^t^' F394 ^S2B7 mi W;. ^ k^.ti s fill •m.:. wmm K0»'fel iiipl i^P 'ft-Kq/ ^'igi^ Si i'c!'*fe m ;^;frSr!; '^^Mm m 'J-p;- \i^>-^^ ^«5lli:f?• 3<'"':Sa Pit: ;MIMf ili|: ^ih !n^ '.ill?'.,,,,,- S^^at^i^iiii ^■'4-^' iRUiKi ■f|f W'- ?it^5sxi*« ^5rll^:'^MiK!|W- M^sji^ji^^raKinir ■(!i '^^$k »S t^>j'4&.;;«ij; 'i^i14iy,|^. ■^'i'!- ■■S fi.,4«;. ?!>■ !? us, ijS-V"A'-: >5?-MlK m UWA- >!■» 5'>';- ■ifi!M«%li ■3 ^r A" ^ .0 « * • "* . „ , ^^ '^V ,*^ « o < ^0 « e AT) 'o . » » A \ Z' .v^; .^^ ^j^ .\ . P^>-y «^ ^/ :^^ V/ ;^^ %/ .^^ '"\rW¥- /%-^- /-% '-^m^ /% l^- ^ A^ *mi/i^^ mx ^niixnmns Issued under Personal Direction of and Edited by HARRY J. BOSWELL 1913 Representative San Antonians. City Builders Brief Resume of the City of San Antonio and a Limited Number of Prominent Men Who have done their full part to make the Texas Metropolis Respectfully dedicated to those self-made and progessive men of San Antonio, who have wooed and won success by following the straight and narrow pathways of honesty. -The A uthor PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE VOLUME Not compiled as a biographical history, but intended merely to give to the outside world an insight into the lives and accomplishments of residents of San Antonio who have helped to "make" the city — the best in the Southwest. Issued under Personal Direction of and Edited by Harry J. Boswell 19i'3 Copyrighted 1913 by Harry J. BoswELL— All Rights Reserved A FEW WORDS WITH THE AUTHOR X tho following pages will be found statistical and biographical nijitter, in my opinion, as near accurate as can be had, pertaining to not only San Antonio as a city, but to a limited number of its best known residents. I do not wish to convey the impression that the only representative people of San Antonio are found in this booklet. There may be many more just as prominent, but my work was jjlanned, in the beginning, not to include in excess of fifty and T have with care, selected those whom I regarded as most available for my work. It will be noticed that in looking over this volume there . are several comments exceedingly brief in character. This is no fault of mine. The gentlemen to whom they refer were unwilling that I should write anything of an extended nature, and while they exercised no control over me, nor was I then, nor now, under any sort of obligation to them, still I considered it best to grant their requests in that connection. Concluding, let me add this — that none appearing in this book has paid me, or agreed to pay me any consideration for the publication of anything whatsoever, of any nature. Some have ordered copies of the work reserved for them, while others have not. I think I may, with modesty, say that I am proud of the results of my own efforts in presenting to the public this work, the first of its character issued in San Antonio. ' Sincerely and obediently, HAERY J. BOSWELL, Author. SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS (Metropolis of Texas) HER MARVELOUS PROGRESS Founded as Presidio in 1718. Established as City in 1731. Became part of United States in 1846. Population (1910 census) 96,614; increase since 1910, estimated, 28,386. Climatic conditions, mean annual temperature 69 degrees; mean maxi- mum temperature 79 degrees; mean minimum temperature 58 degrees. Mortality, official record, 14.71 per 1000. Fifty-four passenger trains daily. Third in building operations in United States. Operations in 1912, $2,809,492.00. Bank clearings (1912) $180,000,000.00. Assessments (1912) $96,000,000.00. Annual tax rate, $1.44. Twenty-two parks and plazas, area 342 acres. Post office receipts (1912) $337,648.00. Center of the largest undeveloped acreage in United States. Trade territory, 600,000 square miles. Largest Army Post in United States. Finest Hot Sulphur Wells in country. No floating indebtedness. Three hundred and fourteen factories. Bonded indebtedness, $2,098,000.00. Altitude, from 651 to 758 feet. Street Railway System of nearly 100 miles. Mecca for tourists. ©CI.A345458 f^ ADVANTAGES OF SAN ANTONIO Brief Resume HHAT San Antonio is becoming one of the greatest jobbing centers in the southwest there can be little doubt, and new railroads pro- jected through this territory will develop conditioris, and bring many , 1 new opportunities for business and investments. There can be no doubt but that the city has developed, and is still developing rapidly. San Antonio is the shopping center of the southwest and a number of its retail houses are the largest south of St. Louis. Many tourists pass through the city annually, and to accommodate them the most modern hotels are found here. Real estate values have rapidly increased. The city has seven National banks, four State banks, four private banks and five Trust com- panies, the aggregate deposits of which average about $20,000,000.00. San Antonio, in my opinion, has the best equipped street railway system in the United States, population considered. The San Antonio Traction Com- pany, of which W. B. Tuttle is Vice President, operates about seventy-five miles of trackage, employing several hundred men. About seventy cars are operated regularly, with thirty more held in reserve. An average of about 20,000,000 passengers are carried annually. The cars used are what are known as the double truck, semi-convertable. They are equipped with air brakes and vestibules and are of the "pay as you enter" variety. The company, for the most part, uses an eighty-five pound rail in the city. There is one thing in the street railway service of San Antonio that has appealed to me very strong- ly—the employes of the corporation are unusually polite and attentive to passengers, and seem to make an especial effort to serve them in such manner as to merit public approval. The public school system of San Antonio is one of the best in the South- west. There are thirty public institutions of learning, of which twenty-four are grade schools for whites, two are high schools and four are schools for the negro population. In these schools are employed a total of about 350 teachers- The superintendent of the school system of San Antonio is one of the best trained men in educational work in the country, and