Southern and Western Texas Guide for 1878

Front matter

1 ■ ■ I ■ I SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TEXAS GUIDE FOR 1878. James L. Rock and W. I. Smith, Authors. ST. LOUIS, MO. : A. H. GRANGER, Publisher. 1878. Entered according to Act os Congress, in the year 1878, by A. H. GRANGEK, in the Office of the Librarian of Congrese, at Washington, D. C. EAND, McNaLLY & CO., P1UNTER3 AND EnORAVEBS, CuiOAUO. To COL. THOMAS W. PEIRCE, PKESIDENT OF THE GALVESTON, HARRISBCRQ & SAN ANTONIO RAILWAY, Ob WHOSE ENTERPRISE AND LIBERALITY D.* THE CONSTRUCTION OP AMPLE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES THROUGH SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TEXAS, THE PE0P1Æ OP THAT GREAT SECTION OP COUNTRY OWE A DEBT 01 GRATITUDE; AND F0I* WHOM WE ENTERTAIN THE HIGHEST PERSONAL ESTEEM, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. A. H. GRANGER.

Preface

. lsr presenting the " Southern and Western Texas Guide " to the public, the publisher recognizes the wide-spread demand throughout this country, and, indeed, in large sections of Europe, for a more compre hensive and reliable description of that great State than has yet been issued from the press. This work does not include a history of Texas, its heroes or statesmen, excepting incidentally, for that has many times been written. The primal object has been to obtain correct information relative to the topography,climate, soil, productions, rain-fall, temperature water supply, amount of timbered and prairie lands, educational advan tages and prospects, religious privileges, character of the people, and other valuable and interesting facts connected with that State, such as the moving millions of the race are making earnest inquiry for.

In a condensed and readable form this material and important information is now presented to the public. In addition, the subject of railroads and transportation will be found an interesting feature. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS WEtfTWORTH PEIRCE, Esq. What photography is to the human countenance, biography is to the soul. The one, with the marvelous pen of light, sketches the outward features of our physical being ; the other traces the progressive developments of mind from infancy to manhood, and demonstrates that the diversity of character in indi viduals is as limitless in society as the varying physiognomy of man is marked in the races. The infinite diversity of the human countenance fills us with reverent amazement. To contemplate the countless millions who have lived, and are living, and to find no actual duplicates of form, or of expression ; to dwell upon a truth so pregnant with meaning, so vital to humanity, so marked by the unerring hand of Infinite Wisdom and Love, — should lead us to pause and gather the teachings of such a lesson, that we may deepen our taith in divine control, and enlarge our conceptions of the practical relations of human life.

To look upon a multitude of upturned faces of a greaV assembly, and to see how much alike and yet how different ; to recognize an acquaintance, a friend, a citizen, a criminal, or to observe a stranger, and without a mistake, has always excited the wonder and admiration both of unthinking men and philos ophers. It is the perfection of system, in society. It recognizes the individ uality of man, in his outward form, and establishes his separate responsibility as an accountable being. It insures certainty, as to person, and provides protection against the dangers of mistake. Every being has his separate mark, moulded in his form and features, and thus becomes permanently linked with the consequences of his thoughts and acts, in the midst of the millions of his fellows throughout the world. He may be pointed out with certainty as entitled to the respect of mankind, to be honored, or as a dangerous member of society to be watched and guarded.

No one can be taken for another, whether for good or evil, for honor or disgrace. If physical identity in its countless variety, is of such magnitude as to be made a special and undeviating part of human existence, how much more important becomes the individual character of man, the identity of the soul. Who can point to a nobler theme, than that to be found in the identity of the soul in its active aspirations, tendencies and habits ! Indeed, it is in this we find the precious gem that is to be protected by the diversity of oulward form. No one is made responsible for another, and all alike are held CO accountable. Each stands for himself — alone. This view enables us to see the rank and dignity of man in his separate individuality. It is a common error to lessen the importance of this distinction by reducing it to the scale of number, as if the soul, made in the image of God, could be made great, or insignificant, by the rules of arithmetic.

These lessons of personal identity demonstrate the beautiful truth, that every human being, however great or humble in talents, is created not only with special capacities to think and act for himself, but is appointed to a mission in the world of being, which he alone can fill. He is made a part of the universal whole, and is subject to laws which inhere in the universe of being. Without him the world would be incomplete. He is endowed with faculties to observe and study the nature of things, and to discover his aptitudes for special skill, labor, and duty. He employs his senses to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, and seeks to find the special strength in the faculties bestowed upon him by God — to think, to feel and to act. By degrees he finds his mission, either in success or failure, and he becomes an example either to be respected and followed, or condemned and avoided.

