Galveston County, Texas - The whole text, 1895 (part 20 of 26)

"But if the Farmer wanted to name a man for the next Governor of Texas, - and it may as well as others have a weakness that way, - there is one name we would suggest, - the very synonym of official honor and integrity, a man who, in his official career, has done more to reform abuses, expose fraud and vindicate the rights of his fellowcitizens than any man in the State. Possessing to an eminent degree those high qualities of mind and heart that fit a man for executive duties in these days of political ilunkyism, his administration would mark an epoch in the annals of Texas history that would at once become the pride of the Lone Star State, and enshrine his name in the affections of his countrymen. Passing through the war with distinction for his brave and generous soldierly qualities, and in the civil service, having evinced those high qualities and civic virtues, - moral couiage and devotion to principle, - he is conspicuously marked as the man of the hour, distinguished in many particulars above his fellows. To mention him is simply to record the name of Hon. R. L.- Fulton, Mayor of the city of Galveston. We know no man in the broad limits of Texas more eminently fitted for executive honors and duties than Mr. Fulton. Schooled on the farm in early life to economical habits, and trained in the severe ordeal as Galveston's executive in its conflict with rings and fraudulent intrigues to despoil the city and rob its people, he stands the embodiment of courageous manhood and devotion to duty. Mayor Fulton does not, so far as we know, aspire to gubernatorial honors, and he will not, perhaps, thank us for this notice; they may never be bestowed upon him, and the Farmer but little hopes to be influential in such an issue; but his name belongs not alone to Galveston, but to all Texas; and as a friend to the common people, an unyielding advocate of the greatest good to the greatest number, as an upholder of honest government, an economical expenditure of public money, we exercise the right to mention him as a friend to his race, as an honest man, possessing a strong, vigorous intellect and a shrewd political sagacity that mark him as one of the most useful public men of the day."

In I 888 Mayor Fulton, with other leading men of Galveston, went as delegate to the Deep Water Convention, at Fort W^orth, and a few months later to an Inter-State Deep Water Convention, held at Denver, Colorado, where they met and became ac- quainted with mtiny of the leading; men of all the States and Territories west of the Mississippi. To show what kind of an impression Mayor Fulton makes upon those with whom he comes in contact on such occasions, and the reputation he bears outside of the State in which he lives, it is only necessary to quote a brief but significant editorial mention of him, appearing in the Denver (Colorado) News, on the occasion of his fifth election to the Maj'oralty, in June, 1889. It is as follows:

"Hon. R. L. Fulton has been re-elected Mayor of Galveston, and enters upon his fifth term. It is seldom that a municipal officer receives so magnificent an indorsement at the hands of the people. In this instance, however, the News is glad to remark that the indorsement is fully deserved. Mayor Fulton is one of the most capable of the public men of Te.xas, or of the entire Southwest, for that matter. He is a man of high personal character, rare executive ability and fine business capacity. Furthermore, he is a gentleman of courtly manners, a brilliant conversationalist, and a most agreeable companion. He has not only given Galveston an honest, capable and well-ordered administration, but he has been active in forwarding all the great enterprises in which the city is interested and on which her future so much depends. Galveston is fortunate in possessing so excellent an official, and in having the good sense to retain him in the difficult position he has so long and so worthily filled."

Many important advances were made in the city's affairs during Captain Fulton's twelve years' service as Major. These advances, together with an account of his stewardship in general, are so clearly and concisely set forth in the remarks made by him on the occasion of his turning over the city government to his successor, in June, 1893,

"Gentlemen of the Council: We have met to formally transfer the government of the municipality to the hands of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, elected by the people on the 5th instant.

"Before introducing to you my successor in office I wish to extend to the members of the outgoing board, over w^hich I have presided for the past two years, my thanks for their uniform courtesy and kindness and my congratulations on the successful inauguration of the very important works of public improvement authorized during their term of office. In laying down my public duties and retiring to private life after presiding over the deliberations of this body continuously for a period of ten years, it gives me great satisfaction to recall the advances made by this community during that time in social progress and material development.

"Our commerce has been enlarged; ample appropriations secured for deepening our bar; our manufactures have been diversified; our churches, schools, hospitals and charitable institutions have increased in number and broadened in scope; our harbor improvements have reached the point of assured success, and many handsome structures of brick and stone have taken the place of old and dilapidated buildings.

"Public improvement has kept pace with private enterprise; miles of streets have been paved and other miles are under contract; water for fire and manufacturing purposes has already been provided, and an abundant supply of fresh water for all other purposes has been contracted for; many other improvements, unnecessary to mention, have been completed, or are now underway. Indeed, I can truly say that the Galveston of to-day shows great advances in all directions over the Galveston of ten j'ears ago. Neither devastating storm nor death-dealin? epidemic has visited us, and a smaller death rate than ever before reported attests the vigilance of our health officers and the healthfulness of our surroundings. Peace and order have prevailed. Life and property have been secure. Crime has been suppressed. The rights and privileges of all classes, without regard to condition, race religion or politics, have been respected Financially, the city has never been in a healthier condition, as the books will show. The old debt has been reduced to the extent of about $350,000. The interest on the public dtbt has been reduced from eight and ten to five per cent., and its payment has never been defaulted. We have had no difficulty in negotiating at par all the bonds required for works of public improvement. For the past eight years the city has been on a cash basis, and all salaries and other expenditures have been promptly paid at the close of each month. I hope these favorable conditions will continue, and that the administration now taking charge of affairs may have a successful and prosperous term.

"I cannot close without a word of grateful acknowledgment, shared, I am sure, by every member of the community, to our proud galaxy of philanthropists, whose benefactions have blessed us during the term of ten years of my official incumbency.

"I vacate this chair with malice toward none, with charity for all, and I can wish my successor no better fortune than to be able to meet the close of his official career with a conscience as clear, a mind as quiet, and a spirit as unclouded as mine are to-day.

Captain Fulton was married, October 7, 1S70, to Miss Mary Eliza Newby, who is a daughter of Mrs. S. B. White, and with whom he had been acquainted from her early girlhood.

He is the father of four children, - two boys and two girls. Walter, the eldest, was born July 4, 1871; Ernest was born August 22, 1872; Minnie was born January 1 1, 1874; and Nellie was born April 9, 187S.

height, weighs about one hundred and seventv-fivc pounds, has hair and moustache that were originally as black as jet, but are prematurely gray. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and Chosen Friends.

^ILLIAM ZA13EL. - Themanwho has inailc his way to an honorable jiositinn in life by the sheer force of natural abilit}', is well worthy the esteem and respect of all rightthinking people, and to this class belongs the subject of this sketch; for, upon his arrival in this coimtry, his means were anything but ample, and he was totally unacquainted with the customs of the American people. Notwithstanding these drawbacks he made the most of every opportunity that presented itself, labored faithfully anil earnestly, and in due course of time bent the force of circumstances to his will and became well-to-do.

Mr. Zabel is a native of Prussia, Germany, May 19, 1831, being the date of his birth; was reared in his native land and received the schooling oi the average German youth, that is, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the common branches; and there he continued to make his home until i860, in which j'ear he sailed for America, landing in Galveston on the 2 5.th of June, of that year, after a nine-weeks voyage on a sailing vessel called the Iris. After spending two days in the city of Galveston, he came to Houston and spent the first year working on the railroad, not disdaining to turn his hand to any honest and useful employment. From 1862 to 1863 he conducted a coffee house in the market, at the end of which time he went to Matamoros,

Mexico, where he successfully conducted a restaurant until the civil war of this country had closed, when he returned to Houston, and for two years thereafter was engaged in farming on Spring Branch, on land which he had purchased prior to his removal to Mexico. The work of tilling the soil not exactly suiting him he came to Houston and opened a boarding-house on the corner of Travis street and Prairie avenue, and during the five years that he followed this business he was successful financially and gained a wide acquaintance and the good will of all.

He then came to the conclusion that he had earned a holiday, and, with his family, started for Europe, not only visiting the old home, but also many other places of interest, and was gone about seven months. Upon his return to Houston he opened a furniture establishment on Travis street and the market square, and was in that business one year, when he began devoting his attention to the grocery business, which he found both profitable and agreeable; but in 1 88 I he was compelled to retire on account of ill health and has not since been able to engage in business, although he carefully looks after his real estate, being the owner of a business house at 912 Congress avenue, also one at the corner of Jackson and Magnolia streets, some vacant lots, and his residence at 2004 Prairie avenue.

Mr. Zabel was married March 23, i860, to Miss Christina Larenz, who was born in Prussia, Germany, September 29, 1S37, a daughter of Frederick and l\tary Larenz. She has borne her husband two children: Emma, wife of August Baumbach, of Houston, by whom she has had one child, - Larenz; and William, who is a plumber by trade and is a resident of Houston. Mr.

Zabel is a son of Siagmont and Elizabeth Zabel, who lived and died in Germany, the father passing away at the age of sixty, and the mother at the age of eighty-two. Mr. Zabel is generous in the support of worthy enterprises and is a man on whom one can at all times rely.