has devoted much time to it. He was selected for his superior qualifications, and has brought about many needed improvements. The Chamber of Commerce of San Antonio is the largest body of its kind in the city, and perhaps in the entire State. It is made up of all classes of business and professional men, and has done more to advertise the city, and exploit its advantages to the outside world than any other similar body.' W. B. Tuttle, vice-president of the San Antonio Traction Company, is its presi- dent, while the secretary, J. B. Carrington, and other officials are all wide awake men. Most important among the factors that have united to place San Antonio upon the exalted plane it occupies today, are the churches, churches of prac- tically every denomination, faith and creed. No city in the country can excel San Antonio in its parks and plazas, covering a total area of approxinu^tely three hundred and fifty acres, while the magnificent driveways are indeed scenes of beauty. The Carnegie Library, presided over by Miss Cornelia Notz, librarian, has done much to assist in enlightening thousands who patronize it annually and is generally regarded as one of the best conducted in the country. The li- brarian, Miss Notz is especially trained in her work, and has surrounded her- self with an able corps of assistants. JUDGE THOMAS D. COBBS. In many parts of the country today are men who have gained distinction in the various avenues of life. In my opin- ion, the legal profession is pre-eminent and in its ranks are to be found many of the most brilliant men of today. In fact, there is scarcely any movement of importance but what members of this profession are interested, either directly or indirectly. Some of the best known lawyers in the south are residents of San Antonio. I do not recall anyone who commands greater respect nor who has achieved more universal success than Judge Thomas D, Cobbs, member of the legal firm of Cobbs, Eskridge & Cobbs. Judge Cobbs was born in Alabama, his father before him, being one of the most dis- tinguished jurists of the country. Judge Cobbs received his preparatory educa- tion in Lindisfarne Academy at Marion, Alabama. After reading law in his father's office he was admitted to the bar at Livingston in 1875. Prior to that time, however, he was Circuit Court So- licitor in Choctaw County, Alabama. Coming to Texas in 1878 he became the legal partner of Major Hannibal Boone, who, under the administration of Governor Coke, was Attorney General. Judge Cobbs located in San Antonio in 1893. For some time he was a member of the legal firm of Denman, Franklin, Cobbs & McGown. As a member of the state militia he was accorded the rank of Captain. He was also Lieutenant Colonel under Gov. Lanham. He served in the 28th, 29th and 30th State leg- islatures, notwithstanding his election to office was unsought, neither did he canvas for a single, solitary vote. Judge Cobbs has also served as a member of the Court of Civil Appeals, in which capacity he demonstrated his superior knowledge of law. Judge Cobbs wed Miss Carrie Quin- ney, daughter of one of the most prom- inent physicians of Texas. The couple have one son, Thomas D. Cobbs, Jr., member of his father's law firm. As a lawyer. Judge Cobbs ranks among the best in the southwest. He is logical, sound in principle, well versed in all points of law, and has met with the greatest success in the conduct of cases. He is a man of broad guaged views, splendid executive ability and high in- tellectual attainments. His father. Chancellor Thomas Cobbs, served with great distinction on the bench for more than a quarter of a century in Alabama. He died in 1898. It was he who rendered the country famous decision in the case of the Mem- phis and Charleston Eailroad versus the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad, thereby changing the status of railroad investments and having direct bearing thereon. The Cobbs family is one of the oldest in English history. Joseph Cobbs, the first of the family settled in Yorktown, Va., in 1613. The ' ' family tree is very interesting and I would like to publish it but am pre- vented, due to lack of space. Judge Cobbs has a brother, J. B. Cobbs, of Birmingham, Alabama, one of the best known bankers and financiers of the South. JUDGE LEROY G. DENMAN I dare say there is not a man or woman in this thriving city but who knows this distinguished man, and his splendid standing in Texas and elsewhere. No man has been more closely identified with the growth of Texas. Judge Denman is a native of the Lone Star State, and was born in Guadalupe County in 1855. He is a graduate of the University of Vir- ginia, of the class of 1880, and which bestowed upon him the degree of B. L. About a year following his grad- nation, young Denman was wedded to Miss Susie Carpenter, a native of San Antonio. For a period of about five years. Judge Denman served on tlie Su- preme Bench of the State of Texas, his decisions being of wide import- ance, and covering points in which were frequently involved not a few of the most intricate and complex problems of law. The bar c f the State had the high- est regard for any action taken by Judge Denman in his official posi- tion, and only a few days ago, a re- mark made in my presence, I think, rather forcibly demonstrates his standing in the legal profession. In conversation bearing upon the com- petency of men engaged in legal practice in Texas, this gentleman stated to me that "Judge Denman, in my opinion, is the best lawyer in San Antonio. His knowledge of law is remarkable, and his ability as an orator unsurpassed." I have quoted this party as closely as possible, and as I have indicated it shows the standing of the distin- guished practitioner ajnong the pub- lic generally. The firm of which Judge Denman is the senior partner, is one of the largest in this section of the country, made up of men who have devoted their lives to the study of the legal problem's and the un- raveling of many intricate projects that are presented to them almost daily. Judge Denman has apeared before the courts of Texas and other com- monwealths, in the role of counsel for either the