If he produces an example of success, his life becomes a lesson to be taught and remembered by all who follow him. It is a common error to suppose that biography is useful only when applied to extraordinary men. We refer to such men as Washington, Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Franklin, Newton, Napoleon, Cuvier, La Place, Kant, Luther, Fenelon, Calvin, Huss, who may be demomiuated the representative men of nations, of reforms, of revolutions. They make up a portion of the world's history ; and all their genius and strength have been applied either to the momentous affairs of government, to reforms, or to the sublime developments of science. They have mastered in their time, the great subjects which involved the interests of an age, or of a generation ; but, in the duties incumbent upon a citizen in all the walks of private life, or in the higher demands of public duty, they have furnished no more examples to be noted for the study of posterity than can be found scattered throughout the civilized world, in every society, in every class, profes sion, and condition.

These views of the subject are confirmed by the strongly expressed opinions of Dr. Johnson, who says : "I have often thought that there has rarely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not be useful. For, not only every man has, in the mighty mass of the world, great numbers, in the same condition with himself, to whom his mistakes and miscarriages, escapes and expedients, would be of inime bate and apparent use ; but there is such a uniformity in the state of man, considered apart from adventitious and separable decorations and disguises, that there is scarce any possibility of good or ill but is common to humanity. A great part of those who are placed at the greatest distance by fortune or by temper must unavoidably pass in the same manner ; and, though, when the claims of nature are satisfied, caprice, and vanity, and accident begin to produce discriminations and peculiarities, yet the eye is not very heedful or quick which can not discover the same causes still terminating their influence in the same effects, though sometimes accelerated, somelimes retarded, or perplexed by multiplied combinations.

We are all prompted by the same motives, all BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP T. W. PEIRCE. 9 deceived by the same fallacies, all animated by hope, obstructed by danger, entangled by desire, and seduced by pleasure. " It is frequently objected to relations of particular lives, that they are not ■distinguished by any striking or wonderful vicissitudes. The scholar, who passed his life among his books : the merchant, who conducted his own affairs ; the priest, whose sphere of action was not extended beyond that of his duty, are considered as no proper objects of public regard, however they might have excelled in their several stations, whatever might have been their learnins, integrity, and piety. But this notion arises from false measures of excellence and dignity; and must be eradicated by considering that, in the esteem of uncorrupted reason, what is of most use is of most value."

All must be deeply impressed with the truthfulness of this language. What ever is of the most use must be of the most value. But few men can enjoy the special privileges of genius, of patriotism ; for many generations are permitted without signal opportunities for men to distinguish themselves, either as philo sophers or as patriots. Humanity does not afford to every generation a brilliant genius to astonish the world ; nor is it the lot of nations to be made the subjects of revoluion so frequently as to give birth, by opportunity, to a numerous band of heroes. Great events transpire but seldom ; and however full of interest they may be regarded, they are unquestionably of less consequence, and convey less instruction to the great masses of the people, than the ordinary occunences which fall within the circle of every year, of every season.

The wants of men are similar and common. They are supplied by ordinary and obvious means, within the reach of all. What is vitally important, all have an interest in understanding. Whoever has participated in the common affairs of life — whoever has done the most to meet the wants of the many, and to point out the numerous sources of comfort and success — whoever has averted and relieved the most suffering, prevented the most wrong, exhibited the best examples of duty, taught the greatest amount of knowledge of common things to common people — is a subject above all others for that biography which promises and establishes the most good for the greatest number. We are told by Tacitus that it was the practice of Roman authors, in the early periods of the republic, to record the lives and characters of illustrious men.

The example has been followed in other countries. But the class of illustrious men, so termed in all times, has been a limited one. Emperors, kings, warriors, law-givers, occupy most of the volumes devoted to illustrious men. Their deeds may have been those of courage, self-denial, and patriotism, in seasons of extra ordinary trial and danger ; and it is right, it is patriotic, that the sun of glory should shine around them, and ennoble their memory. We would not neglect the heroes, the choice spirits of reform, and of defence against tyranny, for such are to be honored and revered ; but we claim that there is another class quite as much entitled to distinction, and, in regard to posterity, holding positions quite as honorable. If biography is to be valued for the good it may do, then it is not difficult to distinguish between examples of success and of failure.