Y\^J ber of the firm of Westheimer & Michaels, undertakers, embalmers and funeral directors, at 104 San Jacinto street, corner of Commerce avenue, Houston, Texas.

Forms of burial have differed from the days of Adam to the present time. The people of various ages have run the entire gamut, from the work of putting demised persons in the ground to lodging them in the tops of trees, after the manner pursued by certain African tribes and North American Indians. The civilized manner of burial calls for the skill of expert undertakers, and this may be found in Messers. Westheimer & Michaels, who carry a full and complete line of the most modern appliances connected with their line of work. Their hearses are new, adapted to all ages and occasions, and they have the only church car ever introduced into the State, which dispenses entirely with carrying the coffin to the altar. Their caskets and coffins are handsomely finished and durably made, and can be supplied at any price, and they are ready to perform their combined and respective duties, and see to it that the rule of integrity guides their operations in all business matters. They also have parlor and church canopy for children, which has a pleasing effect, and these and their church car are furnished without charge. They have a handsome seven-hght candlestick, with CathoHc attachment, which is unquestionabl}' the finest in the State.

Mr. Westhcinier is the senior member of the firm, and is a native of Germany, his birth occurring March 4, i860. His parents, Joseph and Sophia Westheimer, still reside in the Fatherland. By trade Mr. Westheimer is a miller, having learned the details of that business in his native land, under the instructions of his father. At the age of fourteen years Mr. Westheimer came to the United States, landing at Galveston, from which place he very soon after made his way to Houston, and here, for some time after his arrival, clerked in a store, and later began dealing in cattle. In 1883 he opened up a transfer business, and was the first man in Houston to load and unload cars with wagons, it ha\ingbeen previousl}' done with two-wheel drays. This business was finally merged into the livery, feed and sale stable of which he is the proprietor. Since the business was founded, in September, 18S3, it has gained greatly in the favor of the residents of Houston, which fact is due to the facilities it possesses and the inducements it offers to the public. This stable is a large two-story brick building, 1 00 feet scpiare in area, and is a thoroughly well appointed establishment, and especiall}- fitted up for the proper care of horses. All sorts of vehicles are kept, either for lousiness or pleasure, and horses are also boarded at reasonable prices and are given the most careful attention. Mr. Westheimer is engaged in the buying, selling and exchanging of horses and mules, and usually has on hand quite a drove of Kansas, Missouri and Texas horses. Notwithstanding the unsavory reputation of the average horsetrader, Mr. Westheimer is the soul of honor in hib business transactions, and his word can at all times be relied upon, and no wrong impressions are ever made. The large measure of success which has attended his efforts is due in no small measure to the honorable course which he has pursued, as well as to his energetic and enterprising business methods. This, together with the undertaking business, which has later been added, fully occupies his time and attention, although the latter establishment is under the direct management of C. W. Montgomery. Mr. Westheimer is an extensive realestate owner of Houston, and has found this to be a profitable business in this thriving and growing city. All those who have had business dealings with Mr. Westheimer are his friends, hence it can safely be inferred that he is a reliable and honorable man of business, and one who thinks of the welfare of his patrons rather than any small or temporary advantage which he may gain by dishonest methods. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and is a shrewd, practical and far-seeing business man, a useful citizen, and one who has every reason to be honored. He is a member of the Jewish congregation and is unmarried.

HUGUST BLAU. - Adaily provision for the material wants of life, which means an appeasing of that craving nature of man known as the appetite, is one of the most important necessities of existence. Without the aid of the tradesman the whole public would i find itself in a tangled dilemma from which extrication would be impossible. The mission of the merchant is so important that he is an indispensable member of so- ciety at large. The meat market is one of the prime necessities of life, and one of the important establishments devoted to this business is that of August Blau, who is conducting a successful butcher's business in the city market-house at Houston, where he has been established since 1867.

He is a native of Saxony, Germany, born April 28, 1839, a son of Christian F. Blau, who was a minister of the German Lutheran Church. In 1846 the family embarked on a vessel for the United States, landing at Galveston, Texas, where they made their home for about one year, prior to coming to Houston. The mother died when the subject of this sketch was about seven years old, and his father when he was ten years of age, and he was thus left to shift for himself. Until he had attained his majority he made his home with John Coleman, then started out to fight life's battle for himself, without a dollar. He learned the butcher's trade under George Frank, at which he worked until the opening of the civil war, when he made a trip to Mexico, and also went to New York city as cabin boy on a vessel, but returned to Galveston, on deck as an able seaman. After the war closed, he, in partnership with William J. Settegast, opened up a butcher's shop in Houston, which partnership existed for about eight months, when Mr. Blau opened an establishment of his own, and in 1867 secured a stall in the city market, where he has since conducted a successful business. Through all the business changes, trade depressions, fires and financial disturbances, he has steadily pursued the even tenor of his wa}', and by industry, ecoflomy. and methodical business habits, his possessions have gradually accumulated from year to year, until he now owns a valuable tract of land, comprising forty-two and a half acres adjoining Houston, other valuable real estate, and about 800 head of cattle. ~ Through a business experience of twenty-seven years, his good name has remained untarnished, and he is at all times and in all sorts of weather to be found at his place of business, ready to supply cheerfully and courteously the wants of his patrons, and, as he deals only in the best articles the market affords his goods command good prices, and his patrons are among the elite of the city. He has made his way to his present honorable business and social position over obtacles that at first seemed almost insurmountable, but his energy and determination carried him safely over the shoals and quicksands of mercantile life, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that his present possessions are the result of his energy rightly applied.

He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Nitze, a daughter of Christian and Fredricka Nitze, further mention of whom maybe found in the sketch of E. H. Nitze elsewhere in this volume. Mr., and Mrs. Blau have seven children: Caroline, Herman, John, August, George, Sophia, and Charlotte. Mr. Blau is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor and of the German Lutheran Church.

aAPTAIN MILTON G. HOWE, for thirty-odd years connected with the railway interests of Texas, having held a number of important positions and contributed largely to railway development in this State, is a native of Methuen, Massachusetts. He was reared in his native place and received the advantages of the best schools in the old Bay

State, completiiiij his education at Dartmouth CoUege. Prepared for the calhng of a civil engineer, he began his career as such on the Saratoga & Sackett's Harbor Railroad in northern New York, assisting in making the preliminary surveys for this road, which, however, was never completed. In 1857 he went to Illinois and became assistant engineer on the Illinois Central, then being built westward from Chicago, and two years later, in 1859, he came to Texas.

He entered the employ of the Houston & Texas Central immediately on coming to this State, and, with the exception of the period covered by the civil war, he was for twenty-six consecutive years with this road. He assisted in surveying this pioneer line from Bryan to Calvert during the year i860, and in rebuilding it from Houston to Millican, from 1S65 to 1868. Then, in 1869, he became chief engineer of the road, and as such had charge of the construction of its main line to Denison and of the branches to Austin, Waco and Terrell, building, in all, about 500 miles. He se\'ered his connection with the Central, in 1885, to accept the receivership of the Houston, East & West Texas, with which he has since continued, having been vice-president and general manager of this road since its reorganization, in June, 1893.

Such is a briefly sketched outline of Captain Howe's railway career. To fill it in with dates, figures, details of construction and description as to the magnitude and importance of the interests intrusted to his charge and with which he has had to do, especially in Texas, would be to give a history of the Houston lS: Texas Central Railroad almost from its infancy until the time of his quitting its service, and a long sketch of the Houston, East & West Texas for the past ten years, - a task which the nature and scope of this brief personal notice will not allow, for Captain Howe has seen almost the entire growth of one of these roads and the rehabilitation of the other; and, without ha\ing made any noise as to his connection with cither, he has assisted to a large extent in the development of both. He has given his time wholly for the past thirty-seven years to railway matters, and knows thoroughly the railroad business as it pertains to Texas.

Coming South before the war. Captain Howe naturalU' came to view the questions involved in the great contest of 1861-5 from a Southern standpoint, and accordingly, on the opening of hostilities, he entered the Confederate army, eidisting in a regiment of cavalry. He subsequently received a commission to raise a conipau}' of engineer troops, of which he was elected Captain and with which he served along the Gulf coast during the war.

Captain Howe has never figured in politics except in a general way. He belongs to the Democratic party and "has represented his ward in the City Council of Houston three terms. Public enterprises, educational interests, the cause of good government and the welfare of the community in general receive his prompt advocacy and assistance, but it is only the claims of these that ever call him even for a brief time Trom his business interests and pursuits.

On the nth day of September, 1873, Captain Howe married Miss Jessie Briscoe, of Houston, a daughter of Judge Andrew Briscoe, the first Chief Justice of Harris county, and a grand-daughter of John R. Harris, for whom the county ^'as named, full biographies of each of whom appear in this volume. Captain Howe has one child.