defendant or the plain- tiff. He has no patience with the pretender and abhors the sham. He feels that everything should be done above board, while at the same time, exerting every legitimate, honorable effort for the protection of the client's interest, large or small, and in this manner he has carried to the most successful conclusion some of the most difficult litigation. Judge Denman is a. man of un- usual civic pride, and in every move- ment of any moment, calculated to advance the material interests of San Antonio especially, and Texas, gen- erally, he has always and at all times been among those first to respond. This in itself has had much to do with endearing Judge Denman to the general public, and when I make the assertion that no more popular jurist is to be found anywhere in the South or West, I only make a state- ment thatment that has been many times verified. Judge Denman is president of the San Antonio Loan & Trust Co., as also Chairman of the board of direc- tors of the San Antonio National Bank. He is one of the most ex- tensive farmers in Texas, owning large farms in Guadalupe County. HOMER EADS While willing to concede that it was my knowledge that San Antonio possessed many features not found in the ordinary community, and the headquarters of tourists from all parts of the world, I was not prepared for information that it was also the' home of several insurance companies. I have taken occasion in this work to refer to some of the leaders in the life insurance field, all wide awake, progressive men. Of the casualty companies operating in the Southwest, there is none with a more brilliant future than the Southwest- ern Casualty Insurance Company, of which Homer Eads is President and General Manager. This company only legan busi'iess in the latter part of 1911, since which its strides have indeed been remarkable. The report made to the Insurance Commissioner of Texas at the beginning of the present year indicates great activity on the part of its president and his subordinati's. Its surplus to policy-holders at that time was nearly ninety thousand dol- lars, and is greater today. Its total assets were then nearly three hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars, which is much greater now. The company has a paid in capital of two hundred thousand dollars. Homer Eads is one of the most, popular men in the insurance field of the Southwest. For many years he was connected with the Interna- tional & Great Northern Railroad in high capacities, serving at one time as assistant to the Vice President and General Manager. He had no "political pull" to carry him for- ward, but advanced of his own ef- forts, having begun life as a mes- senger boy. He is made of the sort of material that counts in every un- dertaking. Under the direction of such a man any company will succeed. There is not a broader guaged nor more highly intellectual man in the coun- try, nor a more conscientious man. He believes that the minutest de- tails should be looked after, and he has no patience with any employe who fails to abide by such instruc- tions. He long ago realized, that in order to attain public confidence, it was necessary to place every depart- ment under the direct and personal supervision of trained men — men es- pecially trained for the business in hand, and today, as he sits in the President's office, holding the lines reaching to every department of the company's business, he knows just what each is doing, and how. Since he assumed the General Manager- ship of the Southwestern Casualty Insurance Company, and advanced from that office to the still more ele- vated post of president, he has work- ed unceasingly. His whole time and attention, during business hours, he considers, belongs to the company, and he takes good care that every- thing works smoothly. When he leaves his office for the day, he is through with business cares for that time, and enioys all the comforts of a modern home in the companionship of his wife, one of the most charming and highly ac- complished of the flowerhood of the Lone Star State. THOMAS ATIiEE COLEMAN Thomas A. Coleman is a native Tex- an. He was born in Goliad county, scion of one of the most prominent fam- ilies in the southwest. In 1891 he lo- cated in San Antonio. There is not a better known ranchman in the United States today, he controlling many of the largest ranches in the coun- ties of LaSalle, Dimmit and others, on which graze thousands of cattle. This vast estate, Mr. Coleman has brought about through square treatment of his fellow man. During recent years, Mr. Coleman has devoted much time to the cultivation of Bermuda onions. Many of the deepest wells of the country were sunk under his orders. He has given much of his time to farming of all kinds, and never tires of experimenting, and as a rule, with success. If there is a more popular busi- ness man in Southwest Texas I do not know it. As President of the South- western Casualty Insurance Company, prior to his being succeeded by Homer Eads, of whom comment also appears in this work, he readily demonstrated his executive ability. He grasped every lit- tle detail of business, and throws his individuality into it. As President of the Alamo Oil and Refining Company, and as Vice President of the Saunders Commission Company, as well as others, he has done the same. He has indicat- ed his faith in the. future of Texas by becoming one of the largest stock hold- ers in the Southwestern Casualty In- surance Company. As General Live* Stock Agent for the International and Great Northern rail- road, he was selected for two things — first his superior knowledge of livestock, and his honesty of purpose in all deal- ings. , He was the active manager of the International Club, which he also served as president. He holds membership in all Masonic organizations, including the Shriners, as well as the Elks, Casino Club, Travis Club, San Antonio Club, San Antonio Country Club, Uni- versity Club, Chamber of Commerce and others equally as well known. Mr. Coleman was wedded in Victoria, Texas, to Miss Birdie Keeran, a highly accomplished and charming woman, and together, through life they have wended