Biographical Sketch of J. B. Ryan

J. B. Ryan was born in Kentucky of Irish parents, in 1854, and moved to Fannin County, Texas, in 1866, a mere lad, brought nothing with him, stopped at the town of Honey Grove, and by honest toil, prompt action, and natural intelligence, got his start. In 1877, with a small capital, he opened up a drug business in Honey Grove, which under his business eye and careful management, soon grew into a large, safe and paying business. Alive to the rapid strides of improvement all around him, M r. Ryan invested his surplus earnings in real estate, as fast … Read more

Biographical Sketch of E. H. Lyday

Was born in Grundy County, Missouri, in 1852, and came to this state with his father’s family, who settled near Honey Grove, in ’61. In ’66, Judge Lyday moved his family to Bonham, and here it was that E. H. Lyday received his education and prosecuted his study of the law. He was admitted to the bar in ’77, and has been in public ever since. He was four times elected Mayor of Bonham, and at the election in ’84 was elected Justice of the Bonham precinct. Mr. Lyday is one of the “young democracy,” active in local politics, and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of W. D. Wilkins

Of Honey Grove, was born in South Carolina, in 1845, and moved to this state in 1866. He followed farming, until 1873, when he went into business at Honey Grove. He commenced a small business with a limited capital, $300 but by superior business judge merit and close application, steadily increased his capital and credit in the commercial world, until the twelve years of mercantile life has placed him on a solid financial footing. His is a general merchandise business, and as is generally the case with that kind of a business, is very popular. His annual gross business is … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George A. Dailey

Is a native of Kentucky, born in 1844. He pitched his tent’ in the “lone star” state in the year 1857, a lad of thirteen years. He went into the mercantile business with a capital of $3000.00, in 1866, when about 21 years of age. His business was that of general merchandise, which he followed for two years, when he opened a drug store at Honey Grove, and has remained in that town conducting a large drug store, ever since. He does a gross annual business amounting to $18,000.00 or $20,000.00. Mr. Dailey is a fine businessman, a good pharmacist, … Read more

Biography of C. W. T. Weldon

Of Ladonia, this county, is one of the few southern men whom the misfortunes of the war failed to place upon the roll of codfish aristocracy, notwithstanding the fact that he suffered considerable loss. After four years service in the confederate ranks, during which time he was made a federal prisoner when the siege of Fort Hudson was raised he returned to his home to find his handsome property an utter waste. His natural good sense and judgment told him that the “milk was spilled and grief was useless. He laid his shoulder to the wheel, and success attended his … Read more

Biographical Sketch of T. U. Cole

In the life of this man, up to date, is afforded an example to the youth of this country. Of course all of them cannot be bank cashiers, as is the case with him, but in whatever position in life, fate or circumstances may place them, by an observance of the traits of character which have characterized the subject of this sketch, success, in every respect, will, attend them. Mr Cole was born in 1861, raised and educated in the state. The first, and perhaps the only business he ever entered into, was the banking business. He is cashier of … Read more