'<'W)^(!/^^,^(l^fmp< ^^. CHAS. E. JOHNSON, President C. B EDWARDS, Vice-President WALTERS DURHAM. Cashier CHAS. E. JOHNSON, JR., Asst. Cashier MECHANICS SAVINGS BANK INCORPORATED 1896 LET US HELP YOU SAVE WE PAY FOUR PER CENT INTEREST COMPOUNDED QUARTERLY Thos. B. Crowder President DIRECTORS Thos. H. Briggs Edward R. Pace J. \\iLi.iA>f Bailey A. R. D.. Johnson John a. Kemi- Thos. B. Crowder Wm. B. Grimes W. W.Vass COMPOUNDED QUARTERLY ON DEPOSITS Historical Raleigh (enlarged and revised edition) WITH SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY (FROM 1771) AND ITS IMPORTANT TOWNS DESCRIPTIVE, BIOGRAPHICAL, EDUCATIONAL INDUSTRIAL, RELIGIOUS ILLUSTRATED BT MOSES N. AMIS OF THB RALBKiH BAR AcTBOR Amiss North Carolina Criming CODR AND DIOKST Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1913. by Moses N. Amis, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington Commercial Printing Company pkintp:rs and binders raleigh, n. c. 1913 tZ(,f B. S. JERMAN, President A. A. THOMPSON, Vice-President E. B. CROW, Cashier A. P. BAUMAN, Assistant Cashier i. t BIO -"-ft-jiM;^ The Commercial National Bank Raleigh, N. C. The above is a roproduetion of the haiulsoine new ten-story, steel-const rnctod, bank and office buiUling now occiip-ed by Thk Commercial National Bank, corner llartin and Wihuington streets. J^,SO ©CI.A350808 CONTENTS Page. Organization of Wake County 11 Joel Lane and Bloomsbury 23 Sittings of the General Assembly During the Revolution 29 Location of a Permanent Capital 31 Location of the County Seat 37 Plan of the City 41 First State-House, or Capitol 49 Erection of the Governor's "Palace," or Mansion 53 Burning of the State-House 55 Erection of a New Capitol 57 First City Government . 63 Death of George Washington 66 Early Settlers or Inhabitants, Their W^ork and Their Descendants 67 Early Newspapers and Their Publishers 83 Oldest Living Inhabitants 86 Fires. Fire-Engines and Waterworks in Raleigh's Early History. 88 Raleigh's First Street-Cars 90 First Steam Railway Entering the Capital 91 Raleigh's Original Market-House 94 Old-Time Public (or "Free") Schools 97 The Nat Turner Insurrection and Its Effect Upon the People of Raleigh 98 Religious 99 Early Hotels, or Taverns 103 The Birthplace of a President — Andrew Johnson 104 Educational 106 Early Lawyers . . Ill Lawyers of Later Periods 112 General La Fayette's Visit to Raleigh 114 A Distinguished Visitor — Henry Clay 116 The Decade From 1850 to 1860 118 How the Military Boys Were Trapped by a Hotel Man 125 Conditions in ISOO 125 The Dawn of a Perilous Period 128 The Stars and Bars Unfurled 129 North Carolina Renounces Her Allegiance to the Federal Union. . 131 Preparations For the "Irrepressible Conflict" 133 Stirring Events in Raleigh— 1861-1865 136 Sacking of Newspaper Offices 139 Surrender of Raleigh to General Sherman 140 Assassination of President Lincoln 145 Confederate Veterans — L. O. B. Branch Camp, No. 515, U. C. V.. . 148 Municipal Affairs After the War 148 Andrew Johnson's Visit to His Boyhood Home 150 Historical Scraps 152 5 6 contents Page. The Capital City of Half a Century Ago and the Metropolis OF To-Day : Raleigh's Enterprising, Public-Spirited Citizens and Successful Busines-s Men 154 The Capital City of To-Day 174 Historical Sketches : Apex, 213; Cardenas, 221; Cary, 224: Fuquay Springs, 287; Garner. 231 ; Holly Springs, 243 ; Morrisville, 252 ; Walie Forest. 253; Wakefield, 257; Wendell, 258; Zebulon, 266 Biographical Sketches : Alford, George Benton 247 Ball, Jesse Griffin 178 Boushall, Joseph Dozier 183 Broughton, Needhani Bryant ISO Broughton, Joseph Thomas 236 Brown. Joseph Gill 177 Bunn, Falcouer Elmo 276 Coltrane, Dr. Jesse Franklin 274 Cooper, William Alexander 187 Cox, Charles Frederick 210 Creech, Ransom Right 284 Daniel. Elbert Clifton 280 Dry, Marcus Baxter 225 GriflSn, Mallie Asa 262 Harrison, Robert Johnson 228 Holding, Henry Graham 256 Horton. Thomas Jackson 270 Johnson, Kemp Bethea 221 King, Oral Gentry 204 Litcbford. Henry Evans 201 Mial, Millard 207 Mills. John Allison 190 Montague, George Boston 240 Moser, Early Hampton 272 Nor\Aood. George Thomas 193 Park, John Alsey 107 Rand, Ilallie Delmo 233 Roberts, William Tilden 204 Rosengarten, Aleck 194 Sears, Lonnie Jefferson 219 Simpkins, William Aloii/.o 185 Thompson, Alfred Augustus 209 Utley. Williams Francis 216 Whitley. Joha .Mike 282 Wiggs, William Larkin 278 Woodall. Cliarles Leandrew 199 INTRODUCTION Mr. M. l!^. Amis, the author and publisher of Historical Raleigh, with Sketches of Wake County and Its Im- portant Towns, is rendering to the present and future gen- erations a most valuable contribution. To do this he has given days, weeks, and months of patient and persistent re- search. There may be some casual reader who will think it an easv task to run down and dig out the information herein con- tained, but certainly no person that has ever undertaken the task of collecting history will fail to see the time, care, and labor Mr, Amis has bestowed upon this work, when the matter has been examined. We bespeak for the author the gratitude of our people, and wish for him the gTeat success in the publication that he so richly deserves. !N^EEDHAM B. BrOUGHTON. . Raleigh, N. C, July 24, 1913. J E W E L E R S Twentieth Century Store Service Sometimes there may arise in your affairs complications which will require the ser- vices of a watchmaker or jeweler. We hope our well known service will force you to appreciate just such a per- fected general jewelry business as we oti'er you. It embraces everything in the trade, con- taining features of which either single ser- vice might well be the pride of any store. Jolly & Wynne Jewelry Co. 128 FAYETTEVILLE STREET o p T O M E T R I S T S AUTHOR'S PREFACE The cordial welcome and good will which Histokical Raleigh, published ten years ago, received from a kind and indulgent public, is the author's apology for this work. The present effort, as the title indicates, is of broader scope than its predecessor, the design of the author being to include in this work sketches of the principal towns of Wake County and brief biographies of some of their prominent citizens. Only in rare instances has mention been made in the work of any individuals except of those who, in their respective spheres of usefulness, have been contributors to the well being, either moral, intellectual or industrial, of their communities ; but as to these, however modest their station and limited their sphere, a proper regard for the true purpose of history has prompted favorable mention. In the preparation of the work the author's desire has been to make it not only interesting to the reader of the present generation, but that it should sen^e also as a repository of the matter herein found, and thus prove valuable to those who are to come after us in future time. ^,^, H^^ Raleigh, N. C, .July 24, 1913. Stetson Shoes Crawford Shoes Stetson Hats Roeloff's Hats LATEST STYLES RELIABLE GOODS The Home of Good Clothes HIGH-CLASS TAILORING . AT POPULAR PRICES JOHNSON & JOHNSON COMPANY 122 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, N. C. COAL, WOOD, ICE, BRICK 10 ORGANIZATION OF WAKE COUNTY "As he is a bad man who is ashamed of an honest parentage be- cause it was poor and humble, so he is no better who is ashamed of his country because its history records few or none of the bloody triumphs of ambition, but tells the simple story of a people's imob- trusive progress in civilization and homely comfort. — Dr. Francis L. Hawks, North Carolina's famous historian. The County of Wake, in which the capital of North Carolina is situate, was formed in 1771, from portions of Cumberland, Orange and Johnston — chiefly from the latter. The act of the Colonial Assembly authorizing the establishment of the new county was ratified in 1770, but was not to take effect, however, until March 12, 1771. The first term of court began June 4th of that year. The first sheriff was Michael Rogers, maternal great-grand- father of the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. The first sheriff after the organization of the City of Raleigh (1792) was Richard Banks. The population of the county by the census of 1790 was 10,192; of 1910, 63,229. The following is the text of the act organizing the county : "Act for the Erection of Wahe County and St. Margaret's Parish. "Whereas, the large extent of said counties of Johnston, Cum- berland and Orange renders it grievous and burthensome to many of the inhabitants thereof to attend the courts, general musters, and other public meetings therein : "Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Assembly, and by the authority of the same, that from and after the twelfth day of March next after the passing of this act, the said counties of Johnston, Cumberland and Orange be divided by the follow- ing lines — that is to say, beginning at Edgecombe line on Moco- sin Swamp, a mile above James Lea's Plantation, running a direct line to ISTeuse River, at the upper end of John Bedding- field's Plantation ; then to David Mimm's mill and Tanner's old 11 12 HISTORICAL RALEIGH A. E. GLENN J. R. WILLIAMS Glenn & Williams RALEIGH, N. C. PAINTERS AND DECORATORS GRAINING AND ENAMELING A SPECIALTY Estimates Furnished and Work Done Anywhere in the State Office 121 S. Salisbury Street SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 13 mill; then the same course continued to the ridge which divides Cumherland and Johnston counties ; then a straight line to Orange line, at the lower end of Richard Hill's Plantation, on Buckhorn ; then the same course continued five miles ; then to the corner of Johnston County, on Granville line; then with the same line and Bute line to Edgecombe line, and along Edge- combe line to the beginning; be thenceforth erected into a dis- tinct county and parish b};- the name of Wake County and St. Margaret's Parish." This act was ratified January 26, 1771, by the General Assem- bly, which sat that year in JSTeAv Bern. Josiah Martin was then Colonial Governor. A copy of the charter of the county may be found recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court. It is signed by William Tryon, the Colonial Governor, and executed at New Bern the 22d day of May, 1771. The following is a literal copy of the order directing its regis- tration : "Wake Sepr Inferior Term, 1771. *'Wake County— "Present His Majesty's Justices. 'Twas then Ordered, that the Avithin Charter of Wake County be Recorded, which was done accordingly this twelfth Day of Sepr., 1771, in Book A and pages 4, 5 and 6. "Test : Jno. Rice, C. I. C." The county was named for Royal Governor Tryon's wife, whose maiden name was Wake, though some authorities claim it was so designated in honor of Esther Wake, a sister of Lady Tryon. Since the organization of the county in 1771, its boundaries and area have been twice changed — first, in 1881, when a portion of Oak Grove Township was taken for the purpose of aiding in the organization of Durham County, and again in 1911, when another portion of this township was ceded to the same county. Since this time a new township, knoAvn as Leesville, has been 14 HISTORICAL RALEIGH W. C. VNDERHILL, Pres. and Gen. Mgr. MISS M. E. UNDERHILL. Vice-Pres. MISS Z. M. UNDERHILL. Secretary-Treasurer UNDERHILL & FLEMING, Inc. PLUMBERS STEAM AND HOT WATER FITTERS Corner Morgan and Wilmington Streets RALEIGH, N. C. PHONE 421. Handle the l>est Steam, Hot Water and Vapor Vacuum Heating on the American market, and guarantee a perfect in- stallation. Phone or write for information. Established 1876 and HOSIER Y 134 Fayetteville Street SKETCHES OF WaKE COUNTY 15 created, composed of portions of Barton's Creek, House's Creek and the remainder of Oak Grove. Wake County now comprises nineteen townships, viz. : Bar- ton's Creek, Buckhorn, Cary, Cedar Fork, Holly Springs, House's Creek, Leesville, Little River, Mark's Creek, Middle Creek, ISTeuse River, New Light, Panther Branch, Raleigh, St. Mary's. St. Matthew's, Swift Creek, Wake Forest, White Oak. The following are among the prominent, substantial and influ- ential citizens of their respective townships, to whom reference should be made in a work of this character : Barton's CreeJc. — J. D. R. Allen, G. D. Bailey, C. A. Bailey,. G. H. Ball, L. L. Brogden, E. J. Byrum, J. C. Harrison, D. W. Hockaday, J. W. Hudson, Z, A. Jackson, C. B. Lyon, W. L. Nip- per, G. B. Norwood, Dudley Peed, J. A. J. Penny, George W. Ray, Dr. S. W. Thompson, J. R. White. BucJchorn.—J. W. Barker, A. H. Bennett, C. H. Booth, C. J. Bright, J. H. Buchanan, Dr. B. W. Burt, John H. Dupree, A. J, Edwards, B. B. Freeman, L. L. Gardner, C. B. Harrington, S. B. Holleman, Aaron Holleman, L. M. Holt, J. T. Judd, D. L. D. Lashlee, D. D. Lawrence, R. R. Marks, A. H. Ragan, L. E. Rol- lins, R. C. Patrick, T. B. Segroves, D. S. Stephenson, I. P. Upchurch. Cary.— J. P. H. Adams, W. H. Atkins, J. W. Avent, W. T. Cooper, W. G. Crowder, M. B. Dry, A. Dughi, J. D. Glover, W. M. Grimes, Sion Holleman, C. J. Holleman, J. W. Holloway, D. H. House, T. Ivey, A. N. Jackson, W. D. Jones, H. B. Jor- dan, E. M. Lassiter, J. P. Olive, O. L. Stephens, W. P. Stone, Dr. J. M. Templeton, J. C. Walker, C. W. Scott, L. V. Reavis, S. S. Wood, J. B. Richardson, J. K. P. Varner, W. H. Grimes, A. C. Page, Percy Waldo, C. R. Scott, W. T. Lynn, T. F. Alex- ander, Z. V. Johnson, A. S. Johnson, C. L. Duke, J. C. Mat- thews, W. H. Blanchard, F. R. Gray, P. D. Gray, A. H. Pleas- ants, R. B. Harrison, J. M. Templeton, Jr. Cedar Fork.—W. H. Carpenter, E. W. Clements, W. G. Clem- ents, W. H. Edwards, C. B. Estes, C. F. Ferrell, W. G. Ford, O. E. Goodwin, J. B. Herndon, J. R. Home, J. B. Harward, W. H. King, J. C. Marcom, C. F. Maynard, S. P. Moring, J. H. .16 HISTORICAL RALEIGH J.E.KENNEDY W.L.DAVIS BOTH PHONES Raleigh French Dry Cleaning Co. KENNEDY & DAVIS Proprietors CORNER BLOUNT AND MORGAN STREETS Raleigh, N. C. Prompt and Best Service SANITARY Men's and Women's Apparel and House- furnishings Cleaned and Pressed Equal to New Steam pressing for all garments, velvets, etc. Velvets, plushes and velours are finished on a steam- ing apparatus that raises the pile and avoids wrinkles. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 17 McGhee, W. T. Nutt, W. L. Page, Eobert Eich, C. F. Maynard, J. A. Estridge, W. A. Pleasant, J. H. Moring, A. E. Eiggsbee, S. E. Home, J. F. Council, F. A. Edwards, Marion Ferrell, Z. P. Ferrell, E. L. Sorrell, J. E. House. Holly SpHngs.—G. B. Alford, G. H. Alford, J. A. Alston, J. J. Burt, W. H. Burt, C. H. Collins, T. A. Council, J. A. D. Cross, W. F. Cross, E. M. Dickens, G. W. Hall, J. D. Hare, J. M. Hare, T. A. Holland, J. W. Jones, A. B. McLeod, Eev. H. W. Norris, C. M. Page, Cary P. Powell, M. S. Sorrell, A. J. Stephens, E. H. Templeton, H. W. Norris, "W. A. Jones, M. L. Altman, M. L. Wright, W. A. Seagroves, J. M. Harper, T. B. Holt, T. E. Lashley, J. E. Seagroves, J. E. Carter, W. L. Brewer, W. L. Price, J. P. Wood, E. A. Wood, S. Schall, J. F. Jones, W. L. Norris, M. M. Smith. House's Creek. — J. H. Aycock, H. B. Bagwell, J. T. Edwards, D. L. Farrior, Charles Finch, I. T. Goodin, J. S. Hailey, C. J. Harward, E. M, King, J. J. Lynn, I. H. Lynn, C. W. Mooney- ham, M. M. Perry, G. L. B. Penny, E. S. Eogers, Hugh Shaw, W. T. Smith, Nathan Tyson, A. V. Woodall. Leesville. — J. S. Bailey, J. B. Butler, H. M. Byrum, J. M. Carlton, N. A. Dillard, G. M. Jackson, A. F. King, Charles McGhee, H. M. Norwood, A. G. Eay, A. D. Eoss, L>r. L. P. Sor- rell, E. L. Sorrell, Eobert Strickland, J. T. Young. Little River.— L. Y. Baker, S. T. Barhani, C. V. Batts, Dr. G. M. Bell, W. E. Brantley, J. E. Broughton, B. C. Bunn, C. D. Bunn, B. B. Carter, M. C. Chamblee, W. G. Cone, G. W. Duke, W. B. Edwards, A. J. Ferrell, W. B. Ferrell, W. C. Ferrell, M. L .Fowler, W. B. Gettys, J. E. Gill, E. Grissom, E. W. Hood, E. B. Horton, S. L. Horton, C. D. Jones, J. A. Kemp, E. J. Mas- sey, E. B. Nichols, J. E. Pearce, J. M. Whitley, G. O. Pitts, S. W. Gabriel, J. A. Strickland, W. H. Chamblee, A. G. Kemp. K B. Finch, G. M. Sanders, J. H. Bunn, W. A. Honeycutt, B. M. Alford, J. C. Jeffreys, M. S. Chamblee, M. O. Holton, K. H. Hopkins, A. E. Holloway, T. B. Brantley, M. C. Medlin, H. L. Woodruff, L. L. Massey, A. J. Hunt, T. M. Thomason. Marh's Creeh—M. A. Griffin, J. T. Blackwell, J. Broadwell, C. P. Bullock, J. W. Cash, E. D. Christian, G. S. Ferrell, S. D. 2 18 HISTORICAL RALEIGH FRANK B. SIMPSON ARCHITECT RALEIGH, N. C. Phone 504 Box 127 Raleigh Roofing and Cornice Company, Inc. CONTRACTORS FOR ALL KINDS SHEET METAL WORK AGENCY ABRAM COX FURNACES TIN, TILE AND SLATE ROOFING Galvanized Iron and Copper Cornices, Skylights and Ventilators Estimates Furnished from Architects' Plans on Short Notice 115-117 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 19 Griffin, D. B. Harrison, M. D. Hinton, C. S. Hobgood, B. D. Honeycutt, C. T. Horton, N. F. House, W. R. Johnson, W. T. Jones, R. D. Knott, C. A. Liles, Freeman Liles/Charles Martin, A. B. Marshburn, W. R. Mattox, W. T. Roberts, R. H. Biggs, J. Ashlej Wall, L. O. N"owell, R. B. Whitley, M. C. Todd, Dr. James Allen, Dr. H. P. TJnderhill, Dr. J. L. Moore, Dr. F. G. Gower, S. E. Garner, J. E. Scarboro, W. R. Nowell, R. H. Biggs, E. V. Richardson, J. H. Lewis, J. W. Stell, J. W. Barnes, J. W. Davis, W. J. C. Richardson, C. Z. Todd, W. E. Morris, John Duncan. Middle Creel:— J. L. Adcock, John W. Adcock, W. H. Aiken, Charles A. Ballentine, J. D. Ballentine, J. W. Blalock, W. H. Blanchard, R. S. Brown, L. A. Dupree, A. J. Fish, R. P. Har- vell, J. C. Holland, J. B. Johnson, Dr. J. M. Judd, E. J. Partin, E. J I Ragsdale, Dr. J. A. Sexton, J. A. Smith, J. E. Brown, ]Sr. McK. Bryan, E. J. Woodall, E. H. Howard, J. K. Sessoms, A. F. Smith, W. R. Bright, J. S. Hailey, A. N". Johnson, W. A. Jones, A. J. Blanchard, H. Sessoms, J. B. Johnson, E. H. Howard. Neuse Fiver. — F. R. Clifton, W. P. Edwards, R. H. Ferguson, J. F. Fonville, J. S. Harp, A. J. Honeycutt, C. F. Honeycutt, IST. W. Hatch, Kimbrough Jones, W. R. Jeffreys, J. R. Magee,. D. G. Mangum, W. H. Nichols, E. O. Penny, L. W. Perry^ J. W. Reddish. New LigJit.—J. W. Allen, W. E. Allen, J. B. Bailey, W. M. Brinkley, W. F. Byrd, S. A. Cannady, C. E. Davis, L. D. Emery, B. M. Harrison, J. B. Hobgood, I. W. Jones, E. B. Keith, Henry Keith, J. H. Keith, J. T. Lowrey, Terrell Lowrey, J. S. Man- gum, A. D. Oneal, H. M. Oneal, W. N. Oneal, J. W. Pearce, E. M. Perry, George W. Perry, J. D. Pleasants, J. W. Powell, W. J. Ray,' Z. T. Ray, J. IvT. Rochelle, R. C. Sandling, W. D. Sandling, J. K. Stephenson, J. H. Watkins, J. C. Wilkins. Panther Branch. — A. A. Adams, D. H. Adams, J. F. Adams, J. Q. Adams, W. F. Adams, W. S. Austin, J. M. Blalock, Dr. K M. Blalock, S. H. Blalock, J. F. Batts, J. L. Britt, J. B. Britt, G. H. Carroll, Joseph Crowder, W. A. Ferrall, B. F. Fish, J. W. Fish, P. A. Fish, R. A. Fish, W. K Franks, D. H. Hicks, George W. Hicks, L. B. Johnson, E. C. Jones, W. C. Jones, 20 HISTORICAL RALEIGH W. A. SIMPKINS G. C. FARTHING (This trademark protects you against imposters.) W. A. SiMPKiNS Company W. A. SIMPKINS, President ORIGINATOR AND INTRODUCER Simpkins Prolific Cotton Seed EARLIEST MATURING COTTON IN THE WORLD Ninety Days from Planting to Boll All good things are imitated — inferior commodities, never. Be sure you secure your Simpi\ins Prolific Cotton Seed from tlie originator, W. A. SIMPKINS RALEIGH, N. C. Offices: lO.VJ South Wilmington Street Ginnery and Warehouse : South Park SKECTHES OF WAKE COUNTY 21 W. L. Jones, E. M. Jordan, J. J. Jordan, J. L. Myatt, T. M. Myatt, B. G. Partin, G. W. Pegram, C. E. Erodes. ;S'^. Mar7/s.— John R. Allen, C. N. Allen, J. J. Bagwell, W. R. Bailey, Setli Barber, G. IT. Baiicom, J. M. Baucom, W. S. Beas- ley, W. H. Britt, J. F. Broughton, Henry Bryant, B. R. Buffa- loe, Dr. J. S. Buffaloe, Dr. W. G. Bryant, J.' D. Carroll, A. H. Dupree, L. A. Harper, Ransom Hinton, B. Hobgood, James Hol- der, J. W. Honeycutt, J. D. Johnson, W. B. Jones, J. W. Parker, G. W. Riddle, G. B. Montague, Henry Bryan, Sam Dupree, M. C. Penny, E. A. Dupree, George Mitchener, P. V. Mitcliener, G. R. Parker, Troy Pool, Samuel Watts, William Watts, E. P. Powell. St. Matthew's.— E. L. Bartholomew, J. C. Baugh, M. W. Buf- faloe, R. J. Buffaloe, R. A. Coley, S. B. Coley, T. E. Daniels, R. G. Dunn, W. B. Dunn, W. R. Terrell, T. Q. Gattis, C. L. Goodson, A. C. Green, C. J. Hester, C. T. Hinton, J. D. Horton, J. E. Keith, E. G. Murray, Drewry Partin, G. W. Partin, R. H. Poole, G. E. Robertson, J. H. Wilder, H. B. Williams. Siuift Creek.— H. H. Atkins, W. E. Baker, E. T. Banks, J. M. Banks, W. D. Bashford, W. B. Booker, L. J. Brooks, A. A. Buf- faloe, R. E. Buffaloe, W. D. Buffaloe, T. J. Caudle, William Edwards, B. S. Franklin, J. H. Franks, J. W. Garner, H. J. Goodwin, H. P. Green, T. L. Jones, J. G. Langston, Rudolph Lorbacher, S. R. Lee, J. E. Massey, Dr. J. J. L. McCullers, B. J. TJpchurch. Wake Forest.— J. P. Bobbitt, W. C. Brewer, J. C. Caddell. H. A. Chappell, C. S. Daniel, A. J. Davis, G. W. Davis, Isaac Fort, R. A. Freeman, W. M. Fuller, G. E. Gill, N. Y. Gulley, O. K. Holding, T. E. Holding, W. W. Holding, Dr. S. P. Hold- ing, R. S. Hunt, W. C. Jackson, W. W. Jenkins, C. E. Jones, J.H. Jones, B. A, Keith, J. H. Lassiter, P. H. Mangum, Prof. B. F. Sledd, J. H. Mitchell, M. Z. Pearce, W. G. Pearson, Dr. W. L. Poteat, Dr. J. B. Powers, F. M. Purefoy, G. A. Ranes, Judge E. W. Timberlake, J. L. Allen, Prof. E. W. Timberlake, Jr.. J, G. Mills, J. B. Saintsing, R. B. Powell, W. B. Royall, J. H. Hubbell, J. H. Gorrell, L. R. Mills, J. F. Lanneau, H. A. Jones, J. L. Lake, C. E. Brewer, H. W. Huntley, J. D. Ives, C. E. Tay- lor, Prof. E. W. Sikes, J. B. Powers, E. E. Stewart, C. E. Gill, 22 HISTOKICAL RALEIGH Darnell & Thomas THE SAFE AND SANE PLACE TO BUY PIANOS Because you are certain to obtain real intrinsic Piano value for every dollar you invest. ^ We have no " preferred " prices for preferred customers ; we treat every one alike. q Here, and only here, you will find the HENRY F. MILLER. KRA- KAUER. LAUTER, SHONINGER. HOWARD and MILTON PIANOS. ^ Our reputation of twenty- five years square dealing is behind every Piano we sell. Our customers are from the most intelligent class of people. INVESTIGATE. DARNELL & THOMAS, Raleigh. N. C. M. LUTHER SHORE NORTH SIDE DRUG STORE Corner Halifax and Johnson Streets, Raleigh, N. C. GENERAL LINE OF Drugs, Toilet Articles, Perfumery, Cigars and everything usually kept in first-class drugstores PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED BY REGISTERED AND COMPE- TENT PHARMACISTS ONLY SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 23 J. M. Brewer, E. E. Royall, E. Allen, E. W. Wilkinson, W. D. Edwards, A. J. Medlin^ L. T. Wilson, W. P. Holding, G. S. Catlett. White Oak.—M. F. Batchelor, J. C. Burns, W. F. Castleberry, J. B. Clark, S. D. Cook, A. M. Council, J. E. Cunningham, A. Y. Council, W. C. Johnson, S. W. Stone, Theo. Maynard, W. M. Yates, J. E. Yates, W. B. Upchurch, G. M. Beavers, G. A. Eiggs, D. Q. Womble, W. C. Hunter, George Farrar, Wil- liam A. Williams, L. S. Olive, P. J. Olive, J. W. Lassiter, E. P. Coffield, W. H. Harward, A. B. Hunter, S. T. Burnett, E. C. Sears, L. P. Olive, J. S. Beckwith, L. P. Council, W. E. Branch, D. A. Saunders, G. E. Carter, W. A. Evans, W. T. Hunt, A. T. Goodwin, Ernest Mills, M. C. Sorrell, G. E. Carter, E. J. Boling, J. N. Womble, W. E. Smith, J. C. Thomas, W. W. Pegram, W. C. Castleberry, E. P. Coffield, W. C. Betts, G. A. Saunders, D. B. Boling, L. J. Johnson. , In the foregoing enumeration of the various townships and their inhabitants, Ealeigh Township, it will be observed, is omitted. The reason for this is that the inhabitants of the city of Ealeigh comprise, practically, those of the township. Be- sides, sufficient information in this respect may be obtained from the numerous publications of the Chamber of Commerce and from the City of Ealeigh directories published from time to time. JOEL LANE AND BLOOMSBURY The county seat of Wake was originally Bloomsbury. This name was adopted evidently because such was the title of tho homestead of Col. Joel Lane, who was the owner of vast estates in this vicinity. Bloomsbury was situated around the present intersection of Hargett Street and Boylan Avenue, and embraced the lands now owned by the Boylan and Snow families. When the county was organized and Bloomsbury became the county seat, a court-house was accordingly erected. This was a log building, which stood on the hillside in front of Colonel Lane's residence. Subsequently, and until 1792, the county seat was known as Wake Court-House. The residence of Joel Lane is still standing. It originally stood on Boylan Avenue, near West Hargett Street, facing east, 24 HISTORICAL RALEIGH CLOTHING THE ENTIRE FAMILY ON EASY PAYMENTS IS OUR BUSINESS ^ We are "From Head-to-Foot" Outfitters. Whether it is a Dress, Suit, Hat or Shoes for a lady ; or Suit, Overcoat, Shoes or Hat for man, we have just the article, manufactured by the leading style creators of our land. ^ There is no "getting ready to buy," be- cause we do not require the cash. ^ We are yours to serve. ^ Visit our store is all we ask. ^ MASTERS & AGEE CO. CHAS. F. COX, Manager 1 14 Fayetteville Street RALEIGH. N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 25 but recently it has been moved to a position about one hundred and fifty yards westward, and now faces West Hargett Street. It has been the property of the Boylan family since it was pur- chased by William Boylan, nearly a century ago. Except the double-slanting roof and dormer windows, there is now nothing in its exterior to indicate its colonial origin, for the building has had many material repairs, especially on the interior. The fire- places, originally, were evidently extremely large, as may be judged from the base of the chimneys, one of which is built at the end and on the outside of the house, and suggests that the pieces or "sticks" of wood used for fuel were at least five feet in length. One of the mantels is colonial in style, being five or six feet above the hearth, while the locks on the doors are of antique pattern and of great strength. Joel Lane's estate, in the early part of the last century, was owned by Peter Browne, one of the first lawyers to settle in Kaleigh. Subsequently, in 1818, he disposed of it to William Boylan, who settled here in 1799. To commemorate Bloomsbury and to mark its site, the Blooms- bury Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, in 1911, caused to be placed or erected on the southwest corner of Boylan Avenue and West Hargett Street a suitable stone, to which is attached a tablet of bronze bearing the following inscription : ON AND AROUND THIS SPOT STOOD THE OLD TOWN OF BLOOMSBURY OB WAKE COURT-HOUSE WHICH WAS ERECTED AND MADE THE COUNTY SEAT WHEN WAKE COUNTY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1771. THIS PLACE WAS THE RENDEZVOUS OF A PART OF GOV- ERNOR TRYOn's army WHEN HE MARCHED AGAINST THE REGULATORS IN 1771 ; HERE MET THE STATE REVOLU- TIONARY ASSEMBLY IN 1781, AND TO THIS VICINITY WAS REMOVED THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT WHEN THE CAPITAL CITY OF RALEIGH WAS INCORPORATED IN 1792. THIS MEMORIAL PLACED BY BLOOMSBURY CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION, A. D. 1911. 26 HISTORICAL RALEIGH A. ROSENGARTEN. President L. A. ROSENGARTEN, Sec-Trea.. J. ROSENGARTEN CO. CLOTHIERS HATS, SHOES AND GENTS' FURNISHINGS 214 FAYETTEVILLE STREET CAPITAL CITY PHONE 397 D. T. MOORE & SON 1 16 East Hargetl Street, Raleigh, N. C. PHONE 472 CIGARS, CIGARETTES and SODA WATER CONFECTIONERIES AND FANCY FRUITS PAPERS AND MAGAZINES OPEN SUNDAYS Agency for Broad Rock Water. Five -gal Ion Carboy $1.00 DEALERS ALSO IN FRESH FISH AND OYSTERS SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 27 Since many descendants of Col. Joel Lane are still living among us, a brief sketch of the Lane family may prove not uninteresting : There were five of the Lane brothers — Joel, Joseph, Jesse, James and Barnabas. The three first mentioned settled in the vicinity of Raleigh in 1741. Col. Joel Lane's first wife was Martha Hinton, his second Mary Hinton, daughters of Col. John Hinton, of Wake. Joseph Lane married Ferebee Hunter. He died in 1798. The maiden name of the wife of James Lane was Lydia Speight. Jesse Lane had a son, John, who married Betsy Street, of Buncombe, and these two were the father and mother of Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon, who was the candidate for Vice-President in 1860, on the ticket with Breckenridge. Jesse Lane married Winifred Aycock, and these were grand- parents of ex-Governor Swain. Joel Lane had six sons and an equal number of daughters. The sons were : Henry, James, William, John, Thomas and Joel; the daughters were, ISTancy, Martha, Elizabeth, Mary, Dorothy and Grizzelle. The eldest son, Henry, was the grand- father of the late Henry Mordecai, and second cousin to Gen. Joseph Lane. This relationship between the latter and Mr. Mordecai occasioned, in 1860, when the Vice-Presidential can- didate came to Raleigh, the most distinguished social gathering which had ever been observed here. This was at the residence of Mr. Mordecai, on the northern limits of the city, to which were invited every one of consequence hereabouts, and all the kinspeople of the Lanes and Mordecais far and near. It is said to have been the most brilliant and elaborate affair ever known in the history of the capital. Among others present, and who were descendants of Joel Lane, were members of the following families: Devereuxs, McCullers (John Joseph Lane McCullers, father of Mr. Charles E. and Dr. Joseph McCullers), the late Col. L. D. Stephenson, Matthew Stephenson, Austin Jones, and a great many others whose names are not known. The late Mrs. Lydia Brown, mother of Messrs. John W. and Joseph G. BrowTi, was a great-granddaughter of Joel Lane. The living descendants of Henry Lane now living in Wake 28 HISTORICAL RALEIGH ^*There'd be but One Shoe if Everyone Knew"- WAKE SHOE COMPANY "SELZ ROYAL BLUE" STORE 122 West Martin Street, Raleigh, N. C. 'GUARANTEED SHOES'' Ladies' Re^ Room and Shoe Shining Parlor Attached HAYWOOD D. BELL, Manager Bell Phone 1332 SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 29 County are numerous. Prominent among tliose residing in Raleigh are Mrs. Margaret L. Little and five sons ; Miss Martha Mordecai, Mrs. Mary W. Turk and two children; Mrs. Ellen Mordecai, Mrs. J. J. MacKay and five children; Mrs. John W. Hinsdale, Mrs. Samuel Ashe. Samuel F. Mordecai, the distinguished JSTorth Carolina jurist, now dean of Trinity Law School, is also a descendant of Henry Lane. Many other descendants of the Lanes are, of course, living in Raleigh and in Wake, hut their names are too numerous to make any attempt to mention, the space in this little volume being too limited to allow. SITTINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING THE REVOLUTION Without attempting to give the reader any account of the sit- tings of the General Assembly — whether Royal or Proprietary — • in ante-Revolutionary times, his attention is dii'ected to the ses- sions of this body during the Revolution. These were affected to a considerable extent by the exigencies of war. Those in 1777 and the first session of 1778, as well as the first of 1780, were held in 'New Bern. The second session of 1778, the second of 1780, and those of 1782 and 1783 were at Hillsboro. The third session of the General Assembly of 1778, which met in January, 1779, was at Halifax, as was likewise the second session of 1779 ; the first of 1779 was at Smithfield; the first of 1781 was in Wake County, at the Lane homestead. One was appointed for Salem, but a quorum did not attend. After the Declaration of Peace, the sessions of 1784 were, the first at Hillsboro, and the second at New Bern, as was also that of 1785. That of 1787 was at Tarboro. Those of 1786, 1788, 1789, 1790 and the first session of 1793 were at Fayettevile. Those of 1791, 1792, and the second session of 1793, held in June, 1794, were at New Bern. 30 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Raleigh Banking & Trust Company GENERAL BANKING TRUST BUSINESS Acts as Agent, Administrator, Guardian, and in Every Fiduciary Capacity CHAS. E. JOHNSON, President F. H. BRIGGS, Cashier J. B. TIMBERLAKE. Assistant Cashier DIRECTORS Chas. E. Johnson W. N. Jones W. A. Linehan H. E. Norris F. 0. Moring Alfred Williams J. R. Chamberlain James A. Briggs John W. Harden Cary K. Durfey T. B. Crowder SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 31 LOCATION OF A PERMANENT CAPITAL The General Assembly of 1787, sitting at Tarboro, in pro- viding for calling a Convention to consider tlie adoption of the Constitution of the United States, recommended the people of the State to "fix on the place for the unalterable seat of govern- ment." The Convention, which met at Hillsboro in 1788, resolved that ''this Convention will not fix the seat of government at one par- ticular point, but that it shall be left to the discretion of the General Assembly to ascertain the exact spot, provided always that it shall be within ten miles of the plantation whereon Isaac Hunter now resides, in the county of Wake." In 1791 an act was passed by the General Assembly to carry the ordinance of 1788 into effect. It was provided that nine commissioners be appointed to lay off and locate the city within ten miles of the plantation of Isaac Hunter, in the County of "Wake, and five persons "to cause to be built and erected a State- house sufficiently large to accommodate with convenience both houses of the General Assembly, at an expense not to exceed ten thousand pounds." This historic tract of Isaac Hunter lies about three and a half miles north of Raleigh, on what was once the great road from the N^orth to the South by way of Petersburg, Warrenton, Louis- burg, Wake Court-House to Fayetteville, Charleston and other points. The act provided for one commissioner from each of the eight judicial districts, and a ninth from the State-at-large. The following were elected: For the Morgan District, Joseph Mc- Dowell, the elder; Salisbury District, James Martin; Hillsboro District, Thomas Person; Halifax District, Thomas Blount; Edenton District, William Johnston Dawson; 'New Bern Dis- trict, Frederick Hargett; Fayetteville District, Henry William Harrington; Wilmington District, James Bloodworth; State-at- large, Willie Jones. Willie Jones, of Halifax, was the leader in the State of the anti-Federalists, a member of the Provincial Congress at ISTew 32 HISTOKICAL RALEIGH " IT'S WORTH THE DIFFERENCE " ALEIGH, N.C. PHOTOGRAPHER TO FAMOUS NORTH CAROLINIANS' SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 33 Bern in 1774, and chairman of the Committee on Safety in 1776. He refused to accept a seat in the Constitutional Con- vention of 1787 at Philadelphia, and led the party in the State Convention of 1788 opposed to the adoption of the Federal Con- stitution. He eventually removed to Wake County, and bought the plantation now owned in part by the St. Augustine Normal School. It was on this place he was buried, but there is now no stone to mark the spot. Frederick Hargett was for many years Senator from Jones. James Martin was a colonel of militia in the Revolution, and participated in winning the victories of Moore's Creek Bridge and Guilford Court-House. The deed from Joel Lane for the land purchased for the capital was to James Martin in trust for the State. Thomas Blount, of Edgecombe, had been a Revolutionary officer. He was the same year elected to the JSTational House of Representatives, and afterwards represented Edgecombe in the State Senate. Thomas Person, of Granville, was a general of militia in the early Revolution, and afterwards represented his county in the General Assembly. He was a benefactor of the University, and in his honor the County of Person was named. James Bloodworth, of I^ew Hanover, had often represented his county in the General Assembly. He was a son of Timothy Bloodworth, a gunmaker, and was afterwards Speaker of the House of Commons (as the House of Representatives was then termed), a Representative in the Congress of the Union, and a United States Senator. Col. Joseph McDowell, the elder, of Burke, was distinguished for his services in the Revolution, and for being a leader of the anti-Federalist party in the West, opposing, in the Conventions of 1778 and 1789, the proposed "immediate and unconditional ratification of the Federal Constitution." William Johnston Dawson, of Chowan, was a member of Con- gress and a man of great influence in the Albemarle country. Henry William Harrington, of Richmond, was an officer in the Revolutionary struggle. He was a member of the Legisla- 34 HISTORICAL RALEIGH JOB P. WYATT & SONS CO. 325-327 South Wilmington Street RALEIGH, N. C. FARM MACHINERY, VEHICLES FEED AND SEED Martin Street Pharmacy COR. MARTIN AND BLOUNT STREETS E. O. EDGERTON, Proprietor Specialties: Edgerton's LaGrippe Capsules, Edgerton's Chill Capsules, Edgerton's Glycerine Lotion Capital City Piione 230 Raleigh Phone 330 NIGHT PHONE PRESCRIPTIONS CHEERFULLY FILLED Night Phone (C. C.) lOOI-Y SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 35 ture and famed as a planter of immense estates and baronial style of living. The following were chosen as the Building Committee : Rich- ard Benehan, of Orange; John Macon, of Warren; Robert Good- loe, of Franklin ; ISTathan Bryan, of Jones, and Theophilus Hun- ter, of Wake. James Iredell, of Chowan, who was a member of the Conven- tion, introduced the ordinance locating the seat of government in the County of Wake. The first to suggest "Raleigh" as the appropriate designation for the future capital was Governor Alexander Martin. James Iredell afterwards had the distinction of being honored with a seat on the bench of the United States Supreme Court, and is to be distinguished from James Iredell, his son, who was Governor in 1827, and at the time of his death, at an advanced age, a resident of Raleigh. The commissioners were directed to purchase not less than six hundred and forty nor more than one thousand acres, and to lay off a town of not less than four hundred acres. The main streets — Fayetteville, Halifax, Hillsboro and ISTew Bern — were required to be 99 feet, the remainder 66 feet wide. Twenty acres or more were to be allotted for public squares. (The commissioners were to be allowed twenty shillings (two dollars) per day and expenses.) On Tuesday, the 20th March, 1792, there assembled at the house of Isaac Hunter five of the nine commissioners, viz. : Frederick Hargett, of Jones; William Johnston Dawson, of Chowan ; Joseph McDowell, of Burke ; James Martin, of Stokes ; Thomas Blount, of Edgecombe. They did not organize, but adjourned at once to the house of Joel Lane, at Wake Court- House. On the next day they began their work by viewing the lands which had been offered to them as suitable sites. On the 22d they were joined by Willie Jones, of Halifax. The tracts offered to the commissioners, and which they were eight days riding over, not stopping for Sunday, were those of the following-named owners : Nathaniel Jones, Theophilus Hun- ter, Sr., Theophilus Hunter, Jr., Joel Lane, Henry Lane, Isaac 36 HISTORICAL RALEIGH The Great State Fair OF NORTH CAROLINA At Raleigh Every Year the Third Week in October Best Fair in South Atlantic States Thirty Thousand Dollars Spent on Permanent Improvements at the Fair Grounds Since 1900 WONDERFUL RECORD OF PROGRESS More than Ten Thousand Dollars in Premiums — Most Complete Exhibits — Biggest and Cleanest Midway — Best Racing — Finest Free Attractions — Leading Fair for Live- stock and Products of the Field. ALWAYS BRINGS TOP CROWD TO RALEIGH For Premium fjist or other information, write to JOS. E. POGUE, Secretary RALEIGH, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 6 i Huntei-, Thomas Crawford, Dempsey Powell, Etlielred Rogers. Michael Rogers, Hardy Dean, John Ezell, John Hinton, Kini- brough Hinton, Lovett Bryan and William Jeffreys. On the 27th of March the commissioners took a second view of the lands of Joel and Henry Lane. On Thursday, the 29th of March, the commissioners pro- ceeded to organize themselves into a board, choosing unani- mously as chairman Frederick Hargett. They then proceeded to ballot for the place most proper to be purchased. Only three obtained any vote. John Hinton's tract, on the north side of the IN^euse, near Milburnie, received three votes ; Joel Lane's tract, at Wake Court-House, received two votes ; and I^athaniel Jones' tract, near Gary, received one vote. So there was no choice. On Friday, March 30th, a second ballot was taken, with the result that Joel Lane's tract, at Wake Court-House, received five votes and the Hinton land but one vote. The quantity purchased was the maximum allowed by the law — one thousand acres. The price was thirty shillings, or $3. for the "woodland and fresh ground," and twenty shillings per acre ($2) for the old-field. [It may be of interest to the reader to learn that English money continued in circulation here as late as 1810, as shown by the county records.] One-fourth of the tract, after being cleared and cultivated, was abandoned be- cause exhausted, and rated at only two-thirds the value of land covered by the original forest growth. The price of the whole was £1,378, or $2,756— £1 at that time being the equivalent of but $2, instead of $5, as now. The surveyor employed was William Christmas, State Senator from Franklin County, who agreed to accept in full compensa- tion for his services, including six copies of the plan of the city, four shillings, or forty cents currency, for each lot. As there were 276 lots, his pay amounted to $110.40. LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT The location of the county seat was entrusted to seven com- missioners, also appointed by the General Assembly, viz. : Joel Lane, Theophilus Hunter, Hardy Sanders, Joseph Lane, John HISTORICAL RALEIGH The Raleigh Times THE RALEIGH PAPER FOR RALEIGH PEOPLE Sent anywhere to anybody zvho zvill pay $5.00 a year for it JOHN A. PARK, Publisher The Halei^h Apartments SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 39 Hinton, Thomas Hines and Thomas Crawford. The commis- sioners for building the court-house and jail were Joel Lane. James Martin and Theophilus Hunter. Since the first court-house was not erected till about 1800 (and that on Fayetteville Street, where the present temple of justice stands), the building at Bloomsbury, or Wake Courr- House, erected for a court-house in 1770, continued, it seems, to be used as such for several years after the city was organized. The new court-house was on Fayetteville Street, on the site of the present temple of justice — rectangular, of wood, and of the shape of the old-fashioned country meeting-house. The land on which it stood was conveyed in 1793 by James Bloodworth, of New Hanover County, to the County of Wake, through ''Joel Lane, Tignal Jones, John Whitaker and Eichard Banks, jus- tices of Wake County, together with the other justices thereof. and their successors in office" (the consideration being five shil- lings), "on condition that the court-house be erected and con- tinued on said half acre of ground; otherwise said half acre of ground to be and remain in James Bloodworth." The deed is registered in the office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County. in Book 64, pp. 465-6. Tignal Jones, one of the justices re- ferred to above, was the great-uncle of ex-Solicitor Armistead Jones, Esq., a prominent attorney of the Raleigh Bar, and son- in-law of Gen. L. O'B. Branch. In 1835, or thereabouts, the court-house was sold and removed to the southeast corner of Wilmington and Davie streets, and was for a long time a family residence. It was afterwards con- ducted, first, as a boarding-house, by the Misses Pulliam, and then as a hotel, by George T. Cooke, and known as Cooke's Hotel. The structure which replaced the one removed was of brick and erected in 1835. This was remodeled in 1882, and constitutes the present court-house. A new temple of justice will soon be erected on the site of the present building, the cost of which will be $200,000. 40 HISTOEICAL RALEIGH CHAS. McKIMMON R. M. NOWELL E. N. SPENCER President Vice-President Sec. and Treas. McKimmon Dry Goods Co. (Incokporatkd) No. 126 FAYETTEVILLE STREET Raleigh's Authority on Ladies' Wear This is essentially a store for women, for we carry Women's and Children's Wear exclusively. Costumes, Waists, Skirts, Underwear, Corsets, Silks, Gloves, Dress Fabrics, Wash Goods, Laces, Hosiery, Neckwear, Trimmings, Notions, etc. The attractiveness of our merchandise and the reason- ableness of our prices will surely please you, and so also will the belter service our store provides. Out of town orders are filled the same day as received, and are given our most careful and prompt attention. You take no chance wIumi ordering from us, AS IT MUST BE RIGHT. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 41 PLAN OF THE CITY. The work of the survey occupied four days. The plan was adopted on the 4th of April, 1792, the commissioners assigning names to the public squares and streets. They gave the name Union to the Capitol Square, which is nearly six acres in extent. Four other squares, of four acres each, they called in honor of the first three Governors of our State under the Constitution of 1776, and of the Attorney-General, viz. : Governors Caswell, Nash, Burke, and Attorney-General Moore. Caswell Square is the site of the Institution for the Blind; Nash is opposite the Union Depot, on the east; Burke, the site of the Governor's Mansion; Moore is in the southeastern portion of the city and bounded by Blount, Martin,- Hargett and Person streets. In naming the streets, the commissioners first honored the eight judicial districts into which the State was divided, viz. : Edenton, New Bern, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Halifax, Salisbury, Fayetteville and Morgan. The street leading from the centre of Union Square, perpendicularly thereto toward the north, was called Halifax Street; that to the east. New Bern; that to the south, Fayetteville, and that to the west Hillsboro. These are 99 feet; all the others are 66 feet wide, their width being pre- scribed by the act of 1791. The streets running east and west along the north and the south side of Union Square were called, respectively, Edenton and Morgan. Those running north and south along the east and west side were called, respectively, Wilmington and Salisbury. The other streets (with the exception of those most remote from Union Square, which, being the boundary streets, were called North, East, South, and West) were named, firstly, after the nine Commissioners on Location. This left four streets. In naming them, the commissioners concluded to compliment the Speaker of the Senate, William Lenoir; the Speaker of the House of Commons, Stephen Cabarrus ; the former owner of the land, Joel Lane, and, lastly. Gen. William Richardson Davie. William Lenoir was Speaker of the Senate. He was in the Revolution and further distinguished as the President of the 42 HISTORICAL RALEIGH J. KLINE G LAZARUS Kline & Lazarus Department Store DEALERS IN Clothing, Dry Goods, Shoes, Hats, Gents' Furnishings and Ladies' Ready-to-Wear UP-TO-DATE LINE OF MILLINERY 206, 208, 210 South Wilmington Street RALEIGH, N. C. Thompson Electrical Company CONTRACTORS AND ENGINEERS 108 W. Martin Street, Raleigh, N. C. C. C. Phone 370 D. J. THOMPSON, Manager Estimates on all kinds of electrical work gladly fur- nished. We carry a complete line of Electrical Supplies and Specialties — in fact everything electrical. Visit our show rooms at 108 W. Martin Street, or call Capital City Phone 370, and your order will receive our prompt attention. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 43 Board of Trustees of the State University. An eastern town and a western county are named in his honor. Stephen Cabarrus, of Chowan, was an immigrant from France, and for several years Speaker of the House of Com- mons. He was a man much beloved by the people of the whole State. Joel Lane, of Wake, had represented this county in the Colo- nial Assemblies, the State Congress and the State Senate. William Richardson Davie was a gallant cavalry officer in the Revolution. After the war he was an eminent lawyer and re- nowned as an advocate of education. As a delegate from North Carolina to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and in the State Conventions of 1788 and 1789 he was an advocate of the ratification of the Federal Constitution. He was afterwards Governor of the State, and, on the prospect of a war with France, Avas appointed by President Adams a brigadier-general in the army of the United States. He was selected by the President as one of the three special envoys to France who suc- ceeded in averting the war. Parallel to Edenton and Morgan streets, north of the capitol, are Jones and Lane; to the south, Hargett, Martin, Davie, Cabarrus, and Lenoir. Parallel to Wilmington and Salisbury are, to the east, Blount, Person, and Bloodworth; to the west. McDowell, Dawson, and Harrington. The commissioners made their report to the General Assembly of 1792, and it was adopted. It was enacted that "the several streets represented in the plan, and the public square whereon the State-house is to be built, shall be called and forever known by the names given to them, respectively, by the commissioners aforesaid." It was also enacted that the other four public squares shall be called and known by the names of Caswell, Moore, JSTash, and Burke squares, but the names were not made irrepealable. The following was the original plan : Counting the two boundary streets, there were from north to south twelve streets, of which eleven are 66 feet wide and one 99 feet ; from east to west there were eleven streets, of which ten are 66 feet wide and 44 HISTORICAL KALEIGH Norfolk Southern RAILROAD^ Route of the ''Night Express*' Ne\r Short Line Through Eastern North Carolina DIRECT LINE BETWEEN NORFOLK Raleigh, Ne^v Bern, Goldsboro Via Washington, Kinston, Greenville, Farm- ville, Wilson, to Points North and South ELECTRIC LIGHTED PULLMAN SLEEPING AND PARLOR CARS Fast Schedules : Best Service Double Daily Express Service B. L. BUGG H. S. LEARD W. C. UPCHURCH Traffic Manager General Passenger Agent General Agent Norfolk, Va. Norfolk. Va. Raleigh, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 45 one 99 feet. From north to south there were eighteen one-acre lots; from east to west, sixteen one-acre lots. Including the boundary streets, the city was 4,581 feet from north to south, and 4,097% from east to west, supposing that the lots are 208% feet square. If the lots are 210 feet square, as they are usually estimated, then the distance was, north to south, 4,605 feet ; east to west, 4,059. The plan was not, however, a perfect rectangle. Between Lane and North streets, at the northeast and northwest corners, were left out three lots of one acre each, and between Lenoir and South streets, at the southeast and southwest comers, were left out three lots of one acre each, or a total of twelve acres. There wei-e, therefore, only ten lots fronting on North and ten fronting on South streets. All the public squares are four acres each, except Union, which is about six acres. All the private squares are four acres each, except those along Hillsboro Street and New Bern Avenue on both sides, those along Halifax and Fayetteville streets on both sides, and those along North, East, South, and West streets (within the original corporate limits), which are not, mathe- matically speaking, squares, but rectangles of two acres each. The acres as laid out by Surveyor Christmas were each 208% feet square (the true acre), but the conventional acre of 210 feet square has been adopted, practically. This departure and the variation of the compass since have caused considerable confu- sion in the boundaries of lots and streets. The city, as thus laid off, contained 400 acres, arranged in five squares of four acres each, and 276 lots of one acre each. Joel Lane deserved the honor of having a street named after him, not only because he was the owner of the site, but because of his military services as colonel of militia and his representing the County of Wake in the Colonial Assemblies, the State Con- gresses and the State Senate, and whose ancestors had been use- ful citizens in the Albemarle country and then in Halifax. The grandsons of his brother, Jesse Lane, became eminent in distant States. Gen. Joseph Lane was Federal Senator from Oregon and candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the Breckenridge ticket ; 46 HISTORICAL RALEIGH FLOWERS and PLANTS Roses, Carnations and other choice cut flowers for all occa- sions. Shower Bouquets and Deco- rations for weddings a specialty. Floral Designs. Handsome Palms and Ferns for house culture as well as outdoor bedding plants. Flowering Shrubs and Evergreens. H. STEINMETZ Florist RALEIGH, N. C. Accident and Health INSURANCE SHOULD APPEAL TO ALL MEN It provides an income when needed most. Write for particulars in regard to the Aetna Disability Contract. It will pay you. I am also prepared to furnish all forms of Bonds, such as are required by public officials in court proceedings, etc. See, write or phone me for ANYTHING IN INSURANCE Agents Wanted WM. B. MERRIMON Dixie Building GREENSBORO. N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 47 George W. Lane was District Judge of the United States for Alabama. Many of Joel Lane's descendants, through his son Henry (two of whose daughters married the eminent lawyer, Moses Mordecai) are still among us. The plan of the city thus laid out and adopted by the General Assembly continued unchanged for over sixty years. The area was one square mile, but by the acts of the General Assembly of 1856-'57 the corporate limits were extended one-fourth of a mile each way. The area is now four square miles. First Sale of Lots. The same commissioners who located the city made the first sale of lots, one acre each. The square on which Dr. Hogg lived, bought by General Davie, brought $254^ — the two lots fronting on Wilmington Street, $60 each; the two others on Blount Street, $66 and $68, respectively. The lot (No. 211) on which the Supreme Court and Agricultural buildings are now situate brought $263. At this sale, Treasurer John Haywood (grand- father of Mr. Ernest Haywood) purchased the site on which the latter now resides (on !N^ew Bern Avenue), and in 1793 erected thereon the house which has been the residence of the Haywood \ family to this day. } Raleigh is situated about the centre of the State, and is in latitude 35 degrees 47 minutes north, longitude 78 degrees 48 . minutes west, a little to the northeast of the geographical centre ,' of the State. It is located in a gently rolling region of the j oldest Laurentian system. Average temperature: Spring, 58.7; summer, 77.6 ; autumn, 61.0 ; Avinter, 43.2 — comparing favorably with Los Angeles, Mexico, Naples, and Rome. During the Civil War it was designated by a board of eminent surgeons, appointed to select sites for hospitals, as one of the several sites in the State most suitable for that purpose, because of its remarkable salubrious climate, combining as far as possible all influences conducive to convalescence of invalids and health of attendants. The fine old trees which were spared by the original settlers, but rapidly disappearing with city improvements, gave it the sobri- quet of the "City of Oaks." 48 HISTORICAL RALEIGH J. W. CROSS, President J. P. WRAY, Vice-Presidenl W, A. LINEHAN, Secretary and Treajurer Cross & Linehan Company RALEIGH. N. C. CLOTHIERS and Furnishers SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 49 At the southeast corner of the Capitol Square, it will be ob- served, there are three large stones set in the earth, being about four feet apart and all apparently three feet in height. Between two of these stones, and nearly level therewith, is another though smaller stone, into which is cut a cross mark, representing the points of the compass. The question is frequently asked con- cerning the significance of these stones and mark. The answer is found in the reference to the longitude and latitude of the city. This was officially determined many years ago, under direction of the United States Geodetic Survey, and these stones were then erected to mark the spot from which the officials took their reckoning. The altitude of Raleigh is 363 feet, denoted by an inscription on a small copper plate, set in the corner-stone of the capitol, on the northeast corner of the building. This was authorized by the United States Geological Survey, which, through its engineer, Mr. W. Carvel Hall, obtained permission from Governor Carr, in 1876, to make a permanent record of this fact in the manner above mentioned. THE FIRST STATE=HOUSE, OR CAPITOL The proceeds of the sale of 1792 were used in building the first State-house; the more ambitious term, ''capitol," was not adopted until 1832. In N"overaber, 1794, the General Assembly met in it for the first time. Richard Dobbs Spaight was then Governor. He was killed in a duel eight years thereafter by John Stanly. The old State-house was smaller than the present structure, but the arrangement of the interior was about the same. The exterior was very plain. It was built of brick made at the State brick-yards, which were situated on the northwest and southwest corners of Harrington and Hargett streets. These sites had been reserved for that purpose at the original sale of lots. It was intended that the State-house (as it was then called in the act of Assembly — a name taken from the United States of Holland) should front toward the east — "Orientalization" at 4 50 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Womble & Paul Merchant Tailors ROCKY MOUNT, N. C. RUFUS R. WOMBLE JAS. J. PAUL Moore's Electric Shoe Shop 104 East Hargett Street, Near Corner Wilmington Street MAKES OLD SHOES LOOK NEW Quickest, Neatest and Best Best workmanship and materials that can be secured. Prices reasonable. MAKING OF SHOES TO ORDER A SPECIALTY. "Promptness" is our motto. All Our Work Done b^ the Goodyear Welt System CALL CAPITAL CITY PHONE No. 719 SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 51 that time being in favor. It was therefore built so as to look down New Bern Avenue in one direction and Hillsboro Street towards the west. This was continued when the present stone structure replaced the old. The same supposed necessity to front towards Jerusalem, says Dr. Kemp Battle, prompted the eminent French engineer, with the assent of Washington and other great officers, to plan the city of "Washington with the capitol looking eastward. As there was no other public hall in the city, it is said the authorities were generous in opening the passages for the State- house below and halls above for Fourth of July dinners, theatri- cal performances, balls, and foi; religious services of all denomi- nations. For the purpose of improving the State-house, in 1819 five commissioners Avere appointed to sell all the public lands remain- ing unsold, except a tract not exceeding twenty acres, to be re- served for the rock quarry, and except the reservations at the corners of the city. The "Mordecai Grove," as it was called for many years, northeast of the city limits, owing to the spirited competition between Moses Mordecai, the successful bidder, and Col. William Polk, brought the unheard-of price of $100 per acre. The lots near the city, on the east and southeast, averaged about $50 per acre. The improvements were designed by and executed under the supervision of Capt. William Nichols (who had been recently appointed State Architect), and completed early in the summer of 1822. He was a skillful and experienced artist, and made the public greatly his debtor for decided impulse given to archi- tectural improvements throughout the State, in private as well as in public edifices. The construction of the dome, the erection of the east and west porticoes, the additional elevation and cover- ing of stucco given to the dingy exterior walls, the improvement of the interior, and especially the location of the statue of Wash- ington, from the chisel of Canova, directly under the apex of the dome, converted the renovated capitol into a sightly and most attractive edifice. There were but few of the better class of travelers who did not pause on their passage through Raleigh to behold and admire it. 52 HISTORICAL RALEIGH BOOKS STATIONERY Pescud's Bookstore POST CARDS PERIODICALS YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO CALL JNO. C. DREWRY, President W. J. ANDREWS. Vice-President T. E. GREEN, Secretary-Treasurer The Raleigh Furniture Company DEALERS IN FURNITURE AND HOUSEFURNISHINGS OUR SPECIALTY: Furnishing Homes on the Easy-payment Plan F. W. Parker Drii^ Co. Prescription Druggists and Seedsmen CORNER MARTIN AND WILMINGTON STREETS Capital City Phone 1105 RaleiKh Phone 267 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 53 ERECTION OF THE GOVERNOR'S "PALACE," OR MANSION The main body of the six hundred acres of land, retained after the first sale, lay to the east of Kaleigh. There were fragments lying to the south, west, and north of the old corporate limits. For the purpose of providing better accommodations for the Governor, who had occupied a plain residence of wood on the lot where the Raleigh Banking and Trust Company now stands, the General Assembly of 1813 ordered the sale of those portions described as extending from Suggs' Branch, on the southeast of the city, all south around the Palace lot and west to the extreme northwest of the city, comprising about one hundred and eighty- four acres. The prices paid were low, for the reason that the War of 1812 was then raging. Eight acres at the foot of Fay- etteville Street were reserved for the Governor's Palace. Other reservations were the Eex Spring, near the Raleigh & Gaston (now the Seaboard shops) depot; the spring near the present Governor's Mansion, and that near the Colored Deaf and Dumb Institution. At this sale, John Rex, the philanthropist, bought for $481 fifteen and a half acres of land in the southwest part of the city, afterwards devised by him, with other property, for a hospital for the sick and afflicted poor of the city. The proceeds of the sale were devoted to the building, under the superintendence of one Calder, as architect, of the Governor's Palace, at the foot of Fayetteville Street, which was afterwards, in 1876, sold to the City of Raleigh, and the brick composing it used in the construction of the Centennial Graded School. Al- though outwardly plain and inwardly uncomfortable, it was con- sidered "grand'' on account of the magnitude of its halls and chambers, and was therefore in imitation of Tryon's residence, in New Bern, styled "The Palace." The first occupant was Gov- ernor William Miller, of Warren. Until 1794 the chief executive was not required to reside in Raleigh, but in that year the General Assembly required Ashe and future Governors to spend at least six months within its limits, exclusive of the time occupied by the General Assembly, 54 HISTORICAL KALEIGH DR. ERNEST H. BROUGHTON Dental Surgeon Office: 116 Fayetteville Street RALEIGH, N. C. J. P. HAYES 113j Fayetteville Street Made of anything, anywhere. Have him make them for you and "SAVE THE DIFFERENCE" PRICES MODERATE COPYING OLD PHOTOS A SPECIALTY W. T. TERRY TERRY, THE "STAMP MAN' MANUFACTURER OF All Kinds Rubber Stamps, Daters, Ink Pads, Etc. SEND FOR CATALOGUE Hollcman Building, 2IO2 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COVNTY 55 and ordered that they should advertise the period of their sojourn in all the gazettes (newspapers) of the State. Four years later, in 1798, when Davie was Governor, an act was passed (doubtless with his approval, since he had purchased eligible city lots), requiring the Governor to make the city of Raleigh his "place of common residence." Whenever he should wish to leave his home for over ten days, he was required to give notice by advertisement in the gazettes, and his private secretary was required to keep the Executive office open during his absence. Until 1835 the Governor was elected by the General Assembly. BURNING OF THE STATE=HOUSE On the morning of a bright summer day, the 21st of June, 1831, the citizens, rising from their breakfasts, were startled by the cry of *'Fire !" Volumes of smoke were then seen issuing from the ventilators under the roof of the capitol, where a fire had been kindled by the carelessness of a workman. There was ample time for saving most of the State papers, but all the acts of Assembly were destroyed. In the excitement, although there were numerous willing hands, their strength could not be organ- ized for removing the ponderous Washington statue. Old citi- zens, it is said, never forgot their horror as they gazed on the beautiful marble, white-hot and crumbling, enveloped in the forked tongues of flame, that shattered into fragments as the blazing timbers fell. Portions of the statue, including the body and some of the pedestal, are noAv preserved in the State Museum. This statue was of carara marble and was brought by water to Fayetteville, and thence by mule power to Raleigh. It is said to have been escorted into the city in grand style by the "Raleigh Blues," the first military company organized at the capital. An exact reproduction of this statue, in plaster, is now in the capitol, situated in the hallway of the east wing of the building. It was made from the original model in the Canova Museum, Italy, and presented to the ISTorth Carolina Historical Commis- sion in 1912. 56 HISTORICAL RALEIGH LACK OF OXYGEN Is the cause of sickness. Your body is burdened witli waste matter tliat clogs tlie circulation and iwisons the blood. Rheumatism, Constipation, Catarrh, Appendicitis aud all other acute and chronic diseases are traceable directly to im- pure blood. Why is it so necessary to constantly breathe Oxygen if it is not to purify the blood? Did you ever think of that? Oxypathy makes new use of old principles. It dissolves aud throws out those impurities aud so makes you well again — ^solely by the use of OXYGEN. Used exclusively by one of the largest drugless Institutes in England. Leading doctors both in Europe and America are becoming enthusiastic endorsers of it. Any bright person can get the benefits of Oxypathy. "The Royal Road to Health" Tells things you should know. Send for your Free Copy today. Carolina Oxypathor Co. 124 West Martin Street. RALEIGH, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 0( The magnificent oil painting of George Washington which now hangs on the eastern wall of the House of Representatives was in the burning building and the only valuable that was res- cued from the flames. From the time of the burning of the State-house until the erection of the capitol, the sessions of the General Assembly were usually held in the Governor's Palace. The handsome bronze statue of Washington which stands at the south front of the capitol, was erected in 1857. Other memo- rials in the Capitol Park are the bronze statues of Zebulon B. Vance, Worth Bagley, the first oificer to lay down his life for the Stars and Stripes in the Spanish- American War ; Charles Dun- can Mclver, North Carolina's famous educator, and Henry L. Wyatt, the hero of the Battle of Bethel— the first soldier killed in the Civil War. In the rotunda of the capital are marble busts of four of North Carolina's distinguished sons, as follows : Samuel Johnson, 1733-1816. John M. Morehead, 1796-1866. William A. Graham, 1804-1875. M. W. Eansom, 1826-1904. ERECTION OF A NEW CAPITOL The narrow escape from losing the archives of the State, experienced in the burning of the first capitol, determined the leaders of public opinion to provide the present noble fire-proof structure of granite. There was formidable opposition to a liberal appropriation. A convention was expected to be called in order to secure changes in the Constitution, and the effort to have the seat of government at another point was resumed. Tradition says that Haywood, at the junction of the Cape Fear and Haw, lacked only one vote to defeat Raleigh. The record does not support this, as the bill to appropriate $50,000 for rebuilding on the old site passed by 73 to 60 in the House and 35 to 28 in the Senate. 58 HISTORICAL KALEIGH JAS. I. JOHNSON New Drug Store 106 WEST MARTIN STREET, NEXT TO BLAND HOTEL DIRECT ROUTE FROM DEPOT TO BUSINESS CENTER OF CITY SANITAR Y FOUNTAIN BEST OF EVERYTHING KEPT IN FIRST-CLASS DRUGSTORES Stop in and See Me When You Come to the City SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 59 In considering the amount it should appropriate for rebuild- ing the capitol, the General Assembly at first thought $50,000 quite sufficient, and that was the amount appropriated. The commissioners having charge of the erection of the building soon discovered this amount would barely pay for the completion of the foundation alone. They accordingly expended the entire sum, although apparently there was no warrant of law for so doing. However, the act granting the new appropriation was MOUSE IN WHICH ANDREW JOHNSON WAS BORN. AND NOW STANDING IN PULLEN PARK. construed in favor of their action, and sufiicient additional sums, amounting in the aggregate to $530,684.15, were appropriated to complete one of the most imposing edifices of the kind to be found anywhere, at that time at least, in the United States. Two architects were consulted — William Nichols (who re- paired the old building in 1820) and Ithiel Town, of New York. 60 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Buy Your Clothing, Shoes, Hats and FuruishiniJs at the Globe Clothing Company RELIABLE OUTFITTERS Corner Wilmington Street and Exchange Place RALEIGH, N. C. CHAS. KOHN, President SOL. JACOBS, Sec. and Treas. R. E. PRINCE REAL ESTATE FARM LANDS MY SPECIALTY 301 Tucker Building RALEIGH, N. C. JOHN W. EVANS' SON BUILDS AND REPAIRS VEHICLES OF ALL KINDS CORNER MORGAN AND ItLOUNT STREETS RALEIGH, N. C. SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 61 The latter acted for a short while as the chief director, but soon his services were dispensed with, and the work was left to W. S. Drummond, Col. Thomas Bragg, father of Governor Bragg, and David Baton, superintendents of different branches. Baton was the chief draughtsman. Of the skilled laborers employed from time to time, some settled in Raleigh, and many of their descend- ants are among our best citizens to-day. William Stronach, father of Messrs. Frank and the late Geo. T., Alex. B., and "Wm. C. Stronach, was the contractor for the foundation. Batrick McGowan, at that time working at his trade as a stonemason, was also engaged on the work. Silas Burns, who for many years was the proprietor of the only foundry here, was later given the contract for constructing the iron fence. This last was removed in 1898 and now encloses the old City Cemetery. The new building was completed in 1840. It is 160 feet in length, from north to south, by 140 feet from east to west. The whole height is 97^2 f^et in the centre. The apex of pediment is 64 feet in height. The stylobate is 18 feet in height. The colunms of the east and west porticoes are 5 feet 2Vii inches in diameter. An entablature, including blocking course, is con- tinued around the building, 12 feet high. The column and entablature are Grecian Doric and copied from the Temple of Minerva, commonly called the Barthenon, which was erected in Athens about 500 years before Christ. An octagon tower surrounds the rotunda, which is ornamented with Grecian cornice, etc., and its dome is decorated at the top with a similar ornament to that of the Choragic Monument of Lysic- rates, commonly called the Lanthorn of Demosthenes. Governor Swain, who was then chief magistrate, laid the cor- ner-stone on July 4, 1833. Note. — In the preparation of some of the foregoing articles the author has availed himself of the several very able and interesting ]iapers heretofore pnlilished from the pen of Hon. Kemp P. Battle, to whom he desires, in this manner, to return thanks for the per- mission so generously granted. 62 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Baptist Book Store Company RALEIGH. N. C. Booksellers and Stationers Office Furniture and Stationery Supplies; Vertical Letter Filing' Cabinets; Loose Leaf Devices, Supplies and Account- ing Systems; New and Popular Fiction; Popular Priced Edi- tion of Copyright Fiction; New and Popular Illustrated Gift Books; Popular Edition of the Poets. OFFICE AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES G. A. STRICKLAND FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND EMBALMER Raleigh Phone 3404 128-130 East Morgan Street Capital City Phone 705 Services Night and Day JOHN E. BRIDGERS CO., Inc. (John E. Bridgers and Edgar L. Bridgers) MERCHAINT TAILORS Capital City Phone 386 YARBOROUGH HOTEL BUILDING, RALEIGH, N. C. Full Line Imported and Domestic Woolens ALL SUITS MADE IN OUR OWN SHOP SIXTEEN YEARS IN BUSINESS SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 63 FIRST CITY GOVERNMENT The first act for the government of the city was passed Feb- ruary 7, 1795. The act did not vest the control of the city with its citizens, seven appointees of the General Assembly, styled Commissioners (the usual name for public agents appointed for special purposes), being vested with the government for three years. When their term was about to expire, in 1797, it Avas renewed. In 1801 there was a similar renewal, and three others were appointed "as additional and permanent Commissioners." Only in case of death, refusal or resignation could the citizens have a vote to fill the vacancy. These Commissioners were vested with the right to make laws for the government of the city, and also to choose an intendant of police, charged with the execution of the laAvs, and also a treasurer, out of their number, to hold office for one year, and a clerk, to hold during good behavior. The intendant held his office indefinitely, as did the Commissioners. JSTone of these officers were required to be resi- dents of the city, and some of them are known not to have been such. Raleigh, therefore, for the first few years of its life, was very far from being free. JSTo evil, however, resulted to the people from this long withholding of their freedom, because the Commissioners were men of wisdom and fairness. They were John Haywood, Dugald McKeethan, John Marshall, John Rogers, John Pain, James Mares and John Craven, who were properly the first city fathers. Those added in 1797 were Joshua Sugg, William Polk and Theophilus Hunter. John Rogers was a member of the Legislature from Wake and was a nonresident. Joshua Sugg, William Polk and Theophilus Hun- ter, though owners of lots in the corporate limits, did not reside therein. John Haywood, who was elected by them intendent of police, was the first chief executive officer. It was not until 1803, eleven years after the sale of lots, that, in the judgment of the General Assembly, the city was sufficiently populous to supply officers whose homes must be in the city. A regular cuarter was granted. The Commissioners, seven in number, as well as the 64 HISTORICAL RALEIGH S. H. DWORSKY, President M. DWORSKY. Secretary-Treasurer Capital Loan Company PAWNBROKERS SALES STORE FOR UNREDEEMED PLEDGES IN DIAMONDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY, REVOLVERS SHOT GUNS, AMMUNITION, HARDWARE TRUNKS AND LEATHER GOODS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS LOOK FOR THE YELLOW FRONT 207 South Wilmington Street RALEJGH, NORTH CAROLINA SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 65 intendant of police, were to be elected by freemen baving the qualifications of residence and of owning land within the city. Free negroes were included among the freemen. The title of Mayor was not adopted until 1856. The title of Commissioners gave way to that of Aldermen in 1875. The Commissioners claimed the right to force the citizens to patrol the city at night, distributing them for the purpose into twenty classes, of six each, one of the number being captain. "When the public mind was disturbed by frantic terrors of insur- rections among the slaves, as it was during the alleged insurrec- tion headed by Frank Sumner in 1802, and the Nat Turner atrocities of 1831, there was no difficulty in procuring efficient action by this unpaid police. But in tranquil times the penalty of one dollar fine for nonattendance, authorized in 1814, be- came necessary. It was the fashion, however, to avoid the penalty by hiring substitutes, some men almost making a living by taking the places of sleep-loving principals. Slaves not on their owners' premises were required to have written "passes," as they were called, after a designated early hour of the night, on the penalty of receiving a whipping for the lack thereof, and also of being locked up if their behavior led to suspicion or crime. The adventures of the night-watch and their morning report were a notable part of the gossip of the community. There were no policemen or day watchmen at all; one man, called the constable, being regarded sufficient to keep order dm*- ing the day. The city comprised but three wards until the General Assem- bly of 1874-'75 divided it into five. This continued until 1895, when it was changed to four. The following have been the chief officers of the city, either as intendants of police or mayor, as the case may be: John Haywood, William White, William Hill, Dr. Calvin Jones, John Marshall, John S. Robeteau, Sterling Yancey, Joseph Gales, Weston R. Gales, William C. Carrington, Thomas Loring, Wil- liam Dallas Haywood, William H. Harrison, C. B. Root, Wes- ley Whitaker, Joseph W. Holden, John C. Gorman, Joseph H. Separk (father of Mr. W. G. Separk, proprietor Baptist Book 5 66 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Store, and Mr. Charles A. Separk), Basil C. Manly, W. H. Dodcl, Alf. A. Thompson, Thomas Badger, W. M. Russ, A. M. Powell, J. S. Wynne. James I. Johnson is the present very efficient incumbent, the title of the office being now, under the Commission Form of Government, Mayor and- Commissioner of Finance. John Haywood (father of the late Dr. E. Burke Haywood) was the only intendant elected by the Commissioners. The first intendant to be elected by the people was William White, who was chosen to that office in 1803. He was born in 1762 ; died in 1811. William Hill was the next incumbent, and was born in Surry County in 1773 ; he died in 1857. DEATH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON The sad news of the death of ex-President George Washing- ton, which occurred on the 14th December, 1799, Avas announced in The Raleigh Register of January 7, 1800, the first informa- tion the people had received of this mournful event. It is a little singular, though, that, aside from a respectful announce- ment and a brief reference to his Christian virtues, comprising about twenty lines. The Register was silent. In its issue of January 21st, however, we find that a meeting of the inhabit- ants of the city had been held "for the purpose of agreeing upon some mode of paying suitable respects to the memory of the late illustrious Washington," and that it was "resolved that a pro- cession shall take place and an oration be delivered at the State- house on the 22d of February, the birthday of the deceased." It was requested of all who should join the procession that they wear as a badge of mourning a piece of black crepe or ribbon on the left arm. On February 22d, pursuant to the resolutions theretofore adopted, the inhabitants and others, numbering nearly one thou- sand, assembled at the court-house and moved in procession to the State-house to observe suitable memorial ceremonies. These consisted of prayer, the singing of a Psalm, and the delivery of an oration, the last mentioned by Maj. Robert Williams. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 67 "The solemn services of the day heing thus finished," said The Register of a later date, "the citizens retired to their respective homes, manifesting by their sorrowful and dejected mien the irreparable loss all sustain in this first of patriots, best of friends, and founder of their country's greatness." EARLY SETTLERS OR INHABITANTS, THEIR WORK AND THEIR DESCENDANTS "To be faithful to ovirselves we must keep both our ancestors and our posterity withiu reach and grasp of our thoughts and affections- living in the memory and retrospect in the past, and hoping with affection and care for those who are to come after us." — Daniel Webster. Among the most illustrious men of Raleigh's early history who honored it with their residence and gave to the city and State the benefit of their Avise counsel, and some of whose de- scendants are living among us now, were: James F. Taylor (father of the late James Fontleroy Taylor), elected Attorney- General in 1825; Joseph Gales, founder of The Raleigh Regis- ter; William Boylan, editor and publisher of The Minerva; Moses Mordecai, a distinguished lawyer, who died at the early age of twenty-nine years ; John H. Bryan, who represented this district in Congress in 1823; R. M. Saunders, a distinguished lawyer and statesman, who died in 1866; William H. Haywood, elected United States Senator in 1842 ; George E. Badger, Sec- retary of the Navy in 1842 ; William Hill, Secretary of State ; Maj. Charles L. Hinton, and many others whose names are not now recalled. Joseph Gales was the great-grandfather of Mr. Charles Root and of Mrs. W. B. Jones, nee Miss Mary Seaton Hay. W. B. Jones is a prominent attorney of the Raleigh Bar. William Boylan was the grandfather of Mr. William Boylan and Mrs. Elizabeth McC. Snow. Mrs. Snow is the mother of William B. Snow, a leading member of the Raleigh Bar. Moses Mordecai was the father of Samuel F. Mordecai, Esq., 68 HISTORICAT. RALEIGH dean of the Law School of Trinity College. He stands in the front rank of North Carolina jurists. John H. Bryan Avas the grandfather of J. Bryan Grimes, Esq., Secretary of State, and of Mr. Andrew Syme, a prominent and popular citizen of Raleigh, who occupies the responsible position as traveling agent of the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Among the descendants of Lion. George E. Badger were Richard H. and Thomas Badger, both deceased. Richard Badger was a profound jurist of note. Thomas Badger was mayor of the city of Raleigh for many years. He was the father of Mrs. Benjamin M. Moore and Miss Jeannette Badger, of Raleigh, and Mr. Thomas Badger, a prominent business man of Fayetteville, N. C. The earliest merchants were W. & J. Peace, Thomas Burch, William Peck, John Scott, Robert Galium, William Shaw, James McKee, and Lewis & Muse. After the town had jogged along for a full decade, John Stuart, James Coman, the Shaws, J. S. Robeteau, J. D. Newsom, Alfred Jones, R. & W. Harrison, Richard Smith, B. B. Smith, and S. Birdsall had joined the mercantile ranks. Among these was Ruffin Tucker, father of the late Maj. R. S. Tucker, who began life as a clerk in the store of Southy Bond, in 1815, at a salary of $25 per year. In 1818, in connection with his brother, William C. Tucker (who was a printer and had worked for Colonel Henderson in the office of The Raleigh Star), he opened a store, Avith a cash capital of $125, in a frame building of moderate dimensions on the site of the store now occupied by Messrs. Dobbin & Ferrall. All of the stores were then on Fayetteville Street and constructed of wood. William Peace, above mentioned, was the principal instru- ment, because of his large contributions to the object of his benefactions, in the founding of Peace Institute, the widely and favorably known institution of learning at the capital, named in honor of his memory. John Stuart is said to have been among the earlier citizens of prominence. Lie married Llannah Paddison, and a number of their descendants are living among us to-dav. Of these are SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 69 Miss Hannah Coley, a member of tlie faculty of Peace Institute, and Mrs. Walter Edwards, of Ealeigli, granddaughters of John and Hannah Stuart. One of the earlier city fathers was William Polk, always called Col. William Polk, who built what was a grand residence in those days, just out of the city limits, fronting Blount Street. Later, in 1872, this house, after being owned by Hon. Kenneth Rayner for many years, was moved to one side to allow for the extension of Blount Street. John Rex, the founder of Rex Hospital, was one of the earlier citizens. He was said to be a grave, sedate, quiet, retiring, modest man, and accumulated a handsome fortune, which he bequeathed to the endowment of the hospital here bearing his name. He died in 1839, aged seventy-four years. David Royster was also among the earlier residents. He was born in Mecklenburg County, Va., in 1777, and came to Raleigh in 1801. His business was that of a cabinet-maker, which he conducted for more than sixty years, on the corner of Hargett and Blomit streets. He was a man of sterling character and held high in public esteem. His death occurred in 1865, when in his eighty-ninth year. One of his sons was the late David L. Royster, a prominent citizen in his day, and at one period a leading bviilding contractor. In early life he married Miss Sarah Womble, daughter of Jordon Womble, of Raleigh. Sur- viving Mr. and Mrs. Royster are Mr. Vitruvius Royster, the very efficient veteran assistant clerk of the Superior Court ; Miss Gertrude Royster, director physical education in Meredith Col- lege; Mrs. G. E. Iden, Mrs. K. W. Merritt, and Miss Mellie Royster. Another son of David Royster was the late James D. Royster, a man of rare intelligence, also prominently identified in his time with the city and its interests. The older citizens remember him as a man upon whose judgment they could safely rely, and in matters of public interest his opinion was always valuable. He was the father of Dr. Wisconsin I. Royster, whose eminence as a physician, as well as a man of profound learning, is as wide as the State which delights to claim him as its worthy son, and the 70 HISTORICAL RALEIGH grandfa-tlier of Dr. Hubert A. Royster and Prof. James F. Roys- ter, the latter professor of English in the State University. Dr. Hubert Royster enjoys the enviable distinction of being one of the most learned and skillful surgeons ever in practise at the State capital. His reputation is State-wide. Mr. Vermont C. Royster (proprietor of the firm of A. D. Royster & Bro.), one of the capital city's most prominent citizens, and a gentleman of superior scholarly attainments, is also a son of James D. Roys- ter. Among the descendants of David Royster are Miss Edith Royster, j^rominent in educational circles of the State and assist- ant superintendent public instruction of Wake ; Prof. V'ernon Howell, professor of chemistry at the State University, and Mr. H. H. Crocker, a leading and influential citizen of Raleigh, and chief clerk to the sheriff (J. H. Sears) of Wake. Mr. Crocker is a son of Alsey and Mary D. Crocker ; his mother was a daugh- ter of David Royster. W. T. Bain, whose name is so prominently associated with Masonic history, was also intimately connected with the early times of Raleigh. A man of purer heart and more charitable disposition our people had never known. He was born in 1793, and died in 1867, aged seventy-four years. The late Donald W. Bain was his honored son. Frank P. Haywood, who passed away in 1900, before his death was Raleigh's oldest inhabitant. He was born here in 1810 and was one of Dr. McPheeters' pupils at the Raleigh Academy, the only school here in the early part of the century. Mr. Haywood was a gentle and kiiid-liearted man and beloved by a wide circle of friends. He Avas the father of Mr. Frank P. Haywood, of the Citizens Xational Bank. John J. Briggs, father of the late Thomas H. Briggs, became identified with Raleigh in its early history, both industrially and religiously. He was a leading builder and prominent as one of the founders of the Baptist Church. Jacob Johnson should be remembered, too, for he was the trusted janitor of the Bank of the State and conspicuous in the history of Raleigh, because he was the father of a President of the United States — Andrew Johnson. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 71 "W. H. Williams, in 1812, kept an apothecary (as drug stores were then termed, after the custom in England), and advertised that he "solicits a continuance of public patronage, either in the common way of making an apothecary of one's stomach, or upon the new plan of no cure no pay," and adds that "the honest, tem- perate and industrious poor would be granted favors if desired." Others who had opened business by this time were Benjamin S. King, William Wliite, John G. Morehead, and William W. Taylo.