their way, each happy in the affection of the other. Their children are Mrs. Captain John Hodges, nee Claude Cole- man; Miss Marguerette, Miss Birdie and Thomas Atlee Coleman, Jr. FERDINAND HERFF. I have found in my travels, that one of the safest and best indications of the character of a city or town is the nature of its banking institutions. In San Antonio there are some of the strongest financial institutions in the Southwest, institutions that have been established for many years, and which have resources of immense value. In all, I believe there are seven Na- tional, four State and four private banks in San Antonio, in addition to several splendidly equipped trust com- panies. One of the leading national in- stitutions is the San Antonio National Bank, which occupies one of the most pretentious structures in the city on West Commerce street and of which Ferdinand Herff is President. Mr. Herff has had long experi- ence in financial circles, and it is free- ly conceded, even by the bank's strong- est competitors, that no man in the State is better equipped for the office of president than is Mr. Herff. He has in fact grown up with the bank. The Herff family is one of the most noted in the Southwest, and the name is closely identified with the growth and development of the Lone Star State. Ferdinand Herff, since assuming the presidency of the San Antonio National has brought to it a vast amount of patronage. He has given it his undi- vided attention, with the result that it is today one of the leading financial houses of the Southwest. The Board of Directors acted well in its selection of this distinguished man to head the personnel of their ros- ter. He has risen, step by step, through all the positions, having even slept there during the first six months of his em- ployment and during the most troublous times. Ferdinand Herff is regarded as one of the most practical bank officials in the country. He is a man of unusual forethought, a deep thinker, exception- ally well read, and with all, possessed of keen executive ability and conserva- tism. A man, naturally, of broad intellect- ual training, and having the happy fac- ulty of cultivating the friendship of thousands, it is but natural that his suc- cessful conduct of the affairs of the San Antonio National Bank should be paramount to all things else. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Country Club, Casino Asso- ciattion and others. FRANK WINERICH. I was surprised to find some of the made by the leading commercial organi- largest establishments in the Southwest zations of the city, the Chamber of Com- in the Texas metropolis and strides merce can result in but one thing — increased activity and the bringing of more manufacturing and business es- tablishments to San Antonio. As an illustration of the progressive- iiess of the city, let me cite such a con- cern as the Woodward Carriage Com- pany. This company is presided over by Frank A. Winerich. I was surprised to find that it carried a stock of ve hides equally as large as some estab- lishments which I have had occasion to visit in cities with twice the pop- ulation of San Antonio. Mr. Winerich is a native of the Lone Star Starte and has resided within its boundaries all of his life. No man knows his State better, neither do I recall any whose success has been more marked. Mr. Winerich was born in 1872 at Helena, Texas. In every transaction he enters, his word is his bond, and it has come to be so regarded throughout his native commonwealth. Mr. Winerich and his family are eoninuinicants of the First Baptist church. Many of the prominent men of San Antonio are members of this congregation. Mr. Winerich is closely associated with this work being not only a communicant , but one of the church officials as well. He holds active membership in the Masons, is an Elk and also belongs to the International Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Winerich, in 1896 was wedded to Miss Ida Holmes, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., a highly accomplished and charming young wo- man. Their married life has been ideal and a splendid example for others. As a business man, he commands the respect of the entire community. In banking circles, he is considered one of the substantial men of the State. In social circles, no man could enjoy a greater measure of esteem than he and his charming wife. Mr. Winerich, in addition to his other interests is Vice President of the Alamo Trust Company. HENRY A. HODGE. Notwithstanding the fact that San Antonio is not, as yet, classed as one of the largest cities of the country, I can safely say that it undoubtedly is one of the livest, and most wide-awake localities in the United States. Located in San Antonio are the gen- eral offices of several of the best known insurance companies operating in Texas, and they all appear to be doing a thriving business. Of them, it is my conscientious opinion that the San Antonio Life Insurance Company is by far the most progressive life company. I do not say this by way of ' ' knocking ' ' any other company, but what I have said, I base solely upon information which I, as the author of this -work, have personally gathered. In the selection of Henry A. Hodge as the company's president, the direct- ors made a wise choice, he being a man possessing a vast amount of sound, practical experience in the insurance field, and is especially well qualified for the great work he has undertaken. It is but a few days ago (this is writ- ten in March 1913) that Mr. Hodge and other officers of the company in question were re-elected for another tenure of office, a fact in itself that clearly indicates the universal satisfac- tion which he is giving. To fill satisfactorily such an import- ant position, one must necessarily be qualified. By this, I mean he must pos- sess practical, logical training and understand thoroughly every minute de- tail of the business. In other words, literally speaking, he must have the de- tails of the company's interests ^t his fingers' tips. President Hodge is that character of official. Mr. Hodge is one of the most pleas- ing men to meet, of considerable per- sonal