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ISAAC C. WEST, M. D., is an honored member of this profession and
is worthy of the space that has been accorded him in this record
of the progressive and successful men of Dallas county. He is
a native of Maryland, born in 1843, a son of Isaac C. and Nancy
H. (Derickson) West, natives of the State of Delaware. The father
was a blacksmith by trade. The mother of the Doctor still survives.
Dr. West has been a student all his life, and there are few professional
men who have devoted more time to painstaking research then he
has. He received his literary education at Dickinson College,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he took the degrees of A. B. and
A. M. Afterward he studied law, and was admitted to the bar.
He abandoned the law because of a throat trouble which interfered
with speaking or reading aloud, and took up the study of medicine,
under the preceptorship of his brother. After a course of reading
he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he
graduated in 1868. He practiced for some time before he located
in Baltimore, Maryland, and remained there until 1877. In that
year he came to Texas, believing there were greater opportunities
in the Southwest than existed in the East. He settled in Ovilla,
Ellis county; while living there he attended a course of lectures
at the University of Louisiana, and later removed to Waxahachie.
The success of the homeopathic school attracted his attention,
and he determined, with the disposition of' a true scientist,
to investigate the system. For this purpose he went Chicago,
and entered the Hahnemann Medical College, and was graduated
from that institution. He then returned to Texas, and located
in Dallas, where he has won large patronage, and met with marked
success. He is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Society, and
is deeply interested in the success of the entire brotherhood.
In his political opinions he adheres to the principles of the
Democratic party, but he is wholly independent in his voting,.
He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a
member of the I.O.O.F. for a number of years.
The Doctor was married in 1870, to Miss Mary
E. Slay, a native of Delaware. Their marriage was celebrated
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One child was born to them, Sadie
C. West
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, P. 450.
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J. M. FURGARSON,
retail grocer.- - Nothing so visibly shows the strength and prosperity
of Dallas' trade as the number of large concerns engaged in handling
the staple necessaries of life. Prominent among them is the pushing
grocery house of Mr. Furgarson, which is located in West Dallas.
He was born in Carroll county, Mississippi, July 2, 1816, being
the eldest of nine sons and four daughters born to J. T. and
Sarah (Stovall) Furgarson. J. M. Furgarson was reared on a farm
in the county of his nativity and remained with his parents until
the war-cloud burst in 1861. On the 4th of May, 1862, he enlisted
in Company E, Fourth Mississippi Infantry, Sears' Brigade, French's
Division and Stewart's Corps, and served under General Joe E.
Johnston in the Georgia and Alabama campaigns, participating
in the battle of New Hope Church, Atlanta, Lovejoy, Kenesaw Mountain,
Franklin, Tennessee, and others of less importance. He was wounded
at Franklin, Tennessee, and was disabled for sixty days, this
being the only time he was off duty during the war. He served
until the close, and honorably surrendered at Fort Blakely, Florida,
in April, 1865. After the war he returned to his Mississippi
home and for a short time thereafter attended school and assisted
in tilling the old homestead. His marriage to Miss Ruby C. Lane
took place December 29, 1870. She was a native of Carroll county,
Mississippi, a daughter of Simon T. Lane, who was from North
Carolina, and Caroline M., nee Marshall, both of Scotch ancestry.
For one year after his marriage Mr. Furgarson resided on a farm
in Choctaw county, the three subsequent years being spent in
his native county. At the end of this time he went to Le Flore
county and there remained until he came to Texas, in 1878, locating
near Wheatland, Dallas county, where farming occupied his attention
until August, 1885. He then purchased his present home in West
Dallas, containing two and seventenths acres. November 13, 1886,
he became Deputy Sheriff under W. ff. Lewis and served as such
for three years. In 1890, he made the race for Sheriff but was
beaten by about 130 votes. March 3, 1891, he opened a grocery
and feed store in West Dallas and in this short time has built
up a trade and founded a reputation ranking him in every way
but in age with the oldest houses of the city of West Dallas.
A family of six children has been born to himself and wife, five
of whom are still living:
1. Sarah Alice Furgarson
2. Willie Hugh Furgarson
3. Montague Furgarson
4. Homer Furgarson
5. Robert Chappell Furgarson
6. Lonnie Furgarson died at the age of thirteen months
Mrs. Furgarson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, an exemplary Christian and a noble and tboughtful wife and mother. In his political views Mr. Furgarson affiliates with the Democratic party.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, PP. 451-452.
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WILLIAM H. BENNETT
was born in Franklin county, Georgia, April 30, 1825, son of
Hiram Bennett, who was also a native of Georgia, born in 1798.
The senior Mr. Bennett went from Georgia to Tennessee when he
was a young man, and after remaining there a while returned to
Georgia and married Dosia Dobs. She was born in Georgia, in 1805,
and died in camp soon after their arrival in Texas, in 1845,
aged forty years. She bore him nine children, namely:
1. Madison Bennett, who died at the age of sixty-eight years
2. Delilah Bennett, wife of Redrick Manning, and after his decease
in 1843 married John H. Barlow
3. Sarah A. Bennett, wife of James Cole
4. William Hiram Bennett
5. Clark Bennett, deceased
6. Elisha Bennett, deceased
7. David Bennett
8. Josiah Bennett
9. Mary J. Bennett, wife of William Cole
For his second wife Mr. Bennett married
Sarah Dougan, in 1846. Following are children of that union :
1. John C. Bennett, living in Texas
2. Solomon M. Bennett, living in Texas
3. Emily E. Bennett, wife of Isaac Wilkinson, living in Texas
4. Martha N. Bennett, living in Texas
5. Stephenson Bennett, twin of Alfred L. Bennett
6. Alfred L. Bennett, twin of A. Stephenson Bennett
Hiram Bennett moved from Georgia to Alabama
in 1833, to Arkansas in 1840, and to Texas in 1845 settling on
Mesquite creek east of Dallas city; then moved to Eagle Ford
on Elm fork of the Trinity river, next to Arkansas again and
finally back to Texas.
William H. Bennett, was married in Arkansas,
September 29, 1843, to Miss Sidney Manning, who was born to Redrick
Manning, in Payette county, Georgia, January 3, 1827. Her father,
Redrick Manning, died in Arkansas in 1843, at the age of sixty-two
years; her mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wiliford, died
in 1837. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Manning are:
1. Sidney Manning, wife of W. H. Bennett
2. Sarah A. Manning, wife of Benjamin Meral
3. Travis Manning
Mr. Manning's second wife was, before
her marriage, Miss Delilah Bennett, and by her he also had three
children:
1. Dosia Manning. deceased.
2. Bennett Manning. deceased.
3. Elizabeth Manning, deceased.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 452.
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MICHAEL T. CONE.-
The beautiful Emerald Isle has contributed to America some of
her most loyal citizens, among whom we find the subject of this
brief biographical sketch. He was born in county Galway, Ireland,
in 1858, and in his youth emigrated to the United States with
his parents who settled at Maysville, Kentucky. In 1875 he came
to Dallas, Texas and secured employment with the companies then
constructing railroads over the State. While serving these corporations
he filled many positions of trust guiding his conduct by the
strictest principles of honor and integ-rity. When the work of
construction was finished he embarked in the grocery business,
under the firm name of Cone & Co. and carried on the business
for five years. At the end of that period. he went into patent
roofing business with Mr. King, his brother-in-law. They have
had contracts over the whole State, and every transaction has
added to their business and list of personal friends.
In 1888, without his personal knowledge or
solicitation, Mr. Cone was nominated for Alderman from the Sixth
ward, was elected and was almost immediately appointed chair-man
of one of the important committees, the one on Sewers and Drains.
With his usual energy lie dispatched the business of this de-partment.
In 1890 the citizens of Dallas further testified to their confidence
in his ability by requesting a continuance of his services in
the same capacity. There is no member of the council more devoted
to the interests of the city than he, and none have given more
serious thought and attention to the business under their control.
Mr. Cone was married in 1885 to Miss Mollie
Riley, of Louisville, Kentucky. They are the parents of two children:
Thomas King Cone and Nellie Agnes Cone.
Our subject affiliates with the Democratic
party, and is a staunch adherent to all its principles. He belongs
to the Uniformed Rank K. of P., and is a member of the Catholic
Church.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 452.
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GEORGE THOMAS BULLOCK, a prosperous farmer of Dallas county, was born
on a farm in this county, January 19, 1856, a son of Washington
C. and Caroline Bullock, George T. Bullock, was reared in his
native place until the age of ten years, and then on the farm
where his mother now lives. In 1883 Mr. Bullock bought 160 acres
of land on the prairie adjoining Grapevine creek, and has since
added to this purchase until he now owns about 800 acres, 100
acres of which is under a fine state of cultivation. He is engaged
principally in stock-raising, is a good trader and hunter, and
an active, energetic citizen.
Mr. Bullock was married in Dallas county, November
1, 1883, to Laura Dunagan, a daughter of Conda S. and Margaret
Dunagan, then of Tarrant county, but who now resides in the Indian
Territory. Mrs. Bullock was born in Vernon county, Missouri,
and is one of six children, namely:
1. James T. Dunagan
2. David N. Dunagan
3. Robert Lee Dunagan
4. Laura Dunagan
5. Snow Dunagan
Mr. and Mrs. Bullock have had five children:
1. Dora L Bullock.
2. Minnie F. Bullock
3. Maggie Bullock
4. William T. Bullock
5. Ben H. Bullock
Politically, Mr. Bullock is identified with the Republican party.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. ?.