-r Dr. F. J. Haywood, the elder, was one of the earlier inhabit- ants. He was born in Raleigh in 1803. No man in his day was more identified witli the general welfare of the people or who contributed more to their substantial good than the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. In the practice of his profession he became one of the most eminent physicians in the State. His character and ability as a medical man was no greater, however, than that which he sustained in his private relations, for in these he was distinguished as one who revered the golden rule and who never turned a deaf ear to the cry of the distressed, from whatever source it was heard. He married, in 1831, Martha Helen Whita- ker. She passed away on the 22d of July, 1902. She had many warm friends, especially among the older inhabitants. At her death she was ninety-one years of age. Randolph Webb's apothecary was established about 1820, on the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett streets. Subsequently the proprietors were Alfred Williams and Dr. F. J. Haywood. Dur- ing the continuance of this firm, in 1836, Mr. J. Ruffin Wil- liams, then a youth of sixteen years, entered the store as clerk, continuing as such for several years, until 1840, when he became one of the proprietors with his brother and Dr. Haywood. This business had the longest existence of any firm ever established in Raleigh. Dr. Haywood was the father of the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. Mr. Williams was the father of Mr. Robert I. Wil- liams, one of the capital city's well-known druggists. One of the best-known men to the older inhabitants of Raleigh was Dr. Thomas D. Hogg. He was the pioneer in many useful enterprises inaugurated here and in the State, although some of 72 HISTORICAL RALEIGH them lie did not carry beyond the experimental stage. Dr. Hogg was thoroughly familiar with a great many scientific subjects, of a practical nature, and took the keenest interest in all the great economic questions or problems of general importance. In aiding the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad Company at a critical period, and ]ierforming a like service for the Wilmington & Wel- don Railroad Company, he rendered the State valuable services. The same is true of his connection with the erection of the Cen- tral Hospital for the Insane, and of the duties discharged by him as an inspector of the North Carolina Railroad. J. J. Christophers, who was born in 1803, in his lifetime was a man of much prominence and usefulness. He filled the office of city clerk for a great number of years, and at one time was the owner of an entire square of real estate in the eastern sec- tion of the city. He lived to be ninety-one years of age. He was the father of Mr. Charles D. Christophers, of Raleigh. Edmund B. Freeman was an early resident of the capital city, where he was a leading citizen and identified with the material and moral welfare of its people. He was a native of Massachu- setts, born in 1796. His first wife was a sister of Albert Stith, a merchant of Raleigh in the forties. Mr. Freeman was the grandfather of Mr. Hampden F. Smith, who, until a few years since, was prominently connected with Raleigh's municipal gov- ernment, but is now a stock broker of ISTew York, Jacob Marling was another early resident. He had some local celebrity as a portrait and landscape painter. A specimen of his work is now in the State Library, loaned for exhibition by the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. It is a representation of the capitol as it was previous to its destruction by fire in 1831. Mrs. Mar- ling kept a millinery store on Fayetteville Street, in the building occu]>ied by A. D. Royster & Bro. In company with his father, Henry J. Brown came to Ra- leigh and located here in 1826. He was then fifteen years of age. Ten years later he embarked in the furniture and under- taking business. This he conducted with much success until his deatli, in 1879. A more devout, godly man and upright citizen was never a resident of Raleigh. He married in early life Lydia SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 73 Lane, a descendant of Col. Joel Lane. Mr. J. W. Brown, the well-known undertaker, and Joseph G. Brown, president of the Citizens National Bank, are his only living sons. In 1830 Jordan "Womble had opened his grocery store on Har- gett Street, which he conducted until a few years before his death, which occurred in 1891. He left many descendants, most of whom live in Raleigh. His eldest son, Jordan, was one of the most devout Christians and exemplary citizens that has ever lived in Raleigh, and his influence for good was incalculable. He was the father of Mr. John T. Womble, the popular and polite salesman at Dobbin & Ferrall's dry-goods store. The population in 1833 had grown to about 1,800. James Litchford was still the leading tailor, whose shop was near the rectory of Christ Church. C. D. Lehman had opened a drug store, and Weal Brown had found that Raleigh would support a "wool-hat" factory. The traveling public was thought to need better hotel accommodations, for Edward Rigsbee had opened the City Hotel. Wesley Whitaker was manufacturing pianos. J. E. Lumsden, who evidently believed that "cleanliness was next to godliness," was the proprietor of a bathing establish- ment, which he advertised would " kept open from sunrise till candle-light, and where hot and cold baths could be procured at reasonable rates." No man in Raleigh's history was more identified with its people and their interests than the late Charles B. Root. He was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1818, and located here in 1837. After a brief residence he embarked in the jewelry and watchmaking business, which he conducted very successfully until 1860, when he then retired. He married, in 1848, Miss Anna F. Gales, daughter of Weston R. Gales and granddaughter of Joseph Gales, founder of The Raleigh Register. Mr. Root filled many places of honor and trust, among them the presi- dency of the Raleigh Gas Works, to which position he was elected in 1860. For several terms he was alderman, and during the Civil War was mayor, during which time he refused to accept any compensation whatsoever, choosing, rather — be it said to his credit — to devote the same to benevolent objects and pur- 74: HISTORICAL RALEIGH poses. 1^0 man has ever lived among ns wlio was more beloved by our people tlian Charles B. Eoot. He lived to an advanced age, dying but a few years since. Mr. Charles Eoot, cashier of the Raleigh Savings Bank, is his only son ; Mrs. V. E. Turner (wife of the widely known dental surgeon) his only daughter. Richard Bullock Seawell was another prominent citizen in Raleigh's early history, and was contemporaneous with Henry W., George W., and Jacob Mordecai, descendants of Joel Lane. Mr. Seawell was the youngest son of Henry Seawell and Grizzelle Hinton Seawell, and was born in the Dr. Hogg resi- dence, on the northeast corner of Wilmington and Lane streets, May 26, 1818. He engaged extensively in agriculture the greater portion of his life, but, becoming embarrassed by the results of the Civil War, he surrendered his vast estate to the payment of his debts, and resided in Raleigh until his death, a few years ago. He was the father of Joseph L. Seawell, Esq., Clerk of the Supreme Court, and Mr. R. B. Seawell, the efficient Commissioner of Public Works of the City of Raleigh. E. R. Colburn Avas early identified with Raleigh, especially in an industrial capacity. He came here from Massachusetts in 1833, as a stonemason, with a large number of others, to assist in rebuilding the capitol. Mr. Colburn was the father of Mrs. Ellen Seawell, Avidow of Mr. Richard Seawell. John Dunn at this period Avas the proprietor of the City Hotel, situated on Fayetteville Street, near the court-house. It had formerly been kept by Mrs. Jeter. Bockwith, Blake S^, HENRY D. TURNER, AN EARLY liOOKStXLEK AND STATIONER. Fayetteville Street merchants, and James Litchford and Burbon Smith were conducting a tailoring business. C. C. Nelson was selling dry goods. The ''Raleigh Fire Company" was organized in 1844. Two of the officers were C. B. Root, captain; William C. Upchurch, treasurer. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 81 Henry Porter came among us about this time from his for- mer home in Sampson County, and opened a shoe-making busi- ness. Later, in 1852, he opened a boot and shoe store on Fayette- ville Street, which he conducted successfully for many years. Identified with the Methodist Church from his arrival here, he soon became a leader with its members, and is remembered by the older citizens as a very devout man. He was a prominent citizen and held in high esteem. Mr. Porter was the father of Mr. John Porter and the late Mrs. Martha Brewster. Other early inhabitants who deserve favorable mention in this connection, and who were contemporaneous with a number of those referred to above, were E. B. Thomas, Mordecai B. Bar- bee, Hugh W. Earp and William A. Lamb. Mr. Thomas came to Raleigh in the late fifties and taught "free" school in the ''Western Ward" for a number of years. He was a devout Christian and faithful in all the relations of life. Mr. Barbee was a well-known justice of the peace for more than a quarter of a century. With Mr. Lamb and Mr. Earp he served in the Mexican War. W. G. Upchurch, a nephew of W. C. Upchurch, became a resi- dent of Raleigh in the early sixties. He devoted his energies to mercantile pursuits, and before his death was in the front rank of wholesale grocers and cotton brokers in Raleigh. He was the father of Messrs. Wm. G. and Delmar Upchurch, of Jackson- ville, Fla., and Dr. Harvey Upchurch, of l^few York. E. D. Haynes, a most worthy and industrious man, at the time of his death, in 1894, had been a resident for more than sixty years. He was a cabinet-maker, his first work being with the late H. J. Brown, who conducted a business of that charac- ter. Mr. Haynes was a good citizen, a very superior mechanic, and a high-toned, honorable gentleman. His widow, Mi*s. Susan (Royster) Haynes, who was a daughter of David Royster, be- fore mentioned, died recently. Mr. M. R. Haynes is her only surviving child. Some men are forgotten as soon as they die ; others leave evi- dences of good deeds, which continue to grow in the affections of the people as time passes. Of the latter class was J. Stanhope 82 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Pullen, who was born here in 1822. During this good man's life he did as much, if not more, to make Kaleigh the beautiful and lovely city that it is to-day than any other of its citizens. He was one of the foremost promoters of the late improvements in the northeastern part of the city, gave to Raleigh the beauti- ful park that bears his name, and was a liberal contributor to many of the schools, charitable institutions and churches in the city. The good deeds of Mr. PuUen live after him, and his memory will be perpetuated in the history of the capital of his native State. He died in 1895, aged seventy-three years. He was an uncle of the well-known and much-beloved philanthropist, the late Mr. John T. Pullen. The valuable citizen is he who makes the greatest impress for good upon the community in which he lives. Thomas H. Briggs, who died in 1886, at the age of sixty-five, was one of those whose enterprise as a citizen and kind deeds as a Christian man entitle him to the fond remembrance of our whole people. He was the father of Messrs. Thomas H., James A., John D. and Fabius H. Briggs, and grandfather of Postmaster W. G. Briggs. Among other inhabitants who were identified with the early life of Raleigh was John R. Taylor. He was born in 1817 and lived in Raleigh since he Avas two years of age. At the time of his death he was eighty-five years of age. He remembered well Andrew Johnson, the tailor-President. He was a man of high integrity, and at one time was a man of property and influence. Mr. W. A. Taylor, the well-known Fayetteville Street tailor, himself a gentleman of exalted character, is his son. W. C. Upchurch was another citizen of the olden time. He came here in 1833, and shortly thereafter opened a grocery store on Hargett Street, near Wilmington, which he conducted with success during his whole business career, until 1887, when he retired. In the early part of his business life he was in copart- nership with the late W. H. Holleman. He died in 1906, at the age of ninety-two. His living descendants number nearly one hundred. Prominent among these are Police Justice William C Harris and Mr. Charles U. Harris, sons of the well-known law- yer. Col. J. C. L. Harris, who married Florence, Mr. Upchurch's youngest daughter. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 88 Maj. Moses A. Bledsoe, at his deatli, a few years ago, had been a resident of Raleigh since 1840, coming from Franklin County in that year. He married a Miss Hunter, a descendant of Theophilus Hunter, and before the Civil War was a man of much property and influence. Major Bledsoe and the late W. W. Vass were clerks in the late thirties in the store pf John Eaton in Henderson. Another well-known citizen of the olden time, and one who Avill be remembered by many of the older inhabitants, was W. M. Brown, a printer by trade. He was born here in 1825, in a log cabin which stood on the corner of Morgan and Person streets, in the period of Raleigh's history when framed or weather- boarded buildings, as they were then termed, were luxuries. His father was Neal BroAvn, a boyhood friend of Andrew Johnson. Mr. Brown was a man of high character, of unassuming man- ner, and held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends. In connection with Mr. "W. M. TJtley, in 1879, he established The Eve^iing Visitor. Mr. Brown was the father of Messrs. Charles A., Edward S., William M. and Bedford Brown. EARLY NEWSPAPERS AND THEIR PUBLISHERS Raleigh had been in existence but seven years when the publi- cation of its first newspapers began. This was in 1799, the names of the papers being Tlie Raleigh Register and The Minerva. The editor and publisher of The Register was Joseph Gales, a native of Sheffield, England. He published the paper for more than forty years. After his death, in 1842, it was con- ducted by his son, Weston R., and later by a grandson, Seaton Gales. Joseph Gales was for many years State Printer. He established the first paper mill in this section, on Rocky Branch, thence removing to Crabtree Creek. In politics he belonged to the dominant party, the Republican, and when that was dis- rupted in Jackson's time he became a Whig. Joseph Gales had the distinction of being the first to practice stenography in the United States, and was the first official stenographer to report the proceedings of Congress. He died in 1842, aged eighty years. 84 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Succeeding Seat on Gales as editor of The Register was John W. Syme, a native of Petersburg, Va., who settled in Raleigh in the late fifties. He M'as one of the ablest journalists of his time, and wielded, it was said, a vitriolic pen, for a more courageous writer for the press was unknown in the State. The publisher of The Minerva was William Boylan, a native of ]^ew Jersey. He came to North Carolina in 1791, locating at Fayetteville, where for a fcAv years he published The Minerva-. After his removal here, in 1799, he continued the publication of the paper, which advocated Federalist principles. Mr. Boylan was often a Commissioner of the city, and was at one time presi- dent of the State Bank. He was an active promoter of the Kaleigh k Gaston Railroad and at one time its president. A man of the highest integrity, kind-hearted and generous, his hand was always open to deserving charity. A large number of his descendants are living among us today. Prominent among these is W. B. Snow, Esq., Mr. Boylan's great-grandson, and son of the late George H. Snow, who in his day was one of the most talented and brilliant lawyers that graced the Raleigh Bar. It has been said that it was Mr. Boylan who introduced tbe culti- vation of cotton in this county. However that may be, in this connection the following with reference to the cotton-gin in this State may prove interesting: Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton-gin, or "cotton- machine," or "saw-gin," as it was then called, passed through Raleigh early in 1802, on his way from Charleston, S. C. (Avhere he had been a school-teaclier and had invented the cotton-gin), to his home in Connecticut. With reference to this cotton-gin, the General Assembly, at its session of 1802, after considering "that the cultivation of cotton is increasing in this State, and from the invention and use of the saw-gin, likely to become a A'aluable stai)le article of exportation," enacted tliat "the State of [N^orth Carolina do purchase from the said Miller and Whit- ney (the former being the owner of a one-half interest in the ])atent with Whitney, the inventor) the patent right to the making, using and vending the said new invention of a machine for clcMiiiiig cotton from its seeds, commonly called a saw-gin. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 85 on the terms and conditions hereinafter mentioned — that is to say, that there shall be laid and collected by the State of North Carolina on each and every saw-gin which shall be used in this State, between the passing of this act and the first day of April next (1803), a tax of two shillings and six pence upon every saw or annular row of teeth which such gin may contain, and a tax of two shillings and six pence for each and eveiy saw or annular row of teeth which shall be used in said gins, in each and every year, for the term of five years thereafter." The amounts collected for the years 1802 and 1803, under the pro- visions of this act, were directed to be paid to said Whitney and Miller as the price of the jjatent right agreed upon between them and the State. The tax collected for the five years thereafter was, of course, appropriated by the State — for the encourage- ment, perhaps, of the cotton industry. The next paper to make its appearance was The Baleigh Star, which made its bow to the public in 1808, with Calvin Jones and Thomas Henderson as editors and publishers. This firm was succeeded by Bell & Lawrence, and that by Lawrence & Lemay, the paper being afterwards known as The Star and Xorth Caro- lina Gazette. On the 3d of September, 1835, Mr. Lemay assumed sole control of the paper, conducting it successfully for many years. In 1836 David Outlaw, of Bertie, and in 1840 Hugh McQueen, of Chatham, became associate editors with Mr. Lemay. Thomas J. Lemay was born in Granville County in 1802, and died in Wake County, September S, 1863. The first number of The North Carolina Standard made its appearance November 14, 1834, and was published by Hon. Philo White, LL.D., a native of New York State. In 1836 he disposed of the paper to Thomas Loring, who conducted it suc- cessfully for several years. In 1843 the paper was purchased by W. W. Holden, who had learned the art of printing in the oifice of The North Carolina Star and Gazette, in Raleigh, under in- structions of the editor, Thomas J. Lemay. Mr. Holden (who later became the chief magistrate of the State) conducted the paper most successfully for more than a quarter of a century. When Governor Holden purchased The Standard he was but 86 HISTORICAL RALEIGH twenty-five years of age, yet he soon grew to rank Avith tlie lead- ing writers for the press in the United States. In 1838 The Biblical Recorder was removed from New Bern to Raleigh. It was then hut three years old. Rev. Thomas Meredith, one of the most distinguished ministers of the Baptist denomination in this State, was the editor. It has since changed hands many times. The late J. H. Alford, long identified with our people as a man of exalted character, and with the Baptist denomination as one of its most devout members and deacons, was an apprentice in the office of this paper, which he entered in 1848. The North Carolina Christian Advocate was not founded until 1855. In 1867 the name of the paper was changed to The Ejnscopal Methodist, and three years later it became The Raleigh Christian Advocate. Its first editor was Rev. Rufus T. Heflin. Among other editors, there have been Rev. "William E. Pell, Rev. F. L. Reid, Rev. Dr. Black, Rev. Dr. T. N. Ivey. Rev. L. S. Massey is the present editor. The State Journal made its appearance in 1860, with John Spelman as editor and publisher. In politics it was Demo- cratic — rampant secession. During the Civil War, besides The Standard (W. W. Holdeu, editor), three other political papers were published here — The Confederate, The Conservative, and The Progress. Duncan K. McRae and Alex. Gorman were the editors of The Confederate; John H. Hyman edited The Conservative, and John L. Pen- ington conducted The Progress. When Raleigh surrendered to the Federal forces, in 1865, the editors of The Standard and The Progress became ''reconstructed" and were allowed to continue their publications unmolested. OLDEST LIVING INHABITANTS The following are among the oldest living inhabitants of Raleigh who deserve special mention in a work of this charac- ter. Of course, there are others equally aged, or perhaps more so, but they are such as the author has not been able (owing to SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 87 his arduous labors in the preparation of this work) to call to mind, or are those who, instead of feeling a just pride in their having become so ripened and honored, are "touchy" on this subject, and object to their age being known : The oldest living inhabitant, though not a native of Raleigh, is Mrs. Cornelia R. Holleman, who, on the 12th of N"ovember last, rounded out one hundred years of a long and useful life. She is a native of Connecticut, and came to Raleigh in her young womanhood. For some time she was in the employ of Mrs. W. H. Thompson, Avho conducted a millinery store on Fayette- ville Street, near the capitol. Her first husband was O. L. Burch, mention of whom is made elsewhere as one of the early merchants. Mrs. Holleman is yet in the possession of her mental faculties, reads the daily papers and her Bible every day, eats and sleeps well, and loves to see old friends. She is the maternal aunt of Mrs. IST. B. Broughton, and has long been under her tender and watchful care at the Broughton home on New Bern Avenue. (Since the above was in type, Mrs. Holleman passed to her reward.) The oldest native inhabitant, as far as knoAvn, is Mr. William T. Womble, now in his eighty-sixth year, and who still delights to engage in the favorite sport of his boyhood — fishing. Mr. Womble, in the fifties of the last century, was long a teacher in the old-time "free school" of the "Western Ward," (Raleigh then having but two wards — Eastern and Western), in the "good old days" when, if a boy did not or even could not "learn his lesson," he was forced to do so by a sound flogging, and for this "system" of teaching, which was popular, Mr. Womble enjoyed — among his pupils — an unenviable reputation. (Mr. Womble died recently.) Mr. William B. Hutchings bears the distinction of being one of the oldest living inhabitants, October 16tli next being the anniversary of his eighty-fifth birthday. He is yet as vigorous and erect as many men of fifty, and the very picture of health. Mr. Hutchings is a native of Granville County and came to Raleigh in 1846, where for many years he was engaged in the 88 HISTORICAL RALEIGH saddlery and harness business. He has always been an exem- plary citizen and Christian gentleman, enjoying the high esteem of all classes of our people. It was in 1850 that Hon. John Nichols came to Kaleigh from his country home near Eagle Kock, in this county. Here he at once engaged as an apprentice in the printing department of the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. Subsequently he was the foreman of the office, and later became the principal of the institution. In the seventies he was the senior member of the firm of Nichols, Gorman & Neathery, a printing house of Raleigh widely known throughout the State. Mr. Nichols has held many positions of honor and trust, prominent among which have been postmaster of Raleigh and Representative in Congress, in all of which he served with fidelity. He has been a most worthy and useful citizen. He is now in the seventy-ninth year of his age, healthy and robust, and still serving as United States commissioner. Another of the oldest inhabitants, eighty-two years of age, though not a native, is Capt. John D. Thompson, who has been a resident of Raleigh* since he was fourteen years of age. He served throughout the War Between the States and was long identified with the city police department. He is yet quite vigor- ous, physically and mentally, and indicates his devotion to the Lost Cause by chewing ''Stars and Bars" tobacco, "and no other kind," says Captain Thompson, emphatically. Mr. B. H. Woodell should also be distinguished as one of the oldest inhabitants. He is not a native of Raleigh, but has been identified with its best interests for half a century. He is promi- nent as an Odd Fellow, of which order he has been Grand Sec- retary for twenty-six years. FIRES, FIRE ENGINES AND WATER=WORKS IN RALEIGH'S EARLY HISTORY In the settlement of all communities, which are at first but mere villages, the dwellings and places of business are nearly always of wood. Many fires must necessarily be experienced SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 89 before more durable and pretentious buildings are erected. Ealeigh was no exception to this rule, but her citizens prepared themselves for such emergency by purchasing, in 1802, the first fire engine they had ever seen. There was not then a pump in the city, and in case of fire entire dependence was upon the wells, of which "not one in four was supplied with buckets." Such was the comment made by a newspaper of that period. The engine referred to was bought by voluntary contributions. It employed sixteen hands, throwing eighty gallons per minute one hundred and thirty-two feet, and cost $374. Eleven years later the city, and in case of fire, entire dependence was upon the wells, company was organized. Six years before this an abortive at- tempt to supply the city with water was made. A water-wheel, worked from a pond in front of the Insane Asylum hill, made by damming Rocky Branch, forced the water to the top of a water tower on a hill in the southwest part of the city, whence it flowed by gravity to Hargett and along Fayetteville Street. There was no filtration. The water was delivered at intervals through wooden spouts. The engineer was Samuel Lash, of Salem, an ingenious mechanic. The pipes were of wood. They became frequently clogged with mud, and often burst with the pressure. The citizens living on the streets not benefited became clamorous against the taxation levied for repairs, and the scheme was abandoned. Fonner Street Commissioner Blake, while excavating on Fay- etteville Street a few years ago, dug up several pieces of this pipe, the inside diameter of which was about three inches. The first great fire on record was in 1816, on the east side of Fayetteville Street, extending from Martin to Hargett, and thence nearly to Wilmington Street. In 1821 a second fire broke out near the site where the mar- ket house now stands, consuming the east side of Fayetteville Street north, above Hargett, as far as where Dobbin & Ferrall's store now stands, and east to Wilmington Street. In 1831 another fire occurred. This was on the site of the present market house. In the same year all the buildings on the west side of Fayette- ville Street, from Morgan to Hargett, with the exception' of that 90 HISTORICAL RALEIGH next to Morgan Street (the Dr. Fabius J. Haywood residence, but then occupied by the New Bern Bank), were swept away. This was kindled by an incendiary, Benjamin F. Seaborn, a clerk of Richard Smith, who endeavored by arson to hide the crime of theft. Smith was Register of Deeds, and twenty regis- try books were destroyed with his storehouse, causing much con- fusion of titles in our county. Seaborn was hung for his crime. Another fire broke out in 1841, in Depkin's shoe shop, on Fay- etteville Street. The flames swept down Hargett Street until checked within one house of Wilmington Street. The weak hose of the engine burst soon after it was brought into action. The water flowed on the ground and, mixing with red clay, formed a plastic material, which the ready-witted firemen gathered by handsful and bueketfuls, and, dashing it against the walls of a threatened store, formed a nonconductor, impervious to heat. The fire was extinguished, and the grateful citizens dubbed this heroic band as the "mud company," and this well-earned name stuck fast up to the day of of its dissolution. RALEIGH'S FIRST STREET=CARS The Raleigh Experimental Railway was the first attempt at a railroad built in ISTorth Carolina. It was a cheap strap-iron tramway, costing $22. .50 per mile, and finished January 1, 1833. The road was the suggestion of Mrs. Sarah Polk, widow of Col. William Polk and the mother of Bishop Polk, who was the principal stockholder, and the investments paid over 300 per cent. Capt. Daniel H. Bingham was the engineer, an accom- plished scholar, who taught a military school in the old Saun- ders house, on Hillsboro Street, and who was assisted by two of his advanced students, Dr. R. B. Hay^vood, of this city, and Col. William M. Abbott, of Mississippi. The road ran from the east portico of the capitol to the rock quarry, in the remote east- ern portion of the city. It was constructed principally for the purpose of hauling stone to build the present capitol. A pas- senger car was placed upon it "for the accommodation of such ladies and gentlomon as desired to take the exercise of a railroad airing." SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 91 THE FIRST STEAM RAILWAY ENTERING THE CAPITAL Any attempt to record the progress of a city more than a cen- tury old which should fail to notice the introduction of travel by the locomotive would be unpardonable. Therefore some refer- ence to the first railroad with which Raleigh became acquainted may, it is hoped, prove interesting. The capital of the State was fifty years old before its popula- tion had scarcely exceeded two thousand. Being an inland town and having communication with the outside world only by stage- coaches and like vehicles, this small number of inhabitants were not unreasonable. But with the advent of 1840 signs of better times appeared, for that year witnessed the completion of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad. The northern terminus was first at Gaston, instead of Weldon, as in later years. The name of Gas- ton was given in honor of Judge William Gaston. The comple- tion of the road was hailed by a celebration which lasted for three days. From distant counties men, women and children caine to see the new wonders — the State-house, the railroad and locomotive. At night the trees of Caijitol Square were illumin- ated with colored lamps, as well also as was Fayetteville Street. Grorgeous transparencies could be everywhere seen. One wos a representation of a locomotive, another of the State-house. The name of the first locomotive was the Tornado, which was a one-wheel driver and without any cab. It reached Raleigh on the 10th of May, 1840. The iron for the track became ex- hausted when the construction crew were within a few miles of Raleigh, and as the engine was due here on the above date, it ran that distance and safely into town, it is said, though this is doubtful, over the bare "stringers." The late C. B. Root, then but a very young man, had the distinction, together with several other friends, of riding into the city on the tender of tlie engine from Crabtree bridge, three miles distant, where they had gone for that purpose. The name Tornado was evidently not Avithout significance, being probably suggested by the great speed the "machine" could make, the schedule time being eighty-six miles (the distance 92 HISTORICAL RALEIGH "between Raleigh and Gaston) in twelve hours, provided it could be kept on the sills, or "stringers," as the wooden rails were called. These were from fifteen to twenty feet in length and about eight inches in height, to which were nailed strips or bars of iron. On these the cars ran. These strips were of three sepa- rate dimensions — two inches by one-half inch, two inches by five- eighths of an inch, and two and one-fourth inches by five-eighths of an inch. Frequently the locomotive would jump the track as if attempt- ing to take to the woods, leaving the train crew helpless until assisted by the neighboring farmers and field hands to place it back on the track. Sometimes the passengers would be forced to get out of the coach (one only of which could be drawn at a time) and push the train up the hill or grading. The late Rufus H. Horton came on the road as fireman in 1845. His compensation was the munificent sum of six dollars per month and "rations." It was then a common occurrence for the engineer to be forced to stop the engine for lack of wood, and to tear down the farmers' fences to get fuel sufficient to get to the next station. The names of other engines were equally significant as that of the Tornado; these were the Tempest, Volcano, Whirlwind, and Spitfire. iVt a later period, Avhen "big" engines were secured, these were designated by more dignified names, and in honor either of distinguished North Carolinians, active in promoting internal improvements, or to honor the counties through wliich the road passed. Thus, there was the Graham (in honor of Wil- liam A. Graham, the father-in-law of N'orth Carolina's distin- guished jurist, statesman and historian, Hon. Walter Clark), the Saunders (in honor of Romulus M. Saunders), the Wake, the Franhlin, the Granville, etc. "This road," said Turner & Hughes, in their almanac of 1841, "is esteemed one of the best in the United States." The following are tlie names of some of the early conductors : J. B. Timberlake, Littleton E. Riggin, Jephtlia Horton, Creigh- ton Williams, and Thomas G. Arrington. Jephtha Horton was the father of the late John W. Horton, for many years the SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 93 efficient and faithful yardmaster here of the Seaboard Kailway, and the grandfather of John W. Horton, now connected with the machinery department of that road. Among the old-time engineers were Worthani Newton, Jesse Shaw, Thomas Jenkins, John Cooper, John L. Stone, Alex. Davis, Charles Holleman, Sidney Hinton, John Metcalf, Ed. C. White, Jack Sledge, Fab. Beavers, Joe H. Perry, James Law- rence, Alpheus Faison, Mortimer Fleming, John Beckham, and W. L. Nowell. In the machine shops in the earlier periods were Albert John- son, J. B. Gayle, B. R. Harding, Peter Fleming, Sidney Smeth- urst, Joseph Jackson, Emery Burns, John Utley, H. Clay John- son, Augustus Perdue, Frederick Rideout, Ed. C. Lougee, Robert Pace, Josiah Willson, James Hollister (now living), Henry Pace, William Horton, James Pace, Joe DeCarteret, J. C. S. Lumsden, James West, A. Y. Frost. O. D. Lipscomb, Marshall Betts, Harris Vaughan, and Anderson Betts were engaged in the carpenters' department. Among the officers of the road the following have been presi- dents : Wesley Hollister, W. J. Hawkins, L. O'B. Branch, George W. Mordecai, Gaston H. Wilder, R. W. Lassiter, W. W. Yass. Superintendents»: P. A. Dunn, S. S. Royster, W. G. Lewis, A. B. Andrews, J. C. Winder. Maj. W. W. Yass was for nearly half a century the treasurer. From 1848 till 1851, when the road was owned by the State, he was the president. In the last-mentioned year the State dis- posed of the road to a iiew organization, the old name of Ra- leigh & Gaston Railroad being retained, and Major Yass was again elected treasurer. He was a man of honor and held in the highest esteem wherever known. He died in 1896. Mr. W. W. Yass, cashier Wake Savings Bank, is his only son. Among those prominently identified with the road when in its infancy was Christopher B. Allen, who served as agent for many years. He was succeeded by his son, the late Charles S. Allen, who served faithfully for more than a generation. Charlie Allen, as he was familiarly known to his friends, was a man of most loving disposition, and his death, a few years ago, was 94 HISTORICAL KALEIGH deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends. He married Annie, only daughter of D. C. Murray, in his day a prominent Kaleigli merchant. Charles S. Allen was the father of T. Murray Allen, Esq., one of the capital's prominent attorneys. The INTorth Carolina Railroad was chartered in 1848, the State appropriating $2,000,000 for its construction — this on condi- tion that private parties would subscribe $1,000,000. The pri- vate stock was eventually raised, and on January 29, 1856, the road was ready for passage of trains between Goldsboro and Charlotte. RALEIGH'S ORIGINAL MARKET HOUSE In the year 1840 the location of the tOAvn market was changed from Hargett to Fayetteville Street. The market house, while on Hargett Street, was situated in the centre of that thorough- fare, between Fayetteville and Wilmington streets, facing west, with a narrow driveway on either side, the same as the present market building. It was erected in 1800, the contract having been awarded to one Micajah Muckleroy, his compensation being two hundred and ninety-eight pounds sterling — English money being at that time still a legal tender. Much excitement was created by the agitation of the question of the market's removal, the saloon-keepers and others who had places of business contiguous naturally fearing that such action would bring to them serious business loss. The matter was put to a popular vote, resulting in the defeat of those opposing the removal. The victors desired to celebrate the event, and accord- ingly organized a torchlight procession, in which a large number of the people joined. On the night of the ''jubilee," while the procession was passing through Hargett Street, some one threw a stone, which struck a member of the saloon faction, whereupon a riot at once followed. Blows with bottles, bricks and sticks were freely exchanged, but with one exception no injuries were sustained. Jack Buffaloe received a slight wound Avith a knife in the hands of some unknown opponent. The conditions existing about the bar-rooms and in the dens SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 95 around the old market constituted the principal reason for the better element of society being anxious .for the change. The locality was then called "Grog Alley." Wilmington Street, be- tween Hargett and Martin, was known as "Cologne." Raleigh had no police force at that period, a town constable (who at this time was James Murray) being all the protection, in that respect, the city had — the night watch, composed of pri- vate citizens, not going on duty till 9 p. m. After the destruction of the old market building on Hargett Street, a new one was erected on Fayetteville and on the present site. The structure was a small affair, though it had a hall above for public entertainments. It had not, however, any rooms devoted to offices for city officials. Indeed, all the town officers, besides the commissioners (as the aldermen were then called), were the mayor, clerk, and town constable, the clerk per- forming the functions of tax collector. The mayor's office was compelled to do duty for this entire business. This was in a small brick building in the rear of the market, and fronted on Wilmington Street. In the rear of this room was the "guard- house," as it was popularly termed. The butchers doing business at the old market house were Eldridge Smith, J. J. Christophers, and Shadrach Weddon. It is stated on the authority of one of the older inhabitants that the demand for fresh beef was so meagre and the population so small that before the slaughtering of any animals was under- taken the butchers from time to time would call on the people and take their orders, that the former might accommodate the supply of fresh meats to the demand. Eldridge Smith was the father-in-law of the late John Henry Boner, North Carolina's distingiiished poet, who married Char- lotte, Mr. Smith's second daughter. Mrs. Boner is still living, a resident of Winston, IST. C. 06 HISTORICAL KALEIGH (1) I!I;MI)K.\( i: of IIO.N. (IKO. K. HAIUiER. (LI) IIOI SK IN WIIK II .KlUiK \VM. (iASTOX WKOTE THE "OLD NORTH STATK." (.".I l!I KIDEXCE OF COI.. .lOEI, l.ANK, OKKilXAL OWNER OB" RALEIGH'S SITE. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 97 OLD=TIME PUBLIC (OR "FREE") SCHOOLS While the private schools of Raleigh were, as a rule, of a high order, the ''free schools," as the common or public schools were sometimes opprobriously termed, were confined to the lower grades of study^ — reading, writing, and arithmetic. The school- houses here were built about 1841, Fayetteville and Halifax streets being the dividing line between two districts. The East- ern Ward school-house was in Moore Square, usually known as the "Baptist Grove"; the Western, on William Boylan's land, immediately west of the land of Sylvester Smith. This latter was abandoned in a year or two, and another built on the south- west corner of Cabarrus and McDowell streets, and known as the Gum Spring School. After a few years a third, designed for females only, was built at the northwest corner of the old City Cemetery. The Cabarrus and McDowell Street house was sold to the gas company in 1858, and another erected in INTash Square. Subsequently the school was taught in an old field (on which now stands a block of residences) immediately west of the residence of the late C. S. Allen, on West Hargett Street. The late E. B. Thomas was the teacher for two years or more. The Eastern Ward School, in the "Baptist Grove" (Moore Square), was taught by the late William T. Womble, referred to elsewhere. "It was not at all uncommon," says the North Carolina his- torian, Mr. Stephen B. Weeks, in commenting on the old-time "free school," "to find the school-houses without ground or loft floors, and with chimneys built of sticks and dirt. Euel was supplied by brush, which the children were sent out every few hours to gather ; and about the fire there was a perpetual scram- ble for the inside position, while the young men and women and older children ciphered out of doors in the sun, forming very social but not studious little parties on the sunny side of the surrounding trees." Continuing, Mr. Weeks says : "The large majority of teachers instructed only in the elementary branches of spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. English grammar was not taught, perhaps, in a majority of the schools, and geog- raphy, as a general thing, was an unknown science. The teacher, 98 HISTORICAL KALEIGH in most cases a law unto himself and a neighborhood oracle, knew little of the methods of his brethren in other places, and never regarded himself as an element of a general system ; and his progress was only in the mechanical art of writing. The method of teaching was extremely primitive. To look in the book and make a decent droning noise of any kind, not out of the common key, would insure immunity from the all-potent rod. There were no lectures, few explanations, no oral instruction. To get through the book was the great end, and to whip well, the paramount means." THE NAT TURNER INSURRECTION AND ITS EFFECT UPON THE PEOPLE OF RALEIGH When Nat Turner's massacre of fifty-five persons occurrexl in Southampton, Virginia, in 1831, the whole of Raleigh was placed under arms. The able-bodied were divided into four companies, each to patrol the streets every fourth night. The old men were organized as "Silver Grays." The fortress was the Presbyterian Church, and it was agreed that whenever the S.tate-house bell (which hung in a belfry in the southwest corner of the capitol ])ark) should sound the alarm, the women and children were to take refuge within its protecting walls. A few nights thereafter, John O'Rourke's blacksmith shop took fire, and one of the most fearful and exciting scenes ever beheld in Raleigh was that of hundreds of women and children flying through the streets to the place of common refuge. It is said of the late Col. James Fon- tleroy Taylor, who was then a mere boy, that he also became excited, and, seizing his father's sword, brandished it in the air and declared his purpose to there die in defense of the house- hold. The negroes were frightened more than the whites. They fled and hid under houses, in garden shrubbery, lay between corn rows — anywhere. There never was a time when the colored people of Raleigh would have risen against our people. It is greatly to the credit of both races that, notwithstanding party animosity and sudden emancipation, the kindly personal feeling between the whites and their old servants and descendants has never been interrupted. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 99 RELIGIOUS For a long time after the foundation of the city the people worshipped in tlie State-house or court-house. The great Meth- odist bishop, Asbury, held a "big meeting" in the former place in 1800. In 1805 or 1806 William Glendenning, a native of Scotland, removed to Raleigh and established a grocery store on jSTew Bern Avenue, opposite the present Episcopal rectory. He had been a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but seceded with James O'Kelly. He built the first church in the city, on Blount Street, between Morgan and Hargett, and called it Bethel. He became insane and Avas called the "Crazy Parson/' and, of course, made little religious impression on the community. THE METHODIST CHURCH The first Methodist Church built in Raleigh Avas constructed of hewn logs, and stood in Joel Lane's woods, on what was then Halifax Road, about where Colonel Heck's residence now stands, on Blount Street, and Avas called Asbury Meeting House. Bishop Asbury Avas probably the founder of this church, in 1784, as he traveled frequently into ISTorth Carolina, and Wake Court-House was an important point. In 1811 the Methodists had finished their church, the first erected after the organization of the city, on the lot donated by Willie Jones, of Halifax, and bought by him at the sale of 1792. This church having been destroyed by fire in 1839, another was erected in 1841. Benjamin B. Smith, Raleigh's leading merchant, contributed three hundred dollars toward this object. This church was remoA^ed a few years ago to giA^e way to the present imposing edifice. It has a seating capacity of eight hundred. Mrs. Badger, the mother of Hon. George E. Badger, was a prominent member of this church after coming here from !New Bern, and often led in prayer, or "prayed in public," as it was termed. Among the early pastors were Bennett T. Blake, John Kerr, 100 HISTORICAL RALEIGH John T. Brame, John E. Edwards, R. O. Burton, "William E. Pell, Joseph H. Wheeler, L. L. Hendren, X. F. Reid, John S. Long. Of those Avho were prominently connected with the church in its earlier days were Miss Emma Hunter, Miss Louisa Hill, Mrs. Sarah McCauley, Misses Susan and Emma White, Mrs. Eliza Lemay, Mrs. Lucinda Tucker, Henry J. Brown, Mrs. Lucy Evans, Rev. Thomas J. Lemay, L. W. Peck, S. H. Young, C. W. D. Hutchings, John C. Palmer, Mrs. Ann R. Lipscomb, Henry Porter, Mrs. Elizabeth Busbee, John Myatt, Miss Priscilla McKee, Eldridge Smith. THE BAPTIST CHIRCH The Baptists were next to organize a congregation. This was in 1812, and a church building of an humble character was erected on Moore Square, or in what was then known as the Baptist Grove. The bell was of the size and sound of those generally in use by tobacco factories. In this grove the founders of the first Baptist Church worshipped. There is high authority for the statement that the members were accustomed each to take a tallow candle to this humble building in order to produce a "dim, religious light" (so conducive to spirituality, it was thought) for services at night. The membership of the church, it is said, was never more than eighteen — seven males and eleven females. Of the former, there w^ere Madison Roystcr, James JSTunn, J. D. Briggs, Mark Williams, and W. C. Upchurch. The late Mrs. Alfred Williams was among the lady members. About 1835, owing to differences of opinion among the mem- bers, dissension arose, and a new and better edifice was accord- ingly erected at the southeast corner of Wilmington and Morgan streets. The pastors of this church, in the order named, were Revs. Amos J. Battle, Louis Dupree, T. W. Toby, J. J. Finch, G. W. Johnston, T. E. Skinner. In 1858 the present imposing First Baptist Church was erected. Rev. Dr. T. E. Skinner was the first pastor. He was one of the broadest-minded ministers and profoundest theolo- gians of his day, and a gentleman of the old school — that type SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 101 of men that are gradually passing away. Possessed of a deep charity for his fellow-man, he was noted for his broad benevo- lence, though in its dispensations he was modest, never letting his left hand know what his right hand did. He died several years ago, at an advanced age. Among those identified with the membership of the First Bap- tist Church in its early history were Mrs. C. H. Amis (mother of the author of this work), Mrs. Alfred Williams, Miss Lucinda Briggs, Miss Sallie Towles, Miss Selina Jenkins, T. H. Briggs, P. F. Pescud, J. J. Briggs, James D. Eoyster, M. B. Eoyster, A. M. Lewis, Lynn Adams, Len H, Adams, James D. JSTunn, Jordan Womble, Jr., Robert S. Jones. A prominent feature of the Sunday school of this church is the infant class. The class was organized in 1865, with but twelve pupils. Dr. "W. I. Eoyster was the first teacher in charge. In 1874 a few members of this church, led by Messrs. !