James Garitty, Capt.
Apr 3, 1842 - Mar 11, 1925

FUNERAL SERVICES CAPT. JAS. GARITTY FRIDAY AFTERNOON

PIONEER BANKER DIED WEDNESDAY NIGHT—KNIGHTS TEMPLAR IN CHARGE

The dean of Texas Bankers is dead.

Captain James Garitty, philanthropist and much loved citizen, actively engaged in the banking business at Corsicana for fifty-four years as president of the First National Bank quietly and peacefully breathed his last Wednesday night at 8:50 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Garitty, 402 West Seventh avenue, at the advanced age of 83 years. He suffered no pain and his passing was that of a man falling into a deep sleep following the completion of a hard day’s toil—with the satisfaction of knowing he had completed his work—accomplished his purpose and was ready to start on that mysterious journey into the unknown where the Supreme Architect of the Universe judges the worthiness of his workmen.

Today a beautiful bouquet of flowers placed on his desk by loving employes of the First Nation Bank spread their fragrance in the air heavy with sorrow and many a man entering and leaving the bank has paused for a moment at his chair and with bowed head paid a silent tribute to their departed friend.

The funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock from the home, in charge of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Texas of which Mr. Garitty was past commander. The Grand Commandery has been called by C. L. Alderman of Dallas to meet at 1 p.m. Friday in special session in Corsicana.

Captain James Garitty played a very prominent part in the building of Corsicana. Coming here with the Houston and Texas Central railroad he watched the village grow into a city and gave liberally of his time and money in the building of the city. His gifts to charity were known far and wide and it can be safely said that no worthy cause was ever turned down when a donation was solidified. And that is not all. He has given thousands of dollars of which nothing is known but to himself and the person asking aid. Old people and young people alike knew his generosity and there is many a man in Corsicana today who will credit his success not only to the sound advice of Captain Garitty but to his financial assistance as well. The captain always responded when an appeal for help was made and to say that he was loved and honored by all who knew him is but a weak effort to tell of the high esteem in which he was held by not only the citizens of Corsicana but throughout the state and even beyond the wide confines of Texas his charity and goodness of heart are known.

He will be greatly missed and time will not erase the memory of his works from the lives of those who knew him.

Corsicana and the state of Texas has lost a great and valuable citizen and the citizenship join in expressing sympathy and genuine sorrow to his bereaved relatives.

Banker 54 Years.
Capt. James Garitty had been engaged in banking business in Corsicana for fifty-four years. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and at the age of 3 years came to the United States with his parents, James and Margurite (Ballard) Garitty, landing at New York. From New York the family went to Cincinnati, Ohio, in search of an uncle who had come to America several years previous. Failing to find the relative at Cincinnati, the search was continued to Kentucky, where he was located. After a short stay in Kentucky the family moved to New Orleans, where they finally settled and it was in the public schools of New Orleans that Captain Garitty received his education. In early manhood, fifty-eight years ago, he came to Calvert, Texas where he was engaged in the banking business. The late Joseph Joseph Huey was in the mercantile business at that place and a partnership was formed between those two pioneer Texans, which resulted in the organization of the Huey & Garitty Bank at Corsicana in 1871. The organization of the First National Bank of Corsicana occurred in 1886 and was a continuation of the Huey & Garitty Bank. Captain Garitty was active president of the First National Bank when called by Death.

In connection with Roger Q. Mills, former United States Senator from Texas. Captain Garitty developed 930 acres of shallow oil land in the Navarro county fields, drilling a total of 123 wells, of which only three failed to produce oil. Most of the wells were drilled about 1898 and forty of them are still producing.

Besides being president of the First National Bank he was a director in three wholesale grocery companies and of the Corsicana Cotton Mills and was president of the Navarro Cotton Oil Company. He served for a time as grand commander of the Knights Templar of Texas.

Served in Southern Army.
Captain Garitty served with distinction in the Confederate Army during the war between the North and South, being wounded twice and commissioned on the battlefield. He went into the army from New Orleans and served with Company E. Fifth Louisiana Regiment. He was made a captain at the age of 20, being the youngest captain in the brigade.

Besides being president of the First National Bank here he was interested in a number of Corsicana business concerns and held many other interests over the State. He was prominently identified with the St. Louis-Southwestern Railroad many years, being a member of the board of directors at his death.