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BENJAMIN F. GALLOWAY, a farmer of Precinct No. 3, was born in Sullivan
county, East Tennessee, in 1833, the ninth of twelve children
born to James and Sarah (Barns) Galloway, natives of Virginia
and Tennessee, and of English and Irish parentage. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, Marshall Galloway, served seven years
and seven months in the war for independence, and participated
in numerous engagements. James and Thomas Galloway were both
in the war of 1812, and the latter served in the battle of New
Orleans. The maternal grandmother was stolen from Ireland when
a little girl, while playing on the wharf, was induced on board
the ship and brought to America. She afterward married Mr. Marshall.
James Galloway was a successful farmer, and a workman in wood,
iron and stone, who died in 1855. Of their twelve children all
lived to be grown, and the mother witnessed the marriage of all
but Benjamin F. Galloway.
1. The eldest, Amanda Galloway, now deceased, was the wife of
William Spurgin, of Missouri
2. William Galloway is deceased, but his family now reside in
Tennessee
3. Eliza Galloway is the widow of A. H. Beard
4. Jane Galloway is the wife of Jesse Crouch, of Tennessee
5. James H. Galloway is deceased, and his family reside in Tennessee
6. John M. Galloway, deceased, whose family also reside in Tennessee
7. Thomas Galloway resides in Washington county, Tennessee
8. Sarah Galloway, deceased, was the wife of J. R. Smith, of
Phelps county, Missouri
9. Benjamin F. Galloway
10. Mary Galloway, deceased, the wife of Rev. William A. Keen,
of Tennessee
11. George W. Galloway resides in Virginia. George W. Galloway
was a Lieutenant in the late war, was twice severely wounded,
once in the back and again in the eye, and after surrendering
he was supposed to have been shot the last time by a neighbor
boy, with whom he had attended school.
12. Nathan Galloway, of Wasbhington county, Tennessee
The mother died in 1870; she was a member
of the Baptist Church.
Benjamin F. Galloway, received his education in the common schools,
and also, when twenty-one years of age, attended the Boon's Creek
Seminary for twenty months, when his eyes failed and he was obliged
to quit school. At the age of twenty-three years he commenced
farming on rented land, which occupation he followed until the
breaking out of the war. He enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth
Tennessee Regiment, under Colonel Cummins, and participated in
the battles of Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Jonesborough, Franklin,
Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and numerous skirmishes. He surrendered
with Joseph E. Johnston, after which he came home on foot, but
found his place a wreck. Mr. Galloway continued farming in Tennessee
until 1870, when he traveled for three months, and afterward
sold goods for two years. He was married October 8, 1872, at
11 o'clock, and three hours later started for Texas, with a two-horse
wagon, and December 10 landed at the east side of this State.
He came to this county in January, 1873, where he rented land
for about two years, and in 1874 bought his present place of
101 acres, with no improvements. He has since added 117 acres,
and Dow has 100 acres under a fine state of cultivation. Mr.
Galloway pays much attention to the rearing of mules, and also
horses and cattle, but is now reducing his herd of cattle.
His wife, Eliza Fletcher, was a daughter of
Reuben Fletcher, of Washington county, Tennessee. To Mr. and
Mrs. Galloway have been born four children, two of whom are now
deceased. The living are: Bedford F. Galloway and Nathan L. Galloway.
The mother died in 1883, at the age of twenty-nine years, and
in 1887 Mr. Galloway was married to Amanda J. Miller, of Washington
county, Tennessee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Galloway and eldest son
are members of the Baptist Church, and the former has been a
member of the A. F. & A. M. since 1868, and also of Cyane
Lodge, No. 295.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 453-454.
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DANIEL M. BAKER,
Chief Registry Clerk in the Dallas, Texas, post office, was born
in the State of Tennessee, in 1840. His father was born in North
Carolina, and removed thence to Tennessee at an early day. In
1852 he went to Pope county, Illinois, where Daniel M. grew to
manhood, and received his education. He had just attained his
majority when he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-ninth Illinois
Infantry, United States Army, and entered upon a long and severe
term of service in a cause which he esteemed of the highest importance.
He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth,
and the siege of Vicksburg and Mobile. Early in 1865 he was transferred
to Texas, and in November of that year he was honorably discharged.
He enlisted as a non-commissioned officer, and was promoted successively
from post to post until he was made Captain, and was discharged
with this title. When the war was ended, he became a member of
the revenue service at Galveston, Texas, and served eighteen
years. In 1887, he removed to Dallas, and after engaging in railroad
business for several months, was appointed Chief Registry Clerk,
a position which he has ably filled to the present time.
Politically, Mr. Baker adheres to the principles
of the Republican party, and is one of the leaders in this county.
He is Commander of John A. Dix Post, G. A. R., and takes a deep
interest in the organization.
In 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss
Harrington, and to them have been born three children:
1. Lizzie Baker
2. Arthur Baker
3. Henry Baker
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 454-455.
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J. C. FISHER,
who is engaged in farming in Precinct No. 3, Dallas county, Texas,
dates his birth in Benton county Missouri, November 1, 1849.
His parents, James M. and Eliza (Bennett) Fisher, natives of
Barren county, Kentucky, went to Missouri at an early day, and
settled on a farm in Benton county. Of their ten children, J.
C. Fisher is the seventh-born. Their names are as follows:
1. G. W. Fisher, deceased
2. Sarah Fisher, wife of Alexander Holmes, St. Clair county,
Missouri
3. Nancy Fisher, wife of H. B. Lightfoot, of Polk county, Missouri
4. Amanda Fisher, wife of Jacob Job, of Moniteau. county, Missouri
5. Mary E. Fisher, wife of R. Thrower, of California
6. Margaret E. Fisher, wife of a Mr. Foster, of California
7. J. C. Fisher
8. Eliza Fisher, deceased
9. William G. Fisher, deceased
The father died in Polk county, Missouri,
in 1868, and the mother died the following year in Nebraska,
where she was living with one of her children.
J. C. Fisher was educated in Polk county, and
at the age of twenty-one commenced life for himself as a farmer,
which vocation he has since followed. He moved from Polk to Vernon
county, remaining at the latter place three years. In 1875, he
came to Texas, and at first farmed on rented land. In 1883, lie
purchased the farm on which he now lives, thirty-six and two-thirds
acres, for which he paid $25 an acre. It is all prairie land
and at the time of purchase war nearly all under cultivation.
Being choice farming land, it is now valued at from $50 to $60
an acre.
Mr. Fisher was married, April 10, 1871, to
Miss Mary A. Morris, of St. Clair county, Missouri. Her parents,
Ham and Susan (Dallas) Morris, had six children:
1. Nancy M Morris., wife of Jefferson Durham, of Cedar county,
Missouri
2. Rilda Morris, wife of A. T. Mullins, of Cedar county Missouri
3. Mary A. Morris
4. the next born is deceased
5. Snodon Morris, a resident of St. Clair county, Missouri
6. Hugh Morris, of Palo Pinto, Texas.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were orn seven children, five of whom died when small. Those living are L. S. Fisher and Minnie P. Fisher, both residing with their father. Mrs. Fisher was born November 30, 1851, and departed this life February 27, 1884. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 455.
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JOHN T. HAND,
Superintendent of Public Schools of Dallas city, Texas, is a
native of Georgia, born in February, 1835. He is a son of Isaiah
and Hannah L. (Henderson) Hand, natives of South and North Carolina
respectively, of Irish extraction. The father was a planter by
occupation, but he served a long and honorable term as Probate
Judge. He died in 1867. The mother still survives, and lives
in Alabaina. Both were consistent members of the Primitive Baptist
Church. John T. Hand attended school until he was fourteen years
old, and then began to meet the world, relying upon his own resources.
He was desirous of continuing his studies, and by industry and
economy he managed to enter Mercer University at Macon, Georgia,
where he was a student three years. He was graduated in the class
of 1856, sharing the honors with Governor McDaniel. He then taught
one year in Georgia, removing at the end of that time to Tyler,
Texas, where he entered upon the duties of educator, which did
not end for seventeen years. The next scene of his labors was
the A.& M. College at Bryan, Texas, where he taught the dead
languages until they were cut from the course. He then went to
Brenham, Texas, and for three years had charge of the public
schools in that place. He next went to Corsicana, Texas,and for
five years the public schools there reaped the benefit of his
wide experience. In 1887, when lie came to Dallas, he he found
the schools in great need of systematic organization. He at once
went to work with that vigor and assurance which characterizes
the tone of the master, and did not diminish his efforts until
the schools of Dallas took rank with the leading schools of the
southwest.
Prof. Hand was married in 1858, to Miss Helen
J. Spurlin of Georgia, a lady of rare intelligence and fine attainments.
Four children were born of this union:
Flora Philo Hand, the wife of J. W. Lambard
Lulu Corinne Hand, wife of Jack Baker
Barton Bee Hand, a resident of Cleburne, Texas
Lillia Belle Hand, wife of Sam. M. Kerr.
The parents are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Prof. Hand belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Politically he is an independent Democrat.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 455-456.