^. B. Broughton and the late J. S. Allen, organized a new congrega- tion and purchased on Swain Street a house of worship and denominated it the Second Baptist Church. The congregation assumed in a year or two such proportions that it became neces- saiy to secure a more commodious structure, and a site was accordingly purchased on the corner of Hargett and Person streets, upon which was erected the Tabernacle Baptist Church. It has recently been enlarged, at a cost of $25,000. Its seating capacity is about twelve hundred. The Sunday school is the largest in the city, and its fame in this department of religious work extends throughout the country, due in a great measure to the zeal and popularity of Mr. IST. B. Broughton, known throughout the State as foremost in all that makes for the advancement, moral and material, of the people. THE EPISCOPAL CHUKCH Steps were taken to organize an Episcopal Church in Raleigh about 1820, Eev. John Phillips, of Calvary Church, Tarboro, being missionary in charge. In 1822 a vestry was elected, con- sisting of Chief Justice John Louis Taylor, William H. Hay- wood, and Dr. Burges. A wooden church was built in 1829. It 102 HISTORICAL KALEIGH was situated a little nearer Edenton Street than the present beautiful edifice, known as Christ Church. About 1845 or 1846 the present stone church was erected under the supervision of Mr. Upjohn, the leading ecclesiastical architect of the country. The first rector was Eev. John Ravens- croft. He was succeeded by Rev. George W. Freeman, Avho resigned in 1840, when Rev. Richard S. Mason, a man of great learning, was elected, who ministered to the congregation until his death, in 1874. The original vestrymen of the church were John Louis Taylor, Dr. Burges, William H. Haywood, Jr. The prominent communicants in early times were Gavin Hogg, Dim- can Cameron, Thomas P. Devereux, George E. Badger, Charles L. Hinton, Charles Manly, George W. Mordecai, John H. Bryan, R. M. Saunders, James McKimmon, William H. Battle, Thomas D. Hogg, Kemp P. Battle, William E. Anderson, the late R. H. Battle, P. A. Wiley. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The first Presbyterian congregation in Raleigh Avas organized in 1806. The first regular pastor was Rev. William Turner, of Virginia, his elders being Judge Henry Potter, William Shaw, and Thomas Emons. The religious services Avere held in the hall of the House of Commons. The first church Avas erected in 1817, and Rev. William McPheeters became the first pastor. ReA\ Drury Lacy was long a pastor, occupying the pulpit of his church for eighteen consecutive years. Rev. J. M. Atkinson Avas also one of the pastors. The present handsome edifice Avas erected in 1899. It has a seating capacity of one thousand. The following were among the prominent members of this church in its early history : H. D. Turner, S. W. Whiting, William Peace, Jesse Brown, Charles Dewey, John Primrose, J. M. ToAvles. Until 1827 the Sunday schools of the several churelies Avere united in one, Avhich Avas known as the L^nion Sunday School. Miss Lucinda Briggs represented the Baptist denomination, and a more earnest and faitliful disciple of Cliristianity this city has never knoAvn. Tavo daughters of Dr. McPheeters represented the Presbyterian, and Miss Louisa Hill the IVfethodist denomina- tion. Webster's blue-back s]ieller Avas one of the books used. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 103 The first Young Men's Christian Association in Ealeigli was instituted in 1859, with H. P. McCoy as president and W. J. Young as secretary. The object of the organization was said to be "to visit the sick, administer to the wants of the needy, estab- lish Sunday schools, distribute tracts," etc. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH The first mass ever celebrated in Raleigh was by the Rev. Father Peter Wheelan, about the year 1832, in a boarding-house kept by Matthew Shaw, a Presbyterian. A Catholic church was built here in 1834, at a cost of $800. It was dedicated by Bishop England, in 1835, who often said mass and preached. In 1859 the building which had been the Baptist Church, corner of Mor- gan and Wilmington streets, was purchased, and in 1860 for- mally dedicated by Bishop Lynch, of Charleston. The first pas- tor was Rev. J. Y. McNamara, who was installed in 1869, until which time the church .had been served by missionary priests. The present church edifice is on the corner of Hillsboro and McDowell streets and was purchased in 1875, at a cost of $13,000. The pastor is Rev. Thomas P. Griffin. EARLY HOTELS, OR TAVERNS The hotels, or taverns, as they were formerl}' called, were of a primitive nature. In 1803 Henry H. Cook advertised that at "Wake Old Court-House, about a quarter of a mile of the State- house, he can accommodate ten or twelve gentlemen with board during the session of the General Assembly, and will take a few horses to feed at 2s. 6d. a day." The court-house records show that English money was current till 1810. In the same year the "Indian Queen," kept by Captain Scott, was advertised as the best hotel in the city, "with thirteen rooms, nine of which have fireplaces." This was on the site of the present Federal court-house and post office. Another hotel, or tavern, of that period was opened b}^ Peter Casso, in 1804, on Fayetteville Street. The proprietor adver- tised that "i^orthern and Southern stages leave his door three times a week." 104 HISTORICAL RALEIGH On the first of July, 1812, Charles Parish opened a new hotel and called it "The Eagle." This was on the site now occupied by the State Agricultural Building. It was of three stories, and the same which was afterwards known as the Guion Hotel. With the exception of the State-house, this was the first brick building erected in the city. The following was the proprietor's announce- ment to the public: "Charles Parish informs his friends and the public that his tavern is now open for the reception of travelers and boarders in the new three-story building north of the State-house and front- ing Union Square. The house is spacious, completely furnished, and the stables equal to any. For a well-supplied table (served from a neat and cleanly kitchen), luxuries of the rooms, beds, attendance, etc., it is determined that this tavern shall excel any in the Southern States. "N. B. — An ice-house and bathing rooms will be constructed by next season." The ice-house and bathing rooms were probably the earliest introduction of these luxuries among the growing refinements of the city. John Marshall and John Mares had also opened hotels, or taverns. These were frame buildings. Indeed, for thirty years after the foundation of the city (1792 until 1822) there were but four brick stnictures. These were the Eagle Hotel, the Bank of i^ew Bern (the site of the Administration Building, at the head of Eayetteville Street), the Presbyterian Church, and The Reg- ister printing office. The Governor's Palace was of brick, but this was beyond the limits of the city. THE BIRTHPLACE OF A PRESIDENT— ANDREW JOHNSON No man known to the history of any people ever rose, perhaps, to such distinction from so humble a beginning as Andrew John- son, better known as the tailor-President. He first saw the light of day in Baleigli, on the 29th of December, 1808. At the age of ten years he was apprenticed to Mr. James Litchford (grand- SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 105 father of Mr. Henry Litcliford) to learn the trade of a tailor. Before his tenn of apprenticeship expired he resolved to seek a field of usefulness elsewhere. He and l!^eal Bro"VYn, the latter also a young man (and the father of the late W. M. BrowTi) were intimate friends, and to J^eal Andrew confided his inten- tion of ''running away" from his employer. Brown agreed to assist him in doing so, and to that end carried his friend Andrew's luggage, or cai-pet-sack of his meagre belongings, to a safe distance on the road outside of town, in order to facilitate the latter 's escape. Johnson journeyed on foot from here to Laurens Court-House, S. C, where he followed his trade for two years. There he became engaged to be married to the daughter of a gentleman of wealth and position, but was refused her hand because of his poverty. He returned to Raleigh in 1826, but, after remaining here but a few months, went to Green- ville, Tenn., where he was married. Up to this time he knew nothing of writing or arithmetic. His wife, however, sedulously labored to instruct him in those branches of rudimentary educa- tion, and with success. In 1829 he became an alderman ; in 1830, mayor; in 1835 he was sent to the Legislature. Here he made his maiden speech on public affairs. In 1841 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1843 he was first chosen as a Representative in Congress. In this position he served until 1853. He was twice elected Governor. In 1857 he was sent to the United States Senate for a full term, ending in 1863. And, finally, after filling almost every official position in the gift of the people, he became President of the United States, which last position he obtained, however, by the occasion of Lincoln's death while in office. The house in which this remarkable man was born is still in existence. For many years it stood on East Cabarrus Street, between Wilmington and Blount streets, but a few years since was removed to Pullen Park, where it is now viewed with curiosity by all who visit that resort. With reference to the "runing away" of Andrew Johnson from his employer, the following article may be of interest. It seems to conflict with the popular tradition that he "ran away" from Mr. Litchford, a leading tailor at that period. For this article 106 HISTORICAL RALEIGH the author is indebted to Col. Charles E. Johnson, president of the Ealeigh Banking and Trust Company. The article appeai'ed in Tlxe Baleigh Star and Gazette of June 25, 1824: "Te7i Dollars Reward. "Ean away from the subscriber, on the night of the 15th instant, two apprentice boys, legally bound, named William and Andrew Johnson. They are much of a height, about five feet four or five inches, and fair complexion. They went off with two other apprentices advertised by Messrs. William and Charles Fowler. When they went away they were well clad — blue cloth coats, new hats, and light-colored homespun pants. The maker's name in the crown of the hats is Theodore Clark. I will pay the above reward to any person who will deliver said apprentices to me in Ealeigh, or I will give the above reward for Andrew John- son alone. Jamks J. Selby, Tailor. ''Ealeigh, K C, June 24, 1824." Note. — The reader's attention is here called to the chapter entitled "Andrew Johnson's Visit to His Boyhood Home." EDUCATIONAL The Ealeigli Academy, inaugurated in 1802, Avas a corporation chartered in that year, and was situated in what was then called Burke's Garden, otherwise known as Burke Square, the site of the Governor's Mansion. The trustees were John Eaven, Wil- liam White, Sherwood Haywood, Theophilus Hunter, John Ingles, N^athaniel Jones, Matthew McCullers, William Hinton, Simon Turner, Samuel High, Joseph Gales, John Marshall, Wil- liam Boylan, Henry Seawell. The school was for both young men and young ladies. Great stress was laid on Latin and on tlie training of the boys, while the education of the girls was confined to the English branches. The boys were instructed as if they were designed for one of the learned professions. The girls were educated to be good spellers and readers, to l)e well acquainted with geography, and their hands Avere trained to be SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 107 able to use deftly the needle. Many of them, too, learned to play the piano or guitar under a music teacher of reputation, an Eng- lishman named Thomas Sambourne. In 1810 Hex. William McPheeters, of Virginia, a young min- ister of the Presbyterian Church, was elected by the trustees of the academy, not only to teach, but to be "pastor of the city." He was described as a man of learning and of the strongest char- acter, of great personal magnetism, and an admirable teacher, kind to all, but inflexibly severe to offenders. He preached most acceptably in the State-house until 1817, when the Presbyterian Church was erected. He gave up the academy in 1826. In 1837 he spent a year in Fayetteville in charge of a large female semi- nary, and resigned on account of failing health. For the same reason he declined the tender of the presidency of Davidson Col- lege, He returned to Raleigh, and died in 1842. St. Mary's School, for young ladies, was founded in 1842 by Rev. Aldert Smedes, Avho had rare qualifications for this work. He was a. man of big brain and great heart. During the priva- tions of the great Civil War, and in the troublous years after- wards, the doors of his school were kept open, even when he was suffering a pecuniary loss. His benefactions in the way of free tuition and board on credit, at all times liberal, were in those days princely. The buildings of this school were erected in 1832 as a school for boys, but failed in 1838 for lack of proper support. The present rector is Rev. G. W. Lay. Joshua Lumsden taught a school for boys. The late Thomas H. Briggs was one of his pupils. Mrs. Martindale's school for boys and girls will be remembered pleasantly by many of her old pupils. She was a very thorough teacher and a good disciplinarian. Her school was on the corner of Morgan and Person streets. Miss Eliza Hill conducted a school of like character in the old Masonic Temple. This was a two-story frame building, which stood on the corner of Dawson and Morgan streets. In 1840 Messrs. Gray and Dorratt opened their "]N"orth Caro- lina Classical, English and Mathematical Institute" near the capitol, and the same year Silas Bigelow established a school for young men. 108 HISTORICAL RALEIGH About this period tlie Methodist Female Seminary, under the direction of Rev. Bennett T. Blake, was also then in a flourish- ing condition. This was on Hillsboro Street, between Dawson and McDowell. Later principals of this school Avere Rev. D. R. Bruton, Rev. W. E. Pell, Rev. Mr. Christian, and perhaps others. Jefferson Madison Lovejoy, or "Old Jeff," as his boys called him, was the last of the old-time schools for males. This school was established in 1842 and became famous, as one of the best institutions of learning, of its kind, in the State. Many of those who were his pupils are to-day among the most prominent and influential men of the- city. The school was on the site of the Governor's Mansion and was conducted with much success until the close of the Civil War. Among those now living among us who were pupils of Mr. Lovejoy are Hon. John Nichols, Charles McKimmon, Dr. W. I. Royster, and others. Rev. Drury Lacy also conducted a very superior school for boys. He was the father of Mr. B. R. Lacy, State Treasurer. The common school, or "old-field free school," as it was some- times termed, is referred to elsewhere. It may be here stated, however, that while the education of the masses did not escape the attention of the founders of our State Government (for we find a provision to this effect in the Constitution of 1776), yet it was not until 1852 that anything like a working system of pub- lic education was adopted. Calvin H. Wiley was made State Superintendent. Late in the forties the Sedgwick Female Seminary was opened. It was situated on Halifax, between ISTorth and Johnson streets, on the lot now occupied by the residence of C. C. McDonald. The seminaiy was under the superintendence of Mrs. Finch, wife of Rev. Joseph J. Finch, who was at that time pastor of the Baptist Church. After the death of Mr. Finch, which oc- curred in 1850, Mrs. Finch was assisted in conducting the school by Rev. G. M. L. Finch and a corps of able teachers, who in- structed in all the branches usually taught in seminaries. Among her pupils was Mrs. Roxana Dodd, widow of the late W. H. Dodd. Mr. and Mrs. Finch Avere the parents of Mrs. Dr. W. I. SKETCHES OF WAKE COL'XTY 109 Royster, Mrs. Dr. William T. Hodge and William H. Finch, in his day a A'ersatile writer for the press and a leading citizen. In 1860 Albert H. Dowell organized a classical school, for boys. The school-house was near the residence of the late Henry Mordecai, just beyond the city limits. Among his pupils were Samuel F. Mordecai, Joel Whitaker, Charles E. Johnson, J. I. Johnson, T. H. Briggs, James A. Briggs, Willis Whitaker, Peter Pescud, James Boylan, William Boylan and J. Pugh Haywood. The originators and promoters of the school were Wilson Whita- ker and other prominent gentlemen of means. Mr. Dowell is said to have been one of the most thorough and capable teachers of his time. He was the father of Mrs. D. G. Conn, of this city, and of Julian C. Dowell, a leading citizen and prominent patent attorney of Washington, D. C. The Select School for Girls of the Misses Partridge (Sophia and Caroline, the latter subsequently becoming Mrs. James Jor- dan) was opened in 1846. It was held in high esteem, as shown by the liberal patronage it enjoyed for nearly twenty years. The school was situated on East Hargett Street, near Swain. The Partridge family were natives of Newark, N. J., and came to Raleigh but a short while prior to the opening of the school. Mr. and Mrs. John Bobbitt also conducted schools at this period. Mrs. Bobbitt was an aunt of the Misses Partridge and Mrs. Jordan, above mentioned, and came here from Louisburg, where she and her husband had been engaged in teaching. After the death of Mr. Bobbitt his widow assisted Miss Sophia Par- tridge in the conduct of her school. One of their pupils was Mrs. P. D. B. (Freeman) Arrington, of Raleigh, a lady of decided convictions and a pronounced woman suifragist. No institution of learning in Raleigh was ever more favorably known than that of Mrs. Eliza Taylor, who, shortly after the death of her husband (Attorney-General Taylor), in 1828, opened a select school for boys and girls, on the corner of Har- gett and Salisbury streets, which she conducted almost without interruption for more than forty years. Dr. Thomas D. Hogg, Bishop Beckwith and A. M. McPheeters were among her first pupils. 110 HISTORICAL RALEIGH A more historic residence and its appurtenances does not stand in Raleigh than that known as the "Old Taylor Place," which has been in the Taylor and Busbee families since early in the last century. The house then stood on Hillsboi'O Street and was owned by Judge Potter, who in 1818 sold it to Col. James F. Taylor. The building was then removed to its present site. The little "office" on the corner was subsequently built by the new owner, who used it for a law office. After his death it was occu- pied by Judge Gaston, who was Mrs. Taylor's uncle and guard- ian. It was here that this distinguished Carolinian and eminent jurist wrote the renowned poem, which was subsequently set to music and since known as the "Old K'orth State." This was in 1835. The poem was suggested by Mrs. Taylor, who, having heard her daughter, Miss Louisa, then but thirteen years of age, render a song having a particularly pleasing air, thought the music appropriate for a patriotic hymn. This view she com- municated to Judge Gaston, who at once complied with Mrs. Taylor's request to write the poem, as above stated. Miss Louisa Taylor was the first to sing the hymn. She is still living, re- siding in the same old homestead of her childhood days. She is now ninety years of age. The piano on which it was first played is still in the family. Peace Institute was not opened until 1868, though its erection had begun before the Civil War. This school is at the northern terminus of Wilmington Street and occupies large and well- arranged brick buildings, in an oak grove of about fifteen acres. It is well patronized. The first principal Avas Rev. Robert Bur- well, D.D. Shaw Univei'sity (colored) was opened in 1S65. It had its origin in the formation of a theological class of freodnien in the old Guion Hotel (the site of the State Agricultural Building), with Rev. H. M. Tupper and his wife as teachers. Subsequently the school was removed to the corner of Blount and Cabarrus streets, and until 1870 known as the Raleigh Institute. Build- ings were erected from time to time, until 1879, when it was incorporated as Shaw University. The institution has law and medical departments, and continues in a prosperous condition. Tlio president is Dr. C. F, Meserve. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 111 EARLY LAWYERS One of the first practicing lawyers connected with the history of Raleigh was Henry Seawell. He was horn in 1774, in what was then Bute (now Franklin) County, and came here in 1800. After serving as Attorney-General, he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court, which position he filled with much credit. He was said to be a lawyer of great, ability. His vnie was Miss Grizelle Hinton, whom he married in 1800. He was the father of the late Richard SeaAvell, of Raleigh, and grandfather of Mr. Joseph L. Seawell, the very efficient Clerk of the Supreme Court, and Mr. R. B. Seawell, Commissioner of Public Works of the City of Raleigh. A contemporary of Mr. Seawell was Peter Browne, who came here in the early part of the last century. He was the owner of the land later purchased by William Boylan in the western sec- tion of the city. He died in 1833, aged sixty-two years. Moses Mordecai was another early attorney. Coming to this State from N^ew York, he settled in Greenville, and came to Raleigh about 1820. He was a jurist of note and an advocate of great ability. He died in 1824. He was the grandfather of Samuel F. Mordecai, Esq., of Raleigh, one of the State's ablest jurists. He is now professor of law in Trinity College, Durham. Another attorney of distinction was Gavin Hogg. Removijig here from Bertie in 1820, he soon had a large practice, which, however, was confined to the Supreme and Federal courts. James F. Taylor was another lawyer of celebrity. He gradu- ated at the State University in 1810, and in 1825 was elected Attorney-General. He died in 1828, at the age of thirty-seven years. Hiram W. Husted and G. Wash. HayAvood were also lawyers of prominence more than half a century ago. Mr. Husted was possessed of fine literary attainments. In politics he was an ardent Whig. In 1844 he was the editor of The Clarion, the campaign organ in Raleigh of the Whig party. Charles Manly, too, was a lawyer of considerable note. He was elected Governor on the Whig ticket in 1848 and filled many other offices of honor and trust. 112 HISTORICAL RALEIGH William H. Haywood was another ilustrious laAvyer of early- times. He was born liere in 1801, and in 1822 commenced tlie practice of his profession, in which he earned great distinction. He was the father of Edw^ard Graham Haywood, also a lawyer of eminence. LAWYERS OF LATER PERIODS Prominent among the lawyers of later periods were Hon. George E. Badger, B. F. Moore (father of Messrs. Benjamin M., Van C, and James Moore), Perrin Busbee (grandfather of Perrin Busbee, Esq.), Thomas (Governor) Bragg, Henry W. Miller, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Gen. W. E. Cox. General Cox is the father of Messrs. Albert and Francis Cox, prominent mem- bers of the Ealeigh Bar. Judge Badger enjoyed the distinction of serving as Secretary of the N^avy under President W. H. Harrison. He also repre- sented the State in the United States Senate during a portion of the period that Daniel Webster served in that body, from 1848 to 1855. He was born in New Bern in 1795 and resided in Ealeigh from 1825 until his death, which occurred in 1866. Thomas Bragg and B. F. Moore were truly great lawyers. Mr. Moore accumulated a large fortune. He was born in 1801 ; died 1878. Mr. Bragg became a jurist and statesman of great dis- tinction, and served a while as Attorney-General in the Con- federate States Cabinet. At the memorial services of Mr. Moore, held by the Bar of Ealeigh, Edward Graham Ha^"\vood, himself one of the greatest lawyers of his time in North Carolina, among other things, said of Mr. Moore that he was the ''wisest man he ever knew, and was recognized as a distinct and efficient moral power in regulating the social and political welfare of the State." Perrin Busbee was an attorney whose ability and great popu- larity would have insured for him the enjoyment of the highest offices in the State, but for his death at an early age, Avhich occurred in 1853. Henry W. Miller was a lawyer of great eloquence. He was a native of Virginia, but came to North Carolina in early life and SKETCHES OF AVAKE COUNTY 113 graduated at the University in 1834. He was the grandfather of Mr. Henry W. Miller, of Atlanta, prominent in the affairs of the Southern Railway. Hon. Kemp Plunimer Battle was for many years a resident of Raleigh. He came here ahout the year 1852 and commenced the practice of law and built up a lucrative practise. Afterwards he Avas State Treasurer. When the State University was reorgan- ized Mr. Battle became its president, and at present he fills the GEORGE EDMUND BADGER (1795-18GG) Statesman and Jurist chair of history, for Avhich he is so eminently qualified. He is a man of fine literary attainments, and few men have contributed more to the history of Raleigh and the State. Mr. Battle is a man of high social attainments, agreeable manners, and one of the most beloved men in the State. [Mention is made of the late R. H. Battle elsewhere.] Other lawyers of different periods in the city's history were : Quentin Busbee, Judge George V. Strong, Judge Daniel G. Fowle, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Sion H. Rogers, Kemp Marriott, 114 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Edward Graham Haywood, Col. Thomas (\ Fuller, Samuel A. Ashe, H. A. Gilliam, Samuel F. Phillips, Joseph B. Batchelor, Kemp P. Battle, W. H. Pace, W. S. Mason, George M. Smedes, A. M. Lewis, R. G. Lewis, Charles K. Lewis, Benjamin B. Lewis, Richard C. Badger (son of George E. Badger), John Gatling, George H. Snow, Moses A. Bledsoe, W. H. Bledsoe, John E. Bledsoe, Spier Whitaker, R. O. Burton, S. G. Ryan, T. M. Argo, Judge T. R. Purnell, C. M. Busbee, F. H. Busbee, W. H. Day, J. N". Holding, R. H. Battle, Judge James E. Shepherd. The last-mentioned ten have died within the last decade. Prominently identified also with the distinguished Raleigh lawyers in his day was Hon. Augustus S. Merrimon, a native of Buncombe County, who, from a plain farmer's son, arose to the proud position of L'nited States Senator. As a jurist he was the peer of the ablest lawyers in ISTorth Carolina ; as a patriot, while a representative in the State Legislature he originated legisla- tion the good influence of which is felt to this day ; and as a United States Senator he grappled with the mightiest problems then before the American people. For many years he served with distinction as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. He was born September 30, 1830, and died ISTovember 14, 1892. In early life he married Miss Margaret Baird, of Buncombe County. Of the sons and daughters surviving them are Branch H., a leading citizen of Greensboro ; William B., of Greensboro, prominent in insurance circles of the State; Mary P. (Mrs. Lee S. Overman), Maggie S. (Mrs. John Kinney), of Raleigh; Maude L. (Mrs. J. L. (huminggim), of J^ashville, Tenn.; Charles J., of j^ew York. GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S VISIT TO RALEIGH The expected arrival in Raleigh in \S2') of tlie distinguishi'd Gilbert Montier — Martpiis do La Fayette, or General La Fay- ette — created no little enthusiasm in the minds of the people, and was anticipated as one of the most interesting events ever having occurred in our history. From TJie Raleigh Register of March 1, 1825, is taken the following: ''This irreat and yood iiiai: lias, ere this, arrived within our SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 115 State borders. Before our paper is again issued, we shall have welcomed to our city the hero whose military fame, unsullied patriotism and unmerited sufferings have excited the admiration of all who have either witnessed or heard of his noble deeds and virtuous conduct." In its issue of March 8, 1825, The Register contained the fol- lowing description of La Fayette's arrival : ''On Tuesday night they (La Fayette, his son, George Wash- ington, and secretary) slept at Col. Allen Page's, eleven miles from this city, and about 12 o'clock on Wednesday arrived in town. They were met a few miles from this place by the well- disciplined corps of cavalry, under the command of Col. Thomas Polk, of Mecklenburg. The General and suite alighted from tlieir carriages and were introduced to the company, individu- ally, after which, preceded by the cavalry and followed by nearly a hundred citizens on horseback, who had gone to meet him, they proceeded to this city. At the lindts thereof they were met by the handsome company of light infantry, commanded by John S. Ruffin, which received him with military honors. Here the General again alighted and was presented to each member of the company, the interest of which scene was heightened by fine martial music from an excellent band. After this ceremony the procession moved in the following order to the Government House: First, the cavalry; then followed the infantry, succeed- ing which, in an open barouche, drawn by four elegant iron- grays, with out-riders, were General La Fayette and Col. Wil- liam Polk; after which, in carriages, also drawn by four horses each, were George W. La Fayette, the secretary — M. Le Vas- seur — the State escort, etc. As the cavalcade proceeded, a Fed- eral salute was fired from cannon placed in the Capitol Square, on reaching which the General was greeted with the cheers of the assembled multitude. Every door, window and piazza on the street was crowded mtli ladies, who manifested their gratifica- tion by waving their handkerchiefs, etc. On reaching the Gov- ernment House the militaiy filed off on each side, leaving a space through which the General, suite and escort passed. In the vestibule thev were received by the Governor and committee 116 HISTORICAL RALEIGH of arrangements and conducted to the reception chamber, where were the heads of the departments, judiciary and other citizens. Governor Burton then welcomed him in an eloquent address. In the evening a ball was given, complimentary to the General, held at the Government House. In the centre of the room, surmount- ing the pillars, appeared, in large golden character, the name La Fayette. Though no military trophies adorned the walls, no splendid ornaments excited admiration, yet there were two subjects which spoke to the memory and feeling — a large, full- length portrait of Washington and the living presence of his great coadjutor in the work of glory." Suspended to the wall of the Senate hall in the capitol there may now be seen a beautiful lithographic representation of Gen- eral La Fayette and Miss Betsy Haywood (daughter of Treas- urer Haywood and sister of Dr. E. Burke Haywood) as they appeared viewing in admiration the Canova statue of Washing- ton in the rotunda of the capitol. The following is the inscrip- tion at the foot of the picture : "Canova's statue of Gen. George Washington as it appeared on the pedestal in the State-house rotunda at Baleigh, Xortli Carolina. "A beautiful light, falling from the dome window upon tlie slab of marble, illuminates the whole statue. "La Fayette is represented A'iewing this masterly representa- tion of liis beloA'od General. "Respectfully dedicated to the Legislature of ^STorth Garolina by J. Weisman. "Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by J. Weisman, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pa. "P. S. Duval, Lith., Phila." A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR- HENRY CLAY Xo even I tlinl liad ever occurred in the history of Raleigh was hailed Avith so much joy or aroused more enthusiasm than the visit, in April, 1844, of Henry Clay, the Whig candidate for President. Thousands of people came from various parts of the SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 117 State to do honor to the statesman. The hotels were all fnll, as were the hoarding-houses, and more than a thousand persons camped out, in the suburbs of the city, having journeyed their way to Raleigh in wagons — a great number of them many miles — in full expectation of caring for themselves while here in this manner. Four or five acres were closely studded with vehicles of every description, with baggage wagons and tents of evei*y form and variety. Mr. Clay arrived on the 12th of April, at 7 o'clock in the evening, under escort of a committee who had gone to meet him, accompanied by Captain Stith's cavalry, Captain Lucas' in- fantry and the committee of reception. On his arrival here, Hon. George E. Badger delivered an address of welcome, after Avhich Mr. Clay was escorted to the Governor's Palace, where he Avas introduced to the chief executive. Later he was escorted to the residence of Mr. Badger, at whose home he was the guest during his sojourn here. On the next day a procession formed at the Capitol Square at 11 o'clock. It then moved to the Governor's Palace, where Mr. Clay was received in an open carriage drawn by four gray horses, and escorted to the capitol. Here, after being introduced to the vast assemblage of people present, he delivered an address of two hours' length. Then followed a big barbecue at Benehan's Grove. Mr. T. H. Snow (grandfather of the prominent attorney, W. B. Snow, Esq.), Avho was orderly sergeant of the Raleigh Guards, was chairman of the committee of arrangements. (Benehan's Grove was on the square or block bounded by Morgan, Bloodworth, Blount, and Hargett streets.) At night the city was illuminated in honor of Mr. Clay, and a grand display of fireworks was witnessed, under the direction of CoL W. H. H. Tucker. The next day, being Sunday, Mr. Clay attended divine wor- ship at Edenton Street Methodist Church. An interesting incident of Mr. Clay's visit was the presenta- tion to him, by Miss Lucilla Harriss, of Granville County, of a beautiful silk vest pattern, "of her own manufacture, from the 118 HISTORICAL RALEKtH cocoon to the beautiful fabi'ic, with the request that he slioukl wear it when he shall deliver his inaugural address on the 4th of March, 1845, as President of the United States." Alas! Mr. Clay received the vest "wdth many thanks, most heartily and delicately expressed, and said that if he lived and should be the choice of the people for the presidency he would be too glad to comply with the request. He then turned and exhibited the vest to the audience, who "applauded in rapturous peals of gratulation," as one enthusiastic supporter of the Whig candi- date expressed it. The distinguished guest left Raleigh Monday for Petersburg, under escort of a special committee from that city. It was in Raleigh that Mr. Clay Avrote the ill-fated letter opposing the annexation of Texas to the United States, which, it was thought, defeated him for the presidency. THE DECADE FROM 1850 TO 1860 The decade from 1850 to 1860 was one of the most prosperous since the establishment of the State Government at the city of Raleigh. During that period many public enterprises were coni- nienced, and rapid progress in the development of the State's resources had been made. The handsome building for the educa- tion of the deaf and duiiib niid the blind had been completed and occupied; tlie Insane Asylum (now the (Vntral Hospital for the Insane) had been established and the buildings erected; a fine female school had been established by the Methodists on Hills- boro Street ; St. Mary's School, which had been in successful operation for ten years or more, had been greatly improved; the i^orth Carolina Railroad had been built from Goldsboro to Char- lotte, nuiking connection with other railroads on the south an.l v^ast ; connection had been made with the Wilmington k Weldon Railroad and the Raleigh volunteer serv- ice from the city, during their absence." Hon. John H. Bryan, Maj. Moses A. Bledsoe and Rev. T. E. Skinner composed the SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 137 committee to draft resolutions. It is not learned what amounts were afterw^'ards realized, but, of course, donations were liberal. The battle of Bethel, the first engagement of the war, was fought within a month after the State had seceded from the Union. In Raleigh there was great rejoicing over the news of our victory, announcing ''the defeat of 4,500 of Lincoln's hire- lings by 1,160 JSTorth Carolinians and Virginians," as a current newspaper stated it. This was the battle in which fell the first martyr to the "Lost Cause" — Henry Wyatt, who, although not a Raleigh boy, was a valiant soldier. Mr. R. H. Bradley, the Supreme Court librarian, was a member of Wyatt 's company and within a few feet of the young hero when he received his mortal wound. The two political parties at this time — the Democratic and the "Whig — were known, the former as the Disunion or Secession party, the latter as the Conservatives. These, though nominally favoring secession, were in reality Unionists. In other words, the Whigs reluctantly favored the war, while the Democrats were anxious for the conflict. The two leading papers, The Register and The Standard, represented these parties — the former the Whigs and the latter the Democrats. On one occasion, in 1861, Mr. John AV. Syme, one of the editors of The Register, having taken offense at an editorial in The Standard; challenged its editor, Mr. Holden, for a duel. This was in May, 1861, before the State had formally withdrawn its allegiance to the Union. Mr. Syme, in the note or letter constituting the challenge, said he had found language used that was highly offensive to him, and added : ''As soon as I can procure the services of a friend, you shall hear further from me on the subject." J. W. Cameron was the bearer of the challenge. Mr. Holden, in refusing to accept the challenge, rejilied : "I do not approve of or practice the code of the duelist. The code of honor is barbarous and unchristian. If I wrong a man I will right him and do him justice. I do not fear you, nor any one else ; nor do I, when I know I am right, fear the public opinion which sustains the code of the duelist." This was the last of the matter, and no more was heard of it. At this period there were a great many Unionists (as they 138 HISTORICAL RALEIGH "were called) in Raleigh, and much feeling existed between these and the secession papers, especially The State Journal, which was extremely violent in its denunciation of Union men. At one time some of these latter had threatened the editor. This reached his ears, and the following are his observations in the next issue of his paper : "A reign of terror on a small scale exists in Raleigh. The people will one day open their ej^es to its originators. We have been notified that a body of one hun- dred men were ready to /ride us on a rail.' They may do so, but it "wall be Avhen life is extinct and when we have taken some of them with us to the judgment seat. We defy the whole pack." The news of the battle of Manassas, which was fought on July 21, 1861, created great joy. One newspaper headed the article announcing the battle thus : "Another great victory ! The plains of Manassas rendered immortal ! The great Army of the Potomac routed ! Victory crowns our arms ! The Hessians flee ! The Confederates pursue ! One hundred and sixty thousand men on the field ! Great slaughter on both sides !" After de- scribing the battle, the paper thus expresses its enthusiasm : "This blow will shake the N'orthern Union in every bone; the echo will reverberate round the globe. It secures the independ- ence of the Southern Confederacy." Dr. Charles E. Johnson, of Raleigh, who was then Surgeon- General of the State, with several of his staff, was at once dis- patched to the hospitals near Manassas to render proper assist- ance to the wounded. Some A'isible signs of victory soon ap- peared, for in the early fall of that year more than two hundred Yankee prisoners passed through Raleigh — "on their Avay to win- ter quarters in Columbia," as one paper stated. The first regimental hospital was organized in May, 1861, by Dr. P. E. nines, avIio accompanied the First Regiment to York- town as its surgeon. The first military hospital for Xorth Carolina troops was established in Raleigh in April, 1861, by Dr. E. Burke Haywood. The memory of this good man is revered by many old soldiers Avho were relieved of much pain and saved from an imtimely death by his great love, skill and sympathy. The hospital was subsequently known as Pettigrew Hospital. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 13D SACKING OF NEWSPAPER OFFICES For more than two years anterior to the period herein men- tioned there had not been entire harmony between the two Raleigh newspapers in regard to the policy thought proper for the Confederacy to pursue in regard to the Avar, The State Journal favoring the ''last man and last dollar" course, while Mr. Holden's paper, The Standard, insisted on policies of peace on less stringent terms. This was as well known to soldiers at the front as to citizens at home, and their disapproval of such policy culminated in disaster to these journals. The soldiers who sought an expression of their displeasure of The Standard's course were members of Colonel Wright's regiment, Benning's (Georgia) brigade, and the opportunity was furnished them while being delayed in Raleigh a few hours on their way from northern Virginia to Chickamauga in 1864. On their arrival here, one night in September of the above- mentioned year, learning of the situation of The Standard office, they at once marched in a body to the object of their violence, and without ceremony proceeded to batter down the doors of the building from which this paper had been published. They grasped everything within their reach, and then the work of destruction began. Nothing upon which they could lay their hands was spared from injury. Cases of type were emptied on the floor and many of them flung into the street ; the ponderous marble slabs on which lay the pages of set type, ready for the next issue, were turned over, throwing the type into a huge heap on the floor, and kegs of ink turned out or spilt over everything. For some unknown cause, the press escaped, perhaps because it was in another part of the building. During this proceeding Governor Vance was made acquainted Avith the affair, and he lost no tijne in going rapidly to the scene to avert, if possible, the destruction of the office. He arrived, however, too late, for the soldiers had accomplished their pur- pose. Mr. Holden was not Avithout friends and supporters ; so, on the day folloAving, they proposed to be avenged. About 9 o'clock 140 HISTORICAL RALEIGH in the morning the town hell was heard to ring vigorously, as if for an alarm of fire. Of course, a great crowd gathered, as usual, at the market house. On the south side of this, near where the Wilson apartment house is now situated, was the office of The State Journal, a violent "secession" (or war) newspaper. Before the hell had ceased ringing, it was observed that a scen(^ similar to the one above described was again being enacted in this office — not bv soldiers this time, howcA-er, but by "Union men" (or "red strings," as they were sometimes called), and supporters of The Standard's peace policy. The leader of the crowd was Mark Williams, a man of great determination, who declared his intention of lending his aid toward meting out to The Journal the same fate as had been suffered by TJie Standard the night before. J^o less than forty people, mostly young men, joined in this work of destruction, and but a few minutes Avere required to show how intense had been their spirit of retaliation. Every case of type was pitched out of the windows and all the other printing material of every description rendered absolutelv worthless. In this instance the printing press did not escape; it Avas broken to pieces and so completely demolished that re])aii" Avas beyond hope. During this time the police AA-ere ])OAverless, foi', besides their uumerical Aveakness, their inability to cope Avith tlie mob Avas augmented by their knoAvledge of the violent character of the men composing the mob. The Journal did not again make its apptnirance. 