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PEOMITnTENT

LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS

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RALEIGH, N. C: Edwards & Broughton, Printers and Binders.

1888.

30451

PREFACE.

The author has sought to produce a book of sketches of prominent living North Carolinians. He has endeav- ored to set forth the principal features of their lives, plainly, simply and truthfully. Having pardonable pride in all that pertains to the honor and glory of the State, his hope is that his work may be a source of instruction and pleas- ure to those who read it, and be of service to other genera- tions in giving them a faithful picture of many of the great and good men of our day. The author regrets that, through his inability to procure necessary data from a number of prominent men, no sketches of their lives appear in the book. And it is proper that the author should say that all the sketches are not his own work, but that those of Hons. E. G. Reade, A. B. Andrews, A. M. Waddell, B. S. Gaither, A. S. Merrimon and T. J. Jarvis, were written by prominent men, whose ability demands, but whose modesty forbids, the disclosure of their names.

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Prominent Livincr North Carolinians,

POLITICAL.

Ho^. MATT. W. RANSOM.

The senior Senator from the State of North Carolina to the Congress of the United States, at Washington, is the honorable gentleman whose name prefigures this sketch. He was born in Warren county, this State, in 1826, and is now, therefore, sixty-two years of age. For more than half a life-time he has been a conspicuous personage, and a man of recognized ability and pro- nounced influence in North Carolina. Shortly after his graduation from the University, at Chapel Hill, in 1847, he was admitted to the bar, and five years later he was elected Attorney General of the State. Few men have merited or won such success so earl}^ in life, and fewer have followed it with so continuous a public service. In 1855 he resigned the Attorney Generalship, and was not again in office until the year 1858, when he was a repre- sentative in the State Legislature. And again, in 1859 and 1860, he filled that position. He was sent as a Peace Commissioner from the State of North Carolina to the Congress of Southern States at Montgomery, Alabama, in 186L On the breaking out of the civil war he entered the Confederate army, and rose successively through the

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positions of Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier General to that of Major General. In the last named rank he served until the close of the war, and surrendered with General Lee's army at Appomattox. As a soldier General Ransom showed himself to be a courageous man and a brave and skillful oflBcer, and he endeared himself greatly, by his humane management and courteous bear- ing, to the men of his command. Returning to his native State at the close of the war. General Ransom resumed the practice of the law, at the same time being engaged extensively as a planter, and it was not until the year 1872 that he again entered public life. Then, for the first time, he was elected to the Senate of the United States, a position he has occupied continuously until the present time, having been re-elected in 1876 and in 1883. At the expiration of his present term, in March, 1889, he will have been eighteen years in the highest office within the gift of the people of his own State, an honor of which he and the State may be proud. Senator Ransom is a man of marked ability and of broad culture. Though he has seldom made set speeches in the Senate, yet his efforts have been characterized by those qualities of con- servative good sense, elegance of expression and grace of delivery that are peculiarly his own. *' Speech is silvern, but silence is golden." Perhaps it is owing to a wise observance of this truth that Senator Ransom has wielded more than an ordinary influence in the Senate and has accomplished so much for his State; and the frequent and liberal appropriations he has been instrumental in procuring for river and harbor improvements on our Eastern coast, bear testimony to his success in this regard. However reticent Senator Ransom may have been in Washington, he has made many speeches in North Car- olina during his Senatorial career, and his speeches, wherever delivered, have been exceptionally able and elegantly finished. He has a clear, resonant, far-reaching voice, and his articulation is especially pleasing. His language is select and forcible; and these qualities, added

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 7

to the charm of his serious and graceful manner, make him a most popular and persuasive orator. Always a Democrat in politics, since the organization of that party, he has rendered his party valuable service, as a speaker, in many campaigns. He is a striking man in appear- ance, being tall, erect, having a large, well-shaped head, somewhat bald on top but covered with grayish black hair on the sides and rear, and he wears a full, short iron-gray beard and mustache. His eyes are black, and piercing at times, though usually mild and sympathetic, retaining only the lustre of quick intelligence and genial good humor. Probably his person is as familiar to the people of the State as that of any other popular speaker. Senator Ransom has resided for a number of years in Northampton county, about eight miles from Weldon, Halifax county, his post-office. He is proprietor of a large and well-cultivated landed estate, and he passes his rest time there with his family.

Willis B. Dowd.

Senator Z. B. VANCE.

The subject of this sketch is so well known that it would seem superfluous to attempt to tell the people of North Carolina anything of his history. His popularity extends among all classes of people; his picture adorns the houses of both the rich and the poor; his name is a household word, cherished by all. At fireside gatherings his deeds are often recalled and discussed with pride ; his anecdotes, his jokes and his sallies of wit are told and laughed at. It would be interesting to know how many dogs, horses and cats in the State have been named Zeb; how many articles of manufacture have been sold under that name; how many sons of North Carolina have been named for him. If Mr. Vance had as many

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children as there are Zebs in the State, his family would rival that of the old woman that lived in the shoe. His jokes and bits of wit are so many and so applicable to a variety of cases that they are in everybody's conversa- tion ; they have such a reputation for producing laughter and applause that when our politicians are telling jokes on the stump they have only to say that they are Vance's to insure laughter.

What has caused this popularity and the admiration in which he is everywhere held ? It is due chiefly to his integrity, his sincerity and his conscientious dis- charge of his duties. He was born with strong mental powers and an imagination exceedingly fertile; when- ever he has an idea to convey, a thousand illustrations flock to its support. Forcible metaphors are ever ready for his use. His mind sees an idea in all its relations at once; he can turn it over quickly and at will call up a humorous, witty or serious illustration. To this happy faculty is his early success due. From the very start he has been a great power before a jury; older and more learned men often proved no match for him. He had the more subtle mind, he called on the more familiar objects to illustrate and enforce his points. His wit and humor he could deal out to the terror of the most learned opponent. A more ready wit or a more beaming humor than Vance's is seldom found in any one. Some men use their wit and humor to their own degradation. Wit excites disgust when employed entirely on frivolous sub- jects. But wit and humor, flowing in lofty channels, are evidences of the highest type of intellect. Sena- tor Vance's wit is seldom misapplied ; it is almost always used to promote some wholesome idea; with it he has dashed many errors in pieces; with it he has shamed the hypocrite; with it he has summoned a blush to the cheek of the demagogue, and it has driven back many a stray fellow to the party ranks. In domes- tic life there is nothing more charming. To the unfortu- nate it lends a moment of pleasure; to the afflicted it

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 9

draws a smile of relief; the melancholy it cheers; the stubborn it makes to yield, and it causes anger to melt. While possessing abundantly these merits, he is no less at home in graver affairs. He has profound judgment and insight. To use a homely expression, his ge'lnus is like the elephant's trunk, which not only lifts the smallest particle, but also the most ponderous weight. His speeches on the tariff have been highly commended by the press of the whole country. His style is bold and vigorous. His thoughts are pregnant with originality. Few men can make such palpable displays of their ideas.

The dominant trait in the character of Senator Vance is his sincerity, without which there can be no statesman- ship. Most politicians think of nothing but the shortest cuts to office; they dare not breathe an opinion which is not approved by the majority; they are ready to ride the absurdest plank if the majority will but uphold it. How few study the good of mankind, follow principles and not policies, and would "rather be right than President"! Insincere men may triumph for awhile, but they must finally sink into contempt. No life can be a success if it is not sincere.

One of the most commendable and at the same time most able efforts of his life, was his lecture delivered before John A.Andrew Post, No. 15, G. A. R., in Boston, December, 1886. Though the lecture has been widely read it is incapable of being advertized too much:

My presence here to-night, ladies and gentlemen, occasions me a degree of embarrassment. I was prominently involved in the a£Eairs about which I propose to speak, having taken an active part in both the military and civil transactions of my State during the period of war. On the one hand- 1 am under the duress of your hospitality, which tempts me to say the things which would prove most agreeable to you; on the other hand, I somewhat fear that, if I should be too plain-spoken, I might become liable to the charge of abusing the privileges of a guest. Should I fail in properly avoiding either extreme I beg you to give me credit for good intentions at least. I honestly desire to speak the simple truth as it appears to me. This I believe is

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what you wish to hear! [Cries, 'that's what we want.'] Necessa- rily my remarks will be discursive and with no pretension to the preciseness and continuity of narration which should characterize a historical essay. I shall endeavor to entertain you for a brief space with the ideas and observations of occurrences as they appeared to a Southern man concerning the great civil war.

It is proper that you should hear the inscription read upon the other side of the shield.

This generation is yet too near to the great struggle to deal with it in the true historic spirit. Yet it is well enough for you to remember that the South is quite as far removed from it as is the North ; and the North has industriously undertaken from the beginning to write the history of that contest between the sections, to set forth its causes and to justify its results, — and naturally in the interest of the victorious side. It is both wise and considerate of you to let the losing side be heard in your midst. If you should refuse to do so it will nevertheless be heard in time, before that great bar, the public opinion of the world, whose jurisdiction you cannot avoid, and whose verdict you can- not unduly influence. Neither side acts wisely in attempting to forestall that verdict!

It is well to remember, too, that epithets and hard names, which assume the guilt that is to be proven, will not serve for arguments for the future Bancrofts and Hildredths of the Repub- lic, except for the purpose of warning them against the intem- perate partiality of their authors.

The modest action of the common law should be imitated in the treatment of historic questions, which considers every accused person as innocent until his guilt is proven. Murder is treated as simply homicide until there is proof that the killing was felo- nious.

In treating, for example, of all questions pertaining to the war, you assume the guilt of your adversaries at the outset. You speak of the secession movement as a rebellion, and you charac- terize all who participated in it as "rebels and traitors!" Your daily literature, as well as your daily conversation, teems with it. Your school histories and books of elementary instruction impress it in almost every page upon the young. Your laws. State and Federal, have enacted the terms. Yet every lawyer and intelli- gent citizen among you must be well aware that in a technical and legal sense there was no rebellion^ and there were no rebels! Should this not be admitted, however, I am sure there will be no denial of the fact that you once had the opportunity of obtain- ing an authoritative decision of the 'highest court, not only of the United States, but of the world, on this very question — and that opportunity was not embraced.

I hope you will not be alarmed ; it is not my intention to make

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 11

you listen to an argument in favor of the right of secession. I only wish to remind you of some of the p?'ima facie rea.sons why the people of the North — and of Massachusetts in particular — should not assume the verdict of history in their favor when they declined to test the verdict of the law. [Applause.]

In attempting to withdraw herself from the Union of the States by repealing on the 20th of May, 1861, the ordinance by the adoption of which she had entered the Union on the 21st of November, 1789, against whom and what did North Carolina rebel? To whom had she swOrn allegiance ? Certainly to nobody ; to no Government; to nothing but the Constitution of the Uni- ted States. Whs she violating that oath when she thus withdrew? When Virginia and New York reserved, upon their accession to the Constitution, their right to withdraw from the same, and declared that the powers ther*^in granted might be resumed when- ever the same shall be perverted to '' tlieir injury or oppression," did those States reserve the right to commit treason? When Massachusetts openly threatened to separate from the Union upon the admission of Louisiana as a State, was she conscious that she was threatening treason and rebellion? When her Legislature, in 1803, " resolved that the annexation of Louisiana to the Union transcends the Constitutional power of the Government of the United States." and that it ''formed a new Confederacy to which the States united by the former compact are not bound to adhere;" was not that a declaration that secession was a Con- stitutional remedy? Again, the same principle was proclaimed by the authority of Massachusetts in the Hartford Convention, where it was declared "that when emergencies occur which are either beyond the reach of judicial tribunals or too pressing to admit of delay incident to their forms, States which have no common umpire must be their own judges and execute their own decisions." With such a record, to which might be added page after page of corroborating quotations from her statesmen and her archives, should not the ancient commonwealth of Massa- chusetts be a little modest in denouncing as "traitors" those whose sin consisted in the following of her example? It has been said that the ground work and essence of the doctrine of seces- sion was laid in the Virginia resolutions of 1798, of which Mr. Madison, the leading spirit, the Morning Star of the convention which formed the Constitution, was the author. If so, let it be remembered that these resolutions were submitted to every State in the then Union, of course including Massachusetts, were expressly or tacitly approved by all, and disapproved by none.

Indeed, it may be said generally that during the period of dis- cussion concerning the adoption of the Constitution by the several States, it was taken for granted that any State becoming dissatis- fied might withdraw from the compact, for caitse^ of which she

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was to be her own judge. The old articles of (Confederation declared that the Union formed thereunder should be perpetual; this clause was purposely and after discussion, left out of the new Constitution. The great danger apprehended by the states- men of that day was that the Federal Government would gradu- ally encroach upon and absorb the rights of the States. In defer- ence TO this fear the Xth Amendment was adopted, chiefly on the urgent instigation of Massachusetts, expressly reserving to the States all rights not delegated. Still these fears remained. In fact tliese encroachments upon the rights of States have consti- tuted for three-fourths of a century the great distinguishing sub- ject of contention between American statesmen; during all of which time, it was claimed that secession was a Constitutional remedy therefor. If it had been understood that over the doors of the Constitution were written oiulla vestigia retrorsum ; that the State which entered there could never more depart thence, whatever might be the injuries and oppressions inflicted upon her, how many States would have entered therein? What would jealous, sensitive Massachu^^etts, Virginia, North Carolina have said to such a proposition? Would they have subjected their citi- zens to a condition of things wherein North Carolina for example could have hung a man in her borders if he refused to fight for her. and Massachusetts and the others could have hung him if he did?

The essence of all crime is to be found in the criminal intent. Now the object of these brief references to the doctrine of seces- sion is to ask you and the conservative, legal sentiment of the Northern people how you could convict and execute a man for the intentional commission of a crime, when the greatest intellects of the whole American people had not been able to determine that the act committed was a crime; when the act committed had been pronounced a Constitutional right, an essential muni- xuent of freedom, by legislatures of great States, by a long line of great and glorious statesmen; by primary assemblages of the people, by conventions of great political parties, whose enuncia- tions received again and again the endorsement of a majority of tjie American people at the polls; when the ('onstitution itself was silent as to express words, and when no court of law had ever found by implication or legal deduction that this act was a crime! The idea of holding the citizen up to all the legal penal- ties and responsibilities of treason under such circumstances is revolting to our sense of human justice. Now if you would not or could not thus inflict upon him the severe penalties of law, is it jusl. is it fair, is it christian charity to assume his guilt and visit upon him socially and politically all the odium of one actu- ally condemned; so lar as daily, hourly iteration can do it? May we not fairly retort upon you that if secession be indeed a crime —

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you taught it to us. Sir Edward Coke says of copy-hold tenures, that though of base descent, they are ot a most ancient house; we can say here that though secession be an infamous doctrine, yet it had a most illustrious origin, Virginia and Massachusetts. [Loud applause.]

Oh, wise and patriotic enemy of secession who fought that monster by a "substitute," and who enriched yourself by specu- lation on the distresses and confusions of war, spare us! [Laughter.]

Oh, brave, true soldiers of the Union, and all you people who had honest convictions of the uq wisdom of our acts, ye who fought and sacrificed for love of country and its fair autonomy, spare us, who were equally brave, equally honest, but not equally fortunate!

Again, my friends, we of the South have most serious cause to complain of you in reference to your efforts to forestall history in regard to the causes which led to secession and war. It is written: '' Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- bor." You say that it was slavery, and slavery alone, that caused the war. In your literature it is spoken of as the *•' slave-holders' rebellion." A false shot out of both barrels! Slavery was the occasion, not the cause of war. You put us in the position not only of traitors and rebels but of becoming such for the privi- lege of holding human beings in bondage, thereby heaping upon us all the reproach and opprobrium that such a thing renders possible. This is at once a misrepreser.tation and an injustice. The great majority of the people of the South entertained in the abstract as much repugnance to slave holding as you did.

Their fault in respect to slavery, as with secession, was not all to be charged upon them. As usual, Massachusetts comes in for the lion's share Boston and Providence slavers vexed the seas in their ungodly se^irch for kidnapped Africans to be bought in exchange for New England nun and sold to the Southern Planta- tions, against which Old Virginia and other Southern States pro- tested.

Nay, by reference to the history of the Constitution it will be seen that New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut united with North Carolina, South Carolina and •Georgia in postponing the suppression of the slave trade for twenty years, in the lormation of that instrument: tlie Southern States because they wanted the slaves, the Northern States because they had large shipping interests engaged in the profit of buying and carrying them to market, "The horrors of the middle passage " belonged to you ; we only bought your wares. The desire to protect her infant industries was thus manifested even at that early day against her ancient rival, England, whose " pauper labor " was engaged in the same trade.

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So, too, a fierce arraignment of King George III, for forcing the slave trade upon the colonies was inserted by Mr. Jefferson in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. It was stricken out at the instigation of the Eastern States as well as Southern, because it was felt to be a reflection on citizens of Massachusetts and of Rhode Island engaged in the slave trade. Slavery and the slave trade were in full and cruel operation in Massachusetts before there was a white man's home in North Carolina, a slave trade which not only impcirted Africans, but exported Africans, Indians, and, worst of all, our own race — the people of our own blood I How slavery grew and ramified through all the South, under the natural stimulus of climate and produc- tions, and how the abstract sentiment against it was extinguished by the political necessities of the times, arising from the fierce attacks made upon it by the States to whose climate and pursuits it was unsuited, and who therefore sold out, quit business and turned philanthropists! All this is an old, old story; and I only allude to it to remind you that you are not at liberty to cast the first stone. [Applause]

The ownership of slaves and the regulation of the system were left to the exclusive control of the States, not only by the Tenth amendment, which reserved to them all rights and powers not expressly granted to the Federal government, hut its existence was specially recognized and its safety specially provided for in the Constitution itself. It being a matter, therefore, of purely domestic concern, wholly within the control of the States, the attempt to interfere with it by the Federal government in any shape, directly or indirectly, was justly regarded as a violation of constitutional right, and injurious to that perfect equality of the States guaranteed by the Constitution. That is why we went to war. Slavery happened to be the particular item or instance wherein this equality was assailed; and in resistance to this attempt of the Federal Government to interfere within a State in a matter which peculiarly pertained to that State we resorted to secession as a peaceable remedy. The thing which made our forefathers hesitate to adopt the Constitution at all, had here come upon us, and the remedy which our forefathers — and yours — had suggested as the only one proper or possible, was naturally resorted to.

Had it been conceded by submission that the Federal Govern- ment could interfere in the matter of slavery, we would have been logically precluded from resistance to like interference for any other causp whatever, and there was an end to the rights and equal- ity of the States under the Constitution forever; and therefore an end to the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of each State which, according to all writers and statesmen, north and south, was retained by them when they acceded to the Constitution.

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The followiDg admirable sketch of Governor Vance is taken frqm an article from the pen of Hon. K. P. Battle, published in the University Magazine, of March, 1887:

The subject of this sketch was born in the, county of Buncombe, near the seat of justice, Asheville, in the mountains of North Carolina, on the 13th of May, 1830. His father was a most respected merchant His mother's father, Zebuloi. Baird, was one of the trusted citizens of Buncombe, for many years chosen as their representative in the General Assembly.

His father died when lie was quite young. His mother devoted herself to his training witli the loving and intel- ligent care which so often distinguish and reward the women of our land Her slender means, however, pre- vented her giving him other education in his boyhood than was afforded by the country schools, in which Pike's Arithmetic and Webster's Elementary Spelling Book were the chief text books. But young Zeb. had an inquiring mind. He read with avidity every volume within his reach, and being gifted with great quickness and a strong memory, in his boyhood he began the accu- mulation of the stores of illustrations and strong appo- site diction which have made him conspicuous in his manhood. He had access to few books, but those were good ones. A gentleman, fresh from the senior class of the University, traveling in Buncombe, was amazed at finding the superior acquaintance and aptness of quota- tions from the Bible, Shakespeare and Scott's novels dis- played by our halt-grown and half-educated mountain iDoy, and twenty-five ^^ears ago predicted his subsequent success.

In 1852 young Vance went to the University of North Carolina where he spent a year. He stood among the first in the branches to which he devoted himself. He here began the study of law and soon after was admitted to the bar; he made Asheville his home, and soon com- manded a fair share of practice; he early became influ- ential with the jury, humor and ready eloquence telling

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on the mind of the average mountaineer. He tells on himself with much glee the first compliment he received for his forensic efforts. "Zeb.,if you can only 'get a past the Judge, I'd as lief have you as any old lawyer." It was no( long before his "getting past the Judge " was not a subject of doubt.

Like most young men of active and ambitious minds, Mr. Vance went early into politics. He was elected to the Legislature in 1854, where he was one of the most prominent among the young men, being an enthusiastic Henry Clay Whig. His peculiar powers were not fully developed, however, until 1858, when he took the stump in opposition to the late W. W. Avery, as a candidate for the National House of Representatives in the mountain district.

This district had once been Whig. The people, how- ever, were devoted to Thomas L. Clingman, who for many years represented them in Congress. When Mr. Cling- man swung around to the Democratic side lie retained his ascendancy, notwithstanding his change of base, car- rying the district in 1857 by two thousand majority over his Whig opponent. When, in consequence of being pro- moted to the Senate, he resigned his seat, it was generally thought that Mr. Avery, a man strong in debate and of influential family, would easily fill the vacancy. When Mr. Vance announced his intention to oppose him, he was applauded for his gallantry but laughed at for his sup- posed folly. In this campaign Mr. Vance, then only twenty-eight years old, displayed those qualities of a stump orator and leader of men for which he is now so conspicuous and unequaled — quick at repartee, teeming with anecdotes, which he tells with happy humor ; able to pass at will from mirth-moving fun to invective, eloquence and pathos. By his power of presenting arguments and facts in an interesting light, his consummate tactai'd winning ways, "he stole away the hearts of the people." He was elected by as large a majority as the year before had been given to his Democratic predecessor.

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In the following year David Coleman, another distin- guished Democrat, measured his strength with the young Whig, but the effort to diminish his majority failed. Coleman met the fate of Avery, and thenceforth Mr. Vance was supreme west of the Blue Ridge.

In Congress he was an active and watchful member : he took sides strongl3^and labored earnestly against seces- sion, at the same time w^arning the country against coer- cion of the Southern States by force of arms. His appeals for the Union in Congress and before the people were earnest and powerful, but when Sumter was fired upon, like ail the leading Union men of North Carolina, Badger, Gra- ham, Rufiin, Gilmer and others, believing in the right of revolution, he cast his lot with his native State and took up arms against the Union.

Whatever Mr. Vance does he does with all his might. He was one of the earliest volunteers, marching to the seat of war in Virginia as a Captain in May, 1861. It was not long before his promotion came, he having been elected Colonel of the Twenty sixth Regiment of North Carolina Troops in August, 1861. He was amoiig the brave fighters who drove McClellan to his ehips on the James, and brought his regiment off safely when Branch's little army was overwhelmed by Burnside at Newberne. He shared cheerfully all the hardships and dangers of his men.

He was a faithful and gallant officer, and civilians and soldiers united in the demand that he should be the next Governor of North Carolina. He was chosen by an over- whelming majority in 1862, and tw^o years later over the late Governor W. W. Holden.

As Governor of North Carolina in those troublous times, Mr. Vance displayed talents for which even his most ardent admirers had not given him credit. Blessed with a s^iong frame and hardy constitution, he was able to go through an incredible amount of hard work, mental and physical. He exhibited administrative and executive powers of the highest order. It became his duty to aid

2

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the Confederate Government in securing and maintain- ing in its armies the military contingent of North Car- olina. It was likewise his duty to assist, as commander- in-chief of the militia, in repellinginvasion of its territory. It was his province to execute largely the functions of a war minister, and when the full history of the war shall be written, it will be found that he excelled all Southern Governors in vigor and ability in these regards. He kept his State up to the full measure of its obligation under the Constitution of the Confederacy. At the same time, he was watchful that there should be no infringement of the rights of the State.

In the midst of the very death struggle of the war, he insisted that the military should be subordinate to the civil powers. It should be known and remembered throughout the civilized world that all during the time when the Confederacy was vainly fighting for life, and when one fourth of the State was overrun by contending armies, the great privilege of the writ of habeas corpus was never suspended. North Carolina had Judges firm enough to issue that great writ, and a Governor brave enough to enforce its mandates in the midst of conscript camps, even in the lines of troops drawn up in order of battle. While Mr. Vance took care that there should be no skulkers or deserters among those liable under the conscript law, he took equal care that all who claimed they were not liable, should have, on their petition, an impartial hearing before a judicial officer.

It was by his efforts, likewise, that supplies of clothing and other needful articles were regularly imported from England, through the blockading squadron at Wilming- ton. All during 1863 and 1864, the departure and arri- val of the " Advance" were watched for with breathless interest by the soldiers of North Carolina, whose wants the Confederate Government could not supply. And when, in the excitement during the trial of Wirz for bad treatment of Federal prisoners, efforts were made by the enemies of Mr. Vance to connect him with the sufferings

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 19

of the Salisbury prison, an examination showed that he had been active in alleviating those sufferings.

During 1864 there sprang up in North Carolina a reac- tionary party, lieaded by Holden and others, composed of those who had despaired of the success of the Confed- eracy. But Governor Vance took the ground that the power of making peace had been devolved on that gov- ernment, and that any separate State action would bring not only disgrace but ruin to the State. He therefore struggled with unfaltering constancy for Southern success until the surrender of General Johnston to General Sherman.

He now laid down his high office with dignity, conscious that he had done his best and that defeat of his plans w^as the act of God. He renewed his vows of allegiance to the general government, determined thenceforth to contribute all that in him lay to the advancement of his native State and the dignity and glory of the Union.

He was arrested after the close of the war, and suffered imprisonment at Washington on account of his prom- inence in the struggle, but on examination of his letter- books and other documents, it was found that his conduct in the struggle was according to the rules of civilized warfare, and the sentiment of the North being against personal punishment for treason, he was honorably dis- charged.

Governor Vance then returned to the practice of his profession, making Charlotte his home.

In 1870 he was elected Senator of the United States, but on account of the disabilities imposed by the four- teenth amendment to the Constitution, was not allowed to take his seat.

In 1872 he was the nominee of the Democratic party of the Legislature for the same high office, but was defeated in the election, by a coalition between a few friends of Judge Merriraon, and the Republicans. He was nom- inated for Governor of North Carolina by the Democrats in 1876, and was elected by a large majority over his

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opponent, Judge Settle. This canvass will long be remem- bered in North Carolina. He received the degree LL. D. from Davidson College in 1867.

In 1878 he was again the nominee of the Democrats of the Legislature for United States Senator, and was this time elected. This position he has held ever since. His fame as a statesman has continued to grow, until he is now widely known all over the Union as a leader of the Democratic wing of the Senate. He is ever fearless in his efforts to do that which will benefit his constituents most.

Senator Vance is a married man and has four children. He is exceedingly lovable in private life, and has more warm, personal friends, probably, than any man in North Carolina ; he is an especial favorite with those judges of a kind heart, ladies and children. He bubbles over with fun and anecdote, his bon mots Sive quoted throughout the State. " Have you heard Vance's last?" is a common mode of commencing a jovial conversation.

He is distinguished as a lecturer, and is often called on by literary societies, and by those desiring to aid charita- ble institutions by receipts at the door of the lecture hall. His lecture on the "Scattered Nation," delivered some years ago in Baltimore, Charleston, Norfolk and other cities outside of North Carolina, won the highest enco- miums of press and public; his more recent lectures in Boston, New York and Baltimore, in regard to " The South," have been greatly praised. The Senator has found time to read much on social, historical and polit- ical subjects, and has the power of presenting his views in an attractive and interesting manner.

When in North Carolina, the Senator resides at Gom- broon, his beautiful mountain residence. He has been aptly called " The Sage of Gombroon." May he live many years, and continue to give North Carolina and the Union the benefit of his wise counsels and wise legislation .

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 21

Ho:^. THOMAS JOKDAN JAEVIS.

Among the first settlers who penetrated the unbroken forests of the Albemarle about the middle of the seven- teenth century was Thomas Jarvis, and from that time to the present the name has been a familiar one to the people of that section. During the revolutionary war Gen. Samuel Jarvis led the forces of that district to the rendezvous on Deep River to cover expected operations from South Carolina. A scion of the same family is Thomas Jordan Jarvis, who was born in Currituck county, on January 18th, 1836. Straitened circumstances denied him the advantages of early education, but by the aid of friends he entered Randolph-Macon College, and with money earned by teaching at intervals, he com- pleted his course there, graduating in 1860, when he again established himself as a teacher.

In June, 1861, when the State called upon her sons for volunteers, he closed his school in Pasquotank county and enlisted as a soldier for the war. His service was in both the 17th and the 8th Regiment of State Troops, and as Captain of a company in the latter regiment he dis- played fortitude, endurance and bravery that were not excelled by any of his associates in arms. He was an excellent soldier— brave, cool, determined and unflinch- ing in the presence of danger. Called to endure many perils and vicissitudes he escaped unscathed until on the 17th of May, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, he received a wound that disabled him, and since then his right arm has hung paralyzed and useless at his side.

When peace came, he turned to mercantile pursuits and opened a store in Tyrrell county, at the same time studying law and entering quickly upon the activities of life. In the fall of 1865 he was elected to the State Con- vention from Currituck, and thus began his career as a public man. Obtaining his license the following year, he entered zealously upon the practice of the law, evincing.

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however, a patriotic interest in those political questions which so deeply agitated the people of the State at that period.

In 1868 he was elected as a Democrat to the Legisla- ture, from Tyrrell, and in the fall made an extensive can- vass as an Elector on the Seymour and Blair ticket. When the Legislature met, he allied himself with John W. Graham, Plato Durham, Jas. L. Robinson and the few other Democrats of that bod3%in strenuous opposition to the measures of the Republican majority. They were but a handful of gallant spirits who threw themselves in the breach; but they stood steadfast, unmovable in their adherence to the interests of the State, and as the session grew, so arose the fame of these young men, whose posi- tion gave them leadership in the Democratic part}^ and whose wisdom and prudence and sterling worth won them the confidence of the people. Their triumph in establishing the Bragg-Phillips Investigating Committee and in repealing the special tax laws, was complete, and the people loved to do them honor. To their action was largely due the course of events which culminated in a Waterloo defeat of the Republicans at the ensuing elec- tion, the pacification of the State at that early date, and the possibility of the State's entering so soon upon an era of quiet and prosperity. When the new Assembly met, Capt. Jarvis was tendered the Speaker's chair — and he discharged with marked address and acceptability the delicate duties of that post. The Democratic-Conserva- tive party was then in a formative state, and the Speaker exercised a great influence in welding the discordant fragments of the old parties into a solid and enduring organization. At the end of that Assembly in 1872 he returned to the lav/, forming a partnership with David M. Carter — but canvassed the State as an Elector on the Greeley ticket. Three years later he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, from Pitt, and to his ad- dress and the prudence of Gov. Reid was due the power of the Democracy to control that body, which was evenly divided between the parties.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 23

In 1876 Gov. Vance was nominated for Governor and Capt. Jarvis was placed on the ticket with him, making again an extensive canvass throughout the western coun- ties. Two years later he succeeded Gov. Vance, and on the expiration of that term, he was chosen Governor by the people for a full term. During tliese six years in which he was Governor, he impressed himself more on the active industries of the State than any other Gover- nor we have ever had. In council he was prudent and searching; in action bold and progressive. He believed that the people looked to the occupant of the executive office to give direction to public measures, and he was not afraid to .assume responsibility. When he saw a duty clearly, he pressed forward vigorously to its full discharge, and he regarded that the Governor of the State was in some measure the head of the party as well as the director of public affairs. In every political campaign he largely participated — giving a detailed account of his stewardship and demanding public confidence in his administration because of its cleanness, integrity and rigid performance of every duty and strict adherence to every pledge. He knew no favorite section in his duties as Governor, but worked persistently for the benefit and advantage of all sections. He secured the adoption of the county government system for the East — the con- struction of the Western N. C. Railroad for tlie West. And, indeed, it may be asserted that no State can boast a more splendid administration than that of Gov. Jarvis — one in which, considering the poor facilities and crippled resources at hand, more has been accomplished for the erection of public institutions, for the advancement of education and for the promotion of beneficent public pur- poses and the establishment of industrial prosperity. On his retirement from the executive office, he was appointed by President Cleveland U. S. Minister to Brazil, which distinguished post he still fills.