magnetism, a deep thinker, well read and a man of unusual intellectual training. With these requisites to sus- tain him in the pursuit of business, he has gone ahead steadily, winning sue- cess without an obstacle to mar his way. Since his connection with the com- pany he has gained for it a large amount of business that I am satisfied might have gone to competing com- panies had Mr. Ilodge been with them, for the very simple reason that much business has been added, based upon the president's personal popularilty. REV. DR. S. J. PORTER. It is my personal opinion, and I find that the view is shared in by not a few others, that the ministers, speaking as a whole, of San Antonio, are some- what different from those engaged in similar work in other localities. Of these, I can recall none who has made greater headway than Rev. Dr. S. J. Porter, pastor of the First Bap- tist church, one of the most lovable men in the city's ministry and one who is universally esteemed by the people, regardless of denomination. The children of the city are fond of him, and often in passing along the streets of San Antonio, and passing a crowd of children, *the minister will reach down, pat a tot on the head and say something of interest to him. On the other hand, Dr. Porter has inany times stopped and talked to derelict hu- manity, as I would term it. Unlike many ministers, he does not look down on those poor unfortunates, but be- lieves in giving them a helping hand. Dr. Porter is one of the most active ministers of San Antonio. His sermons are forceful, and delivered in an un- derstandable manner. As a result of this, I believe a larger number of young people attend the First Baptist church than any other in the city, and this is steadily increasing. He is regarded as one of the best, read men in the San Antonio ministry, a man of broad in- tellectual training, and withal a deep thinker He takes much interest in civic affairs, is loyal to his home city, and in many of the large movements having for their purpose the advance- ment of San Antonio, he has at all times done his part. Dr. Porter was ordained in 1892, after which he spent about two years' in Kio de Janeiro, Brazil in mis- sionary work. Returning to America, he held charg- es in Newbern and Fayetteville, North Carolina, also in Kansas City, Mo., and Richmond, Va., and then came to San Antonio. He has also served as field secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, Richmond. • Dr. Porter wed Miss Katie Munn, a native of North Carolina, and the couple have seven children, five boys and two girls, Roy, Marie, Samuel Jud- son, Eloise, Angus, Alexander and Douglass McDaniel. Dr. Porter is au- thor of a number of religious works, the' majority of which have been published by the church board. Among these are such works as ' ' Yearning Upward ' ', "The Shepherd Heart", "Southern Baptist Missions in China"," Southern Baptist Missions in South America ' ', "The Life of the Lord's Prayer", "Love's Crowning", "The Centric Christ or Christ in Hebrews". DR. L. L. SHROPSHIRE. Through the ages of history down to the present time, in practically every momentous j)roblem undertaken, statis- tics show that physicians have done a herculean part. These men, especially trained, have been more or less relied upon to uphold the people in their en- deavors, f^r without health, progress in itself would make little headway in bringing about conditions that are be- ing needed more and more each day in modern day life. In fact the health, I might say, of the whole civilized world, lies within the keeping of these dis- tinguished men, many of whom have reached the liighest pinnacle of fame. Olio of the most prominent physi- cians in San Antonio is Dr. L. L. Shrop- shire, who in the capacity of City Phy- sician, and member of the San Antonio Board of Health, long ago demonstrated his splendid competency and thorough knowledge of medicine and practice thereof. The City Physician is what I would, off hand, term the active man of the health department of any community. It will be found that the City Physician is the man in whose hands rests the health of the citizenship of that res- pective locality, in fact that the munic- ipal administration in power looks to him for the preservation of public health, and that if he fails to accom- plish that for which he is appointed, he is regarded as a failure. No city in the country enjoys better health than San Antonio. Therefore the conclusion is a foregone one that Dr. Shropshire has demonstrated his efficiency. A man of broad intellectual training, thoroughly conversant witli the affairs of public welfare and health, and a close student of hygiene and san- itation, Dr. Shropshire has gained for himself a reputation surpassed by no other medical practitioner in the South- west. Should an epidemic of disease of any character get a foothold in a city, it is up to the City Physician, backed by the Health Department to stamp it out. Today there is no cleaner nor more healthy metropolis anywhere, barring none, than right here in San Antonio, and credit for the biggest part of such conditions rests with Dr. L. L. Shrop- shire. The Doctor is a native of Texas, and was born in LaGrange in 1857. He is a member of the County^ State and National professional bodies. JUDGE JOHN H. CLARK. Skill and knowledge in the main con- stitute 'the basis upon which success is founded. In every avenue of activity I have found this true. And so it is in the practice of law, one of the old- est professions of man. In San Antonio are to be found some of the brainiest of men engaged in this profession, men who through their own efforts have gained success and distinction. In my opinion one of the wisest se- lections ever made in San Antonio was when John H. Clark was made judge of the County Court for civil cases. Cfandidly speaking I do not recall a man more peculiarly well qualified for the honor, well versed in the statutes, a deep thinker, of broad intellectual training, he is indeed well qualified for the position. Judge Clark is a native of Missis- sippi. He was born in 1850. As a lad he attended the country schools of his home community, and