Slocumb. Si.\ children were born of the second union, and five now survive, as follows: Bettie, wife of George P. Brown; John; Alexander V . ; William R, and George. All these children are in Houston, and most of them are still under the parental roof. The child deceased was Celia.

Socially Mr. Morin is a member of the Knights of Honor and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is one of the good, honest, hard-working, successful and unpretentious men of Houston, and is adjudged a most worthy and honorable citizen.

I I ither country can point to a great ^J^^^ army of self-made men, the United States standing alone in the pre-eminence of having an array of citizens, who, without adventitious aid or accident of birth, attain to wealth or distinction in public affairs. This is the glory of the country, that every one has an opportunity to make and prove himself a man, if he has it in him.

of the successful cotton factors of the South, and a high authority on cotton, wool and hides, is a product of Randolph county, North Carolina, where he was born on the 15th of August, 1827, a son of Abner and Mary Alexander the former of whom attained to the advanced age of ninety years and the latter to fifty years. A family of seven children blessed this worthy couple, five of whom are living at the present time : William D., Nancy, Jane, John Wesley, and Mollie. When three years of age William D. Alexander was taken by his parents to the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky, and thence, after a short residence to Owen county, Indiana, where he was reared and educated, becoming thoroughly familiar with the duties of agricultural life on his father's farm. Although he was compelled to work hard in his youth, he thereby learned lessons of industry and perseverance, which proved the stepping stones to succ6ss in after life. At the age of seventeen years he started out for himself, and for about two years thereafter clerked in a store in Gosport, Indiana, after which, in company with his father, he opened a general mercantile establishment at that point under the firm name of Alexander & Son, which was successfully carried on from 1847 to 185S. Mr. Alexander then spent a few months in Washington, District of Columbia, after which he removed to Galveston, Texas, in the early winter of 1859, and a month later to Sabine Pass, where he opened a real-estate office and general mercantile store, and was doing a profitable business when the war came on.

On the opening of hostilities he at once i went to Beaumont, Texas, and until Lee's 1 surrender was in the Quartermaster's Department at that place, rendering valuable service to the cause of the Confederacy. Shortly after the close of the war he came to Houston, and began buying cotton, and owing to the numerous fluctuations of the cotton market he made several fortunes and lost them. For the past three years he has been engaged in the purchase and sale of cotton and hides for John Finnigan & Company, who value his services highly, for during the lo ig term of years that his attention has been given to this line of business he has gained a thorough knowledge of it and is a recognized authority on cotton, wool and hides. He is a man of unblemished reputation, honest, and at all times to be relied upon, and his friends are numbered by the score. About 1845 he wedded Miss Eliza J. Sherley, of Indiana, a daughter of John L. Sherley, and to their union six children have been given: Alice A,, wife of G. A. Gibbons; Edgar, Josephine, wife of J. A. McKnab, and LeliaM., wife of Edward Katwan, being the only ones living. Mr. Alexander and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

aONRAD ALBRECHT was born in west Prussia, Germany, May 1 5, 1824, and is a son of John and Catherine Albrecht, who were natives of Germany, and who spent their lives in their native country. The subject of this notice is one of fifteen children, but two of whom, himself and a sister, Mrs. Caroline Angerhoffer, of Houston, are now living, the others dj'ing in their native country, Germany.

In 1849 the subject of this article came to the United States, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, after a voyage of six weeks on the ship Louisa. He had $14 in money and was master of a good trade, - that of tailor,

- and with this as his capital he began life in the New World. After a brief stay at Baltimore he went to New Orleans, where he secured work at his trade, following this in that city until 1852. At that date he came to Houston. For six months after his arrival in this city he worked at his trade, at the end of which time he opened a shop for himself. He was engaged in tailoring on his own account for about three years. Having been successful he found himself the possessor of some means, which he invested in a coffee house and restaurant on Congress avenue. He conducted this for two years, when he sold it at a good profit, and, moving to the country, engaged for a period of three years in farming and gardening. At the opening of the war, in 1861, he went to Germany, but soon returned to the United States, and, after great difficulty in running the blockade, took up his residence again, in July, 1863, in Houston. From that date until the close of the war, he was section boss on the Columbia & Brazoria Tap Railroad. He then became a clerk in a grocery store in Houston, and in 1869 he engaged for himself in the liquor business, which he followed tor twenty-one years, up to i S90, when he was stricken with paralysis and retired. His funds are invested in Houston real estate and yield sufficient revenue to support himself and family in a modest way. During his long residence in this city Mr. Albreclit has watched its growth with much interest, and has always had a good word to say for every enterprise of a public nature and for every honest, deserving individual who has come to this place to make a home and add his mite to the common welfare. He has always borne a good reputation for honesty and for the faithful discharge of his obligations, and wherever he is known he is respected for the possession of these qualities. In October, 1852, Mr. Albrecht married Catherine Pashaw, and they have two children: Conrad William, who lives in Victoria, Te.xas.and Emma, who is now the widow of Robert Schmidt, of Houston. Mrs. Albrecht died in 1865, and on May i, 1867, Mr. Albrecht married Desetta Haag, who was born in Germany and who is a daughter of Michael and Catherine Haag, also natives of that country. The second Mrs. Albrecht came to America in 1866 and settled in Houston. By this marriage Mr. Albrecht has had eight children: Henry; Edward; Katie, wife of Feli.x H. Marks; Adolph, Caroline, Prince Albert, Lily and Maria. Two of these, Caroline and Prince Albert, are deceased; the remainder live in Houston.