Vt'OHNC. NICHOLS. - There is probm ably no line of business in which a A 1 man can engage that requires a more thorough scientific knowledge, coupled with the best of judgment, than bridge engineering. The man who follows this profession must meet and overcome new difficulties in every piece of work that he undertakes, and, while he may be able to apply some general rule to his dicisions on many points, he must largely depend upon his own good judgment after all the circumstances have been carefully considered. That John C. Nichols is a bridge-building engineer of more than ordinary ability can not be denied when the fact is taken into consideration that he has for the past twenty-seven years been in the employ of the Houston & Texas Central Railroadassuperintendent of bridges, and that his work has met with the highest approval of the road.

He owes his nativity to Portland, Maine, where he was born November 20, 1839, a son of John C. and Margaret (Williams) Nichols, the former of whom was a skillful stone and brick mason, which occupation he followed the most of his life. He moved with his family to New York city in 1845, and three years later to Galveston, Texas, where he was called from life at the age of forty-one years, and his wife when she had attained the age of fifty years. Of their three childen, the subject of this sketch was the eldest, the other two being Maggie, who is the widow of W^illiam McDonald, a Lieutenant in the British Navy, and died in 1882 at Constantinople, and Charles who is a resident of the city of New York. At the age of fifteen years John C. Nichols entered the navy yards of Brooklyn, New York, where he apprenticed himself to learn brick and stone masonry; and, after his term of four years had expired, and he had thoroughly mastered the trade, he went to San Francisco, California, with the Government officers at the time they laid out the navy yards of that city, Benjamin F. Prime being the civil engineer. Mr. Nichols worked at Golden Gate and also on Bird island for some time, then went up the bay and was for some time employed in the Benicia navy yard. The entire time spent on the Pacific coast was about two years, after which he returned to New York city, and from there he went to the navy yards at Pensacola, Florida, thence to the Gosport navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia; from there to Cuba. In the last place he had charge of the masonry work of several large boilers for an extensive sugar house, and after completing it he came to Houston, in 1866, and here has since made his home.

Almost immediately he secured work on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad as foreman of the masonry work on the bridges, and he also built all their shops and roundhouses, - work that required no little experience and good judgment. He has done considerable contracting for the road, and during the long term of years that he has been connected with the same, his relations with the officials have been of the most harmonious character, and he has always enjoyed their confidence and esteem. He has worked his own way up from the position of ordinary laborer to his present responsible position of general foreman of mason work on all lines of the Houston & Texas Central Railway. He is honest, conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his duties; has the satisfaction of knowing that he has made his own way in the world without adventitious aid, and that his present prosperity, both worldly and professional, has been but tlie natural sequence of years worthily and usefully spi.'nt. He has accuniulatecf a competency, ami is the owner of three business houses and considerable valuable real estate in Houston and Galveston. He has been married twice, first to Miss Eliza Lucas in 1876, who tlied in 1882, leaving him with two chiklren: William H. and Fred K., and the second time to Miss Dora Reiser.

ILLIAM A. POLf\, County Surveyor of Harris coimtv, was born in Morehouse parish, Louisiana, |anuary, i860, and is a sdu of Thomas R. and I-ucy (Cocke) Polk, his father being a natis'e of North Carolina, and a son of Thomas I. Polk, who was also a native of North Carolina, a planter b)' calling, and one who reached the great age of 100 years. Thomas I. Polk was a cousin of President James R. Polk. All of the Polks were people of distinction, the branch to which the subject of this sketch lielongs, as well as the President's branch. Thomas I. Polk had three sons; Horace T. , who was for many years a State Senator in Tennessee; Charles B., a prominent planter; and Thomas R., father of the sul)ject, also a planter. The mother of William A. Polk died when he was only a few months' old, and his father when the son was se\en years old.

The boy was taken into the family of his uncle, Charles B. Polk, and reared on a farm in Morehouse parish, I^ouisiana. His educational advantages were above tlie average. At the age of sixteen he made up his mind to have a good education, and having some taste for mathematics, he turned his attention to surveying. Qualifying himself from the books for this calling, he joined an engineer corps as a chain carrier, and, by unremitting attention to his duties, he rose rapidly to the position of division engineer, which he was holding within six moths from the time he entered the corps. He held this place about a year, when he entered the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tennessee, where he remained four years, taking a full course, giving special attention to civil engineering, and graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Science and in civil engineering.

He came to Texas in 1 881, locating at Houston, where he received the appointment of division engineer of the Houston, Last & West Texas Railroad at a good salary. He was subsequently promoteil to the position of adjuster of claims and livestock and fuel agent, and remained with the road till April, 1893, when the management, ha\ing changed hands, he quit its services. He was elected Surveyor of Harris county in Novend)er, 1892, while still in the emjiloy of the railroad company, and, having already entered on the discharge of the duties of this office, he has gi\en his attention exclusivelv to the same. He is a popular gentlemen and a thoroughly competent official.

Mr. Polk was married in February, 1885, to Miss Oracle Taylor, of Nacogdoches county, Texas, a daughter of Daniel T. and I^, Taylor, and by this marriage has hatl three children, two f)f whom, Arthur C. and Jessie Andress, are living, and one, Lloise, is deceased. Mr. Polk is the youngest of three children, having one brother, ]. Cecil, a civil engineer, now Deputy Surveyor of Harris county, and a sister, I^ulu, now Mrs. J. S. Green, residing in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Polk is a Royal Arch Mason, being a member of Gray Lodge, No. 329, F. cS: A. M., and Washington Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M. He is also a member of Houston Lodge of Elks, No. 151, and of Old Hickory Lodge, Woodmen of the World. He and his family are communicants of the Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

aAPTAIN WILLIAM C. WAGLEY. - The first purchase of real estate mentioned in the Bible was made by Abraham, from Ephron, of the cave and field of Machpelah; consideration, 400 shekels of silver; and the instrument of transfer reads much like the modern warranty deed. Land has been bought and sold among all nations; but the business reaches its climax in the United States, where general distribution of realty and a spirit of speculation, incited by advancing values, combine to give great activity.

Among the most prominent of those engaged in this business in Houston, is Captain William C. Wagle}', who is the oldest dealer in the place and has pursued his calling here for almost a quarter of a century. He is a native of Kentucky, first seeing the light in Adair county, August 6, 1826, a son of George and Eliza (Caldwell) Wagley, who were also Kentuckians, and died at the ages of forty-eight and fifty respectively, leaving, besides the subject of this sketch, a daughter named Mary. William C. Wagley was, fortunately, given fair educational advantages in his youth, and, besides pursuing the paths of learning in the common schools of his native county, was for some time an attendant of St. Joseph College, of Nelson county, Kentucky. He then decided to make law his profession, and, after fitting himself, was admitted to the bar before he was twenty-one years of age. However, at the age of twentN', he became a volunteer for the Mexican war, and was made Lieutenant of Company C, Third Dragoons, and was in active service from 1846 to 1848, when he resigned his commission and returned to the pursuits of civil life. Up to the breaking out of the civil war he was a legal practitioner of some prominence and a successful merchant of Warsaw, Hancock county, Illinois, afterward a resident of Memphis, Tennessee, and later a resident of New Orleans, in which city he remained during the great struggle between the North and the South. From New Orleans he went to Velasco, Texas, in 1866, where, for about two years, he filled the position of surveyor of customs, but since T870 he has been one of the substantial and highly honored citizens of Houston, and has linked his name inseparably with the real-estate interests of this section. No man in the county more thoroughly understands realty values than does he, and the interests of investors cannot be placed in safer hands, for he is at all times true to his patrons' interests. He has been a participator in every movement which has given promise of enhancing the value of property, is always guided by intelligence, with quick apprehension, and it has always been found that he is a most agreeable gentleman with whom to do business.

The principles of the Democratic party have always seemed good in his eyes, and, although he has always been active in the political affairs of Harris county, he has never aspired to public office. In 185 i he was married to Miss Elizabeth Leach, daughter of Samuel Leach, of Illinois.

statement of the nature, origin and relative influence of those factors which have given direction to activity, help2d to mold opinion, and lent color to life and civilization on this continent since its occupancy by white men, a high place must be assigned to whatever has come from northern and central Europe, and especially to all that which has borne the stamp of the Cierman race, - the fairhaired Saxons, back to whom e\cn the English trace their origin, together with all that is best in them of habit, thought, and feeling. Germany has always been a heavy contributor to the population of the United States, and the iniiuence of the German people who have sought homes in this country is easily discernable in all the phases of our national existence. "A sturdy German," "an industrious, thrifty German, " "a patient, plodding German," and other expressions of like meaning of so frequent occurrence in our histories, show how thoroughly the dweller from over the Rhine has made his admirable qualities of sturdiness, patience, industry, thrift, and the like felt in (jur history, while the histor_\' itself, if it should happen to be \'on Hoist's, - one of the best that has been written, - will show what the influence of this people on our intellectual life has been, not to mention the effects of German music of all kinds, painting, sculpture, and other esthetic influences.