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WILLIAM H. W. SMITH
is a truly representative Texan, although, a native of the State
of Alabama, born in 1855. His father, Captain W. S. Smith, was
a native of South Carolina and a lawyer by profession. After
removing to Alabama he gave his attention to agriculture. He
married Jane Hillhouse, of South Carolina, and they had born
to them ten children; of whom Willliam H. W. Smith is the fourth
in order of birth. At the age of fourteen years he went to Mobile,
Alabama, and there secured employment in a hardware store, which
he held until coming to Dallas in 1873. There he followed the
same business until he was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1878.
He discharged his duties with so much promptness and ability
that he won the entire confidence of tile community, and in November,
1882, he was elected Sheriff. He had a strong opponent in Benjamin
Jones, Esq., and the race was a close one. He served to the end
of the term, and was re-elected in 1884, defeating W. P. Cochran
by the largest majority ever given any county official. He was
especially successful in the administration of his office, and
reflected great credit upon himself and his constituency.
Mr. Smith was married in Texas, in 1876, to
Miss Fannie P. Sharp, granddaughter to the Hon. Robert Y. Hayne,
South Carolina's gifted orator. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents
of three children, two were sons and one was a daughter, but
only one son survives.
Mr. Smith is a prominent Mason, and has held
high official positions in the lodge. In his religious views
he subscribes to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. Politically
he is an ardent Democrat. When Oak Cliff was incorporated he
was chosen Marshal, and has been twice selected to fill that
office. He has been Assessor and Tax Collector of this suburb
of Dallas, and has aided very materially in the growth and improvement
of the place. He is a man of attractive personality, and is very
popular with all classes of citizens. Frank and outspoken, true
to his friends, exact and honorable in all his business transactions,
his name is worthy of preservation in the records of his county.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 456-457.
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ROBERT J. MILLS,
as a farmer and stock-raiser, has been identified with the interests
of Dallas county, Texas, Since 1873.
Mr. Mills was born in Daviess county, Kentucky,
September 30, 1849, son of William Holmes Mills and Sally Ann
(Estes) Mills, his wife, both natives of Kentucky and of English
ancestry. Robert J. Mills was reared on a farm and received his
early education in the common schools, finishing with a course
of study at the Baptist Institute, at Owensboro, Kentucky. He
made his home with his parents until he was twenty-two years
old. Then for two years he taught in the schools of his native
State. In the spring of 1873 he came to Texas, and for one season
was engaged in herding cattle. After that he engaged in farming
near Dallas, renting land on shares for two years with Mr. Bumpas.
September 27, 1874, Mr. Mills married Miss
Elfleda Ellis Coombes, a native of Dallas county, Texas, and
a daughter of Isaac Nelson Coombes. After his marriage Mr. Mills
settled on his present farm of 159 acres, which he has improved
and on which he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Six children have been born to them, namely:
1. Allen Mills
2. Ruby Mills
3. Annie Holmes Mills
4. Henry Mills
5. Lilian Ivy Mills (who died at the age of one year)
6. Lou Ellen Mills.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are both active and earnest memhers of the Christian Church, and in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 457.
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NEWEL K. WRIGHT and SON, contractors and builders of Dallas, have erected
some of the principal buildings of this city, among which may
be mentioned the Third Ward School, three churches, the Jones
building, Ryan building, and many others. They also erected the
Dilley residence of Maple avenue. They employ on an average ten
or fifteen men the year around, and do an extensive business.
Newel K. Wright was born in Franklin county,
Vermont, in 1833, a son of Benjamin and Phoebe (Whitney) Wright,
natives, also of Vermont. The father moved to Minnesota in 1866,
where he died ten years later. Newel K. Wright left home in 1852
and went to St. Paul, Minneapolis, where he worked at his trade.
In 1861 he enlisted in the First Minneapolis Regiment for three
months, and at the expiration of that time he returned to St.
Paul, in 1862 went to Peoria, Illinois, and engaged in contracting
and building, and in 1876 came to Dallas. Mr. Wright was married
in St. Paul, in 1855, to Mary E. Hunter, a native of Indiana,
and daughter of William F. Hunter, who went to Minnesota in 1852,
and remained there until his death in 1873.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright had three children:
1. Lewis R. Wright, who has been connected with his father in
business since 1886. L. R. Wright who is associated with his
father in business, spent two years studying architecture, and
the firm is now prepared to draw their own specifications. He
drew the plans for thirty-five buildings built by the firm in
1890.
2. Wiley Wright, a Presbyterian minister of Mishawaka, Indiana
3. Jennie Wright, at home.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Dallas, and socially, Mr. Wright is a member of Tannehill
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was a Mason in Minnesota in 1854,
is a member of George H. Thomas Post, No. 6, G. A. R., of Dallas.
Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party.
After the above was written Newel K. Wright
departed this life, November 11, 1891. His sickness, heart-failure,
dates from February, 1891, when he was prostrated with an attack
of la grippe. He was buried under the auspices of the Masonic
order.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 457-458.
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B. F. BRANDENBURG
is a farmer and stock-raiser, and is one of the well known citizens
of Dallas county, his post office address being Duncanville.
In brief, a review of'his life is as follows:
B. F. Brandenburg was born in La Fayette county,
Missouri, October 27, 1842, the seventh son and ninth child of
Absalom and Nancy (Barker) Brandenburg, natives of Kentucky.
Grandfather Samuel Brandenburg was probably a native of Virginia,
and his father, Solomon, was a native of Germany. Samuel Brandenburg
moved to Kentucky, settled on a farm and reared four sons. One
of these, Absalom Brandenburg, married a daughter of James Barker,
a native of Kentucky and of English descent. In 1827, he emigrated
to Missouri and located in La Fayette county, where he improved
a farm and resided twenty years. In 1847, with his wife and eight
children, he started for Texas, his outfit consisting of four
wagons - two drawn by horses and two by oxen - and a spring wagon,
landing in Dallas county in the fall of that year. Of Calvin
G. Cole he purchasad 257 acres, a part of which is now included
in the city of Dallas. He improved that property and purchased
other lands until he owned 277 acres, on which he was engaged
in farming until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age
of eighty-one years. His first wife died in 1863 and he was subsequently
married to Mrs. Patton, by whom he had one child.
B. F. Brandenburg was five years old when he
came to Texas. He was reared on his father's frontier farm and
remained with him until the breaking out of the Civil war. He
enlisted in February, 1862, in Company C, Sixth Texas Cavalry,
followed the fortunes of the Army of the Tennessee and served
until the close of the war. He then returned to Dallas county
and engaged in farming. He was married March 26, 1868, to Miss
Sarah Josephine Merrifield, a native of Dallas county, Texas,
and a daughter of William and Catherine (Hickman) Merrifield.
Her parents came from Kentucky to this place in 1849 and purchased
320 acres of wild land and resided here the rest of their days.
They had eight children who grew to maturity and seven are still
living. Mr. Merrifield died in November, 1880 and his wife in
1882.
After the death of his father Mr. Brandenburg
removed to the old homestead, resided there nine years, and in
1883 moved to the Merrifield place. He has a farm of 575 acres
of improved land, all in a high state of cultivation. His chief
products are wheat, oats and corn. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg are
the parents of nine children:
1. William Henry Brandenburg
2. Hurbert Walter Brandenburg
3. Charles Lee Brandenburg
4. Lilly Catherine Brandenburg
5. James Franklin Brandenburg
6. Jesse James Brandenburg
7. Oscar Merrion Brandenburg
8. Maud Brandenburg
9. Alma Brandenburg
Politically, Mr. Brandenburg is a Democrat. His brothers, James and Thomas, were killed in battle during the late war, the latter being in command of his company at the time he was killed.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 458-459.
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GEORGE W. SONNEFIELD, of the firm of Sonnefield & Emmins, contractors
and builders, Dallas, arrived here in the winter of 1885 and
formed their partnership in 1887. Among the principal buildings
erected by these gentlemen are the Leachman, on Live Oak street,
the Blakeney building on Camp street, the C. W. Guild building
on Elm street, the patrol station on Commerce street, the Hinckley
cornice factory on South Harwood street, the Pabst beer and storage
room, the Texas State Fair building and music hall, W. J. Lemp's
storage and bottling house, Grant's and Drake's residences, and
many other dwellings, etc., in Dallas and Oak Cliff, as the J.
T. Dargan residence, Armstrong's two residences, etc. The firm
employ on an average about fifteen men.
Mr. Sonnefield was born in Clay county, Indiana,
in 1860, the eldest son in a family of ten children of J. S.
and E. (Wagner) Sonriefield, natives of Indiana. His father has
for a long time resided in Terre Haute, where he was for many
years contractor and builder. Mr. Sonnefield was brought up in
that city, learning his trade of his father, with whom he first
formed a partnership for two years. He made his first visit to
the South in 1879, going to New Mexico, where he worked at his
trade. A year or so afterward he went to El Paso, that State.
Returning to Indiana, he was married, in Terre Haute, in 1884,
to Anna Dodson, a native of that State and a daughter of Elijah
and Jane Dodson. Mr. Dodson, a pioneer of Indiana, died in 1885
aged ninety-five years his widow is still living. Mr. Sonnefield
has one child, Eva Sonnefield by name.
He has taken some interest in the political
welfare of the country, by voting with the Democratic party.