The history of Newton is valuable to the scholar in so far as he learns what are the habits which favor study and proficiency in science. The history of Napoleon is prized by the general, or by the statesman, just so far as his experience serves him for guidance in the proper execution of his plans, for direction in his peculiar researches. The noble career of Washington is a living example to the illustrious of all nations, teaching the true objects and ends of patriotism, and rebuking the eminent selfishness of rulers. Although we would not presume to limit the wide influence of such exemplars, still, it would be injudicious to claim that we are to look to such as guides in the ordinary affairs of life. Indeed, it may be truly said, that the examples of the great are made to bless the rising generations only as they are taught with prudence by the humble mother, the ambitious father, or the public teacher.

What is truly great is worthy to be recorded ; what is truly useful is worthy to be taught ; but a small matter in a great man is surely not so worthy to be noted as a useful matter in a common man. Wherein is t^e moral profit of the assurance of Sa'lust, that Catiline some times walked quick, and sometimes slow f Who is likely to be a better man by heing told that Cæsar scratched his head with one finger, or that the pulse of Addison was irregular? Who cares to know that Scaliger's father sold red herrings for a profit, or that Montaigne was really a lover of white wines ? The little things of great men are preserved for posterity, though they sig nify nothing, and benefit no one ; whde the biographer has not condescended to notice deeds of merit, which, though of humble origin, may have proved to be the source of much physical comfort, or of unmeasurable happiness.

It is the glory of the moral world that all power of every denomination is made subservient to the beneficent designs of Deity, and that character based upon the eternal principles of truth and justice has its permanent position of influence to reform and to advance the great interests of societ3', The evil which men do is temporary ; and whoever is a true observer will heed and avoid its repetition, and its inevitable penalties. It stands in the pathway of man, aa the rock in the track of the mariner, — a beacon to be dreaded and avoided. It is the good alone which abides the test of time, and carries forward on the wings of truth the vitality which is to embody the wisdom of the past, and be the seed of future growth and greatness. Moral progress is not abandoned to chance processes, to events which come from accident.

It is the condition of actual existence, the divinity that gives birth to profitable thought and useful action. The ancients found it in such spirits as those of Plato, Socrates, Lycur gus and Aristides. At later periods we find a Columbus, a Sebastian Castalio^ a Prideaux, a Linnæus, a Hunter, a Bacon. And later still, we are led to con template the genius of a Cuvier and a Fulton, the patriotism of a Washington and a La Fayette, and the wisdom and strength of a Jefferson, a Franklin and a Spurzheim. To such as these, in all past time, and in all time to come, mankind are and will be indebted for the well-springs of knowledge, for every advancement in power, and for the increased comforts of condition. They are the practical men. They see what is wanted, and they do what is to be done. Their motto is Res non verba, and their example is made up of acts, not promises.

Such as these are the legitimate subjects of biography. They live to be blessed by their acts, and their good deeds adorn the historic page to bless a grateful world. We have made these preliminary remarks, that our readers may be induced BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP T. W. PEIRCE. 11 to study with more than ordinary care the great principles of character, and justly to appreciate the biography of practical men. In adding another subject to the brilliant catalogue of men of genius and character, we feel that a new source of motive power is opened to the aspiring mind, that new incentives are furnished to encourage integrity, industry and exalted philanthropy. We propose to give a plain history of a true man. A man of uncommon talents and energies. We do not say a. telf-made one ; for this term, so com mon among writers, in our humble opinion, is an arrogant one.

Whoever has the strength and genius to rise above the circumstances of life, to acquire knowledge however opposed by difficulties, to elevate his character above that of his associates, to advance his own station above and beyond his inherited rank, and to secure for himself the commanding position of affluence, integrity, and eminent usefulness — is a favored child of his Maker, and is a chosen in strument of his beneficence. TJie genius that is within, raises him above the common level of life. He sees, he hears, he feels, he knows, and, he acts. He is diligent in the use of his talents, and like the faithful steward, is ever ready to be called to his account. Should these introductory considerations seem to the reader to be somewhat extended, we have only to remark that the subject of this sketch is entitled to be invested with all the dignity which principles can give, and with all the high elements of character which truth can furnish.

Such considerations are due to a representative man. Thomas W. Peirce, was born in Dover, New Hampshire, August 16th, 1818. He was the son of Andrew and Betsey Peirce. They had eleven children : six sons and five daughters. The sons were Andrew, James, William, George, and Thomas W. Of these, OQly Andrew, and Thomas W. and a sister are living. The parents were long identified with the prosperity and growth of Dover, and were much respected by people of all classes. The father, the Hon. Andrew Peirce, Jr., was born in Gloucester, Mass., and died in Dover, March 28th, 1850, aged 58 years. In early years he was a mariner and became master of a ship. In 1827 he became a merchant, and was engaged in trade and navigation till the period of his death. At this time, Dover was largely the distributing business place of Eastern New Hampshire, of Western Maine, and Southeastern Vermont and the Canadis.