The subject of this sketch was l)orn under the German empire, and came of a line of German ancestors extentling back beyond the time of recorded history, being a native of Sunderhine-on-the-Rhine, where he first opened his eyes, in the year i<S4i. He was reared in his nati\e place to the age of sixteen, when, alone and with barely enough rnonej' to pay his ship passage, he took a steamer at one of the principal German ports for the New World. He landed at New Orleans, where he found employment in due time, and resided for the next five \ears. In the meantime he married a young lady of that place, Selma Reissland, born in Coburg, Saxony, but reared in the Crescent City, where her parents settled in her infancy.

In the spring of 1865 Mr. Stubenrauch, after a brief but successful career as a shoe merchant on his own account in New Orleans, came to Texas with a stock of boots anil shoes for the purpose of trying his fortune in this new countrj". He settled at Houston, and, opening his stock of foot gear in a small frame building on the west side of Main street, between Franklin and Commerce avenues, entered on his career as a Texas merchant. The results proved that he had not been mistaken in his calculations, for his sales were large and his profits good even from the beginning, and he did a prosperous business for many years, - as long, in fact, as his health would permit him to give his attention to business matters. About 1878 or 1879 he began to suffer with a spinal trouble, and this, rapidly growing worse, necessitated his retiring from business in 1882, after which time until his death he (lid but little except to seek a restoration of health, which he did partly by a quiet life with his family and partly by visiting noted health resorts, the waters of which were supposed to be beneficial to such cases as his. He thus spent considerable time at Hot Springs, Arkansas, and had himself at one time and another under the treatment of perhaps a score of physicians, seeking, by every means, relief from the dread disease which had laid siege so immediately to the seat of vitality. But all his efforts were in vain. After a great deal of suffering and the expenditure of hundreds of dollars, he died, April 6, 1894. He left a large estate, worth probably $100,000 or $125,000, the result of his twenty years' active business life, most of which consists of real estate in the city of Houston, which is not only valuable now, but is yearly increasing in value. Surviving him also he left a widow and four children, two sons and two daughters, who are thus not only well provided for, so far as the material comforts of life arc concerned, but whose way he sought to make smooth by every means suggested by the tenderest solicitude and deepest affection.

In any attempt to give a further account of Mr. Stubenrauch's career, or analysis of his character, but little can be added to the statement that he was a type - well nigh a perfect one - of the sturdy, independent, thrifty German, such as is familiar to us both in life and literature, - a man of settled habits, social nature, faithful as a citizen, kind and affectionate to his family. He took but little interest in an3'thing beyond his business and his home, though he always voted and usually held decided opinions on public matters. But his home was his chief place of enjoyment. Its friendships and associations, books, pictures and flowers afforded him ample means of pleasure, and here he spent most of his time.

>rj»AMES S. LUCAS, son of Thomas and Ann Lucas, was born in Notting- A ham, England, on the i6th day of February, 1836. His father being a contractor, James S. learned this trade under him and followed it for a number of years in his native place. On August 8,

1862, he married Emily Haywood, daughter of Alfred and Mary Haywood, of Sheffield, and ten years later emigrated with his family and older brother, Thomas, to the United States. He sailed from England direct to Texas, and first settled at Galveston, whence after a year's residence he moved to Houston, and here spent the remaining fifteen years of his life. He followed his trade as a brick-mason and engaged in contracting and building in this city, at which he found steady employment and met with reasonable success. He always maintained a good standing, both as a workman and as a citizen, and in his death every one recognized the loss of a valuable member of the community. He died June 17, i888.' His widow and four children, - Alfred Thomas, Samuel James Sherwood, Herbert, and Emily, wife of P. B. Goodwin, - are still residents of this city. His brother Thomas returned to England the year after coming to Texas.

Mr. Lucas was much attached to the home of his adoption, greatly esteemed its people, and was held in high esteem by them. Follovving the bent of a naturally reverent and kind disposition, he early in life connected himself with the Methodist Church, and at one time seriously thought of devoting himself to ministerial work, going so far as to prepare himself for entry to the pulpit. He never fully carried out the purpose, but settled down, as before stated, to pursuits of a different nature. Still his interest in church work never abated, and he lived a most orderly and consistent Christian life. Identifying himself with Shearn Memorial Church, of this city, on his removal here, he was to the day of his death an earnest member of that congregation. He never took any interest, to speak of, in fraternity matters, his church being all in all to him. But into the spirit which lies at the foundation of all benevolent organizations he fully entered and in his own humble and unpretentious way gave emphasis and meaning to those broad and generous impulses and tender sympathies and sentiments, which, under so many varying forms, hold mankind together. His devotion to his family was most marked and in accordance with his means he made every reasonable provision for them.

^'^K0K(;E funk. - The question of ^^ food sup[ilies is one of the first ^^^M \vith which the human family ha\'e to grapple, and \iewing the competition from a commercial standpoint it will be admitted that the well-apjiointed grocery establishment furnishes the largest share toward the solution of the prolilem of feeding the masses.

In such connection we make reference to the well-appointed and popular house owned and managed b}- George Funk, who is a pushing and honest and consequently thri\ing man of business. He is a product of the city of New Orleans, where he was born on the 2d day of August, 1S53, his parents, Jacob and Eva Funk, having both been born in Germany, and having been possessed of many of the most \^-orthy traits of character of that people, being honest, industrious and thrifty. They came to the "land of the free " in their early manhood and W(jmanhood, and here endeavored to establish a home for themselves, in which laudable endea\'or they met with reasonable success. At the age of fifty-three years the father passed away, his wife having died at the untimely age of twenty-eight years. A family of five children were given them, three of whom survive them: Lena, wife of Thomas Glispin, a resident of Galveston, Te.xas; Lcjuisa, wife of J. C. Robb, of Hempstead, Te.xas; and George, the subject of this sketch. When the last was but four 3'ears of age he was taken by his parents to Natchez, Mississippi, where he was reared, receiving the advantages of the public schools, and acquiring a practical common-school education. Upon attaining the age of eighteen years, he folltnved in the footsteps of the average German and apprenticed himself io learn a trade, and in due C(jurse of time learned all there was to be learned of the baker's trade, after which he followed it in Houston, Te.xas, whither he had come in 1872. He was for some time in the emplo\- of Charles and Christian l-]ollfrass, and was then with the firm of Browne & Bollfrass for some time. With the usual German thrift he had by this time saved considerable means, and he then purchased the establishment owned by Joe Springer, on Dallas avenue, near San Felipe street, but two years later moved to his present place of business at 312 San Felipe street, where he is doing a prosperous business in the grocery line, having abandoned his trade. In the conduct of his affairs he brings long, practical experience to bear, evidence of which is amply attested by the liberal patronage he now controls. The premises occupiied by him are of ample dimensions and contain a fine stock of staple and fancy groceries and countr}' produce that will bear favorable comparison with that displaj'ed by any similar first-class establishment of the city. Popular prices prevail, too; in shoit, no effort on the part of Mr. Funk is spared to please and satisfy each and ever}- one of his numerous patrons. He has never asked for or aspired to political office, but always is interested in politics and talks iiitellir;entl\- and reasonably upon the subject, and is usually a delegate from his ward to the city, county and State conventions. He is a firm believer in the city of Houston, and has proven this by investing considerable of his capital in city real estate, and is the owner of about twelve residences, that he rents, besides other valuable property.

He is of a social disposition and is a member of the American Legion of Honor. He was married in 1875, to Miss Amelia Kruger, by whom he has si.\ children: Oscar, Ella, Rena, Eva, George and Idabelle; and the family are regular attendants of the Presbyterian Church.

VV^A R. JOHN L. BRYAN, now de- I I ceased, was for many years a resi- /^^^ dent of the city of Houston, and a pioneer dentist of Texas. He was born in Ivingston, North Carolina, August 17, 18 I 3, and was a son of Lewis and Mary Dudley Bryan, both of whom, also, were natives of North Carolina, born in or near Newbern, in which locality their ancestors settled early in the last century. John L. Bryan was reared partly in Kingston, North Carolina, and partly in Washington, Mississippi, to which latter place his parents moved during his boyhood. He was educated under the direction of his father, who was a man of superior mental attainments, and a teacher by profession. He was prepared for the practice of dentistry, and began the pursuit of this profession in Nashville, Tennessee, but came shortly afterward to Texas, this being in 1836. For a number of years he was engaged in the pursuit of his profession as an itinerant, visiting the scattered settlements along the Brazos, going west as far as Austin, and covering all of the coast country in his circuit. He located permanently in Houston, about 1843, and here followed the practice of dentistry the remainder of his life. He was prosperous in his profession and a successful business man, accumulating a large amount of property, represented by investments in real estate. He was never in public life, though not lacking in public spirit, and he gave but little attention to general interests, although he was an associate of the leading promoters of Texas' early enterprises, with whom he was in active sympathy.

Dr. Bryan was twice married, marrying first about 1832, by which union he had four sons, Lewis Woodson, Mordecai Alexander, William Hardy and Thomas Paschall, all of whom became grown. His second marriage took place near La Grange, Texas, June 2, 1847, ^nd was to Miss Mary A. Fitchett, daughter of Daniel T. and Mary Fitchett, mention of whom will be found in the sketch of Levi Bostick, appearing elsewhere in this volume. By this marriage he had five children, two sons and three daughters: John Lewis, Mary E , Edward Wadsworth, Caro A. and Johnelle.