He began life for himself a poor man, and he has also been public
spirited and benevolent, and done his share toward building up
his chosen city. Fraternally, he belongs to Dallas lodge, No.
70, K. of P., and he is also a member of the Uniformed Rank of
that order, Lodge No. 18. He is also a member of the Builders'
Exchange.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 459.
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TOM CADE,
one of the oldest voters in the First Ward, wag born in London,
England, in 1831. His parents were William and Mariah Cade, both
natives of England, where they were reared, married and reared
a family of fourteen children and are there buried.
Tom was educated in his native country and
was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, at which he worked for
many years. He later was a contractor and did the carpenter work
on the road from Bryant to Corsicana, Texas. He also built several
of the finest residences in Dallas, at that time. His residence
in Dallas dates from 1871, but he has done very little carpenter
work since 1872,
On coming to this city he settled in the first
ward and as far as is known is one of the oldest voters. He has
never turned benedict, preferring the freedom of bachelor life.
In religion he is an Episcopalian and a representative of the
established Church. He takes but little interest in politics,
but votes with the Democratic party.
Mr. Cade is a pioneer of this city and has
always been regarded as one of its most honored and respected
citizens. He has gained therespect of all his fellow citizens
by his honesty and good work.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 459-460.
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ROBERT H. LAWS.
- This gentleman is one of the rising young men of Dallas, and
is the proprietor of a new and nicely equipped board and sale
stable. He is a native of Texas, and dates his birth at Dallas,
July 27, 1860. He is the youngest of a family of three children
born to George W. and Martha E. (Record) Laws. His father was
born near Lewisburgh, Marshall county, Tennessee, October 20,
1829, and was reared in that State as a farmer and trader. Emigrating
to Texas at an early day, he settled near the spot where Dallas
now stands. Becoming dissatisfied with the West, however, he
returned to the land of his birth in 1847, where he remained
until October 5, 1854. At that time he was married to Miss Martha
E. Record, a daughter of George W. and Mahulda (Hedsperth) Record.
Her father, a well-to-do farmer, moved to Texas in 1857, and
was prominently identified with the settlement and development
of Dallas county. His death occurred in 1869. Her mother was
born in 1828, and died in 1855. Mr. Laws' father again took up
his residence in the village of Dallas, and was closely connected
with northern Texas and Dallas county in every step of her prosperity.
He at one time embarked in a commercial enterprise, and, in company
with Captain McGovern, purchased a steamboat, the "Sallie
Haines," which he loaded with a cargo of cotton and other
products for the lower river trade. Unfortunately, at a point
below the city of Dallas, they struck a snag, the boat sank,
and they lost their entire cargo.
Mr. Laws was elected to the office of County
Clerk, which position he filled with entire satisfaction to his
constituents for a term of two years. His death occurred February
8, 1881. He bore the enviable reputation of being his worst enemy,
which is a eulogy that few can have pronounced over their graves.
His virtues were always agreat enough to be always prominent.
His faults were always small enough to be excused. The mother
of Robert H. Laws died April 25, 1861, and her untimely death
was a source of in much bereavement to her family and many friends.
Deprived of a mother's loving care at a tender
age, Robert H. Laws was early in life thrown upon his own resources,
to a certain extent, although he was reared by kind friends.
He began life as an office boy in a livery and sale stable, and
in 1883 he engaged in business for himself. His first venture
was a livery, board, and sale stable, located at 308 and 310
Elm street, he being in partnership with T. O. Hargis. This partnership
lasted only two months, T. O. Hargis retiring and Mr. Laws continuing
at the same place for three years. He then disposed of his interests
in this establishment, and became associated with Clark &
Cable, at the same time being engaged in buying and selling stock
of all kinds. He was made superintendent of the C. & C.'s
large sale stable, and this position lie held for a number of
years. Severing his connection with B. E. Cable, he opened up
the business he is now successfully conducting. He is the only
survivor of his family, and is noted for his generosity, hospitality,
and bearing of the true Southern gentleman. His early education
was obtained in the district schools of Dallas county. Later
in life he attended the preparatory school at Culleoka, finishing
his education at Swanay, Greene county, Tennessee. He is a member
of the Coeur do Lion Lodge, No. 8, K. of P. His political views
are in harmony with the Democratic principles.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 460-461.
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 T. C. WILLIAMS |
 Mrs. T. C. WILLIAMS |
T. C. WILLIAMS,
a retired farmer, and one of the most widely known and highly
respected citizens of Dallas county, has been associated with
its best interests since December, 1845, making at that time
his first appearance on its scene of action.
He was born in Williamson county, Tennessee,
on April 1, 1819, being the son of Jesse E. and Elizabeth Ann
Smith (Greeg) Williams, both of whom were natives of Virginia,
and both of Welsh ancestry. His parents were married in the Old
Dominion, shortly afterward moving to Williamson county, Tennessee,
in which latter place T. C. Williams was born. Subsequently they
removed to Bedford county, the same State, when T. C. Williams
was quite small, and it was there that he was reared. His parents
had six children, all reaching adult years, three being still
alive. T. C. Williams was the only son and the oldest child.
After his father's death, and when he was about twelve years
of age, his mother married Colonel William Burnett, and T. C.
Williams remained a member of his stepfather's family until he
was grown. His youthwas spent on a farm, and he received his
education in Dixon Academy, at Shelbyville, Tennessee.
On June 24,1841, he was married to Miss Sarah
M. Hughes, who was born in North Carolina on March 24, 1819,
a daughter of William and Elsie Hughes. Her parents moved from
North Carolina to Tennessee when she was quite young, where she
was reared, receiving her education at Columbia Female College,
Maury county, of the same State. After his marriage Mr. Williams
settled on a farm in Bedford county, Tennessee, where he remained
until lie came to Texas, making the journey overland with horse
teams. On arriving in Dallas county he first located on a headright
in Peters' colony, where he resided until 1855, thence removing
to Cedar Springs. At this latter place he purchased land and
followed farming for over thirty years, remaining there until
1887. Mr. Williams taught the first school in Dallas county for
one term, and his wife has the distinction of having been the
first female teacher in Dallas county.
He and his wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. His wife died on January 20, 1869, leaving
to him the care of six children. They had had ten children:
1. George E. Williams, born April 5, 1842, died November 1, 1857
2. Archelaus Madison Williams, born May 10, 1844, died December
25, 1848
3. William Hughes Williams, born September 3, 1846, died October
15, 1848
4. Alice Ann Elizabeth Williams, born January 3, 1849, is the
wife of Captain J. S. Dowell, of McKinney, Texas
5. Thomas Jefferson Williams, born January 2, 1851, died September
28, 1887
6. Sarrenar Margaret Oleria Williams, born September 17, 1853,
died September 10, 1854
7. Mary Jane Williams, born June 20, 1855, is the wife of J.
S. Hughes, of Dallas county, Texas
8. Ben Hester Williams, born May 18, 1857, is now a resident
of Kaufman county, Texas
9. Buck Holmes Williams, born August 31, 1859, died August 1,
1860
10. Jesse B. Williams, born Deceniber 14, 1862, lives in Kaufman
county, Texas.
Politically, Mr. Williams affiliates
with the Democratic party. During the war he served eight months
in Colonel Nat. M. Burford's regiment, being discharged on account
of ill health. He was twice elected to the position of Assessor
and Tax Collector of Dallas county, to which office he was appointed
during the war by the Comptroller of State. When he was elected
to that office the county was in debt,and county scrip was worth
only 50 cents on the dollar, but during the four years he served
as Collector the county liquidated all debts and built a $4,000
courthouse, besides having, a surplus in the treasury. This of
itself is sufficient encomium upon the fidelity and integrity
of the T. C. Williams, had he never done anything else worthy
of esteem. Mr. Williams also took the first scholastic census
of his county, which was ably done.
His unswerving fidelity and unfaltering integrity
are matters of comment in this day of uncertainty, while his
uniformly cordial and courteous manner have only served to adorn
his more rugged qualities and endear him to the community at
large, and enlist for him the affectionate regard of his family
and a host of personal friends. It would seem that he had earned
all happiness and that misfortune and death would lay their hand
gently on him; but such is the mutability of human affairs that
the great and good suffer alike with the ignoble and poor.
Thomas C. Williams, is the only survivor of
the seven brothers-in-law who married sisters, daughters of William
and Alcy Hughes, in Tennessee, and who emigrated to Dallas county,
Texas, in an early day in the order in which they are named,
to wit:
1. William M. Cochran
2. Isaac B. Webb
3. Thomas C. Williams
4. O. W. Knight
5. John B. Bachman
6. George W. Record
7. Levi R. Dennis
all of whom were prominent members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church South, two of whom were ministers
of the gospel, to wit: John B. Bachman and Levi R. Dennis. All
of the above named were leading citizens of Dallas county in
their day, none of them ever having been arraigned in the courts
or charged with any dishonorable act. In fact, the characters
of all seven were above reproach and worthy of emulation.
On September 28, 1887, Mr. Williams had the
misfortune to lose his son, Thomas J. Williams, aged thirty-seven
years, who died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He was a young man
of great promise and much beloved, as is shown by tile resolutions
of respect, and an article "In Memoriam," which we
subjoin:
Resolutions of Respect.