Gov. Jarvis is by no means a brilliant man, but he is a logical reasoner — is clear in his conceptions and has a

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mind capable of comprebendiDg the details of the most complicated subject. As a speaker, he is slow and delib- erate; plain in his statements, but forcible in expression ; ready with homely illustrations and convincing in his argumentation. His speeches never tire his audience, and although they do not abound in high flights of ora- tory, they please, interest, instruct and convince. A.s a popular speaker, he is indeed of rare excellence.

HoK ALFEED MOORE SCALES,

GOVEKNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA,

Was born November 26th, 1827, at Ingleside, the homestead of his father. Dr. Robert H. Scales, in Rock- ingham county. He attended school at the Caldwell Institute, and in 1846 entered the Junior Class at Chapel Hill, remaining there only one session. On leaving the University, he taught a free school in his native county, w^hich afterwards became a subscription school. He taught in the Caldwell Institute one year, after which he began the study of law wnth Judge Settle, and later with Judge Battle. In 1852 he was elected County Solicitor. He was a member of the House of Commons m 1852-'3. In 1855 he was a candidate for Congress, as a Democrat, in his district, which usually gave a Whig majority of one thousand. He was defeated, but by a largely decreased majority. In 1854 he was again elected to the Legislature, where he served asChairruan of the Finance Committee. In 1B57 he was again a candidate for Congress, and after a spirited contest was elected over his former competitor, Hon. R C. Puryear. Two years later he was unani- mously nominated for re-election, but was defeated by General J. M. Leach, the Whig nominee.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 25

In 1858 General 8cales was elected Clerk and Master of the Equity Court of Rockingham county, and held the office until the civil war began. He was nominated, with Governor D. S. Reid, on the ticket in favor of the Con- vention of 1861, and was opposed by Dr. E. T. Brodnax and Thos. Settle — the campaign was made by Scales and Settle. Several States had withdrawn from the Union, but General Scales did not favor immediate secession. He wished to save the Union ; if that failed, then to declare our intentions, and act in accord with our sister States. The opponents made the contest a question of Union or dissolution. When the contest began there was very little sentiment in favor of a convention, but at the close of the brief campaign General Scales was defeated by only one hundred and fifty majority.

In 1860 he was elector on the Breckinridge and Lane ticket.

Soon after Lincoln's call for troops, General Scales vol- unteered as a private, but was at once elected Captain of his company. He succeeded Pender as Colonel of the Thirteenth North Carolina Regiment, and was engaged in the skirmishes at Yorktown, in the battle of Williams- burg and the fights around Richmond. He was at Fredericksburg, and in Jackson's flank movement at Chancel lorsville, where he was shot through the thigh. In the latter battle, he continued to chase the enemy until loss of blood and fatigue forced him to halt. The Thirteenth Regiment in this battle displayed a noble daring, and justly won the praise of General Pender, who said to the soldiers of the regiment, " I have nothing to say to you but to hold you all up as models in duty, courage and daring." In the report of the battle, Gen- eral Pender says: "Colonel Scales, of the Thirteenth Regiment, was wounded, and thus I was deprived of as gallant a man as is to be found in the service." General Scales was sent home on account of his wound, the day after the battle, and while there recovering from its effects he was made Brigadier General. General Garland, of

26 SKETCHES OF

Virginia, was in command of the brigade which embraced Scales' regiment, and in his report of the battle of Cold Harbor says: " Colonel Scales, of the Thirteenth North Carolina, was conspicuous for his fine bearing. Seizing the colors of his regiment at a critical moment at Cold Harbor, and advancing to the front, he called upon the Thirteenth to stand to them, thus restoring confidence and keeping his men in position." In the first day's fight at Gettysburg, General Scales was severely wounded by a shell just before the Confederates reached Seminary Ridge ; and from that time he was engaged in all the battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, except the final struggle at Appomattox, at which time he was at home on sick furlough.

After the close of the war. General Scales resumed the practice of law, with much success. In 1874 he was elected to the Forty-fourth Congress, and was re-elected to the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh and Forty- eighth Congresses, where he served his constituents ad- vantageously, and exercised an influence in Congress which none but experienced members can.

In 1884 General Scales received the nomination of his party for the office of Governor of North Carolina, and was elected by over twenty thousand majority, probably the largest majority ever received by any candidate for that office.

Governor Scales possesses those sturdy elements of character which make up a good and true man. Strong and constant in his principles ; sound in judgment ; open and honest before men; gentle in manners and loving in disposition — a man whose public and private life is with- out blemish.

The reports of his war record from which the above quotations are taken, and the high offices he has repeat- edly held, proclaim his virtues and the love of his fellow- citizens, more eloquently and justly than can be done in so brief a notice of his life here.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 27

Hon. DAVID SETTLE REID,

OF REIDSVILLE.

The subject of this sketch is a very striking instance of a self-made man. He was born the 19th of April, 1813, in Rockingham county.

According to Wheeler's History, "he studied law and was admitted to practice in 1843. His first appearance in public life was in 1835, as Senator from Rockingham; he was re-elected continuously until 1840.

"In 1843 he was elected a member of Congress, and served until 1847, with great acceptability to his constitu- ents.

"In 1848, without his concurrence or knowledge, he was nominated for Governor and was defeated by a small majority. In 1850, when he had positively, by letter published, declined the nomination, he was again nomi- nated by the Democratic Convention and was elected."

He made a brilliant canvass and changed the politics of the State. He was the first Democratic Governor ever elected in North Carolina. He was a great advocate of free suffrage, which he succeeded in bringing about, despite the most powerful opposition.

Hon. ALFEED MOOKE WADDELL,

OF WILMINGTON,

Was born in Hillsboro, Orange county, N. C, on the 16th of September, 1834. After the usual rudimentary schooling which fell to the lot of boys in those days, he was prepared for college, in part, by that celebrated

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teacher, Wm. Bingham, Sr., whose school was then estab- lished at Hillsboro, and afterwards at the Caldwell Insti- tute, from which he entered Chapel Hill in 1850. He graduated in 1853, and having chosen the profession of law, was admitted to the bar in, his twenty-first year. Shortly afterwards he removed to Wilmington and entered upon the practice of his profession. In July, 1860, he purchased the " Wilmington Herald" the leading Whig paper of the Cape Fear section, and edited it until some time in 1861. He was earnestl}^ opposed to seces- sion, believing that the South could secure the just rights for which she was contending within the Union, and he combated that movement with vigor and ability. But when North Carolina elected to cast in her fortunes with her sister States, he fell into line with the zeal of a true and loyal son. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army. He was for a while Adjutant, and afterwards Lieutenant Colonel of the 41st N. C. Regiment— the 3d Cavalry — and served with that command until August, 1864, when his health, which was never good, gave wa/, and he was compelled to resign.

Upon the close of the war he returned to Wilmington, and in partnership with his distinguished father, Hon. Hugh Waddell, resumed the profession of law, and soon acquired a lucrative and steadily increasing practice.

The year 1870 was a memorable one in the history of North Carolina. The State was under the complete con- trol and dominion of the Republicans, who were deter- mined to retain themselves in power at any and all cost. Kirk and his brutal hirelings were overrunning a large portion of the State, the civil law was "exhausted," and drumhead courts-martial were in vogue. The outlook was gloomy. The Congressional elections w^ere near at hand. The nominee of the Democratic Convention in the 3d district had declined to encounter what was then regarded as certain defeat. The Executive Committee was in despair. The election was only seventeen days off, and Oliver H. Dockery, the sitting member, was the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 29

Republican candidate, and had been for some days actively canvassing the district. In a happy moment the committee turned to Col. Waddell, and appealed to him to accept the nomination and tight the hopeless fight. Bowing to the call of duty and the necessities of his party, he accepted, and immediately started to meet his opponent. Dockery was a strong man on the stump, and was not only personally popular in the district, but was backed by the prestige of his father, who had long been a power in that section of the Stale. Their meeting was looked forward to with eagerness, and by some with anxiety; for Col. Waddell had had little or no experience on the stump, while his opponent was a strong debater and a consummate politician. Dockery was overwhelmed and vanquished at the outset, and each succeeding meet- ing buL added additional evidence that he was no match for his op|)onent, who proved himself to be ready and fearless in debate and fertile of resource. Col. Waddell was elected by a handsome majority, and the district, w^iich Dockery had carried in the last election by some 2,000 majority, was redeemed. He took his seat in 1871 and served continuously until 1879, having been re-elect- ed in 1872, 1874 and 1876, and each time by increased majorities.

The first speech made by Col. Waddell in the House was in April, 1872, on the condition of the South. He was then one of the five Democrats who composed the minority of the special committee of thirteen known as the " Ku Klux Committee." The speech was a manly and elo([uent defense of his people from the bitter and venomous slanders w4iich had been poured upon them, and was received by the House with marked attention. It elicited much praise and gained for him the respect and friendship of the leaders of his party in the House, and he was soon recognized as one of the ablest of the Southern members. He was early placed on the Post Office Committee, and in 1877 was appointed its chair- man, which position he occupied during the remainder

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of his service in Congress, making the most acceptable chairman that had presided over that committee in many years.

Perliaps the speech which attracted most attention was the one delivered by him in January, 1876, upon the Centennial Bill. Many papers North and South had kind words of praise for the speech, and Col. Wad deli received many handsome compliments from distinguished men of both parties. Mr. Hendricks, though not person- ally acquainted with him, wrote from Indianapolis to a mutual friend, begging him to express to Col. Waddell his thanks for the "exquisite speech," which had delighted the Democrats of his State.

In 1878 he was again nominated, but failed of an election. Many causes combined to effect his defeat. It was an off year in politics, and a fatal over-confidence among the Democrats in their strength, and in the weak- ness of their enemies, conspired to the result. A severe attack of illness had prevented Col. Waddell from taking the field until late in the canvass, and even then unfitted him to prosecute it with that vigor and energy which had marked his former campaigns. In this election only about half the usual vote was polled.

In 1880 Col. Waddell was a delegate-at- large to the National Convention, which met in Cincinnati and nominated Hancock. In this Convention he was a mem- ber of the committee to prepare a platform, and in a short speech he earnestly urged that the word "only" in the Tariff plank be stricken out. He did not favor tariff for revenue only; and it might have been well for the party at that time had his suggestion been acted upon, for the tariff plank, more than anything else, defeated Hancock.

After the convention Col. Waddell was invited by lead- ing men of the party to canvass for the ticket in some of the Northern States. He accepted, and spent several months in the New England States, New York and Pennsylvania, addressing large meetings of Democrats and Republicans wherever he went, notably in New

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 31

Haven, Montpelier, Bath, Burlington, Williamsburg, Brooklyn and New York. His speeches were character- ized by that candor and manly frankness which are such marked traits of Col. Waddell, and commanded the respect and admiration of his hearers. He did much to allay sectional feeling.

In 1882 Col. Waddell went to Charlotte to take edito- rial charge of the " Charlotte Journal,'^ afterwards the Journal- Observer. Upon severing his connection with the Journal- Observer he returned to Wilmington and the practice of the law, in which he is now engaged.

Col. Waddell is a vigorous thinker, a fine belles-lettres schular, a facile and polished writer, and a graceful and eloquent speaker. Endowed with a high order of ability, a discriminating mind, and a retentive memory, he has greatly improved these gifts of nature by a wide and catholic range of reading and study, and all these accom- plishments unite with a high sense of honor, a gentle and fascinating humor, and a rare power of conversation to form him a most genial, gifted and lovable gentleman. There are few, if any men so thoroughly familiar with the history of the State and of her distinguished men, from its earliest settlement, and he has been frequently mentioned as the one to write that history of which the necessity has been recently so often and so urgently sug- gested.

No higher evidence of the honor and esteem in which he is held abroad has been given than his selection to deliver the annual address at the recent reunion of the army of Northern Virginia, in Richmond. The admira- ble address which he delivered on that occasion and in which he so eloquently vindicated the claim of Petti- grew's Division to immortal honor won on the heights of Gettysburg, received the warmest praise and commenda- tion from all who heard it or have read it.

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Hoi^. WM. M. KOBBINS,

OF STATESVILLE.

Born in Randolph county; is fiftj^-six years old; was raised on a farm, wiiere his summers were passed at hard work and his winters in ^oing to school at the country academy ; was fond of books, and his father was earnest in trying to educate his children ; spent two years at Randolph-Macon College, and graduated there with the first distinction ; was Professor of Mathematics (teaching also classes in the languages,) at Trinity for a year or two ; studied law; went to Alabama shortly before the war and was beginning the practice of law; secession occurring, he volunteered as a private in a conapany of infantry from Perry county, and served first forty days in January and February, 1861, in garrison at Forts Morgan and Gaines, at the mouth of Mobile Bay ; returning to his home in Marion, he joined the Fourth Alabama Infantry Regi- ment, and was chosen First Lieutenant of Company G; he accompanied this regiment to Virginia, starting the 24ih April, 1861, and served w^th it through the war, becoming its Major by regular promotion after many seniors ; was at Harper's Ferry with Joe Johnston in May, 1861, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox, in April, 1865. His command served generally in Long- street's corps, and he was engaged in most of the great battles in the East and some in the West (with Long- street) — first Manassas, Seven Pines, the seven days' battles on the Chickahominy, second Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chick- amauga, Knoxville, Wilderness, Petersburg — besides innumerable other minor combats; received several scratches, and was once desperately wounded, at Wilder- ness.

Emancipation having Africanized his home in Ala- bama, he resolved, at the close of the war, to spend the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 33

remainder of bis life in his native State of North Car- olina, and accordingly settled at Salisbury and opened his law office in December, 1865, v/ithout a dollar in his pocket.

He had only begun business there, when the agitations connected with Reconstruction came on, and his friends, having found he had some gifts as a public speaker and writer, and was an enthusiastic ex-Rebel and Democrat, thrust him into politics against his earnest protest. His tastes and ambition had never leaned in that direction ; he preferred to devote himself to his profession, in which he had already been sadly interrupted by four years of soldiering, and thus mitigate his poverty and provide for his wife and children. But his protestations were disre- garded, and he was (it may be truthfully said) conscripted as a candidate, and elected to the Senate of North Car- olina in April, 1868, from the district comf)osed of the counties of Rowan and Davie. That was what is known as the " Reconstruction " Legislature, overwhelmingly Re- publican in both houses, and which broke down the credit of the State by its extravagant and. reckless appropria- tions of Special Tax Bonds. All these wild measures he opposed with all his might, predicting publicly on the Senate floor (what has proven true) that the taxpayers of North Carolina would never recognize or pay those bonds. His efforts for tiie time being were ineffectual, except to draw down upon him the bitter hatred and spite of some of the baser leaders of the dominant faction. He was re-elected in 1870, and was a member of the Senate of 1871-'2, which tried the case of impeachment, and con- victed and deposed the Governor.

In 1872 he was nominated and elected to Congress from the Seventh District by a majority of sixteen hun- dred over Judge Furches; re elected, in 1874, over Dr. Cook, and again, in 1876, over Colonel Dula, his major- ities in both these elections being over four thousand. He was a faithful and laborious representative during his six years' service in Congress; was scarcely ever

3

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absent from his place or missed a vote ; was looked upon by the House as one of its most trustworthy, well-informed and promising members. While not often occupying the floor in extended debate, some of his speeches, as, for in- stance, those on the Civil Rights Bill, the Internal Rev- enue, the Centennial Exhibition, the Sugar Tariff, &c., &c., attracted much attention and won him great applause. He had succeeded in achieving a position of high influ- ence and usefuhiess in the House of Representatives, hav- ing been appointed during his last term to a place near the head of the leading committee, that of Ways and Means. Had he been continued in Congress, with the experience and influence he had acquired, there is reason to believe he would have rendered, as a Representative, much valuable service to his State and country. But, without any complaint whatever against him, he was left out at the end of the Forty-fifth Congress, in obedience to the popular idea of rotation in office.

Returning at once, in 1879, to the practice of his pro- fession, and prosecuting it with zeal and energy, he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business; and in spite of the disadvantage of having lost fourteen of his best years, from the study and practice of law, by war and politics, he has the assured prospect, if life and health last, of soon winning, by his hard work, quick- ness of apprehension, fondness for study, ripe scholarship :and power as an advocate, recognition as one among the front rank of the legal profession in North Carolina.

Mr. Robbins is a Methodist in his church relations, but too broad-minded and liberal-hearted to limit his sym- pathies and fraternal associations to the bounds of a de- nomination. He is absorbed in his profession and happy in his work, but takes a lively interest in all the ques- tions of the day — social, educational, industrial, polit- ical, literary and scientific — and does not ignore his duties as a man and citizen. He takes a profound interest in everything that tends to build up his native State and improve the condition of her people. He is a man of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 35

reading and good information, independent in his think- ing and independent also in expressing his opinions. He favors progress and yet he is conservative, not think- ing things are necessarily improvements because they are novelties, especially so in the world of ideas. He has no faith in modern isms, particularly in the fields of the- ological and so-called scientific free thought and specula- tion. He holds fast to the old-fashioned notions about Revelation, Christianity, &c.; does not believe in evolu- tion, human perfectibility nor negro suffrage ; is devoted to human liberty and democratic government, and op- posed to the one-man power, but fears radical notions about allowing all men and women to vote, without qual- ification. He will open Pandora's box after awhile.

Ho^. DANIEL G. FOWLE,

OF RALEIGH,

Was born in the town of Washington, in Beaufort county, North Carolina, on the 3d of March, 1831. At the age of fourteen he was entered at the school of North Carolina's most celebrated teacher William Bingham, where he remained until he matriculated at Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of sixteen. While at Princeton he was appointed by the literary society of which he was a member, junior orator, and acquitted himself so well as to call forth a complimentary and particular mention by one of the leading New York dailies. The Honorable Barnes Compton, now a member of Congress from Mary- land, was at the same time a junior orator appointed by another of the literary societies.

In 1851, .he graduated at Princeton, and having studied law under Judge Pearson for two years, was admitted to the bar in 1853, and in 1854 settled in Raleigh. In 1856

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he married Ellen Brent, daughter of Hon. R. M. Pear- son, who died in 1862, leaving two children, Margaret, now wife of P. H. Andrews, and Martha, wife of David B. Avera, of Raleigh.

On the surrender of Fort Sumter and the proclama- tion of Lincoln calling for troops to coerce the seceding States, he volunteered as a private in a company known as the Raleigh Rifles, and upon the organization of the company was elected second Lieutenant. Upon the organization of the State military department he was appointed Major of the commissary department. In the summer of 1861 he resigned his commission, helped to raise the regiment afterwards known as the 31st, was made captain of one of its companies, then Lieutenant- Colonel of the regiment, and as such served at Fort Hill, in Beaufort county, and at Roanoke Island, where he was captured by Burnside's forces, February 8th, 1862, and after a short imprisonment, paroled. In October, 1862, he was elected to the House of Commons from Wake county, and upon the adjournment of the Legislature was appointed Adjutant General of North Carolina with the rank of Major General. In the fall of 1863 he resigned this commission. In 1864 he ran for the House of Commons from Wake on the anti-Holden ticket and was the only one on this ticket who was elected. In 1865, during his absence from home, he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court by Governor Holden, and was by the Leg;islature of 1865-'66 elected to the same office for life. In November, 1867, he resigned this office rather than obey and enforce the orders of General Sickles, then Military Governor of North and South Carolina. He was a Democratic candidate for the con- vention of 1867 and was defeated, but led his ticket by over a hundred votes. In 1868 he was chairman of the State Democratic Committee and threw his whole energy into that campaign. In 1870 he was one of .the Demo- cratic candidates for the State Senate from the counties of Franklin and Wake, reduced the Republican majority

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of twelve hundred to two hundred and again led bis ticket. In 1876 he was Democratic elector for the State- at-large and upon the election of Tilden, so conspicuous and pre-eminent had been his canvass, that the members of the North Carolina Electoral College recommended him to the President and requested that he be appointed Attorney-General of the United States. In 1880 he was a candidate for the Democratic nouiination for Governor, was defeated by Hon. Thos. J. .larvis, and during that campaign thoroughly canvassed the State for his late competitor, making some sixty speeches in different parts of the State, from the mountains to the sea. In 1872 he canvassed Chatham and made speeches in other counties of the State in behalf of the Democratic candidate for Governor. In 1878 he assisted Hon. W. H. Kitchin in his canvass for Congress, making speeches in Scotland Neck, Wilson, Goldsboro and New Berne, In 1884 he was a candidate for the nomination for Congress, was defeated by Hon. W. R Cox, but during that campaign his eloquent voice was heard in forty or fifty counties of the State pleading for the glorious principles of the Demo- cratic party. During the session of the Legislature of 1884-'85 all the Democratic members of that body united in a petition to President Cleveland requesting him to appoint Judge Fowle Solicitor General.

We failed to mention in its chronological order, that in January, 1866, he married Mary E., only daughter of Dr. F. J. Haywood, of Raleigh, who died in April, 1886, leaving now surviving her three little children. From his early manhood in 1861 up to the present time, Daniel G. Fowle has ever been a constant, earnest, able and effective advocate of civil liberty, good government and that greatest of all blessings, the Constitution as under- stood and defined by that grand old Roman, Thomas Jefferson. His moral character is without blemish. As a soldier, he was true to his flag, as a legislator he was able and conservative, as a lawyer he stands without a superior, as a judge he was great and pure, and an orna-

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ment to that bench which had been occupied by such men as Caldwell, Manly, Nash, Pearson, Battle, Ruffin and Badger, and as a political orator, none can surpass him. Well do we remember how in 1876 in a canvass of the Stale as a Tilden elector, he stirred the hearts and minds of the people as they had never been stirred before. Wherever he went he aroused the people to the import- ance of the political issues of the day and left behind him a determination to win and an enthusiasm for the cause of Democracy that had not been seen for years. And thus it has been in every political campaign, except the one of 1882, when unfortunately for him and the Democratic party, his private affairs were in such condi- tion as to demand his constant attention. On June 30th, 1888, was nominated for Governor by the Democratic Convention. — Raleigh News and Observer.

Hon. CHAS. manly STEDMAN,

OF WILMINGTON, LIEUT. GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Nathan A. and E. W. Stedman, and was born at Pittsboro, Chatham county, January 29th, 1841. At an early age he moved with his parents to Fayetteville. He was prepared for college by Rev. Daniel McGilvary, now missionary to Siam. He entered the State University in 1857 and graduated with the highest honors. At the opening of the war he entered as private in the 1st N. C. Regiment. He was promoted to Captain and afterwards Major of the 44th N. C. Regiment. He served during the entire war in the army of Northern Virginia and was several times wounded.

After the war he studied law and was licensed to prac- tice in January, 1866. In January of the same year he was married to Miss Kate Wright, of Wilmington, daugh- ter of Joshua G. Wright. In 1867 he removed to Wil-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 39

mington, where he has ever since practiced with increas- ing success and reputation.

In November, 1884, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- ernor of the State. He makes a dignified and graceful presiding officer of the Senate and is master of parlia- mentary law.

He is a man of highly cultivated mind and manners.

He has frequently participated in the political cam- paigns of the State and has shown ability as an orator. His speeches are argumentative and often thrilling.

Hon. CURTIS HOOKS BROGDEK

OF GOLDSBOKO,

" Was born in Wayne county, N. C, and was raised on the farm. He received a common school education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar; he presided for several years as a Justice of Wayne county Court; he was first elected by an almost unanimous vote in his native county as a member of the House of Commons in 1838, before he had ever voted in any civil election, and was elected continuously to one or the other Houses of the General Assembly until the session of 1856, when he was elected as Comptroller of North Carolina. He was elected to that office continuously by the General Assem- bly for ten years from January 1st, 1857, to January 1st, 1867. In 1868 he was elected to the State Senate, and again in 1870; in 1872 he was elected Lieutenant-Gov- ,ernor on the Republican ticket, and presided over the Senate till 1874, when on the death of Gov. Tod R. Cald- well, he succeeded to the Executive office of the State, which he held till January, 1877. In 1868 he was elector and presided over the Electoral College which cast the vote of the State for Grant and Colfax. In 1869 he was

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appointed by President Grant Collector of Internal Revenue for the Second District of North Carolina, which appointment he declined. He has held the principal offices in the State Militia from Captain to Major-General, has been trustee of the State University, and has also filled several local offices, such as Town Commissioner, Railroad Director, &c. In 1876, while Governor of the State, he was elected to the Forty-Fifth Congress, receiv- ing 21,060 votes against 11,874 cast for Col. Wharton J. Green, Democrat.

Gov. Brogden has not held any office since he retired from Congress until the fall of 1886, when he yielded to the urgent solicitations of his friends without regard to party, and was elected to the House of Representatives by a majority of 479 votes. He is largely identified with the farming interest, being probably the largest laud- owner in Wayne county. He has never married." — Legislative Biographical Sketch Booh, 1887.

Hoi^. BURGESS SIDNEY GAITHER,

OF BURKE COUNTY,

Was born in Iredell county, 16th March, 1807. His father, Burgess Gaither, came from near Annapolis, Mary- land, after the close of the Revolution and located in Iredell, where he married Amelia Martin, who came from near Richmond, Va. The father of the subject of this sketch was a man of prominence in his day and genera- tion, having represented Iredell frequently in the Gene-, ral Assembly from 1788 to 1802, when the Democracy, under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson, came into power.

Burgess S. Gaither's early education was obtained at Hall's High School, Bethany church, Iredell county, and

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 41

subsequently at the Morgantou High School, where he was prepared for college. He then took an irregular course at the University of Georgia, and returned to Mor- gantou to study law under the instruction of his brother, Alfred Moore Gaither. Upon the death of his brother he completed his studies with the late Judge David F. Caldwell, of Salisbury. He obtained his County Court license June Term, 1829, and Superior Court license the following year.

On the loth July, 1830, he married Elizabeth S., daughter of Col. W. W. Erwin,of Burke. Upon getting bis license as an Attorney-at-Law, he at once entered upon the practice of his profession which, with slight interruptions, he has continued to this day.

The first office he ever held was that of Clerk of Burke Superior Court, to which he was appointed by Hon. W. P. Mangum. Shortly after that the law of 1832 was passed, giving to the people the election of Clerks. Col. Gaither submitted his ''claims" to the people and was elected by a large majority for four years.

In 1835 he was elected with Hon. Samuel P. Carson, a delegate to represent Burke in the State Convention to amend the Constitution. The journals and debates of that body will show his record.

In 1839 the first National Convention of the Whig party was held at Harrisburg, Pa. Col. Gaither was the delegate from this district. Governor Owen was chair- man of the North Carolina delegation, and upon the first ballot Henry Ciay received 80 votes, General Harrison 70 votes and General Winfield Scott 16 votes, from New York. No one having a majority, the balloting was con- tinued, with the same result for two days, when New York's 16 votes were thrown to the weaker candidate and Harrison nominated, and afterwards elected by the people. This was a sore disappointment to Mr. Clay's friends and to none more so than to Col. Gaither, and, indeed, the whole North Carolina delegation.

In July, 1841, President John Tyler appointed Col.

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Gaither Superintendent of the Mint, at Charlotte, which position he held for two years and then gave way to Green W. Caldwell, who was more of a Tyler man than Gaither. Closing up his accounts promptly with the Government, Col. Gaither turned over the Mint to Cald- well and resumed active practice of the law. Subse- quently to this the discovery of gold in California made it expedient to establish a mint at San Francisco, and Mr. Fillmore, being then President of the United States, tendered the appointment of Superintendent of this new institution to Col. Gaither, but he declined to accept, for the reason he was unwilling to leave North Carolina.

He represented Burke and Yancey in the Senate of 1840 and was the Senator from Burke, Caldwell and McDowell in 1844, when the Senate was equally divided between the Whigs and Democrats. A week of fruitless ballot- ing for a presiding officer ended by an agreement that B. S. Gaither, of Burke, (who had not before been men- tioned for the position) should be declared President of the Senate. He gave universal satisfaction. During this session he was elected Solicitor of the 7th Judicial Circuit for four years, and in 1848 was re-elected for a second term of four years. Eminent judges have said that he was the ablest prosecuting attorney who had ever appeared before them.

Col. Gaither represented this district both terms of the Confederate Congress and was distinguished for his manly bearing during all that perilous period. Since then he has taken little part in public affairs except to advise the younger generation.

It can truly be said of him that he was an able lawyer, a faithful representative, a gallant, chivalrous gentleman whom no danger could appall and no menace could intimidate. T.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 43

Hoix. JOHN S. HENDERSON,

OF SALISBURY.

The subject of this. sketch has been a marked success as a representative in Congress, considering the short time he has served.

Mr. Henderson is an earnest worker, not a talker. He has won favor with Randall and other men of influence, and he has labored hard on the committees to advance the measures he advocates. Two of his speeches made in the last Congress attracted considerable attention and favorable comment, one in favor of Frank Hurd, the other in support of his bill to modify the Internal Reve- nue Laws, &c. His earnest effort in behalf of the latter reflects great credit on him.

Whetlier we agree with his measures or not, we cer- tainly feel gratified to see a man in earnest, and working diligently for the success of his bills. He was born in Rowan county, January 6th, 1846. He was prepared for college at Dr. Wilson's school, and entered the University of North Carolina January, 1862, where he pursued his studies until November, 1864, when he enteied the Confederate army and served until the surrender as a private in Company B, 10th Regiment N. C. State troops. He read law under Chief Justice Pearson, and obtained his County Court license in June, 1866, and his Superior Court license in June, 1867. He applied himself zeal- ously to the practice of his profession, in which he has been successful. He has always resided in Salisbury. In September, 1874, he married Miss Bessie B. Cain,of Ashe- ville. He has never sought office, but has seen a good deal of political life. In 1871 he was elected to the pro- posed Constitutional Convention, beating his late com- petitor. Dr. J. G. Ramsay, 497 votes, running 102 votes ahead of the Democratic ticket. Mr. Henderson declined a nomination for the lower house of the General Assem-

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bly in 1872. He was elected to the Constitutional Con- vention of 1875, and took a prominent part in the pro- ceedings of that memorable body. In 1876 he was elected to the JEouse, and was a leading and valuable member, having been the author and draftsman of many of the most important statutes adopted at that session of the General Assembly. He had been elected by a majority of 1,006, when Vance's majority in Rowan was 862 and Tilden's 868. In 1879 he was triumphantly elected to the State Senate from Rowan and Davie, running about 475 votes ahead of his ticket. In the upper chamber, as well as in the lower, he distinguished himself by his sagacity, his industry and zeal, as a true representative of the people, and did much towards shaping the best legislation of the session. In 1881 he was selected by the General Assembly as one of the three commissioners to codify the statute laws of the State, and in this capacity rendered conspic- uous service.

On the 9Lh of September, 1884, he was nominated for Congress, by the Democratic convention of the 7th dis- trict, and was opposed by his old competitor. Dr. J. G. Ramsay, one of the shrewdest and best posted politicians in the State.

Mr. Henderson was elected by over 3,000 majority. He was re-elected in 1886.

Hon. W. H. H. COWLES,

OF WILKESBORO,

Was born at Hamptonville, N. C, April 22d, 1840. His youth was spent partly on the farm and in his father's store. He attended the common schools and academies of his county. He was fond of outdoor exercise ; delighted in hunting, which developed and hardened his constitu- tion.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 45

In 1861 he volunteered as a private in a cavalry com- pany then being formed by T. N. Grumpier, but upon the organization of the company he was elected First Lieutenant. The company was selected with great care; every member was strong and soldierly.

Col. Cowles was then not quite six feet in height, slen- der, erect and athletic. In the latter part of 1861 he marched with his regiment to Centerville, then the seat of war, at which point the First N. C. Cavalry became a part of the First Cavalry Brigade arganized in the Con- federate States, and was connected with the army of Northern Virginia until the surrender. Col. Cowles served with his regiment during the war filling the grades of First Lieutenant of Company A, Major and then Colonel. His active and faithful discharge of duty and his dash and courage won the confidence of his superior officers and as early as the First Maryland raid he was placed in command of the extreme advance guard of the Cavalry by Stewart. On return he was placed in command of the extreme rear guard.