V-t'OSEPH KOCH, a retired farmer, m living at Chancy Junction, in the A J suburbs of Houston, is a native of Germany, where he was born November 22, 1829. His parents were John and Elizabeth Koch, also natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1846, sailing from Bremen for Galveston, which they reached in December, after a voyage of eleven weeks. They settled at once in Harris county, the father purchasing a small piece of land two miles from Houston. After a residence of two years on this place, he exchanged it for a farm of 177 acres on Bear creek, to which he moved, and on which he lived until his death, in 1854. Here the mother also died, two years later, and of their seven children the subject of this sketch is the only one now living, most, or all of their offspring dying since the family's removal to this county.

Joseph Koch was hi his eighteenth year when his parents came to Texas. His youth was passed on his father's farm, on Bear creek, and was unmarked by any experience worthy of record. After attaining his majority he worked for a time in the timber business, then purchased a small place near his father's, on which he settled and engaged in farming up to iSSS. At that date he moved to Houston, having bought a tract of land near the city, and on this he has since resided. He still retains his farming interest, and insists on being numbered among the yeomanry of Harris county, although he has given but little attention to agriculture during the past si.\ years. His farm holdings are up to the average of Harris county farm lands, while his suburban property, lying between the city of Houston and the new suburb of Houston Heights, is a choice piece of propert}-, and is daily growing in value.

Mr. I\och married Susan Madzgie, in 1850, and by this union has one child, John. Mrs. Ivoch was born in Prussia, Germany, and came with her parents to this country when about sixteen, settling in Harris county, where her parents subsequently lived and died.

@USTAVUS C. STREET. - No matter how crowded may be the market in any particular calling, every person who possesses original and practical ideas, with the enterprise to push his ideas to a successful termination, is bound to win success, both as regards reputation and the accumulation of wealth.

Gustavus C. Street, manager of the National Cotton Oil Company's mill at Houston, is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, where he was born May 25, 1853, his parents, Gustavus and Mary (Calder) Street, being also natives of that State, born in 1S22 and 1833, and died in 1858 and i860, respectively. The subject of this sketch is one of two surviving members of a family of three children b'orn to his parents, the other member being his sister, Cecelia C. , who makes her home with her brother. He was left an orphan at the age of seven years, after which he made his home with his father's sister, Mrs. Gustavus LeRoy, who resided in the vicinity of New Orleans, and his literary education was completed in the State University of Louisiana, at Alexandria, which institution he left, after a four-years course, before graduation. He shortl}- afterward secured a position with Cochran & LeRoy, who were in the warehouse business, and after remaining with them he accepted a situation, in 1872, in the office of the Union Oil Company at New Orleans, with which he remained up to 1876. He then came to Houston for this firm, opened an office at this place, and, up to 1879, was extensively engaged in buying and shipping cotton seed to them. He then decided that a bone mill and fertilizer works at Houston would be a paying investment, and, after erecting a building and conducting this business for one year, sold his interest in this and accepted a position as traveling salesman for William D. Cleveland, of Houston, and one year later entered the employ of Zuberbier & Behean, of New Orleans, in a like capacity'. As agent for these extensive dealers in groceries Afr. Street made a record for himself and attained popularity among the patrons of the liouses, owing to his sound and practical \'ie\vs, his strict integrit)', his adherence to all his promises, and td his genial and social disposition. After leaving the employ of Zuberbier & Behean, he became associated with the Howard Oil Company, of Houston, the name of which was changed several times, and finally, in 1889, became known as the National Cotton Oil Company, of which Mr. S-treet has been the manager since 1889. In business, as well as in social relations, he has always been a man of his word, his friends are legion, and the respect which he commands is uni\ersal.