1"h(> next issue of The Standard was delayed for more than a niontli. SURRENDER OF RALEIGH TO GENERAL SHERMAN It was not until the arrival of Sherman's army in Goldsboro. in April, 1865, and his long halt at that place for the purpose of refitting and recruiting his exhausted troops, that the people of Tlaleigh entertained any serious apprehensions of being visited by the enemy. Johnson's Retreat. The surrender of General Lee, Avhich took ])lace on tli(> 9th of April, 1865, rendered it absolutely necessary that (Jcnci-al SKETCHES OF WAKE COUXTV 141 Johnson should retreat as rapidly as possible to western North Carolina. The news of Lee's surrender reached Raleigh on the 10th, and it was then that our people realized the fact that in our immediate vicinity the closing acts of the great drama would take place, and that in all probability "an army of occupation" would be quartered upon us to destroy what little of our sub- stance remained. We were not long in suspense. About the lOtli of April the advance of Johnson's retreating army entered and passed through the city. It was truh^ a sad sight. The band played "Dixie" and the worn-out veterans seemed to arouse every muscle to appear in their best plight. Their careworn faces, however, told the sad tale, and silently they wended their way westward. They were several days in passing through, and as they came the news was communicated that the "Yankees" Avere near at hand. Preparations for a Formal Surrender. In the meantime it was considered best that the city authori- ties should take some steps for the proper surrender of the city, which Johnson's retreat would necessarily leave at the mercy of the enemy. A meeting of the Board of Aldermen, then called Commissioners, was called and a committee appointed, consist- ing of several members of that body and some four or five other citizens. The duties of the committee thus appointed were to meet the advance of the Federal army a short distance from the city and formally surrender the same, but the particular manner in which the program was to be carried out was left, to a great extent, to Mayor W. IT. Harrison. The night of the 12th of April was one of extreme anxiety. Gen. Wade Hampton, with his cavalry force, occupied the city, nor did many of them leave until within a few hours of the enemy's approach to the corporate limits. Colonel Harrison was up the entire night in the discharge of his official duty. It was known that many of Hampton's cavalry, as was natural under the circumstances, were desperate and daring men, and the utmost vigilance on the part of the civil autliorities was necessary to preserve the peace. ; 142 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Departure of the Committee. The morning of the 13th of April was a gloomy one, indeed. A steady rain had set in, and the sky was draped with black and ominous-looking clonds. x'Vbout sunrise the committee procured a carriage and proceeded out on the Holleman road to a point where it was crossed by the fortifications. The carriage con- tained, among others, Kenneth Eayner, P. F. Pescud, Mayor Harrison, Dr. Richard B. Haywood, Alexander Creech and W. R. Richardson, the latter riding on the seat with the driver and carrying a staff to which was attached a w^hite handkerchief, to be used as a flag of truce. Arriving at their destination, they awaited, amidst a drenching rain, the coming of the enemy. The "Yankees" in Sight. About 8 o'clock, from the summit of the hill beyond Walnut Creek, near the residence of the late W. H. Holleman, was seen a body of horsemen approaching. Suddenly they were observed to halt, and one of the foremost leveled a field spy-glass towards the place occupied by the committee. Then it was that Mr. Richardson, who had been assigned the duty of waving the flag of truce, stuck the emblem of peace on the top of the fortifica- tion. A few minutes afterward a detachment rode up to the committee, the officer in charge inquiring, "What does this mean?" Mr. Rayner replied that they Avere a joint delegation of city officials and citizens, who, in the absence of any military organizations, desired to surrender the city and ask protection for its noncombatants and public and private property. The officer replied that General Kilpatrick alone had authority to arrange terms of surrender. An Interview imth Kilpatrid-. The officer, with his escort, then returned to the main l)()dy of troops, and in a short while Gen. Judson Kilpati-ick, tlie noto- rious Federal cavalry commander, made his ai)iiearance before them. Mr. Rayner stepped forward and said: "This is General Kilpatrick, I presume?" "That is my name," replied Kilpat- rick; "whom do I address?" "My name, sir, is Rayner — Ken- SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 143 neth Rayner," replied our spokesman, "and I have been selected to formally surrender the city of Raleigh to General Sherman's army." Mr. Rayner made an earnest and tender appeal for the protection of the city and her people, at which the committee found it difficult to repress their feelings, and tears moistened the eyes of all. Kilpatrick received the words of the speaker ■wath cold indifference. He said he would ^jrotect the lives and property of all who yielded "obedience to law and order, but should pursue with relentless fury all traitors in armed opposi- tion to the integrity of the Union." The committee then returned to the city. At the Enemy's Mercy — An Incident. In a short while after the committee had returned, Kilpat- rick's cavalry began to enter the city. Passing rapidly up Fay- etteville Street towards the capitol, suddenly they came to a check, and at the same instant was heard a loud exclamation, "Hurrah for the Southern Confederacy !" accompanied by the report of a pistol in the hands of a Confederate officer, mounted and occupying the middle of the street, between what is now Hicks' pharmacy and the Administration building. He had fired at Kilpatrick's advance. Attempting to escape, he was captured and carried before Kilpatrick in the Capitol Square. Said the orderly having the prisoner in charge to Kilpatrick, "General, here is the man who fired at our advance." "To whose command do you belong?" asked Kilpatrick. "I belong to Hamilton's cavalry and am from Texas," replied the man. "Don't you know, sir, what the penalty is for resisting after terms of surrender have been agreed upon ?" said Kilpatrick. "I knew nothing about the surrender, and I didn't shoot at anybody." "I understood," said Kilpatrick, "that you are one of these fellows who have been breaking open stores and committing rob- bery during last night and early this morning, and your action to-day has endangered the lives of many of the citizens of this town. You deserve death, sir. Orderly," he continued, "take this man out, where no ladies can see him, and hang him !" 144 HISTORICAL KALEIGH Efforts were made by some of our prominent citizens to save the man who was about to yield up his life for an act of folly, but to no purpose. He was taken to the southeast corner of what was then known as the Rayner Grove, beyond the Governor's Mansion, and hung to a tree, under which he was buried. His remains were afterwards taken up and deposited in the Confed- erate Cemetery. A similar incident, ending more fortunately, soon afterwards took place. Early on the morning of the surrender, Lieutenant James, of the Confederate service, who had been attached to the provost marshal's office here, while returning on horseback from a visit to lad_y friends in the northeastern part of the city, was met by some of Kilpatrick's cavalry, Avho, observing that he wore the uniform of a Confederate officer, surrounded him to surrender. This he refused to do, but endeavored to defend himself by reach- ing for his pistol. He was, however, overpowered and taken ])risoner. This was soon after Kilpatrick had so summarily dis- posed of the unfortunate Texan. Being also carried before Kil- patrick, the latter, looking the young officer sternly in the face, said : •'Who are you, sir ?" "My name, sir, is James — Lieutenant James, of the Confeder- ate service," was the reply. ''Why are you not with your command ? What are you doing straggling about? Are you a spy?" inquired Kilpatrick. "I am no straggler nor spy, either ; I am attached to the pro- vost marshal's office in this city," answered James. "Ah, indeed," said Kilpatrick; "so much the worse for you, sir ; you must have known of the surrender of the city, and yet, as I am informed, you showed fight when my men attempted to arrest you." "I did not know of the surrender," said James. "J had been visiting, and supposed from the action of your men that a skir- mish was going on between your advance and some of General Hamilton's rear. Such being my impression, I attempted to defend myself. I would do so again, sir." SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 145 "I have just hung a man for an offense similar to yours, sir," said Kilpatrick. "Very well, sir," said James; "you have me in your power; you can hang me if you like." As this was said a thrill of terror ran through the bystanders, for there were numbers of our citizens on the spot, who surely thougl^t that the reply would be an order for another execution. Kilpatrick paused a moment, and, looking the young officer full in the face, the latter returning the gaze in a bold and defiant manner, answered: "No, I'll not hang you. Orderly," he continued, addressing the man in charge of the squad, "take charge of this young man until further orders." James was taken from the guards and placed in prison. He was released on parole in a few days. THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN I^ews of the assassination of the President Avas received here on the 15th of April, 1865, the day following the tragedy. The news spread rapidly among the soldiers of the army, as well as among the citizens of the town. As the story spread from mouth to mouth, the dimensions of the affair hugely increased, and the perpetrators of the deed were declared to be prominent officers of the Confederate Government, acting directly under instruc- tions from President Davis and his cabinet. Of course, there were not wanting those who sought by the most absurd recitals- to add fuel to the flames of excitement, in the hope of exciting the mob element of the Federal army to wreak vengeance upon the inhabitants of the city and thereby afford an excuse for plun- der and other outrageous deeds of violence. In the meantime a few of the citizens endeavored to obtain authentic information concerning the assassination from General Sherman, but without avail. A Night of Terroi\ On the 15th, night fell upon our people in a state of the wild- est excitement and alarm. All kinds of rumors were afloat as to 10 146 HISTORICAL RALEIGH the intentions of the army. Crowds of soldiers were to be seen standing at the corners of the different streets, loud in their expressions of indignation, and open in their declarations to have vengeance for what they termed the ''rebel murder." It was a terrible time. Many of the citizens petitioned for extra guards. Hundreds of people sat up during the entire night, expecting every moment mob violence. About 9 o'clock addi- tional alarm was created by the alann of "Fire !" Many thought that the work of destruction had commenced. Hundreds of citi- zens repaired to the scene of the flames, but the cause of excite- ment was happily discovered to be the accidental burning of a deserted workshop in the remote southeastern section of the city. The remaining portion of the night passed off in a comparatively quiet manner. It is authoritatively stated that but for the prompt action of Major-General Logan a mob would have sacked the city on the night above alluded to. He had arrived in the city during the day from Morrisville, and was in the early part of the night at the house of a well-known citizen, when he was called out by a private soldier, who told him that a part of his command, en- camped near the Insane Asylum, were on their way to the city for the purpose of burning it. He immediately mounted his horse and met the mob at the bridge over Rocky Branch, where, with mingled threats and entreaties, he dissuaded them from their vile ])uri)0se. Sliertntin Suspends a Neivspaper. At the time of the surrender of the city, among other papei's published here was The Daily Progress. After Sherman's occu- pation, this journal was permitted to continue issuing its regular editions. The late Col. W. R. Richardson, of Raleigh, was on6 of the proprietors. A few days after Lincoln's assassination the pa]ier was seen to contain an article reflecting u])on Sherman for allowing private ])roperty to be taken for army purposes without compensation. The property alluded to was the residence of the late Dr. F. J. Haywood, at the head of Fayetteville Street. Early in the foi-enoon of the same day Colonel Richardson re- ceived from General Sherman a note reading as follows: SKETCHES OF WAKE COVNTY 147 "To the Proprietors of The Progress: "You are hereby ordered to suspend your paper and report at onco to headquarters. (Signed) "W. T. Sherman." Colonel Richardson prepared as soon as possible to obey the summons, while, in the language of that gentleman himself, "the ghost of the unfortunate Texan flitted before him, and tlie case- w. w. vAss (1822-18!>f this seed were planted by Messrs. Trevino and Hernandes on their seven-thousand-acre tract of land this year. Mr. Simj^kins ranks among the leading citizens of Raleigh and is a gentleman of tlie highest Chi'istiau character -and pleasing personality. SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 169 On this street also, at the corner of Blount, is the popular Martin Street Pharmacy, the opening of which has contributed much to the awakening of now wide-awake Ealeigh, for a busi- ness house of this character had long been needed in this section of the city. The proprietor of this pharmacy is Mr. Elmer Otis Edgerton, a registered pharmacist in Virginia as well as in this State, who, with Mr. H. C. Hood, opened business in Raleigh in 1910. The latter retired from the firm in February last. Mr. Edgerton fills his own prescriptions, using only the best drugs. For some time Mr. Edgerton was prescription clerk for H. T. Hicks & Co. and bears the reputation of being a most competent pharmacist. He is a gentleman of pleasing personality and has many friends and a large clientele. Kight prescriptions are cheerfully filled at this pharmacy. Fifty years ago, on the corner of East Martin and Wilming- ton streets was situated the residence of Mr. Ruffin Williams, who was one of Raleigh's highly esteemed citizens and pharma- cists. On this site there now towers the new and magnificent Commercial N'ational Bank building, one of the largest and best- equipped business structures in the State. The part this bank has played and is now playing in the remarkable development of the central section of the State has won the admiration of every one interested in our economic welfare. This bank was organized in 1891, with $100,000 capital paid in. In 1910 the capital was increased from $100,000 to $300,000. It now has 188 stockholders and 2,500 depositors. Present capital and sur- plus, $415,000. Daily average business, $300,000. Total present resources, $1,800,000. It has paid to stockholders in dividends $289,950. The new building is eleven stories high, steel con- structed. On the top of the pent-lirouse, over the elevator shaft (this being 155 feet above the ground level) there is a steel tower 35 feet high, carrying a searchlight throwing a beam two miles distant in any direction desired. A roof garden is another fea- ture of the building. The corner-stone of the new building was laid October 22, 1912, the exercises being conducted under the auspices of the Masonic order. On East Martin Street, between the Commercial ISTational 170 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Bank and Fayetteville Street, is located the prominent and popu- lar clothing and furnishing store of Messrs. Whiting & Horton, a business house that has long been identified with Raleigh's material welfare and development, and one whose reputation for fair dealing and reasonable prices is thoroughly established. Mr. C. G. Whiting is the surviving brother of Whiting Bros., who established this business many years ago. Mr. Horton, before becoming a member of the firm, had experienced long service in the clothing business, is thoroughly conversant with its details, and readily comprehends the wants of all patrons. The mem- bers of this firm are agreeable, courteous and refined gentlemen, which valuable asset, together with the excellent quality and reasonable prices charged for their goods, has won for this house a wide reputation and deserved success. Located in the Yarborough Hotel building, on Fayetteville Street, is the merchant tailoring business of the John E.Bridgers Company, the president and general manager of which is Mr. John E. Bridgers, one of the most prominent tailoring experts in the capital city. A full line of woolen goods, tweeds, serges, etc., is kept always on hand, while the skill and artistic taste exercised in the cut and make-up of their suits are not to be surpassed any- where. The cleaning and pressing department is a prominent feature of the establishment and has a wide reputation for the superior work turned out. Among the magnificent buildings of which Raleigh proudly boasts is that of the Capital Club, on West Martin Street. In this building are located many business offices, among which is that of Mr. Frank B. Simpson, Raleigh's prominent, skillful and successful architect. Mr. Simpson is a native of the capital city and has devoted most of his lifelong energies to his profession, during which period he has designed many beautiful residences of Raleigh and other cities and towns in the State. While Mr. Simpson does a general business in his profession, he gives spe- cial attention to the designing and supervising the erection of State, county and municipal buildings, and of these a large num- ber, both in this State and throughout the South, bear silent tes- timony to his superior artistic skill. Mr. Simpson is a son of SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 171 Prof. John A. Simpson, teacher of music at the State Institution for the Blind, at Raleigh, who enjoys the distinction of being one of the most talented musicians in America. In the next block west from the Capital Club building, at 106 West Martin Street (next to the Bland Hotel), is the handsome and attractive new drug store of James I. Johnson, where is kept everything usually found in all well-appointed business houses of this character. The store is well stocked Math a full line of drugs, chemicals, perfumes, toilet articles, druggists' sundries, etc., and has also an up-to-date soda fountain. This business was established half a century ago, during most of which time Mr. Johnson has been sole proprietor. Mr. Johnson is one of Raleigh's most progressive citizens and enterprising business men, and is prominently identified with all that makes for the capital city's best welfare. As mayor of Raleigh he has served long and faithfully, and so eminently efficient has he proven that at the election in May last, under the Commission Form of Government he was chosen for the distinguished office of Mayor and Commissioner of Finance. That he will administer the affairs of his new office with ability is a foregone conclusion. In the development of Raleigh to the extent that she is now in truth wide awake, no class of persons engaged in constructing have contributed in a greater measure than those whose sphere of usefulness is devoted to electrical engineering. Prominent among these is Mr. D. J. Thompson, manager of the Thompson Electrical Company, whose business office is at 108 West Martin Street. Mr. Thompson has had many years' experience in his chosen profession, and since becoming a resident of Raleigh ten years ago, where he has continued his work, has met with suc- cess. He employs a large force of assistants. Evidences of his superior ability are found in the contracts awarded him for in- stalling the electric apparatus in the buildings of the Y. M. C. A. of Raleigh, the new Raleigh Banking & Trust Company, and the Y. M. C. A. of the A. & M. College. On this street, at No. 122, is located the establishment of the Wake Shoe Company, better known as the "Selz Royal Blue" Store, which deals exclusively in the celebrated Selz guaranteed 172 HISTORICAL RALEIGH shoe. The store is a most commodious one, and the stock con- sists of all the newest lasts and styles. Although this is a com- paratively new enterprise, it is in thorough harmony with the needs of "wide-awake Raleigh," and is meeting with that success it so richly deserves. The business is under the management of Mr. Haywood D. Bell, a veteran shoe salesman, thoroughly familiar with the wants of a discriminating public in footwear. Mr. Bell is a native of Raleigh, prominent in Odd Fellow circles, and favorably known throughout the city for his high integrity and agreeable manners. A shoe-shining parlor and ladies' rest room is a prominent feature of the establishment. On your way uptown from the depot, if at night, look for the electric sign, "Wake Shoe Companv," over which is a big shoe, inscribed "Selz Shoes." The next door to the west, on West Martin Street, near Mc- Dowell, at iSTo. 124:, is the office of the Carolina Oxypathor Com- pany, whose system of treating certain diseases has awakened considerable interest among sufferers. The argument for their treatment is ])lausible; for if the "blood is the life," as it is, then its condition should be constantly such as to provide the best physical health. Unless, therefore, this vital fluid is prop- erly oxygenized, it becomes impure by the retention in the sys- tem of waste material and toxic poison, resulting in general ill health. Since mucli of this oxygen is absorbed through the epidermis (the skin), a most valuable means to produce this absorption, when the natural skin is in an abnormal condition, is by the artificial or scientific. Many sufferers from various diseases enthusiastically claim that oxypathy has given them complete relief; and those having rheumatism, infantile paraly- sis, catarrh, indigestion, asthma, nervousness, pellagra, and many other diseases, and who are broad-minded enough to inves- tigate oxypathy, will find it an agreeable and in all probability an effective remedy. On the corner of West Martin and McDowell streets, on the site of the Hotel Raleigh, is now the Raleigh Apartments, re- cently com])leted by Mr. Howell Cobb, formerly the pro])rietor of the Hotel Raleigh. This apartment house is one of the hand- SKETCHES OF WAKE COUK^TY IT'i somest buildings in the city or State. It fills a long-felt want to meet the growing necessities of the capital city, and would do credit to any metropolis in the country. On South Wilmington Street, between Martin and DaA'ie, fifty years ago, and for a long period since, there were no stores and but two residences. Among the prominent business houses now in this locality is that of the Job P. Wyatt &■ Sons Company, at 325-327 South Wilmington Street, dealers in farm machinery, vehicles, feed and seed. This company is composed of Messrs. William L. Wyatt, M. F. Wyatt, E. J. Wyatt, sons of the late Job P. Wyatt, and Mr. P. f. Wyatt, the latter's brother. Mr. Job Wyatt was one of Raleigh's most prominent merchants and left rich legacies of business talent and personal integrity to his sons succeeding him. The firm is one of the largest dealers in agricultural implements in the State. The Wyatt building has three stories and a basement. In the rear there is a warehouse 60 by 60 feet, the total floor space being 43,200 square feet. Among the enterprising business men of Raleigh who serve the public in the sphere of their chosen activity is Mr. Henry N". Moore, Avho conducts an electric shoe establishment at 104 East Hargett Street. He is a native of Raleigh, the oldest white shoe- maker in business in the city, and was the first to install ma- chinery here for repairing shoes by electricity, this being in 1909. Mr. Moore has had an experience of thirty years in mak- ing and repairing footwear. He is prompt and accommodating in his service, and deserves the patronage of the public — and of this he is getting a full measure. 174 HISTORICAL RALEIGH THE CAPITAL CITY TO=DAY Raleigh, the capital of JSTorth Carolina, founded in 1792, is almost precisely in the centre of I^orth Carolina. It is also the centre of a population of OA-er eight hundred thousand within a radius of seventy-five miles, thus being the largest population area between Washington and Atlanta. Raleigh's population is 20,000 within its four square miles of area. It has four railways, which reach the State so well vnth their forty-eight daily passenger trains that people from many surrounding counties can come here, attend to business and re- turn home the same day. The city's population during the past decade increased forty per cent, and the value of its manufac- tured products 119 per cent, leading the State in the latter particular. Raleigh is midway between the North and the South — New York and Jacksonville ; its mean temperature is 60 degrees, and the climate that of central Spain. Its annual rainfall is 50 inches. Its elevation above sea-level is 363 feet. Raleigh is in a rolling country, with a remarkable variety of timber, and its vegetation is a blending of that of the coastal plain and the highest piedmont region, for it is on the boundaiy line between the long-leaf pine and the hard woods Avhich mark the piedmont section. Raleigh is the official, social, educational and publication cen- tre of the State. Here there are the State capitol, the Agricul- tural Department and its Museum, the latter the finest in the South; the new Administration building; Confederate Soldiers' Homo; State Hospital for Insane and Epileptics; State Peni- tentiary; State School for the White Blind, and that for negro deaf-mutes and blind, both of these being the largest in the United States; State Fair grounds; State Agricultural and Mechanical College; Experiment and Poultry Farms, etc. Raleigh has twenty-eight educational institutions, with 7,000 students, half of them being from other points, and it affords opportunities for the training of boys and girls not surpassed by any other capital in the country, as there are here provided SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 175 literary, industrial and agricultural instruction and training- unsurpassed anywhere. Raleigh has built an Auditorium which divides the honors with that at Houston, Texas, as the finest in all the South, its capacity being 5,000, its accoustics perfect and its arrangements, ventilation, heating, lighting, etc., unexcelled. The city has five hotels. It has fourteen miles of street railway, one line leading to the Raleigh Country Club — easily one of the most beautiful places in the country. The libraries, open to the public, are extensive and attractive, and the social life of the city is wide in its variety and is especially pleasing to visitors. Raleigh is a noted publication centre and issues forty-two newspapers and periodicals. Its eight banks have deposits aggre- gating more than eight millions. Raleigh's growth is so rapid as to attract general attention. In 1912 its new building operation amounted to more than a mil- lion and a half dollars, and a great deal of new construction has been inaugurated this year. Raleigh is the electric-power centre of eastern North Caro- lina, getting this power, from three rivers — the Yadkin, Cape Fear and Neuse — and having an auxiliary steam plant, all pro- ducing 50,000 horse power, operating all the plants here and furnishing light and power to twenty-five other points, the total investment exceeding $6,500,000. It is the only place in the United States thus getting power from three streams. Raleigh offers special advantages as a manufacturing and job- bing point in many lines — as an office centre from which to con- duct business in one of the most prosperous States in the South ; as a place for the investor and developer, the home-seeker, the merchant and the business world generally. It is stated upon high authority that two other important railways, the Atlantic Coast Line and the Norfolk & Western, will enter this city within two years. Raleigh's motto is : "Let no one be a stranger but once." More extended information concerning the business life of Raleigh may be obtained by addressing the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. 176 HISTORICAL RALEIGH The Largest and Most Completely Equipped Printing, Steel and Copper Plate Engraving and Blank Book Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina Edwards & Broughton Printing Company RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA PUBLISHERS AND BANK STATIONERS Loose Leaf Systems, and All Kinds of Specially Ruled and Printed Books Books and Magazines Durably and Beautifully Bound ENGRAVED VISITING CARDS AND WEDDING INVITATIONS STEEL DIE STAMPED STATIONERY Our rtteel Die and Copper Plale Engraving- Plant is under the supervision of one of the Finest Engravers in the United States. NO DELAY. WRITE FOR SAMPLES AND PRICES BIOGRAPHICAL "Onlj- lie shall be loved of God and honored of men who is found to have accomplished something for human happiness and human good." — RoswELL D. Hitchcock. JOSEPH GILL BROWN The subject of this sketch is a native of Kaleigh, born November 5, 1854, and is the son of Henry J. and Lydia (Lane) Brown. He comes of distinguished colo- nial and early State ances- try, being the great-grand- son of Joel Lane, the origi- nal owner of the site of the capital city, at whose house in Bloomsbury (now in- cluded in the city) the Rev- olutionary Committee of Safety met. He is also de- scended from Col. Weedham Bryant, of Johnston County, who was a representative in the Provincial Congress and during the Revolution was a staunch patriot. Mr. Brown was educated at Lovejoy Academy, in Raleigh, and at Trinity College when that prince among great educators. Dr. Braxton Craven, took boys and made men of them. Before he was of age young Joseph Brown secured a subordinate position in the Citizens National Bank, in Raleigh, and within a few years, through rapid promotion, he rose to the head of this important financial institution. Under his management the business of the bank has expanded wonderfully. In ten years the deposits increased from $333,000 to $925,000 and the re- sources nearly trebled. Mr. Brown has been an active worker in the Methodist Church. 12 178 HISTORICAL RALEIGH He has been a member of Edenton Street Sunday Sebool half a century. It was an appropriate celebration of the fiftieth year of his connection with the school that its magnificent new build- ing was completed and opened in the spring of 1912. He has been a delegate to the North Carolina Conference regularly for many years, and has also been a delegate to several sessions of the General Conference. He has been superintendent of his home Sunday school twelve years, and is chairman of the board of church stewards. He is a trustee and treasurer of the Meth- odist Orphanage in Raleigh. Mr. Brown is prominent in the membership of the National Bankers Association. He has been grand master of the Grand Lodge of Odd Felows and representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge. In civic capacities he has served as alderman and treas- urer of the city of Raleigh. In 1881 Mr. Brown married Miss Alice, daughter of Rev. L. S. Burkhead, D.D., a prominent minister of the M. E. Church, South. He has two sons and two daughters. JESSE GRIFFIN BALL Prominent among the leading citizens and in the front rank with those concerned in the capital city's true welfare and pros- perity is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Jesse Griffin Ball, one of the progressive spirits to whose industry, intellect, and civic pride wide-awake Raleigh is in a large measure indebted for its recent marvelous developmnt. Mr. Ball is the third son of John T. and Laura (Griffin) Ball, and first saw the light in Graham, Alamance County, June 25, 1862. He has, however, been practically a lifelong resident of Raleigh, having removed with his parents to Raleigh when a child. Paternally, Mr. Ball is descended from English ancestry; on his mother's side he is of Scotch lineage — that race noted for its industry, courage, intrepidity and high integrity, and from which is descended legions of illustrious characters, noted both in American and State history. The remote ancestors of Mr. BIOGRAPHICAL 179 Ball, both paleiiiall}' and luatenially, emigrated to America in colonial times and settled in Virginia. Those branches of the Ball and Griffin families more proximately related to the subject of our sketch subsequently removed to North Carolina and settled in 'New Bern. The boyhood life of Jesse G. Ball was spent like that of most other boys — going to school during sessions and engaging in becoming recre- ation in vacation, except that he had not the time — ■ or rather did not care to take it — to devote to play, as did his companions ; for young Jesse was industrious and early learned to work. His first employment was that of selling newspapers, and later, when he grew to be a "big boy," his busi- ness energies Avere devoted to catering to the wants of members of the Legislature — when that body was in session — by furnish- ing them with a goodly supply of apples, oranges, peanuts, etc. During this period young Jesse's mercantile talent was gradu- ally developing ; likewise was he growing in general intelligence, for he early manifested a taste for reading and study, to which he is still devoted, as well as to his various business interests. Having resolved at an early age to make mercantile pursuits his life work, and recognizing the importance of a technical business education, in 1881 he matriculated at the celebrated Poughkeepsie Business College, where he took a full course, graduating the same year. Being then prepared to enter upon his business career, he secured employment with the firm of M. T. Leach & Bro., wholesale grocers, with whom he remained several years, here fitting himself for the more arduous and intri- cate work so necessary for a business proprietor, which he had long determined to become. 180 HISTORICAL RALEIGH The first business of his own in which Mr. Ball embarked was a retail grocery, which he opened in 1891, and in which he met with success. In 1898, with superior business acumen, fore- sight and commercial talent worthy of a more experienced mer- chant, he organized the J. G. Ball Company, the first jobbing house for the sale of groceries to be established in Raleigh and among the first in the State. The enterprise pointed to eminent success before it was launched ; to-day, under the personal super- vision and active management of Mr. Ball, its president, it is in the front rank of grocery jobbing houses in the State. Endowed with a quick and discriminating intellect that has been carefully and diligently cultivated, Mr. Ball is one of the capital city's broadly educated sons. Concerning matters that relate to the science of business, his opinions indicate research and thought, and are always instructive as well as interesting. In Raleigh's financial circles Mr. Ball also takes high rank^ the organization of the Merchants National Bank here having been promoted in part by him. He has been a director of this institution since its organization, besides having other interests to engage his attention. In 1886 Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss Lavinia, daughter of the late Joseph Kreth, of this city. Religiously, Mr. Ball is an Episcopalian, being a communi- cant in the Church of the Good Shepherd. With the exception of a brief interval, he has been a vestryman for a period of twenty-five years. NEEDHAM BRYANT BROUGHTON A CONSPICUOUS example of success attained by sticking to one thing from first to last is seen in the career of Needham Bryant Bronghton, of Raleigli. While this is undeniably true, it is a striking fact that in the midst of a busy life of business affairs he has found time to devote to a multitnde of matters in which the welfare of others was concerned. It is Avorthy of note that, while he has made a name that is a household word in North Carolina as the head of an industrial business that is in the lead BIOGRArHICAL 181 with others of the kind in the State, he has made a reputation that extends far beyond the borders of this commonwealth in a work that relates to the spirit- ual uplift not only of his own community, but of the whole world. It was on St. Valentine's Day, in the year 1848, that Needham B. Broughton first saw the light, on a farm near Auburn, in Wake County, the son of Joseph and Mary (Bag- well) Brought on. His father having died in 1854, in 18 56, being eight years of age, he came to Raleigh. Here he attended the public schools for three years, and was then apprenticed to learn a trade in a printing office. He had the good fortune to secure employment as an apprentice under John W. Syme, Esq., in the office of The Raleigh Register, and here he worked at the case until 1864. At the close of the War Between the States he went to Washington, where for some time he worked on The Congressional Glohe. Later he went to ISTew York and set type in The Herald office. In 1872 Mr. Broughton returned to Raleigh and engaged in the printing business with Mr. C. B. Edwards, establishing the firm of Edwards & Broughton, which, with a few changes in name and personnel, has continued to this day. The present style of the business is Edwards & Broughton Printing Com- pany, a corporation, of which Mr. Broughton is president. Mr. Edwards not long ago retired from the company. The house does a large printing and binding business, and has recently installed an engraving department. Nearly a hundred people are on the pay roll. The output amounts to many thousands of dollars annually. It is interesting to know that this business was founded without a dollar of capital. 182 HISTORICAL RALEIGH John Broiigliton, the grandfather of the subject of this sketchy with his three brothers, came to America from England in their early manhood. Their parents, John and Mary Broiighton, it is said, are buried in Westminster Abbey, London. Broughton Castle, near Banbury, is understood to be the ancestral home of the family. A member of the Broughton family who has risen to fame and is known on both sides of the Atlantic as a great preacher is Rev. Dr. Len G. Broughton, who was born near Raleigh, grew up in the city, studied medicine and engaged in the practice of the profession, gave it up in response to a call to the gospel min- istry, served as pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, where he accomplished a remarkable work and achieA'ed a ]")he- nomenal success. He is now pastor of Christ Church in London. He is a nephew of JSTeedham B. Broughton. Mr. KTeedham B. Broughton married Miss Caroline R. Lougee, daughter of William J. and Caroline Lougee. Their children are Effie Lee, wife of Mr. C. B. Park; Edgar E., Rosa C, Carrie L., Mary IST. (wife of Mr. S. O. Garrison) ; ISTeedham B., Jr. In a public capacity Mr. Broughton has served a term in the State Senate and has been chairman of the Democratic Execu- tive Committee for the Fourth Congressional District ; has also served as trustee of the State School for the Deaf and of the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In a civic capacity he has served his community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Association, Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, etc. For eighteen years he has been trustee of the Oxford Or])han Asylum. He is a trustee of Wake Forest Col- lege and of Meredith College. He is a member of one of the Masonic lodges of Raleigh. In his church relations Mr. Broughton is a Missionary Bap- tist. For thirty years he has been secretary of the Baptist State Convention, and for the same length of time superintendent of the Tabernacle Baptist Sunda}^ School and deacon of the church. He is vice-president of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. If he were asked Avliich of his many duties BIOGRAPHICAL 183 and responsibilities is nearest to his heart, doubtless he would place his relation to the Tabernacle Sunday School first. It is through his Sunday-school work that Mr. Broughton has become widely known among Sunday-school workers, and through him the Tabernacle has become known far and wide as a front-rank school. Mr. Broughton has been at the head of the State Sun- day School organization, and has attended a number of inter- national conventions, as well as the World's Convention in Rome. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Sunday School Association. More than thirty years ago Mr. Broughton became identified with the temperance movement, and was at one time at the head of the State Grand Lodge of Good Templars. He has not outlined his temperance principles, for he is as strongly opposed to liquor selling and liquor drinking as he ever was, and it is one of the planks of his platform that the prohibitory laws should be strictly enforced. Mr. Broughton is a diligent reader. First on his list of books is the Book of Books. After that, his subjects embrace history, biography, fiction, the best magazines and daily and weekly l^apers. He writes occasionally for the press, the papers to which he contributes being The Bihlical Recorder and the two Raleigh dailies. If he were asked to give a formula for success in life, Mr. Broughton would say : Faith in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; identification with the church and its agencies and work ; love of home and kindred; association with the best people; an earnest desire to serve others. JOSEPH DOZIER BOUSHALL Prominent in the business, civic and religious life of Raleigh and Wake County is Joseph Dozier Boushall, who was born in Camden County, February 20, 1864, in the same house in which his father and his father's mother were born. The land on which the house still stands was given to Col. Joseph Dozier for distin- guished service in the Continental Army. Mr. Boushall is the paternal great-grandson of Col. Joseph Dozier, of the American 184 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Revolution. His father, Thomas B. Boushall, was a colonel of militia in the War Between the States. His mother was Annie, daughter of Rev. George M. Thompson, a pioneer Baptist min- ister who came to eastern North Carolina from England. Mr. Boushall was educated at Wake Forest College, from which institution he graduated in 1886. While a student at col- lege, at the age of nineteen years, he Avas made a deacon of the Baptist church, and a week before his graduation he was elected superintendent of public instruction for his native county. This beginning of public life was followed by his appointment to the position of chief clerk under Gen. W. P. Roberts, State Auditor. He served in the same capacity under Dr. G. W. Sanderlin. At the Democratic State Convention next succeeding, Dr. Sanderlin aspired to the nomination for Governor. Mr. Boushall was a candidate for Auditor, with every assurance of success, but when Dr. Sanderlin was disappointed in his aspirations Mr. Boushall withdrew from the contest for Auditor and Dr. Sanderlin was renominated for the position. In 1898 Mr. Boushall was a candidate for the House in Wake County. He took a leading part in the campaign for white supremacy and led the ticket in a reversal of the former fusion majority of 1,300 to a Democratic majority of 650. In the Legislature the following winter he served on a number of promi- nent committees, notably the Judiciary and Finance committees, being chairman of the House Committee on Insurance, and was active in promoting much important legislation at that session. In 1900 he was a candidate for the nomination for State Treas- urer, and in 1912 for Lieutenant-Governor, and though he failed to receive either nomination a very flattering vote was given him in both contests. Since his retirement from the clerkship in the Auditor's office Mr. Boushall has devoted his energies to his private business affairs in this city. He was for a number of years general agent of the ^tna Life Insurance Company, which position he re- signed in 1907. The next year he became general agent of the Equitable, in Avhich relation he continues at this time. While in the Auditor's office he studied law and was admitted to the BIOGRAPHICAL 185 bar, and for a sliort time was engaged in the practice of the profession. Mr. Boushall's services to the church have been numerous, showing the confidence in which he is held by his denomination. He was superintendent of the First Baptist Sunday School four years, treasurer of the Baptist State Convention eleven years, trustee of Meredith College almost from the day of its founding, and is now the next oldest deacon, in point of service, of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Boushall has served the city of his adoption on the board of aldermen. For two years he was a member of the executive committee of the National Underwriters Association, and at the present time is president of the I^orth Carolina Life Under- writers Association. In 1889 Mr. Boushall married Miss Mattie, daughter of the late Col. J. M. Heck, of Raleigh. To this union have been born four sons. WILLIAM ALONZO SIMPKINS The subject of this sketch is a native of Wake County, born near Raleigh, January 22, 1868. He has been a resident of Raleigh since October, 1910. Here he ranks with the leading citizens of the capital, and is prominent in all things that con- cern the highest welfare of its people. The educational advantages of Mr. Simpkins were but meagre ; still, similar to many other successful men, he has not allowed this to be a stumbling-block; for, possessed of an abundance of native intelligence, indomitable energy, and business ability of a high order, he knows no such word as fail, and has hewn his way to the front in the industrial and economic world, as well as in other spheres of usefulness. When quite a young man Mr. Simpkins became well -and favorably known to the people of Raleigh by his residence near the city, occasioned by his interest, as manager, in the cotton plantation and trucking farm of Mr. Y. C. Royster, a prominent citizen of the metropolis. Here he remained several years, prov- ing himself to be most industrious, highly capable, and a man thoroughly familiar with his business in all its details. 