Few of the many sufferers during the great conflict of t 861-65 made as heavy a sacrifice for the " lost cause " as did Dr. Bryan. Four sons, Lewis Woodson, ^^ordecai Alexander, William Hardy and John Lewis, - being all who were then living and old enough to bear arms, - entered the Confederate army at the opening of hostilities, and three were lost, falling gallantly in the field of battle; two were drowned, - one while on the way to join a new appointment in the signal corps, then in Galveston. Such a loss was too much for a deep an affectionate nature like Dr. Br\an's to liear, and the };rief, preyinj;' constantly on his mind, led to his death, which occurred July 1 8, 1867. His widow and four sur\i\ing children by the last marriage are residents of Houston, the son being a member of the dental profession; the eldest daughter the wife of Dr. C. S. \'ance. and the two younger daughters teachers.

Dr. Brjan was for many years a member of the Methodist Church, he and his first wife being charter members of the first Methodist C'hurcfi organi/;ed in the cit}' of Houston. He was also an acti\e member of the Masonic order, holding at one time the position of Master of Holland Lodge, No. I, of Houston. He became a Knight Templar in the order, and in an earlier day made, of silver, njanyofthe jewels worn in the lodce.

^V^^ATHAN ALLTMONT, son of I H Meyer Alltniont, was born in 1823, \ \ in Ba\'aria, (iermanw where he was reared and learned the trade of a merchant tailor. He married Caroline Cramer, of his nati\e place, in 1843, and in 1848 sailed for America. Idis destination was New Orleans, but the vessel on which he sailed being wrecked off the coast of South Carolina, he made his first landing at Charleston, in that State. He proceeded immediateh' from that point to New Orleans, where he opened a merchant-tailoring establishment, which he conducted successfully until 18(14. This establishment was then succeeded by a general store, which he carried on with stdl better success until 1872. At that date he came to Texas, and, locating at Houston, 311 Travis street, here started a general mercantile establishment, with which lie was actively connected until his death, December 8, 1893. Mr. Alltmont was a gentleman much respected both in f)usiness and social circles in this cit}',

' born was Alfred, now deceased, who left a widow and four children: Nettie, Bertha, Charles, and Alfred. The second child, Jeannette, now Mrs. Ma.\ Hart, has two children: Bertha and Meyer. The third child, Jonas, was born in New Orleans, April 15, I 85 I, graduated at Dolbar's Commercial College at the age of fifteen, was bookkeeper for Levi & Navra for about (.me year; was a partner with his father from 1884 to 1888; was married July 2, 1884, to I'lorence Meyer, daughter of L. H. Meyer, and hss two children: Julia and Alfred Meyer. The fourth child, Noah, was born in New Orleans, June 17, 1856; was married November 26, 1882, to Ella Kies, daughter of Solomon Ries, and has one child, Solomon. Noah is manager at the store for his brother Sam. The fifth child, Henrietta, wife of Mose Kahen, has four children: Eugene, Meyer, Alfred, and Sadie. Thejoungest of the family is Sam, who was born, at New Orleans, Nfarch 20, 1863. He received a conmicrcial education, graduating at Euston's Business College, in Houston, Texas, August 6, 1878, at which time he entered his father's store, of which he became manager and remained such till his father's death in 1893, when he succeeded to the business. He was niarried August 25, 1 89 1, to Miss Florence Sachse, a dauRlter T. C. Sachse; and has two children: Etta and Nathan.

Mr. Nathan Alltmont, the subject of this brief memoir, was a representative of that large class of German-born American citizens, who, coming to this country without means, and with only an imperfect knowledge of the English language, rise by their own unaided efforts, through industr}-, economy and correct business methods, from poverty to positions of comparative ease, and who, in so doing, also discharge their full duty as citizens. For a quarter of a century he was in business in New Orleans, and for an almost equal length of time in this city, thus being, in point of actual time spent in business pursuits, one of the oldest merchants in the city at the time of his death. His career here and elsewhere was always marked by the strictest integrity, and by the observance of the most liberal methods of dealing. He assisted public enterprises to the extent of his means, and gave freely to charity. Like all successful merchants, he was chiefly concerned with his business pursuits, but he was social by nature, kind and companionable, and toward his family was a model husband and father. He provided well for those dependent on him, and was, in return, the recipient of the sincerest affection, his children and grandchildren showing now the tenderest regard for his memory.

aHARLES WOESSNER. - Among the popular grocers doing business in Houston, Texas, it can truly be said that none enjoy a better reputation or are conducting a more thriving business than Charles Woessner, and the secret of this is, without doubt, owing to the fact that he is at all times the soul of honesty in his business transactions, that he keeps an excellent and well-selected line of goods, and that he looks after the interests of his customers with zealous care, and guarantees all orders being filled with the best the market affords.

In his veins Hows sturdy and honest German blood, his natal day and place being December, 24, 1858, Wurtemberg, Germany. His parents were Gottleib and Caroline Woessuer, who were intelligent, energetic and peacable people, highly honored in the section in which they lived. The early days of the subject of this sketch were spent in the manner of the average German boy, that is, he attended school until he attained his thirteenth year, and during his vacations and leisure moments he lent his assistance to his parents in whatever manner they saw fit, and, upon reaching a suitable age, began learning the trade of machinist, at which he labored in his native land until 1 88 1, when he decided to "seek green fields and pastures new," and first set foot on American soil in the city of New York. November i i of the same j'ear he arrived in Houston, and fortunately at once secured work at his trade from Simpson & Wiggin, with whom he remained for about two and a haH years.

The spirit of adventure then possessed him, and he was very desirous of seeing more of the United States before settling down to business; so he left Houston and spent about one year in traveling, during which time he visited many cities, and could have secured work in almost an}- one of them had he so desired, for he was a very skillful and rapid workman, but this was not his object.

He finally drifted back to Houston and reentered the service of Simpson & Wiggin, and, although he received excellent wages, the life was not suited to one of his ambitious and eni'rgetic nature, for his great desire was to rise in the social and business circles of Houston, and as a means to this end he decided to engage in merchandising. In 1885 he opened a family grocery store, on a small but safe scale, on the corner of Mc- Kinney and LaBranch streets, and by judicious management and earnest endeavor he has attained the goal of his ambition and is considered one of the foremost merchants of the city, as well as being prominent in her social circles. He has the utmost faith in a grand future for the city, and fiTjm time to time has judiciously invested means in real estate, and is now the owner of five lots and residences near his place of business, three vacant lots on Chartres street and three lots just outside the city limits, all of which property is valuable.

Although Mr. Woessner is not a member of an)- church, he is possessed of the "milk of human kindness," is charitable to the faults and failings of others, is liberal in his support of the Christian cause, and is a believer in and one \\\\o practices the teachings of the golden rule. He is well posted on the current issues of the day, gives all important subjects his serious consideration, and rarely speaks before he thinks, but when called upon to pass his ojiinion docs so freely and unhesitatingly. All efforts that are calculated to advance the interests of the city or county in which he li\-es find him a liberal supporter, both personall}' and financially. He deserves the greatest credit for the success to which he has attained, for it is entirely due to his own exertions, as upon his arrival in this country his means were limited and his knowledge of the English language and American customs very imperfect. He has adapted himself to the customs of the country very readily and is a lo}'al citizen of his adopted country.

In May, 18S5, he led to the altar Miss Eliza Kifer, who has been to him, in every sense of the word, a helpmeet and a faithful and loving wife, and to their most happy union one daughter has been given : Annie. Mr. Woessner is a member of Lodge No. 17 of the Chosen Friends.

BREDERICK WILLIAM HEITMANN, deceased. - The subject of this brief memoir, for nearly forty years a resident of the city of Houston, anil one who left the full imprint of his talents and character upon the interests and industries of this place, was a native of Germany, having been born in Pottsdam, near Berlin, on the 5th day of June, 182S, the son of Henry and Caroline Heitmann, plain people of the intelligent, thrifty middle class. At the age of nineteen Frederick William, in company with his brother Carl, came to America, and, after a residence of three years in New York city, - which time was spent in various pursuits, but chiefly in acquiring a knowledge of the language and practical business methods, - he came to Texas in 1850. His trip to Texas was in the nature of a prospecting tour, but liking the country, he decided to locate, and at once took up his residence at Houston. The city of Houston at that time, although it had been laid out some fourteen years, retained much of its primitive appearance and pioneer ways. Most of its business was done on lower Main street and along the bayou, where the thoroughfares were lined on each side with small frame stores, many of which were constructed of the jetsam and flotsam of steamboat wreckage bearing the names of once favorite vessels. Into one of these establishments, a store kept by Alexander Simon, young Heitmann found his way, and soon secured employment as a clerk. He was with Simon for a period of three years, when, having succeeded by industry and economy in saving some from his earnings, in 1853 he engaged in business for himself as a cotton factor. He followed this with reasonable success until the opening of the war. The cotton business, in common with all others, then went to pieces, and during the troublous times of 1 86 1-5 he was variously engaged, part of the time filling small local offices, and part of the time being occupied with private pursuits. In the summer of 1865, after the conclusion of hostilities, Mr. Heitmann again engaged in the cotton business, \\hich, at a later date, he gave up to engage in the metal business, - heavy hardware and mill machinery, - a business with \\'hich he was identified in its infancy, and which he saw grow to be one of the most considerable mercantile industries of this city. Mr. Heitmann had two partnerships in this business: one with Henry Allen and one with Henry S. Fo.\; but during the greater part of the time that he was engaged in it he was alone, and was practically the founder and builder of the great hardware establishment of F. W. Heitmann & Company, which is now, as formerly, run in his name and located on lower Main street, near the bayou.