To the Worship Master, Wardens and Brethren of Wichita Lodge, No. 635, A. F. & A. M.:
We, your committee, appointed to draft resolutions relative to the death of our esteemed brother, Thomas J. Williams, respectfully submit the following:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Great Architect
of the universe to take from our midst our beloved brother, Thomas
J. Williams, and to transplant his spirit to that house not made
with hands, eternal in the skies; and as we desire to grive expression
to the confidence and love with which we cherish his memory;
therefore be it resolved,
First, That in the death of Thomas J. Williams
the community has lost one of its most trusted and useful citizens,
society one of its purest and best members, Masonry one of its
most faithful supporters, who by his daily walk and conversation
constantly illustrated the truth and beauty of its sublime tenets;
and his family lost a tender, devoted and noble husband, father
and protector.
Second, That while our hearts are filled with
grief at the loss of our brother, yet we recognize in this affliction
the hand of our Supreme Grand Master, who doeth all things well,
and we bow with humble submission to his will, trusting and believing
that our loss is our brother's gain.
Third, That we offer our sincere sympathy to
the family of our deceased brother in this their great bereavement,
and assure them that their sorrow is our sorrow, that we mourn
and mingle our tears with theirs.
Fourth, That these resolutions be spread upon
the minutes of the lodge, and that a copy of them be sent to
the family of our deceased brother, and to the Wichita Herald
for publication.
W. E. BROTHERS,
C. E. REID,
W. A. MCCUTCHEN ,
Committee.
In Memoriam
Died, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, September 28, 1887, Thomas
J. Williams, aged thirty-seven years. The deceased was born in
Dallas county, Texas, January 26, 1850; was one of the earliest
settlers in Wichita county, and at the time of his death one
of her best known and most highly respected citizens. He was
elected a member of the first Commissioners' Court when the county
was organized, was re-elected and served two years, declining
running again in 1884, but was elected a member of the present
court in 1886, and served until last July, when he resigned on
account of his health.
To those who knew him it is unnecessary to
speak any words of praise in behalf of his memory, for his genial,
kindly nature, his fidelity and unswerving honesty in every position
of life, both public and private, secured for him the love and
esteem of all who knew him, and the entire community united,
during his last illness, in their efforts to allay his sufferings,
and to testify their appreciation of and respect for him. Mr.
Williams died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he had gone
with the hope that his health might be restored, but Providence
has decreed otherwise. His remains were brought to Wichita Falls,
and interred on October 2, in the presence of his family and
friends, and the number in attendance at his funeral was only
another evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by the
entire community. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church about two years ago, and the members of his family, his
relatives and friends, sorrow not as those who have no hope;
they are consoled by the promises made by the ascended Savior
to those who trust in Him.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 461-462.
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to Index
J.
T. DARGAN, one of the prominent
business men of Dallas, was born in Fairfield district, South
Carolina, in 1846, son of Dr. K. S. Dargan and wife, both natives
of the Palmetto State.
Mr. Dargan received his education in his native State.
He took a course of study at the Citadel Academy, and afterward
entered the University of Soath Carolina, where he graduated
with the class of 1867. He enlisted in the army in 1863, and
served in White's battalion, doing duty in defense of Charleston
and the coast. He stood the service remarkably well, being regarded
as one of the toughest men in his company.
The war over, he began the study of law with Carrol,
Melton & Melton, at Columbia, South Carolina, but he never
engaged in the practice of law. In 1869 he embarked in the life
and fire insurance business and pursued it with success at various
points in the South until he came to Dallas, in 1875, where he
devoted his energies to fire insurance only, being a member of
the firm of Dargan & Trezevant, insurance managers, until
1889. This firm built up the largest, business in the South,
running over $500,000 net premiums a year. On retiring from the
insurance business in 1889, Mr. Dargan promoted and organized
the Security Mortgage and Trust Company of Dallas. The officers
are as follows: J. T. Trezevant, president; J, T. Dargan, vice-president;
J. C. O'Connor, second vice-president; Guy Sumpter, third vice-president;
W. W. Rogers, secretary; E. M. Reardon, treasurer. The assets
of the company amount to $2,250,000. Their building, which is
now near completion, with the grounds, cost $250,000. It is conveniently
located and is undoubtedly one of the finest structures in the
Southwest for office purposes. There are over 100 rooms for offices
above the ground floor. Of this immense business Mr. Dargan is
the head and front.
He is a man of Scotch-Irish extraction and has marked
individuality. Ile is a thoroughly self-made man; has been an
earnest student in every line of business in which he has engaged;
has been a splendid success in the insurance business; and all
who know him in business relations appreciate him for his true
worth and good business qualifications. He has a beautiful home
with attractive surroundings and everything to make life enjoyable.
Mr. Dargan is well known in the Eastern cities as throughout
the Southwest, his business relations having brought him in contact
with many of the prominent men of New York, Philadelphia and
Baltimore. He affiliates with the Democratic party, but is not
a politician. In 1880 he took the prize in Chicago for the ablest
essay on the subject of Fire Insurance, against the best talent
in the United States.
Mr. Dargan was married in 1876, to Miss Teresse Carlton,
daughter of R. G. Carlton, of Union Point, Georgia. To them have
been born three children:
1. Ret Dargan
2. J. T. Dargan
3. Ellie Dargan
Mrs. Dargan is a lady of culture, refinement and social attainments, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Dargan, accompanied by his wife, has traveled extensively in Europe, visiting its principal cities.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 433-434.
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JOHN W. MERRIFIELD, deceased, set-tled in Dallas county in 1849,
but was a native of Kentucky, born near Louisville March 12,
1823, a son of John and Sarah Merrifield, both of whom were born
in the blue-grass regions of Kentucky. John W. Merrifield, was
brought up on a farm and upon his removal to Texas in the fall
of 1849, he was thoroughly familiar with all the details of the
business. He at once lo-cated on a farm which he had previously
secured about five miles west of Dallas, where he assisted his
father, who had also come to this section, in improving the land.
After remaining with his father until 1853 he em-barked in the
grocery business, to which his attention was devoted for two
years. He then turned his business over to the mangement of a
clerk, and upon a tract of 320 acres of wild land he began the
task of improving.
He was married August 18,1859, to Miss A. E. Hern,
a native of Clay county, Missouri and a daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Sloan) Hern, Tennesseeans by birth, who were of French
and Irish descent respectively and who removed to Missouri in
an early day. The Herns came to Texas in 1844 and settled in
Red River county, where they resided four years; then he came
to Dallas county, arriving May 10, 1849, where the father died
in 1859, at the age of fifty-two years, the mother being still
a resident of Dallas. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield
settled on the headright he had purchased and he soon after closed
up his business in Dallas and began giving his entire attention
to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until his death.
They became the parents of six children, five of whom still survive:
1. Sarah Elizabeth Merrifield, the wife of James Freeman
2. William Jefferson Merrifield
3. Thomas Alexander Merrifield
4. John Samuel Merrifield, who died in 1878 at the age of eight
months
5. Charles Boone Merrifield
6. Rachel J. Merrifield
Mr. Merrifield was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died while in full communion with that church, September 8, 1888, not only his immediate and sorrowing family mourning his loss, but also a large circle of friends. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M., socially. During the Civil war he served in the Commissary Department. His widow, who is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, resides on the home place which is managed by one of her sons. Mr. Merrifield first started out in life on borrowed capital, but by giving his closest attention to his business, and by good management, he accumulated a large property, becoming the owner of 1,080 acres of land, some of the most fertile of Dallas county. He was a successsul business man, and his honorable way of conducting his affairs won him the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 434-435.
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D. L. STUART, carpenter and builder of Dallas, was born in
Lincolnton, Lincoln county, North Carolina, in 1841, the third
in a family of eight children of N. T. and Caroline (Robinson)
Stuart, natives also of North Carolina. His father, a mechanic
and farmer, and his niother are still living, on a farm in North
Caroling. The Stuarts of North Carolina are descendants of two
brothers, Scotchmen, who settled near Davison College, that State,
before the Revolution. Both the grandfathers were in the Revolutionary
war and grandfather Robinson was a soldier also in the war of
1812; he was a native of County cork, Ireland.
Mr. D. L. Stuart, was attending a military college
of Charlotte at the breaking out of the war, and in 1862 be enlisted,
at Lincolnton, in Company G, Fifty-seventh North Carolina Volunteer
Infantry, as a private and color-bearer, or Sergeant, and was
engaged in the battle of Seven Pines, the Wilderness, of the
Shenandoah Valley, etc. At the battle of the Wilderness he received
a gunshot wound which was so severe that he was left on the field
for dead. He was confined in the hospital at Richmond, Virginia,
from May to July. Afterward he received another gunshot wound
in the foot, at the battle of Winchester, an he was also engaged
in the battle of Petersburg and at Newbern. He was paroled at
Appomattox Court House in 1865.
Returning to North Carolina, be attended school six
months. He was married in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina,
December 23, 1867, to Eliza Gibson, a native of that State and
daughter of Nicholas and Onslow (Hussey) Gibson, natives also
of that State, respectively of Fairfield and Charleston. Her
father was a cotton buyer and in later life a railroad agent,
and was finally killed at Killian's mill, South Carolina, in
1850, in a railroad wreck. Her mother died in 1862, in the same
State. Her grandfather Hussey, a native of England, was a seafaring
man who lost his vessels during the Revolutionary war. After
his marriage Mr. Stuart settled in South Carolina. In 1872 he
came to Dallas, and since that time be has followed his trade.