He was always generous in his gifts to worthy charitable causes and several years ago established a permanent fund of $100,000 known as the Garitty Charity Fund, the interest from which is used for various charitable purposes. It has been said that he has given away four times as much as he possessed. He has held many honorary positions with various local organizations and took an active part in all war work during the World War. He was probably one of the most prominent bankers in the state of Texas at the time of his death. Under his direction the First National Bank has grown and prospered until it now enjoys the reputation of being one of the strongest banks in the state.

He was a Master Mason, both Scottish and York Rite, and a Shriner. He was also a member of the B. P. O. Elks, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. His wife died many years ago and is buried at Corsicana. He never married again.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Lila Garitty of Corsicana, and the following nieces and nephews: J. N. Garitty, Misses Margurite and Agnes Garitty, all of Corsicana; Johnnie and Bennie Garitty, both of Dallas; Mrs. Michael Hunt of Marlin, Captain Nick Garitty, Fred and James Garitty, Mrs. Richard Hagen, Mrs. John Ponder, Dr. John Adams, Agnes, Allie, Nellie, Bela, Susie and James McCord, all of New Orleans.

As a tribute to the memory of Captain Garitty the First National Bank will remain closed all day Friday and the other banks of the city will close their doors at 1 p.m.

The active pallbearers will be the Past Commanders of Bertrand Du Gueselin Commandery, No. 14, Knights Templar.

The honorary pall bearers will consist of the directors and employees of the First Nation Bank and all of Captain Garitty’s numerous friends. The full Knights Templar service will be conducted by the officers of the Grand Commandery of Texas. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Captain Garitty was next to the oldest Past Grand Commander in the state, serving in this capacity in the year 1891. When the Grand Commandry of Texas met in Corsicana in 1892 he presided over the sessions which were held in the First Methodist church.

Many beautiful floral offerings have already arrived and numerous messages of condolences have been received.

Notes:

• Born in Dublin, Ireland came to USA 1845 h/o Emma (Moore) Garitty s/o James Patrick Garitty and Margaret (Ballard) Garitty

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Attention, Knights Templar.

Right Eminent C. L. Alderman, Grand Commander, has called a meeting of the Grand Commandery to open in Corsicana at 1 p.m. tomorrow, March 13, for the purpose of conducting the funeral service over the remains of Past Grand Commander James Garitty.

All members of Bertrand du Gueselin Commandery are requested to assemble in the asylum at that hour, and all visiting Knights will be welcomed.

CHRIS L. KNOX, Commander
Attest: E. R. Glover, Recorder.

 

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Attention Elks.

All Elks, past and present members, are asked to take notice that Captain James Garitty, the best friend the local Elks had, will be buried Friday afternoon at three o’clock, and those Elks who are not members of some other body that will participate in the funeral service are requested to march to the funeral in a body.

LOUIS GOLDBERG, Sec.
B. P. O. Elks, No. 172

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Attention.

Members of Corsicana Lodge No. 174, A. F. and A. M. you are hereby called to meet at the Masonic Temple at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon for the purpose of attending the funeral of Capt. James Garitty.

FRED WHITE.
Worshipful Master.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, March 12, 1925
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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FUNERAL SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOR CAPT. JAS. GARITTY

GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS IN CHARGE FUNERAL

The mortal remains of the late James Garitty, aged 83 years, who died at the home of his nephew, J. N. Garitty, 402 West Seventh Avenue, Wednesday night were laid to rest in Oakwood cemetery Friday afternoon. The funeral cortege was one of the largest ever assembled in the city of Corsicana, as people from all walks of life gathered to pay a last tribute to their departed friend.

The funeral services started promptly at 3 o’clock and were in charge of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of Texas.

The Grand Commandry assembled in special conclave at the Masonic Temple here this afternoon at 1 o’clock and marched in a body to the Garitty home. Here the Right Eminent C. L. Alderman, Grand Commander, took charge of the body and presided over the commandry ritualistic ceremonies. Services were conducted both at the house and at the grave by the Knights Templar. Other state officers of the commandry taking part in the ceremonies were Rev. Joseph Sherrin, Eminent Grand Prelate of Dallas; J. C. Kidd, Eminent Grand Recorder, Houston; Thos. M. Bartley, Eminent Grand Warder, Waco; P. S. Park, Eminent Grand Captain General, Bryan; Nathan K. Tracey, Eminent Grand Standard Bearer, San Antonio, Sam J. Helm, Very Excellent Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapters of Texas, A. V. Lane, Past Grand Commander, and H. B. Robertson, Past Eminent Grand Commander of the Texas Knights Templar also participated in the ceremonies. Other out of town Knights Templar present were J. B. Miller, Waco, Commandry No. 10: J. E. Weber, Kansas City, Mo., Commandry No. 10; E. C. Keeler, Weatherford, Commandry No. 51; N. J. Garitty, New Orleans Commandry, and many others.

