(article written by Jimmie Doris Pruett, dated December 1, 1939)
Mr. E. R. Nash, one of Baylor’s most staunch supporters, was born in Ocala, Florida, July 17, 1854. After the death of his mother when he was five, and the loss of his father three years later, he grew up under the care of an uncle, John A. Robinson of Alabama. At the age of twenty he cast his lot with Texas, which was then not widely settled. He left the train at the terminus, which at that time happened to be Bryan, and there he settled in 1874.
At first he worked on a farm, then in a store; finally he became associated with the Garth-Griffith Lumber Company, where he found the vocation with which he was affiliated the rest of his life. In this firm he rose rapidly, and in a short time became a partner. While in Bryan, Mr. Nash was married to Miss Fannie B. Mitchell in 1879. To them five children were born.
In 1890 Mr. Nash and his family moved to Waco, where he organized the Nash-Robinson Lumber Company, which has been since its organization one of the strongest lumber concerns in this section of the State. Following his removal to Waco, Mr. Nash was united with the First Baptist Church in 1891, and from that time on he has served his church to the best of his ability until his death in 1924.
As a businessman, Mr. Nash was distinguished for his sound financial judgment and his progressiveness. He maintained at all times the utmost respect and confidence of those employed under him.
Mr. Nash made his service felt in Baylor University, of which institution he was a trustee for nearly thirty-five years; most of that time he was treasurer of the Board of Trustees. His heart swelled with pride on every advancement made by the University or by the students, and many times he would shout with boyish glee over an athletic victory earned by Baylor.
He was on the building committee that constructed Carroll Chapel, the Carroll Science Hall, the heating plant and the boys’ dormitory. As a member of this committee he gave expert advice that brought about the building of our present Carroll library.
Dr. S.P. Brooks said, “No official ever gave sounder advice or took a longer look in the interest of the University than Mr. E. R. Nash. He regarded Baylor before his own business.”
—transcribed by Louise Mosley Smith
E R Nash Sr. and Family 