For the first several years he was employed by others, then waa
a contractor for a few years, and then worked by the day. He
has traveled over a large portion of this State, prospecting,
and has become interested in considerable land in western Texas.
Has taken much interest in politics, voting with the Democratic
party. For this party be is a member of the City Executive Committee,
but he is not desirous of office. He is a public-spirited citizen.
His children are:
1. A. M. Stuart
2. Etta T. Stuart (now Mrs. D. G. Hinckley in Dallas)
3. Thomas Stuart
4. Nannie Stuart
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 435-436.
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WILLIAM KELLEY, dealer in general merchandise, is one of the
prosperous bnsiness men of Dallas, Texas.
Mr. Kelley was born in Lockport, New York, January
1, 1850, son of Thomas and Mary (Hicks) Kelley, who were natives
of Ireland, and who were married in New York. His father, a civil
engineer, went to Wisconsin as a surveyor in 1852, and bought
a farm and settled on it in Dodge county. He died there in 1862,
aged forty years, and his wife in 1864, aged forty-five. Both
were devout Catholics. Their family of nine children are as follows:
1. Ann Kelley, wife of John Manning
2. William Kelley
3. Mary Kelley, a sister in the convent, Sacred Heart, at St.
Louis
4. Ellen Kelley, wife of Michael Murphy; Thomas
5. Elizabeth Kelley, a sister in the Milwaukee convent
6. John Kelley, who died at the age of eleven years
7. Margaret Kelley
8. Catherine Kelley, wife of James Murphy
William Kelley received his education
in the leading schools of Wisconsin. February 6, 1862, at the
age of twelve years and thirty-seven days, he enlisted
in Company D, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, and remained in
the service of the Union until the war was practically over.
He was probably the youngest soldier in the Federal army. Tall,
mature-looking, wiry and tough, with a nature bold and daring,
frank and generous, be combined physical strength and powers
of endurance, and was thus equipped with soldierly traits possessed
by few. He participated in many of the principal engagements
of the war, wab never wounded or imprisoned, and after leaving
the service returned to New York, reaching that city on the Saturday
following the assassination of President Lincoln. After remaining
in New York about a month, he went to Chicago, thence to St.
Louis, and from there to Little Rock, Arkansas. At the latter
place be clerked in the Quartermaster's Department for a time,
after which he was employed by the Government to exhume the dead
Union soldiers and remove them to the cemetery at Little Rock.
Leaving the Government service,. Mr. Kelley was engaged
as passenger agent on a line of boats (also bad charge of the
mail) between Little Rock and Memphis, being thus employed three
years. The following two years be clerked in the railway station
at Little Rock, after which he was captain of a ferry boat three
years. After that he took a course in a commercial college of
that city, and at the same time was engaged in buying cotton
on the streets on a commission,
Mr. Kelley dates his arrival in Texas in 1876. He
clerked in a grocery in San Antonio for nearly a year, after
which he canvassed for various articles in several cities. In
1877 be engaged in his present business in Dallas. As a merchant
he has been very successful, and has also made some money in
the real-estate business.
Mr. Kelley was married May 10, 1881, to Miss Anna
Fleshheimer, stepdaughter of Henry Guyer, of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Her father died in St. Louis when she was nine years of age.
Her mother passed away in Little Rock, in 1890. Mr. and Mrs.
Kelley have three children:
1. Elsie Kelley
2. Thomas J. Kelley
3. Stafford E. Kelley
He is a Catholic, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 436-437.
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D. M. LINDSAY, of the firm of Lindsay & Reid, contractors
and builders, Dallas, have a stone yard on Pacific av-enue and
Broadway, where they dress and prepare building Stone of every
description. Among the principal structures
furnished with stone by this company are the Guild and the Jones
buildings, the Dallas Club- house, F. M. Cockrell building on
Main street, the Sanger building, the Baptist Church on the corner
of Patterson avenue and Ervay street, the Barton building and
the Simpson, Huffman & Ardrey building all in Dallas, besides
a bank building at Waxahachie; and they have contracted for the
courthouse in Limestone county, Texas. Mr. Lindsay also did the
stone work on the patrol station, in Dallas, on the C. T. Rowan
building, on Main street, etc., besides a vast amount of trimming
on business blocks, public buildings and residences. He first
came to Dallas in 1883, at first working by the day on the Windsor
Hotel and the Merchants' Exchange building. About 1887 he forrned
his present partnership. Mr. Lindsay was born in Edinburgh, Scotland,
in June, 1862, the oldest child in a family of four sons of David
and Sarah Lindsay, natives respectively of Scotland and England.
He was very young when his mother died; but his father,
also a stone mason by trade, is still living, in Edinburgh. Mr.
Lindsay was reared in the city of Edinburgh, learning his trade
there. In 1881 he went to London for a while, following his vocation,
then returned to Scotland, and in March, 1882, he sailed from
Glasgow to America, landing at New York. For a time he worked
at Cleveland, Ohio, and towns in the vicinity, and visited LaFayette,
Indiana, and came thence to Dallas.
He was married in December, 1888, in Dallas, to Helen
Struthers, of Strathaven, Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Mr. Lindsay votes with the Democratic party, but
is not active in political circles. Socially, he is a member
of Dallas Lodge, No. 70, K. of P., and of Coa ur de Lion Division,
No. 8, of the Uniformed Rank. He and his wife are members of
the Second Presbyterian Church. He has always been identified
with the best interests, both material and moral, of the city
of Dallas.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 437.
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J. C. GARISON was born in Boone county, Missouri, August 22,
1844. His father, W. C. Garison, a native of North Carolina and
of Irish ancestry, went to California in 1850, and died there
in 1852. The mother was a native of Missouri and a daughter of
William Huff, who went from. Tennessee to Missouri among the
pioneers of that country. The Huffs were of English ancestry.
When J. C. Garison was nine years old he was left
an orphan. and at that age was thrown upon his own resources.
In 1859 he started across the plains to California, assisting
in driving a large herd of cattle and being from May until the
following November in making the journey. After arriving in California
lie worked at various occupations for eight years; attended school
two years of the time; returned to Missouri, and in 1869 came
to Texas, locating in Lisbon, Dallas county, where he engaged
in farming. He was married July 9, 1874, to Miss Sally Pallord,
a native of Virginia and a daughter of T. J. and Elizabeth Pallord,
early settlers of Dallas county. After his marriage he lived
near Lisbon for one year, then moved to Cedar Creek, near Oak
Cliff, where he lived fourteen years, and in, 1888 sold out and
purchased his present farm. Here he owns 314 acres of improved
land, 200 acres of which are under cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Garison are the parents of three children:
1. Nellie Garison
2. Ida Garison
3. Clyde Garison
Mr. Garison is associated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the Tannehill Lodge. Mrs. Gari8on is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 437-438.
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J. W. EDMONDSON, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, has been
identified with the interests of Dallas county since 1850. He
is a native of Tennessee, born in Shelbyville, November 17, 1839,
the oldest son of W. T. and Sarah A. (Davis) Edmondson. When
he was eleven years old be with his father's family started for
Texas and after spending one season in Louisiana arrived in Dallas.
Here he was reared and received his early education, com-pleting
his studies at Baylor University, In-dependence, Texas. In 1860
he went to Tennessee to attend school, but the war came on and
he returned to Texas, and in 1861 enlisted in Company C, Colonel
Dannell's Regiment. He served in the Indian Nation, in Arkansas
and Louisiana, and at the close of the war camehome with the
rank of Captain.
December 23, 1865, Mr. Edmondson married Miss Bettie
H. Miller, a daughter of William B. Miller. After his marriage
Mr. Edmondson settled at Cedar Springs and remained there one
year. Then he located on the old place where Mrs. Edmondson departed
this life September 5, 1872, leaving one child, John Franklin,
born September 21.1867, who now holds a position in the Ninth
National Bank of Dallas. After the death of his wife Mr. Edmondson
moved to his present farm and built the home he now occupies.
Here he owns 8251 acres of land, which is devoted to general
farming.
Politically be is a Democrat.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 438.
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BENJAMIN L. BRANSON, a member of one of the pioneer families of
Dallas county, is a farmer and stock-raiser and lives in Precinct
No. 5, his post office being Wheatland.
Mr. Branson was born in Sangamon county, Illinois,
October 7, 1850, son of Thomas and Louisa (Cole) Branson. When
he was three years old he was brought by his parents to Texas,
and was reared on a farm in Dallas county. His education was
obtained in the common schools and completed at Mansfield, Tarrant
county, this State. His father died in 1864 and the following
year his mother passed away. He, however, continued to reside
on the old homestead until 1875 at which time he engaged in farming
for himself on a part of the land his father had owned. He now
has a farm of 280 acres of well improved and highly cultivated
land, or, which he is engaged in general farming. He also owns
twenty-five acres of timber land. Mr. Branson was married, November
14, 1886, to Miss S. K. Davis, a native of Tennessee. Although
born in Tennessee, she was reared in Tarrant county, having been
brought here in 1858, when an infant, by her parents, P. G. and
Caroline Davis. Their union has been blessed with three children:
1. Carrie Louise Branson
2. Tom Branson
3. Ada Mozelle Branson
Mr. and Mrs. Branson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Fraternally, he is associated with the A. F. & A. M.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 438-439.