In all the raids, marches and battles that followed, he bore his part bravely. His men were devoted to him and in the critical periods of battle the sound of his clarion voice never failed tp rally them. At Auburn where the lamented Col. Thomas Ruffin fell, it was Cowles who rallied the men and continued the charge. At Brand}^ Station it was Col. Cowles who led the charge that drove the 10th N. Y. Cavalry out of line and to the rear. (Jovvles followed them up for several miles towards Kelly's Ford, capturing Maj. Forbes, Maj. Gregg's com- missary and Wm. Buckly, private correspondent of the Neiu York Herald and others, whom he successfully brought out, though at the terminus of the charge he was com- pletely in the enemy's lines. In the beginning of the charge, Preston Hampton, the son of Wade Hampton, joined Cowles for a short distance but his horse was killed under him and when he had obtained another horse, he found that his squadron had passed ahead and that Gregg's

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entire column was moving down the road in the direc- tion that Cowles had just gone. As Hampton could not rejoin his squadron, he returned to the Confederate lines and reported that Cowles was surely captured. When Cowles attempted to retrace his steps he was met hy a Confederate coming at full speed with the news that a large body of Federal Cavalry were in the road a short distance off, coming in that direction ordering the fences to be torn down. Cowles passed with his men and pris- oners through the field and across a deep stream where there was no ford ; but he crossed successfully and just in time to witness the advance of the head of General Gregg's column at the point in the road which Cowles had left. At the beginning of the battle of Mine Run General Ewell was in need of a competent officer to take command of the skirmish line in his front and requested General Stew^art to suggest the man. General Stewart detailed Capt. Cowles for the duty and directed him to take in addition to the Cavalry he would find with Gen- eral Ewell, one hundred picked men, which he did, quickly joining General Early. He went to the front and established his skirmish line and next morning met the enemy's advance gallantly checking its movements every inch of the way to the Confederate's main lines. In this engagement fie received his first wound by a minnie ball through the body. His wound was thought to be fatal, but the following Spring he rejoined his com- mand in time to take part in the first of that memorable campaign of 1864 and was in command of the right wing of General Gordon's forces at Brook church near Richmond where Gordon fell. He continued in active service until the 31st of March, 1865, when, in leading a desperate assault on the right of the enemy near Peters- burg, and after his horse was shot leaving him on foot and knee deep in water, he was shot in the head. Those who saw him thought he was killed and he was left un- conscious to fall into the hands of the enemy. He was taken to the hospital where he heard the news of the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 47

surrender of Lee. It happened that he met there his namesake, Maj. Cowles, of the Federal army, who prom- ised him the best treatment and who allowed Col. Cowles and a number of his friends to go home on parole. Col. Cowles took the boat for Norfolk under guard. At Nor- folk he was imprisoned for a day, then left for New Berne. He was badly treated on the vessel and he came near being thrown overboard. At New Berne by the aid of a friend he managed to get across tlie Federal lines. He went to Raleigh, thence to Salisbury with Thad. Coleman. They reached Third Creek in a private conveyance and attempted to walk the rest of the way to Statesville, but it was too much for men who apparently were nearer their graves than their homes. Wlien within three miles of Statesville, Col. Cowles offered a farmer $3.00 in green- back and $20.00 in Confederate money to take them to Statesville, and after much persuasion prevailed upon the farmer to comply. Cowles finally reached Wilkes- boro.

In 1866 he began the study of law under Judge Pear- son and obtained license to practice in the county court in 1867, in the Superior Court in 1868. He located at Wilkesboro where he has since practiced his pro- fession. He has been a strong Democrat since the war. He was Reading Clerk of the Senate from 1872 to 1874. In 1874 he was elected Solicitor of the 10th Judicial Dis- trict, in which position he won the reputation of a vigor- ous prosecutor. He was for many years chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of his district and did much service for his party.

In 1884 he was elected to Congress from the 8th Dis- trict by a large majority. He was re-elected in 1886 after a brilliant canvass, in which he drove his opponent from the field.

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Hon. WILLIAM RUFFIN COX,

OF RALEIGH,

Was born in Scotland Neck, North Carolina; here- moved to Tennessee, and after due preparation entered Franklin College, near Nashville, where he graduated; subsequently he became a student at the Lebanon Law School, and, after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws, practiced his profession in Nasliville, Tennessee; prior to the war he returned to his native State ; engaged in planting in Edgecombe county, and is still occupied in the same pursuit; early in the war he entered the Con- federate States Army as Major of the Second North Caro- lina State Troops; by successive promotion became Brig- adier-General, and commanded his division in the last charge at Appomattox; after the termination of hostili- ties, he resumed the practice of the law at Raleigh ; was elected Solicitor of the Metropolitan District, and held the office for six years ; subsequently he was appointed^ a Judge of the Superior Court for the same district, and held the office until near the expiration of his term, when he resigned to canvass for a nomination to Congress; he is a Trustee of the University of the South; was a Dele- gate from the State at large to the National Democratic Convention which met in New York ; was similarly dele- - gated to the Saint Louis Democratic Convention, but de- clined the honor, and was for several years Chairman of the State Democratic Committee; was elected to the Forty-seventh and to the Forty-eighth Congresses, and was re-elected to the Forty-ninth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 18,930 votes against 13,448 votes for Turner, Republican. — Congressional Directory.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 49

Hon. RISDEN T. BENNETT,

OP WADESBOROUGH,

Was born in Anson county, North Carolina, June 18, 1840; was educated at Anson Institute; took the degree of Bachelor of Laws at Lebanon Law School, Tennessee, in June, 1859 ; entered the Confederate Army as a pri- vate April 30, 1861, and rose through the several grades to the Colonelcy of the Fourteenth North Carolina Troops; was Solicitor of Anson county in 1866 and 1867; was a member of the Legislature of North Carolina in 1872, and delegnte to the Constitutional Convention of the State in 1875, serving in each body as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee; was Judge of the Superior Court in 1880, and resigned to accept the nomination for Congress as Congressman at Large from North Carolina; was elected to the Forty-eighth Congress, and was re- elected to the Forty-ninth Congress, as a Democrat, re- ceiving 19,344 votes against 14,010 votes for Dockery,. Republican . — Congressional Directory.

Hon. WHARTOI^ J. GEEEN,

OF FAYETTEVILLE,

Was born near Saint Mark's, Florida, where his father had lately moved from Warren county. North Carolina; upon his mother's death, which occurred when he was four years old, he was placed in charge of an uncle, whilst his father was engaged in the struggle for Texan inde- pendence, and shortly after with his grandfather in Warren county; was partially educated at Georgetown College, Lovejoy's Academy at Raleigh, West Point, and

4

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the University of Virginia; read law at the last, and af- terwards at Cumberland University; immediately after obtaining a United States Supreme Court license he abandoned the law, and has been ever since a farmer, and also a vineyardist at this time; enlisted in one of the three first companies that went into camp upon the breaking out of the war; was promoted to Lieutenant- Colonel commanding Second North Carolina Battalion in the Confederate Army, and was afterwards on General Daniel's staff; was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1868; was a State delegate to the Demo- cratic National Convention at Saint Louis; was State Alternate to the Cincinnati National Democratic Con- vention, and was a candidate for Elector on the Demo- cratic ticket of 1868; has never held civic position until elected to the Forty-eighth Congress ; he was re-elected to the Fofty-ninth Congress as a Democrat, receiving^, 16,785 votes against 12,252 votes for Brogden, Republi- can.— Congressional Directory.

Hon. THOMAS DILLAKD JOHNSTON,

OF ASHEVILLE,

Was born in '|Waynesville, Haywood county, North Carolina, April 1, 1840 ; was educated at common schools until 1853, when he was placed under the tuition of Col. Stephen Lee, near Asheville, and was by him prepared for college; in the winter of 1858-'59 entered the sopho- more class at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but left college in the spring of ^59 on account of failing health ; studied law with Judge Bailey in 1860; entered the Southern Army in the spring of 1861, and received three desperate wounds at Malvern Hill, from which he came near losing his life, they still causing

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 51

him suffering; was licensed to practice law in 1866 by the Supreme Court of North Carolina; was elected mayor of Asheville in 1869 — the first Democratic mayor after the war; was elected in 1870 to the lower house of the Legislature of North Carolina and was designated by the House as one of the managers of the impeachment of Governor W. W. Holden ; was a candidate for Demo- cratic Elector on the Greeley ticket in 1872; was re- elected to the State Legislature in 1872, but declined a third election in 1874; was elected to the State Senate from the Buncombe district in 1876; and was elected to the Forty-ninth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 13,024 votes against 11,466 votes for H. G. Ewart, Republican. Re-elected. — Congressional Directory.

y

Hoi^. T. G. SKINNER,

OF HERTFORD,

Son of James C. and Elmira Skinner, was born Janu- ary 21st, 1842, in Perquimans county, on a farm. His mother died when he was twelve years. old. He went to school first at the Hertford Academy, then at Sunsbury, Gates county, to Martin Kellogg. He also studied at Ox- ford under Jas. H. Horner, who prepared him for college. He entered the freshman class at Chapel Hill in 1858. In May, 1861, while in the junior class, he volunteered in the Orange Light Infantry under Captain Ashe, and with that company joined the First Regiment of N. C. Volun- teers under General (then Colonel) D. H. Hill. The title of his company was " D." He remained with that regi- ment until it disbanded in the fall of '61, and was en- gaged in the battle of Big Bethel.

In the spring of 1862 he acted as vidette for the 13th Virginia Cavalry, who were stationed at Suffolk, Va.

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After the fall of Norfolk, he went to Richmond with a few picked volunteers and joined a battery of artillery under Captain !S. Taylor Martin, and while in that com- pany was elected and served as Lieutenant.

In 1863 he resigned that position and was transferred to a North Carolina battery of artillery under the com- mand of Captain Webb, of Richmond county, N. C, until the end of the war, as sergeant.

When the war closed he returned home and went to work farming and tishing. In 1868 he obtained license to practice law from the Supreme Court, and practiced his profession until elected to Congress in the fall of 1883 . He served two terms in Congress with credit to his con- stituents.

Hon. ALFRED ROWLAND, t

OF LUMBERTON,

Was born in Lumberton, Robeson county, North Caro- lina, February 9, 1844; received a common school edu- cation ; entered the Confederate Army in May, 1861, and served as a Lieutenant in Company D, Eighteenth Regi- ment of North Carolina State Troops, till May 12, 1864; on that day was captured in battle of Spottsylvania Court House, and was afterwards imprisoned at Fort Delaware till June, 1865; after the war studied law under the late Giles Leitch, of Robeson county ; obtained County Court license in January, 1867, and Superior Court li- cense in January, 1868; in 1867 was elected by the County Court Register of Deeds for Robeson County; was a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina 1876-77, and again in 1880-81; was a Cleveland and Hendricks Elector for the Sixth Congressional District in 1884, and was elected to the Fiftieth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 14,261 votes against 6,659 votes for Charles R. Jones, Independent. — Congressional Directory.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 53

Hon. LOUIS CHAELES LATHAM,

OF GREENVILLE,

Was born at Plymouth, North Carolina, September 11th, 1840; graduated at the University of North Caro- lina in 1859, and then attended the Law School at Har- vard College, Massachusetts; practices law ; entered the Confederate service in May or June, 1861, for the war, and was successively Captain and Major of the 1st North Carolina State troops; was elected to the House of Com- mons/of North Carolina in 1864; surrendered at Appo- mattox; elected to the Senate of North Carolina in 1870; was elected to the Forty -seventh Congress, and was elected to the Fiftieth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 13,490 votes against 10,635 votes for L. J. Barrett, Independent. — Congressional Directory.

Hoi^. F. M. SIMMONS, \

OF NEW BERNE,

Was born in Jones county. North Carolina, January 20th, 1854; was graduated at Trinity College in North Carolina in 1873; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1874; in 1876 removed to New Berne, North Carolina, where he has since resided and practiced his profession; never heldany office until he was elected to the Fiftieth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 15,158 votes against 13,060 votes for James E. O'Hara, Republi- can, the colored member of the Forty-ninth Congress from this district. — Congressional Directory.

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Ho]^. CHARLES W. McCLAMMY,

OF scott's hill,

Was bom in Scott's Hill, North Carolina, May 29th, 1839; received an academic education, and was gradu- ated from the University of North Carolina in 1859; was engaged in teaching; entered the Confederate army in 1861 ; by successive promotions became Major of the Third North Carolina Cavalry Regiment, and surren- dered at Appomattox; is a farmer; was elected a mem- ber of the House of Commons of North Carolina in 1866, and to the State Senate in 1871 ; was Democratic Elector in 1884, and was elected to the Fiftieth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 14,538 votes against 8,166 votes for F. D. Koonce, Republican, and 100 votes scattered. — Congressional Directory.

Hon. JOHN NICHOLS,

OF RALEIGH,

Was born in Wake county, North Carolina, November 14th, 1834; received a common school education; when fifteen years of age was apprenticed to the printing busi- ness, receiving a full term of six years; when twenty-one years of age attended Lovejoy Academy for one year; for a number of years was engaged in the book and job printing business and newspaper publishing; from 1873 till 1877 was principal of the North Carolina Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind; from 1879 till 1881 was Revenue Stamp Agent at Durham, North Caro- lina; in May, 1881, was, without application, appointed Postmaster at Raleigh, North Carolina, and was removed

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 55

by President Cleveland in May, 1885; has been the Sec- retary and Treasurer of the State Fair Association for a number of years, and was elected to the Fiftieth Con- gress as an Independent, receiving 15,861 votes against 14,473 votes for John W. Graham, Democrat. — Congres- sional Directory.

Ro^. JAMES E. O'HARA,

OF ENFIELD.

Was born in New York, February 26th, 1844 ; received an academical education; studied law; was admitted to the bar of North Carolina in June, 1873; at present a practising attorney; was Engrossing Clerk to the Con- stitutional Convention of Nortli Carolina in 1808, also to the Legislature of 1868-'69; was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1875; was Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the county of Halifax, 1872-76; was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress, but the certificate of election was given to W. H. Kilchin, Democrat; was elected to the Forty-eighth Congress, and was re-elected to the Forty-ninth Congress as a Repub- lican, receiving 22,309 votes against 15,699 votes for Woodard, Democrat. — Congressional Directory.

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Hon. O. H. DOCKEEY, the republican nominee for governor of n. 0.

Mr. Dockery was born in Richmond county, N. C, August r2tli, 1830. He is a son of the Hon. Alfred Dookery, ex-member of Congress, who was a man of influence and prominent in State affairs for thirty or more years. Young Dockery received a good education, graduating from the North Carolina University at Chapel Hill, in the class of 1844. He read law and was admit- ted to the bar, but never practiced, preferring the inde- pendent life of a planter to the pursuit of a profession.

Becoming interested in politics, he was elected to the Lower House of the Legislature, representing his native county of Richmond in the session of 1858-'59. In 1860 he was the Bell and Everett District Elector. Dur- ing the late war he was in the Confederate army for a short time, but afterwards abandoned the service, and with Governor William Holdeti, advocated the submis- sion of the State to the Federal authority; taking an active part in the peace movement in 1864. Upon North Carolina being rehabilitated in the Union, Mr. Dockery was elected a representative to the Fortieth Congress, serving from July 13th, 1868, to March 3d, 187L He was re-elected to the Forty-first Congress, receiving 15,- 314 votes, against 13,353 cast f.r McKay, Democrat. While in Congress he served on the Commiliee on Revo- lutionary Claims and the Committee on Claims; he advocated Federal payment for all private materials and substance taken by the Quartermaster's Department from non-combatants for the use of the armies of the United States. As Chairman of the Committee on Freedmen's Affairs he favored and advocated public schools and everything that might in any way tend to the enlighten- ment of the colored race under the new order of things and at the same time promote a better feeling and under- standing between the two rsices.-- Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

• PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 57

Hon. a. LEAZAR, ^

OF IREDELL COUNTY,

Was born in Rowan county, near the Iredell line, in a farm house, the 27th of March, 1843. His parents were Jno. Leazar and Isabella Leazar; on the paternal side of Gernaan descent, on the maternal side of Scotch-Irish descent. At the age of thirteen he entered the Fresh- man class of Davidson College, having been prepared by J. R. McAulay in the vicinity of Prospect church. He graduated in 1860 first in a class of twenty. The war immediately coming on, he enlisted in Company G, 42d Regiment N. C. State Troops, and was elected First Lieu- tenant in the same. He passed through some severe engagements but never suffered a wound nor capture. At the close of the war he engaged in teaching, though not choosing that as a profession, but meeting with suc- cess he continued that business, conducting a classical school for sixteen years within five miles of his present home. In 1869 the degree of A. B. was conferred on him by Davidson College.

He was married in 1865 to Miss Cornelia Frances McCorkle, daughter of Wm. B. and Mary McCorkle, then of Rowan, but formerly of Wadesboro, Anson county. His wife died in 1873.

In 1882 he was elected to the General Assembly against D. M. Furches. His principal work in that body was in furtherance of the educational enterprises of the State. He was elected by the Assembly a member of the re-or- ganized Board of Agriculture for the 7th Congressional District. He has been a farmer for the last twenty years. He taugjht in the State Normal School in 1888 and 1884.

In 1884 he was re-elected to the House of Representa- tives and his influence in that body was extensive from the beginning. He interested himself considerably in the important question of rearranging the Judicial sys-

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tern in the State. The House Committee being all law- yers except Mr. Leazar, favored a large increase in the number of Judges. Mr. Leazar opposed the increase and was successful. He drafted the bill whicli became a law increasing the appropriation for the Slate University $15,000, and the number of the Faculty, six. Mr. Leazar strongly opposed convict labor on railroads, etc., holding that the railroads being the property of individ- uals and not in any. degree of the State, it was wrong in itself as well as unconstitutional for the State to appro- priate money or labor, its equivalent, for their construc- tion or improvement.

In 1885 he was tendered Chief of Division in the Treasury Department at Washington, but which he de- clined. Tlie salary was tempting, but the idea of being pigeon-holed or converted into a mere machine was not altogether so pleasing.

In 1886 he was elected to the House, serving as chair- maii on Education. He hel|)ed to develop the Industrial School enterprise, by a bill which he had drafted and passed through the House of '85, a bill to assign the S7,500 income of the Land Scrip Fund heretofore enjoyed by the University, to the "North Carolina College of Agri- culture and Mechanic Arts."

The State's policy in regard to the management of con- victs is a hard one to solve, but much credit is due Mr. Leazar for his bold stand against the lobbyist and the extravagant legislators who would surrender to railroads without compensation any number of convicts.

In the summer of '87 he delivered the annual address at the semi-centennial commencement of Davidson Col- lege.

He is a Trustee of Davidson College and also of the University.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 59

Hon. DAVID A. COVINGTON,

OF MONROE,

Was born December 2d, 1853. He is the third son of D. A. and S. A. Covington. His father was a native of Richmond county, and belonged to a well known and honored family. Though never having the advantages of a collegiate education, he was a man of fine mind, and was held in high esteem both in his native county and in Union, the county of his adoption.

He represented Union and Anson counties in the State Senate for a number of years, and held various ofiSces of trust in the county first named. He was a man of fine business qualities, and amassed a large fortune prior to the war. He died at the age of sixty, leaving a widow and six children, all of whom are still living.

The subject of this sketch received such early educa- tion as is usually aff'orded in small country towns, and in 1870, at the age of seventeen, was sent to Wake Forest College. Three years of his life were spent at this insti- tution. He left college in June, 1873, lacking one year of graduation. While at Wake Forest he represented the Euzelian Society, of which he was a member, as its first debater at the Anniversar3^ in 1873, and was elected to deliver the Anniversary Oration of that Society in 1874, but failed to return to college the succeeding year.

In December, 1873, he was married to Miss Ella E. Howie, of Monroe, who died the following August. In the fall of 1874 he began the stud}^ of law under the late Chief Justice Pearson, and graduated the following year, receiving his diploma at the June Term, 1875, of the Su- preme Court. He immediately entered upon the prac- tice of his profession in the town of his nativity, and shortly after formed a local partnership with the late J. Harvey Wilson, of Charlotte.

In May, 1876, he was elected Mayor of Monroe over

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several competitors, receiving more votes than all the others combined. This office he resigned before the ex- piration of his term on account of the conflicting duties of his profession.

On the 23d day of January, 1878, he was married to Miss Mary A. Simmons, third daughter of W. G. Sim- mons, LL. D., of Wake Forest College. In the summer of 1878 he was nominated by the Democratic party at a primary election in his county to represent Union county in the lower branch of the General Assembly, defeating three other candidates. At the general election of this year he was elected over an independent by a majority of 1,375 votes, his competitor receiving only 292, the handsomest majority ever given in his native county — Union.

In the Legislature of 1879, and at the special session of 1880, he served on the Judiciary and other important Committees, and was frequently called to the Chair by the Speaker to preside over the deliberations of the House.

In 1880 he was not a candidate for re-election to the Legislature, but accepted the nomination of the Demo- cratic party as Presidential Elector on the Hancock and English ticket as successor to Colonel Bennett, who had been promoted to the Bench.

In the summer of 1886 his name was frequently men- tioned in connection with nomination for Congress from the Sixth District on the Democratic ticket, and as the suc- cessor of Judge Bennett; and in Wadesboro, on the 21st of July of that year, he received the largest vote of any other man until the 47th ballot, when Col. A. Rowland was nominated.

He is now practicing his profession in Monroe, N. C, and is the senior member of the firm of Covington & Adams — a firm which does, perhaps, the most extensive business in Union county, and which is often employed in important litigation away from home.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 61

Ho^^ J. J. MOTT,

OF STATESVILLE.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Rev. T. S. W. Mott, a minister of the Episcopal church, well known and highly esteemed during his life. He was born in Hillsboro, N. C, at the residence of his grandfather, James Phillips, the 7th of May, 1834. He was educated principally by his father at his home in Caldwell county. His medical education was received at Jefferson Medical College, of Phihidelphia. He began the practice of medicine in Catawba county in 1855 and continued it for nearly twelve years. In ihe meantime he was mar- ried to Miss Caroline Hen(]rix, of AVilkes county. He was in the State Legislature from Catawba county in 1866-'67. He was President of the Western North Caro- lina Railroad from 1868 until 1872. He was Collector of Internal Revenue for the 6th N. C. District from 1872 until 1881. He was a member of the Republican party at its organization in this State and has been prominent in his party up to the present time. Dr. Mott did not engage in the war; he was a strong Whig, despised secession and the Confederate Government. He is condemned by many people on account of his politics and conduct respecting the war. Without expressing any opinion it would seem only fair to give the public the motives which influenced him.

The Whig party in this State was for the Union. Besides being a member of it Dr. Mott had had, anterior to the war, some bitter experiences in opposing Deuiio- crats, which further enhanced his antipathy to secession and the Confederate Government. He fought secession bitterly and his last speech against it was in reply to a gentleman from South Carolina who had come across the line to drive people from their moorings. He acted for the right as he understood and felt it. In 1860 he took

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the view that the Union was an indissoluble compact and that not his State but the United States was his home, his country and his government. His zeal for the Union he considered no less an impulse of patriotism than a Southerner's zeal for the Confederacy.

Dr. Mott's father was in sympathy with the Confed- eracy and his brothers volunteered at the beginning of the war. Dr. Mott was moved by this and the martial spirit of the hour, and would have entered the army but for an accident he could not control. The delay brought around the old considerations and animosities and he stayed out through his zeal for the Union.

He supported the Raleigh Standard from the time it cried out for peace and he welcomed ihe close of the war. He is a man of very fair ability and is a skillful party manager.

Ho^. J. K. WEBSTER,

OF REIDSVILLE.

The subject of this sketch is the present Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was educated at Trinity College. He has for several years conducted a paper called Wehster^s Weekly, a journal of influence in Rock- ingham and surrounding counties.

In 1881 he was elected to the House of Representa- tives as a Democrat.

In 1886 he was re-elected to the House as an Indepen- dent Democrat, receiving 555 majority over Roland Wil- liams, the regular Democratic nominee. In the organi- zation of the House he was nominated and elected Speaker by a coalition of the Independents and Republicans, receiving 59 votes against 57 cast for Lee S. Overman, Esq., of Salisbury.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 63

Mr. Webster is a man of considerable ability. He is an original thinker and writer. He is a strong and fluent debater.

In politics he has been a Democrat of the Sam Ran- dall school, but in the campaign of 1886 he ran as an Inde- pendent, as he opposed the re-election of Congressman Reid, and a number of his friends who dominated and controlled the councils of the party in Rockingham.

In a speech just before the election for Speaker he said that his opposition to the Democratic party did not extend to its fundamental principles, and that if elected to the Speakership, it must be as a Democrat. He dis- charged the duties of his office with fairness and satisfalc- tion to the House. In the formation of committees and in his general conduct he displayed no inclination to side with the Republicans.

Hon. lee S. overman,

OF SALISBURY.

Sou of William and Mary E. Overman. His mother was great-granddaughter of Major James Smith who figured prominently in this and other sections during the Revolutionary War, and after the battle of King's Mountain was taken prisoner, carried to Charleston, and, with other American prisoners, died of small pox.

The subject of this sketch was born in Salisbury, Rowan county, on the 3d of January, 1854. He graduated at Trinity College, North Carolina, in 1874; degree of Mas- ter of Arts conferred by same college two years later ; taught school a year and a half; began reading law un- der J. M. McCorkle, of Salisbury, in 1876, and finished his course under R. H. Battle, of Raleigh. He received license to practice January, 1878.

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He married Miss Mary P. Merrimon, of Raleigh, daughter of Hon. A. S. Merrimon, now of the Supreme Court, October 31, 1878. He began the practice of law in Salisbury in 1880.

He was Private Secretary to Governor Vance in 1877 and '78 ; also Private Secretary to Governor Jarvis until December, 1879. Then he resigned that position to be- gin the practice of his profession.

He was elected a member of the House of Representa- tives from the county of Rowan in 1882, as a Democrat, over G. A. Bingham, Independent. He was re-elected to the House in 1884, and again in 1886. He was the choice of the Democrats of the lasi House for Speaker, being the unanimous choice of the caucus, but he was defeated by a coalition of the Republicans and Independent Dem- ocrats— a defeat of only two votes.

Mr. Overman is a good lawyer, a prominent Democrat, and a man of fine personal appearance.

Hon. MARMADUKE SWAIN ROBINS,

OF ASHEBORO.

The subject of this sketch was born in Randolph county, N. C, the 31st of August, 1827. Son of John Robins. He was educated at Chapel Hill. He was mar- ried July 24th, 1878, to Miss Annie E. Moring, daughter of W. H. Moring. He obtained license to practice law in 1856, and has met with success.

He was elected to the Legislature of 1883 as a Demo- crat, and served on the Judiciary, The Code, and other Committees.

He is a man of unblemished integrity, conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He was known and feared in the Legislature as the " Watch Dog of the Treasury."

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 65

B.01^. GEORGE M. ROSE,

OF FAYETTEVILLE.

Mr. Rose was born in Fayetteville, Cumberland county, in 1846. Entered Davidson College in 1861, and remained there two years, when he entered the Virginia Military Institute. Before he was seventeen years of age, he joined the army, becoming Adjutant of the 66th North Carolina Troops, Col. A. D. Moore, Commanding, forming a part of Kirklaud's Brigade in Hoke's Division. Capt. Rose served gallantly with that command until the end of the war. When peace was restored, he applied himself to the completion of his education, which had been inter- rupted by the call of duty to fight in defense of his coun- try. He entered Chapel Hill in 1865, and graduated in 1867, delivering the salutatory of his class. Having chosen the law as his profession, Mr. Rose obtained hi& license at January Term, 1868, and located at Fayette- ville, where he soon laid the foundation of his present lucrative practice. His first public service was in the House of Representatives in 1876-'77, when, as a leading member of the Judiciary Committee, he gained a- repu- tation for judgment, discrimination and legal attain- ments. He was again elected to tlie House in 1880, and enhanced his reputation as a debater and a careful, pru- dent manager on the Democratic side of the House. He took a prominent part in the proceedings of the session. He was Speaker, pro tem , of the House last session, and discharged the duties of the Chair in the absence of Speaker Cooke with great acceptability. Mr. Rose has displayed marked executive ability during this session, and this, together with his ripe judgment, comprehensive intellect, natural gifts, universal courtes}^ and modera- tion in his bearing, renders him eminently fit for the responsible and honored position of Speaker he now fills. — Legislative Biographical Sketch Book, 1883.

5

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Hon. J. L. WEBB,

OF SHELBY.

The subject of this sketch is the State Senator from the 38th District. He was born in 1853 in Rutherford county, educated at Wake Forest College. Choosing the profession of law, he was prepared at the law school of Judge Pearson, at Richmond Hill. He received his license to practice in June, 1878. He enjoys a large clientage in his town and county, and a considerable practice also in Lincoln and Gaston. He also practices in the Federal Court at Charlotte.

In 1883 he was elected to the Senate where he served with credit to his District. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1887, defeating W. A. Mooney, one of the most prominent and popular farmers in Cleveland county. He was chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs and Deaf and Dumb Asylums and a member of the Commit- tees on Corporations, Judiciary and Banking and Cur- rency.

He and his partner have been attorneys for Cleveland €Ounty for ten years.

Mr. Webb was Mayor of Shelby one term and has been repeatedly elected a member of the Board of Aldermen.

In 1878 he was married to Miss K. L. Andrews. He has three children.

He has canvassed his county several times for railroad subscriptions and was the first to speak in favor of the "Three C's" Railroad running through Cleveland county.

He is a live, progressive man, and is very popular wherever he is known.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 67

Hon. SAMUEL J. PEMBERTON,

OF ALBEMARLE,

Son of David S. Pemberton, born at Mt. Gilead, in Montgomery county, July 12th, 1849. He received his education at the Edinboro Academy, in Montgomery county. He was married to Miss Pattie F. Hearne, daughter of Eben Hearne, Esq., of Stanly county, July 6th, 1871. He studied law and since his admission to the bar, he has steadily risen in his profession.

In 1874, at the age of twenty-five, he was elected Solici- tor of the Fifth Judicial District. He discharged the duties of his office faithfully and won the reputation of a vigorous prosecutor.

In 1883 he was elected to the Senate from the Twenty- eighth District over Dr. Solomon Furr, Independent Democrat, by 1,190 votes. He was chairman of the Com- mittee on Education and also of Enrolled Bills. He served on the Judiciary and other committees.

As a legislator Mr. Pemberton was among the best. He speaks in a very attractive style, spicing his argu- ments with brilliant wit and a beaming humor. He is a very agreeable man in his manners and temperament, and his popularity extends among all classes. He is a man of fine personal appearance.

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HENRY B. ADAMS, Esq.,

OF MONROE,

Is the son of Rev. S. D. Adams, a member of the North Carolina Conference. His mother, who died when he was at the early age of about four years, was Martha Fletcher. Henry was born in Marlboro county (than District), near Adamsville, in South Carolina, on the 26th day of January, 1849. When he was about three years of age, his father entered the itinerant ministry as a member of the North Carolina Conference. After the death of his mother, at Carthage, he went to his uncle's in Marlboro, S. C, where he spent his time for a few years in going to the comm n schools and working on the farm. He spent some time in the academies of the neigh- borhood of his uncle's during the war, and after the war was at Spring Hill Academy in Richmond county, N. C, under the tutorage of John Monroe Johnson, who is now a member of the law firm of Johnson & Johnson, at Ma- rion, S. C. In 1867 he entered Trinity College, N. C, where he remained until he graduated in 1870. After leaving college, he studied law with Jas. D. Mclver, who afterwards became solicitor of the Fourth Judicial District. He was licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of North Carolina in June, 1871. In January, 1872, he located at Monroe, N. C, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In April of that year he was married to Miss Fannie Person. Six children, equally divided between the sexes, are the result of the marriage. He is now a member of the law firm of Covington & Adams.

In 1884 he was elected a member of the General As- sembly of North Carolina, where he served with great acceptability to himself and infinite disgust to some of his constituents. Owing to the evident displeasure of a number of his constituents, he consented (?) to become a candidate for the position of State Senator in 1886, to

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 69

represent the 27th Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Union and Anson. He was elected. His people have not abused him much (owing to the fact that they are afraid that he will be a candidate again). He has hence concluded that he will not offer again as a martyr for them. He has therefore served his last time in the Senate Chamber of North Carolina, unless Gov- ernor Scales should see fit to call a special session before November, 1888, so as to undo some of the things done, and thus leave the State in as good a condition as it was before.