The Sir Knights assembled at the Asylum and clothed in full uniform marched to the residence, headed by the Grand Warder with the other officers following according to their rank. Upon arrival at the house the Knights formed a line and the Eminent Commander passed to the front and received the body, placing the hat and sword upon the coffin. An honorary escort for the body was also formed by the Master Masons. The active pallbearers were the Past Commanders of Bertrand du Gueselin Commandry No. 14, Knights Templar and the honorary pallbearers were the directors and employes of the First National Bank, of which Captain Garitty was president for fifty-four years, and all of his numerous friends.

Hella Temple, of which Captain Garitty was a charter member, was represented at the funeral by the following Nobles: W. G. Kelly, Chairman; E. L. Haskins, Dan G. Fisher, John Stirs, W. L. Trovine. They were met at the interurban by G. C. Hudson, president of the Navarro County Shrine Club, who accompanied them to the services. A large delegation of members of Corsicana Lodge No. 172, B. P. O. Elks also attended the funeral as well as did Knights of Pythias, the deceased having been a member of both organizations for many years. Captain Garitty was also Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Texas, he having served in this capacity in 1891.

Resting in a handsome casket, surrounded by banks and banks of beautiful flowers, the body of Captain James Garitty has been viewed by hundreds of people who have called to take a last look and to pay a last tribute to their departed friend. Flowers have been received from every section of the state as well as out of the state. A Knights Templar Guard of Honor has been on duty constantly since he died.

One beautiful floral offering bore a card on which the simple words, “The People” were written. All Masonic bodies went flowers and offerings were received from the Cotton Belt officials and the City of Corsicana. These many tokens further evidenced the high esteem in which Mr. Garitty was held by all who knew him. There have been few funeral in Corsicana where so many flowers have been received.

As a mark of respect all of the banks of the city closed their doors at 1 p.m. The Public Library, of which Captain Garitty was a member of the board, was also closed during the funeral hour. The Fred M. Allison Motors also closed from 2 to 4 for the funeral.

Captain Garitty is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Among the out of town people here for the funeral were E. H. Peters and J. K. P. Hanna, both of Calvert; Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Lane, Dallas; Mrs. J. A. Hughes, Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Hunt, Marlin; W. A. Matchett, Dallas; Mrs. Richard Hagin, Mrs. John Ponders, Dr. and Mrs. John Adams, Richard Hagin, Jim Garitty and Nick Garitty, all of New Orleans; George Miller, H. E. Spaulding, F. V. Faulkner, D. A. Little, W. C. Proctor, E. P. Angus, J. H. Jenkins, R. J. Blackburn, all of Dallas, and others.

As a tribute to the memory of Captain Garitty the Corsicana Fire Department tolled the fire bell for thirty minutes during the funeral. Captain Garitty was one of the pioneer members of the volunteer fire department.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, March 13, 1925
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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RESOLUTIONS ARE ADOPTED ON DEATH CAPTAIN GARITTY

At a meeting of the directors of the First National Bank of Corsicana, Texas, on the 7th day of April, 1925, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, on the eleventh day of March, 1925, Captain James Garitty accomplished the number of his days on earth, and at the ripe age of eighty-three years, passed the scenes and activities of this world, to enter into eternal rest and

Whereas, Captain Garitty was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Corsicana and was its first and only president from the time of its inception until the day of his death and

Whereas, to Captain Garitty’s able administration the First Nation Bank owes in a large measure, whatever degree of success it may have attained at a financial factor in the life of this community and

Whereas, the never failing courtesy and uniform kindness of Captain Garitty to all his associates endeared his name to every member of this institution; therefore be it

Resolved. That we, the directors and officers of the First National Bank of Corsicana, do publicly declare and make known the high estimation we have formed of the character of James Garitty, and our genuine appreciation of the sterling qualities which made him a wise executive and a valued counselor in all that pertained to the welfare of the First National Bank, And be it further

Resolved. That in the death of Captain Garitty, we collectively and individually have sustained a great loss; a loss that will be keenly felt by each member of this Board of Directors: namely the parting with a reliable business associate, a trustworthy guide, a faithful mentor, and a sincere personal friend. And be it further

Resolved. That these resolutions be spread on the minutes of this meeting; and they be published in the Corsicana Daily Sun, and that copies of these resolutions be sent to Captain Garitty’s nearest surviving relatives.