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FAYETTE ROBERT ROWLEY, a prominent citizen of Dallas, was born in
New York State in 1840, son of Robert S. and Sophia (Taylor)
Rowley. His father, a native of Connecticut, moved to Ohio early
in life, was married there and returned to New York and afterward
to Ohio again. He finally died in Texas, in 1885, at the age
of seventy years. By occupation he was a farmer and stock-raiser.
His wife, a native of Ohio, is still a resident of that State.
Mr. Lafayette R. Rowley, received a good education,
followed clerking for a while, taught school two years, and in
1876 came to Dallas as a representative of Russell & Co.,
of Massillon, Ohio, with headquarters here, having as his territory
the States of Texas and Louisiana, Indian Territory and old Mexico.
In big extensive travels in the interest of his company he saw
many queer and startling scenes in pioneer life. His engines
and threshers were often moved over 100 miles by eight or ten
yoke cf oxen, that had brought in loads of buffalo hides. Ill
health at length compelled him to abandon his hard, itinerant
work. In 1889 he was unanimously chosen by the City Council of
Dallas as Auditor, which position he filled with greater fidelity,
perhaps, than they had ever before. He had three and a half years
experience as Alderman, being Chairman of the Committee on Finance
and Municipal Affairs. In the discharge of his official duties
he was careful, conscientious and energetic.
For his home he purchased eight acres of the Eakin
tract, adjoining the city park, and on that lovely spot built
an elegant residence, which he now occupies. The premises are
embellished with flowers and furnished with all that culture
could dictate. It is indeed an ideal home one of the kind that
trains the best class of citizens, and to which his children
will ever turn with pleasure.
Mr. Rowley has been a member of the Masonic order
for twenty-eight years, and of the order of the Knights of Pythias
for ten years; he has represented the last named several years
in the grand lodge. On national questions he is a Republican,
but locally he votes for the "best man." No man in
Dallas county is more popular than Mr. Rowley.
He was married in 1862 to Miss Maria S. Ensign, of
Ohio, a woman of sterling worth, than whom no one is more highly
esteemed. The children by this marriage are:
1. Robert E. Rowley, who died at the age of thirteen years
2. Sophia E. Rowley, now Mrs. P. G. Gordon, of New York
3. Emma E. Rowley
4. Mary E. Rowley, who died in infancy,
5. Fayette Robert Rowley, Jr
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, p. 439.
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G. W. FLEMING, farmer and stockraiser, Dallas, Dallas county,
Texas, dates his birth in Knox county, east Tennessee, September
2, 1827. He is the oldest of the family of eight children born
to Washington S. and Ruth (Brown) Fleming, natives of Tennessee
and Virginia respectively and of English and Scotch ancestry.
When he was fourteen years old his parents removed to Montgomery
county, Illinois, where be was reared on the farm and educated
in the subscription schools, held in primitive log schoolhouses,
remaining a member of his father's household until he reached
his twenty-fifth year.
In 1854 Mr. Fleming came to Texas, traveling through
with teams and being thirty days enroute. For two years be rented
land, after which he went to the western part of the State and
spent one year in what is now Jack county, then unexplored and
inhabited chiefly by Indians and wild animals. From that place
he came back to Dallas county and purchased ninety-six acres
of wild land, at once beginning to make improvements on it. He
was married September 30, 1856, to Miss C. J. Britain, daughter
of Joseph Britain. After his marriage lie settled on his present
farm, which, from its wild State he has brought to a high standard
of development. An attractive feature of his place is a fine
grove of shade-trees which he planted. As a curiosity we may
mention here that Mrs. Fleming adorns her house with a beautiful
hair wreath, consisting of locks of hair taken from 117 different
members of five generations of the family.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, three children were born,
two of whom are still living:
1. Rachel Anna Fleming, the eldest daughter, was born December
5, 1857 in 1881, was united in marriage to Mr. C. E. Logan (son
of Dr. A. R. Logan), of Davenport, Iowa; five children blessed
this union, four of whom are still living: three girls and one
boy. Mrs. Logan is a member of the Christian Church.
2. Lee Fleming, second child, a son, born Deceniber 25, 1866,
in Dallas county, Texas, died in Pana, Illinois, July 13, 1868,
aged one year and seven months
3. Shular V. Fleming, the youngest son, was born in Dallas county,
Texas, April 9, 1871, and resides with his parents on the old
home place.
Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have twice made
the trip back to Illinois with teams since they took up their
abode in Texas. In politics be is independent. Mrs. Fleming is
a member of the Christian Church.
In connection with the history of Mr. Fleming's parents,
it should be further stated that his father died in 1864, aged
sixty-one years, and his mother is still living, in Illinois,
having reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. She retains
her mental and physical powers to a remarkable degree. Seven
of their eight children still survive. She has forty-six grandchildren,
twenty-eight of whom are living, and she has twenty-four great-grandchildren,
of whom twenty-one are living.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 439-440.
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MOSES GOODFELLOW, of Dallas county, was born in Meigs county,
Ohio, January 12, 1820, a son of Peter B. and Annie (Crow) Goodfellow.
The father, a native of New York, moved to Meigs county, Ohio,
at an early date, later to Mason county, Virginia, and in 1841
to Randolph county, Missouri, where be died in 1869, at tile
age of eighty-five years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812,
for which he received head warrants in Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Goodfellow were married in New York, and the wife accompanied
her husband in all his moves, sharing his fortunes, and survived,
him eight years, dying in Randolph county, Missouri, in July,
1877, at the age of eighty-four years. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Goodfellow are:
1. Melanethon Goodfellow
2. Susan Goodfellow
3. Moses Goodfellow
4. John Goodfellow
5. Peter Goodfellow
6. Adam Goodfellow
7. James Goodfellow
8. Mary Goodfellow
All the children are now deceased except
Moses Goodfellow and a sister, Susan Goodfellow, who is now the
widow of Francis Wolf, and resides in Randolph county, Missouri.
Moses Goodfellow settled in Missouri when a young
man, and in the fall of 1860 he came to Dallas county. Before
coming to this State, he traded for 205 acres of land in Dallas
county, and to this be has since added uutil he now owns, 276
acres on Grapevine Prairie, about one-half of which is in cultivation,
and the remainder in pasture. Mr. Goodfellow also owns ninety
acres of timber land near his homestead, and forty-five acres
on the West Fork of the Trinity. He has done all the improving
on his home place, having fenced the entire tract, cultivated
about 100 acres, set out a fine orchard, and erected a comfortable,
two-story frame house.
Mr. Goodfellow was married in Missouri, November
25, 1846, to Nancy Beale, who was born in Boone county, Kentucky,
December 16, 1828. She was taken by her parents, Thomas and Lucy
Beale, to Missouri when ten years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow
have reared a large family of children, all of whom are now grown,
and most of whom are married. They are as follows:
1. Orillia Goodfellow, born February 7, 1848
2. Lucy Ann Goodfellow, January 20, 1850. Lucy Ann died October
11, 1870.
3. William B. Goodfellow May 16, 1852. William B. married Sarah
E. Jasper, of Dallas county.
4. Sarah Nancy Goodfellow, June 29, 1854. Sarah Nancy died September
17, 1880;
5. John James Goodfellow, August 11, 1856. John James was married
December 20, 1882, to Lou Swan, of Tarrant county.
6. Thomas Peter Goodfellow, February 15, 1859. Thomas Peter was
married February 27, 1889, to Idelia Burgoon.
7. Mary Frances Goodfellow, August 26, 1861. Mary Frances was
the wife of Isaac D. Houston, of Tarrant county; She died
October 22, 1882.
8. Mosettie Goodfellow, March 12, 1864. Mosettie was married
to William Lucas, of Dallas county, October 20, 1886.
9. Robert Goodfellow, March 26, 1867. Robert married Fannie Foster,
of Coleman county, Texas, March 26, 1891.
.Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, the former having been baptized at Sweet Springs Church, Randolph county, Missouri, October 12, 1849, and the latter at Bear Creek Church, Tarrant county, July 27, 1875.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 440-441.
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JOHN B. MAY was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, November
1, 1847, and was seven months old when his parents emigrated
to Texas. They first settled in Bonham and after remaining there
two years moved to McKinney. They soon afterward located in Dallas
county, and there John B. was reared on a farm and received a
common-school education. When a boy he was full of energy and
push, and since grown has been engaged in various enterprises,
always making a success of whatever he undertook. After his marriage,
which occurred January 6, 1869, he engaged in farming. He subsequently
turned his attention to the grocery business and conducted a
store two years. He afterward ran a market house at Dallas. Next
we find him in Palo Pinto county, west Texas, conducting a cattle
ranch. In 1881 he returned to Dallas, farmed one year and then
sold groceries two years. In 1884 he moved to Farmers' Branch,
where he has since remained and is now the leading merchant and
produce dealer of the place. During the season of 1890 he bought
about 400 bales of cotton, fully one half of all that was sold
at this market. The grain crop of 1890 being a failure, he shipped
corn from Kansas and sold to farmers here for their stock. Mr.
May has recently built a fine residence. He also owns his store
building.
His father, Andrew J. May, was a native of Kentucky.