CHARLES F. WARREN, Esq.,

OF WASHINGTON,

Was born September 6th, 1852, in Washington, N. C. Entered Washington-Lee University, Lexington, Va., in October, 1869, and graduated in June, 1873. Obtained his license ac the June Term, 1874, of the Supreme Court, and has since that time continuously practiced in Beau- fort and adjacent counties. Politics, Democrat. This is Mr. Warren's first term in the Senate, and virtually had no opposition. This district is composed of Beaufort, Martin, Washington, Tyrrell, Pamlico, Hyde and Dare. Is chairman of the Committee on Internal Improve- ments; is also a member of the committees on the Judi- ciary, Privileges and Elections, Salaries and Fees, and Military ASairs.— Legislative Biographical Sketch Book, 1 887.

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RICHMOND PEARSON, Esq.,

OF ASHEVILLE,

Was born at Richmond Hill, Yadkin county, January 26th, 1852. Graduated at Princeton College in 1872, delivering the valedictory. Studied law under his father, the late Chief Justice Pearson. Married March 30th, 1882, to Miss Gabrielle Thomas, of Richmond, Va. Was nominated for the Senate in 1878 by the Democratic party in Surry and Yadkin and was defeated. Removed to Buncombe several years ago and now has one of the most attractive places (a few miles from Asheville) in the county — Richmond Hill — he having adopted the name of his old native place in Yadkin county. He has done much in the way of making improvements in and around the town of Asheville. Represented his county in the House in 1885, and his course at that time, as well as at the session of 18^7, was such as eminently met the hearty approval of his constituents. — Legislative Biographical Sketch Book, 1887.

JAMES H. HARRIS, (Negro,)

OF RALEIGH.

Mr. Harris is the most prominent and influential col- ored man of the Republican party of our State. A man of rare mental faculties which have made him conspicu- ous despite an imperfect education. Had he received a classical education he might have rivalled any North Carolinian as an orator. But he is self-educated and has a degree of culture uncommon among his race. He has

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 71

originality, wit, liumor, pathos and all the elements of a fine orator. His speeches are very interesting and very forcible.

He was born in Granville county about 1830; married Isabella Hinton. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1868. In 1869 he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 1872 to the Senate and again elected to the House in 1883. He has been a mem- ber of the Board of Aldermen of Raleiffh several years. He was for four years Director of the Institution for Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. He was Deputy Collector of In- ternal Revenue in 1872.

DENNISON WORTHINGTON, Esq,

OF WILLIAMSTON,

Was born October 6th, 1843, in Murfreesboro, Hert- ford county. Educated in North Carolina and Maryland. Went into the war at first in 8th Regiment N. C. Troops, and afterwards assigned to the charge of signal and mounted scouts on the peninsula below Richmond. Was wounded there and captured May 6th, 1864, and held as hostage until March, 1865, and surrendered at Warren- ton, N. C, after the fall of Appomattox. Read law un- der Hon. J. J. Yates, and Martin, Baker and Hinton, of Norfolk, Va., and received license to practice in the courts of Virginia in 1869. Now located at Williamston and practicing his profession under tlie law firm of Moore & Worthington. Married Miss Julia, daughter of Col. S. J. Wheeler, of Bertie county, November 17th, 1871. Been Solicitor and Judge of the Inferior Court ; was a member of the Legislature of 1881, at which session he was chair- man of Committee on the Appointment of Justices of the Peace. He serves on committees : Judiciary, Fish Inter-

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ests, and Enrolled Bills. He is Speaker pro tern, of the House of Representatives, chairman of the Joint Com- mittee to Redistrict the State, chairman of Committee on Rules, chairman of Committee on Military Affairs, and member of The Code Committee. Mr. Worthington has taken a very prominent stand in this General Assembly, and isaleading and influential member. —Legislative Bio- graphical Sketch Book, 1883.

Hon. ROBERT PAYNE WARING,

OF CHARLOTTE.

The subject of this sketch was born in King and Queen county, Va., on the 1st day of February, 1827, at the family seat of the Roanes. His mother, Miss Roane, was a daughter of that historic family.

In his earliest school days he was under the tuition of H. J. Christian, afterwards Professor of Ancient Lan- guages in Richmond College. At the age of 16 he en- tered the junior class at Richmond College, where he re- mained two years. In '45 he matriculated at the Uni- versity of Virginia, and took an irregular course, gradu- ating in '47 in the School of Law.

In 1848 he married Augusta, the third daughter of Hon. Louis D. Henry, and settled in North Carolina in 1850, and entered upon the practice of law. In 1854 he was elected County Attorney, and after serving four years was unanimously re-elected, but resigned the same week to accept the U. S. Consulship to St. Thomas, Danish West Indies. Wheeler's Reminiscences say he filled this responsible and honorable position with signal ability, reflecting great credit upon the Government. In April, 1861, he promptly tendered his resignation, preferring to throw his fortune in with the struggling South than to live in ease in the service of her then oppressors. In

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 73

June, 1861, he returned to the United States and was ar- rested on his arrival and held a prisoner until October. Fortunately a letter of introduction, which he bore from a prominent Captain of the Merchant Marine to the own- ers of his ship, secured him his release on parole, and thus he escaped imprisonment in Fort LaFayette. After tlie most thorough investigation, no charge could be estab- lished against him. He had only, with his usual ur- banity, lifted his cap in passing a vessel on the water which bore the emblem of the infant Confederacy. On his release he returned to North Carolina, and in '61 raised a company and served until January, '64, when, from disability from wounds and rheumatism, he was retired. In the fall of the same year, at the request of General Holmes, he took a posUion in a regiment of Se- nior Reserves, and was stationed at Salisbur}^ where, in 1865, he was captured by General Stoneman and taken to Camp Chase. When released in July of the same year, he returned to Charlotte and became the editor of the Daily Times. Wheeler says so fearless and outspoken was his condemnation of the politico-military adminis- tration, that he was arrested by the military command- ant in the time of peace and tried before a court martial, where he vas defended by Hon. B. F. Moore and Col. E. G. Haywoftd. Conviction was a foregone conclusion, and be was offered the alternative of paying a fine of three hundred (1300.00) dollars in five days, or suffering six months' imprisonment in Fort Macon.

The folloving account of this extraordinary proceeding, written by Mr. J. L. Chambers, then editor of the Char- lotte Ohservir, is worthy of preservation :

RuGER's RuiiNG— The Trial and Conviction of Capt. R. P. Waring for Inciting Insurrection in 1865.

In cpnversatioa with ('apt. Robt. P. Waring, a reporter of the Ohsert^r discovered that he still has in his possession the findings of the^eourt martial, and other interesting facts connected with his triil by the military authorities for inciting insurrection in

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1865 by means of certain editorial articles in the Carolina Times, of which he was editor. The trial occurred in the city of Ral- eigh in the first part of the year 1866, and is remarkable as being the only instance of a Southern man being on trial by a court martial on this charge, subsequent to the war.

On the 24th of December Capt. Waring was arrested in this city under orders from Major-General Ruger, of the United States Army, and taken to Raleigh, where he was kept in close confine- ment for several weeks. Hon. Bat. Moore, of that city, visited him shortly after he arrived there, and voluntarily tendered his services to defend him before the court, at the same time inform- ing him that he was convicted before he left Charlotte. Not- withstanding this, he made a splendid defence, delivering what he regards himself as the ablest speech of his life.

The following notice of Capt. Waring's arrest appeared in the Charlotte Democrat of the day following the occurrence :

ARRESTED.

Just as we are going to press we learn that Mr. R. P. Waring, the editor of the Times, has been arrested and carried to Raleigh, by order of Gen. Ruger, We suppose Gen. Ruger has taken ex- ception to some editorial published in the Times, although the editor has always made strong professions of loyalty to the gov- ernment. We regret that the military authorities se< proper to act in that way, and we cannot but look on it as wrong, tyranni- cal and unauthorized by the constitution or usages c^ a Repub- lican Government. We enter our protest, as a publicj journalist, against these arrests by Gen. Ruger. Arresting editors does a great dealmore harm than anything they have publitped in their papers. '

The trial began on the 2d of January and the following was sent to Capt. Waring as the finding in the case : j

Headquarters Department of North Cmiolina,

Raleigh, N. C, January f.7th, 1866. General Court Martial Orders No. 1.

I. * * Before a Military Commission which convened at Ral- eigh, N. C, January 2d, 1866, pursuant to Special Orders No. 252, dated Headquarters Department of North Carolina, Raieigh, N. C, November 28th, 1865, and of which Lieutejiant Cjlonel George T. Shaffer, 28th Michigan Infantry, is Pfesiden , was arraigned aud tried :

Robert P. Waring, citizen.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 75

CHARGE.

''For publishing and circulating disloyal and seditious writings within a District under Martial Law."

Specifioation. — In this, that Robert P. Waring, citizen, of Meck- lenburg county, State of North Carolina, and editor of a news- paper, named and known as the '"Daily Carolina Times,'''' pub- lished at Charlotte, in the county and State aforesaid, did pub- lish in said newspaper, and circulate, an article in words as fol- lows :

* * ^^ * 'i-^Yg ^Ye still without Washington news, and look forward to the report of the Committee on Credentials with some interest, though without hope of receiving justice. The South is now under a more grinding despotism than has heretofore found a place upon the face of the earth. Raised under a form of government, as expounded by the early fathers of the repub- lic, when to say, "I am an American citizen," was equal to J» king, we feel our serfdom more painfully by reflecting upon what we have lost. We have fallen from our high estate, and now there is "none so poor as to do us reverence." Other nations, while suffering under the iron heel of lawless tyranny, can con- sole themselves with the reflection that their condition is no worse than that of their predecessors. The Russian serf, as he eats his bread of dependence, knows that such was the inherit- ance of his fathers. Not so with the proud, high-souled south- ron. He once roamed his field a free man, and "sat under his own vine and fig tree, and none dared make him afraid." He was the equal, if not the superior, of the mercenary race which

now dominates over him."

****** ***#

And that the said article was calculated, and intended, to pro- duce hostility to the Government of the United States, to excite discontent, and to cause resistance to the constituted authorities. All this at Charlotte, N. C, on or about the 13th day of Decem- ber, 1865.

To which charge and specification the accused, Robert P. Waring, citizen, pleaded as follows :

To the specification to the charge, ''• guilty,'''' except so much as alleges " that the said article was calculated, and intended, to produce hostility to the Governpient of the United States, to excite discontent and to cause resistance to the constituted authorities."

To the charge, " not guilty.''^

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FINDING.

The court having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused, Robert P. Waring, citizen, as follows : Of the specification to the charge, " guilty.'''' Of the charge, '' guilty ^

SENTENCE.

And the court does therefore sentence the accused, Robert P. Waring, as follows : "That he pay to the Government of the United States a fine of three hundred dollars (^300). And in ease such fine is not paid within five days from date of order promulgating proceedings in this case, then that he be imprisoned for six months at such place as the Commanding General may 'direct."

II. The proceedings, findings and sentence in the foregoing case are approved and confirmed. The fine will be paid to the Chief Quartermaster of the Department, and if not paid within the time specified in the sentence, the prisoner will be sent under guard, and delivered to the commanding officer at Fort Macon, North Carolina, under whose direction so much of the sentence as relates to confinement will be executed.

By command of Brevet Major-General Ruger:

J. A CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant General. Official :

J. A. Campbell, Assistant Adjutant General.

The fine was duly paid, as is shown by the receipt below, and Capt. Waring was released on the following day :

Received, Raleigh, N. C, January 19th, 1866, of Robert P. Waring, citizen, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars, being the amount of a fine assessed by a Military Commission and received by me in accordance with General Court Martial Orders, No. 1, Headquarters Department of North Carolina.

M. C. GARBON,

§300.00. Brevet Col. and Chief Q. M.

This is a sample of the justice that was meted out to North Carolinians when the people of the State were trodden under foot by military despots.

Such treatment gave him notoriety and his paper a wider circulation. It was by his able editorials he con- tributed largely to the change of administration at the ballot-box. iMr. Waring had been elector on the Buch-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 77

anan ticket. " In 1870 he was sent to the Legislature, (we again quote from Wheeler,) where an important and novel question met him at the threshold — should North Caro- lina place herself on record as the first American State to exercise the power of impeaching a Governor? Troops had been raised by this Governor, ostensibly to ferret out the perpetrators of two mysterious murders, but without a resort first to the j^osse comitatus — worst of all, this was done on the eve of a general election. The best citizens of the State in two counties had been arrested without the pretence of indictment or information and incarce- rated as common felons, to await trial by a contemptible militia court martial, and this, too, in a time of profound peace. The great writ of habeas corpus had been suspen- ded, and a band of cut-throats were here, under com- mand of the notorious Kirk, to enforce the lawless orders of this petty usurper. Should such conduct, at the sug- gestion of probable Federal interference, be overlooked or- patiently borne, or should an example be made for posterity? Mr. Waring's position was not doubtful. Liberty is more valuable than money, and eternal vigi- lance is its price. His influence was acknowledged in appointing him on the committee which prepared the articles of impeachment." In 1872 he was unanimously nominated for the Senate, and after a most exciting and able canvass, in which General Barringer was his oppo- nent, backed by the Secretary of the Federal Treasury, he was triumphantly elected. He was re-elected in '74, and served as the chairman of the Committee on Internal Improvements, chairman of the Joint Committe to Com- promise, Commute and Settle the Public Debt, and was also a member of several other committees, among them the Judiciary. Of this period of his public service the Albemarle Times says : " There is no more unflinching, gallant and devoted member of the Democratic party than Robert Payne Waring. He is an elegant scholar and an accomplished gentleman. No man has been the object of so bitter and persistent persecution as this Sen-

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ator. The Radicals hate him because he is a bold and fearless advocate of the rights of the people. His influ- ence in the Senate is very great, because he is a cool, cautious and winning debater and tactician. A Democrat of the Jefferson school, a strict constructionist of the Con- stitution, a States' Rights man, Senator Waring will al- ways command the respect and admiration of his fellow- men. The people of the West 'wear him in their heart of hearts,' and well they may, for he is the Chevalier Bayard of the Democratic party."

In 1876 Mr. Waring was elector on the Tilden ticket, and cast the vote of his district for that great statesman, just twenty (20) years after he had voted in the Electoral College for Buchanan. The College chose him to take the message to Washington and deliver it to the Vice- President. In 1877, on the organization of the Inferior Court for Mecklenburg county, he was elected Chairman, and was regularly re elected by acclamation until 1884, when he resigned to accept a seat in the House of Rep- resentatives in the Stale Legislature. He was of course elected, for he has never been defeated before the people, though he has served them for the third of a century. He is regarded as a fluent, clear and forcible speaker.

In 1885 he was appointed by President Cleveland As- sayer, in charge of the U. S. Assay Office at Charlotte, N. C, which honorable and responsible position he now fills with entire satisfaction to the Government as well as to his friends.

We conclude this brief and imperfect sketch with an- other extract from Wheeler: "Mr. Waring has borne himself worthy of his antecedents, and is ever alive to anything that touches the dignity of the State. He is a strict constructionist of the Constitution, as also of the obligations of a gentleman. He has been twice married — first to a daughter of Hon. Louis D. Henry, by whom he has four children, three sons and one daughter; and second, to the daughter of Rev. N. Aldrich, of whose charming society he has recently been bereft."

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 79

He is still vigorous, and takes deep interest in the politics, material and educational development of the State he has served so long and so faithfully.

Hon. B. H. BUNN,

OF NASH COUNTY.

Is one of the leading lawyers in the State and, in addi- tion to the practice of his profession, is at the head of large farming interests and large manufacturing inter- ests. He is actively concerned in the advancement of agriculture as a leading member of the Agricultural Society of his county and otherwise, and in short is in all respects a public-spirited, progressive citizen. He has ever been a faithful sentinel on tlie watch-lower of Democracy and has never failed to raise his voice on proper occasions in behalf of Democratic principles. Of winning manner and most pleasing address, he makes friends wherever he goes and wherever known is loved as it is permitted few men to be. He is an admirable representative.of the State Democracy, and the unanimity of sentiment in his favor which resulted in his recent nomination for Congress by acclamation was but a just tribute to his staunch Democracy, his sterling patriotism, his wisdom and boldness and gallantry in the fight, politi- cal or otherwise. He is a man the district really delights to honor, and he will prove himself fully worthy of this enviable distinction, or we are no prophet.

Capt. Bunu was born in the county of his residence October 19th, 1844. His education was confined to the curriculum of a preparatory school, the war breaking out just as he was ready to enter college. With the spirit and patriotic fervor which has ever characterized

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him he joined the army in July, 1861, in his 17th year, and served throughout the war with distinction and with such faithfulness as is attested by the scars of two wounds which he received respectively at Gettysburg and at Petersburg a few days before Lee evacuated the city.

At the close of the war he began reading law with Mr. Dortch, and in June, 1866, was licensed to practice the profession of his choice. Since that time he has practiced at Rocky Mount, rising by steady steps to the highest rewards of what the fathers of the law were wont to call a jealous mistress, and stands to-day among the best- known lawyers of the State.

He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 75 and of the General Assembly of '83; Presidential elector of this district in '84 and messenger for the State of North Carolina. In the generous rivalry of ^S6 for the party nomination for Congress he was conspicuous, as our readers will readily recall, and was afforded a sup- port of which any man might well have been proud. — News and Observed.

Hon. WILLIAM PAUL ROBERTS,

OF GATES COUNTY.

Was born in Gates county, July 11th, 1841. His occu- pation is that of a farmer, but his war record is brilliant. In June, 1861, he entered the Confederate army as a non- commissioned officer in the Second North Carolina Cav- alry. .By his coolness and dashing bravery, he was soon promoted to a captaincy; although the junior captain, he was soon promoted to Major. In 1865 he was commis- sioned Brigadier General, and was presented by the great chieftain with his own gauntlets as a mark of General

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 81

Lee's personal recognition of the young hero's distin- guished gallantry. His brigade was one of the best known and most highly appreciated in the army of Northern Virginia for its bravery and courage. General Roberts was the youngest general in Lee's army, and probably in the history of the world.

His services have been no less great in peace than in war. With the same courage and energy he addressed himself not only to building up his own fortune butthat of the Democratic party. In 1875 he represented Gates county in the Convention; 1876-'77 he was elected a member of the Legislature. By his quick perception and profound thought as a legislator, he had much to do in shaping the legislation of these two bodies, where his services were so appreciated that the Democratic State Convention of 1880 placed him on the State ticket for the position of Auditor, being elected and rendering such efficient services in the office that he was re-nominated and elected in 1884. As a gallant soldier, legislator and financier, General Roberts has few equals in the State.

Hon. WILLIAM LAWEENCE SAUNDERS,

SECRETARY OF STATE,

Was born in Raleigh, July 30th, 1835, graduated from the University of North Carolina 1854; studied law under Judge Battle; was admitted to the bar in 1856. He lived in Salisbury until the civil war opened. He volunteered in April, 18G1, as a member of the Rowan Rifle Guards, commanded by Captain Frank McNeely, and was ordered to Fort Johnston, below Wilmington, but in June he was appointed Lieutenant in the Rowan Artillery, then in camp near Weldon, and went direct from there to Virginia. In 1862 he was appointed Cap- 6

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tain of an infantry company raised in Salisbury and joined the 46th N. C. Troops. The regiment afterwards became a part of Walker's Brigade, afterwards Cook's Brigade, and participated in many of the severest battles of the war. He became by successive promotions Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel. He was twice wounded, once at the battle of Fredericksburg, in the right cheek, again at the battle of the Wilderness, in May, 1864, the ball entering the left corner of his mouth and passing out at the back of his neck on the right side.

He was married in 1864 to Miss Florida Call Cotten, who died in 1865, and he has since remained a widower.

In 1870 and 1872 Col. Saunders was Secretary of the Senate and made a most acceptable officer. In 1872 he became one of the editors of the Wilmmgton Journal, and in that capacity wielded a great influence for Democracy. In November, 1876, he removed to Raleigh and estab- lished the Observer. In 1879, at the advice of his physi- cian, he retired from journalism. In February of the same year the death of Maj. Engelhard made vacant the office of Secretary of State, and Gov. Jarvis appointed Col. Saunders to fill the vacancy. Since then he has continued in that office.

Col. Saunders is now writing the history of the Colo- nial Government in North Carolina, six volumes of which are already published.

He is a man of very large heart and of very upright character. He is widely known throughout the State and his popularity abounds wherever he is known. The history he is writing shows that his information is exten- sive and that his ability as an historian is conspicuous.

Sketches of his life are found in Wheeler's Reminis- cences and in other publications.

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Hon. DONALD W. BAIN,

TREASURER OF NORTH CAROLINA,

Was born at Raleigh, April 2d, 1841. Educated at the Lovejoy Academy. He entered the service of the State in the office of the Comptroller under Governor C. H. Brogden in 1857, where he remained until appointed Chief Clerk of the Treasury in 1865, which position he continued to hold until his election as Treasurer of the State in 1884. His term as Treasurer began January 1st, 1885. In the latter capacity he has won the confi- dence of the people and a reputation which has insured his re-nomination. He is a man of very pleasant address. He is regular in attendance at his office and very atten- tive to the details of his office duties.

In 1867 he was appointed Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masons of North Carolina, which position he now fills.

He was married to Miss Addie V. Hill, daughter of the late Dr. W. G. Hill, an eminent physician.

JAMES COOK BIEDSONG,

STATE LIBRARIAN,

Was born in Southampton county, Va., March 15th, 1843. His parents moved to Petersburg, Va., a few years after, where his father engaged in the blacksmith and wheelwright business, which he carried on successfully until his death in 1855, leaving the mother with seven children to raise.

In 1856 Mr. Birdsong entered the office of Crutchfield & Campbell, publishers of the Daily Express^ in Peters-

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burg, the leading paper of Virginia in that day, where he remained until the breaking out of the war, when, scarcely 18 years of age, he volunteered in Company " B," 12th Regiment Virginia Infantry, in which he faithfully served until Appomattox was reached, where he was ordered to lay aside his military accoutrements and return to the life of a civilian.

Arriving in Petersburg he immediately returned to the printing oflSce, where he labored day and night to accu- mulate the means whereby his mother, sisters and younger brother might again be reunited and begin life anew. (His eldest brother being a wounded prisoner at Johnston's Island, the care and support of the family devolved upon James.)

On Saturday, May 2d, 1863, he was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville. As soon as exchanged he reported for duty to his company and endured the hardships of camp- life until May, 1864, he was wounded through the right shoulder while defending his country's cause at Cold Harbor. In 1866 his two brothers having obtained lucra- tive situations, the care of the family was turned over to his eldest brother, and he made Raleigh his home, where he still worked at the "case" until October, 1885, he was appointed by the Trustees of the Public Library, Libra- rian in charge of the State Library, which position he has filled with great satisfaction, gaining the reputation of being the best Librarian the State has ever had. An examination of the Library fully accords him that right.

In 1867 he was united in marriage to Ophelia, second daughter of the late A. J. Crocker, of Raleigh, and from that union he has a family of four boys and three girls.

Mr. Birdsong is a member of the Board of Deacons of the Raleigh Baptist Tabernacle, and his heart and purse are ever open, as far as his means will justify, assisting in every good work and responding to all the calls of the poor and sufifering made upon him.

A zealous member of the I. 0. 0. F., he is recog- nized as one of the leaders, never missing a session of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 85

the Grand Lodge, if not prevented by sickness or some other unavoidable circumstance.

In every sense of the word he is a typical representa- tive of the workingman ; his father having been a prac- tical blacksmith and he a first-class printer.

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LEGAL.

Hon. W. K H. smith, LL. D.,

OF RALEIGH.

The subject of this sketch is the senior member and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of this State. For forty years he has been in public life, and during that period he has shown himself well qualified for the posts he has held. His judicial decisions are much admired for their logical clearness and precision.

He was born in Murfreesboro, Hertford county, N. C, the 24th of September, 1812. His father was William L. Smith, a native of Connecticut, who graduated from Yale in 1802, removed to Hertford county, practiced medicine, Djarried in 1810 and died three years later. The Judge's mother was a native of Hertford county. Her name was AnnHarrell.

William graduated from Yale in '34, after which he studied law in the Yale Law School. He entered into the practice of his profession in Hertford, where he had an extensive practice. In 1870 he moved to Norfolk, Va., and after a residence there of two years, he located at Raleigh, where as a member of the firm of Smith & Strong he engaged in a successful practice.

The Legislature of 1848-'49 elected Mr. Smith State Solicitor for the Superior Courts of the ten counties con- stituting the First Judicial District. This office he filled with credit for two terms of four years each.

In 1870-'71 he was selected by Gov. Holden as one of his counsel in the case of impeachment for misdemeanors in office and made the closing argument in his defense, which was published, making a pamphlet of over seventy pages.

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In 1840 his political life began, when he was elected to the House of Commons from Hertford county. In 1848 he was elected to the Senate from the district in which he resided.

In 1857 he was nominated for Congress by the Whigs of his district, and was defeated by a very small majority. In 1859 he was re-nominated and elected. Mr. Smith proved to be a strong and popular member of Congress and was elected by the Southern representatives as their choice for Speaker, but after a long struggle and many ballots he was defeated. He remained in his seat and was present at the inauguration of Lincoln.

He was a member of the Confederate Congress during its entire existence.

In 1865 he was again elected to the House of Com- mons and aided in the reconstruction of the State under the plan of President Johnson

In 1878 he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by Gov. Vance to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Chief Justice Pearson. He was elected in the fall of the same year and re-elected in 1886 to the same high office.

He received the honorary degree of LL. D. from Wake Forest College in 1874, from the University in 1875 and from Yale in 1881.

On the occasion of the celebration of the fortieth anni- versary of the graduation of the class of 1834 of Yale College, Mr. Smith was present and was made chairman of the meeting. On Commencement Day the class dined at Alumni Hall, wlien Mr. Smith, on the call of Presi- dent Porter, responded for the class of '34 with very great acceptance.

Mr. Smith married Miss Mary Olivia Wise, of Mur- freesboro, in 1839. They have living two sons; William Wise, a General Insurance Agent, and Edward C, a law- yer, both residing in Raleigh.

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Hon. AUGUSTUS S. MERRIMON,

OF RALEIGH.

Augustus S. Merrimon was born in Transylvania, then a part of Buncombe county, in September, 1830. His father was a minister of the Gospel, uniting in his char- acter the highest Christian virtues; but unfortunately the circumstances of his life did not enable him to secure for his children the advantages of a finished education. His son Augustus worked during his boyhood on the farm and at a saw-mill, attending tlie Old Field School in the neighborhood at irregular intervals. B«t possessed of a disposition to learn and ambitious to excel, he rose superior to the disadvantages of his condition, and study- ing as occasion permitted, without a teacher, he qualified himself for the study of the law, and on attaining his twenty-first year was admitted to the profession and at once located at Asheville, where the bar was unusually learned, able and aggressive.

Brought into contact wuth the strong lawyers of that period, he early formed the habit of thoroughly prepar- ing every case as the only means of successfully meeting his well equipped adversaries. Soon his acknowledged thoroughness won for him public confidence and he speedily reaped the reward of his care and diligence. He was often elected County Solicitor under the system then in force, and made rapid strides towards the front rank in his profession.

In 1860, when public questions were greatly agitating the people, he was, as a Union Whig, elected to represent Buncombe county in the Legislature; and on the break- ing out of the war he was tendered a staff appointment as Major by the Governor of the State, but being almost immediately elected Solicitor for the Mountain District, he accepted that office, which he held during the war period. In that district civil war sometimes raged, and

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 89

oftentimes neighborhoods, and even households weredivi- ded, some adhering to the Union, while others espoused with loyal devotion the cause of the South.

Under those circumstances, the duty of enforcing the law became most delicate and responsible, and as State Solicitor he acted with firmness and address, with zeal, courage and a high patriotism.

In 1866, when the conservative people of the State had elected Gov. Worth, Governor, and a legislature in entire harmony with their sentiments, Mr. Merrimon was elected a Superior Court Judge, and gained much celeb- rity in those districts where he had his ridings.

The following spring the Reconstruction Acts were passed, and, under the act of Congress, North Carolina became subject to the arbitrary will of a military com- mander, who in August, 1867, directed the courts of the State to disregard the laws passed by the Legislature and to enforce military orders instead. Judge Merrimon pre- ferred to resign rather than be an instrument to carry into effect military orders subverting the laws he had, as a Judge, sworn to execute.

Returning to the bar, he located at Raleigh and at once entered upon a lucrative practice. At that time steps to subvert the existing State Government were being rapidly taken. The negroes were enrolled as voters and a con- vention was called to frame a new Constitution. Judge Merrimon, who was ardently attached to the great princi- ples of Co(]stitutional Liberty, could not be an idle spec- tator when the rights of the people of the State were being so ruthlessly stricken down. He threw himself with all his might into the struggle, and along with Graham, Bragg, Battle and other distinguished men, sought unavailing to arrest the destruction of our old State institutions. In the campaign of that year he was Chairman of the State Executive Committee of the Con- servative party, and he was nominated as one of the five Supreme Court Judges voted for at the same time with the proposed Constitution.

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During 1869 his political activity continued, and in 1870, when the Kirk war was inaugurated, he labored with great zeal, contributing articles to the Sentinel news- paper, participating in the campaign and working inces- santly. It was chiefly through the exertions of himself and Judge Battle that the prisoners arrested by Kirk were finally released by Judge Brooks of the Federal Court, the power of the State judiciary having been declared " exhausted.'* When, as the outcome of the success achieved at. the polls, the ijew Legislature impeached Governor Holden, Judge Merrimon was associated with Governor Graham and Gv^vernor Bragg as counsel to con- duct the impeachment, and in that trial the examination of the witnesses was assigned as his part. In the per- formance of this duty, he exhibited a masterful grasp of the intricate details of the case that was truly remark- able. His skill was most admirable, and he won for himself a great reputation.

The next year the Conservatives turned to him as the most available candidate for Governor; but despite a memorable canvass, in which he endeared himself still further to the people, he was defeated by Gov. Caldwell by a small majority. Indeed, for some days it was thought that he was elected on the face of the returns; but when the delayed counties were heard from the result was adverse. Yet it was hoped that sufficient frauds could be proved to justify a contest, and for a month f)ublic feeling was high over an anticipated contested election for the office of Governor. The State Committee of the Democratic-Conservative party associated with itself a number of distinguished gentlemen to examine into the naerits of the case and recommend a course of action, but after a thorough and exhaustive investigation it was ascertained that a contest could not be sustained on the merits, and Judge Merrimon was so informed and advised not to make the proposed contest.

The Legislature of that fall was to choose a United States Senator to succeed John Pool, and Judge Merri-

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mon's name was brought forward as well as that of Gov. Vance. An unfortunate contest arose over this matter and some of the Democrats who preferred Judge Merri- mon refused to go into the party caucus. Gov. Vance received the caucus nomination, but the caucus Demo- crats were unable to elect, and after a week of violent struggle both of the candidates withdrew. A second caucus was thereupon called, and a few moments before the Houses were, under the law, to vote on joint ballot, Gov. Vance was again nominated, but in the balloting for Senator that almost immediately followed, some of the anti-Vance Democrats voted for Judge Merrimon and the Republicans also voted for him, and also some of the Democrats who had attended the caucus; and he was, without any knowledge on his part, elected. With the concurrence of Democratic friends of unquestioned party fealty, standing high in public confidence, he accepted the election and served this term in the Senate, where he was esteemed as a useful and able member, zealous for the interests of the people and faithful to the Democratic party.

In the Senate, he was active and efficient, entering largely into the discussion of questions interesting to the South and making many excellent speeches, that on Affairs in Louisiana greatly enhancing his reputation. At the end of his term he resumed the practice of the law, at Raleigh, and on the resignation of Judge Ruffin from the Supreme Court Bench in 1883, he was appointed to the vacancy by Gov. Jarvis, and was in 1884 elected to fill out the term, being again elected to a new term in 1886.