(Signed)
R. L. HAMILTON,
J. N. EDENS,
A. M. MILLIGAN,
Committee on Resolutions.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, April 7, 1925
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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TRUSTEES GARITTY CHARITY FUND MET; ADOPT RESOLUTIONS

OVER FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS HAS BEEN USED FOR CHARITY FOR YEAR

At a meeting of the trustees of the Garitty Charity Fund Tuesday morning, routine business was disposed of and the report of the secretary, J. N. Garitty, was heard and accepted. The report showed that a total of $4583 from the fund had been used for charitable purposes from May 1, 1924 to May 1, 1925.

The following resolutions of respect for the late Captain James Garitty, founder of the $100,000 charitable fund, were adopted by the trustees:

Instead of the formal resolutions customary on such occasions, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Garitty Charity Fund, feel that they wish to express in a more intimate manner their sense of loss in the passing of Capt. Garitty, whose generous heart planned for charity and gave his home county the sum of $100,000 and the revenue from this fund is to go on from year to year relieving the sick and needy.

His ear was ever open to the appeal of the unfortunate, his hand and purse always ready to minister to their needs. Few of us realize what a broad charity was planned and written into the Deed of Trust in these words: “To be devoted to the relief, betterment and improvement of any indigent poor persons residing in Navarro county, Texas who are worthy objects of charity, with regard to race, color, sex or religious belief.” Already many of all classes and conditions have reaped the benefits of his wonderful gift to his fellowman.

Of all the investments Capt. Garitty ever made this investment in humanity, bringing to him as it did, the consciousness of helping the distressed and needy, brought into his life more real happiness than the stocks and bonds bringing in their yearly dividends of dollars and cents.

He was always pleased to hear that through this fund a little crippled child had been made to walk again, a mother eased of pain, or perhaps a father restored to health and able to take up again the care and support of his loved ones.

This great charity is but in its infancy and the good it will accomplish can ever be measured, as it goes on from age to age, a perpetual monument, more lasting than bronze or granite, a fitting memorial to the great heart that planned it.

He was always loyal to his friends and ever forgetful of their fruits and short comings.

He lived beyond the span of man’s allotted time, four score years and more. He missed the companions of early life, the friends who had gone on before and had fallen one by one until he alone was left. In spite of the thoughtful attentions of a devoted nephew and family, and other friends who ministered to him as tenderly as loving children, he felt loneliness of having outlived his generation, and when he knew that death was near he did not falter nor draw back, but like a tired child going to sleep, he welcomed the end, and smiled as if to greet another friend. He will be greatly missed from his accustomed place and ever his vacant chair there broods a quiet sense of something lost.

We the men who were selected by him to dispense this great charity, which was so near to his generous heart, feel that he has left to us a sacred trust and it is a wonderful privilege to be a co-worker in such a noble cause, and our earnest desire is that not only we, but our successors, may be wise enough to faithfully administer the trust in such a way that we may indeed be very fruitful and benefit only those who are worthy and need the blessing its help may bring. Be it therefore

Resolved. That we submit these humble words of appreciation to his relatives and friends and extend to them our heartfelt sympathy in their sorrow, and be it further

Resolved. That a blank page of our records be inscribed to his memory and that copies be sent to the family, and to the press for publication.

J. M. BLANDING,
A. M. MILLIGAN,
CHAS. H. MILLS,
R. L. HAMILTON,
W. M. TATUM.
Trustees.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Tuesday, May 5, 1925
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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Resolutions of Respect.

Whereas on March 11th, 1925, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom, has seen fit to take from the walks of men our friend and brother, Captain Jas. Garitty, and
Whereas Captain Garitty was the founder of Hose Company No. One and was its true friend and supporter during his life time, therefore be it resolved by Hose Company No. One:

1st. That in the loss of Captain Jas. Garitty this Department has lost one of its most loyal and true members and Corsicana one of its best citizens.

2nd. That the charitable character of Captain Garitty as it was demonstrated here on earth from time to time might be emulated by the members of this Department.

3rd. That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the minutes of Hose Company No. One, one copy given to the Daily press and one copy to the immediate relatives of our deceased brother.

Respectfully submitted,
WALTER RAINEY,
M. C. RAINEY,
O. R. THOMAS,
ISADORE GOLDBERG.
Resolutions Committee Hose Company No. One, Corsicana, Texas.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, May 7, 1925
• Submitted by Diane Richards