Mr. Peirce was a man of remarkable energy of character, and distinguished for sound and practical judgment. He was an efficient member of the State Senate, and he filled with honor to himself and usefulness to the public other important places of trust. An article was published in the Dover Gazette, April 6th, 1850, on the event of his death, from which the following extract is made : "No death has occurred in our village for many years, which has been more generally and more deeply deplored, than will be that of the person whose death we record. For few indeed have exerted a wider or more kindly influence in the social relations of life, than he ; and wherever he moved, it was to be respected and honored by those who knew him. Mr. Peirce was a native of Gloucester, in Massachusetts ; from an ancestry of strong and vigorous minds, the freest and most active qualities of which it was his to inherit in au eminent degree.

He had, however, been for many years a resident of this town ; and has left the impress of his active business habits, and the uncommon energy of his character, enstamped on the social relations and prosperity of the place. Possessed of a quick and keenly discerning mind," he was ever wont to pursue whatever he deemed was right, with a firm and persevering step by which his aims were successfully accomplished ; and his example as a man of promptness, probity, and honor, will be regarded as a rich legacy to the community in which he lived, while the poor and the suffering ever found in him a ready sympathy and a liberal hand. "As a public man, Mr. Peirce had been called to fill various offices of honor and trust, and among them that of Senator in the Legislature of the State, all the duties of which were discharged with an aim to public good, and to the entire satisfaction of those who clothed him with official power.

In his domestic relations Mr. Peirce enjoyed the highest respect and honor, because there he was most intimately known. As a husband and father, no man could live more highly prized. His interest in the welfare of his family was tender and intense through all circumstances ; and the loss which they have suffered in his death, will be regarded by them as beyond repair." He was educated in the Christian faith, and his devotion to the cause of religion was an example of liberal and cheerful faithfulness worthy to be followed. Mrs. Betsey Peirce, his wife, was a Wentworth, a descendant of Governor Wentworth, of New Hampshire. She was a remarkable woman. She died at Dover, December 22nd, 1864, aged 73 years. From notices of her death, the following quotations are made from the Dover Gazette, of January 1st, 1865, and from the Boston Post, of Dec. 24th, 1864.

" Mrs. Peirce was widely known as pre-eminent in all those qualities of mind and heart and life which give an endearment, a charm, and a sacredness to home ; and in the capacities of wife, mother, sister and friend, her life-ministry has been blessed above the ordinary measure Which is accorded to the excellent of earth. Endowed largely by nature with those varied gifts which combine the excellency of the character of Woman, she bore them humbly yet sweetly through all the duties of a protracted and varied life. Supereminently hers was 1 the adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price ; ' and by its hallowing power she moved in the circle of home, in the neighborhood, and through the range of her acquaintance, in a mission of sympathy and beneficence which was never weary in well-doing."

" Died, at Dover, N. H., 22nd inst., at her residence, Betsey, widow of the late Andrew Peirce, Jr., Esq., aged 73 years. " Something more than the announcement of her decease is due to her memory. She possessed an intellect of great compass and strength. Her benevolence and sympathy was cultivated and exhibited through life for the benefit, advancement and encouragement of those who came within the sphere of her influence and example, as well as for those connected with her by the ties of kindred and family. She was ever ready to serve by her counsel, in any and all ways within her power, those who could be benefited by her large experience. To those around her, as friends, neighbors or acquaintances, she was BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF T. W. PEIRCE. ever ready to administer to the utmost of her ability.

Not disturbed by the constant casualties and misfortunes of life, she maintained great and constant equanimity of mind, believing that she lived not for herself alone, trusting also that, in and through the goodness of God, all things would ultimately redound to His glory." It is due to the subject of this biography, to embrace this interesting record of his respected parents. It will help us to explain and understand some of the sources of character which we find in the events of his life. It will enable us to appreciate inherited energies and habits of usefulness, and to value the influences of example and practical education. The atmosphere of such a home is more enduring than the rocks and mountains which surround it. It makes a part of the soul in its never-ending dominion of thought, sentiment, love and happiness.