In September, 1883, he was wedded to Miss Ella Richardson, of Houston, a daughter of A. S. Richardson, a sketch of whom may be found in this work. Gustavus C. , LeRoy and Marguerite are the names of their children. The wife and mother died November 21, 1890, since which time Mr. Street has remained a widower. He is a member of Houston Lodge, No. 151, of the Order of Elks.

EENRY MICHAEL De CHAUMES. - ^^The sixty-si.x years that have jiassed over the head of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch have witnessed a wonderful transformation in Southern Texas, and during all these years he has been an active observer of the trend of events. He has not been merely a "looker on in Venice" but a citizen who has, in his quiet and unostentatious way, contributed his share to the development of the section in which he resides.

by whom he was brought to the United States a year after his birth, their landing being made at Norfolk, \'irginia. Shortly afterward, however, they moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and from there to Washington, District of Columbia, the father successfully following his profession, that of an architect. In 1837 he took up his residence in Houston, Texas, and continued to follow his calling up to tlie time of his death, which occurred in 1871, at the age of seventy-five years. He designed and erected the old county courthouse, designed and built the old academy that was recently torn down, and numerous buildings that stand as monuments to his skill and knowledge of his calling are scattered throughout Harris and surrounding counties. He also superintended the erection of the first capitol built at Austin. He was left a widower in 1866, at which time his wife had attained the age of seventy-five years.

In 1838 Henry Michael De Chaumes came to Texas with his mother and the children, but in 1846 left Houston to learn the tinner's trade in Galveston, at which he served three years' apprenticeship. Returning to Houston, he worked for J. R. Morris till 1 85 1, when he removed to Bastrop, Texas, where he made his home up to the opening of the Civil war. During the progress of the great struggle he was in the employ of the Confederate government, detailed to the gun-manufacturing department, but when hostilities had ceased he returned to Houston, and in 1866 formed a partnership with Messrs. Dunn and Hale in the hardware and tinware business on Preston avenue, between Travis and Main streets. This firm was known as one of the leading ones of the kind in this portion of the State, and was in existence until 1868, when Mr. Hale retired and his interest was purchased by S. C. Timpson, after which the store was moved to the ground on which Kiam's building now stands. At the end of three years Mr. Timpson retired, and Mr. De Chaumes and Mr. Dunn continued alone up to 1880, at which time Mr. De Chaumes disposed of his interest to Mr. Blake and started an establishment of his own on Travis street, opposite the market, where he continued to hold forth fur two years. At the end of that time he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was in the tin department of their shops in Houston for some time. In 1887 he went to Smithville, Texas, where he opened a tin and hardware store, continuing successfully to conduct the same for six years. At the end of this time he returned to Houston, and now has a pleasant and comfortable home at 2203 San Jacinto street. He is the owner of an entire block in the cit)', which is a valuable piece of property, and from the three houses which are erected thereon he derives a respectable sum of money annually.

Mr. De Chaumes is a shrewd, practical and far-seeing man of business, well qualified to discharge the necessary duties of life, and well adapted to the active life he has led. He has seen many important changes take place in Texas, and after various ups and downs is now in good circumstances. He was married January 3, 1855, to Mrs. Susan (Anderson) Morris, who was born in Pike county, Missouri, July 4, 1831, a daughter of Carter and Margaret (Lair) Anderson, and widow of Samuel B. Morris, whom she married in 1847, and by whom she became the mother of three children: Robert, who died after reaching manhood, leavingoneson, Charlie; Lauraand Mary, the last dying at the age of fifteen. Mr. and Mrs. De Chaumes had nine children, four of whom are li\ing: Henrietta; David S., who is married and has two sons, - Harry F. and J. Orman; Helen and Hortense. Mr. De Chaumes, his wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

>T^ONASC. BALDWIN, - Life is a comm plex fabric, each shuttle of the mov- /- J ing thousand drops a thousand threads, every one of which represents an element of power in the world. Some of these parts are high, some low, in the scale of progress. Probably the most potential of these is man's ability to help himself. History shows it to be the parent ingredient in all forward movements. It is the Phcenix that holds within itself the germs of individual growth and development. The events and phenomena of a civilized existence reaches back with it to reverence. In these days of mone\'-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be a useful lesson and an incentive to honest industry.