Judge Merrimon is possessed of unusual capacity for labor, has a robust intellect, an acute understanding and a mind peculiarly analytical and logical. Being of studious disposition, and diligent in research, he has amassed a great fund of information, and as a Judge he is accurate and comprehensive. In habits, he is strictly temperate; in character pure and incorruptible; in

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morals, excellent; in friendships, constant. In the galaxy of great North Carolinians who have acted on the stage of public life contemporaneously with himself, he takes rank with the foremost in all the qualities that contrive to makeup the well-rounded man.

Hoist. EDWIN GODAYIN READE, LL. D.,

OF RALEIGH,

The second of three sons of Robert R. and Judith A. Reade, nee Gooch, was born at Mt. Tirzah, Person county, North Carolina, November 13th, 1812.

He was a child when his father died, and was reared by his mother, who was well educated for her day, and was thereby enabled to give to her sons at home the ru- diments of education, which, with the country schools, was all the early education they had.

Edwin worked on the farm, in the carriage shop, in the blacksmith shop and in the tanyard; and at eighteen started out to get an education by his own exertion.

He entered the academy of George Morrow, in Orange county, where he made extraordinary progress.

He then entered the academy of Rev. Alexander Wil- son, D. D., at Spring Grove, in Granville county, as as- sistant teacher, until he was prepared for college; but instead of entering college he commenced the study of the law at home at his mother's in 1833, reading the books of Benjamin Sumner, a retired lawyer, who was kind enough to lend them, and occasionally to examine him. He got license in 1835, and preliminary thereto he became a candidate for the Legislature, solely for the purpose of forming acquaintance with the public and practicing public speaking. On Tuesday of June court, when candidates were accustomed to declare themselves.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 93

the Democrats nominated two candidates for the Com- mons and one for the Senate, and when the candidates had made the'ir speeches from the court bench, Mr. Reade, having mentioned his purpose to only one man in the county, went up on the bench and declared himself a Whig candidate in a well prepared and well delivered speech, arraigning General Jackson's administration. The folly of this, if done with a serious view to election, ap- peared in the fact that there had been in the last election only eleven anti-Jackson votes in the county.

But the Democrats were so much surprised by the as- sault that the}^ withdrew one of their candidates, neither of whom was gifted in speech, and put in his place James M. Williamson, who had graduated in college and was reading law in Greensboro with his brother-in-law. Judge Dick, the elder.

The young men were about the same age, tall, siender, good looking, good speakers; each felt that he had a foe- man worthy of his steel, and made a canvass able and interesting. Many of the voters declared that they would vote for both the "boys" as an honor to the county. They did so, and Reade was beaten only one hundred votes. His purpose was accomp)lished. He soon became interested in all the business of the county, and rose to distinction and wealth. Mr. Reade was never in office until 1855, when, without his knowledge, he was nomi- nated for Congress by the Whig-American party against Hon. John Kerr, the incumbent, and, after one of the ablest and most exciting canvasses ever held in the State, he was elected by some two to one majority, his own county, which was more than two to one Democratic, voting for him by a handsome majority. Congress was not congenial to him, and on the day of the expiration of liis term he published a card declining a second canvass. Continuing his practice in the Superior Courts, he quit the practice in the County Court of his own county, and, at the instance of Hon. J. W. Cunningham, who was then in the Legislature, was appointed a magistrate, and presided

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as Chief Justice of the County Court without compensa- tion, for a number of years, with great acceptability and much benefit to the county, which is felt to* this day. He was elected to the Superior Court in 1863, and served to the close of the war, when all the oflSces were vacated. He was then appointed to the Superior Court by the Gov- ernor, and served until 1866, when he was elected to the Supreme Court by the Legislature, with Pearson Chief Justice, and Battle and Reade Justices, where he served until the new State Constitution was adopted in 1868, which gave the election of Judges to the people, when he was again nominated by both parties, and of course elected, and served until 1878, when his term expired. He was then elected President of the Raleigh National Bank, in which all his fortune was invested. The Bank was then in bad condition, its stock being 75 cents on the dollar. The stock was soon restored to par, and was at a premium when its charter expired. He was then elected President of the National Bank of Raleigh, and now oc- cupies that position.

As a financier he was successful. After leaving Con- gress he took no part in politics until the war approached. He was always of the Whig school, and strongly opposed secession. When the first State Convention was called to consider the question, he was elected to it b}^ a large majority ; but the Convention was voted down. When the second Convention was called a few months later, and secession was inevitable, he declined to be a candidate. And after the State seceded, he accepted the result and did his duty to the State. After he was elected to the Superior Court in 1863, and before he took his seat, he was appointed a Senator in the Confederate Congress by Governor Vance to fill the vacancy caused by the resig- nation of Hon. George Davis, and at the expiration of his term he took his seat on the bench.

At the close of the war, when the State Convention was called to form a new Constitution and return to the Union, he was almost unanimously elected a delegate to it, there

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being but fifteen votes against him ; and, without the slightest expectation, he was elected President of the Con- vention. It was one of tlie ablest bodies that ever met in the State, charged with the most important matter. An informal ballot, without nomination, was had, and several members were voted for; and Mr. Reade having the largest vote, was then elected by acclamation. His address on taking his seat was much complimented North and South and in Congress as manifesting the patriotic sentiment then prevailing. Immediately on the adjourn- ment of the Convention lie took his seat on the Supreme Court at its January Term in 1866, to which he had been previously elected. In 1865, while President of the Con- vention, and after he was elected to the Supreme Court, the degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by the Uni- versity of North Carolina. He was an ardent Free Ma- son, and was twice elected Grand Master, in 1866-'67.

He was married to Miss Emily A. L. Moore, of the family of General Moore, of Revolutionary fame, and of the family of Bishop Moore, of the Episcopal Church. She died early in 1871, and in the latter part of 1871 he married Mrs. Mary E. Parmele, widow of Benj. J. Parmele, who now resides with him. He joined the Presbyterian Church while teaching in Dr. Wilson's school, and has been an active member all his life, and a ruling elder for more than thirty years.

He took no part in politics while on the bench nor since, not even voting, and although twice nominated for Congress he declined.

As a writer, Mr. Reade has attained distinction.

He has delivered the literary address before the Liter- ary Societies at Wake Forest College. In 1855 he wrote Pickle-Rod Letters in favor of temperance.

He wrote a Vindication of the legal profession against the assault of Rev. William Hooper, D. D.,LL. D.

He delivered the address at the laying of the corner- stone of the U. S. Post Office at Raleigh, and on laying the corner-stone at the Oxford Orphan Asylum, and the

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address before the Bar Association of North Carolina at Asheville in 1884, and before the same at Raleigh at the close of his term as President thereof in 1886; all of which were published in pamphlet.

On the incoming of Mr. Lincoln's administration, Hon. John A. Gilmer, then in Congress from North Carolina, wrote to Mr. Reade, at the instance of Mr. Seward, to know whether he would accept a seat in Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet. And he answered that he would not accept a seat in any cabinet, but he strongly urged Mr. Gilmer to accept.

AS A SPEAKER,

Judge Reade is clear, forcible, and direct. Without any special gifts of oratory he speaks with that logical simplicity that is of itself the highest form of eloquence and which always convinces and converts.

While at the bar he ranked as the equal of Badger and Miller, and in fact, it is said by those who knew him in the prime of life that as an advocate before a jury, he has never had his superior in the history of the State.

AS A JUDGE,

He was diligent and faithful, clear in his opinions, cogent in his argument, always having the courage of his convictions. He has written the opinion of the Supreme Court in some of the most important and troublesome questions that have ever come before that tribunal, and always in singularly clear English. In reading his opin- ions one never failed to know and see what was the point involved and what the decision of the Court; and many of these opinions are masterpieces of judicial literature.

He sat on the Supreme bench at a time when political warfare in North Carolina was bitter and unscrupulous, and he left the bench with the regard and esteem of the bar and the people.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 97

t

CHARACTER, MANNERS, ETC.

From his early youtli be has been a man of simple faith and the strictest integrity. He has always bated sham and false pretense and humbug.

Plain, direct, straightforward and conscientious, he has risen by the force of his own effort and will-power from an humble station to distinction and eminence and wealth.

His life is radiant with good deeds. To many persons in distress and need and sorrow, he has given a bright- ened life, and his charities have been always "done in secret." A God-fearing man from his youth; of simple, unostentatious manners, easily approached, filled with human sympathy, he has spent a long life in the per- formance of his duties to God and man.

May God preserve him yet many years.

Hon. WILLIAM PEESTOJST BYNUM,

OF CHARLOTTE,

Was born in the county of Stokes, N. C, on the 20th of June, 1820, is of English and Welsh descent, and is the third of five sons. John Gray Bynum, the eldest^, was among the foremost intellects of the State; he read law at New Berne under Judge Gaston, and early distin- guished himself by his great abilities as a lawyer and statesman. He died in the prime of life at Wilmington. The grandfather of William Preston Bynum was Gray Bynum, who, during the war of the revolution, repre- sented the county of Surry, then embracing Stokes, in the Legislature of the State.

His grandmother, on the father's side, the wife of Gray Bynum, was Margaret tiampton, the sister of the elder 7

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General Wade Hampton and grand aunt of the present General Hampton. His father was Hampton Bynum, a large landed proprietor in Stokes, on the waters of Dan River, who was distinguished for his unbending integ- rity and great charity. He was never known to turn away the poor empty, and he annually distributed among them a large part of the income of his landed estates.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was Mary Colman, the daughter of Col. John Martin, of Stokes, of revolutionary memory. Col. Martin was distinguished during the war of Independence for his boldness, cour- age and patriotism, and in civil life was equally remark- able for his independence, firmness and love of justice. (See Wheeler's History, title Stokes county.)

The subject of this sketch was educated at Davidson -College, where he graduated with the undivided first dis- tinction in 1843. He then read law with Chief Justice Pearson, and obtained his license twelve months after, from Judges Ruffin, Daniel and Gaston, then presiding on the Supreme Court bench. Mr. Bynum's license was the last one signed by the lamented Gaston, who shortly thereafter suddenly died while sitting on the bench holding court.

Mr. Bynum first located in Rutherfordton, where he engaged in the practice of the law and remained until his marriage with Ann Eliza, the daughter of Bartlett Shipp, of Lincoln county, a very able man and distin- guished lawyer. He then removed to Lincoln county and soon rose in his profession to the first rank of the practitioners at that time. Some years after, he was elected Solicitor of that judicial district, and by repeated appointment or re-election continued to be Solicitor and prosecuting officer of the State for eleven years and until his appointment to the Supreme Court bench, in the year 1873. He remained upon the bench near five years, and the Supreme Court Reports from Vol. 70 to Vol. 79, both inclusive, contain his opinions and well attest his

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 99

abilities and his unflinching impartiality and fidelity to his great trust.

At the expiration of his terra of oflBce, Judge Bynum declined to be a candidate for re-election, and avowed his purpose not again to enter into public life. He has been repeatedly solicited to allow his name to be put in nomination for Governor of the State, and at the last election for Judges of the Supreme Court he was nomi- nated by the Republican party for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He, however, adhered to his former resolution and declined the use of his name. Since retiring from the bench, Judge Bynum has returned to the active practice of the law, and since 1873, has resided in the city of Charlotte, where he now lives in the enjoyment of a well earned fortune and home.

Judge Bynum and his ancestors were Whigs in poli- tics and ardently attached to the integrity and preserva- tion of the National Union. Therefore he openly and boldly opposed the doctrine of secession before the people and predicted the disastrous result to the South. When, however, Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion, it in a great degree united the South in resistance, and Mr. Bynum, like most others of his opin- ions, volunteered his services in defence of the South. In 1861 he was appointed by Gov. Ellis Lieutenant- Colonel of the 2d Regiment of State Troops. He remained in active service in the army of Virginia for about two years and participated in all the battles around Richmond and in the first battle of Fredericksburg. In 1863, while in camp in winter quarters upon the Poto- mac, in command of the 2d Regiment, he was elected by the Legislature of his State as Solicitor of the 6th Judi- cial District and returned home and immediately entered upon the laborious and delicate duties devolved upon one who had often to prosecute both Union men and secessionists for infractions of the law, growing out of the war. He discharged his duties with fidelity and impartiality and to the satisfaction of the public.

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After the war was over, Judge Bynum was elected by the people of Lincoln county to the Convention to form a new Constitution in 1865, and the next year he repre- sented the counties of Lincoln, Gaston and Catawba in the State Senate.

He lost his wife in June, 1885. He had but two chil- dren, a son and daughter, the latter of whom died when about grown. His only surviving child, his son, the Rev. W. S. Bynum, is a priest of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of North Carolina.

The degree of LL D. was conferred on Judge Bynum in 1875, by Davidson College.

The subject of this sketch possesses a highly intellec- tual mind. His habits .are studious, his comprehension quick, and his memoi-^- accurate. He is thoroughly versed in the several branches of his profession, the criminal and civil law. His Supreme Court decisions are lucidly written and exhibit a great power of analysis. He is an advocate of great force. His premises are plainly stated, his reasoning is compact and logical and his con- clusions well drawn. He speaks in a correct and vigor- ous style, using very little imagery and displaying a refined literary taste. He i^ta man of integrity and probity; elevated in his sentiments and averse to any notoriety or display. He is one of the most eminent men who have ever honored the profession of law in North Carolina.

Hon. DAVID SOHENCK, LL. D.,

OF GREENSBORO.

David Schenck is of Swiss descent. In the year 1708, Michael, John and Henry Schenck, who were brothers, were exiled from Switzerland on account of their Protes-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 101

tant faith, being Menonites, followers of Meno Simon, a Swiss reformer.

Tlie three brothers first emigrated to England, and as their faith was very similar to that of the Quakers, Wil- liam Penu invited them to join his colony in Pennsyl- vania, and they settled near Lancaster; Michael owned the spot where that city now stands. Michael Schenck, No. 2, son of the progenitor, in America, was born Feb- ruary 28th, 1737, and died September 2'^d, 1811.

Michael Schenck, No. 3, who was Judge Schenck's grandfather, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylva- nia, February 15th, 1771, and immigrated to Lincolnton, Lincoln county, N. C, about the year 1790, and soon became a merchant, and subsequently in 1813, erected the first Cotton Factory ever bunt South of the Potomac River; it was located on Mill Branch, one and three quarter miles east of Lincolnton, and out of this enterprise sprung the old Lincoln Cotton Factory on the South Fork, two miles south of Lincolnton.

Dr. David Warlick Schenck, father of David, was bora at Lincolnton, February 3d, 1809, and died at the same place December 26th, 1861. He was one of the first stu- dents of Jefierson Medical'-College, Philadelphia, and was distinguished as a surgeon.

The subject of this sketch was born at Lincolnton, N. C, March 24th, 1835. His mother was Susan Rebecca Bevens, of Charleston, South Carolina. He was educated mostly by Silas C. Lindslay, an accomplished scholar, in the Male Academy at Lincolnton.

He studied law in 185o-'56 with the late Haywood W. Guion, Esq., and obtained his County Court license in June, 1856.

In the fall of 1856, and spring of 1857, he attended the law school of the late distinguished Chief Justice, Richmond M. Pearson, at Richmond Hill, Yadkin county, N. C. Hon. Thomas C. Fuller, Judge W. J. Montgomery, John D. Shaw, Esq., and Judge David M. Furches were

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his cotemporaries, with others, less distinguished at the school.

In June, 1857, he settled in Dallas, Gaston county, N. C, with a pittance of money and almost an entire stranger, but the generous and hospitable people of that county soon removed the poverty and gave him hosts of friends.

On the 25th day of August, 1859, he was married near Lincolnton, to Sallie Wilfong Ramseur, sister of General Stephen D. Ramseur.

In November, 1860, he came back to Lincolnton.

He held the office of County Solicitor in Gaston county and afterwards in 1860 in Lincoln county.

The Hon. William Lander, who was elected as a dele- gate to the Secession Convention of the State in 1861, resigned his seat in a few weeks to become a member of the Confederate Congress, and an election was ordered to fill the vacancy. No nominations were made, and quite a number of prominent gentlemen were voted for, but Judge Schenck received the greatest number of the votes and succeeded Mr. Lander in the Convention, and par- ticipated in its subsequent sessions until it adjourned in May, 1862.

In 1869, his friends expecting to have a bill passed by Congress to remove his disabilities, had 19 out of 21 votes in the Senatorial District Convention composed of Lincoln, Catawba and Gaston, to cast for him, but as the bill failed. Dr. Crowell received his strength and was nominated.

On the 13th of May, 1874, he was nominated by the Democratic Judicial Convention, which met at Lincoln- ton, as their candidate for Superior Court Judge of the 9th Judicial District, and after an exciting campaign he was elected by over 1,400 majority, doubling the Demo- cratic majority in the previous elections.

He served as Superior Court Judge until April 1st, 1881, when finding that the salary was wholly inadequate to support his large family, he was forced to resign and

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 103

became General Counsel for the Richmond & Danville Railroad Comj>any in North Carolina, and has continued in that position ever since. He removed to Greensboro as most convenient for the discharge of his onerous duties, the 22d of May, 1882.

He has declined to enter public life since 1881.

The city of Greensboro recently voted to issue one hundred thousand dollars city bonds, for improvements, and, as he advocated this measure earnestly, he was elected, and is now servihg as one of the Aldermen of the city to carry out this enterprise.

He is also General Counsel for the Charleston, Cin- cinnati & Chicago Railroad Company in North Carolina.

He is the father of seven sons and two daughters, all living.

He has always been an ardent Democrat, and up to 1874 took an active part in every political campaign.

He is a Presbyterian ; was an Elder of the church at Lincolnton, from 1874 to 1882.

Was Master of his Lodge of Masons at Lincolnton for several years ; was Mayor of Lincolnton one year, and often on its Board of Aldermen.

The title of LL. D. was conferred on him by the Uni- versity of North Carolina Jutie 5th, 1886.

He was tendered the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina by Gov. Jarvis, but declined. As an advocate and jurist he has scarcely an equal in the State.

He has a large and select library and reads extensively. He is what one may call a hard worker. He rises very early in the morning and n^ver retires at night until he has mastered every detail of the task for to-morrow.

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Hox. R. F. AEMFLELD,

OF STATESVILLE.

The subject of this sketch is one of the most highly gifted men in the State. He is a clear lieaded thinker, an interesting and convincing orator, a very fine advocate, a man of broad, comprehensive mind, decided and strong in his convictioris, and practical in all things. He stands among the leaders at the bar.

He was born on a farm, July 9th, 1829, three miles west of Greensboro, Guilford county. He remained on the farm, working with his father, until he was fourteen years of age; in the meantime occasionally attending common schools in the winter. At the age of fourteen he went to Trinity College, then " Union Institute," just starting under the auspices of the late Dr. Craven. After one session there, he returned home and taught a com- mon school. From that time until he was twenty years old, he studied at Union Institute and taught common schools alternately, paying for the whole of Ins education himself. After he was twenty years old, he began read- ing law with the late Hon. John A.Gilmer. After obtain- ing his license to practice law, he taught school about one year, at the end of which time he settled in Yadkinville, Yadkin county, and commenced the practice of his pro- fession. He was married in 1857. In 1861, when the war broke out, he was elected a member of the Rebel Con- vention for Yadkin county, and took his seat as a mem- ber on May 20, 1861, on which day he signed the Ordi- nance of Secession passed by that Convention. He re- mained in the Convention until February 14, 1862, when he resigned his seat to enter the army. He enlisted with Company B, 38th Regiment N. C. Troops, in which com- pany he was elected First Lieutenant. On the re-organi- zation of the regiment at Goldsboro in the spring of 1862, he was elected its Lieutenant-Colonel, and went with it

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 105

to the Army of Northern Virginia. He was in the Seven Days' Fight around Richmond, and stayed with the regi- ment until wounded in the battle of Shepherdstown in October, 1862, when he returned home on furlough. While at home he was elected by the Legislature as So- licitor to prosecute for the State in the Sixth Judicial District, whereupon he resigned from the army and held the office of Solicitor until the close of the war. He was relieved of his office by President Johnson on account of disloyalty to the Union. In the summer of 1865 here- moved to Wilkesboro and practiced law there until the fall of 1870, when he removed to Statesville. He was elected to the Senate of North Carolina by the district composed of Iredell, Alexander and Wilkes in the year 1874, and on the assemblage of the Legislature he was elected President of the Senate, and presided over that body during the whole of tne session of 1874-'75. In 1878 he was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress from the 7th District. He was re-elected in 1880 to the Forty-seventh Congress. As a Congressman he served with accepta- bility. His speeches were favorably received by the House and the public, and his reputation and usefulness would have greatly expanded, but he had to give up his office in obedience to the popular idea of rotation, and for no other reason.

Hon. ALPHONSO CALHOUN AVERT,

OF MORGANTON.

Judge Avery was born September 11th, 1835. His father was Col. Isaac T. Avery, of Burke county, the only son of Col. Waightstill Avery, who was a signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and a mem-

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ber of the Colonial Congress, and first Attorney-General of North Carolina.

Col Waightstill Avery belonged to an old family of New England. The first representative was Christopher Avery, who canoe to America in 1620 His son, James Avery, built a house, still standing, near New London, in 1640. Colonel Avery graduated in the second class ever graduated at Princeton. He studied law in Maryland, and was induced to settle at Charlotte by Eph. Brevard, Adlai Osborne, and the then President of Trinity College, who had been with him at Princeton. At the Centennial Celebration in September, 1881, of the capture of Fort Griswold by Arnold, it appeared from inscriptions on the monument, that many who bore the name of Avery had been killed, wounded and captured at that place.

The mother of Judge Avery was Harriet Erwin. She was a daughter of William W. Erwm, a leading citizen of Burke county. She was granddaughter of Col. William. Sharpe, a Revolutionary soldier, and the first representa- tive in Congress from the Rowan district. Colonel Sharpe married a daughter of Mr. Reese, who was a signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration.

Judge Avery was prepared for college at Oaks, in Or- ange county, by the late William J. Bingham. He grad- uated at the University of North Carolina in 1857, hav- ing stood first in his class throughout his college course. Among his classmates were Col. Thomas S. Kenan, Major Robert Bingham, Hon. W. P. McLean, of Texas, and Thomas N. Hill, of Halifax.

He studied law under Chief Justice Pearson, and was licensed under the old law to practice in the County Courts in June, 1860. He was prepared to stand his ex- amination for Superior Court license, but before the year expired he was in the army. He was not licensed until June, 1866.

On the 27th of February, 1861, he was married to Miss Sue W. Morrison, daughter of Rev. R. H. Morrison, of Lincoln, and granddaughter of Gen. Jos. Graham.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 107

He joined the 6th N, C. Regiment early in May, 1861, when it was being formed at Charlotte under Col. Chas. F. Fisher. He was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company E of that regiment, and was engaged in the battle uf Manassas in 1861, when Colonel Fisher was killed. His brother, Captain (afterwards Colonel) I. E. Avery, and himself were both complimented for gallant conduct in the report of that battle.

In July, 1862, he became Captain of his company, when Isaac E. Avery was promoted to the Colonelcy of the regi- ment. He commanded his company until after the first battle of Fredericksburg in December, 1862, when he was commissioned Major and Assistant Adjutant General and assigned to duty as Inspector of D. H. Hill's Division of the Army of Western Virginia. In March following he was ordered to North Carolina with D. H. Hill, and ac- companied Hill to Richmond in July of the year 1863. When General Hill was promoted, he was sent with him, in August, 1863, to Bragg's Army, and was with General Hill in the battle of Chickamauga. When General Hill was ordered to report at Richmond in consequence of disagreeable relations with General Bragg, Major Avery remained and served on the staff of the corps with Breck- inridge, Hindman and Hood, who successively comman- ded in the winter of 1863~'64. He served on Hood's staff on the retreat from Dalton to the Chottohorchie river in 1864. He came home on leave when two of his brothers were killed, and was eventually ordered to report for duty in North Carolina. When he was captured by Stevenson at Salisbury, he was commanding a battalion, and was forming a regiment on the western border of North Caro- lina. He remained in prison until August, 1865.

He was elected to the State Senate, by a large majority, in 1866, from the counties of Burke, Caldwell and Mc- Dowell, and served therefore in the last legislative body elected exclusively by the white people of North Carolina. He was again elected from the senatorial district com- posed of Burke, Caldwell and Watauga in 1868, but at

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the instance of Governor Caldwell the Republican Senate determined that he was barred, because he had been elected Solicitor of Burke county in February, 1861. He declined to run for the Legislature after that time.

In 1875 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- vention from Burke county. Those who served with him know that the Democrats were more indebted to him than any other member for their success in securing the organization of that body, and he was foremost in shaping the work of that Convention.

He was elector for the Eighth Congressional District when Tilden was elected in 1876. He was elected Judge of the Eighth Judicial District in 1878, and re-elected as Judge of the Tenth District in 1886. He has recently been nominated for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Hon. WILLIAM MAECUS SHIPP,

OF CHARLOTTE. "

Born November 19, 1819, in Lincoln county. He gradu- ated at the University in 1840, delivering the salutatory address; was admitted to the bar 1842; practiced in Lincoln and the mountain district. At the beginning of the civil war he was elected Captain of a volunteer company in Hendersonville, and served in that capacity in Virginia until he was elected Judge, one year after. He served as Judge until 1868, when he was nominated by the Democratic party for Attorney-General on the ticket with Hon. A. S. Merriraon, candidate for Governor, <fec., and was the only Democrat on the ticket elected. He practiced law in Charlotte from 1872 to 1881, when he was appointed by Governor Jarvis Judge of the Supe- rior Court to succeed Hon. David Schenck, resigned. He

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 109

was re-elected for eight years in 1S82. He was a mem- ber of the Legislature before the war.

He has been twice married : First, to Catherine Cam- eron, daughter of Judge John A. Cameron ; second, to Margaret Iredell, daughter of James Iredell, at one time Governor of North Carolina and U. S. Senator.

Judge Shipp is one of the best informed lawyers in the State. He has a marked legal mind, reasons closely, and as a jurist is eminent. He has no superior on the bench.

He is fond of history and the literature of our language, especially the standard works. He is interesting and lively in conversation, and has much wit and humor.

Hon. ROBEET PAINE DICK,

OF GREENSBORO,

Son of Hon. John M. Dick and Parthenia P. Dick ; born in Greensboro, N. C, October 5th, 1823. He was prepared for college in Greensboro, at the celebrated Caldwell Institute.

Entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, June, 1840, graduated with distinction, June, 1843.

He was admitted to the bar in 1845, and soon after located at Wentworth, N. C.

He was married June 27th, 1848, to Mary E. Adams, of Pittsylvania county, Va. Soon after marriage he removed to Greensboro, where he now resides.

He was a member of the Democratic National Conven- tion at Baltimore, 1852.

In 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce U. S. District Attorney for North Carolina; held that ofiSce until February, 1861, when he sent in his resignation, which was accepted in April, 1861.

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He was a delegate in the Democratic National Con- vention at Charleston and Baltimore, 1860.

At Charleston he cast the vote that gave Senator Stephen A. Douglas a majority of the Convention.

At Baltimore he was the only member of the North Carolina delegation that remained and acted in the National Convention, from which the Southern delegates seceded.

He was Elector for the State-at-large on the Douglas and Johnson ticket, and was also a member of the National Executive Committee of the wing of the Demo- cratic party to which he belonged.

He was elected a delegate to the State Convention of 1861, without being a candidate; hesigned the ordinance of secession after verbal protest, and introduced a motion to submit the Constitution of the Confederate States to a vote of the people of the State. This motion was the subject of an animated discussion in the Convention for several days, before its rejection.

He was prominent among the Union men (as they were called) and made a speech against the Test Oath ordinance that was introduced in Convention and was rejected.

He was a member of the Council of State during a part of the administration of Gov. Vance.

He was elected as Senator for Guilford county in 1864, as a peace man. In the Legislature of 1864-'65, took a prominent part in the discussion of all measures that tended to a peace and to the restoration of the Union of all the States, and alwa^^s opposed the encroachments of the military power upon the civil power of the State and the just liberties of the people.

He took no active part in the military service of the civil war of the States, but always felt and manifested a deep sympathy in the sorrows and misfortunes of the Southern people, and did what he could to minister to the comforts of the soldiers of the Confederate army.

In May, 1865, at the request of President Johnson, he

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. Ill

went, to Washiugton City with other citizens of the State for the purpose of having a conference as to the best method of reconstructing the governnaent of the State in relation to its normal condition in the Union.

He earnestly advocated the restoration of the State under its old Constitution and form of government with some necessary amendments; he also advocated the liberal and just policy of general amnesty, as he believed that the State by an unlawful and unsuccessful attempt at secession had not been dissevered from the American Union, and that its people were still entitled to all the rights and privileges of citizens under the Constitution of the United States.

In May, 1865, he was appointed by President Johnson U. S. District Judge for the State of North Carolina; held the commission of office two months and then resigned, as he would not take the Test Oath of office (known as the ''Iron Clad"). He practiced his profession for three years with much success during the transition period of reconstruction.

He was a member of the State Convention of 1865-'66 and took part in forming a Constitution that was rejected by a vote of the people. He earnestly advocated the acceptance of the measure known as the Howard Amend- ment, as he believed that it contained the best terms of reconstruction that could be obtained from the Congress.

In March, 1867, he was a member of the political Convention that organized the Republican party of this State. He is still a Republican, but by no means a bitter partizan.

In April, 1868, was elected by a large majority Asso- 'ciate Justice of the Supreme Court, and qualified in July, 1868 ; remained on that bench four years and assisted in shaping and directing the new mode of legal i)leading and procedure introduced by the Constitution of 1868, and also in determining many important questions of law — of "first impression" — that arose out of the civil war and the troublous times of reconstruction.

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In June, 1872, he was appointed by President Grant U. S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. In this position he has administered with great mercy and forbearance the unpopular Internal Revenue laws, and encountered many difficult questions as to conflict of jurisdiction in Federal and State Courts, and his rulings were in accordance with subsequent deci- sions of the U. S. Supreme Court. He delivered an address on the life and character of Chief Justice Pear- son, June 8th, 1881, at the unveiling of the monument to his memory (in Raleigh).

He always took great interest in the progress of the State in agriculture, internal improvement and all indus- trial pursuits.

He has devoted much time to the study of literature, especially Biblical literature, and has delivered literary addresses at the University, at Davidson College and before many male and female seminaries of learning. He is an active friend of public education and has delivered lectures before Normal schools and Sabbath schools.

An earnest advocate of temperance reform and has delivered many addresses on the subject.

In 1878, in association with Judge John H. Dillard, he established the Greensboro Law School, in which more than 150 students have been prepared for a successful examination before the Supreme Court. He has deliv- ered a number of Introductory lectures on the History and Literature of the Law, which have been published and circulated.

The following specimen of his literary style is taken from his published lecture on "The Influence of Poetry on National Development:"

"Poetry is an interesting and instructive part of a nation's history, as it is a production of the intellectual and moral facul- ties, feelings and sentiments of the people.

* *■# * * * # * *

"God formed the earth as a beautiful home for man, and it was consecrated with his benediction and the songs of angels.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 113

He also gave to maa the faculties for perceiving and appreciating the true, the beautiful and the good, and enabled him to express his feelings and emotions of love, joy, hope and devotion in the rhythmic strains of poetry and the sweet, soft notes of melody. Poetry and music may well be considered as ministering angels which ever keep in living purity and freshness on earth some of the bliss of the sinless Eden.

" 'The poet who said 'Let me write a Nations song's, and I care not who writes its laws' was by no means a visionary enthusiast, but he was a profound philosopher, who, by intuition, observation and experience, had learned some of the strong influ- ences which mould a nation's life. The songs and poems of a nation are important elements in its history, and they furnish the words, thoughts and imagery that sparkle like jewels in its lan- guage and literature.

" While the Welsh Bards lived their nation was unconquerable. With rude minstrelsy they aroused the enthusiastic patriotism of that brave and imaginative people who loved liberty and the craggy mountains and wild valleys that lie between the Severn and the sea.

"The simple songs which are sung in the cottages among the Hartz mountains and beside the Baltic, the Danube and the Rhine, link even the self exiled Grerman to the memories and scenes of the Vaterland with ties of love and devotion which time and distance are powerless to break.