It makes a part of the Heaven we all hope and pray to inherit. The early days of Thomas W. Peirce were given to industry and study. He was distinguished as a good boy, and was a favorite among his playmates. His amiable qualities and self-reliant spirit made him a leader. He did not assume to dictate, nor did he offensively manifest an air of superiority. His good temper and ready disposition to point out the best methods of doing things, or of adjusting difficulties, marked him as a guide by common consent. He acquired leadership as Franklin did, by showing how things could be done. While his plans were practical, they were peculiarly extensive and grand. His early conceptions were not confined to what he saw, but they were enlarged by his genius and foresight in the faith of what he believed he could do.

He was early placed at school, and soon discovered a taste and capacity for the most difficult studies, such as history, grammar and mathematics. He was not only a natural student, but a practical one. He early manifested an interest in geography, and collected statistics calculated to mark the paths of trade and enterprise. While doing this, he did not omit the teachings of literature He was a great lover of poetry. When not at work on the farm, his books were generally his companions. The activity and bent of his mind may be inferred from the fact, that when he was thirteen years of age, he was nearly prepared to enter college, for which he had an ambition. Such an education was among the cherished purposes of his parents, but at that time, a change in the circumstances of his father marked out a new channel for his activity.

This turn of events, perhaps, might be regarded by some as particularly fortunate. When John Quincy Adams, in his old age, was a member of Congress, a fellow member, distinguished more than any other member for his practical suggestions, expressed his deep regrets that he did not have the benefits of a college education. Mr. Adams quickly replied, " You may thank God that you did not. There would have been an even chance, if you had taken the degrees of a college — that you would not be the practical man that you now are." In confirmation of this opinion, we are reminded of a remark made to the author of this sketch, by the late Gen. Dearborn, of Massachusetts. " The most remarkable men I have ever known, for the practical knowledge of things," he said, "were men who studied men and things, and seldom read books."

Still, when asked if books of information were not made more useful in the hands of such men, than when placed in the hands of men who seldom read, he at once conceded the point with all that elegance of manner for which he was so distinguished. At an early age young Peirce was appointed to a clerkship. While promptly attending to all the required duties of his position, he made it a rule to reserve two hours of every twenty-four to himself for reading. His health soon became impaired, and he was sent by his father to Cuba that he might escape the severities of the New England winter. In early spring he returned to New Orleans, not wishing to arrive iiome before June on account of the climate. Here he had leisure. He had time to explore. He visited Texas. It was almost a new and unexplored field for adventure and industry.

This youthful pioneer did not fail to observe the probable capabilities of this almost uninhabited land. His comprehensive mind saw, at a glance, all those elements of country, and promising surroundings, which render it valuable when developed by the hand and skill of industry. Its varying localities, geographically considered, its richness and depth of soil, its rivers and water-falls, its mountains and timber tracts, its pleasant climate and beautful scenery, all were seen and re membered, not as a wilderness to be forgotten, but a land of promise, to be occupied and prepared for the refinements of civilization, teeming with latent rewards, and offered to the ready hand of labor and enterprise. That these im pressions, wonderfully sought and cherished, were not dismissed, will be seen and amply illustrated when we contemplate the subsequent career of the subject of this notice.

From the age of 15 to 18, young Peirce. was engaged in the business of his father. Vessels were built and purchased, and navigation studied in view of new channels of business, and in all this new and difficult activity, the son proved to be a most wise and useful assistant. He was trusted alone, and away from home, and showed a remarkable maturity of mind. In using the discre tion permitted by his father he made no mistake. At the age of 19 he was appointed on the staff of the Governor of New Hampshire, at a time when much activity prevailed to elevate the character of the Militia in that State. At this time he commenced business for himself, in connection with his brother Andrew, in Dover. Their united integrity and enterprise soon earned for them a high reputation. While in business at Dover, Andrew, for several years, was elected President of the Dover Bank.

In 1843, T. W. Peirce removed to Boston, and established the house of Peirce & Bacon, and in 1851, his brother Andrew was made a partner. This firm soon became one of the most extensive business houses in that city. Its trade extended into the Southern States, especially into Texas, where they handled cotton, sugar and hides, to a large extent. The increase of their Southern trade was such that in 1852, a branch house, with the late Gen. E. B. Nichols, as its manager, was established at Galveston. A line of fifteen packet ships was built by the firm and employed in transporting the products of Texas to the North and to Europe. ' Mr. Peirce has been active in aiding nearly all the enterprises in the States of 'he Southwest, but his later attention has been given to the completion of the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF T. W. PEIRCE. 15 ■t Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Road, which is now completed for the present.