it has been entire- ly through his own individual efforts that he made his way to the front rank of professional men in the State of Texas. As a member of the Texas State Leg- islature he first drew public attention to him, and engaged in not a few of the most heated debates in that body, stand ing solidh' and squarely for the rights of the people, as against corporate greed and public graft. As judge of the County Court of civil cases he has demonstrated his splendid fitness for the office. Since he as- cended the bench not a few cases have come before his court in which were in- volved many unusual and complex prob- lems of law, but he always rendered de- cisions, ' the great majority of which have been upheld by the higher tri- bunals. He has often taken cases under ad- visement, in order to read over the case again, to review the evidence as given in by witnesses, and his opinions carry the greatest weight and are much res- pected by the bar. Only yesterday (March 4, 1913) in conversing with one of the biggest legal guns in the Lone Star State, who also appears in this 10 work, he remarked to me that, "John Clark is the premier jurist in San An- tonio". I asked him why he made such a broad assertion, and his reply was, "simply because it is true, young man, simply because it is true". AUGUSTUS W. HOUSTON. The legal profession throughout the world is of pre-eminence in many res-' pects. In its ranks are found thousands of men, not a few of whom are able and brilliant, and have succeeded in at- taining positions of the utmost distinc- tion. In the greatest undertakings of the world, little is accomplished, especially if immense sums of money are involved, until after the matter in its entirety is first submitted to some able attorney to pass decision upon its feasibility. I have never seen nor heard of its failure yet in that connection. I can recall no more able lawyer in the State of Texas than Augustus W. Houston, senior member of the well known legal firm of Houston, Boyle and Storey. Mr. Houston is a native of Alabama, and was born in Lauder- dale County in 18.50, but from early infancy has resided in San Antonio. In other words he has practically grown right up with the -city of his adoption, coming here in 1851, and today no man stands higher in the profession and otherwise. He is a graduate of Wash- ington and Lee University (1869) and Lebanon Law School, (1871). When I first begun to compile my list for this work, among the first whose names appeared to me were such men as Houston, Denman, Franklin and others. Public attention was first attracted to Mr. Houston, during his tenure of office as State Senator. He was first sent to the Texas State Senate in 1878, and served continuously for eight years. During that time according to the of- ficial records in Austin, he appeared in some of the most brilliant debates on the floor of the Senate and was in- strumental in the passage of the most important legislation enacted. He has since appeared in much of the important litigation before the State and Federal courts, representing as counsel, either plaintiff or defendant, and with marked success. He has no patience with a sham, abhors a pretend- er and defends the interests of his cli- ents upon the broad basis of his splen- did knowledge of the law. In argument before court and jury, he is one of the most forceful speakers of the Texas bar. For twenty-seven years he represent- ed the San Antonio Traction Company and for the past twenty-eight years has been General Counsel for the San An- tonio and Aransas Pass Railroad. Mr. Houston was married to Mrs. Sallie Moore Winstead in Austin in 1880, and they have two children, Miss Elizabeth Houston and A. W. Houston, Jr., who is practicing law with his distinguished father. JOHN H. CUNNINGHAM. There is no profession or calling in which men are engaged in which I re- gard the qualifications more severely exacting as in the practice of law. I have traveled extensivel3', and I have found it that way the world over. I do not mean by this assertion that it re- quires no especial effort of equipment to enter other professions, but I do claim that the actual qualifications for successful practice of law are far more exacting than in any other, and I feel I can readily substantiate this conten- tion with little or no effort. Still, with all that, the majority of men who have reached the higher pin- nacles of distinction in the world, were lawyers. Nearly every man who has oc- cupied the Presidency of these United States was a lawyer. , I do not recall a more enterprising and hard working attorney anywhere tlian John IT. Cunningliam, a man of many sterling traits of character. He is a native of Tennessee and was born in Centerville in 1878, scion of one of the best known families in that section. After completing his common schooling, he decided upon the prac- tice of law as his life 's work, and im- mediately began to equip himself in such manner, through diligent study and reading of law, until today, I can safely say, there is not a better equip- ped. young lawyer in the Southwest. Not only has he had the benefits of hard study from many volumes but he has received training under veterans whose knowledge of law was supreme in a way. Mr. Cunningham has appeared in many interesting cases before the State and Federal courts of the coun- try, and has met with a degree of suc- cess that is marked, indeed. This in- dicates the care and caution with which, as a trained attorney, he has always prepared his cases prior to entering in- to trial thereof. I have heard Mr. Cun- ningham in argument. In other words, I have seen the man "in action" to use a common slang phrase, and I have never listened to a more forceful, re- sourceful and tactful man anywhere. I do not say this due ti any efforts of flattery on my part, but in such I do not engage, bue merely upon a basis of absolute facts. There is little of the "flowery" nature about him, but to the contrary he deals with facts, liard cold facts, literally picks the tes- timony of witnesses to pieces, and makes the desired impression on court and jury. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Travis Club, and affilliates with the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fel- lows and other well known bodies. In 1902 he was married to Miss Eva Car- roll, in Nashville, Tennessee. JUDGE CLAUDE V. BIRKHEAD. In this state will be found some of the brightest men of the present era en- gaged in the daily practice of law, men who have long ago attained well earned distinction, and others, especially those of the younger generation who are climbing rapidly the ladder of success and fame. There is something, too, about a Texan not found, or at least noticed by me in all other parts of the country, and that is, that he does not appear to know what the meaning of the word "failure" is, but goes ahead, determined to win out, and in most in- stances, success usually crowns the ef- fort made. I do not recall a lawyer in San An- tonio, who has achieved a greater meas- ure of success than Judge C. V. Birk- head, junior member of the firm of Cunningham and Birkhead. Judge Birkhead is conceded one of the able men of the Texas bar today, and his success is the result of self- applied energy, for there is no man in the city who may be termed more truthfully a self-made man. During the time he was on the bench, he made a reputation that many older lawyers would much like to attain. During his incumbency many cases came before him that required the great- est care and consideration. In not a few of these, the most intricate prob- lems of law were presented. In such instances, however, Judge Birkhead was quick to settle any dispute that arose between opposing counsel. Yesterday, (March 14, 1913) a dis- tinguished lawyer in San Antonio made the remark to the author that "Claude Birkhead made one of the best judges we have ever had. He was one of the most thoroughly conscientious men I ever knew, and it was really a pleasure to enter into the trial of a case before such a man". Judge Birkhead is a native of Phoenix, Oregon, and was born in 1878, and after completing his common schooling, read law under some of the most brilliant attorneys of the country. He begun practice in Texas in Waco in 1900, coming to San Antonio in 1904, where he served nearly two years on the district bench, being appointed by Gov. Colquitt, following which he was elected for a full term of four years. Tie resigned, however, to enter private practice. Judge Birkhead wed Miss Lillian A. Guessaz, of this city. He is a member of the Travis Club, San Antonio Country Club, Automobile vjlub of San Antonio and also of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Woodmen and Knights of Pythias. THOMAS H. FRANKLIN. The buildings of cities begin with the work of foundation, but the super- structure comes as the result of the marked enterprise, professional and business ability of those who recog- nize in the complexity of interests the opportunity of the establishment and successful control of mammoth under- takings, the maintenance of which can only be assured by the enactment and enforcement of proper legislation. In all industries, avocations and pro- fessions, San Antonio has been singu- larly fortunate, for among those thus engaged are to be found some of the brainiest men of the country. One of the most distinguished lawyers in the Texas metropolis is Thomas H. Franklin, member of the well known legal firm of Denman, Franklin & McGown.. Mr. Franklin is a native of Louisiana, and was born in Ascension Parish in 1854. As a young man he encountered the same obstacles in attaining success in practice that fall to the lot of all be- ginners. As District Attorney of Austin, Blanco, Caldwell, Hays, Fayette and Bastrop Counties, he made a splendid name for himself. During his tenure of office, he gave all the work devolving upon the office the closest attention, and to his efforts is due the saving of many thousands of dollars to tax-payers. Mr. Franklin holds membership in several of the best known bodies in the country, among which are the Texas Bar Association, National Municipal League, San Antonio Country Club, Academy of Political Science, of New York, Acad- emy of Social Science of Philadelphia, National Art Club of New York and other organizations equally as well known. Mr. Franklin has appeared in many of the most important cases filed, prac- ticing in all the courts, State and Fed- eral. He speaks more along the hret- orical line. I regard him as one of the most forceful, yet brief, and convinc- ing speakers in the State of Texas, and the success with which he has met is the most conclusive proof of the im- pression made upon the court. JUDGE DON A. BLISS. In San Antonio are to te found some of the most brilliant lawyers in the entire Southwest, men who have either already established reputations or are rapidly doing so, men, who through their own individual efforts have made remarkable headway through life. It is generally conceded that the bench and bar of Texas is com- posed of men far above the ordi- nary. Of course this does not apply to every lawyer and jurist in the Lone Star State, but to the majority, men who have been well trained and who possess a superior knowledge of the fundamental principles of law. One of the most successful lawyers in San Antonio is Judge Don A. Bliss, former law partner of Judge John H. Clark, of whom coinment appears else- where in this volume. Judge Bliss is a native Mississippian, and was born n Artesia in 1854. He is a graduate of King College of Bristol, Tennessee, be- ing a member of the class of 1873. Tt would prove difficult to find a iiKiii who has been more active in life than Judge Bliss, for he has held sev- eral important positions of i»ublic trust. While living in Sherman, Texas, he was a member of the City Council of that place. He has served on the bench as a District Judge, in which capacity he soon demonstrated his knowledge of law. Frequently during the trial of cases, and arguments arising between counsel, some of the most intricate and complex problems of law would be brought up, and it was the al)le disposi- tion made of such matters that did much to earn for the distinguished law- yer the splendid reputation he today enjoys. In addition to the