Caring nothing for politics in a partisan sense, and but little for the gossip of the street corners, Mr. Heitmann was always to be found about his place of business. He was devoted to his business, and he demonstrated that it paid to be so. From a condition of poverty he rose to one of plenty, and from an unknown, salaried clerk he became one of the chief business factors in a city, and at a time where eminence meant more than is implied by the modern trade terms of "rustling" and the like. There was no secret to the success which he achieved. He simply followed the old maxims of industry and economy, - worked hard, saved and made judicious investments of his earnings. It was a prime rule to live within his income. Whether he made much or little he always did this. He looked closely after all the details of his business and met every obligation, whether written or verbal, with promptness and exactitude. Some minor positions in connection with the administration of local affairs, during the war, and the position of Alderman, after the war, were all the places of public trust ever held by him. He always showed a commendable interest, however, in everything relating to the prosperity and welfare of the city. He was of a (juiet, retiring disposition, temperate in habits, liberal, earnest, and active, - one in whom the domestic virtues preponderated, and whose best thoughts centered in his home.

He was married in Houston, June 26, 1853, to Miss Matilda Erhard, a daughter of Peter Erhard, an early settler of this city, and a sister of the late Captain Peter Erhard, of Galveston. By this marriage Mr. Heitmann had two children: Teresa Caroline, now Mrs. Edward Lorenzen; and Frederick A. , residents of Houston, as is also their mother.

at^ARLES BENDER, SR. - There is much to be respected in the life and character of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. The United States has given to men of courage, honesty of purpose, integrity and energy, rare opportunities to achieve success. The majority of the men who have legitimately achieved fortune ha\e been men with the aboN'e characteristics, and Charles Bender is one of that stamp. He was born November 26, 1829, on the Rhine river, in Germany, in which country his parents, Peter and Lucinda Bender, lived and died, the father dying at the age of sixty-seven, and the mother at the age of forty-two. They reared a family of four children: Charles, Fred, Conrad, and Kate. Like the majority of German youths, Charles Bender was apprenticed in his j'outh to learn a trade, and became a practical baker. He was always of an ambitious and enterprising disposition, and at the early age of fifteen years he conceived the idea of seeking his fortune in America, and in March, 1844, lie landed at New York city, after a stormy voyage of fifty-six days in a sailing vessel, during nearly all of which time he was very seasick. He worked at the baker's trade for two and a half years in New York city, after which he went to New Orleans, and took a contract to furnish \\^ood for two steamboats, " Lenora " and " Olenia," that ran on Lake Pontchartrain from ^fadisonville to New Orleans, and this work he continued to pursue up to 1850. In the meantime, May 24, 1849, he was married to Miss

Lena Lochar, a native of Switzerland, and in course of time a family of five children gathered about their hearthstone: Charles, Jr.; Albert; Eugene; Frank; and Mary, wife of Julius Barr.

In the above mentioned year (1850) Mr. Bender moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and opened a bakery, which he conducted for about two years with good financial results, then moved to Warsaw, Missouri, where he not only conducted a bakery, but also a confectionery establishment and operated and owned a saw and grist mill. Owing to good management and faithful attention to his business, wealth began to pour in ujion him, but during the progress of the great civil war all his property, to the amount of about $22,000, was swept away, and after hostilities had ceased he was once more compelled to commence at the bottom of the ladder. He enlisted in the second company that went out to battle from Missouri, being a member of Captain 0'I\ane's company, and operated in Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. After the battle of \^icksburg he was detailed to the Quartermaster's department, with headquarters at San Antonio, Texas, and he was also engaged in hauling cotton and supplies into Mexico for the Confederate Government. When the war closed he took up the pursuits of civil life at New Braunfels, Texas, in the vicinity of which he purchased a farm of i, 100 acres, began tilling the soil, and at the same time opened a big packing establishment for the packing and shipping of beef and hides, but, on account of a destructive tiood he lost about $ I 8, 000, and cattle, said loss aggregating 3,000 head. Mr. Bender was possessed of too much courage and determination to be daunted by this misfortune, but continued his labors up to 1872, when he disposed of his farm and moved to Spring Station, Texas, where he purchased a sawmill, and has followed this business at different places ever since and has made a success of it. In 1889 he purchased a large mill at Humble, Texas, seventeen miles from Houston, which mill has a capacity of 50,000 feet daily, and in connection with this sawmill he had a large planing-mill which turns out a large amount of lumber. Besides this he has a valuable plant at Holshausen, Texas, and a planing-mill and office in Houston. He is also the owner of real estate to the amou) t of 700 acres, near Spring Station, Texas, and valuable property in Houston. He is a self-made man in every acceptation of the term, for he came to this country a poor boy, with no knowledge of the English language, and without aid from any one he has attained an honored position in business circles and has accumulated a comfortable fortune for his declining years, notwithstanding the several business reverses which he has experienced. His life teaches a useful lesson and is in every way vvorthv of beine: enmlated.

l^^y^ILLIAM J. AND JULIUS J. ii I SETTEGAST. - Among the ^J^^« valuable men who came to this country from Germany, bringing with them the sturdy characteristics of their Teutonic ancestors, stands Maria William Settegast, father of our subjects, and a man of great force of character and undaunted enterprise. It is with true interest that the biographer takes up his pen to speak of this worthy citizen, whose active life has ceased on earth, but whose influence extends still and will continue to extend among those favored with his acquaintance. Maria William Settegast was born in

Coblentz, a beautiful city on the celebrated river Rhine, about the year 1818. His father was an eminent physician, who owned the title of "Sanitats 'Rath. " Maria William Settegast was married in his native country to Miss Josephine Matoni, a young lady about eight years his- junior, who belonged to a very wealthy and aristocratic family in the old country, They had beei^ married but a short time when Count Castell, of the capital of Bieberich (at that time the residence of the Duke of Nassau, who was the head of the German Emigrant Company, which settled New Braunfels), engaged Mr. Settegast as general agent of that company. He remained with the Count several years, and then, as the "Texas fever" was sweeping over a large portion of Germany at that time, he was seized with it, and could not rest until he had crossed the ocean to the land of his hopes. With his family, and a relative or two, he left the old country on the 29th of October, 185 i, and arrived at Houston on the 19th of December of the same year. His fainil}' consisted of himself and wife, three sons and one daughter. Mr. Settegast had been partly induced to come to this country on account of his wife's health. She had been a sufferer for some years with a trouble from which it was believed she could get relief in this climate, but in this the family's hopes were disappointed; she died only a few months after she came to Houston. Mr. Settegast purchased a tract of land in the Buffalo bayou bottom, and, although he was advised not to purchase there by some, he took the advice of an old friend, a Mr. Zeiner, who had lived their for some time, and located. During the next epidemic of yellow fever the old friend and all his family died, and two of Mr. Settegast's children died with that dread disease. This was the summer of 1852, and Mr. Settegast died on the 14th of October of the following year, of the same disease. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and had received a thorough education in the e.xcellent schools of Germany. Had he lived he, no doubt, would have been one of the German corner- -stones of the great State of Te.xas. He was industrious, intelligent and honorable, a devoted husband and an e.xcellent father. Mrs. Settegast, who was born in 181S, possessed traits as wife, mother, woman, that left little to be desired. She had been her husband's faithful companion, wise counselor, inspiration and lielpmate. She impressed every one she met as a woman of rare good sense, of great force of character and of a kindly and genial nature. The two children who survived the yellow fever's ravages were our subjects, William }. Settegast and Julius J. Settegast.

Bcjth were born in Coblentz, on the Rhine, Germany, the former on the 17th of September. 1S43, and the hitter March 19, 1845. After the death of their parents they were reared by a Mr. J. W. Shrimp, a butcher by trade, and both boys learned this trade. They remained with this gentleman until 1862, and then William J. enlisted in the Confederate arm}-. Company K, Colonel DuBra3''s regiment of cavalry, and served in Texas and Louisiana. Julius J. alsoenlisted and was on detached service. In 1864 both went to Matamoros, Mexico, and obtained employment in the Globe Hotel, where they remained until the cessation of hostilities.

Returning to Houston they opened a butcher shop on a small scale, and began buying and trading in cattle. They did a large business during those years, and made money rapidly. They are still in the cattle business, but not so extensively since 1 888. They own several thousand acres of land and much valuable real estate in Houston and Galveston. The\- are honorable and popular gentlemen and have thus far succeeded well in life.