" The Ranz des Vaches is indeed to the Switzer a song of home, and when heard even in the fairest climes of the earth causes tears of love to flow, and carries his heart back again to the hum- ble cottage where his mother nursed him in the Alpine glen.

"The Marseillais Hymn inspired French patriots with daunt- less heroism in the early years of that grand revolution which sa long filled Europe with mourning and the horrors of strife and carnage, and resulted in misery and martial glory, but not free- dom to France.

" 'God Save the Queen' is intimately associated with England's greatness and renown, and keeps in glowing life the national love and loyalty of those brave and gallant sailors and soldiers whose reveille greets the rising suii as it gilds with morning light every clime of the earth.

" 'The Star Spangled Banner' fills every patriotic American heart with love and pride for that glorious land whose fiag of stars is the emblem of freedom, and whose protection and power are co-extensive with the globe.

" 'Home, Sweet Home' is one of the dearest and most touching domestic lyrics that human voice has ever sung, and is almost worthy of the lips of the sinless Seraphim. Its tender pathos

8

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causes the eyes to fill with tears and the bosom to swell with the holiest and purest emotions,

" 'Old Hundred' makes us think of brave, noble and glorious old Luther, and it is one of the grandest te deutns that ever rose from human hearts and swelled through the aisles and arches of the earthly temples of Jehovah.

"The grand events of the battlefield, the policies of rulers, and the laws of legislative assemblies form renowaed epochs in a nation's history, but they furnish little knowledge of its inner life, or those secret causes which silently and surely formed and developed its destiny. If we view only the few transactions preserved by the historic muse we will not possess a more accu- rate idea of the peculiar characteristics of a nation than we would have of its geography and scenery by catching glimpses of the grand outlines of its 'country through the hazy curtain of the distance.

" On many pages of recorded history we find some evidence of the influence of poetry in the formation of national character. The age of Homer was the commencement of Grecian glory. His transcendent genius not only gave immortality to his coun- try, but created classic literature. His wonderful poems kindled those fires of patriotism, freedom and love of glory in his nation's heart which in after times shone so brightly in the wisdom of her philosophers and law-givers, in the matchless productions of her painters and sculptors, in the immortal tragedies, epics and songs of her poets, in the indomitable valor of her heroes and in the thrilling eloquence of her orators. His magic touch unsealed the fountains of Castalia and Hippocrene and made all the hills and vales of Greece the homes of the gods and the haunts of the Muses. Who can ever think of Greece, and forget the mighty bard who breathed the inspirations of genius into her national life ? Her political power has passed away, her magnificent tem- ples are now in ruins, the remnants of her art treasures are scat- tered over the civilized world, and the blood of the heroes of Marathon now flows in the veins of degenerate sons. The mourn- ful JEgean among green isles and on rocky shores is ever mur- muring a lament for the departed glory of old Hellas, but still the light of her poetry is as immortal as her starry skies and golden sunshine, and lingers around that classic land and makes it a sacred shrine to every lover of freedom, art and letters.

"I will devote but a few moments in considering the history of the once proud mistress of the world and her nobly gifted sons of song. She drank deeply of the blood of carnage, revelled long amidst the spoils of conquest, and for centuries the great throbbings of her passionate heart were felt throughout the

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grandest empire of the ancient world. Her Catos, Scipios and Caesars are gone. Her Emperors who wielded an iron sceptre over the world are dust and ashes. Not one stone of the capitol is left upon another. The Coliseum is still a grand and glorious ruin. Where once sounded the eloquence of the Forum and Senate Chamber is now heard the plaintive cry of the beggar; and the Campus Martins where once victorious legions trod in the martial pomp and pride of the triumph, is now covered with the homes of poverty and the dens of infamy and crime. But her poets still live and will live forever. In their day they shed an immortal glory upon their country which survived her costly palaces, stately temples and imperial power, and sent gleams of intellectual light over the whelming deluge of Vandal invasion, and materially assisted in kindling the splendid dawn of the renaisance day. During the night time of the Middle Ages the voice of song never became silent, but cheered the heart and elevated the mind of ignorant, superstitious and oppressed humanity in the nations of Western Europe.

"When we turn to the pages of English history to study the causes which produced the intellectual development and advance- ment of our own ancestors, we find that Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare and Milton led the vanguard of progress and were amongst the greatest benefactors of their race. The influence which they exerted will last as long as the English language is spoken, and will be as widespread as the rich beneficences of English institutions and literature."

Judge Dick is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church and for many years he has been teacher and Superintendent in Sunday-school. Temperate and studi- ous habits; patient and diligent attention to business; always trying to do his best; a high sense of the obliga- tions of honor, morality and duty; kindly sympathies and a conscientious regard for the rights and feelings of his fellow-men, are the sources of his success in life."

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Hon. JOH]^ a. GILMER,

OF GREENSBORO.

Judge Gilmer was born in April, 1838, the son of that popular and distinguished Congressman from North Car- olina at the breaking out of the war between the States, the late Hon. John A. Gilmer. He was graduated with distinction at the University of North Carolina in 1858, and read law at the University of Virginia. He was a Second Lieutenant of the Guilford Grays when the war began, and with that company entered the service in April, 1861. He was made Adjutant of the 27th N. C. Infantry upon its organization, the Guilford Grays being Company B of that regiment. He was soon afterwards elected Major and commanded at the Newberne fight in 1862. In 1863 he was promoted Colonel, and commanded thatspl<|ndid regiment until he was so severely wounded at Bristow Station as to render him unfit for field service. He served with conspicuous gallantry and won the con- fidence and affection of his men. No one illustrated more than he the valor, fortitude, constancy and pluck of the Tar Heel soldier; to which he united care for his men and a watchful solicitude for their comfort and wel- fare. Four years ago his old comrades from the centre to the seashore were enthusiastic in their demands for his nomination for Governor, and, but for his request that his name should not be put before the convention, his friends, sanguine of his nomination, would not have withheld it.

Judge Gilmer was admitted to the bar in 1865, and soon had a leading and lucrative practice, though sev- eral times, for months at a time, he was bed-ridden from the effects of his wounds received at Bristow, from one of which attacks he had but recently recovered when he was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Kerr.

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Judge Gilmer, as a candidate for the House of Repre- seutatives in 1868, was one of the forlorn hope selected to battle with Canby and the then recently enfranchised blacks, led by carpet-baggers and organized in the Loyal League. The votes were counted (so said) at Charleston, S. C, by the subordinates of the military satrap then reigning, and he was declared not elected. In 1870 he w^as elected Senator from Alamance and Guilford, and received a majority in each county, though at the time " Kirk's cut-throats" held undisputed sway in Alamance. He made a model Senator, conservative in his action, firmly fixed in principle and progressive in his ideas. But few members were more useful than he during his kgislative term. In 1875 he was a candidate for the Con- vention and came within a few votes of election, though the "homestead scare" which '^foi" the Convention was used for all it was worth against him. He has been twice nominated for Judge and elected both times. He has held the courts in every county in the State, and his con- scientious discharge of the duties of his office has won the respect and confidence of the people; and his unaf- fected politeness, his urbanity and frankness have made him a host of personal friends wherever he has been.

His acquaintance with the people of all sections is ex- tensive, and his knowledge of the wants and needs of every section is second to that of no man within our bor- ders. He has given attention to matters of public inter- est that aff'ect the welfare of the people, and his compre- hensive mind has been able to grasp their details and fully understand them.

Patriotic and full of love for North Carolina, which he has shown in his devotion upon the battle-field as well as in every act of his life, he is in sympathy with every effort made for her advancement and for ameliorating the condition of her people. To lighten their burdens, to promote their welfare, to advance their interests, he would bring into requisition all the resources of his practical statesmanship, and he would wisely plan to promote

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those purposes which tend to lifting the people up and to strengthening the foundations of their prosperity and material welfare. In his hands the reins of power would be used to develop the resources of the State and to so guide public affairs that every section would be invig- orated with new life and a new strength in the work of development.

In manner he is open, hearty and frank, and he so de- ports himself as to win the esteem and popular approval of all classes of citizens. No one makes a better impres-. sion in a campaign than John Gilmer. He is so honest and sincere, so kindly and sympathetic in his nature, that the people turn to him as their champion and recog- nize in him their friend.

He is an excellent "campaigner," effective on the stump, a fine debater, pointed in argument, clear in state- ment, strong, virile and convincing. — Raleigh News and Observer.

HoT^. FABIUS HAYWOOD BUSBEE,

OF RALEIGH.

" Born March 4th, 1848, and has at this writing just turned his thirty-eighth year. His paternal grandfather, Johnston Busbee, was a successful Wake county farmer in his day, and was for a long time Chairman of the County Courts, then in vogue. His maternal grandfather was the Hon. James F. Taylor, at the time of his death Attorney- General of North Carolina. The parents of the subject of our sketch were Perrin and Anne Busbee. The father was a lawyer of acknowledged ability, and as a forceful and eloquent speaker he ranked high in the Democratic party. At his death in 1853 he was Repor- ter of the Supreme Court, and his Reports are familiar to every well informed North Carolinian.

Mr. Busbee, of whom we now write, attended the justly distinguished Lovejoy Academy at Raleigh, and after-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 119

wards entered the University of North Carolina, from which institution he was graduated in 1868. But prior to this, in February, 1865, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, becoming a private in the 3d Regiment Junior Reserves, or 71st North Carolina, Hoke's Division. He was only a lad of sixteen, but something about him won for him the favor of his comrades-at-arms, and he was elected to a lieutenancy in his regiment. He was in the battles below Kinston and Bentonville.

In June, 1868, he was examined by the Supreme Court, but license to practice law was withheld until the follow- ing January, owing to his not being of age. From the latter month in '69 he has continued to practice law, and since 1870 he has been associated with his brother, C. M. Busbee, Esq., in a law partnership in the city of Raleigh. Mr. Busbee was City Attorney for Raleigh from 1875 until 1884, when he declined re-election on account of his increasing practice. In the campaigns of 1868, '70, '71 and '72 he made his reputation as a political can- vasser, and a good one it was. He took a still more ac- tive part in the campaigns of 1876, '80, '82 and '84. In the first mentioned of these latter years he stood before the people as elector for the Fourth District, and again in 1880 he was made elector for the State at Large, lead- ing the State ticket. In 1878 he was voted for for Solic- itor in the Negro District. In 1882 he received his party nomination for the House of Representatives from Wake county, but naturally enough his Republican competitor was elected over him.

" In October last, Mr. Busbee was appointed by Presi- dent Cleveland United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Mr. Busbee has received many marks of distinction from the Masons of North Carolina, of which order he has been a prominent figure for many years. He was Deputy Grand Master in 1883 and '84, and was chosen Grand Master in 1885 and 1886.

Mr. Busbee, aside from his merits as a lawyer and an eloquent and forceful speaker, is a brilliant scholar in literature. He has been honored with the degree of Mas-

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ter of Arts, conferred upon him by the University of North Carolina. Princeton College, N. J., as well as Trinity College, at Hartford, Conn., have paid him like compliments. He is at present one of the Trustees of the North Carolina University.

But it is as a lawyer that Mr. Busbee stands highest. He has been remarkably successful in the termination of his cases, and his clientage includes some of the leading firms and most prominent individuals in our State. He has appeared before the United States Supreme Court, ^before our State Legislature, and in the memorable con- tested election of Congressman Skinner, he argued the latter's case, which terminated in the seating of Mr. Skin- ner."— Winston Sentinel.

Hon. WILLIAM T. DOETCH,

OF GOLDSBORO,

Was born in Nash county, August 23d, 1824. Educa- ted at Bingham School. At tiie age of 17 commenced the study of law with the late Hon. B. F. Moore. Obtained County Court license at 19 years of age; Superior Court license at 20. Elected County Attorney of Nash at 20 years of age, and re-elected. Moved to Goldsboro in 1849. Elected County Attorney of Wayne. Elected to the Legislature from Wayne in 1852, and continuously (except one session) until 1861. Elected Speaker of the House in 1860. Elected to the Confederate Senate in 1861, and served in that body during the war. Has held no office since the close of the war until 1879. He served in the Senate then, and again in 1881. Has devoted his attention since the close of the war to farming and the practice of law, doing probably the largest and most lucrative practice in tlie State. Tendered the office of Judge of the Superior Court by Governor Ellis in 1859, and declined. He is chairman of the Judiciary com- mittee, and as such, had many arduous duties to perform during the present session.

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When the Code Commission was established, in 1881, he was made one of the three members of that Commis- sion, whose duty it was to revise and consolidate all the laws of the State and so arrange them that they could be published in convenient shape. In this arduous work he spent much time, and the general approval which the Code has met at the hands of this Legislature shows that he and the other Commissioners, Messrs. John Manning and John S. Henderson, did their work well. He very seldom makes a speech in the Senate, but when he does speak, he always receives tlie attention of all within the range of his voice, for his arguments are always pointed and conclusive, and the force of which is always shown when the vote is taken. He is a man of fine personal appearance, excellent education, and of superior legal ability. These, combined with his other good qualities of head and heart, have won for him the esteem of all the members, and given him quite an enviable influ- ence in the Senate Chamber. — Legislative Biographical Sketch Book. 1888.

Hoj^. JAS. C. MacEAE,

OF FAYETTEVILLE.

Judge MacRae was born in Fayetteville in 1838. His father jvas John MacRae, who was for many years as his father had been before him, Postmaster of Fayetteville. His mother was Mary Shackelford, of Marion, S. C. Judge MacRae was sent to school to Donaldson Academy in his native place until lie was 15 years old. He taught school a term and clerked in a store for a year or so. He taught school again in Brunswick Co., N. C, and in Horry county, S. C, until he was old enough to get his license to practice law. Having read law while teaching school, he obtained license to practice it in August, 1859, and June, 1860. While reading for his Superior Court license

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he was with his brother, D. K. MacRae, at New Berne. He subsequently located at Fayetteville. He entered the war as private in Company H, 1st N. C. Volunteers, was afterward Adjutant of the 5th N. C. State Troops. He commanded a battalion in Western North Carolina as Major, and was Assistant Adjutant General for Gen. Baker in the Eastern District of North Carolina until the close of the war. He was a member of the Legisla- ture of 1874-75.

He is an active and earnest advocate of prohibitioa and was President of the State Prohibition Convention which met in Raleigh in 1881. He was appointed Judge to fill Judge Bennett's unexpired term in July, 1882, and elected in the fall of the same year Judge of the 4th (afterwards changed to the 7th) Judicial District, which place he now holds.

He was married in 1867 to Miss Hinsdale, of Fayette- ville.

As a Judge he has few equals.

Hon. WALTER CLARK,

OF RALEIGH.

This gentleman has done much to instill into our courts business principles, and is deservedly popular.

He was born in Halifax county. North Carolina, 19th August, 1846. Was at Col. Tew's Military Academy at Hillsboro on the breaking out of the war, and immedi- ately, in the spring of 1861, at fourteen years of age, en- tered the army as Drill master in Pettigrew's Regiment, 22d North Carolina, and went with it to Richmond and to Evansport, on the Potomac. The next year he was ap- pointed Adjutant of the 35th North Carolina, commanded by Colonel (now Senator) M. W. Ransom, and served in

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 123

the first Maryland campaign, being at the capture of Harper's Ferry, at Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg. At the latter battle his regiment was one of those which rolled back the repeated attacks of the enemy in his des- perate assaults on Marye's heights. He was mentioned for gallantry in both battles. The brigade returned in the spring of 1863 to North Carolina to recruit. Having kept up his studies in camp, and carried his Homer and Virgil in his campaigns, he resigned and entered the University of North Carolina in July, 1863, joining the senior class. Graduated June 2d, 1864, with first honor. W. A. Guthrie, and Judge Van Wyck, of New York, were among his classmates. The next day after graduation he re-entered the army as Major of the 6th Battalion of Ju- nior Reserves, and a few days later (then 17 years of age) was made Lieutenant-Colonel of 69th N. C Regiment, at- tached to Hoke's Division. He fought at Southwest Creek (near Kinston) and at Bentonsville. Surrendered and paroled with the rest of Johnston's army at High Point, N. C, 2d May, 1865. Studied law under Judge Battle, at a law oflSce in Wall street, N. Y., and at Colum- bia Law College, Washington, D. C. Obtained license to practice in January, 1868. Located first at Scotland Neck, N. C, and then removed to Halifax, N. C, as a partner with J. M. Mullen (late State Senator) in law firm of Clark & Mullen. During this time he was twice a candidate for the Legislature, and though the usual Re- publican majority in Halifax county was then 2,500, was defeated by a small vote. In January, 1874, married the only daughter of. Hon. W. A. Graham, and removed to Raleigh, where he has since resided.

In 1881 he was sent as the lay delegate for North Caro- lina to the Methodist Ecumenical Council in London, and profited by the occasion to travel extensively in Eu- rope. In April, 1885, appointed by Governor Scales Judge of the Superior Court; renominated by acclama- tion by the Convention at Smithfield in August, 1886^ and elected last November, leading the rest of the Supe-

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rior Court ticket. He is the author of *' Overruled Cases," " Laws for Business Men," and Clark's '^ Annotated Code of Civil Procedure."

In 1871 he wrote, while on a tour to California and the West, a series of articles, " From Ocean to Ocean," which attracted favorable attention from the press and public.

Ho]^. AV. J. MONTGOMERY,

OF CONCORD,

Was born in Montgomery county, August 14th, 1834, was educated at Chapel Hill and was graduated June, 1855. He taught school in 1856 and in 1857-58; read law with Judge Pearson, obtained his County Court license in 1857 and Superior Court license in 1858. He located in Stanly county and practiced till 1861, when he entered the army as Captain and was afterward pro- moted to Major and then to Lieutenant Colonel. In 1862 he resigned the army and accepted the position of Solici- tor of Stanly county and continued in that oflSce until county courts were abolished. In 1868 he moved to Concord, Cabarrus county; was nominated by the Demo- crats for Solicitor of the 6th Judicial District of North Carolina in 1874 and was elected. He was re-elected in 1878 and held the office till January, 18^3. During his terms as Solicitor he kept up and largely increased his civil practice.

He was appointed Judge of the 8th Judicial District by Gov. Scales in June, 1885, was re-nominated and re- elected to the same position in 1886. He has never had any political aspirations and was never a candidate for a political office. He has confined himself exclusively to his profession. He has never traded or speculated and is very well off.

He is a good jurist, a man of fine practical sense, dig- nified, and a true christian.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 125

HoTT. EDWIN T. BOYKm,

^ CLINTON, SAMPSON COUNTY, N. C,

Was born at Clinton the 27th of December, 1854. His parents were in very moderate circumstances. His father died when he was a youth, after which his mother moved to Trinity College. Here he met Dr. Craven, who became attached to him and helped him to an education. Edwin paid for his tuition by ringing the bell and sweeping out the College, and he did that service even through his senior year. His habits were studious and he took a high stand as a scholar, though he could not dress quite as well as bis classmates. He was a member of the Columbian Society and paid his fees by cleaning the hall, etc. He graduated in 1874 in one of the most successful classes that ever graduated from Trinity College. Among them were: B. F. Long, the able Solicitor of the 8th Judicial District, J. M. Stockhard, a very rich manufac- turer of Rhode Island, Hon. Lee S. Overman, a distin- guished and honored member of the Legislature, John Cooper, of Georgia, Secretary and Treasurer of the Pacific Railroad Company, Rev. W. W. Staley, a prominent clergyman of Virginia, N. C. English, Professor at Trinity College, Rev. N. M. Jurney, of the Methodist Conference, and J. C. Black, Senator from Moore county, and others.

Since Mr. Boykin's admission to the bar he has enjoyed a large practice. He has been twice elected Mayor of Clinton, and has served three terras as County Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee. In 1881, he was elected to the House of Representatives from Samp- son, and in 1883 elected to the Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1885 and was honored with the oflBce of President of that body.

He was married to Miss Katie G. Bizzell, December 28th, 1876. His wife died in 1885, leaving several chil- dren.

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He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court in 1885 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge McKoy, and was elected to the same office in 1886. As a Judge he is noted for his impartiality, his quick discernment and his dignified bearing. Though the junior Judge of the bench, he fills his office with great ability and perfect satisfaction to the people. He is one of the most promis- ing men in the State.

Hon. RALPH P. BUXTON,

OF FAYETTEVILLE,

Was born in Washington, Beaufort county, N. C, on September 22d, 1826. He was the youngest son of Rev. Jarvis B. Buxton, an Episcopal minister, who was called to take charge of St. John's Church, Fayetteville, N. C, in 1831, and who remained Rector of that church until his death in 1851.

R. P. Buxton was partly educated at College Point near Flushing, N. Y., at an Institution conducted by Rev. Dr. William A. Mohlenburg. In 1843, he joined the junior class of the University of North Carolina, and graduated in June, 1845. After teaching school for a year he read law under Hon. John H. Bryan, of Raleigh, N. C, and obtained his County and Superior Court licenses in 1848 and 1849, and practised law at Fayetteville, N. C, where he now resides.

In politics, he was an ardent Whig and a great admi- rer of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.

In 1856 he was a delegate to the National Convention at Philadelphia, which nominated Fillmore and Donel- son.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 127

He was Mayor of Fayetteville in 1857.

In 1861 he was an anti-secession candidate for the State Convention, but was defeated.

In 1863 he was elected by the Legislature, State Solici- tor for the circuit in which he lived. This position he held until the close of the civil war.

In 1865 he was elected a member of the State Consti- tutional Convention. While a member of this body he introduced an ordinance to abolish imprisonment for debt and advocated the measure in a published speech which was widely circulated. The ordinance failed to pass then, but has since been incorporated in the State Constitution.

Under the Provisional Government established in North Carolina by President Johnson, Mr. Buxton was appointed one of the Judges by Governor Holden, in 1865, and was elected that same year by the Legislature one of the Judges of the Superior Court. In 1868, under Reconstruction Acts, he was elected by the people at large to fill the same position, and in 1874 he was re- elected by the voters of the 5th Judicial District.

In politics, since the war, Judge Buxton has been a warm and consistent Republican. In 1879, he received the complimentary vote of the Republican members of the Legislature for U. S. Senator.

In 1880, he was nominated for Governor by the Repub- lican State Convention. He immediately resigned his seat on the bench, and made a canvass of the State, but was defeated by Governor Jarvis. Since that time he has been engaged in the active practice of the law\

In the Judicial election of 1886, his name was run against his wishes, by a portion of the Republican party for the office of Chief Justice; he received a handsome vote, but was defeated by the present Chief Justice Smith.

Judge Buxton has served several terms as one of the Trustees of the University, and is a devoted son of his Alma Mater.

He received the rite of confirmation in the Episcopa-

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lian Church in his sixteenth year, and is a Christian by hereditary, attachment, education and conviction. He has acted as lay reader, vestryman, and member of the church councils for many years.

In 1860 he married Miss Rebecca H. Bledsoe, of Ral- eigh, N. C. They have no children.

Ho^. JOHN MANNING,

OF CHAPEL HILL,

Was born at Edenton, July 30th, 1830. His father was Capt. John Manning, of the U. S. Navy. On the passage of the ordinance of secession, Capt. Manning resigned his position in the Navy and tendered his ser- vices to his native State. He was commissioned a Com- mander of the Navy of North Carolina, but in a short time his health gave way and he resigned his commis- sion and resided at Pittsboro, N. C, where he died.

The subject of this sketch received his primary train- ing at the Eden ton Academy and at the Norfolk, Vir- ginia, Military Academy. He graduated from the Uni- versity in 1850.

In September, 1850, he accompanied his father to South America; returned in July, 1851; read law and was licensed by the Supreme Court fn June, 1853, and in 1854 settled in Pittsboro.

He was married in 1856 to Miss Louisa J. Hall, eldest daughter of Dr. Hall, of Pittsboro, and granddaughter of Judge John Hall, late of the Supreme Court.

He was a delegate to the Convention of 1861 ; volun- teered in the first company that went to the war from Chatham ; was elected First Lieutenant and appointed Adjutant of the 15th Regiment of Volunteers. In Octo- ber, 1861, he was nominated by Judge Biggs and

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appointed by President Davis, Receiver of the Confeder- ate States, and resigned his commission in the army. He was opposed to the secession of the State and in the Convention of 1861 he voted to substitute Judge Bad- ger's ordinance for the ordinance of secession, and fail- ing in that and seeing that war was inevitable, he voted to submit the ordinance of secession to the State for rati- fication.

In 1870 he was elected to the 41st Congress as a Demo- crat from the 4th District.

He was elected to the Constitutional Convention of 1875, and was Chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

In 1880 he was a member of the General Assembly and was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He was elected by the General Assembly one of the Commis- sioners to revise the Statute laws of the State. In 1881 he was chosen Professor of Law in the University.

The degree of LL. D. was conferred on him in 1882 by the University.

Hon. D. a. BARNES,

OF MURFREESBORO.

Native of Northampton county. Son of Collin W. and Louisa Barnes. His father was a farmer and a promi- nent citizen.

The subject of this sketch attended Jackson Male Acad- emy, and graduated at the University in 1840. He read law in Raleigh under Governor Iredell and Judge Wm. H. Battle ; obtained license and located in Jackson in 1842. He has represented Northampton county three times in the Legislature; was Presidential Elector on the Scott and Graham ticket; was a member of the State Couven- 9

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tion of 1861 ; served as Aid-de-Camp to Governor Vance during the war with the rank of Colonel. ^^"*In 1865 he was elected by the Legislature Judge of the Superior Courts, and remained in that office until re- moved under the Reconstruction Acts of Congress. He returned to the practice of the law, again locating in Jackson.

In June, 1872, he was married to Miss Bettie Vaughan, of Murfreesboro, and in 1875 removed to that town, where he now resides.

He is now Presiding Justice of the Superior Court of Hertford county.

Ho^-. GEOKGE HOWARD,

OF TARBORO.

Born September 22d, 1829, at Tarboro. His father, 'George Howard, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. His mother was a native of Caroline county, V^irginia.

He studied law under Hon. W. H. Battle and Hon. S. F. Phillips, and obtained County Court license in June, 1850, and Superior Court license in June, 1851.

During 1852 he edited the Tarboro Southerner. In No- vember of the same year was elected County Solicitor for Greene county; was elected Reading Clerk of the House of Commons, sessions of 1854-'55, 1856-7 and 1858-'9.

In 1855 he was elected first County Solicitor for Wilson county. He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court in 1859, and at the session of 1860-1 of the Legislature he was elected for life.

While on the circuit he was elected to represent Edge- combe in the Convention of 1861 and signed the Ordi- nance of Secession.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 131

December 3, 1861, be was married to Miss Anna R. Stamps, of Milton, N. C.

At the close of the war he was elected a member of the Convention of 1865.

He was Senator from Edgecombe in the first Legisla- ture after the war.

In 1878 he was strongly supported for a seat on the Supreme Court bench

He is an able lawyer and a successful business man.

Hon. KERR CRAIGE,

«

OF SALISBURY.

According to Dr. Rumple's History of Rowan county, the ancestors of the subject of this sketch ''came direct from Scotland, without stopping, as most of the families did, in the Northern States. They were adherents of Prince Charles in his efforts to regain the throne of his fathers, and after the fatal battle of Culloden, April 16th, 1746, they deemed it expedient to seek safety in America.

"The name of Craig in ttie Scottish dialect signifies a sharp, high rock or crag, and was p)robably given to the family, or assumed by them, because their hall or castle was situated upon some high rock, thus securing safety to life and property in the days of violence and lawless- ness."

A full account of the Craige family is given in Dr. Rumple's History, and in Col. Wheeler's Sketches, Vol. 1, page 80, mention is made of David Craige of the same family, as a Lieutenant in Capt. Wm. Temple Cole's com- pany in 1776, and who " was distinguished for his bravery and patriotic daring."

Burton Craige, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Rowan county, March 13th, 1811. He

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graduated from the State University in 1829 ; for several years he edited the Western Carolinian ; studied law under David F. Caldwell, and was licensed in 1832. The same year he was elected to the Legislature from the borough of Salisbury. In 1834, after the abolition of the borough system, he was elected to the Assembly by Rowan county. In 1836 he was married to Miss Elizabeth P. Irwin, great- granddaughter of General Matthew Lock, of Rowan. He was elected to Congress in 1853, and re-elected in 1855-'57 and '59. He was a member of the Convention of 1861, and offered the ordinance of secession which was adopted. By that Convention he was chosen a mem- ber of the Confederate Congress. He died in Concord, where he was attending Court, December 30th, 1875. His character is thus described by Dr. Rumple: "He possessed those qualities that endeared him to the people — plainness of speech, simplicity of ma.nners, and famili- arity in intercourse, without the semblance of condescen- sion. He remembered the names and the faces of people, and the humblest man whom Mr. Craigehad ever known would approach him with perfect assurance of recogni- tion and cordial greeting."

The subject of this sketch was born in Catawba county, March 14th, 1843. He removed to Rowan county in 1852. His education was received at Catawba College and at the University of North Carolina.

At the age of eighteen he enlisted as a private for three years in the army, in the 1st North Carolina Cav- alry, which formed a part of Hampton's, afterwards Gordon's, Brigade of the army of Northern Virginia. He was promoted to Lieutenant and Captain. He was ten- dered the office of Adjutant of his Regiment by Colonel Thos. Ruffin, who was killed a few days thereafter and before Mr. Craige could accept the office. He was then appointed Aid-de-Camp to Gen. J. B. Gordon and served in that capacity until Gen. Gordon's death. The 1st N. C. Cavalry, in which Mr. Craige served through the war, was regarded as the finest in the army. It was almost

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 133

constantly in action and was distinguished for its dash and courage. Mr. Craige was present in all the contests of this noted Regiment.

After the war he studied law under Chief Justice Pearson, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1867. He was elected Reading Clerk of the House of Representa- tives in 1870, and was a member of that body from Rowan county in 1872.

He was married November 12th, 1 873, to Miss Josephine Branch, daughter of Gen. L. O'B. Branch, of Raleigh. Gen. Branch was a very brave soldier and a wise and patriotic statesman. His heroism as a soldier made him the subject of a complimentary letter from Gen. R. E. Lee. His life and character has been ably portrayed by Maj. John Hughes, of New Berne, in an oration delivered at Raleigh, May 10th, 1884.

Mr. Craige has been a Director of the N. C. R. R. Com- pany and a Trustee of the University.

He was nominated by the Democratic party for Con- gress in 1884, but was obliged to decline on account of ill-health.

In June, 1887, he was appointed without his solicita- tion Collector of Internal Revenue for the 5th N. C. Dis- trict, which position he now holds, administering the harsh and unpopular laws with as much mildness as is compatible with respect for them. There are more dis- tilleries in his district than in any other in the United States. He has nearly four hundred subordinate officers.

Since Mr. Craige's admission to the bar, he has con- tinually practiced his profession. He has always been punctual in his office hours and attended closely to his professional duties. He is a close student, and is con- sidered by the profession as one of the best Judges of law in the State.

He has a relish for literary and historical works. His information is extensive and his taste refined.

Mr. Craige is very frank, affable and unassuming, and in many other respects possesses the admirable traits of his father.

134 SKETCHES OF

Gen. THEO. F. DAVIDSON,

OF ASHEVILLE. •

Born in the county of Haywood the 30th March, 1845. On his father's side of the house his ancestors were of the Scotch-Irish stock, which settled in Mecklenburg about 1740. His paternal grandmother was a Vance, her father, David Vance, being one of the earliest settlers of Buncombe county. His mother was a Howell, of a family which came from England and settled in Cabarrus about the middle of the 18th century.

The subject of this sketch was prepared for college by the late Colonel Lee, at Asheville. In 1861 he received the appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, but before entering, the war began and he at once en- tered the army, joining the "Buncombe Rifles," the first company raised in the trans-mountain portion of the State. Afterwards he became a member of Company C, 89th Regiment, and was Sergeant-Major of the regiment.

In 1862 he was appointed and commissioned Aid-de- Camp on the staff of Brigadier-General R. B. Vance, and remained in the Army of the West until the close of the war. At the close of the war he returned to Asheville and began the study of law under the late Judge Bailey, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He practiced his profession in the mountain circuit until elected Attorney- General in 1884.

In 1878 he was State Senator from the 40th District, and was chairman of the Committee on Corporations; re-elected in 1880, and served as chairman of the Com- mittee on Judiciary.