Like a goodly number of the representative citizens of the county, Jonas C. Baldwin is a product of the Empire State, born in Bal(lwinsville, Onondaga county, twelve miles north of Syracuse, October 10, 1829, and is a son of Horace and Mariah (Wallace) Baldwin. The parents were honest, upright citizens and lived to be fifty and sixty-four years of age, respectively. Four children were born to their union, as follows: Ann, wife of J. S. Brown, who resides in Los Angeles, California; Elizabeth, wife of

William M. Rice, who resides in New York; and Charlotte, wife of F. A. Rice, of Houston. The subject of this brief biography came to the Lone Star State in 1845 and stopped in Galveston. The following year young Baldwin returned to his home in New York State and remained there until 1850, when he came back to Texas, this time locating in Fort Bend county, where he entered activeh' upon his career as a horse and mule raiser. He continued this business in Fort Bend county until 1855, after which he moved his stock to Williamson county, where he remained until 1857. Selling out he came to Houston and became a salesman in a furniture store for his brotherin-law, F. A. Rice, continuing with him until I 86 1.

Then, when the war cloud hung darkly over the nation, he enlisted and was placed in the Quartermaster's department, where he remained until the cessation of hostilities. Afterward he forhied a partnership with William Christian, under the firm name of William Christian & Company, and opened up a wholesale grocery store on Congress, between Main and Fannin streets. From there they subsequentlv moved their business to Main street, between Franklin and Congress avenues, and still later moved to Main, between Franklin and Commerce streets. This business continued very successfully from 1865 to 1873, after which Mr. Baldwin became interested in a flouring mill in Houston, and was actively engaged in this industry for two years. After that he bought the livery stable that stood where Capital Hotel now stands, and «hen the proprietors began building that hotel Mr. Baldwin bought the Fannin street stable, which he carried on for some time. Later he bought his present place at the corner of

Louisiana and Congress streets, and now carries on a passenger, freight and baggage transfer business, taking charge of all the mail that enters Houston. In our subject's life is strikingly illustrated the force of welldirected energy, steadfast purpose and neverceasing effort for the accomplishment of ends. He is upright and conscientious in business matters, and merits the success to which he has attained. As a business man he has been successful, and as a citizen he is well liked.

Mr. Baldwin selected for his wife Miss Ann Eliza Foot, who is known and always called "Lill," and their union was solemnized on the 14th of September, 1859. Mrs. Baldwin, \yho is a lady of more than ordinary attainments, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father. Judge Horace Foot, was a prominent attorney of that city, and a man well and favorably known in his section of the State. Three interesting children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, but only one is now living, - Mary, - who is the wife of W. R. Huntington. Mr. Huntington and wife reside in Cleveland, Ohio, and he is a a member of the firm of Mcintosh, Huntington & Company, who have the largest wholesale hardware establishment in Cleveland and the third largest in the United Statew'He also owns the property of the Huntington Coal Company. Mr. Baldwin takes a deep interest in several secret organizations, viz. : The Chosen Friends' lodge, the Knights of Honor and the Elks, and is a prominent member of the same. For many years he has been a resident of this city, and during that time his career has been above reproach. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and no worthy movement is allowed to fail for want of support on his part.

*Y - ^ H. DOOLEY, a prominent real- I'^^W estate dealer of Houston, was born \ ^P in the city of New York, August 3, 1835, and is a son of Henry P. and Mary Dooley, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and who emigrated to this country, settling in New York city, where they subsequently lived and died.

The subject of this sketch was reared in New York city and began managing for himself at the age of twelve, becoming a cash boy in the store of the once famous merchant prince, A. T. Stewart. At the age of fifteen he decided to learn the hat finisher's trade, and learned it in the establishment of John N. Genin, of New York, and was with him about three years. At that place he qualified himself to do good journeyman work and went to Newark, New Jersey, where he secured emploj'ment with Vail & Yates, hatters, remaining with them for about a year. He then went to St. Louis and pursued his trade in that city for something like a year, wlien in 1854 he drifted to New Orleans, in which jilace he worked at his trade and served as clerk until the fall of the same year, coming thence to Te.xas. For a year or more after coming to this State, he taught school in Washington county, after which he returned to Houston and went to work at his trade for C. A. Turley. He had been here only a short time, when he bought a stock of goods and went to Dallas, where he remained something less than a year. Returning to Houston, he opened a hat and gentlemen's furnishing store on the corner of Main street and Preston avenue, where he was in business up to 1862.

At that date he entered the Confederate army, enlisting in Captain Andrew's company of cavalry, with which he served a short time, when he was transferred to

Cook's regiment of heavy artillery as Ordnance Sergeant. Passing examination he was promoted to the position of First Lieutenant of Artillery on ordnance duty, and was for awhile in charge of the pistol factory and ordnance works near Anderson, in Grimes county, during which time he was also assistant to the chief of ordnance for the District of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, at Houston, Texas. He was serving in this capacity at the close of the war. What means Mr. Dooley had succeed in accumulating before the war was swept away, and at the close of hostilities he found himself, in the matter of finances, where he had begun on first coming to Texas, eleven years before.