186 HISTORICAL RALEIGH If some people are born farmers, and can be distingnislied, as they should, only by the results they have attained — what they have accomplished in their chosen field of effort ; and if, as some writer has so forcibly and truthfully said, "he is a benefactor to man who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before" — then it is no exaggeration to say of the subject of this sketch that he is a most potent factor in the industrial life of the people of Wake, and of the agriculturists of the State especially. The Simpkins farms, two miles southwest of Raleigh, are models, in all respects, of agricultural skill, and exemplify in an eminent degree the high perfection to which agriculture may be brought when under the care and supervision of a mas- ter mind and hand. Particularly prominent is Mr. Simpkins with the cotton grow- ers of J^orth Carolina, and, indeed, with those throughout all the cotton-growing States, where the celebrated Simpkins Pro- lific Cotton Seed is a household word; for the long use of this seed by the planters in this vast cotton-planting region has re- sulted not only in the production of a much greater (two-fold) yield of this staple, but in a large measure has been instrumen- tal in the destruction of its greatest enemy — the boll weevil — for the Simpkins Prolific matures before the season for this pest's approach. The Prolific is exclusively planted by the ISTorth Carolina A. & M. College on its cotton farm, and for the past seven years has taken first premium on best stalks, best seed, best lint and best acre. At every annual State Fair Mr. Simpkins offers prizes, ranging from fifteen to thirty-five dollars, to the Wake County boy who exhibits the best cotton and the greatest number of bolls on one stalk. Although engaged in numerous industrial activities calling for the consumption of much valuable time, Mr. Simpkins is devoted to the spiritual welfare of the people of his denomina- tion — the Primitive Baptists — with whom he is a leader and much beloved for his loyalty to the church and for his high Christian character. He was called to the Raleigh church shortly after his ordination, fourteen years ago, and for the past eleven years has also served devotedly three other charges. BIOGRAPHICAL 187 Mr. Simpkins has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Jenolia Parker, of Wake County. On JSTovember 13, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E.. Moore, of Sampson County. Of the first marriage there was bom one child, Floyd Elmer, now living. There are five living children by the second marriage — Gertrude, Hallie, Isaac, Mildred and Edmond. WILLIAM ALEXANDER COOPER "The criteria by which a human life is to be judged are the benefits it has con- ferred on the social commu- nity in which its lot is cast, and the extent of its con- tributions to the advance- ment of the human race." Prominent among other citizens of Raleigh to whom this axiomatic truth will ap- ply is the subject of this sketch, who is always in the front rank of those inter- ested in the municipal, in- dustrial and religious wel- fare of the capital and its inhabitants, and the moral uplift of humanity. Mr. Cooper is a native of Forsyth County, born in Clemmons- ville, May 28, 1868, and is the son of Thomas Dabney and Sarah (Wommack) Cooper, both now deceased. His educational ad- vantages were limited, his school training having been confined to the public schools. When quite a small boy, at the age of sixteen, young Cooper bade good-bye to the scenes of his childhood, and, going to Wins- ton, there entered upon the active duties of life, engaging as an apprentice in a vocation which he had selected as his life work — the marble and granite business. 188 HISTORICAT. RALEIGH At the expiration of four years, having sensed the full term of his apprenticeship, he became a copartner in the business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Frank Cook, succeeding his former em- ployer. After i^rosecuting his work in Winston-Salem for six years, believing that a wider field of usefulness awaited him elsewhere, in 1894 he came, with his brothers, Messrs. T. R. and G. W. Cooper, to Raleigh, where they purchased the Raleigh Marble Works. Here, under the firm name of Cooper Bros, (or Coopers of Raleigh, then Cooper Monument Company, as the business is now known), they have since conducted with eminent success one of the most complete and extensive monument establishments in this or any other State. Their establishment is situated on West Martin Street, near the Union Station, overlooking I^Tash Square, and is equipped with all the latest and best machinery for the working of stone, electric power, using compressed air for run- ning the carving tools, dressers, smithshop, etc., the work being turned out completed — cut, carved, polished, lettered and boxed by machinery. jSTotable among other monuments recently erected by the Coopers of Raleigh are those of John Carroll, first bishop of Baltimore, in Washington, D. C, the first monument of North Carolina stone to be erected in the public parks of the Nation's capital; Governor Z. B. Vance, in Capitol Square; Gen. M. W. Ransom, in Northampton County; Judge A. S. Merrimon and Hon. Thomas C. Fuller, in the City Cemetery; Governor Curtis Brogden, in Goldsboro; Governor Elias Carr, in Edgecombe County; Confederate monuments in a number of counties in North Carolina, and many others of like magnitude in this and other States. On January 6, 1909, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his busi- ness career, Mr. Cooper was the recipient of a beautiful letter from Governor R. B. Glenn, himself from Forsyth County, in which he referred to the standing of the Cooper brothers as workmen and to their high character as men, congratulating them on their progress in business, and the exalted plane on which their affairs have always been conducted, concluding his letter with his best wishes and continued friendship. BIOGRAPHICAL 189 In every movement having for its object the betterment of the city and its ninnicipal affairs Mr. Cooper is especially promi- nent. He has served three terms as alderman from the Third Ward, and was chairman of the street committee — the most efficient official, it is conceded by all, who has ever occupied that position. At the expiration of his second term of office, in 1909, feeling that the duties of his position bore too heavily upon him, and that his private affairs demanded his undivided attention, he was much opposed to longer public service as alderman ; but so faithful had he been in the discharge of his duties, and so great had been the progress of the city, especially in its improved streets, under his direction as chairman of the street committee, that, in the face of his strenuous objections, he was again nomi- nated, unanimously, and re-elected. The substantial asphalt pavements with which Raleigh's principal streets are now laid are in a large measure due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Cooper to make our thoroughfares comport favorably with those of the leading cities in the country, and were the first to be laid in this State. The electric street sprinkler, among other devices for improving the streets, originated with Mr. Cooper. He is president of the Cooper Monument Company, president of Granita Company, and one of the prime movers in the organ- ization of and a director in the Anchor Trust Company. Religiously, Mr. Cooper is identified with the Baptist church. He is affiliated with the Raleigh Baptist Tabernacle, prominent in all its endeavors, and active in everything tending toward its spiritual advancement. In the late successful movement for enlarging and remodeling the church he was among the leading spirits and most active workers. He is a Mason of prominence — a Knight Templar; a member of the Baptist Mission Board, Board of Charities, Law and Order League, Board of Health, Good Health League, and trustee of the new Y. M. C. A. He is also a trustee of Rex Hospital, an institution that has proven a great blessing not only to the citizens of Raleigh, but likewise to hundreds in other sections of the State who resort to it for treatment. Other philanthropic work in which Mr. Cooper is specially and deeply interested is that of the Baptist Orphanage 190 HISTORICAL RALEIGH at Thomasville, his reputation in this respect being coextensive with the length and breadth of the commonwealth. The festive occasions at the Orphanage, held annually, and known as "Cooper Carnival," was originated by Mr. Cooper, and this period is always hailed as a time of much rejoicing by the hun- dreds of little hearts which are then gladdened, and by the wel- come presence of their devoted friend. Personally, Mr. Cooper is modest, charitable, broad-minded and liberal, impressing his character upon the manners and morals of his times, always ready to render aid in every good and nqble work having for its purpose the advancement of society and the well-being of his fellow-man. JOHN ALLISON MILLS Of the many representative men of Raleigh, few, if any, have won a more prominent position in the raili'oad and financial world, nor can anyone boast of a more honorable record in these spheres of usefulness, in North Carolina, than John Allison Mills, who, from an humble position in life, by sheer force of character, indomitable energy, and superior executive ability, arose, within the space of a few years, to the proud position of a I'ailroad presidency and a leader in the economic, financial and industrial affairs of the State. Mr. Mills is a native of Wake County and is of Scotch and English ancestry. He was born on his father's farm, near Fuquay Springs, January 9, 1858, and is the son of Wiley J. Mills (deceased) and Charity (Wilburn) Mills, being the eldest of eleven children — six boys and five girls. Three of his brothers and one sister are dead. His living brothers are successfully engaged in the lumber business — one of them (Walter) at Cam- den, South Carolina, the other (Wayland) at Lakewood, Florida. His living sisters are Mrs. J. L. Kowland, of Willow Springs ; Mrs. D. T. Adams, of Holly Springs ; Mrs. Dr. Hubbard Utley, of Benson, and Mrs. McPhail, of LakeAvood, Florida. Similar to other youths of slender fortune and limited oppor- tunities, who later reach prominence and distinction in spheres BIOGRAPHICAL 191 of their chosen effort, young Mills had but few educational advantages, his father being an unpretentious farmer, of modest means, unable to give his sons' education greater care than to allow of their attendance at the public schools, and this was during such seasons only as they could be spared from their routine work on the farm. Thus was spent young John's career until he had arrived at the age of twenty. Wishing then to strike out for himself in the busy world, and to make a name among men, he succeeded in securing employment with N. M. Norris in the lumber and grist mill business. Here he toiled for five years, detennining to familiarize himself with every detail of this industry; for the spirit of the young man was burning with ambition, not only to learn milling as an operative merely, but to so imderstand it as would enable him to later conduct affairs of this character on his own responsibility. His activi- ties in this vocation were later extended to Moore County, where he was eminently successful in the manufacture of lumber, the first shipment of long-leaf pine bill timber from this section being made by Mr. Mills and going to Philadelphia. Coming to Raleigh in 1892, he promoted the organization of the Mills Manufacturii^g Company, for the manufacture of lumber and wagons. While engaged in the management of this concern he became interested in the Raleigh & Cape Fear Rail- road and was elected its president. The terminus of the road was intended, originally, to be at Fuquay Springs, but later it was extended to Lillington. This remained its terminus for four years, when, in 1902, the Raleigh & Southport Railroad Com- pany was organized, with Mr. Mills as its president. This road was consolidated mtli the Raleigh & Cape Fear Railroad and its operation extended to Fayetteville, its present terminus, which it entered on the 9th day of July, 1906, amidst much rejoicing of the people. The line of this road traverses one of the finest long-leaf pine and fruit sections of the State, and in its completion from Raleigh to Fayetteville Mr. Mills was the leading spirit. In its accomplishment he achieved a distinction in railroad circles and the business world such as few men have attained in North Carolina. 192 HISTORICAL KALEIGH Mr. Mills is now actively interested, as its president, in the construction of the Elkin & Alleghany Railroad, extending from Elkin, in Surry County, to Sparta, in Alleghany County, a line in which the State holds considerable stock. Mr. Mills is president of the Anchor Trust Company, a director of the Commercial National Bank, the Mechanics Sav- ings Bank, and is on the executive committee and advisory board of the North Carolina Agricultural Society. On October 21, 1884, he was married to Miss Julia Isabella Johnson, of Cardenas, Wake County, daughter of W. W. and Rhoda Ann (Jones) Johnson, and cousin of Messrs. J. B. and K. B. Johnson, of Cardenas. Six children have blessed this union, two of whom are dead, viz.. Myrtle and Edward Bok. Those now living are John Maple, Walter Hartwick, Eugene and Daniel. Religiously, Mr. Mills is prominently identified with the Christian Church, and is treasurer of the Southern Christian Convention. Among other positions of honor and trust to which he has been called is that of member of the board of trustees of Elon College, and of the Board of County Commissioners of Wake, of which last-mentioned body he is chairman. He has recently been called to the presidency of the North Carolina Agricultural Society. He is affiliated with the Masonic frater- nity, being a member of William G. Hill Lodge, No. 218, and is also identified with the Order of Elks. In the front rank, always, of those interested in the State's resources and their development, Mr. Mills is a public-spirited, broad-minded citizen. As a friend, he is sincere and faithful, and in every sphere of life a man whom any State may well feel proud to call her son. BIOGRAPHICAL 193 GEORGE THOMAS NORWOOD Treasurer Wake County The subject of this sketch was born in Orange County on February 8, 1860, but has been, practically, a life- long resident of Wake. He is a son of William B. and Damsel (Debnam) Nor- Avood, and a descendant of the Wake County family of J^orwoods, whose name is contemporaneous with the yeomanry and early history of the county. The education of Mr. ^STorwood was confined to the public schools of E-aleigh, which he attended until twelve years of age. Desiring then to fit him- self for the active duties of life, he determined to learn the trade of bookbinding, and accordingly he secured a position with John Armstrong, a prominent bookbinder of Raleigh of that period, under whom he served a regular apprenticeship. He later be- came a copartner in the business. Since this time he has been identified with the bookbinders' trade and devoted to the interest of his craft, as well as to the welfare of labor, whether skilled or unskilled, and stands high in trades councils. He is a representative and staunch "union" man, and organized the first bookbinders' union in Raleigh, an independent body, Avhich later became a member of the Inter- national Union of Bookbinders, and was the first delegate from the Raleigh union to the International Convention at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1900, when he was made district organizer for the Southern States. He is also affiliated with the Royal Arcanum and prominently identified with the J. O. A. M. Mr. ISTorwood is endoAved with moral qualities of a high order, is cheerful, gentle and unassuming in manner, and universally 13 394 HISTORICAL RALEIGH esteemed, having a wide circle of friends, regardless of party or faction, in every section of Wake. In tile clioice made by the people of Wake, in 1910 and 1912, for the candidate to fill the office of County Treasurer, it is evident that no mistake was made by the election of George T. ISTorwood, for efficiency has marked his career throughout the period he has served, and he has given entire satisfaction to every one who recognizes the superior qualities — personal and otherwise — required of one who occupies a position of this im- portant nature. Careful, painstaking and industrious in the discharge of his official duties; invariably amiable and friendly in personal intercourse, the j^eriod cannot be recalled in the county's history when this office was occupied by one more capable and popular than its present incumbent. With the exception of one term of service as alderman of the City of Raleigh, this is the first official position he has occupied. Mr. Norwood is identified with the Episcopal Church and is a communicant in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh. For some time he was superintendent of the Sunday school and later held the office of secretary-treasurer. In May, 1884, he Avas happily united in marriage to Miss Annie R. Davis, daughter of Reddick and Eupheinia (Rives) Davis, of Chatham County. Of this union there is one living child — John T., now a bright medical student in Raleigh. As a broad-minded citizen, and as one who studies the inter- ests of his fellow-man, Mr. Norwood believes that the County of Wake needs more manufactures, also that the trucking indus- try should be encouraged and increased in volume. ALECK ROSENGARTEN Wide-awake Raleigh might never have been known as such if there had been no citizens of Hebrew descent in it. Indeed, Avherever a live conmiunity exists, there are to be found worthy sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob actively engaged in honor- able pursuits and contributing their i)art to the general ])rosperity. BIOGRAPHKWL 195 Aleck Rosengarten was born in Russia, tlie son of Isaac Rosengarten. At the early age of fourteen years lie left home and friends and native land, and, without kindred or com- panion, he crossed the broad Atlantic and arrived in America with a few hmidred dollars and a purpose to make a fortune. That was in 1SS9. How well he succeeded is told in what follows. The first employment of Mr. Rosengarten was in a dry-goods and clothing store in Brooklyn. After working as a clerk long enough to learn the business, he opened a store on his own account. His success was all that could be desired ; but, hearing of the fine openings for business there were in the Sunny South, he resolved to come to the land of cotton, and so he moved to Raleigh, where he entei-ed actively into business and soon became a potent factor in developing the commercial interests of our city, and helped in his modest way to bring on the wave of pros- perity that is the pride of every citizen and the wonder of all who but a few years ago knew the capital city of N^orth Carolina as a sleepy old town. The J. Rosengarten Company, of wdiich Aleck Rosengarten is president, holds a leading position in the clothing trade of Raleigh. With one of the most eligible locations in Fayetteville Street, with a store modernly equipped and furnished, with a stock that meets the requirements of the n\ost fastidious and exacting trade, this firm enjoys a large share of business and merits its well-earned popularity. Through countless genera- tions the descendants of Israel have been successful as traders, and in every part of the civilized world they are known for their energy, their enterprise and their thrift. In America, particu- larly, the Hebrews have been first among the foremost of mer- chants. In Raleigh they are an important part of its commer- cial life, and none of their race stands higher in the public esteem than Aleck Rosengarten. While the clothing business is the main chance with Mr. Rosengarten, he has made large investments in real estate. Some time ago he made a large purchase in West Cabarrus Street. At that time there was no connection between Cabarrus Street and 1»6 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Boylan Heights, but Mr. Iloseiigarten gave the laud over which it was necessary to make the couueetiou, and by that act became a public benefactor. In other parts of the city he has valuable real estate holdings. In Swain Street, betAveen Davie and Martin, he owns a number of modern-type residence houses, attractively finished with slate roofs, besides a store building in the same locality. He has had granolithic sidewalks laid along the front of this property, greatly improving the street and enhacing the value of adjacent houses and lots, which is another examjile of his public spirit. The interest of Mr. Rosengarten in the Avelfare, progress and prosperity of Raleigh is shown by his connection with two im- portant enterprises of the city — one a promoter of other enter- prises and financial convenience to the community, and the other a home-builder. To be more particular, he is a member of the board of directors of the Merchants ]^ational Bank, a director of the Mutual Building and Loan Association and a member of the loan committee of that institution. The friends of Aleck Rosengarten are so numerous that no- body except the census taker could count them. A man who is friendly to everybody, courteous to all with whom he comes in contact, obliging to all customers, and Avith the fine instinct that recognizes the wants of a visitor to his place of business before they are spoken, ho could not help having friends. Besides, he has a gentleman's regard for the rights and opinions of his fellow-man, a quality that is not always found among men who haA^e made a success in life and have accumulated a store of worldly possessions. The fraternal spirit is strong in Mr. Rosengarten. Among the Masons he is prominent and is held in high esteem by his brethren. He is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 40, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. The Red Men, too, claim liiiu as their own, for Avhen he Avas a paleface, wandering in the forest, they took him into their Avigwam, made a good Indian of liiiii and elcA'ated him to the dignity of chief. Though born in the empire of the ("zar. Mr. Rosengarten be- came an American citizen bj' naturalization. He does not get BIOGRAPHICAL 197 excited about politics, but he takes a citizen's interest in public affairs, and be discbarges bis duty, as be understands it, by voting tbe Democratic ticket, just tbe same as do hundreds of otber good people in Raleigb and elsewhere. JOHN ALSEY PARK Newspaper men as a rule do not make their mark the first year or two they are in tbe business, but John Alsey Park, of Raleigh, has done so. As publisher and prin- cipal owner of The Raleigh Times he has made a con- spicuous success and has brought his paper into a position of prominence and influence. He is one of the kind of men who always make good. John A. Park Avas born in Raleigh, IST. C, November 19, 1885, and is the son of Benjamin F. and Fannie C. (Bevers) Park. Paternally he is of Irish descent, his great-grandfather, with two brothers, emigrating from Ireland to America during the colo- nial period and settling in Virginia. His paternal grandfather was John Keefe, who married Miss Margaret Adams, of Vir- ginia, -a niece of President John Adams. Benjamin F. Park came to Raleigh from his home in Clarksville, Va., in his early manhood, and before his death in 1898 was a prominent citizen of tbe capital. His wife was a native of Raleigh and a member of a family identified with the yeomanry of Wake for many generations. After finishing his preliminary education in the public schools of Raleigh, Mr. Park entered the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in this city, from which institu- tion he graduated in 1905 with the degree of Bachelor of 198 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Engineering. He then went abroad and took a special course in Kensington Technical Institute, London. While a student in the A. k M. College he took high rank. He was a lieutenant in the cadet corps, and as a member of the Leazar Literary Society he won the medal for oratory. Llis inclination toward things military appears in his subsequent sendee in the National Guard and in the Third Regiment Band. Mr. Park's career in the active affairs of life began at his ahna mater, Avhere, after his return from London, he taught mathematics four years. Resigning his position at the A. &: M. College, Mr. Park engaged in business as part owner and man- ager of the Carolina Garage a Aljtha fraternity. BIOGRAPHICAL 199 CHARLES LEANDREW WOODALL Prominent among the captains of industry of J^orth Carolina's capital is Charles Leandrew Woodall, a native of Kaleigh, where he is largely identified with the city's industrial welfare and recognized as a gener- ous contributor to its ma- terial interests. For a num- ber of years joast he has been prominently knoAvn as a leading concrete con- tractor. The subject of this sketch was born in Raleigh, August 8, 1866, and is the fifth son of A. L. and Sallie (Williams) Woodall. Paternally, he is of English descent ; maternally, of Welsh line- age. His earliest American ancestors emigrated to America in colonial times and settled in Virginia. Subsequently the branches of the Woodall and Williams families from which Charles L. Woodall descended removed to ISTorth Carolina and settled in Wake. These families have been identified with this county and its interests since its organization, in 1771. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a well-known and highly respected citizen of Wake. He was a tiller of the soil, and, aside from his industry in making good crops, his only ambition was to be crier of the County and Superior courts. And a crier he was, say the oldest inhabitants, for when he cried, "0 yes, yes, come into court !" those for whom his voice was intended heard him and, though in remote parts of the city, hearkened to his cry. Mr. Woodall's maternal grandfather -was Mark Williams, a man of great determination, and one who, when he had made up his mind to accomplish an object, permitted nothing to swerve him from his purpose. He was a man of but limited education, 200 HISTORICAL RALEIGH though endowed Avith much common sense, and in local politics was something of a leader among the Democrats. The valuable qualities of native sense, energy, industry and perseverance pos- sessed by the grandfathers, the grandson, the subject of this sketch, has inherited in a high degree. Mr. Woodall's education, like that of the greater portion of those who constitute the backbone and muscle of society's ma- terial welfare — the foundation of a nation's true wealth — Avas confined to the public school. This he attended until eleven years of age, when, recognizing the importance of learning some useful trade, he became a baker's apprentice. After serving his term he continued at his trade for several years, both in Raleigh and in Virginia. Subsequently he became the proprietor of a bakery in Raleigh, and later, in 1908, with ]']. H. Plummer, he was extensively interested in the li^^ery business, on East Morgan Street, where he conducted the largest and best-equipped livery in the South. Selling out his interest at a later period to Mr. Plummer, for some time he was engaged in the automobile busi- ness. In all of these activities he met with a large measure of success. Since 1909 Mr. Woodall's business energies haA'e been exclu- sively devoted to concrete work ; and since Raleigh awoke from her long slumber and has been truly wide-awake, Mr. Woodall has been in the front rank of those active spirits who are keep- ing the city alive to greater prosperity than it has ever before enjoyed. This he has done, and is doing, by impressing the city and its owners of residences with the superiority of concrete work over other material heretofore used in its stead. His prominence as an authority on concrete work was recognized by the county commissioners recently when they aAvarded him the contract for constructing a one-mile concrete county road with asphalt binder — an experiment to show the superiority of con- crete in road-building over other material. This award, was a merited recognition, too, of Mr. Woodall's ability in his new sphere of usefulness. Public-spirited, broad-minded and outspoken concerning mat- ters affecting the general welfare of the county and State, Mr. BIOGRAPHICAL 201 Woodall says with, emphasis that the people should never stop agitating until an appropriation is made by the General Assem- bly adequate to construct all the public roads with concrete — the best and most durable of all known material for that purpose. "And," he adds, emphatically, "the time is not far distant when this will be done." On the question of home training of children Mr. Woodall is an enthusiast, and would impress upon parents the vital im- portance of educating their children to habits of industry and instilling into their impressionable minds the priceless value of high integrity and right living. Mr. Woodall has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Fannie V., daughter of Capt. Elias Lawton, a prominent citizen of Staunton, Ya. She died in 1902. In 1911 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice, daughter of James and Caroline Ford, of Wake County. Mr. Woodall is identified with the fraternal orders of Royal Arcanum, Knights of the Maccabees, and during the existence of the Fox Hunting Club was a prominent member. Unassuming in manner, of liberal and kind disposition, Mr. Woodall has a large circle of friends. No man is more constant in his friendships or more unselfish in his devotion to his friends, among whom he numbers many of the most prominent citizens of the capital and the County of Wake, as well as throughout the State. HENRY EVANS LITCHFORD Once a banker, always a banker. There is no authority at haiid for saying- that this is the business motto of Henry E. Litchf ord ; but whether it is or not, makes no difference. At any rate, he has been living by this rule for thirty years, and if he has a proper regard for the wishes of liis friends he will be a banker for thirty years more. It was on the 4th of February, 1866, that Heni-y Evans Litcli- ford was born in the capital city of North Carolina, where he has resided all his life. His parents were James J. and Anncella Bogue (Westry) Litchf ord. The first Litchf ords in America 202 HISTORICAL RALEIGH came from England so long ago that the present generation can- not assign a date for their migration. They settled on the Roanoke and made no pre- tensions. They claimed to be just plain folks, but they were industrious, thrifty and frugal — just such folks as thousands of early set- tlers who transmitted to later generations those stur- dy qualities that made men — men who are the bone and sinew of the great American republic. It must not be inferred, however, that the Litchfords were lieoi)le in humble circum- stances. By no means. The father of Henry Litchford was a prominent merchant and leading citizen of Raleigh, and his grandfather, James Litchford, was the tailor to whom Andrew Johnson, afterwards President of the United States, was in his youth ajjprenticed as a student of the shears, the needle and the goose. The early education of Henry Litchford was obtained in the graded schools of Raleigh. Afterwards he attended the Fray & Morson School for Bo^'s, an institution that had a larger share in making the men of the present generation in this city than any other single influence. Here he prosecuted his studies with such diligence, and in his intercourse with his fellow-students dis])layed such manly (pialities, that when school days were over he was ready to take the first step in the making of tlic future banker, and the op])ortunity was waiting for him. October 12, LS82. was the day Avhen Mr. Litchford became a fixture in the Citizens I^ational Bank. Filling a subordinate ])osition at first, he was not long in showing the stuff that was in him, and then came promotion. Slowly, but surely,- he rose until he caiiic to the jiosition of cashier, which he has filled with BIOGRAPHICAL 203 great acceptability to the directors and the patrons of the bank. Since his connection with the Citizens National the bank has kept pace with the growth of the city, and to-day it is one of the strongest financial institutions in North Carolina and an im- portant factor in the commercial and industrial life of Raleigh. The interest that Mr. Litchford takes in the progress of the city and the welfare of the public is manifested by his active participation in the work of the Chamber of (Commerce, of which he is a prominent member. During the year that he served as president of that body the City of Raleigh enjoyed an era of unexampled prosperity that has projected itself into the admin- istration of his successor and gives every promise of continuing indefinitely. Mr. Litchford is also a member of the Capital Club and of the Country Club. In politics he is a Democrat. He is not connected with any church, but his predilections are toward the Baptist. While making no pretensions to authorship, Mr. Litchford, in 1910, wrote a paper that caught the lawyers "a-gAvine and a-comin'." His study of the system of real estate conveyancing in connection with the banking business led him to an inquiry in regard to the Torrens system of land registration. He was con- vinced that the Torrens system was a good thing — a great im- provement over the old system ; so he wrote out his views and read them before the North Carolina State Bankers Association. Then he had the paper printed in pamphlet form, and it was widely circulated and as widely read. The legal profession sat up and took notice, and then the Legislature wrestled with the subject. The newspapers also discussed it. Every conceivable shade of opinion was drawn out, and the consequence was that the lawmakers let the matter go to sleep for two years. Mr. Litchford is still thoroughly convinced that the Torrens system ought to be adopted in North Carolina. Certainly his pamphlet makes a very strong presentation of the case. The capacity of Mr. Litchford for thinking vigorously and expressing himself lucidly and forcefully is not limited to one subject. No citizen of Raleigh, perhaps, has a broader view of public affairs and a stronger grasp on the vital interests of the 204 HISTORICAL RALEIGH comnumity, but he is becomingly modest about talking for pub- lication. If anyone can show him that a certain enterprise or a particular policy will improve the condition of the country or build up the city, he will become as enthusiastic in support of it as anybody. It would not be accurate to say that he has a hobby, but he holds to the opinion that if the county will build good roads all other good things will come to the country, and as the country prospers the city will profit by it. On the 9th day of November, 1899, Mr. Litchford Avas happily united in marriage to Miss Martha Porter Dancy. Their chil- dren are Ann, Martha and James Ousby. [Since the foregoing was in type Mr. Litchford has been appointed to the positions of vice-president and treasurer of the Old Dominion Trust Company, of Richmond, Va.] ORAL GENTRY KING On the 28tli day of January, 1865, there came into the home of Isaiah and Rebecca (Reddish) King, in House's Creek Town- ship, Wake County, a boy who was destined to become an im- portant factor in the commercial and official public life of the capital city of I^ortli Carolina. This boy received the name of Oral Gently. His father being a successful farmer, of sterling qualities, and his mother a superior woman, who looked well after the welfare of her household, young Oral grew up through the successive stages of childhood, boyhood and youth under circumstances favorable to the development of the best type of manhood. Doing his full share of honest toil by day and sleep- ing soundly at night, he developed strength of body and clear- ness of mind, with a capacity for thinking and doing that has characterized his career in the city, where genius for planning and ability for executing count most in the stiniggle for su- premacy in city life. While responding cheerfully and dutifully to every demand incident to life on a farm, young Oral attended the public school of the district on winter days, and during the long evenings he pored diligently over his books, thus early displaying the faculty of thoroughly mastering his tasks — a habit that proved of in- BIOGRAPHICAL 205 estimable value in carving out a place for himself in business life after he had taken his leave of rural scenes to engage in the more strenuous pursuits of a position of respect and influence in the city of Raleigh. At the age of eighteen years, having attended the public schools and a high school, and having heard a whispered call to his inner consciousness to prepare for a professional life, Mr. King decided that he Avould study medicine, with the view of becoming a physician. For three years he studied at home, and then matriculated in the Richmond Medical College, at Rich- mond, Va., Avhere he remained one year; but as the time for the completion of his course approached, he reflected on the matter and decided to adopt the profession of pharmacy. Returning to his home in the country, in Wake County, he took up his studies, and, without the assistance of a teacher, he so far mastered the science as to pass his examination before the State Board of Pharmacy, receiving his diploma in 1889. Being then well equipped for a business career by the practice of his chosen profession, at the age of tAventy-two he opened a drug store at the southeast corner of Wilmington and Hargett streets in Raleigh. It goes without saying that the business was suc- cessful from the start. Merit cannot, as a rule, be concealed under an outward garb of modesty and unpretension ; so it is not surprising that people soon found out that Mr. King was capable, careful, painstaking, reliable and obliging ; moreover, that he was a gentleman of such pleasing personality that it Avas a pleasure to do business A\dth him. So it came to pass that in the course of a feAV years Mr. King built up a trade that Avas out of all proportion to the store in which his talents and his activities Avere exercised. It is said that you cannot hold a Avorking man doAvn, Avhich is doubtless true. It is equally apparent that you cannot keep an actiA'B man of business from expanding. This Avas exemplified in the case of Mr. King, who, Avhen the Masonic Temple was completed, leased its most desirable storeroom and opened a drug store that Avas one of the most elegantly furnished and the most discriminatingly stocked of any in the capital city. From that 206 HISTORICAL RALEIGH time lie conducted business in two stores successfully until he had an advantageous offer to sell the Masonic Temple store, and accepted it. A short time thereafter he built and opened a drug store in Glenwood, within the city limits, on the corner of Peace Street and Glenwood Avenue. The new store, which has been open but a short time, has proved very popular, and the business has been all that could be desired. The appreciative people of Glenwood and Brooklyn have given it a generous patronage. With his two stores — one in the heart of the business section, and the other in one of the most popular suburban districts — Mr. King finds his time and talents well occupied, and has the satis- faction of seeing his business enjoying a high state of prosperity. While deeply interested, as all good citizens should be, in the public Avelfare, Mr. King has never been a politician nor an office seeker. He has needed neither the salary attached to a public office nor the "pull" that public position affords to those who have the inclination and the opportunity to profit by it ; but his fellow-citizens would not allow his talents for public service to remain unemployed. Thus it was that in 1911 he Avas called to the office of jDolice commissioner of the City of Raleigh, to- gether wdth Messrs. James A. Briggs and Lynn Wilder. In the municipal election he received every vote cast, leading his high- est associate on the ticket by 232 votes. His services on the board were valuable, and he shared with the other members of the Police Commission in the arduous duties that resulted in promoting the character and efficiency of the guardians of the public peace and safety. Mr. King now occupies the distinguished position of Commis- sioner of Public Safety of Kaleigh, an office created by the Gen- eral Assembly of 1913, under the Commission Form of Govern- ment act, and, though he has been in office for a brief period, has shown by his official conduct that the people of the capital city made no mistake in electing him to this high office. In the best sense of the word, Mr. King is a progressive citi- zen. In every movement for promoting the welfare of the peo- ple, intellectually, morally or materially, he is a leader among his fellow-citizens. He is a diligent reader of current literature and is well informed in regard to public matters, and, this being well BIOGRAPHICAL 207 known, his opinions are sought for and his judgment respected. He is affable, courteous, easy of approach, kind, generous and, aboA^e all, gentlemanly. Besides the numerous other ways in which he has shown his interest in the welfare of his fellow-man, Mr. King has mani- fested the fraternal spirit by becoming a member of those benevo- lent and beneficent orders — Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, in all of which he takes an active part and has enjoyed the honors which they bestow on worthy members. In politics he is, and always has been, a Democrat. The domestic life of Mr. King is ideal. In 1885 he Avon the heart and hand of Miss Amanda Emaline, daughter of Mr. M. Y. and Amanda (Wilson) Chappell. Mrs. King, like her husband, was reared in the country, her father being a well-known citizen and substantial farmer of Granville County. Mr. and Mrs. King have one child. Vera Myrtle. They have a beautiful home, re- cently built, in Glenwood. MILLARD MIAL Clerk Wake Superior Court The subject of this sketch is a descendant of the prom- inently known Mial family, of Wake ; his ancestors, both paternally and maternally, having been identified with the oldest families of the county from its earliest his- tory. He is the son of Alonzo T. Mial, who, in his day, was an extensive and prosperous planter, a man of much prominence and in- iuence, and who took a deep interest in political affairs, and, indeed, in all that concerned the highest welfare of the people of his county. 