William J. Settegast has been three times married, - first. May 5, 1866, to Miss Annie Elizabeth Scholibo, who was born November I, 1846. Eight children were the fruit of this union : Emma E., now Mrs. Oliver (who has one child, William J.); Sophia, now Mrs. C. W. Lewis (who has one child, Georgia); Katie H., single; Mary E., now Mrs. S. H. Williford (who has one child, Vernon); Julius J.; Charles Edward; Mary Blanche Brown, and Charles Steward. The mother of these children died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, July 14, 1881. Mr. Settegast's second marriage was to Miss Annie Williams, and one child was born to this union, Annie. This wife died March 31, 1890, in New York cit\', and Mr. Settegast took for his third wife Miss Dora R. Miller, who is still living. In the year 1889 Mr. Settegast had a stroke of paralysis, and since then has given very little attention to business. For tive years past he has been a great sufferer, has been under the treatment of many physicians and has visited numberless places in quest of health.

Julius J. Settegast was married in 1867 to Miss Katie Floeck, and nine children have been born to this union ; Delia, William, Ella (de-ceased), Jennie, Lillie, Alma, Leon, Julia and Julius. The father of these children is a thorough, wide-awake business man, looks after all the interests of the firm, and has the happy faculty of making his business associates, as \\ell as all his neighbors, his friends.

m has long enjoyed an enviable reputa- A 1 tion for the sterling honesty and superior capability of its public officials, and this reputation is fully sustained by the subject of this sketch, who for many years filled the position of County Surveyor. Mr. Gillespie is a nati\-e of Washiigton county, Pennsylvania, where he was born June 23, 1830. His parents were William L. and Elizabeth (Beall) Gillespie, both of whom were also born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. William L. Gillespie was a son of Neal Gillespie, whose father's Christian name was also Neal, the latter being a native of Ireland. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Gillespie was Zephaniah Beall, who was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and who lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years. The subject of this sketch is one of a number of children born to his parents, but only three are now living, the other members of the family being a daughter, who for the past thirty-five years has been the mother superior in a Catholic convent at Alton, Illinois, and Francis, a resident of St. Louis.

The boyhood and youth of John J. Gillespie were spent in Washington and Greene counties, Pennsylvania, in each of which localities his parents were residents during his early years. His education was obtained in local schools and at Georgetown College, District of Columbia. In 185 i he accompanied his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, and, having studied surveying, engaged in this and other pursuits until i860. At that date he came to Texas for the benefit of his health, stopping temporarily at Houston, where, liking the climate and place, he decided to make his home. At the opening of the war his sympathies were naturally with the Union, as he had been reared in the North, and had so recentlj' come from that section of the country, but he went with his adopted State when it withdrew from the Union, and entered the Confederate army, enlisting, in 1862, in Company G, Cook's regiment of heavy artillery. He served with this command along the gulf coast, principally in the vicinity of Galveston, until the close of the war. Settling in Houston, he resumed his occupation as a surveyor, and has followed it uninterruptedly since. He has served Harris county, either as Surveyor or Deputy Surveyor, for more than thirtyfour years, and during this time has surveyed thousands and thousands of acres of land, and has acquired a knowledge of land titles, land values, and land locations such as is probably not possessed by any other individual in Harris county. Mr. Gillespie is a man of modest demeanor, and would perhaps be the last one of all Harris county's long list of public officials, in or out of service, to claim any special recognition for what lie has done; but the value of his work and of his example as an honest, faithful official are not to be lost sight of on that account. The security of land titles has much to do with the stability of society and the the peace and prosperity of a country, and in securing to the settler his homestead and to the investor his purchase, the surveyor has his function to perform.

In January, 1866, Mr. Gillespie married Miss Jennie Mullane, of Harris county, the offspring of which union was one son: John William Gillespie. Mr. Gillespie's second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Bergen, before marriage, and she bore him one child: John Joseph. By his marriage to Miss Josephine Fleshner there are six children: Elizabeth, Angela, Louis, Maggie, Claude and James B.

ell, NITZE. - That is the best poHcy" is clearly demonstrated in the success of those firms who pursue a straii^ht forward A\'ay of doing business. The fa\'or of the public will rest on those who merit its confidence by dealing fairly. Few indeed are those who so well deserve a high place in public opinion as E. H. Nitze, who is the proprietor of a well-appointed general mercantile establishment in Houston.

- He was born in the city in which he is now residing, February 11, 1S59, but his parents, Christian and Fredericka Nitze, were born near the town of Magdeburg, Germany, but eventually came to the United States to seek their fortune, and took up their residence in Houston. Here the father died at the age of seventy-one and the mother at the age of fifty-eight years. Four children were born to them: Wilhelmina, who is now the widow of Fred Ottmann; Mary, wife of August Blau; Alwane, wife of August Priest; and E. H., the subject of this sketch.

E. H. Nitze has spent his life in the town of his birth, in the public schools of which he received a g<jod jnactical education, sufficient to fit him for the ordinary duties of life, and, true to the customs of the German peojile, he, at the age of nineteen, decided to learn a trade, and for this purpose entered the establishment of J. J. Weiss, baker, with whom he remained six years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of the business. After leaving Mr. Weiss' service he became the baker of A. Stude and H. Henke, but after a time bought out Mr. Weiss, his old employer, and conducted a bakery on his own account on Preston avenue, opposite the market house, for about two years, at the end of which time he sold out. By this tiir.e he had saved enough means to enable him to purchase five lots, at No. ,^301 on Harrisburg road, in the city of Houston, and there, in April, 1SS9, he opened up a general stcjre, which he has conducted in a very capable maimer, and which has brought him substantial returtis. At various times he has invested his money in real estate in Houston, which has greatly increased in value, and he is also the owner of the old homestead near the city limits, all of which valuable property is the result of his own intelligence and energy rightly applied. He possesses business qualities of more than average excellence, is shrewd, far-seeing and practical.

His marriage was celebrated February II, 1886, Miss Matilda Orthey becoming his wife. She was born in Covington, Kentucky, a daughter of G. and Catherine Orthey, and she and Mr. Nitze have two children: Gertrude and Robert.

^''^ FORGE H. BRINGHURST, the ^^\ subject of this sketch, was born in ^^^W Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the year 1810. His father d\ing when George H. was only a child, he was given by his mother to a Quaker, by whom he was reared. He then came to Texas, reaching the settlements in the vicinity of Goliad in the fall of 1835. The country at that time was in a state of revolution, and 3'oung Bringhurst, having enlisted while in New Orleans in Captain Miller's company, for service against Mexico, was captured with his company at Copano, where they landed. He witnessed the scenes at Goliad, and was held in imprisonment until after the battle of San Jacinto, when, having made his escape in company with three or four comrades, he made his way to Houston, reaching this place with $i. 50 in money, as the sum total of his earthl}' possessions. Investing this amount in an ax, he went to work chopping wood for a livelihood. Later he studied surveying, and, as land values were then beginning to attract much attention, he soon found profitable employment, locating claims for settlers and speculators, and followed this for a number of years. He was Surveyor of Harris county for more than ten years, serving both under the Republic and after the admission of Texas as a State, and was considered in early and middle life one of the best informed men on land titles and land values in this part of the country. He was also secretary of the Houston Town Company at one time, and was for j'ears wharf-master when Buffalo baj'ou afforded the chief means of communication, and the position, then an elective one, was of some consequence.

Soon after locating in Houston Mr. Bringhurst acquired title to two lots on the corner of San Jacinto street and Congress avenue, and here settled himself in bachelor quarters, which he occupied until 1843. In that year he married Miss Nancy Trott, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Trott, who moved from Rutherford county, Tennessee, to Texas, in 1839, and settled at Houston. For fifty years Mr. Bringhurst lived on this one spot, where he took up his residence in his bachelorhood days, and here were born his six children, here died his first companion, and here he himself breathed his last. He saw the town build up in all directions around him, the locality in which he settled changing from a residence district to part of the business portion of the cit\', and he received many good offers and was frequently

Mr. Bringhurst's wife, Nancy Trott Bringhurst, died in 1859, leaving six children, - three sons and three daughters, all of whom became grown and three of whom are still living. The eldest, John H., born February II, 1844, was reared in Houston, entered the Confederate army at the age of seventeen, enlisting in Company H, Twenty-fourth Texas Cavalry, Churchill's brigade, Cleburne's division; served throughout the entire struggle, being four times wounded and once captured.