For three years he served as State Director of the Western North Carolina Railroad. He was also one of the Directors of the first Board for the Western N. C. Asylum at Morganton.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 135

For nearl}^ two years he was presiding Justice of the Inferior Court of Buncombe.

He was married on the 6th of November, 1886, to Sarah Katherine, daughter of A. M. Alexander, of French Broad, Buncombe county. His wife died last July.

He was chairman of the Democratic Executive Com- mittee of Buncombe county for eight years ; he was chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of the Eighth Congressional District six years.

Hon. ^Y. T. FAIRCLOTH,

OF GOLDSBORO,

Was born January 8, 1829, on Otter Creek', in Edge- combe count}^ N. C. His parents were of English de- scent, and his father was a farmer, at which business he was trained until twenty years of age, receiving only a plain neighborhood education, until 1850, when he en- tered Wake Forest College, and completed the college course in June, 1854.

He then read law with Chief Justice Pearson, at Rich- mond Hill, and obtained his license January 1, 1856.

He located at Snow Hill, in Greene county, and was elected County Solicitor in February following for four years. In May, same year, he located at Goldsboro, Wayne county, N. C, and practiced law until 1861, when he vol- unteered as a private in Company 0 of 2d State Troops, commanded by Col. C. C. Tew, and went into the Army of Northern Virginia, and r^^mained with it throughout the war, and was present on duty at the surrender at Ap- pomattox Court House in the spring of 1865, and at that time held the rank of Captain of Cavalry.

He then resumed the law practice at Goldsboro.

Id that summer he was elected a delegate from Wayne

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county to the Convention called by the Provisional Gov- ernor, which convened October 2d, 1865, and adjourned " without day" June 25th, 1866.

In the fall of 1865 he was elected a member of the Leg- islature from Wayne county, which convened November 27th, 1865, and adjourned siyie die March 12th, 1866. During this session of the Legislature he was elected So- licitor of the Superior Courts for the 3d Judicial District, and held the office until reconstruction in 1868. He then pursued his profession (law) steadily until the sum- mer of 1875, when he was elected a delegate from his county to the State Constitutional Convention, which convened at Raleigh September 6th, 1875, and adjourned sine die October 11th, 1875.

^^~ In November, 1875, he was appointed one of the Jus- tices of the Supreme Court of North Carolina by Governor C. H. Brogdeo, and held the office until the term of the Court expired in the fall of 1878, since which time he has continued the practice of law at Goldsboro.

He was married January 10, 1869, to a daughter of the late Council Wooten, at Mosely Hall (now LaGrange), in Lenoir county, N. C.

He has held the position of Director on the Wilming^ ton and Weldon Railroad; also, on the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad.

Hon. DANIEL L. RUSSELL,

OF WILMINGTON.

Son of Daniel L. Russell, of Brunswick, and Caroline, daughter of David W. Sanders, of Onslow county; born August 7th, 1845; educated at Bingham's School and Chapel Hill. He was married to Miss Sarah Amanda Sanders, daughter of Isaac N. Sanders, of Onslow county ;

PROMINENT LIVING NOJRTH CAROLINIANS. 137

began the practice of law in 1866. He was elected to the Legislature from Brunswick county in August, 1864, and again in November, 1865, serving both terms before he was of age.

In 1868 he was elected by the State at large, Judge of the Superior Courts and served until August, 1874. He was elected in 1871 to the Constitutional Convention, which being voted down by the people was not held. He was elected to the Legislature from Brunswick in 1876, and received the vote of his party for Speaker of the House.

In 1878 he was elected to Congress; he was not a can- didate for re-election.

Hon. W. H. bailey,

OF MECKLENBURG,

Is the son of the late Hon. J. L. Bailey and P. E. Bailey, and was born on Little River, in Pasquotank county, on the 22d of January, 1881 ; received his edu- cation at the Elder Bingham's School and Caldwell Insti- tute at Hillsboro; received his license to practice law in the County and Superior Courts in 1851 ; married Annie C. Howerton on the 20th day of October, 1852. In December, 1856, he was appointed Attorney-General to fill an unexpired term. On the 3lst day of August, 1870, he was appointed Code Commissioner and remained in office until the Commission was abolished.

In 1882 he was elected to represent Mecklenburg in the House of Representatives and was appointed Chair- man of the Judiciary C'ommittee. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the " Bethel" regiment, was engaged in the battle of Bethel Church, was afterwards made Judge Advocate.

138 SKETCHES OF

He has been the Master of two masonic lodges, namely : Eagle No. 71 and Fulton No. 99.

He is justly proud of his successes at the bar, espe- cially on the criminal side, and claims the credit of hav- ing aided to broaden the principles of that branch of jurisprudence, notably in the cause celebre of Ingold, also Garrett, Blackwelder, in banc, and the cases of Locke, Far- rington, Pethel and Bencini, on the Circuit.

Mr. Bailey is the author of the Fifth N. C. Digest and a treatise on the Onus Probandi, and besides, has from time to time contributed to the current legal and masonic and other literature of the day.

He is now preparing a treatise on the conflict of Judi- cial Decisions.

He is a humorist and particularly enjoys telling about his playing the banjo and singing a song in Court.

In politics he nearly always votes with the Democracy, but is very liberal and independent.

His chief amusement is a game of whist and he can play that game well.

He received the degree of LL. D. in 1885.

THOMAS NORFLEET HILL,

|0F HALIFAX,

Was born March 12th, 1838, in the Scotland Neck sec- tion of Halifax county, about fourteen miles from the town of Halifax. His father was Whitmel J. Hill, his mother Lovinia B. Hill.

He received his preparatory education partly at the male school in Warrenton, N. C, but chiefly at Vine Hill Academy, in Scotland Neck, conducted by R. L. Smith.

He entered the freshman class at the University of North Carolina in June, 1853, graduated June, 1857.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 139

He studied law under Chief Justice Pearson, in the years 1858 and 1859.

He was licensed to practice in the County Courts in December, 1858, and in the Superior Courts in Decem- ber, 1859.

Early in 1860 he commenced practicing at Halifax, N. C. In June of that year he moved to Scotland Neck.

On June 4th, 1861, he was married to Miss Eliza Evans Hall, of Pittsboro, N. C. She died on October 24th, 1884.

In June, 1861, enlisted as a private soldier in Scotland Neck Mounted Riflemen and served about one year in the army.

At the May Term, 1862, of Halifax County Court, he was elected County Solicitor for the county.

He returned from the army and held said office till February' Term, 1866. Then declined a re-election and was appointed Clerk and Master in Equity by Judge Fowle. He held that office about one year and resigned.

In September, 1877, he was elected Chairman of the Inferior Court of Halifax county and has held that office ever since.

About January 1st, 1878, he moved to Halifax from Scotland Neck.

He was married a second time on March 1st, 1887, to Miss. Mary Amis Long, of Weldon, N. C. He has devo- ted himself exclusively to the practice of the law, follow- ing no other pursuit.

He has never been a candidate for popular suffrage, but he received a flattering vote for the nomination for Supreme Court Judge at the Democratic Convention of 1878.

In politics he was an old-line Whig before the war ; opposed secession; but when Lincoln's proclamation appeared he favored resistance ; since the war he has invariably voted the Democratic ticket.

140 SKETCHES OF

I

Hon. CHARLES PRICE,

OP SALISBURY,

Was born in Warren county, 1847; son of J. M. and Martha Price. He did not receive a classical education, but by his own efforts he has become one of the best of lawyers and has as large a practice perhaps as any law- yer in the State. He came to the bar in 1868, but did not practice until 1877, having been in politics before that time. He was Senator for Rowan and Davie in 1872 and '73 and 73 and '74. He was member from Davie in the Convention of 1875. He was Speaker of the House in the session of '76-77.

He was in the Confederate army one year as Captain in the First Regiment Junior Reserves.

He is «ow partner of Hon. David Schenck and his assistant as counsel of the R. & D. Railroad. He is also counsel for the Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Rail- road.

Captain Price is a very handsome, dignified gentleman and a first-class lawyer.

Hon. THOMAS S. KENAN,

OF RALEIGH.

Was born on the 12th of February, 1838, near Kenans- ville, in Duplin county, and is a son of Hon. Owen R. Kenan. His mother was a daughter of Dr. Stephen Graham, also of Duplin. After going through the usual preparatory course of study at Grove Academy, near Kenansville, then under charge of Rev. James M. Sprunt,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 141

he went to Wake Forest, and thence to Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1857.

His legal education was received at Judge Pearson's school, receiving his County Court license in December, 1858, and his Superior Court license in December, 1859. He immediately commenced the practice of the law in Kenansville and coutined there until April, 1861, when he entered the military service of the State as Captain of the Duplin Rifles. In March, 1862, he was elected Colo- nel of the 43d Regiment North Carolina troops. He was also elected Colonel of the 38th Regiment upon its re-or- ganization at Goldsboro, but declined this, and remained with the 43d. He commanded his regiment until the 4th of July, 1863, at Gettysburg, where he was wounded, and being captured on the retreat, he was sent to John- son's Island, and there confined as a prisoner of war until March, 1865, when he was released with several hundred prisoners of war and returned home just before the surrender of the Confederate army.

He was a member of the Legislature from Duplin dur- ing the sessions of 1865-'66 and 1866-'67. In 1868, he was a candidate for Congress in the Cape Fear dis- trict, but the district was then hopelessly Radical, and he made the canvass of it with no other hope than to rally the Democratic party and inspire it with confidence for future contests. In the same year he married Miss Sallie Dortch, daughter of the late Dr. Louis Dortch, of Edgecombe county. In June, 1869, he moved to Wilson and resumed the practice of law.

In 1872 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Baltimore, and in the same year was elected Mayor of Wilson, and served as such, after repeated re-elections, until 1876, when he was elected Attorney- General of the State, to which oflSce he was re-elected in 1880 — serving for a period of eight years. Not long after his second term expired, the office of Supreme Court Clerk became vacant and Mr. Kenan was appointed to the office by the Judges of the Court.

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His great-grandfather, James Kenan, was a leader in his day and was one of the delegates from Duplin to the first general meeting of the deputies of the inhabitants of this Colony that met in New Berne the 25th of August, 1774, at Hillsboro 21st of August, 1775, and at Halifax 12th of November, 1776. He was State Senator from 1777 to 1791. His grandfather, Hon. Thomas Kenan, represented Duplin county several times in the State Senate, and from 1805 to 1811 was a member of the United States Congress from his district. His father, Hon. Owen R. Kenan, also represented Duplin county a number of times in the State Legislature, and his district in the first Congress of the Confederate States.

Mr. Kenan has descended from a truly representative family and is himself a representative man.

Col. JOHN F. HOKE,

OF LINCOLNTON,

Was born on the 30th of May, 1820, at Lincolnton, Lincoln county, and has lived there all his life. His family are of German parentage. He graduated at Chapel Hill in 1841, in the class with Rev. Samuel McPheeters, Governor Ellis, Frank P. Blair, of Missouri, and others. He read law under Governor Swain and with R. M. Pearson; was licensed to practice in 1843.

In 1847 he was appointed Captain in the 12th Regiment U. S. Infantry by President Polk, and went to Mexico during the same year ; was engaged in several fights with the Mexican forces, and was discharged with the regi- ment at New Orleans in 1848.

He was appointed Adjutant-General of North Carolina in 1860, and in 1861 he organized and sent to Virginia fourteen regiments during the months of May and June.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 143

In July of that year he was elected Colonel of the 23d Regiment N. C. Troops; he carried his regiment to Vir- ginia, and reached Manassas on the morning after the fight at that place. He remained with his regiment until the reorganization of the troops in 1862, when he de- clined being a candidate for re-election. In 1863 he was elected to the Senate from the counties of Lincoln, Gaston and Catawba. Afterwards he commanded a regiment of Senior Reserves until the war closed. When stationed at Greensboro with his regiment of reserves, he drew a novel requisition on the Quarter Master at that Post, and one that astonished that efficient and polite official, but which conveyed a strong intimation of Col. Hoke's opin- ion of the character of the Confederate forces which he commanded.

" Hd. Quarters 2d Regt. Senior Reserves, Camp Near Greensboro. Major :

I require for the use of this command six hundred pairs of Spectacles and Spectacle Cases ; four hundred Walking Canes, and three hundred and fifty bottles of 'Rad way's Ready Relief for the cure of rheumatism.

J. F. HOKE, Colonel Commanding.^^

This order found its way to Raleigh and to Richmond, but was suppressed before reaching the hands of Presi- dent Davis, who, it was thought, might raise a row in camp for disrespect towards his patriotic soldiers. The earnestness of President Davis in the cause might not have taken in the humor.

Before the war Colonel Hoke was repeatedly a member of the Legislature, serving in both the Senate and House. He is now practicing law successfully at Lincolnton.

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Hon. J. T. MOKEHEAD,

OF GREENSBORO.

Born in 1838 at Greensboro, N. C. Son of J. T. More- head. He was educated at Rev. Dr. Alex. Wilson's school and at the University. He served in the late war from April, 1861, until the surrender, in the 27th, 45th and 53d regiments, and rose to the rank of Colonel. He was wounded at Gettysburg, Fisher's Hill, and at Hare's Hill.

He was elected to the House of Commons in 1866, and to the Senate in 1872, where he served as President of that body. He was reelected to the Senate in 1874 and in 1883.

WALTER PHARR CALDWELL, Esq.,

OF GREENSBORO.

The subject of this sketch is the youngest son of Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell, and grandson of Rev. David Cald- well, D. D., a learned and devout clergyman.

Walter Pharr Caldwell was born in Mecklenburg county in 1823. He received his education at Davidson College, and graduated in 1841. He studied law under Chief Justice Pearson, and obtained County Court license to practice in 1844 ; Superior Court license in 1845. He settled in Statesville in the fall of 1845, where his abili- ties won the confidence and admiration of the people. In November, 1845, he was elected County Solicitor of Ire- dell, which ofl&ce he held until 1853, when he was ap- pointed Clerk and Master in Equity. He continued in the latter office until 1865.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 145

In 1857 he was married to Miss Nannie L. Weatherly, of Greensboro,

He was elected in 1866 by the Legislature Solicitor of the old Sixth District, composed of twelve counties, in- cluding Iredell, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and others. He was re-elected under the Provisional Government of General Canb}^, and continued in oflSce until 1874. j. He discharged the duties of his office with acceptance toTthe people. His reputation as a lawyer is first-class.

In 1874 he removed to Greensboro and formed a' part- nership with L. M. Scott, Esq., and has since resided there.

Ho]>^. HENRY KOLLOCK NASH,

OF HILLSBORO.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hillsboro, Jan- uary 25th, 1817. He is the second son of the late Chief Justice Frederick Nash, and grandson of Abner Nash, the second Constitutional Governor of North Carolina. His mother was Mary G. Nash, the daughter of Capt. Shepard Kollock of the revolutionary army, from Eliza- bethtown, N. J.

Henry K. Nash was the pupil of the late Wm. Bing- ham, by whom he was prepared for the State University at Chapel Hill, from which he graduated in June, 1836.

He married in 1838, Miss Mary Simpson, daughter of Samuel Simpson, Esq., a prominent merchant of New Berne, and in the same year he obtained his license to practice law in the courts of the State.

About the year 1840, the county of Orange, embracing

at that time the present county of Alamance and a large

part of what is now Durham county, sent five members

to the General Assembly of the State, and in the election

10

146 SKETCHES OF

of these members Mr. Nash succeeded in carrying the county by a good majority, being the only Whig elected out of the five representatives of that party in the con- test.

In the year 1845, at the earnest solicitation of his friends he became the candidate of the Whig party for a seat in the House of Representatives of the United States, his opponent being the Hon. John Daniel, of Halifax. The District extended from Guilford to Halifax, inclu- sive, and was largely Democratic, but notwithstanding this fact, Mr. Nash was defeated only by a small majority in the district after having obtained large majorities in the counties of Orange, Granville and Halifax.

A few years after he was again the Whig candidate for Congress against the late Hon. A. W. Venable, of Gran- ville; the Democratic party was still largely in the ascendant and he was again defeated, having consented to run, not so much in the hope of success for himself as to assist in keeping his party in form for general purposes in the State.

In 1852 he was again the representative of his party as Presidential Elector for Scott and Graham, and subse- quently participated in the canvass for the secession ■Convention.

Since then he has always declined to take any part in active political life, except once in the momentous cam- paign of 1869, when for the first time he appeared as the advocate of the Democratic party, and, in a canvass of no personal interest to himself, raised his voice against the rule which he regarded as degrading and dangerous to the State. In the meanwhile he contented himself with the practice of his profession, which he carried on until a few years since, when a partial loss of sight com- pelled him to abstain from using his eyes.

He is now living quietly and comfortably with his family at the same beautiful home in Hillsboro, where he was married nearly fifty years ago.

He possesses a fine judicial mind. He speaks fluently

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 147

and uses the most choice and condensed English ; a man of amiable and equable disposition, fond of the diver- sions of life, and bright in conversation. He is some- thing over six feet in height, has rather reddish hair, hazel eyes and a high and broad forehead.

W. H. MALONE, Esq.,

OF ASHEVILLE,

Was born July 24th, 1832, in Wythe county, Va. His father, Theopilus Malone, was a farmer; moved to Mid- dle Tennessee in early life, and died there. His mother was a native of North Carolina. He was educated at a country school; a short time in college, did not take a regular course. He married the first time the daughter of Col. Norham Easley, of Grainger county, Tennessee; the second marriage was to a daughter of Gen.McElroy, of Western North Carolina, and a sister-in-law of Gen. Robert B. Vance. He obtained license to practice law in Tennessee in 1854, and practiced law six or seven years in that State ; was for a while a law partner of Col. John Baxter, of Knoxville, afterwards United States Judge. He obtained license to practice law in North Carolina in 1865, where he has practiced ever since.

He was appointed Attorney-General for the 2d Judicial District of Tennessee by Gov. Harris in 1860, held the office for about two years, when the Federal troops took possession of the country.

He was elected to the Constitutional Convention in 1861 in the State of Tennessee, but the Convention was voted down (it involved the question of secession).

He had been a Douglas Elector for the Knoxville Dis- trict in the Presidential election of 1860.

He did some military service and was assigned to duty

148 SKETCHES OP

in the manufacture of salt at the Virginia Salt Works for the State of Tennessee under the supervision of the Governor of the State, which he followed until the close of the war.

The results of the war induced him to locate in North Carolina immediately after the war. Having first settled in Caldwell county, he represented that county in the Legislature of North Carolina, lower House, for two years, the term beginning on the 3d Monday of Novem- ber, 1868.

He is the author of two law books: "Real Property Trials" and "Criminal Briefs," both of which have a wide circulation, especially the first book ; the latter has only been published for a short time.

He acted as Clerk to the Congressional Committee on Patents for six years, of which committee Hon. R. B. Vance was Chairman.

He was an independent candidate for Congress against Thos. D.Johnston, in 1886; was defeated ; there were three candidates. He carried Buncombe county and several other counties in the District.

He has been living in Asheville for several years, engaged in the practice of law.

Hon. THOMAS JOHNSON WILSON,

OP WINSTON,

Was born in the southern part of Stokes, now Forsyth county, December 31st, 1815, His paternal ancestors came from Scotland to North Carolina about the year 1720, and settled in the county of Perquimans. His paternal and maternal ancestors were of the Society of Friends. He was brought up in the country and labored on the farm in the spring and summer until he was 18

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 149

years of age; his education was mainly in the schools taught in the neighborhood and at the Clemmonsville Academy. At the age of 19 he taught school for nine months near his home. He studied law, principally under the direction of the late George C. Mendenhall, of Guilford county, and in December, 1840, obtained a license from the Supreme Court to practice law. In 1844 he was elected Solicitor for the county of Stokes, and after the division of that county he was elected Solicitor for Forsyth county and subsequently to the same oflSce for the county of Davidson for 12 years.

In May, 1847, he married Miss Julia E. Lindsay, of Guilford county, by whom he has three children.

In February, 1861, he was elected to the proposed State Convention, which by a large majority was voted down by the people, and in that ele'ction he voted with the majority.

In May, 1861, he was elected a delegate from Forsyth county to the secession State Convention ; he was present at its organization, signed the ordinance of secession and was one of the 34 delegates who voted for a resolution offered to submit the ordinance of secession to a vote of the people for ratification or rejection.

In 1874 he was elected a Judge of the Superior Court in the 8th Judicial District of this State, and held the courts of the district for the succeeding six months, and until a majority of the Supreme Court decided that the act of the Legislature under which he was elected was unconstitutional, which decision resulted in re-instating Judge Cloud on the bench.

He was a member of the General Assembly of 1876- '77, as Senator from the32d Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Stokes and Forsyth.

150 • SKETCHES OF

T. H. COBB, Esq.,

OF ASHEVILLE,

Was born the 20th of August, 1854. His father was Bartlett Yancey Cobb, of Caswell county. His mother was Barbara Malinda Henderson. His father entered the Confederate army early in the war and died in the service May 17th, 1862. In the fall of 1863 his mother moved to Lincolnton, where her parents resided. Dur- ing 1872 Mr. Cobb taught school in Gaston county. In 1873 and 1874, he was acting Register of Deeds of Lin- coln county, and during this time he was studying law under John D. Shaw, then of Lincolnton, now of Rock- ingham. He spent the year 1875 at Richmond Hill, Yadkin county, at the law school of Hon. R. M. Pearson. He obtained his license to practice in January, 1876.

On December 11th, 1879, he was married to Miss Ellen V. Johnson, eldest daughter of Capt. V. Q. Johnson, late of Charlotte.

From the date of his admission to the bar, he practiced law in Lincoln and surrounding counties until Novem- ber, 1886, when he moved to Asheville, where he now resides and enjoys a successful practice.

He has been for six years and is now, general counsel for the Carolina Central Railroad Company west of Charlotte.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 151

B. F. LONG, Esq.,

OF STATESVILLE,

Was born near Graham, N. C, in 1853. Son of Jacob and Jane Scewart Long, both now living on the old homestead. His mother is the daughter of the late Col. John Stockard, of Orange county.

The subject of this sketch resided and worked on his father's farm until his nineteenth year, at intervals attend- ing school and preparing himself for college. After that time he started out in life for himself, and finished the course at Trinity College in a little over two years, gradu- ating in 1874, the valedictorian of his class and with the degree of A. B. Among his classmates were Hon. Lee S. Overman, Hon. E. T. Boykin, W. W. Staley and others.

Mr. Long taught the Latin Department in Graham High School two 3^ears; he entered the law school of Judge Pearson in 1876, and obtained his license to prac- tice the following year.

In 1877, he entered the law class at the University of Virginia, and completed the course in one year with the degree of Bachelor of Law. He also received the orator's medal awarded by that Institution and delivered the ora- tion as the representative of the Washington Society at the commencement of 1878.

He located in Statesville, October 16tli, 1878, and formed a law partnership with Hon. W. M. Robbins.

In 1879, he edited and published the Law Lectures of the late Chief Justice Pearson.

He was married to Miss Mamie Alice Robbins, daugh- ter of Hon. W. M. Robbins, December 23d, 1879.

In 1881, he was elected Solicitor of the Iredell Inferior Court by the Justices of Iredell county, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of lion. T. S. Tucker; he was re-elected to the same ofiBce twice.

He was elected Mayor of Statesville in May, 1885, over

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Col. S. A. Sharpe, Republican. He held that office until January, 1887, when he resigned in order to assume the duties as Solicitor of the Superior Courts for the 8th Judicial District, to which office he had been elected by the Democrats of said district in November, 1886. For a man of his age, Mr. Long is considered a ripe lawyer. He is also a very fine advocate. He speaks in a fluent but plain and logical style. He handles his points lucidly and never fails to rivet them in the minds of the jury. His fine talents and his studious habits and high moral character render him a most promising man.

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MEDICAL.

Dr. EUGENE GRISSOM, LL. D.,

OF RALEIGH.

Whatever rank the physician may have among intel- lectual lights, he is certainly the most indispensable of all professional men. The statesman invents all sorts of schemes to protect our persons and our property ; the poet studies to delight us ; the machinist gives us locomotives ; the astronomer discovers new worlds, but do any of them benefit the people as much as the physician? Which of them relieves the most distress and adds the most to our happiness? We have tried all manner of governments, but we have had continual wars. The history of medi- cine shows it to have been more conspicuously progres- sive than any other profession.

Macaulay says that in England in 1685 men died faster in the purest country air than they died in 1855 in the most pestilential lanes of London, and that men died faster in the lanes of London in 1685 than they died in 1855 on the coast of Guinea.

In England, from 1685 to 1855, the length of human life was prolonged to a wonderful extent by the great ad- vances of medical science. The annual death rate de- creased during that period from one in every twenty- three inhabitants to only one in every forty. The brake- man who now falls from a car, or a victim of a danger- ous disease, is attended with a skill which a few hun- dred years ago the crown head of England could not have obtained. The discovery of chloroform is one of the greatest blessings that was ever bestowed on humanity.

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Medical science has extirpated many frightful diseases, and has rendered every complaint less severe.

Physicians in many respects are subject to disadvant- ages which men of other professions are not They suffer greater hardships physically. They must go at all hours, and through the most severe heat and cold. No other profession does so much charity work. Physicians have been known to attend on families year after year without compensation. These noble men often endanger their health and sacrifice valuable time in the name of human kindness.

Among the physicians of North Carolina Dr. Grissom enjoys the widest reputation, and has received perhaps the greatest recognition from the people.

He was born the 8th of May, 1831, near Brassfield's, Granville county; son of Wiley H. and Mary Bobbitt Grissom. He was educated at Graham High School; graauated from the Medical Department of the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1858. He was mar- ried to Mary Ann Bryan January 10, 1866.

He is ex-President of the Raleigh Academy of Medi- cine; member of the American Medical Association, and in 1876 was Chairman of the Section of Psychological Medicine of that body; member of its Judicial Council in 1877; Third Vice-President in 1881 ; First Vice-Presi- dent in 1882. He was Vice-President of the Section of Mental Diseases of the International Medical Congress, which convened in Philadelphia in 1876. He is now Vice-President of the Association of Superintendents of American Insane Institutions.

He was elected member of the General Assembly in 1862 from the county of Granville; reelected in 1864. Delegate to the State Constitutional Convention in 1865. He was appointed Superintendent of the North Carolina Insane Asylum in 1868, which position he now occupies.

He has received many Masonic honors, and is now In- spector General and active member of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and

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Accepted Scottish Rite for tlie Southern jurisdiction of the United States.

During the late war he was Captain of Company D, 30th Regiment of North Carolina, and was wounded in the Seven Days' Fight around Richmond in 1862. He was afterwards Surgeon of the North Carolina State Troops; is now Surgeon General of the North Carolina State Guard.

Some of his literary contributions are: "Mechanical Protection for the Violent Insane ;" a reply to " Notes on American Asylums," by Jno. Chas. Bucknill, M. D., F. R. S., of England; "The Borderland of Insanity, with Ex- amples Selected from the Illustrious Insane;" "Mental Hygiene for Pupil and Teacher;" " Medical Science in Conflict with Materialism," and various scientific and literary lectures.

There is a Biographical Sketch, with accompanying steel plate engraving, of this gentleman in "The Physi- cians and Surgeons of the United States;" also, a sketch of him in "Representative Men of the South."

EDMUND BURKE HAYWOOD, A. M., M. D.,

OF RALEIGH.

Edmund Burke Haywood was born at Raleigh, N. C, January 13th, 1825. The Haywoods are of English ex- traction, residing originally in Worcestershire, England.

Eveyln in his memoirs states that he met at the Court of James IL, Sir William Haywood, who was attached to the Court and was a man of importance there. About the later part of the 17th century, two of Sir William Haywood's brothers emigrated to the Barbadoes and were large planters there and shipped their produce from

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a place called* Port Haywood, near St. Michaels, where they lived.

The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch — John Haywood, a direct descendant of the Barbadoes Haywoods — settled at the mouth of Conoconary Creek (now Devereux's Ford), in Halifax county, and was Treasurer of the northern counties in Colonial times. One of his sons — Egbert by name — settled in Halifax county, while another son — William by name, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch — moved to and settled in Edgecombe county.

The father of the subject of this sketch was Hon. John Haywood, a planter of Raleigh, and its first Mayor, and also Treasurer of the State of North Carolina from 1787 to 1827, after whom Haywood county and town, in the State, were named. He was the first vestryman elected for Christ Church, Raleigh.

His father's first cousin, John Haywood, an eminent writer and jurist, was distinguished for his sound legal learning and clear perception. He was elected in 1791 At- torney General of the State, and in 1794 Judge of the Supe- rior Court of North Carolina, which position he resigned in 1804, and afterwards became Judge of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. He was the author of a " Manual of the Laws of North Carolina," " Haywood's Justice," " His- tory of Tennessee," and many works on scientific subjects, and was also the compiler of the Supreme Court Reports of Tennessee. Chief Justice Henderson, of North Caro- lina, in one of his judicial opinions, remarked of this distinguished man, substantially : "That he disparaged neither the living nor the dead when he said that an abler man than John Haywood never appeared at the bar or sat on the bench of North Carolina." His " History of Ten- nessee" is accurate and valuable.

His grandfather, William Haywood, of Edgecombe county, filled various offices, both civil and military, and was a true patriot and useful citizen. He appeared in Court in 1765 and presented a commission from the King

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appointing him Colonel of the County of Edgecombe. The Stamp Act agitation coming on soon after, Colonel Haywood promptly espoused the cause of the Colonies, and was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Safety in Edgecombe by the Convention in Hillsboro in 1775. He was member for Edgecombe county in the State Congress held at Halifax, April 4th, 1776, and of the State Congress which met at the same place, November 12th, 1776, and formed the Constitution of the State, and one of the Committee which framed that instrument. He was elected one of the counsellors of the State, the first ever elected in North Carolina, December, 1776.

The mother of the subjectof thissketch was Eliza Eagles Williams, a daughter of John Pugh Williams, of Beaufort Co., who at the Provincial Congress held April, 1776, at Halifax, N.C., of which William Haywood wasamember, was made Captain of the North Carolina troops in the Edenton District, and afterwards attained to the rank of Colonel. He was one of those who, in the times that tried men's souls, stood up for their country and their rights and liberties. The Hon. Benjamin Williams, brother of John Pugh Williams, was elected Governor of North Carolina in 1799, and to the State Senate in 1807, at which session he was again elected Governor, and in 1809 became a second time a member of the State Senate.

One of Dr. E. B. Haywood's brother's, Dr. Fabius J. Haywood, was a distinguished physician of Raleigh, N. C. Another brother, George W. Haywood, was an eminent lawyer at the same place, but in consequence of increasing deafness was compelled to abandon the prac- tice of his profession, and is now a planter in Alabama. His sister, Miss Eliza Eagles Haywood, was a lady of re- markable intellectual and conversational powers, and the most distinguished lady in Raleigh in her day ; her so- ciety was much sought after by the best intellects of that time, and she was distinguished alike for her great intel- lectual capacity and her moral and social virtues. The

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Hon. William Henry Haywood, United States Senator for North Carolina from 1843 to 1846, was his first cousin.

Dr. Haywood's primary education was commenced un- der the Rev. Dr. McPheeters at Raleigh, and continued at the Raleigh Academy, a well known educational es- tablishment at that day under Silas Bigelow and J. M. Lovejoy. He entered the University of North Carolina, joining an advanced class, and, until compelled to leave by ill health, took first and second distinctions. Among his classmates were United States Senators M. W. Ransom, John Pool and Gen. Johnston Pettigrew, who was regarded as the first mathematician of his day. He studied medi- cine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, whence he graduated M. D. April 7th, 1849, and at once commenced the active practice of his profession in Ral- eigh. In 1850 he became a member of the Medical So- ciety of the State of North Carolina, and continued to practice with constantly increasing success until the out- break of the war. In May, 1861, he joined the Raleigh Light Infantry, and was elected their surgeon.

The authorities being fully alive to the necessity of selecting men of administrative ability for hospital duty, Dr. Haywood was sent by Governor Ellis on a tour of in- spection and observation to the military hospital on Morris Island and at Fort Sumter, S. C.

He was appointed Surgeon of the North Carolina State Troops, and placed in charge of the Fair Grounds Hos- pital, May 11th, 1861, and President of a Board of Sur- geons to examine applications for the position of surgeon to the North Carolina troops July 15th, 1861.