above he has served as a member of the school board of San Antonio. He believes stroilgly in according to children who attend, the city schools every advantage possible and has always voted in that manner, wherever he_ felt it the best thing to do under existing conditions. Judge Bliss is a Mason. He wed Miss Mary M. Hampton, a native of Collins County, Texas, in 1875. " As a member of the legal profession he stands high in the esteem of his eolleayrues. FLOYD McGOWN. I know of no calling in life in which the requirements are so exacting, the qualifications so numerous as found in the practice of law. Another thing which I have noticed, and doubtless many others have done the same thing, and that is the high percentages of the men who are members of this profes- sion. In San Antonio, one of the most prominent attorneys is Floyd McGown, member of one of the most prominent legal firms in the country, that of Den- man, Franklin & McGown. Floyd McGown was born in Texas, at La Grange in 1862, and is a graduate of one of the best known institutions of Tennessee, Cumberland University, he being a member of the class of 1883, from which he secured his law and A. M. degree. He is also a graduate of Trinity University, which gave him his A. B. degree in 1887. Mr. McGown was wedded to Miss Eliza M. Davis, of Jacksonville, Texas. Mr. McGown has appeared in all the courts. State and Federal, either as counsel representing plaintiff or de- fendant. In some litigation he has given first impressions, practically pio- neering the law. There are few better known speakers in the State than Mr. McGown. His arguments are practical, sound in char- acter and convincing. He discusses what I would term the "merit" of the ease, and presents it in such a manner that he cannot possibly be misunder- stood. Many attorneys depend almost entirely upon emotion or "flowery" language brought into play, and while it many times means success before a jury, it does not always terminate in that manner, by any means. It is sound, practical, straight for- ward argument that tells, and not only Mr. McGown, but other members of his splendid firm go upon the basis of logical argument for success, and an intelligent presentation of their cases. JUDGE THOMAS M. PASCHAL. A well known National character once made the remark, in the course of an address that "in all this world, the supreme thing worth having is the op- portunity, coupled with the capacity to do well and worthily a piece of work, the doing of which shall be of vital significance to all mankind." Neither can I recall a man in San Antonio or elsewhere to whom this would more aptly apply than Judge Thomas M. Paschal, a man whose name is known throughout the Southwest, and during whose entire service as a pub- lic official not one charge was ever filed againfet him of unfairness in discharge of duty. Judge Paschal is a native of Louisi- ana and was born in 184.5, scion of an old and honored family. After com- pleting his collegiate course he decid- ed upon the practice of law as a life- work. Judge Paschal has perhaps held more public offices than any other man in San Antonio. The first was that of Justice of the Peace. In his capacity as City Attorney of San Antonio he proved in my opinion, one of the most watchful men of the municipality's interest ever in that office. lie defended San An- tonio's interests in several Important cases, and at all times demonstrated that he was well prepared to discharge his duties in that connection. As United States Commissioner for the Western District of Texas, and as United States Extradition Agent, he again " demonstrated his splendid ca- pacity and thorough understanding of law. He afterwards served as Judge of the Criminal Court of Bexar County as well as Judge of the Twenty-fourth and Thirty-eighth District Courts. In his occupancy of the bench. Judge Paschal made one of the most popular jurists of the State. It made no difference whether the litigants were so poor as to be unable to employ counsel them- selves or whether they were magnates possessing unlimited wealth, each and every one received the same careful study and consideration. As congressman from the Tenth Dis- trict Judge Paschal, as in all public offices held by him, stood as a cham- pion of the peoples' interests. By na- ture, a splendid speaker, a man of great logic and possessed of intellectual train- ing, he soon proved himself one of the best known of the lawyer members of the great National law-making body. A peculiar incident to the career of this well known man, according to my information is that he was never op- posed by any one at any time for any public honor, except in his race for congress and his first race for District Judge. Judge Paschal is a graduate of St. Mary's College of San Antonio and also in law, of Centre College of Danville, Ky., being a member of the class in the latter institution of 1866. The judge holds active membership in the National Geographic Society, the Travis Club, International Club, and Chamber of Commerce, in addition to affiliating with such bodies as the Phi Delta Sci Society, Texas Histori- cal Association, Frio Chapter and Coun- cil Masonic Fraternity. In 1872, Judge Paschal was married to Miss Florida E. Mays in San Antonio. JOHN M. ESKRIDGE. One thing I have had my attention attracted by, is the unusual number of successful young lawyers in San Anto- nio. It has for the past few years been the contention that the young men of the country were slowly but surely taking hold of the large inter- ests of the world, and I have seen no stronger indications of its truth- fulness than right here in the Lone Star State. One of the most successful lawyers of San Antonio is John Marshall Eskridge, member of the well known law firm of Cobbs, Eskridge & Cobbs. Mr. Eskridge is a native of Tennessee and was born in Dresden in 1877, scion of one of the oldest and best known families in that section. After complet- ing his common schooling, young Esk- ridge entered Fulton College, and after finishing was awarded his diploma. He had previously decided upon the prac- ttice of law as his life's work, and en- tered the University of Texas,