208 HISTORICAL RALEIGH Maternally, Mr. Mial is a descendant of the Lemay family, of Wake, his mother having been the daughter of Thomas J. Lemay, who for a quarter of a century before the Civil War was the editor and publisher of The Raleigh Star and NoHh Caro- lina Gazette, one of the leading Whig papers of the State. Millard Mial was born in Mark's Creek Township, Febniary 2, 1852, and is the eldest of four sons. His brother. Dr. L. Lemay Mial, is prominently engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in New York ; his brother, A. Thomas Mial, is a resident of Raleigh; W. S. Mial has been a resident of Texas for many years. Mr. Mial is a brother of Mrs. B. P. Williamson, of Raleigh, and Mrs. T. W. Dewey, of Goldsboro. Mr. Mial has often been honored by the people of Wake — a fitting recognition of the esteem in which he is universally held, and of the interest he has always taken in affairs of public con- cern. This was manifested in 1891, when he was elected Regis- ter of Deeds; in 1900, when he was elected a county commis- sioner; in 1906, when he was chosen a member of the House of Representatives; and still further, in 1910, by his election to the highly responsible office of Clerk of Wake Superior Court, which office he now holds, filling the same with much credit to himself and to a wide constituency. His victory in the contest for the last-mentioned office was signal, his competitor, W. M. Russ, having been universally regarded as the most formidable foe ever encountered for this office in Wake. Throughout his career, both public and private, Mr. Mial has ever maintained an honorable standard. In the discharge of his official duties he is faithful, exact and systematic, and no blot or act of impropriety is to be found on his record. Mr. Mial is numbered among the most intelligent, advanced and prosperous agriculturists of the county, and is always inter- ested in everything affecting the interest of the tillers of the soil. Mr. Mial is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is an affiliated I. O. O. F., being a member of Seaton Gales Lodge, No. 64. He is unmarried. BIOGRAPHICAL 209 ALFRED AUGUSTUS THOMPSON Forty-two years ago there came to the capital city of North Carolina a Chatham County young man Avho rejoiced in the name of Alfred Augustus Thompson. Hoav long before that he became a citizen of Chatham this deponent knoweth not, but there is authentic infoiination that he was born near Pittsboro some years prior to the time he came to Raleigh. His father was George W., and his mother, Cornelia E. (Marsh) Thomp- son, who lived at Asheboro prior to her marriage. Mr. Thompson was fortunate in the choice of a place to begin life, for among all the counties that claim honor for the great and good men born in them, Chatham is near the head of the list. And, too, it was the good fortune of the subject of this sketch to have been born on a farm and to have spent his early days amid field and forest, a country beautiful for situation and famous for rabbits. Upon information and belief, it is alleged that Mr. Thompson went to school when he was young, for he learned "to write a fairly good hand and became acquainted sufficiently with arith- metic and other things to win his way in business and come out on top in the struggle for existence and success in material matters. Cotton has been Mr. Thompson's affinity ever since he has lived in Raleigh. In this line of enterprise he has gone from one position of trust and responsibility to another, until he has be- come the president of two mills, viz., the Raleigh and the Cara- leigh cotton mills. He has not neglected other branches of busi- ness, as witness the fact that he is vice-president of the Commer- cial JSTational Bank, and is otherwise identified with the indus- trial life of the capital city. Mr. Thompson has been prominent in the civil life of Raleigh. He was mayor when the office of presiding genius of the City of Oaks was combined with that of judge and jury of the municipal court. In the latter capacity Mayor Thompson held the scales of justice so evenly that all alleged offenders against the law got a square deal, whether that was what they wanted or not. More- 14 210 HISTORICAL RALEIGH over, the mayor was such an apt scholar that he acquired the gift of public speaking from the lawyers who practised before him, and it is truth to say that among the public men of Raleigh there are few more effective than he in extemporaneous speaking on any matter of interest to the welfare of the community. In religious matters Mr. Thompson is actively identified with the First Presbyterian Church, of Ealeigh, of which he is a dea- con. He has an interesting family, and is at home to his friends at his beautiful residence in ISTew Bern Avenue. CHARLES FREDERICK COX The subject of this sketch, manager of Masters &Agee's clothing establishment, is a native of Kansas, born at Cedarville, February 12, 1884. Before coming to Raleigh he resided for a number of years in New York and Boston, obtaining his education in the latter city, where he also received the business training which has so admirably fitted him for the active i)ursuit of his chosen vocation as a clothing mer- chant, and in which he has met with success. On December 21, 1909, Mr. Cox was happily united in mar- riage to Miss Clara Imogine, the intelligent and attractive daughter of Franklin Moreau and Dora (Andrews) Masters, of Alabama. Their union has been blessed with a beautiful daugh- ter — Dora Imogine. Mr. Cox is a quiet and unassuming gentleman, of affable man- ners, and has made many friends in the capital city, where he is popular and held in high esteem. He is identified with Edenton Street M. E. Church, and is prominent in the fraternal order 1. O. O. F., holding member- ship in Seaton Gales Lodge, 'No. 64. HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF APEX, CARDENAS, GARY, GARNER, FUQUAY SPRINGS, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE WAKEFIELD, WAKE FOREST WENDELL, ZEBULON WITH BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THEIR PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS 212 IKE'S BARGAIN HOUSE Clothing and Shoes 229 and 231 Wilmington Street I. SELIGSON, Proprietor RALEIGH, N. C. My stock comprises an exhibit embodying clever concep- tions of good tastes and combining all the new style features of the season. D. T. MOORE & SON 116 EAST HARGETT STREET DEALERS IN TALLOW, BEESWAX, FEATHERS, WOOL, SCRAP IRON, METALS, RUBBER, BONES, ETC. Large or Small Quantities HIDES AND FURS A SPECIALTY HISTORICAL 213 APEX. The town of Apex had its beginning with the close of the Civil War. Among its first settlers were J. McC. Ellinglon, H. C. Olive, Q. I. Hudson, W. F. Utley, W. H. Harward, Brink- ley Olive, A. W. Betts and others, who contributed to its life in the beginning and afterwards. It was incorporated by the Legis- lature of 1871-72, with the late Hon. H. C. Olive as its first mayor. It derived its name from being the highest point on the survey of the Raleigh & Augusta Air Line Railroad. Until 1905 it was but a small town, where the standard of virtue, intelligence and patriotism was high, but where little progress in material things had been made. In that year, begin- ning with the organization of a bank and the establishment of a tobacco market, began a new life for the town and surrounding community. Fire later destroying a number of unsightly frame buildings, the first brick structure was soon erected. Again, in June, 1911, nearly all the remaining old frame buildings in the business section were also consumed by fire. JSTow the principal street of the town (Salem) is lined with handsome pressed-brick- f ront stores. Business houses have continued to increase in num- ber, until now nearly everything to complete a small city is here represented. This metropolis of western Wake is one of the busiest, most attractive and substantially built towns of its size in i^orth Carolina. Its streets are well laid out and splendidly shaded in the residential sections, while the business part of the town is marked with buildings of beautiful architectural designs and substantial construction. Apex has a population of about one thousand, and, being located in the centre of one of the best agricultural sections of the State, has a large rural territory from which to draw life and sustenance. It is in the limited "Old Belt" tobacco lands of N^orth Carolina and Virginia, which produce the finest yellow- wrapper tobacco. The tobacco market at Apex is one of its chief industries. It is equipped with two splendid warehouses, three large prizehouses, markets about two million pounds of tobacco 214 APEX annually, and enjoys the distinction of making the highest aver- age price per pound of any market in the State. It is the centre of a fine cotton-producing section, the receipts of this staple being from three to five thousand bales of cotton per year. Apex has splendid railroad facilities, being located on the main line of the great Seaboard Air Line Railway system and on the Durham & Southern Railway, the latter being the finest independent railway property in the State. It is also on the line of the Yadkin River Power Company, from which presently will come light and power to light the town and provide electri- cal power for the manufacturing plants which are certain to come. Apex is a community which may well be proud of its intel- lectual and moral status. Public education in Wake County has always found some of its most potent advocates and influences at Apex. Notable among those who have wielded an influence throughout the county in this respect are the late Hon. H. C. Olive, State Senator and for many years chairman of the Wake County Board of Education ; Hon. L. J, Sears, at present, and for many years past, chairman of the same board, and Hon. Percy J. Olive, an ex-representa- tive and a public man, who has taken especial interest in the schools. That these gentlemen are and were but the exponents of the sentiment around them is witnessed by the fact that Apex has one of the finest and best-equipped schools in the county, and that every school district in White Oak Township levies a local tax to supplement the general educational fund. Civic progressiveness is evidenced by a handsome municipal building, just erected, and paved streets — the result of a bond issue voted by the peo])le. The religious and moral status of the town is indicated by the splendid new Baptist Church just being completed, at a cost of between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. The Methodists and the Presbyterians each have imi)osing and commodious edi- fices. Several fraternal orders liave lodges here, Avhich find enthusiastic support. The financial backing of Ajx'x and eonimunity is most ample; HISTORICAL 215 there are two banks and an incorporated insurance and real- estate agency. As a trading mart and mercantile centre the town has grown to city proportions within the past few years. Every line is rep- resented. Its stores, in their handsome buildings, beautiful fix- tures and up-to-date stocks, would do credit to any city in the State. Here, as elsewhere, the day of the general store is pass- ing, and the store with the special line is taking its plac^. Few communities in the State have had more additions to their population within the past five years than has that of Avhich Apex is the centre. Those seeking desirable homes have found here a happy combination of advantages — fine lands, in- telligent, virtuous and hospitable neighbors, good markets, good roads, good schools and good churches. ]^o fictitious values have been placed upon the lands ; for, with the true idea of progress, the efforts of those who have done most for the community's up- building have been directed to keeping the real estate at its true value. Contributing mostly to this and at present forming the most valuable of its citizenship, without disparagement to others, may be mentioned Messrs. "W. F. Utley, W. H. Harward, A. B. Hunter, L. S. Olive, Percy J. Olive, Dr. W. Wade Olive, S. W. Stone, J. B. Mason, J. W. Lassiter, W. B. Upehurch, J. H. Sears, A. V. Baucom, A. C. Hughes, C. P. Sellars, W. B. John- son, A. D. Upehurch, Samuel Watkins, Jr., A. T. Seymour, C. R. Weaver, S. T. Bennett, B. H. Pate, J. E. Cunningham, S. V. Hudson, S. S. Rogers, J. R. JSTorris, G. C. I*^orris, R. J. Boiling, Dr. R. W. Stephens, Dr. R. W. Johnson, Dr. C. B. Wilkerson, J. F. Mills, S. A. Branch, W. H. F. Branch, L. J. Sears, M. G. Upehurch, G. E. Upehurch, H. B. Harward, J. R. Harward, R. L. Bagley. J. C. Burns, Q. I. Hudson and others. 216 BIOGRAPHICAL WILLIAM FRANCIS UTLEY, Sr. The honorable titles of banker, merchant and farm- er constitute the triple link that connects the name of William Francis Utley with the varied interests of southwestern Wake County. For many years the subject of this sketch has been act- ively identified with almost every worthy enterprise of the community in Avhich he lives, and has contributed his full share to the indus- trial, intellectual and moral uplift of the people among whom his lot has been cast. The history of the Utley family in Wake County dates back a century and a half, the progenitor thereof having come from Connecticut in 1760 and settled ten miles southwest of Raleigh. Here, then, has remained the ancestral home of the family, and in the region roundabout have sprung up and flourished numer- ous descendants, who have borne the name honorably through several generations, many of them enjoying in a marked degree the esteem and confidence of their neighbors and that larger con- stituency, the citizenship of the county. About the time the first Utley came to Wake County, James Speight settled some two miles nearer Raleigh, having come from Virginia. In the movement across the border came the brothers of James S]ieiglit and settled on Roanoke River. It was a daugliter of a lat(M- James Speight, Eliza, who became the Avifo of (i^uintoii rilcy iind tlie mother of William Francis Utley, BIOGRAPHICAL 217 the subject of this sketch. The mother of Eliza Speight was Polly Atkins, half-sister of Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon, who was at one time Governor of that State, and in 1860 candidate on the Breckenridge and Lane ticket for the vice-presidency. The subject of this sketch was born near Holly Springs, July 9, 1844. His father was a farmer and merchant, so he inherited a love for the soil and a taste for trade, and imbibed in his youth those habits and principles that formed the sure foundation upon which he has builded his success in life. Mr. Utley grew up amid rural surroundings, for which he formed such a strong attachment that city life was never able to charm him away from them. He obtained a high-school education at Holly Springs and Raleigh, and was just coming to the point where he could look out on dawning manhood when the cloud of war darkened our Southland and the call to arms changed his life plans for the next four years. Mr. Utley saw honorable service in the War Between the States. His military career began as orderly sergeant, Com- pany D of the famous Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment. Company D was organized at Holly Springs, May 14, 1861, and was known as Capt. Oscar Rand's company. Mr. LTtley was in the battle of Gettysburg, was wounded the third day, taken prisoner and confined at Davis Island, IST. Y., until he was paroled and exchanged, when he returned to the front. He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. At Reams Station, August 24, 1864, he was again wounded, losing his right leg below the knee. With one leg missing, his career as a soldier was ended. At the close of the war he was without means, but not without resources. He proceeded forthwith to break the local tradition that a one-legged man could not be anything but a cobbler ; and now, while advanced in years, he is hale and hearty, and is one of the best examples of what can be accom- plished by energy, industry and thrift. In 1870 Mr. Utley engaged in the lumber business at Apex, and three years later went into merchandise, which he prose- cuted successfully for thirty years. Since 1905 he has been engaged in farming and banking. He assisted in organizing the 218 APEX Merchants and Farmers Bank of Apex, and was its vice-presi- dent ; also the Peoples Bank of Apex, and was its president. He was interested in the Banking, Loan & Trust Company of San- ford, of which he was vice-president, and in the Merchants ISTational Bank of Raleigh, of which he has been second vice- president since its organization. Recently he has disposed of his interest in the Merchants and Farmers Bank of Apex, and also .in the Sanford bank. He is a director of the Golden Leaf Ware- house and the Consolidated Tobacco Company, both of Apex. Mr. Utley has served his people in a public capacity. For two years, beginning December, 1904, he was county commissioner, serving on what was known as the Adams board. Under Cleve- land's first administration he served four years as postmaster at Apex. He has also filled the office of justice of the peace. In view of the foregoing, it is almost superfluous to say that Mr. Utley is a Democrat of very pronounced type. In his church relations Mr. Utley is a Baptist, and as such he is active in the religious work of his community. That he be- lieves in triple links is evidenced by the fact that he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is fond of read- ing, and he has been fortunate in choosing his subjects, his favorite books being the Bible, Shakespeare and history. He has clear and positive views in regard to the public affairs of the county. A matter in which he is very much interested is the equalization of taxes and the economical expenditure of the public funds by capable officers. When quite a young man Mr. Utley married Miss Bettie Gibbons, daughter of Rev. Henry Hardy Gibbons (of the M. E. Church, South) and Elizabeth (Hardy) Gibbons. Of the chil- dren born to this union the following are living: Dr. Harry Gibbons Utley, William F. Utley, Jr., Lottie E. (wife of B. H. Parker, Gastonia, N. C), Elizabeth H. (wife of A. J. Fletcher, Washington, D. C). Delightfully situated at a convenient distance from the busi- ness centre of Apex, where town shades into country, Mr. Utley has a large and comfortable house, combining in its arrangement and furnishings the best features of urban and rural life. Here BIOGRAPHICAL 219 he and his most excellent wife dwell quietly and dispense true Southern hospitality in a way that warms the heart of every one wdio comes under their hospitable roof. LONNIE JEFFERSON SEARS The educational interests of Wake County have no Avarmer supporter or more constant friend than the subject of this sketch, who has proved his title to the warm regard of both teach- ers and pupils of the public schools. Lonnie Jefferson Sears is a native of Wake County, born near Apex, December 4, 1875. The Sears family, from which he is descended, has been prominent in the affairs of Wake and Chatham coun- ties for several generations. The progenitor of the family came from Virginia to North Carolina in colonial times and settled in Chatham County. At a later period a less remote ancestor of Mr. Sears moved into Wake and became a citizen of White Oak Township, where he and his descendants have ranked among the most prominent and substantial men of their community. The education of Lonnie Sears was obtained in the public schools of Wake and the Chatham High School. Although not enjoying the privilege of a course in college, he has improved his opportunities until he has become a man of well-rounded culture, possessed of a valuable fund of information upon subjects within the range of things that go to make up an education. With native intelligence of a high order, combined with industry and strict integrity, he has steadily developed his higher faculties until he ranks with the leading citizens and prominent business men of Apex, and, indeed, of the entire county of Wake. 220 APEX The business energies of Mr. Sears for the past two years have been devoted to real estate and insurance, in Avhich he has achieved a notable success, making himself an important factor in developing the material interests of the community in which he lives. For a year and a half before engaging in his present vocation he was assistant cashier of the Merchants and Farmers Bank of Apex. In this sphere of activity he exhibited financial ability worthy of many who have had much larger experience in the banking business, and at the same time won the confidence and esteem of all who had the pleasure of business relations with him as patrons of the bank. While Mr. Sears has achieved success of which anyone in his circumstances might well feel proud, it is as a leader of the public educational interests of his county that his talents have shone resplendent. His heart is in his work, and he gives it the serious attention of one who thoroughly believes that the future welfare of the commonwealth depends upon the teaching and training the children receive in the public schools. For several years he has had the distinction of serving his fellow-citizens in the capacity of chairman of the county board of education, in which position he has displayed conspicuous devotion to the moral and intellectual uplift of the boys and girls of the county. Deeply interested as he is in whatever affects the real welfare of his people, Mr. Sears considers that among the important matters to which the citizens of Wake County and the State should give earnest consideration are the improvement of the public-school system, the construction of good roads, better methods of farming, and extension of the rural telephone service. On December 27, 1899, Mr. Sears was happily united in mar- riage to Miss Mattie L., daughter of Joseph H. and Mary Mills, of Wake. To this union there have berohibitioii is Avrong in principle. BIOGRAPHICAL 251 Besides, it is not temperance and is not founded on God's trulli. We need better roads and more money for our schools, which we had in the county before the prohibition law went into effect. Mr. Alford believes the State prohibition law should be repealed ; that the county should issue bonds for building modern high- ways, and not keep on wasting the taxes, as is the prevailing- practice. For the benefit of young men starting in life, Mr. Alford Avould say that there is no better time to strike out for one's self than now. Economy is the first lesson to be learned. If a young man will choose an honorable vocation and stick to it with persistent patience, he will command success. A steady, slow and sure advance on the road to fortune is more to be desired than a mushroom growth, however fascinating the latter may be. Reading good books is helpful to the young man in business. In all his reading, the Bible should be first. Mr. Alford is an occasional contributor to the newspapers, having written for The A^ews and Observer, The Gold Cham- pion, The Evening Times and some others. He has been too busy with other matters to attempt any ambitious task in writing. The interest of Mr. Alford in local educational affairs appears from the fact that he is chairman of the Holly Springs Public High School Committee. Besides, he is president of the Holly Springs Land & Improvement Company and president of the G. B. Alford Company (Incorporated). Mr. Alford has been married twice. His first wife was Char- lotte Ann, daughter of Johnson and Martha Olive. His second wife, who is now living, was Mrs. Texanna O. Collins, widow of "Walter Collins. Mr. Alford has two children — a daughter. Mat- tie v., who is married to Mr. R. J. Utley, and a son. Green Haywood Alford. 252 MORRISVILLE MORRISVILLE About tlie year 1853, when the survey was being made in the vicinity of Morrisville for the construction of the I^orth Caro- lina Railroad (now a division of the Southern Railway), Mr. Jerry Morris generously donated to the company the right-of- way over his land, on condition that a railroad station be located at this point. The station was therefore named in his honor. From this period there gradually grew up here a community of thrifty and intelligent inhabitants, many of whom have been among the most prominent citizens of the county. A pioneer settler was Williamson Page, one of the wealthiest citizens and most prosperous planters of his time. He was the father of the late ex-Sheriif M. W. Page. Morrisville is situated twelve miles west of Raleigh, in one of the best agricultural sections of the county. Although it is a modest little community of only two hundred and twenty-five inhabitants, the town has several dry-goods and grocery stores, one drug store, planing-mills, sawmills and a hosiery mill, all of them doing a thriving business. The moral and religious tone of the town is evidenced by two churches, the Baptist and the Christian, both of which have large memberships. The town was incorporated iji 1875. The present mayor is Mr. E. W. Clements. At the call to arms in 1861 the citizenship of Morrisville was ready for the conflict, and a company of volunteers was soon enrolled, with Malcus W. Page as captain. The company was known as Company I, Sixth N'orth Carolina Regiment. In the Pirst Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, in which this company was engaged, the first to fall were Joe Morris and Joe Aiisloy ; the wounded were J. II. Moring and Ilarman Sears. Of the earlier merchants who will be pleasantly remembered by the older inhabitants, but all of whom are now deceased, were S. F. Page, W. M. Jackson, W. II. Morris, T. C. Sears, W. H. Merritt, M. "W. Page. Among the prominent citizens and merchants at this time are Messrs. William L. Page, son of the late M. W. Page ; S. R. HISTORICAL 253 Horne, C. F. Ferrell, J. H. Moring, Kev. G. W. Clements, E. W. Clements, J. L. Clements, W. H. H. Proctor, James L. Pugh, Dr. E. Kiggsbee, W. B. Johnson »t Co., C. F. Maynard, E. B. Edwards and H. C. Marconi. One of the earl}' physicians was Dr. Alison. Following him, at different periods, were Drs. R. M. Patterson, N. D. York, W. T. Ilerndon, A. T. Cotton, W. H. Boone. The present physi- cian is Dr. E. A. Riggsbee. The oldest inhabitant of Morrisville is Mr. J. L. Pugh, who has reached the ripe age of eighty-four. WAKE FOREST The town of Wake Forest and the college from which its name was derived had their origin about the same time; they have grown up together, shared each other's prosperity and adversity ; and now they have come into their own together — one a flourishing town, a center of mercantile and manufacturing industry, a home of culture and refinement ; the other a seat of learning, holding a place of pre-eminence in the great Baptist denomination and ranking with the very best educational insti- tutions in this good commonwealth. Less than one hundred years ago the State University was the only institution of higher learning in North Carolina. During the first quarter of the nineteenth century there came into North Carolina several well-trained young Baptist ministers, among whom were Samuel Wait, Thomas Meredith and John Arm- strong. They found the Baptists of the State numerous, but without organization or educated leadership. Under the influ- ence of these men was organized in 1830 the Baptist State Con- vention, one of whose chief purposes was the preparation of young men "called to the ministry." There was no school under Baptist control to which such young men could be sent. There were in the State, however, schools taught by Baptists. These young men Avere sent to them, and their expenses were borne 254 WAKE FOREST l^artl}' by the Convention. The need of a Baptist school was urgent. At the second annual session of the Convention, in 1832, a committee was appointed to plan such a school. This committee purchased the farm of Dr. Calvin Jones, seventeen miles north of Raleigh. It contained 615 acres and cost the sum of $2,500. Manual-labor schools were popular at that time. The Baptists of Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia were adopting the system. The Convention committee thought that the system would suit the needs of N^orth Carolina, and upon their application the Legislature of 1833 grudgingly granted a meagre charter for a manual-labor and classical school, under the name of ''Wake Forest Institute." Samuel Wait was chosen principal. In February, 1834, the school was opened with sixteen students. The first year the principal was the only teacher. For several years the farm buildings did duty for school purposes. In 1838 the manual featui'e was abolished and the Institute was re-chartered as Wake Forest College. From this small beginning Wake Forest College has grown into a great institution of learning, Avith a numerous faculty, large, handsome and well-equipped buildings, and a student body numbering between four and five hundred. The total endowment of the college at the last annual report of the trus- tees, December, 1912, was $455,069.30. The college property, exclusive of endo\Aauent, is valued at $188,925. The town has grown up around the college and has extended its limits far beyond the boundaries of the Calvin Jones farm. The deed to the farm, dated August 28, 1832, conveyed the land to John Purefoy, William R. Hinton, Simon G. Jeffreys, Jr., and James G. Hall, as trustees. From the recollections of some of the oldest citizens, it appears that the original grounds of the college extended to the north as far as the residence of Mr. W. C. Powell, and to the east almost to the former home of Mr. AV. O. Allen. Its southern boundary reached as far as the present residence of Mr. John G. Dunn, and its western limit was Richland Creek. An additional piece of ground mentioned in the deed lies to the west of the creek and is now owned by Mr. W. C. Brewer. HISTORICAL 255 In 1837 permission was given the Raleigli & Gaston Railroad to cross the institute grounds and build a station. The road Avas built, but not till 1873 was Wake Forest recognized as of more importance than a flag station, the nearest passenger and freight station being at Forestville, a mile distant. In 1838 a committee was appointed to consider the expediency of laying off a town at the Institute. The next year the trustees ado^Dted the following resolution: "That a portion of the land at Wake Forest Institute be sold, in suitable lots for family residences and other necessary pur- poses, on condition that no gambling house, that no house or shop where spirits shall be kept for sale, or that no other nui- sance shall be put on them, and that a good building be erected thereon and inhabited within two years from date of sale." An auction sale of lots took place on the 4th of February, 1839. This date is reckoned as the birthday of the town. It may be of interest to note that sixteen acres of this land, con- stituting the present business portion of the town, was bought from Dr. Brooks by Dr. W. B. Royall, and afterwards, by the desire of the trustees and at great personal sacrifice, were resold to the college at the rate of twenty-five dollars an acre. The subsequent history of Wake Forest is a story of commer- cial and industrial activity, of building, enlarging and expand- ing, until the town, leaving the college out of consideration, has become one of the most important in Wake County, excepting the capital city. Its present is most solid and substantial, and its future is full of promise. Its progress and prosperity are well assured. Note. — For the data for the foregoing sketch of Wake Forest the author is deeply indehted to Prof. B. F. Sledd. professor of English in Wake Forest College. 256 "WAKE FOREST BIOGRAPHICAL HENRY GRAHAM HOLDING County Auditor The subject of this sketch is a native of Wake County, born at Wake Forest, Octo- ber 6, 1859. He is the son of Willis Holding, a pros- perous farmer, and Nannie (Pace) Holding. His mother is a daughter of Solomon Pace, a brother of the late W. H. Pace, who, in his day, ranked with the leading lawyers of the State. The preparatory educa- tion of Mr. Holding was ob- tained in the noted school of Mrs. A. V. Purefoy, in his home town, after Avhich he matriculated at Wake Forest College, graduating with honors in 1882. Commencing his business career in the coal business in Ten- nessee with his uncle, the late W. H. Pace, after being so en- gaged for a number of years, in 1892 he returned to his native State and to Wake Forest to engage in his future life work as a tiller of the soil, to which he has since been devoted and in which he is still (>ngaged. Continuing actively on liis farm until 1906, Mr. Holding was then elected Superintendent of County Roads and filled this position for three years with much credit to himself and to all interested. Indeed, so creditably were his duties performed that; M'hen tlie office of County Auditor was created by the General Assembly in 1911 he was chosen to fill this most responsible position, which he still holds, having been elected by the people the following year. BIOGRAPHICAL 257 JSrot only does his special aptitude for this office, and his superior executive ability, eminently fit Mr. Holding for this position, but the wisdom he exercises in the choice of his efficient corps of assistants furnishes a sufficient reason for believing that the discriminating voters of Wake will continue him in office for an indefinite time. Besides the question of good roads, Mr. Holding considers that of public education the principal thing that should engage the mind of the public, for it is upon this that the intellectual, moral and material welfare of the State depends. In 1894 Mr. Holding was happily married to Miss Elma T., daughter of Henry and Letitia Davis. Of this union there have been born three interesting children — Graham Davis, Clem Bol- ton and Ethel Catharine. Politically, Mr. Holding is a Democrat. Religiously, though a member of no church, he affiliates with the Baptist. In all the relations of life and to every trust Henry Graham Holding has been true ; as a friend he is faithful and sincere, and in every respect he is a representative citizen, of which the county of Wake should feel justly proud. Mr. Holding would impress upon young men these truths : That the road to success lies in strict integrity, industry, ad- herence to the Golden Rule, and in the performance with cheer- fulness of whatsoever tasks that may be allotted. WAKEFIELD This historic town is in Little River Township, near the ISTor- folk Southern Railroad, thirty-two miles east of Raleigh, and situated in one of the best tobacco-growing sections of the State. Its population is about two hundred. Next to Raleigh, Wakefield is the oldest town in the county of Wake, dating its birth more than sixty years ago, before any railroad, except the Raleigh & Gaston, had made its appearance anywhere in the State. 17 258 WENDELL • In the vicinity of wliere Wakefield is situate, and several years prior to its origin, A. G. Foster conducted a general store. Ho was a prominent citizen and man of affairs of his time, conduct- ing, besides his store, a successful saw- and grist-mill on Little River, Mr. Foster was the father of Fenton G. Foster, the pio- neer inventor of the typesetting machine. Wakefield is so called from the fact that this was the name given to the first post office in this vicinity, and, during stage- coach times, was known as the "half-way relay house" on the stage route between Raleigh and Rocky Mount. Among the original and substantial inhabitants of Wakefield and its vicinity were D. G. Horton, Booker Griffin, the Burnses and Chamblees, a number of whose descendants now rank with the county's prominent citizens. Of these should be mentioned Dr. G. M. Bell, a wealthy and one of the most progressive physi- cians of the county ; W. H. Chamblee, Jr., member of the Board of County Commissioners and ])ublic demonstrator of agricul- ture ; John A. Kemp, merchant ; Dr. M. C. Chamblee, physician, merchant and member of the County Board of Education ; W. S. Horton, planter ; T. L. Honeycutt, merchant ; and D. D. Massey, a man of affairs and widely and favorably known throughout the county. WENDELL Prior to 1885 the location now occupied by the flourishing town of Wendell was simply "the country." Xo indication of a town was to be seen, and no one dreamed of such a thing at that place. The following people, mostly farmers, lived in the locality about that time : J. R. Xowell, Ambrose Rhodes, McLen- don Tucker, C. Z. Todd, W. H. Richardson, Atlas Nowell and a fcAV Others. The first indication of a village at this point was the establish- ment of a scliool which should be a sort of academic institution, including the public schools of that district. Some building was done to provide better school accommodation, through the influ- HISTORICAL 259 260 WENDELL ence of J. R. Xowell, C. Z. Todd, McLendon Tucker aiul others. The school was placed in charge of M. A. Griffin, who is now a prominent resident of Wenclell. Soon after the establishment of the school a few families located there, and one or two small stores were erected. About the year 1892 a post office was estab- lished at the store of J. R. No well and named Wendell, which name was suggested by M. A. Griffin, who was the first post- master. Thus the present town of "Wendell Avas born and launched on its career, the ultimate success of which is yet fo bo seen. After this somewhat unpropitious beginning of what we now call the town of Wendell, it grew slowly for a few years "without much reputation, either good or bad. But at last a railroad (the Norfolk Southern) was projected through that part of the coun- try, and, fortunately for Wendell, was induced to locate a depot immediately at that point, and from that hour the life, success and perpetuity of the town of Wendell was assured. Soon such far-sighted men as R. B. Whitley, -E. Y. Richardson, M. A. Griffin, B. D. Honeycutt and others began to locate in the infant town, purchase land, lay off streets and build residences and business houses. The old school structure was enlarged, giving way to the largest and finest graded-school building in the State, outside of Raleigh. The Christian people also soon began to devise ways and means for public worship, which resulted in the organization of a Baptist and a Methodist churcli, with good church buildings. Since then two or three other denominations have organized and hope to have churcli edifices soon. The corporation of Wendell contains one square mile. Streets are being extended every year and put in good condition as fast as needed. New residences are going up rapidly in different parts of the town, and yet the demand for homes is continually on the increase. Large and prominent brick business houses are now superseding the wooden structures, and soon the broad and smooth business streets will begin to assume a beautiful and city- like appearance. The hum of three large lumber mills enlivens the town, these jihinls shi])ping daily thousands of feet of nicely HISTORICAL 2() 1 dressed lumber, besides giving eiaploynient to biiudreds of operatives. Wendell can boast also a large cotton mill, running on full time and giving employment to scores of industrious and con- tented people. Also there are tvi^o sales houses for tobacco now in full blast. And it is a fact, it seems, that Wendell is destined to have the greatest if not the only tobacco market between Raleigh and Wilson. Two real good hotels have been erected iri the town (though one of them is now in ashes) for the accom- modation of the public. The one still open is the Hotel Morris, conducted by Mrs. W. E. Morris, and is in every respect all that could be desired. Besides all these things, the town has a newspaper, llie Clarion; a bank, three physicians, a lawyer, a dentist, an opti- cian ; also a market, repair shops of various kinds, a baseball park, and a well-kept cemetery. Wendell is in the midst of a splendid farming country, which is being improved every year. The people living on these farms are generally of the best type of original North Carolinians — a whole-souled, generous, industrious and Christian people. A town so well situated as is Wendell, and wliich, within the space of six years, has grown from a mere cross-roads locality to a community of eleven hundred inhabitants, must within a few decades become a city of much importance. The slogan of this thriving town is : "Watch WoRKI^"G Wen- dell Win." Note. — For the foregoing historic sketch of Wendell the editor is indebted and hereby returns thanks to the venerable and much-beloved Rev. W. C. Nowell, of Wendell. He is now seventy- five years of age and has been preaching the Gospel for more than fifty years. 