He taught school in his early life, and after be was able to
buy a farm he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. After
an active and useful life he died, near the city of Dallas, in
February, 1863. During the war be served from 1861 until the
time of his death. He was detailed to im-portant branches of
the Confederate service, his duty being chiefly in the vicinity
of his home. His wife was before her marriage Miss Mary White.
Her father was one of the earliest pioneers of Texas. After his
death his daughter returned to Kentucky, where Mr. May met and
married her, and they then came back to Texas, as above stated.
Their union was blessed with seven children, three sons and four
daughters, all of whom are living and filling honorable positions
in life. Their names are as follows:
1. John B. May
2. Eliza J. May, wife of B. F. Jones, an ex-Sheriff of Dallas
county
3. Benjamin A. May, who resides in Dallas
4. Bell May, wife of J. B. Slanter, reside, in Colorado City
5. Davis W. May, who is engaged in the real estate business in
San Antonio
6. Lulu May, a resident of Dallas
7. Sally May, who married Thomas Scurlock and is now living at
Cleburne, Johnson county, Texas.
John B. May married Miss Sally A. Thompson,
daughter of M. M. Thompson of Tennessee. Her father came to Texas
before the war and was prominent in many enteprises here. His
death occurred in 1886. This happy union has resulted in the
birth of eight children, seven of whom are still living. Their
names are
Byron May
Allie May. Allie is the wife of M. W. Cox, a Dallas county farmer.
Minnie May
Jennie B. May
Lela May
Edward May
Lee May
Annie May
Lee May died in 1889, at the age of two years
The others are all at home with their
parents.
Politically, Mr. May affiliates with the Democratic
party.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 441-442.
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MONTIOLLION SHAWVER, a farmer of Precinct No. 3, also interested
in a large cattle ranch in Baylor county, Texas, was born in
Missouri, a son of John and Caroline (Walker) Shawver, natives
of Virginia and of English parentage. The father came to Missouri
in an early day and settled in Macon county, eight miles from
the city of Macon, where he engaged in farming. He served as
Justice of the Peace of his precinct, and became prominently
identified with the growth and development of his county. The
parents had ten children, namely:
Benton Shawver, deceased
Amanda Shawver, the wife of L. C. Ebrite, of Mesquite
Daniel Shawver, deceased
Elisha Shawver, deceased
John Shawver, who resides in Baylor county, Texas
George Shawver, a resident of this township
Nannie Shawver, the wife of Richard Mathews
Montiollion Shawver
Lora Shawver, in Dallas county
Robert Shawver, who resides in Baylor county.
The father came to this State in 1869,
locating north of Dallas for two years, and in 1871 bought 260
acres of land east of Mesquite, paying from $5 to $10 per acre.
His death occurred in 1880, at the age of eighty years, and his
wife died in 1872, at the age of fifty years.
Montiollion Shawver was educated in the common schools,of
his native county,and at the age of twenty-one years commenced
life for himself. He remained on his father's farm until 1883,
when he removed to Baylor county, and in company with his brothers,
Robert and John, conducted a ranch, owning one section of land.
Thirty acres of this land is improved, and part is sown in Johnson
grass and the remainder is in pasture. The brothers also own
about 4,200 head of cattle of all ages.
Mr. Shawver was married in 1881, to Linnie Rowe,
a daughter of William and Emily (McDaniel) Rowe, natives of Tennessee
and Illinois. The parents carne to this State about the same
time, where they were married, in 1845, and the next year settled
on the place now owned by our Montiollion Shawver, consisting
of 160 acres. Mr. Rowe first erected a log house, not having
built a frame dwelling till after the war. Before the war he
owned 550 acres of land, one of the finest farms in the county,
where he erected good buildings, etc. He died July 21, 1888,
at the age of sixty years, and his wife died in 1889. They were
the parents of three children:
1. Linnie Rowe, wife of Mr. Shawver
2. W. S. Rowe, of Dallas
3. Emma Rowe, the wife of A. F. Cross, also of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. Shawver are the parents of three children: Emma L., M. R. and Veda C.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 442-443.
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LUDOVIC C. LEEDS, one of the most enterprising and energetic
of Dallas city's business men, was born in New York city, in
1842, and is a son of Alexander and Susan E. Leeds. The father
is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, but was reared to agricultural
pursuits. He emigrated to Michigan, and for many years held offices
of honor and trust in Berrien county. He still resides there,
and is one of its most highly respected citizens. The mother
of Ludovic C. Leeds was born in the West Indies, and was the
daughter of a physician. She died in 1860. They reared a family
of three children, all of whom are living at the present time.
Ludovic C. Leeds was educated in the common schools
and began life as a clerk in his father's office. He remained
there three years and then enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, Company C, August 8, 1862. He saw service
in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina, and was with
General Burnside on the Knoxville campaign, and was with General
Thomas at Nashville, Tennessee. He was in many forced marches,
and participated in some of the most noted battles of the war.
After the declaration of peace he returned to Michigan,
and went thence to Omaha, Nebraska, where he secured employment
with the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In 1869 he came to Jefferson,
Texas, and opened a hotel, which he conducted until 1875. In
that year he came to Dallas and embarked in the lumber business.
He began at the bottom of the ladder, and mastered every detail
of that industry, profiting by the experience of older heads.
After several years of service under the direction of excellent
business men be formed a partnership with Mr. Conkling, under
the firm name of Leeds & Conkling, and purchased the plant
of one of the oldest and most reliable firms in the county. They
do a general lumber business, and have conducted their affairs
with much success. They have met with some adversities, the most
severe being the destruction of their mill by fire. They have
rebuilt, however, and are fairly re-established with their old
customers.
Mr. Leeds was married in 1875, to Miss Mattie Bartholomew,
of Michigam, and they are the parents of six children:
1. Alexander B. Leeds
2. Ludovic Leeds
3. Mary Leeds, who died at the age of one year
4. Will L. Leeds
5. Jessie M. Leeds, twin of Carlos W. Leeds
6. Carlos W. Leeds, twin of Jessie M. Leeds
Ludovic C. Leeds is an active member of John A. Dix Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and holds one of the offices of the post. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an interest in all the enterprises that have for the object the elevation of humanity.
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 443-444.
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WILLIAM E. BEST, who is actively engaged in mercantile trade
in Dallas, Texas, has been a resident of the city and prominently
connected with her commerce since 1874. The lot where his
handsome residence stands was then in the suburbs. He purchased
this land and a small grocery store located on the corner of
Caroline and McKinney streets, where he had his first experience
in mercantile life; he continued in business there until the
end of eighteen months when he found his quarters were too small
for the growing demands of his trade, and established himself
in the commodious quarters he now occupies at 161 Ross avenue.
Here he has by fair means, industry, and an intelligent comprehension
of the conditions of the markets, built up a trade of which any
man might well be proud.
Mr. Best is an American citizen by adoption, his
native land being the Einerald Isle, county Armagh, where he
first saw the light of day May 26, 1839. He is the second of
a family of nine children born to Robert and Sarah (Thompson)
Best, natives of Ireland; the father was a land owner in that
country, residing in county Armagh; be died in 1867, and his
wife survived him two years. In 1854 William E. Best bade farewell
to home and friends and native land, and crossed the sea to America,
landing in New York city; he started West at once, and stopped
in Hillsboro, Illinois, where he remained until the beginning
of the Civil war. In September, 1862, he went io Springfield,
Illinois, and there enlisted in defense of the flag of his adopted
land. He joined Company A, Ninty-seventh Volun-teer Infantry,
and was transported to Vicksburg. To trace the Ninety-seventh
through all the varying fortunes of warfare would be an oft-told
tale. Suffice it to say, that Mr. Best bravely and gallantly
participated in the engagement at Arkansas Post, the siege, of
Vicksburg, the attack on Fort Gibson, at which place he was commissioned
First Lieutenant, the battle of Edwards Station, Black River
Bridgge, Jackson, Mississippi, and many of less note. Mr. Best
was mustered out of the service at Galveston with the rest of
the Ninety-seventh in August, 1865, and honorably discharged
at Springfield, Illinois.
In January, 1865, during the war, he was united in
marriage to Miss Isabella Otway, a daughter of John A. Otway,
of New Orleans. Mr. Otway was the owner of a fine line of steamers
on the Mississippi, and he was otherwise interested in the trausportation
lines of Now Orleans. He was well known in business circles throughout
the South; his death occurred in New Orleans in 1876.
After his return from the war, Mr. Best settled down
to the more peaceful pursuit of agriculture, cultivating his
farm near Hillsboro, Illinois. There he lived until 1871, when
he removed to Louisiana; he purchased a plantation near St. Martinsville;
and made it his home for three years. Not being satisfied with
the results of this operation, he sold out and moved with his
family to Dallas county, Texas; he settled near the present city
on rented land, and in one year moved into Dallas. He has been
one of the energetic workers in commerce, and has largely aided
in establishing the present reputation of Dallas as a business
center.
Mr. and Mrs. Best are the parents of nine children:
1. Katie Best, the wife of Dr. Hicks
2. Florence Best is the motker of one son, Hugh
3. Philip K. Best
4. Maud Best
5. Zoe Best
6. Bessie Best
7. Willie Best
8. Robert Best
9. Edward Best
10. James Best
Dallas County, Texas, 1892, pp. 444-445.
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