After the war he was for some years in the employ of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad Company while that road was being built toward the north line of the State; married Miss Minnie Abercrombie, of Marlin, Falls county, Texas, in 1873; was elected Justice of the Peace, subsequently read law, and, settling in Houston, practiced his profession, and engaged in the real-estate business here until his death in September, 1890, and was buried with Masonic honors by Holland Lodge, No. i, at Houston, which he joined at the age of twentyone. He left a widow and two children, Katie and Jolm H., Jr., survi\inghim. The second child of George H. Bringhurst was a daughter, Annie, who was married to Nat P. Turner, and now resides in London, England. The third child was also a daughter, Sarah, who was married to Sam P. Tinsley, of Brazoria county, and died in that county in 1879. The fourth, Christiana, died unmarried. The two youngest, George R. and Thomas, are residents of Houston, where they are numbered among the representative business men of this city. George R. married Miss Nettie E. Burke in 1879, and has three children: Henry Brashear, George

Ruthven, and Fannie Eloise. He has filled a number of responsible positions, having; been in the employ of both the Houston & Texas Central and the Gulf, Colorado & Sante F.e Railway Companies, bookkeeper for the Cit}' Bank for nine jears, ami Secretary and Treasurer of the cit)* of Houston for four j-ears. Thomas has been entirely devoted to business pursuits.

In 1862 George H. Bringhurst married Mrs. Kate Stephenson, but had no issue by this marriage. Mr. Bringhurst was a member of the Masonic fraternit\' from early manhood and one of the best known Masons in the State. He held the office of Secretary and Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Texas for twenty-odd years, and was for more than thirty years Secretary and Treasurer of Holland Lodge, N(_). i, of this city. He believed profoundly in Masonr\', gave much study to its principles and the broadest possible application to its teachings in the relations of life. He died February 20, 1889.

BRANIv S. BURlvE, senior member of the law firm of 15urke, Kirlicks & Griggs, is the eldest livingson of Andrew J. Burke, one of Houston's oldest residents, mention of whom will be found in another place in this work. Frank S. Burke was born in Hciuston, on the 25th of starch, 1848. His early education was obtained in the city schools, followed with a four j'cars' course at Yale College, where he graduated with the degree of B. A., in the spring of 1871. For two years following the completion of his collegiate training he was engaged as traveling salesman for a New York hardware house, until the summer of 1873, when he returned to Houston and took up the study of law, preparatory to securing admission to the bar and entering on the practice at this place. But his mind was diverted from this purpose for a time by the prospects of business success in another direction, and for nine years he was engaged in the cotton commission business, first at Galveston and afterward at Houston. Having continued his law studies in the meantime, chiefly under the direction of the late Judge P. W. Gray, he was admitted to practice at the October term of the District Court at Houston in 1884. He formed a partnership at once with Judge Anson Jones and entered on the pursuit of his profession in his native city. His association with Judge Jones continued until the latter's death, in January, 1888. From that date he was alone until August, 1S89, at which time he formed a partnership with John A. Kirlicks, under the firm name of Burke & Kirlicks, which was changed to Burke, Kirlicks tS; Griggs on the admission of George B. Griggs to a partnership in November, 1892. Mr. Burke has given his time solely to his profession since entering on it, mainly to civil practice, his industry and professional attainments having brought their reward in the shape of a steadily increasing business.

He was for two terms - from 18S0 to 1884 - County Commissioner of Harris county, but with the exception of this has never held any public office.

He is a Democrat in politics and takes a general interest in political matters. In fraternity work he has been somewhat more active. He assisted in organizing the first lodge of the Knights of Pythias in Texas, being not only a charter member of this but the first to receive the initiation rites. He is Past Grand Chancellor of the order in this

State. He is also a member of Lone Star Lod<:^e, No. i, I. O. O. F. , at Houston, of which he is Past Grand, and a member of Webb Encampment, No. 13, at Houston.

aAPTAINLODOWICK J. LATHAM, son of Lodowick and Lucy Latham, was born in the village of Mystic, Connecticut, in which locality liis ancestors. New England stock throughout, settled in early Colonial times. His birth occurred on the i6th day of April, 18 14. At the age of twelve he went to sea, and by the time he was eighteen he was first mate of his vessel, having made many trips to China, the East Indies and most of the great commercial ports of Europe. By the time he was twenty-three he was captain of a vessel of his own, and was engaged in trade operations on his own account. In 1838 he sailed from Boston with a cargo of merchandise bound for the settlements in the newly established Republic of Texas. Reaching this country he was greatly pleased with it, and in the fall of the same year, or early in 1839, he settled at Houston. Engaging at once in the mercantile business in this place he was for forty-seven years a prominent figure in the business circles of this city. In his career was illustrated all that is typical of the mercantile life, - arduous labor, followed by success, and this by losses, and these again by success. He sustained two disastrous fires and paid many thousands of dollars as indorser on other people's paper. But it can be recorded to his credit that he faithfully met every obligation that he ever gave, and through all the strains put on his resources he passed with honor unimpaired. Despite his misfortunes he accumulated considerable means, and was for years vice-president of one of the oldest and soundest financial institutions in the city, the First National Bank. His career was entire!)- of a business nature. He could never be induced to take apy part in partisan politics, and was unostentatious in the aid he gave to public enterprises. Yet he never neglected his duties as a citizen of the community in which he lived, nor did he ever withhold assistance to any measure calculated to stimulate the industry or foster the interests of the people at large.

Captain Latham was a comparatively young man when he came to Te.xas. Returning East in 1849, he married on October ist, that year. Miss Caroline A. Latham, of Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Latham, originally from Mystic, Connecticut, and a representative of the old New England family from which he descended. The issue of this union was nine children, four of whom died in infancy and early childhood, five becoming grown. These were Justina (Mrs. William D. Cleveland, of Houston), Abbie (who was married to J. M. Tryon, of Houston, both of whom are deceased), Lucy E., Benjamin R. and Lennie G.

Two brothers of Captain Latham's were in Te.xas at an early day, one of them, Edmond, dying in Houston. The other. Captain Ben R. Latham, was a well-known sailor forty to fifty years ago, being in command of the Cuba when it was wrecked. The only sister, Lucy, wife of Rev. H. H. Miller, died in her native State, Connecticut.

On the 20th day of March, 1888, Captain Latham died at his home in this city. His loss was deeply felt, and the esteem in which he was held was attested in every way appropriate to the occasion. A large body of representative citizens met at the

Cotton Exchange and passed suitable resolutions, the county and district courts adjourned out of respect to his memory, and all the leading merchants closed their places of business on that part of the day on which his funeral took place. His remains were laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery, followed by a large body of sorrowing friends.

^"V* D. HEWES, a resident of the city -^^k* of Houston for nmre than forty ^k^ years, was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, December ii, 1824, and Comes, on both sides, of the original Quaker stock by which the old Keystone State was first settled. Family tradition has it that two brothers, |ohn and Joseph Hewes, came from Engiand near the middle of the last century and settled in Pennsylvania, whence a few years later Joseph moved to North Carolina, and was in public life for some years in that State, his name appearing as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, while John remained where he first settled and contented himself with the simple ways of peace, transmitting to a somewhat numerous posterit}' those habits of industry, thrift and economy for which the Ouakers have everywhere and under all conditions been distinguished. Samuel D. Hewes, of this article, traces his ancestry on his father's side to the John Hewes here indicated. On his mother's side he is connected with the Darlingtons and the Sharpleses. It is a matter of record that John Sharpies, a Ouaker, came over from England and settled in what is now Pennsylvania on August 14, 1682, some twi3 months before William Penn brought out his first ship-load of settlers. The Darlingtons took up their residence in the same province at a somewhat later date, but still among the early settlers. The parents of Samuel D. Hewes were Isaac and Rhoda Hewes, both natives of Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Besides the suljject of this sketch they had three other S(jns, two, Jesse and Jacob, older than he, and one, Caleb P., younger. The eldest two are deceased; the youngest resides at Edwards, Mississippi. Samuel D. was reared mainly in his native county, growing up on the farm of his maternal grandfather, in whose family, after the death of his mother, his early years were spent.

He learned the milling business before he reached his majority, and in 1845, then in his twenty-first year, he went West, stopping in the mining district of eastern Iowa. He worked in the lead mines in the vicinity of Dubuque during the greater part of two years, saving some money and acquiring title to some property there, on which he subsequently realized. In 1 847 he went to Kendall county, Illinois, and purchased a tract of laud on Rock creek, about ten miles from the present town of Aurora, settled on it and began farming. This section of Illinois was then but sparsely settled, and practicall)' unimproved, but had begun to attract settlers and home-seekers, and during the next few years was the scene of a vast amount of industrial activity. The railroad from Chicago to Elgin, on Fox river, was projected about this time, and Mr. Hewes, having lands to be benefited by such an enterprise, subscribed $500 toward its construction, thus becoming a subscriber to one of the first railroads in the West. In 1850 Mr. Hewes left Illinois and went to Mississippi, whither an older brother had gone a year or two before, and settling at Clinton, engaged, in connection with his brother, in the manufacture of gins and mills. He resided in Mississippi for about three years, and witnessed a great deal of industrial activity, as well as political excitement, in that State, those being the days of the great political warfare between Foote and Quitman. From Mississippi he came to Te.xas, settling, in 1853, at Houston. In 1853-4 he worked on a tie contract, furnishing ties for the Houston & Texas Central Railroad. After this he engaged in the sawmill business, and was actively engaged in it up to the opening of the war.