262 WENDELL BIOGRAPHICAL MALLIE ASA GRIFFIN ^Vt the forefront among those active in the commer- cial and industrial life of Wendell is the subject of this sketch, whose devotion to the welfare of his com- munity is attested by the fact that he is president of the Wendell Industrial k Development Club. Born at Stanhope, in Xash County, where his an- cestors for several genera- tions had lived, M. A. Grif- fin grew up among the man-making influences of rural life. He was the son of Pressly and Margaret (Sullivan) Griffin. After laying the groundwork of his education in the public schools of the neighborhood, he attended Wakefield High School, where his scholarship was so promising that he was encouraged to take a college course, which he did at the University of Nashville, Tenn., from which institution he graduated with honor in 1891. with the degree of L. J . The first occupation to claim the attention of Mr. Griffin after graduating was that of teaching, in which he engaged with marked success for eight years, Wendell and Spring Hope being the communities favored with his valued services to the rising generation. After nearly a decade of school-room work, he turned his attention toward a different career, engaging in the tobacco warehouse business, first at Spring Hope and afterwards at Dunn. Later, for two years, he Avas general agent of a life insurance company at Raleigh. It was M'liilc he was jirosecuting the insurance business with BIOGRAPHICAL 263 great success in the capital city that Mr. Griffin heard the call to the new and rapidly growing town of Wendell, and he decided to cast in his lot there, having already learned from previous residence that the possibilities of its future were almost un- bounded. Two lines of enterprise were especially inviting ro him, viz., real estate and lumber, and he decided to engage in both. His success in these branches of industry has fully justi- fied him in becoming a citizen of the new towa and future city. Mr. Griffin is a vigorous thinker in regard to matters that concern the public welfare, much of which he justly attributes to his discriminating habit of reading the best newspapers and magazines published in North Carolina and other parts of tlie Union. His value to the communities in which he has lived is evidenced by the calls his fellow-citizens have made upon his services. For five years he was a justice of the peace in j^ash County; for two years he was Mayor of Spring Hope; and at the present time, as well as for several years past, he is an alderman of Wendell. In the General Assembly, at its session of 1913, Mr. Griffin was one of Wake's Representatives in the lower house, and in- augurated and promoted much valuable legislation, both of a local and State-w^ide character. He was a member of the fol- lowing committees, in the conferences of which he rendered efficient service : Education, Agriculture, Counties, Cities and Towns, Institutions for the Blind, Regulation of Public Service Corporations, and M^as chairman of the Committee on Public Roads and Turnpikes. The views and opinions of Mr. Griffin are much sought after in his community. Being asked for a suggestion as to how the best interests of Wake County may be promoted, he said : ''If the people of Wake County will become more interested in the improvement of their road system and their public schools, and see to it that permanent roads are built — at least one in each township — with the present road taxes, the people will have before them an object-lesson that will teach them the absolute necessity of having good roads all over the county; then they will be almost a unit for a bond issue of at least a million dollars, 264 WENDELL which is needed to build the necessary roads leading to Raleigh and the dozen progressive young towns in the county. Each school district in Wake should be a special-tax district and should have a commodious and attractive building, having a school term of at least six months. If we would have a highly enlightened and progressive citizenship in Wake County, then we must open wide the school-house doors in every district for at least half the year." A matter in which Mr. Griffin takes a worthy pride is the fact that he named Wendell. It is said that he knows as much about the town as any other citizen, and possibly a little more. Doubt- ful it is if any other man in the place is doing more for its up- building than he. Mr. Griffin, in politics, writes the name of his party Demo- cratic, with a big D. He is a prominent secret and fraternal society man, holding membership in the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America. The charms of domestic life led Mr. Griffin into the matri- monial state in his young manhood. He married Miss Sallie J. Richardson, daughter of Josiah A. and Tempie A. Richardson. To this union nine children were born, the following of whom are living: Pauline IT., Erdine M., Christine A., Irene M., J. Harold and William H. He is raising them up to believe that they will live to see Wendell one of the livest, most progressive and most prosperous cities in North Carolina. WILLIAM TILDEN ROBERTS The type of versatile man who tries his hand at many things and makes a success of all is illustrated by the career of William Tilden Roberts, of Wendell. The last day of the centennial year (1876) of .Vnierican independence there came into the home of Edward and Frances (Forsyth) Roberts, of Granville County, a boy who was destined to make his mark in the indus- trial life of a rising and rapidly growing young town of Wake. Wlicn lie was old enough to foi-m an accjuaiiitaiicc with the three BIOGRAPHICAL 265 E's, William was sent to the neighborhood free school, which was taught in a log house. As there was a large family to he supported, the boy did not have much of a chance to acquire an education, but, as has been said, he learned enough to make his mark, which is something worth while. When William was twenty- one years old he took charge of the farm of A. J. Veaz- zey, in Granville, and culti- vated it three years. He then rented land and raised tobacco with such success that in a short time he was able to buy a farm. Two years later he sold it to advantage and engaged in the lumber business with John L. Roberts at Creed- moor and Stem. Next he was in the same business at old Eagle Rock. Three years ago, seeing that Wendell was destined to become an important industrial and trade centre, he decided to make that place his home. Having acquired large land and tim- ber interests, he devoted his energies to improving the property. Later he sold his interest to his brother. Mr. Roberts then bought a planing mill at Wendell, and is the owner of a flourishing -cotton-gin. He has built up a large business, supplying dressed lumber for the local and I^orthern markets. He bought a lot in town and built a handsome dwell- ing house, at a cost of $4,000. Also he is the owner of a farm on which he raises splendid crops, consisting principally of corn, cotton and tobacco. At the time this sketch was written he was preparing to erect a garage, as he was also engaged in the busi- ness of selling automobiles. Evidencing his interest in the welfare of his community, Mr. Roberts became _a charter member of the Wendell Industrial and Development Club, while his interest in his fellow-man is fur- 266 ZEBULON ther attested by liis membership in the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He is a member of the Methodist church and is a liberal supporter of all its undertakings. In politics he is a Democrat. He stands firm for public morality, as shown by his support of prohibition. The good wife of Mr. Eoberts was Miss Magg ISTeva Goss, daughter of Elijah and Eliza Goss. Their family consists of Viola, Myrtle, Sadie and William Elmo, all bright and attractive childi'en. As might be expected, Mr. Roberts is a public-spirited man. He is in favor of extending and enlarging the facilities for pub- lic education, and he believes in improving the roads. His ad- vice to young men is to be industrious and honorable, and always to observe the Golden Rule. ZEBULON ISToT more than five years ago the place where the thriving and industrious town of Zebulon is now located was a stretch of forest, and, for all practical purposes, of little notice. In all this region there was simply an expanse of woods, containing only one farm house to break tlie monotony of vision for the rambler who chanced to pass this way. But, as is always the case, commercial life seeks to build itself along the path of the railroad; so, Avith the coming of the Nor- folk Southern Railroad the town of Zebulon sprang into exist- ence with magical rapidity. This expanse of undeveloped terri- tory quickly yielded to the touch of the business hand, and the scene changed to one of progress and live industry. This was found to be the logical point for a railway station, since it is the centre of a large surrounding territory, rich in soil, containing agricultural possibilities capable of vast development. Here, also, was found a timber region excelled possibly by no other part of the State. Hence the lumber industry is now one of the chief enterprises, giving its share to the town's prosperity. HISTORICAL 267 The location furnislied the town its best advertising. In a very short time Zebulon was recognized as an important com- mercial centre for this broad scope of territory situated midway between Ealeigh and Wilson. Men of thrift, energy and means were soon interested in the business projects of the new town. Mills, factories, stores and a bank were all erected and doing business scarcely before the people realized what they had done. New highways were soon opened and the old ones improved through the surrounding territory — all leading to Zebulon. The people began to look upon the town as a reality and recognize it as a centre of business and population. Among the industries to be noticed and those wdiich have done much to establish the town on a permanent basis, the Zebulon Hosiery Mill should attract attention. This concern is under the management of Mr. T. J. Horton and is considered one of the best-equipped small hosiery mills in the South. Recently it has added a number of machines and increased its output about fifty per cent. This establishment employs more than one hundred hands, has a pay-roll which means something to the town, and sends its products throughout the country. The Zebulon Cotton Oil Mill is also a factor to be considered in the life of Zebulon. This concern, under the management of Superintendent R. R. Creech, has recently doubled its capacity. Nothing else need be said to show that this business is working on a sound basis and at the same time making progress. The mill gives Zebulon an enviable trade in cotton seed, and has much to do with making it a rapidly growing cotton market. The lumber interests have already been mentioned as having much to do in making the history of the town. Since the tim- bered lands make up such a large portion of the natural re- sources of this region, one can hardly think of Zebulon without associating the name with the lumber output. The planing mills ship from this point anywhere from fifty to sixty carloads of dressed lumber per week. The mercantile establishments are worthy of notice in a sketch of this kind. The merchants are intelligent, progressive business men, seeking to make .their stores keep pace with the rapid 268 ZEBULON growth of the town, the well-stocked establishments, attractive show-windows, and busy clerks indicating that Zebulon is a cen- tre of trade and that people come here to do business. Possibly no new toAvn in the country has had a more rapid growth, com- mercially, than Zebulon. The Bank of Zebulon is proof of an enterprising people. Four years ago this institution was only an experiment ; now it is a big business, with a capital of $25,000, while the deposits exceed one hundred thousand dollars. Much of the bank's prosperity is due to the wise management of the directors and the cashier, Mr. F. C. Bunn. Notwithstanding the material growth of Zebulon, which has been marvelous, its people have not been lacking in those things which make for their spiritual and intellectual w^elfare. Two handsome churches, representing the Methodist and Baptist denominations, have been erected, and a school building adorns this community that would do credit to any town in the State. Wakelon High School is the result of united effort on the part of the citizens of Wakefield and Zebulon. The building is situ- ated midway between the two towns and serves the needs of the public for miles around. The school has a faculty of ten teach- ers and an enrollment of more than four hundred pujiils. This institution has the hearty support of the citizens. It is doing a work second to no institution of its kind in the State. The very efficient ])rincipal of the school is Prof. E. H. Moser. The town of Zebulon is beautifully ])lotted. The streets are broad, meeting each other at right angles, all of them running parallel to each other, thus giving the town a convenient and artistic arrangement. One of the most noticeable features, how- ever, is the neat appearance of the town — the streets are kept clean and show constantly signs of improvement. The residential sections are a credit to the community. Around many of the homes trees have been ])lanted, walks laid off, and lawns cultivated. The people take a pride in beautifying their dwelling places and cultivating their a^stiietic tastes. The moral tone of Zebulon is in keeping with its other com- nninitv interests. The ])eople stand for developing their best HISTOUK'AI, 269 270 ZEBULON side of life. They are not divided, but work together for the betterment of the entire citizenship. The progressive spirit of Zebulon conveys marked signs of advancement in the right direction. BIOGRAPHICAL THOMAS JACKSON HORTON Born on the spot where the present town and future city of Zebulon stands, Thomas Jackson Horton went out at an early age to see some of the world and learn some lessons in the school of experience, and then came back to his native heath to achieA'e success as a manufacturer, banker and man of business. On the 4th of December, 1878, when Thomas J. Hor- ton was born, and for nearly thirty years afterwards, the present site of Zebulon was a farm, owned by John W. Horton, father of the subject of this sketch. The mother of Thomas was Martha (Strickland) Hor- ton. The early history of Wake County shows that the Horton family was prominent when the country was in the making. John W. Horton was one of the best men in his community and was highly esteemed for his upright and godly manner of life. When the Norfolk Southern was surveyed through the eastern part of Wake County, Mrs. Horton sold part of the farm to the railroad. Ou this ground the station was located and the town was laid out. BIOGRAPHICAL 271 The opportunities of Thomas Horton to obtain an education were meagre. When he was ten years old his father died, leav- ing nine children, of whom he was the sixth. Thenceforth the farm had a paramount claim upon his time; so it fell out that a few weeks in school each year for three years was the sum total of his study of the three R's. When Thomas was twelve years old his mother moved to Dur- ham, where the children were put to work. His first employ- ment was in the Duke cigarette factory, at fifty cents a day. After working four years at that job, he obtained a situation as operator of a press in the smoking tobacco factory of E. J. Par- rish, where he remained two years. The next two years he worked in the Durham Hosiery Mill, where he got the cue to his future career. Then, at the age of twenty, he was engaged as superintendent of the Daisy Hosiery Mills, at Burlington. A year later he was in Durham again, engaged in the bicycle busi- ness, which he conducted successfully on one hundred dollars capital, borroAved money. This continued five years, and then the lure of his birthplace and the vision of a coming city on his father's farm impelled him to close out his business and move to Zebulon, where he has now been living six years, and where he is so well satisfied that he intends to stay as long as he lives. The first undertaking of Thomas Horton in Zebulon was the organization of a company to manufacture hosiery. The result of his efforts was the Zebulon Hosiery Mills, of which he was made president and general manager. This mill is in successful operation, and the company is doing a flourishing business, which is continually increasing. The present capacity is six hundred pairs of hose daily. The mill is equipped with a finish- ing plant, in which the goods are prepared for the retail trade, with which they are very popular in all parts of the country, and are justly regarded as the equal in quality of any on the market. The Bank of Zebulon had its inception in the mind of Thomas J. Horton, and its successful management is in large measure due to his wise and able direction. The bank was organized in 1908 with $5,000 paid-in capital, which two years later was doubled. At the present time the deposits are in excess of one hundred 272 ZEBUI.ON thousand dollars. Mr. Horton has been president of the bank from the first. In its brief career the Bank of Zebulon has out- grown one place of business and is now located in a building specially constructed and equipped according to the most ap- proved modern methods. In 1902 Mr. Horton united his fortune and his destiny with those of Miss Alice Wade Giddins, daughter of J. T. and Fran- ces Giddins. Their union has been blessed by three children, AA'ho are Helen, Bessie F., and James G. The religious, moral and educational interests of Zebulon have an earnest supporter in Thomas J. Horton. He was active in the organization of the Methodist Church in the town, when eight members were all that could be mustered. The church now has a membership of more than a hundred. He is a steward in the church and is active in every department of his denomina- tional work. He holds the opinion that religion and industry mutually stimulate and promote each other, his ideas being in harmony with those entertained by Solomon in his day. Mr. Horton is in favor of the best the State and the community can give the rising generation in the way of educational facilities, and is enthusiastic for public improvements, such as the building of modern roads. He is a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. EARLY HAMPTON MOSER Choosino to cast his lot in a community long celebrated for its intelligence and culture, Early Hampton Moser has devoted his best endeavors to the building up of a high school of superior standing, and it is but a just tribute to say that remarkable suc- cess has attended his efforts. The subject of this sketch was horn in Surry County, Novem- ber 6, 1880, being the son of Basil Elijah and TlK'ruso])he (Hou- ser) Moser. His ancestors came from Germany in the colonial period and fought for American liberty in the Revolutionary War. They settled near Salem, and their descendants have spread out over Xorth Carolina and other States. The Mosors BIOGRAPHICAL 273 are thrifty, industrious people, who have home an honorable part in the affairs of the community in which they live. Basil Moser is a farmer and luni- bsrman. Two of his broth- ers served in the Confeder- ate army, as did also the father of Mrs. Moser. The educational advan- tages of Early Moser were excellent. After pursuing with diligence his studies in Siloam Academy and Bell- view Academy, he entered Western Maryland College, where he gi*aduated in 1910 Avith the degree of A.B. While in college he was president of the Webster Literary Society and editor of The College Annual. Before going to college Mr. Moser had valuable experience as a teacher. His first work in the line of his profession was at Dover, Craven County, where he had part in securing a fine brick building for the school. After graduation he accepted the principalship of the Wakelon High School, an institution of superior grade, situated midway between Wakefield and Zebu- Ion — hence the name. The advancement of Mr. Moser has been steady and rapid. He began as instructor in a one-teacher school ; next he was principal of a two-teacher school ; then he became principal of a four-teacher high school. N'ow he is at the head of a high school with ten teachers and four hundred pupils. Referring to his work in connection with the closing exercises in May, 1912, The Zehulon News said : ''In every feature of the school work during the year the improvement has been marked. No high school is better equipped with an abler faculty than is Wakelon, with Prof. E. H. Moser and his strong corps of assistants. Pro- fessor Moser is not only a man of deep thought and brilliant 18 274 ZEBULON intellect, but a man who is a thorough student of human nature, and understands the care and control of children." When Mr. Moser left Dover, Mr. Q. V. Richardson, chairman of the school committee, writing to the Kinston Free Press, said : "Our people, both old and young, regretted very much to see him leave. He has been principal of the Dover High School two years, and during this time he has thoroughly entrenched himself in the hearts of our people. We have never seen a more model young man. His presence is a benediction to any indi-: vidual or community. We all love him, because he is worthy to be loved." Mr. Moser owes much of his success to his practice of diligent and discriminating reading. His favorite subjects are ethics, psychology and biography, including, of course, books relating to the profession of teaching. He is a man of high ideals, which appears in his life rather than in any standards by which he claims to live. Mr. Moser is a wide-awake citizen, in favor of everything that promises to make the living conditions of the people better. He is actively identified with the Zebulon Industrial Club. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Republican. JESSE FRANKLIN COLTRANE, D.D. S. Born at Old Trinity, in Randolph County, June 3, 1882, Jesse Franklin Coltrane traces his descent back to John Col- trane, who came to America from Scotland about the year 1760 and obtained from Governor Tryon the grant of a large tract of land, which has remained in the possession of the family to the present day. Dr. Coltraine is the son of Rev. N. E. Coltrane, a prominent minister of the North Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South. His mother was Ida May, daughter of Prof. W. T. Gannaway, who was a noted instructor and professor of Latin in Trinity College for thirty-five years, and was acting president of the college two years. BIOGRAPHICAL 275 Dr. Coltrane was prepared for college at Eoxboro Institute. In 1899 he matriculated in Trinity College, at Durham, from which institution he was graduated in 1903 vnth the degree of Bachelor of Arts and the distinction of cmn laude. For the next few years the subject of this sketch was Professor Col- trane, for after his gradua- tion he devoted his talents to the instruction of youth. The first scene of his activi- ties was at Lydia, S. C, as principal of Epworth High School. Following this en- gagement he was called to the principalship of the city schools of Fayetteville, N. C, where he remained until 1906, when he determined to engage in a pro- fessional career, having chosen dentistry as his life Avork. In the fall of that year he entered the Medical College of Virginia, and while engaged in his dental studies taught in the Richmond Academy. In 1909 he received his degree of D. D. S., and soon thereafter, passing a successful examination before the State Dental Board, he entered upon the practice of dentistry at Zebulon, opening an office and operating rooms in August of the same year. Dr. Coltrane has risen rapidly in his profession and has been rewarded by an appreciative public with a fine practice, which has been built up by uniting high professional skill with con- scientious work, a combination that will win success anywhere and everywhere. Naturally, one would expect Dr. Coltrane to be a diligent reader, which he is, and, more than that, he is a discriminating reader of the best books and current literature relating to his profession. In. his opinion, success in any sphere of life is due to determination of purpose, continued effort in one direction. 276 ZEBULON honesty and straightforwardness in all dealings, with morality and temperance. Coming of distinguished Methodist ancestry on both paternal and maternal sides, it would be strange if Dr. Coltrane were not a Methodist himself. Also, one would naturally expect him to be a Democrat, which he is. As becomes a good citizen of his community, he is a member of the Zebulon Industrial Club. Dr. Coltrane feels a deep interest in rural affairs. He strongly favors intensive farming, and believes that the future prosperity of agriculture in this part of the country consists in an intelli- gent application of this principle of tilling the soil. He believes in improving the public roads ; also in making the State prohibi- tion laws effective by a vigorous putting-down of the illicit trade in alcoholic liquors and the prompt punishment of all violators of the law. FALCONER ELMO BUNN The exception that proves the rule that a prophet is without honor in the place where he was born and reared is found in the successful career of Falc. Elmo Bunn, at Zebulon, one of the newest and livest places on the map of Wake County. Mr. Bunn was born in Wakefield, which is only one mile from the scene of his pres- ent activities in business life. He is the son of C. D. and Bettie (Young) Bunn, and was born March 16, 1880. Strongly contrasted Avith its young and vigorous neighbor, Wakefield is one of the oldest villages in the county, noted for the intelligence, refinement and hospitality of its citizens. Here the subject of this sketch passed through the stages of childhood and youth, and came to early manhood. Here he laid the foundation of his education in llic public school and the excel- lent high school of the town. In planning for his manhood's estate he decided to engage in business pursuits, and, recognizing that the one sure road to sue- BIOGRAPHICAL 277 cess was through training in a commercial school, he was soon enrolled as a student in King's Business College, in Raleigh, where he pursued his studies with such diligence, and applied himself to his tasks so assiduously, that when he graduated, in 1903, he entered immediately into business relations with the Creedmoor Supply Company, at Creedmoor, N". C, occupying the position of bookkeeper for one year. Subsequently he ac- cepted a similar position with the Watkins Hardware Company, at Henderson, 'N. C. After remaining with this firm for two years he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Bank of Youngsville, N^. C, continuing there from October, 1906, to July, 1907. In all of these positions Mr. Bunn more than fulfilled the expectations of his employers, who were not slow in learning that he was entirely competent to discharge the duties he had as- sumed, but, what was more to his credit, that he had the rare faculty of studying their interests instead of perfunctorily per- forming his prescribed duties and drawing his wages. Others, too, discovered this virtue, for it is so rare as to attract notice wherever found; so it is not surprising that he was offered the responsible position of cashier of the Bank of Zebulon, which he accepted. The success Mr. Bunn has attained as bank cashier, as well as in the other positions he has occupied, indicates what can be accomplished by industry and integrity, seasoned by a laudable ambition to rise to the top. His example is worthy of the emulation of young men of limited opportunities; for where there is a will there is a way, and the way marked out by Mr. Bunn's career is thorough preparation for a life work and then going in to do one's best. In politics Mr. Bunn is a staunch Democrat, of the Wilson type. Religiously, he is prominently identified with the Baptist denomination, and active in Baraca class work of the Sunday school of his church. 278 ZEBULON WILLIAM LARKIN WIGGS General Supervisor Public Roads In the continuous strug- gle of organized society to advance its material wel- fare, no factor is to be con- sidered more important as contributing to this end than the work performed by the tiller of the soil. Whatever, therefore, is ad- vantageous to him should command society's high con- sideration. In this connec- tion is the subject of good public highways, for in pro- portion to their iniproveiuent, or lack of it, are the interests of the farmer affected and likewise those of the public. The foregoing observation applies with peculiar force to Wil- liam L. AViggs, one of Wake County's prominent citizens and successful farmers, who, by his indefatigable industry, executive ability and sterling integrity, has elevated himself from the position of a small farm tenant to the responsible oihce of Gen- eral Supervisor of Public Roads of Wake, the functions of which he performs with superior ability. Mr. Wiggs is a native of Wake, born near Raleigh, April 26, 1872, but has been a resident of Little River Township since a child. He is the son of Eppie P. and Pattie (Smith) Wiggs. His education was obtained in the public schools of Wakefield. Mr. Wiggs Avas a pioneer settler of Zebulon, as indicated by the fact that he erected the third building in the town. In the development of Zebulon he has been a leading spirit and potent factor. Mr. Wiggs began his business career as a small farm tenant. While thus engaged, the industrious and ambitious young BIOGRAPHICAL 279 farmer, besides striving to excel in his yield of farm products, became a diligent student of the best methods of improving his material welfare. His efforts proved fruitful, too, for within the short space of three years he is found to be the owner of a seven-horse farm, which he still cultivates with that intelligence and industry so becoming a progressive agriculturist of the twentieth century. His farming methods compare favorably with the best in Wake County. For some time he was success- fully engaged in the tobacco business in Zebulon, and before retiring from this industry the sales of his warehouse amounted to a million pounds annually. On the subject of good public highways Mr. Wiggs is an enthusiast, and it was w^hile he was engaged in the tobacco busi- ness at Zebulon that he became thoroughly aroused to the im- portance of road improvement. This feeling, united with a popular recognition of his superior ability to fill the position, prompted him to become a candidate for the office of General Supervisor of Public Eoads. In his appointment to this im- portant office it is evident the County Commissioners made no mistake, for in the discharge of every duty he has been prompt ; to every trust he has proven faithful in all respects, and his work has yielded the ripest fruit and met with the approval of all concerned. Concerning matters affecting the public Avelfare, Mr. Wiggs is becomingly interested, and whatever aid a good citizen should lend in furtherance of the common good, he is always ready with a helping hand to bestow. Politically, Mr. Wiggs is a staunch Jeffersonian Democrat and a most zealous Avorker for the cause of Wake democracy. Por a number of years he was the efficient chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Little River Township. Religiously, he is identified with the Baptist Church. Frater- nally, he is affiliated with the J. O. U. A. M. On December 25, 1894, Mr. Wiggs was happily united in marriage to Miss Delaney Whitley, daughter of Micus and Frances T. Whitley, of Wake. To this union there have been born five children, viz., Chellie, Willa, Eppie, Fannie Lou, Michael Whitley. 280 ZEBULOX ELBERT CLIFTON DANIEL Famed far and wide for the intelligence and culture of its old plantation citizen- ship is tiie good county of Granville, a name liiglily honored in the annals of N'orth Carolina from the earliest colonial times to this hour. Thousands of the best people in the world have been born on her soil, lived within her borders and found their last resting place in her bosom, Avhile many have gone forth to make other States, counties and cities better by living in tlieni and devoting the talents and the energies they possessed to the uplift of those among whom they cast their lot. In the generous giving of Granville to other communities the young and vigorous city of Zebulon has been donated some valuable citizens, among them the subject of this sketch. Elbert Clifton Daniel was bora near Oxford, September 15, 1885. His parents were William and Esther (Sizemore) Daniel. His paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were bora in England, both coming to America when the former was a boy and settling in Granville County, where they soon assimilated with the native population and became successful growers of tobacco. William Daniel is still living and cultivating the "golden weed," for Avhich Granville is famous. The Sizemores are among the best people of Person and are prominent tobacco growers. Both grandfathers of Elbert Daniel served in the War Be- tween the States, his paternal grandfather going through the war from beginning to end, and his maternal grandfather being killed under the Stars and Bars, when his daughter, the mother of Elbert, was but nine weeks old. BIOGRAPHICAL 281 Elbert Daniel enjoyed the privilege of going to a country log- house school three months every year from the time he was six years old until he was seventeen. He then attended the high school at Wakefield, where he pursued his studies with diligence. At nineteen Elbert Daniel was employed as salesman in a grocery store at Wakefield, receiving as his first compensation the princely salary of ten dollars a month. When he was twenty- one he decided that it would be better to go into business for himself; so he borrowed sufficient money to make a start, formed a partnership with Dr. Z. M. Caviness, now of Raleigh, and opened a drug store in Wakefield. Two years later, his good business judgment discerning that Zebulon would become the principal town of that section, he moved the business to the new town, Dr. Caviness retaining an interest in the store four years longer. xlfter he had been in the drug business some time Mr. Daniel studied pharmacy, receiving his diplomas in 1911. The business at Zebulon has been very successful and has fully justified the wisdom of getting in on the ground floor. Mr. Daniel is now manager of the Zebulon Drug Company, a corporation that was formed to take over the business and enlarge its operations. Mr. Daniel is a judicious reader of good literature, but he gives first place to publications relating to his profession, that he may keep up with the best thought and advance movements in pharmacy. He is enthusiastic on the subject of tobacco- growing, and he maintains that farmers ought to devote their best efforts to the producing of a high grade of the staple. He strongly urges the improvement of rural schools, having in view the health of the pupils as well as their intellectual and moral welfare. The activities of Mr. Daniel are not confined to the four walls of his store. He is an active member of the Baptist Church and is interested in Sunday-school work, and is a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics and of the Modern Woodmen of America. On the 12th "of December, 1911, Mr. Daniel was united in matrimony to Miss Elvah, daughter of Elijah and Fannie 282 ZEBULON (Washington) Jones, of Granville County. Mrs. Daniel, like her husband, was reared on a farm, her father being a promi- nent and prosperous tiller of the soil. The household of this happy young couple has been blessed and brightened by the advent of a fine boy, whom the proud parents have named Elbert Clifton, Jr. As business life runs, the career of Elbert Clifton Daniel has apparently just begun. To one who has achieved the success that, is already his, the future is full of promise. His example should be an inspiration to other young men. The factors that have contributed to his rise in business and in the esteem of his fellow-men have been diligence in the discharge of duty, faith- fulness to every trust, loyalty to friends, sobriety, frugality and economy. These virtues are worth while. Should he hesitate to recommend them to aspiring young men, his life would speak louder than words. JOHN MIKE WHITLEY When the enterprising town of Zebulon comes to count up her earliest inhab- itants she will write the name of John Mike Whitley near the head of the list. But this is not Mr. Whit- ley's only claim to distinc- tion or prominence, for he has been active and enter- ])rising in promoting every material interest of the town and has done duty as a seiwant of the people in more than one important position, winning and holding the esteem of his admiring fellow-citizens. The Whitley family is "native here and to the manner born." The family history of the subject of this sketch shows that his BIOGKAPHICAL 283 ancestors have inhabited the locality "where he dwells as long as there has been a Wake County, and perhaps longer. On this score, if upon no other, we would rank John Mike Whitley among the native nobility. It was on the 2d of October, 1865, that Mr. Whitley first saw the light, on the farm of his father, Mike Whitley, in Little River Township, his mother being Frances T. (Chamblee) Whit- ley. The father fought four years under Robert E. Lee and lost a leg at Appomattox. He died not long after the war, when John Mike, still very young, was under the necessity of taking charge of the farm and helping to provide for his brothers and sisters until they were grown. Necessarily his opportunities for going to school were limited, seven months in the school-room, all told, being the extent of his early education ; but in the school of experience, which he has been attending years and years, he has acquired a great deal of valuable knowledge, much of which he has had the good fortune of turning to account. He is a suc- cessful business man, of high standing in the community, being the proprietor of a hotel at which the wayfaring man delights to stop and tarry; a livery stable, w^here one can hire the best horse that ever looked through a collar, and a vehicle to match. Besides these affairs, he has other business interests claiming big attention. Mr. Whitley is a man of intelligence, acquired by the habit of reading the daily papers diligently, and through the faculty of profiting by his contact with the many people whom he meets in his hotel and busy town. He believes in the Jefferson and Old Hickory brand of democracy, and is very active in behalf of the Democratic party. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his fine executive and judicial talents, made him mayor once, and the people of the township have demanded and secured his services eleven successive years as a justice of the peace. Mr. Whitley is a thinker along broad and liberal lines. In local politics and municipal affairs he is a progressive, though he would not wish to be classed with the party that has attempted to secure a copyright on the name. In the best sense of the word, he is progressive, and if there is any measure or move- 284 ZEBULON ment that will make the condition of the people better, in all respects, then he is a. leader; and that is the secret of his popu- larity in his community. When John Mike Whitley had reached the age of twenty- seven he was living in single blessedness ; but, being the proud owner of forty acres of fine land, he felt the need of a helpmeet ; so a-courting he went, down in the county of Johnston, which is not far from Zebulon ; and this enterprise he prosecuted so suc- cessfully that by and by he brought to his Wake County home the blonde lassie, Susan Chamblee, who consented to become the partner of his joys and sorrows. The parents of Mrs. Whitley are Augustus and Mary (Brantley) Chamblee. Mrs. Whitley is a lady of refinement and a most charming hostess, and it is in large measure on account of the homelike air which her pres- ence imparts that the hotel at Zebulon is so popular. Mr. and Mrs. Whitley have a very interesting family, their children being Sudie, Irma, Mary O., Lila C, Foy Aileen and Mike Ernestine. As a member of the Baptist Church, Mr. Whitley is identified with the religious life of the community. He is a strong sup- porter of his denomination and a liberal contributor to the various lines of endeavor which its activities represent. He believes (and practices what he preaches) that industry, fru- gality, economy and keeping everlastingly at it will bring suc- cess; and if any young man just starting on a life career should ask his advice he would get something to that effect. And why shouldn't he? It was through the practice of these virtues that Mr. Whitley attained the measure of success that he deser\'es and enjoys. RANSOM RIGHT CREECH Many of the best people of Wake County hark back to Johns- ton when their minds revert to childhood's scenes. Of all the innumerable company who have moved across the border to the metropolitan county of Wake, not one, perhaps, Avould admit for a moment that the county of his adoption is better than the county of his birth, but would say that he came among us and BIOGRAPHICAL 285 cast in his lot with us because here he found a door of oppor- tunity open. Among those who have entered the open door and have found a place and made a home among us is Ransom Right Cre«ch, man- ager of Zebulon Cotton Oil Company. About the close of the war between the sections of the Union (to be exact, March 11, 1865) there was born on a farm in Johnston a boy, to whom was given the name of Ransom. His parents were William H. and Mary (Raper) Creech. He was the youngest of a family of ten children. His father was a successful and pros- perous farmer, and was in every way a splendid citizen, being descended from a stock that has been prominent and honored in Johnston County for several generations, and a relative of the late A. Creech, who was for many years a prominent merchant of Raleigh. The Rapers are among the most prominent people of Wilson Comity. Robert Raper, a brother of Mrs. Creech, was a man of affairs in his day in Wilson County. The Creech family traces its ancestry back to the hills of bonnie Scotland. Ransom Creech grew up in the country and became accus- tomed to honest toil and learned the arts of husbandry. His opportunities for obtaining an education were the same as most sons of fanners. He attended the public schools and helped on the farm until he Avas tAventy years old. Possibly he might have chosen a different occupation had circumstances been otherwise, but his brothers and sisters marrying and leaving the paternal roof made it necessary for him to stay at home. So he remained and became a farmer and achieved success as a tiller of the soil. When Ransom Avas twenty years old, his mother having died and the home ties being severed, he thought it not good for a 286 ZEBULON young man to live alone ; so he found a wife and went to farming on his own account. Taking charge of the part that fell to him of his father's plantation, he began operations, which were suc- cessful from the first. His land was fertile, and he was endowed with intelligence and abundant energy; so it is not surprising that none surpassed him in the production of cotton, corn and tobacco. For twenty-three years Ransom Creech farmed and prospered, and then came an opportunity — his opportunity — to engage in industrial pursuits, and he seized it. Moving to Zebulon in 1908, he took charge as manager of the Zebulon Cotton Oil Company, a manufacturing enterprise that employs twenty-five people and works up thirty tons of seed in twenty-four hours, and has con- ducted the business with remarkable success. Mr. Creech is thoroughly identified with the industrial life of the community. As a member of the Zebulon Industrial Club he is in touch with the throbbing impulses of the noAV and growing town, and is in thorough sympathy with every movement to build up the city that is to be. He has great faith in Zebulon and believes it is to become a place of large industrial and com- mercial importance. In church relations he is a Baptist, and in politics a Democrat. He is eternally opposed to the legalized sale of alcoholic liquors, and is a strong advocate of the rigid enforcement of the prohibition laws. Too busy to be a reader of books, Mr. Creech reads the news- papers and keeps well informed in regard to current events. Having been successful in life, he believes that success will come to all who are honest, frugal and industrious and who live up to the Golden Rule. He believes that the first rule for success in farming is to raise home supplies. He wants every boy and girl to have a chance in life, and he believes the schools should impart such knowledge as will be of value in practical affairs. April 22, 1885, Ransom Creech was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Henry and Bettie Sullivan, of Johnston County. This union was blessed by seven children, now living, who are Sudie (Mrs. Julius Williams), Sophronia (Mrs. Thomas Jordan), Maudie (Mrs. R. E. Barham), Iscar BIOGRAPHICAL 287 (Mrs. W. H. Strickland), Oscar, who is principal of jSTashville Graded Schools ; Daphne, and Arnold. Mrs. Creech having died in 1900, on Christmas day, 1901, Mr. Creech married. Miss Maggie, daughter of James and Mahala Montgomery, of Johns- ton County. Their children are Ruby and James Ransom. FUQUAY SPRINGS In the southern part of Wake County, not far from the Har- nett line, in the midst of a fine timber and farming region, is situate the progressive and thriving town of Fuquay Springs. Ever since water bubbled from the earth anywhere on the American continent the springs were right where they are now, but the town waited for Mr. John A. Mills, the pioneer in the development of southern Wake, to build the railroad that is known all along the line by bis name. When the Mills road, now a part of the great N^orfolk South- ern system, was opened to traffic, one of the first things that people in reach of the place heard of was the medicinal value of the water of Fuquay Springs. That, of course, attracted vis- itors, and hotels became a necessity; therefore houses of enter- tainment were built for the accommodation of health and pleas- ure seekers. A railroad station was located conveniently near, l^ext, stores were built and stocked, and people went there to trade. Then it was found that the soil of the surrounding coun- try was peculiarly adapted to the production of bright-leaf tobacco. That necessitated warehouses, prizehouses, flue facto- ries and hogshead factories. More mercantile houses followed, and then it was necessary to have a bank, and this was supplied by the energetic and enterprising citizens. And still things keep coming, and the town keeps growing, and the people keep thriv- ing, and visitors come to the springs in ever-increasing numbers. Briefly, Fuquay Springs was incorporated as a town in 1909. It is situate twenty-one mile south of Raleigh, at the junction of the Raleigh, Charlotte & Southern, the Durham & Southern, and 288 FUQUAY SPRINGS the Raleigli (t Soutliport railroads. Its present population is four hundred, of whom seven-eighths are white people. It has several tobacco warehouses and leaf-storage houses, numerous stores dealing in general merchandise, with a number specializ- ing in millinery, drugs, hardware, etc. It has factories making flues for curing tobacco and hogsheads in which to pack it. Every dollar of stock in its bank is worth $1.75. Its schools are well attended and they rank among the best in the county. Its hotels are well managed and popular. The spiritual needs of the communit}' are ministered to in Methodist, Baptist and Chris- tian churches. The Presbyterians have regular services, but have not as yet bjiilt a house of worship. Aside from its waters, Fuquay Springs is indebted for its growth and prosperity to the leaf tobacco industry. Its three Avarehouses sell a million and a half pounds annually, and the business is grooving year by year. The warehouses are con- ducted, respectively, by Messrs. Lee & Adcock, W. H. Aiken & Sons, and Morgan, Motley & Falls. The corporate limits of the town now embrace Varina, which is the railroad junction point. Wliile towns are built bj^ people, springs are constructed by N^ature and are discovered, usually, by somebody stumbling on them, so to speak. That is the Avay it happened in regard to Fuquay Springs. One hundred and fifty years ago, Stephen Fuqua}', the proprietor of a large plantation, while plowing his cotton and corn, used to slake his thirst at a spring Avhich he found while tracing a trickling rivulet to its source. He became convinced that the water possessed valuable mineral properties, and so informed his family and neighbors, in consequence of Avhich the spring obtained some local celebrity ; but fame awaited the coming of the railroad, and now the spring is known far and wide, and the water is very popular. Every year its virtues are tested and proven by an increasing number of visitors. Prominent among the business men and leading citizens of Fuquay Springs are Messrs. J. D. Ballentine, J. K. Sessoms, n. Sossoms, W. L. Johnson, A. N. Johnson, W. L. Adams, J. A. Griffis, Dr. C. E. Cheek, Dr. E. Clarence Judd, Dr. J. M. Judd, A. G. Blanchnrd, W. A. Jones and others. HISTORICAL RALEIGH 289 A FAREWELL WORD Witli the completion of the foregoing sketches the author reviews the result of his labors with mingled feelings of satisfac- tion and regret — satisfaction, for the reason that the self-imposed task has been finished ; regret, because the work has fallen below a high ideal. To adequately represent our capital city and met- ropolitan county would require an abler pen and a more preten- tious volume ; yet, to the writer, the making of this book has been largely a labor of love, for the finished product, with reference to its Raleigh feature, is in some measure his tribute of devotion to the place that has been his home from childhood to mature years. It is hoped that the considerate reader, coming to the last page, will forget any imperfections he may have discerned in the work, and allow for a moment his thoughts to dwell kindly on the author's efforts to produce a volume creditable to a worthy subject. Advertising Writing Letter Writing Stenography In our line we excel. Eighteen years a practical printer. Clever Advertising Writing, Best Form Letter Writing. Ex- pert Stenography. Carroll Advertising and Letter Writing Company ERNEST R. CARROLL, Manager RALEIGH, N. C. STOVES A SPECIALTY BOTH PHONES KOONCE BROS. Furniture and Stove Exchange AUCTION AND COMMISSION HOUSE 106 and 111 East Hargett Street RALEIGH, N. C. FURNITURE and House Furnishings 2'.t0 Comniercial Printing Co. GENERAL PRINTERS BOOKBINDERS RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 291 AUG 13 1913