Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Lewis Moody, Jr.
(January 25, 1865 - July 21, 1954)
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 10, 2019
1. William Lewis Moody, Jr. Marker
Famed for a long career of dynamic leadership in Galveston business, civic affairs, and philanthropy.
Born in Freestone County; son of William Lewis and Pherabe Elizabeth Bradley Moody. Educated at Virginia Military Institute, he later traveled and studied abroad before joining his father's cotton firm in Galveston in 1886. He organized in 1889 W. L. Moody and Co., a private bank (still operating). He founded American National Insurance Co. (1905); City National Bank, later called the Moody National Bank; National Hotel Co. (1930); and other firms. He owned "Galveston News" (Texas' oldest newspaper), "Galveston Tribune," "Texas City Sun," 11 ranches, and many other interests.
He took active part in relief and reconstruction after the disastrous Galveston hurricane of 1900.
He married Libbie Rice Shearn in 1890. Their children were Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. E. C. Northen), W. L., III, Shearn, and Libbie (Mrs. Clark W. Thompson).
Known as one of the ten richest men in America, W. L. Moody, Jr., in his lifetime gave the state a school for cerebral palsied children. With his wife he set up (1942) the Moody Foundation, which has since given millions of dollars for charitable, scientific, educational, and religious purposes throughout Texas.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 29° 18.324′ N, 94° 47.604′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is on Market Street, 0.1 miles 23rd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2219 Market Street, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Pix Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); W. P. Ballinger Law Firm (about 400 feet away); Washington Hotel (about 400 feet away); Samson Heidenheimer Building (about 400 feet away); Berlocher Row (about 500 feet away); The Tremont Houses (about 500 feet away); Rice, Baulard & Company Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
More about this marker. This marker is in front of the City National Bank building, which is in the National Register of Historic Places. Moody founded this bank.
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 10, 2019
2. William Lewis Moody, Jr. Marker
This photo is of the City National Bank building, founded by Moody. Note the marker in front. This bank is in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 10, 2019
3. One of two large urns near the entry to the bank
Below the urn is the inscription "Finis coronat opus" or "The end crowns the work."
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 10, 2019
4. Bank Erection Date of 1919
This erection date (MCMXIX or 1919) is chiseled into stone on the front wall of the bank.
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 10, 2019
5. Previous home of the Galveston Historical Society
The building served as the museum of the Galveston Historical Society until 2008 when it was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike. As of the date of this picture it is unoccupied.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 380 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