He was appointed Surgeon in the Confederate States Army August 1st, 1862, and placed in charge of the Gen- eral Military Hospital at Raleigh, N. C, during the years 1862, '63, '64, '65, and at Seabrooks Hospital during the fights around Richmond.

In the same year he became President of the Medical Board for granting discharges and furloughs from the Confederate States Army for Raleigh, N. C., and acting

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medical director in the Confederete States Army for the Department of North Carolina.

He remained in charge of the wounded Confederate soldiers long after the close of hostilities, and it was not until the 4th of July, 1865, that the last was discharged cured, and he resumed civil practice.

Since the close of the late civil war he has received several letters of thanks and testimonials of friendly re- gard from Confederate and Federal soldiers who had been under his surgical treatment during the existence of hostilities.

He was elected Vice President of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina June 1st, 1866, and on June 6th, 1866, elected to the Chair of Surgery of the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of North Caro- lina for six years. On May 22d, 1868, he was elected President of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, and on June 4th, 1868, the honorary degree of A. M. was conferred on him by the Universitv of North Carolina. Upon retiring from the Presidency of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina in 1869, he delivered a valedictory address at Salisbury, entitled *^ The Physician — His Relations to the Community and the Law," in which he sets forth in clear and forcible language the moral heroism and self-sacrifice of the con- scientious physician's career. The necessity for habits of close observation, to the exclusion of theories, is in- sisted upon, and the great importance of a more exten- ded knowledge of medical jurisprudence is urged with great acumen and ability. This address was published by request of the Medical Society.

At the organization of the Raleigh Academy of Medi- cine in 1870, he became a member. In 1871 he was elected a member of the Committee on Publication of the transactions of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, and also filled that office in 1872 and 1873. He was elected Secretary of the Raleigh Academy of Medi- cine, January, 1872, and in the same year was appointed

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by the Medical Society of the State, a member of the Board to examine druggists. In January, 1872, he brought suit at a special term of Wake County Superior Court to establish the right of physicians and surgeons to extra compensation when summoned as medical experts. The Supreme Court on appeal decided in Dr. Haywood's favor, Chief Justice Pearson delivering the opinion. In 1873 he was elected a member of the Board of Censors by the Medical Society of the State, and in March of that year elected corresponding member of the Gyncoselogi- cal Society of Boston, Mass. In January, 1874, he was elected President of the Raleigh Academy of Medicine, and was a delegate in October, 1875, to the annual session of the Association of Medical Officers of the late Con- federate States Army and Navy held in Richmond, Vir- ginia.

Although opposed politically to the party in power at that time, he was in 1865 appointed a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Insane Asylum, in which capacity he served that Institution until 1875, when he was elected President of its Board of Directors, which office he has since that year held continuously up to the present time.

He has always been indefatigable in promoting the comforts and welfare of the insane, and when the Gene- ral Assembly of North Carolina in March, 1875, passed an act to provide for the colored insane and appropriated $10,000 per annum for the establishment at the Marine Hospital Building at Wilmington of a branch asylum, he conclusively pointed out the impossibilities of ren- dering that building suitable for such a purpose and urged upon the General Assembly the necessity of appro- priating sufficient to build an asylum for the colored insane. A commission was in consequence appointed, a site selected at Goldsboro upon which handsome build- ings were erected and where the Eastern North Carolina Insane Asylum is now in successful operation. In his report as President of the Board of Directors of the

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Insane Asylum for 1877, after showing by statistics that the average expense per head for the insane in the North Carolina Asylum was far below that of other asylums in other parts of the Union, he makes an urgent and elo- quent appeal for an appropriation which should at least place them on equality with those of other States.

He was a delegate from the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina to the American Medical Asso- ciation in the years 1869, 1870, 1875 and 1876, and to the International Medical Congress held in Philadelphia in September, 1876, and also to the Ninth International Medical Congress held in Washington City, September, 1887.

Dr. Haywood, in the course of his extensive practice, has performed successfully most of the more important surgical operations. In August, 1874, he performed the Csesarean section with success, the mother living nine days and the child thirteen hours. In 1874, he also operated on four cases of strangulated inguinal hernia, of which two were cured. In 1875 he operated successfully in two cases of lacerated perneum, and has probably operated more frequently for strangulated femoral hernia, umbilical hernia and strangulated inguinal hernia than any other surgeon in North Carolina. In 1869 he suc- cessfully performed ligation of the right external iliac, artery for traumatic aneurism of femoral artery, the first operation of the kind in North Carolina, and the case was considered so important that it was published in pamphlet form by order of the Raleigh Academy of Medicine and the North Carolina Medical Society. Since the war he has removed several cancerous tumors of the mammae. He was the first to use anaesthetics in obstet- ric and puerperal convulsions in North Carolina, in 1850. In April, 1869, he assisted Dr. Washington Atlee, of Philadelphia, in performing at Raleigh, an operation for ovariotomy; the patient was next day left entirely in Dr. Haywood's charge and recovered, and has since been the mother of three children.

11

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He has operated twice successfully for the removal of submucus fibroid of the uterus. He has performed several other notable surgical operations, among, the most important of which may be mentioned: Aspiration of the pericardium for Hydrops, Pericardii, External JEso- phagotomy for impacted foreign body low down in aeso- phagus, amputation of thigh in its upper third for gan- grene of leg and thigh caused by traumatic femoral aneurism, Tracheotomy for foreign body in bronchus.

His time has been so incessantly occupied by the demands of his extensive practice that he has had but little time for authorship, but among his contributions to medical literature may be mentioned ''report of an ope- ration for traumatic aneurism of femoral artery cured by ligature" to the Confederate Slates Medical and Surgi- cal Journal, 1864; " report of a case of compound com- minuted fracture of middle and lower third of both bones of right leg," "Comminuted fracture of right femur," "Compound fracture- of left femur just above the condyles, to the transaction of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, 1867. A paper on several surgical cases describing the removals of various tumors, to the transactions of the Medical Society of North Caro- lina, 1868; "Report of a successful operation for trau- matic aneurism of the superficial palmar arch.

" A case of Craniotomy and operation for vesiconva- ginal fistula." "Report of a successful operation for compound comminuted fracture of cranium with exten- sive depression and several large fragments driven into the brain," in the transactions of the Medical Society of North Carolina, 1871." " Report of a case of total necro- sis of diaphysis of the tibia periosteum not necessary for osteogenesis." "Report of a case of membranous croup tracheotomy successfully performed and the child entirely recovered.^' " Report of a case of amputation of the right thigh at the upper third for gelatinous arthritis," in the transactions of the Medical Society of North Caro- lina, 1872. "Report of an operation for fistula in ano

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with the elastic ligature," in the transactions of the Medi- cal Society of North Carolina, 1874.

Dr. Haywood is a member and vestryman of Christ Episcopal Cliurch, Raleigh, of which the Rev. Dr. Marshall is the Rector.

He is at present President of the Board of Health for Wake county, and is surgeon to the Confederate Survi- vors Association.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of and is the physician to Peace Institute, the Presbyterian school at Raleigh.

He is now Medical Examiner for Raleigh of the Mutual, the Equitable, the New York, the Manhattan and the United States Life Insurance Companies, all of New York, and also of the Life Insurance Company of Virginia and the Maryland Life Insurance Company. He is also the Medical Referee of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, N. J.

Dr. Haywood holds a distinguished position in the public esteem of his native State well worthy of the long line of illustrious ancestry from whom he is descended. His high professional rank is indicated in what has been given above. Successful in every department of medical art, he is distinguished especially as a surgeon, possessing as he does, the requisite nerve, cool judgment and deci- sion of character in an extraordinary degree. Fully abreast in the forward march of his profession, he dis- plays a due appreciation of all its resources for the relief of human suffering*and is prompt to accept responsibili- ties and to win success by a bold and intelligent confi- dence that accomplishes the best results. From the members of his profession as well as from the general public he enjoys the highest respect and esteem for the variety and depth of his attainments and the unwearied devotion to duty that he has ever displayed. His love for his fellowmen has been attested by his long and ardu- ous services in behalf of the charities of North Carolina

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and especially in the promotion of the welfare of the insane. His high and spotless character, his patriotic services and the nameless magic of his personal influence enabled him to stand firmly at a public post in the defence of the vital interests of the stricken and helpless insane in the very midst of furious political storms which passed him by as unscathed as the light house at whose base the ocean waves may dash in vain. But bold and unshrinking in the path of duty he is naturally modest and retiringand his honorshaveall been thrustuponhim. To him apparently nothing is so welcome as the unobser- ved performance of the laborious work of his profession.

Dr. Haywood is above the ordinary stature, quiet and composed in manner with a most thoughtful and impres- sive countenance lit up by eyes of keen and searching power; somewhat reserved, in ordinary approach his personal bearing is always impressive and carries with it the stamp of directness of character and lofty and noble aims and feelings; he is both warm and outspoken in defence of right and justice, despising the mean and false, and firm and unwavering in his friendships. He has an intuitive knowledge of human nature with the great decision of character and a fixed determination that insures success. With an unusually afiPectionate disposition towards the members of his own family he combines a kindness and consideration for the interests of the younger members of his profession which has encour- aged many a weary struggler on the upward path to suc- cess. A patriot, a lover of mankind, a true friend and a sincere Christian ; few men hold to-day so enviable a place in the hearts of their fellow citizens as Dr. Edmund Burke Haywood. It is hoped that with the leisure that comes with advancing years Dr. Haywood may employ his valued pen still further to grace the medical literature of his State with the treasures of his rich experience.

He married in November, 1850, Lucy A. Williams, daughter of Alfred Williams, planter and bookseller of Raleigh. He has one daughter and six sons. — From Re'presentative Men of the South.

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EDITORIAL.

JOHN JOSEPH BKUNEE, Esq.,

OF SALISBURY.

The subject of this sketch is editor of the oldest news- paper in the State and he is the oldest editor in the State. He is a son of Henry Bruner and Edith Harris, youngest daughter of Col. West Harris, of Montgomery county, who represented that county several years in the Legislature. Henry Bruner was a gunsnaith and owned a gunshop on the Catawba River about seven miles from Salisbury. His father had also been a gunsmith.

The subject of this sketch was born the 12th of March, 1817, in Rowan county. His father died in September, 1819, after which Joseph removed with his mother to Montgomery county, to reside with Col. West Harris.

Mr. Bruner came to Salisbury in 1825 at the instance of Hon. Chas. Fisher and lived with that gentleman for one year, attending a school taught by Henry All man.

In 1826, at the age of nine years, he made his debut into the newspaper world, entering the printing office as an apprentice under Col. Philo White, editor of the Western Carolinian.

In 1830, Mr. White sold the paper to Burton Craige, who was editor until 1834, when the paper was sold to Maj. John Beard, of Florida. Mr. Bruner continued in the office all the while until 1836.

In 1S39, he became a partner in the Watchman with M. C. Pendleton. The Watchman was started in 1832 by Hamilton C. Jones.

Mr. Bruner retired temporarily from the Watchman in 1842. But in 1844 he formed a partnership with Samuel W. James and re-purchased the paper. That firm existed

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until July, 1850, at which time Mr. Bruner became sole proprietor and continued so until his establishment was broken up by the Stonemau raid. The Federals took possession of his office and held it until July, 1865. Then Mr. Bruner resumed publication of the Watchman. In 1868 Louis Haynes took an interest in the paper and changed the name to Watchman and Old North State. One year later Mr. Bruner retired and Louis Haynes conducted the paper alone. In 1871, Mr. Bruner re"-purchased the paper and re established the Watchman, which he has continued up to the present time.

The records of the Watchman show a great change in the state of the country within the last fifty or sixty years, changes which half of our population cannot fully realize. There are not a great many men now living whose expe- rience reaches back to 1835 and 1840. At that time there was no daily paper in the State. One could not pick up a paper at that time and read what happened the day before in Congress or the kind of frock the President's wife wore at a reception the night previous. There was then no newspaper published in the State west of Salis- bury. If a fellow wanted to go to Washington he did not take a Pullman sleeper and wake up at his destina- tion, but he had to tough it out in a stage through the mud and mire. Most of our Legislators rode to the Capital in this fashion, but notwithstanding the inconve- nience of travel, there were plenty of patriotic men will- ing to make the trip. The Watchman^of 1840 advertises the Great Western Stage Line, leaving Salisbury at 5 o'clock a. m. one day and arriving at Asheville at 8 p. m. the next, a journey of 39 hours, which " for speed could not be surpassed."

This is the picture of the Great Western Coach Line which appeared in the Watchman in 1840.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS.

167

However, great improvement was made over these coaches. Some years later, when the North Carolina Railroad was built the public could travel at the incredi- ble speed of ten miles an hour. Many people were afraid to ride at this rapid rate.

This picture which appeared in the Watchman is pre- cisely the kind of engine and coaches first used on the North Carolina Railroad.

The men of that time had few of the conveniences that we now enjoy. No telegraph lines. Hotels in the present sense of the word <lid not exist. Travelers stopped at "Taverns" or 'Houses of Entertainment" which in our time could not be tolerated.

This picture was used in the Watchman in advertising houses of entertainment.

Merchants had to haul their goods great distances in wagons. When they received goods from Charleston a steamship was placed at the head of their advertisement to indicate that goods were received by water.

Books and all kinds of literature were rare and expen- sive. The Watchman was furnished at $2.50 per year.

However, the men of that time enjoyed advantages which we do not. Many of the necessities of life were

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cheaper than they||are now. Tobacco sold for eight cents; beef five cents ; coffee twelve cents, etc. Wool and fur hats of that time were made to last. Chas. Fisher, D. F. Caldwell, H. C Jones, Burton Craige, W. H. Crawford, Richard Alexander, and other distinguished citizens of Salisbury, wore handsome fur hats which would put to shame the shoddy silk hatof ourda3^ Five hat factories flourished in Rowan county at that period and the citizens had the satisfaction of knowing that the hats they purchased were worth their money and would stand the sun and the rain.

This picture represents the fur hat advertised in the Watchmo/n. The Watchman of that time contained many advertisements amusing to this generation.

These pictures were placed at the head of advertise- ments for absconded negroes. A great circus was adver- tised to appear in Salisbury the 3d and 4th of December, 1835.

The farmers of that time used home-made trace chains and axes, etc. A number of blacksmith shops and car- riage shops and hat factories flourished in Rowan, but the delusive idea of a protective tariff created monopolies at the North and soon drove our home manufacturing out of existence.

Mr. Bruner was married in 1843, to Miss Mary Anne, daughter of Thos. Kincard, a descendant of the Brandons of revolutionary fame.

Before the war Mr. Bruner was a Whig, during the war a Confederate, and after the war a Democrat.

He received only a limited education. After he grew up he attended school for a short time, paying his expen-

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ses himself. In his long experience in journalism he has always acted in a manner to win and retain the respect and confidence of the people. He is one of the purest and best of men.

WILLIAM J. YATESJ

EDITOR OP THE CHARLOTTE DEMOCRAT.

William J. Yates was born in Fayetteville, N. C. His father was a mechanic, being what was known in earlier days as a '' wheel-wright," or wagon and gig maker; his mother was a devoted christian woman of the "old style," and a consistent member of the Methodist E. Church for seventy-two years; and his grand parents were English and Welsh, coming to this country direct from Great Britain.

After going to school a short time, Mr. Yates entered as an apprentice the printing office of the North Caroli- nian, a Democratic paper published at" Fayetteville by Hardy L. Holmes, Esq , who was a prominent lawyer in his day. After serving an apprenticeship of about seven years, he worked as a journeyman printer in the North Carolinian, office at seven dollars per week, saving enough money to build a dwelling-house for the use of his mother, which house he still owns.

Mr. Yates' never-yielding energy and industry was early rewarded by his being enabled to purchase the printing office in which he learned the printing busi- ness, and in 1854 and 1855 (or about those years) he suc- cessfully published the North Carolinian.

After traveling a good deal in Western Virginia, Ken- tucky and Ohio, looking for a better locality than North Carolina in which to live, he concluded it was not to be found ; and went hack to Fayetteville, sold his newspa-

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per office, moved to Charlotte, N. C, in September, 1856, and purchased the Democrat, which paper he has contin- uously published from that day lo the present.

In reply to the question as to what he attributed his success, Mr. Yates answered that it was owing to his in- dividual efforts (blessed by a kind Providence), close at- tention to business, complying strictly with every prom- ise made, studying hard, working hard, the use of proper economy, and never engaging in but one business at a time: that of publishing a newspaf)er. He never stayed a day at home (during business hours) when he was able to walk or ride to his office. As for stopping work on account of a slight "ailment," he never thought of such a thing, and for twenty or twenty-five years never retired to bed before 11 or 12 o'clock at night, when well enough to read and write till that hour — generally being among the earliest workmen at his office in the morning. He does not believe in any sort of "luck," but knows that " Providence will help a man who helps himself."

Mr. Yates was never an office seeker, not because he disapproves entirely of seeking office, but because it was not agreeable to his taste, habits or disposition, nor ac- cording to his idea of the duties of a newspaper editor and publisher. Therefore he would never consent to the use of his name for the nomination for an elective office by the people. He has, however, held some important State offices, as well as Directorships in two Railroads while they were in course of construction (the Atlanta and Charlotte Air- Line and the Carolina Central). The State offices he held were, a member of the "Council of State," in 1859 and 1860, during Gov. John W. Ellis' first term, having been elected to that position from the Char- lotte Congressional District by the Legislature; and he was a member of the " Literary Board" of the State, which Board had charge of and distributed the Common School Fund before the war between the States. During Mr. Yates' term as Councillor of State, three Judges of the Superior Court were appointed by the Governor and

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Council to fill vacancies, viz.: Osborne, Howard and French, and Hon. M. E. Manly was transferred from the Superior Court to the Supreme Court bench.

At present Mr. Yates is a Trustee of the University of North Carolina, and a Director in the Board which gov- erns the Western N. C. Insane Asylum, which latter po- sition he has filled since the opening of that institution in 1882-'83.

All the offices he has filled might be termed "charity" or *' patriotic" ones, as only traveling expenses have been or are paid, and some dia not pay that much.

How faithfully Mr. Yates has fulfilled his obligations as a private citizen, a newspaper publisher, and as a public officer, his fellow-citizens of North Carolina can judge. From the year he was old enough to vote to the present time he has voted the Democratic ticket, having always been a firm, consistent and conservative Democrat of the straitest order, but never hesitated to censure radicalism or misdoing in his owm party, as well as in that of others. He never belonged to a secret political or class combina- tion of any sort, believing that such organizations had a tendency, ultimately, to harm rather than benefit work- ing, industrious men of any occupation or profession.

T. B. KINGSBURY, Esq.,

OF WILMINGTON.

The subject of this sketch is by far the most scholarly editor in the State; a man of extensive range of knowl- edge, possessing an original and comprehensive mind, and a literary taste as pure as a snow flake. His writ- ings are dignified and convincing, and often sparkle with the richest scintillations of thought. His figures and metaphors are never light or thrust in for vain display,

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but they dart from his pen necessarily like sparks from the anvil. He writes with facility on politics, literature, religion, and all the subjects that should engage the ed- itor. His merits as a writer are recognized throughout the length and breadth of the State. He is unquestion- ably the most talented man who has ever edited a paper in this State.

His life has been full of plodding and drudging. His cherished literary aspirations have been abandoned from necessity, having had no leisure to undertake and com- plete them. As editor of the Leisure Hour and Our Liv- ing and Our Dead, he displayed ability enough, but for want of patronage those journals perished, and long since found premature graves. One of his hopes was to write a History of North Carolina ; another was to write a vol- ume or two of Sketches of Eminent North Carolinians of the Past, and still a third was to undertake a volume in Biography and Criticism of famous authors. These have come to nothing. For the last twelve years he has done the entire editorial work on the daily Wilmington Star — a task which no man could do and write a book. His health has always been delicate and uncertain, which has added twofold to his discouragement.

He is now in his sixtieth year; his cherished hopes broken, and his best efforts not appreciated by himself. But his writings have had an elevating and extensive influence on the sentiments and opinions of the people, and will be felt for years to come.

He was born at Raleigh the 29th of August, 1828, in Guion's Hotel, owned by an uncle, now a part of the State Geological building. His father was Russell Kings- bury, of Connecticut, who came to North Carolina in his early manhood, between 1812 and 1815. An ancestor of Mr. Kingsbury was a neighbor and personal friend of Governor Winthrop in England, and came with him to this country in 1630.

Mr. Kingsbury is of the eighth generation in this coun-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 173

try. His relations and connections in the North are ex- tensive, and include many men of local distinction.

His mother was Mary JSumner Bryant, of Scotland Neck, Halifax county. Her father was a solid, substan- tial farmer, a man of character and probity. Her brother Joseph was a Captain of Cavalry in the war of 1812 with Great Britain and died on the Canada frontier. His body servant brought back his horse, sword and pistols from that then remote point.

The subject of this sketch attended the Oxford Male Academy for several years, a famous school, until he was sixteen. He then went to Bingham School for a short time, and thence to the Lovejoy Military Academy at Raleigh, where he remained for two years. He then went to the University of North Carolina, but left before he was graduated. He spent the first seven years of his manhood in the mercantile establishment of his father at Oxford. He was his father's partner ; but after his fath- er's death in 1856, Mr. Kingsbury retired from business.

He married Miss Sallie Jones Atkinson, daughter of the late Gen. Roger P. Atkinson, of Virginia, and Mar- garet, daughter of the late Thomas B. Littlejohn, of Ox- ford. In 1858 he founded and edited the Leisure Hour, a purely literary paper that was published at Oxford. He has been connected with a dozen or more dailies, weeklies and magazines : he edited Our Living and our Dead, a monthly devoted to the memorials of the war and to lit- erature, and also the North Carolina Educational Journalj both published at Raleigh. In 1876 he delivered an Historical Address, by the request of the people at Ox- ford, on the 4th of July, upon Granville county. The manuscript, if written out in full, would make a volume of some 175 or 200 pages.

In 1876 he was invited to the editorial chair of the Morning Star, and is now occupying that position.

In 1882 he delivered the literary address before Wilson Female College on North Carolina. In 1883 he deliv- ered, at the request of the Methodists of Halifax county,

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an oration on the Life and Character of the late Thos. G. Lowe, an orator of seraphic and wondrous eloquence. This was published in a large edition that h as been exhausted. From an affection of the throat and bron- chitis and pressure of duties, he has been compelled to decline many invitations in the last few years to deliver addresses before schools and colleges.

He has a sister, the wife of Col. Thos. B. Venable, of Oxford. Mr. Venable is the eldest son of the late Hon. Abram W. Venable.

He is the father of seven children, all grown ; five daughters and two sons. His eldest daughter, Cora, is the wife of Rev. Jos. W. Shackelford, of Virginia, a Meth- odist minister. He has buried two little boys.

His mother died in great peace in 1836, in her 34th year, and when he was but eight years of age. His father died in 1856. They are buried at Oxford.

SAMUEL A. ASHE, Esq.,

OF RALEIGH,

Son of William S. Ashe, was born at Wrightsville Sound, New Hanover county, September 13th, 1840. In 1850, his father having been elected to Congress removed his family from his home at Rocky Point, to Washing- ton City, that his children might enjoy the superior edu- cational advantages of the schools there.

In 1855, the subject of this sketch having been appointed by Hon. Warren Winslow to a cadetship at Annapolis, he entered the Naval school and took a high stand in his class, which he maintained until the fall of 1858, when, finding his constitution unsuited to sea life, he resigned, and returning to Rocky Point, began an extensive course of reading preparatory to the study of law. In the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 175

spring of 1861 he was studying law with Mr. William Ruffin at Haw River, when Fort Sunater being fired on, he immediately repaired to Wilmington and entered the military service, continuing in the same throughout the war.

In January, 1866, he became a Conductor on the Wil- mington and Weldon Railroad, but obtaining his license to practice the following January, he at once opened a law office at Wilmington, meeting with ordinary success during the probationary years of practice.

It was his habit to take an active part in politics, and he was greatly interested in all measures tending to relieve the eastern people from the evils of negro domi- nation.

On the night before the election of 1870, he was informed that a month before he had been nominated for the Legislature at a secret meeting of the County Execu- tive Committee, and that tickets would be distributed that night and he would be voted for. The Republicans had a very large majority in the county, but there were four Republican candidates in the field while the county was entitled to but three members. The Democrats polled a full vote for Mr. Ashe and he was elected by a handsome majority. At that time the elements of oppo- sition to the Republican party were very loosely united, and one of the matters which Mr. Ashe regarded as of the highest importance was to weld these elements together into a compact party organization. To this end he directed his best endeavors during the legislative ses- sions, then prolonged near six months in each year — while he was also a laborious member and active in general legislation, being a leading member of the Judi- ciary and other important committees. As chairman of the Finance Committee he brought forward a measure for the settlement of the State debt similar to the adjust- ment subsequently made, which passed the House of which he was a member, but was not considered in the Senate.

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At the end of his legislative term he located at Raleigh, and the following year entered into a law copartnership with Judge Merrimon and Hon. Thomas C. Fuller, which was continued until 1879, when Mr. Ashe bought the Observer, the leading newspaper in the State, and entered the field of journalism. In 1872 he was elected a mem- ber of the State Democratic Committee, becoming subse- quently its Secretary and then Chairman. He entered with patriotic ardor into each campaign, devoting on each occasion months of indefatigable labor to the suc- cess of the Democratic party, whose ascendency he con- sidered as indespensably necessary for the welfare, happi- ness and prosperity of the people of North Carolina.

In 1881, the Raleigh Neius was consolidated with the Observer, and under the name of the News and Observer t the new paper has been of great usefulness to the State and to the Democratic party, its chief aim being to pro- mote the welfare of the people and to conserve the influ- ences of party organization and maintain the adminis- tration of public affairs in the hands of those best fitted to direct them.

In 1885, Mr. Ashe was appointed Postmaster at Ral- eigh, Mr. McRee, the associate editor of the News -and Observer, succeeding him as editor of that journal.

Mr. Ashe may contemplate with just pride the splen- did growth of the newspaper which he took as a mere wreck and converted into a self sustaining institution.

He rendered valuable service as a legislator at a very critical and important period, and his work on the Demo- cratic Executive Committee deserves the gratitude of his party.

He has been somewhat interested in State historical matters and has contributed some very rare and impor- tant articles on that subject. He is one of the finest writers in the State.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 177

JOSEPH P. CALDWELL, Esq.,

OF STATESVILLE.

This gentleman is the son of Hon. Joseph Pearson Caldwell, who was a native of Iredell county, and of pure Scotch-Irish blood ; educated at Bethany Academy, about six miles from Statesville; studied law under his brother David F. Caldwell, and settled at Statesville, on College Street, near the spot where Dr. Anderson's drug store is now situated ; a man of fine personal appearance, and an able and dignified lawyer. He was serving his second term in Congress when he died.

The subject of this sketch was born at Statesville, June 16th, 1853. From the time he was old enough, he worked on his mother's farm. He sometimes went to school in winter, in all some half a dozen sessions, which makes the sum total of his collegiate education. When about fifteen years of age he entered the office of the Statesville American, where he acquainted himself with the art of printing. He worked there until he was nineteen years old, then took a situation on the Statesville Intelligencer as compositor and local editor. In the fall of 1872, he went to Charlotte as local editor of the Daily Observer ^ where he remained about four years, dispensing a lively wit and humor through the columns of that paper and winning wide popularity. Thence he went to Raleigh as local editor of the Daily News and remained there one year, after which he returned to Charlotte as edito- rial writer for the Observer, and so continued until Janu- ary, 1880, when he purchased the Landmark, of States- ville, which paper he has conducted with increasing suc- cess ever since.

He is serving his second term as Mayor of Statesville..

He writes in a very original, pleasing and easy style. He boldly says whatever he thinks, which adds interest to his editorial columns. As a news gatherer he is

12

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exceptional. Altogether his paper is equal if not supe- rior to any weekly in the State. He has an inexhausti- ble stock of humor and deals it out to the delight of all his readers.

JULIUS A. BONITZ, Esq.,

OF WILMINGTON.

This is the first gentleman on record who started on the road to success by swapping an old brickyard for a worn out newspaper. He was born on the famous "Hartz Mountain" in Germany ; he came to this country with his parents when a child. His father had been the Superintendent of the celebrated silver and copper mine "Dorothea," on the Hartz, having charge of over 300 coiners. His grandfather and great-grandfather had eharge of the same mine.

Mr. Bonitz was born December 22d, 1842; married Miss Delia A. Berndt, of Lynchburg, Va., in 1873; has four children, two boys and two girls. He served in the Con- federate army three years and eight months.

The remainder of his history has been charmingly told by an anonymous writer:

" At the close of the war Mr. Bonitz engaged in the mercantile business, in, the old Goddard store on the corner where his Opera House now stands. His business was profitable and he made money rapidly, clearing some $9,000 the first year after the surrender.

" Thus encouraged he bought the Pate farm near Golds- boro, and here in one year all his thousands of the pre- vious year were completely absorbed, and Mr. Bonitz found himself, financially, pretty much as he was when he came to Goldsboro. Five dollars was all he possessed, and this was part of the proceeds from the forced sale of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 179

his watch. With this five dollars he started an employ- ment agency in this city and again fortune smiled upon him. His first labors yielded the snug fee of $150 for services in securing and preparing contracts for twenty laborers to go to a turpentine farm in South Carolina.

"With means thus accumulated, Mr. Bonitz started a brick yard, but his destiny directed otherwise. His money gave out, when a large kiln of 200,000 brick was being burned. The supply of wood became exhausted, a terrible cold rain set in, and when the kiln had cooled off the brick were found to be half burned and unsala- ble.

''Proving himself again equal to the emergency, Mr. Bonitz began to look about him for a chance to realize something from his mountain of unsalable brick, and here destiny came to his aid. The Goldsboro Star had succumbed and the printing material was lying idle, held by Mr. Wesley Whitaker's bondsmen. Mr. Bonitz pro- posed to trade them the kiln of brick for the outfit. The trade was speedily consummated and Mr. Bonitz found himself the owner of a printing office outfit, but without money, without friends of any influence, and without newspaper experience, further than that so often met with in people who are a failure at every thing else, an itching "to edit a paper," and fully persuaded that they can do it.

"The press and type were moved to the old printing office building, corner of West-Centre and Chestnut streets, the site now occupied by Messrs. Farrior Bros. & Hollowell, and a few days later the citizens of Goldsboro were surprised by the appearance of The Daily Rough Notes, a Democratic campaign paper. No prospectus had been issued, and the first issue of the paper, appearing the 22d of April, 1867, heralded its own existence.

"In the exciting and eventful campaign of that year, the Rough Notes battled energetically in the cause of Democracy, Right and Justice, and in opposition to mili- tary despotism and negro rule. In his labors Mr. Bonitz

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was assisted by the able pen of Mr. Robinson. The enterprise was a doubtful undertaking, and generally so considered, but he had started out to achieve success, and in his lexicon there was no such word as "fail." The years of l868-'69 were indeed trying ones to the enter- prise. It seemed as though it must succumb, but energy and perseverance triumphed and bid defiance to the many predictions that the paper could not succeed. On the 8th of October, 1868, Maj. Wm. A. Hearne and Capt. Swift Galloway became associated with the paper, when without an interruption of publication, the name of Rough Notes was changed to that of Messenger, the first having been chosen solely for campaign purposes.

"This copartnership lasted only a few weeks, when both gentlemen withdrew, leaving Mr. Bonitz in quiet posses- sion.

"Financially the enterprise promised to be a failure. It was indeed a struggle for existence. Starvation stared him in the face and it seemed as though the paper must perish. To use the words of a friend, "it required twenty- four hours' notice for a printer to get a dollar." These were trying times, and they caused Mr. Bonitz many a sleepless night; but he had started out to win success and determined to achieve it.

"On the fatal Saturday nig^ht of September 4th, 1869, which witnessed the destruction of nearly all the busi- ness part of Goldsboro, the office and printing material of the Messenger were entirely destroyed by fire. No insurance, and presses, type, etc., a total loss. It was then that Mr. Bonitz rose superior to the occasion and displayed that wonderful energy which has since charac- terized his conduct of the Messenger. With less than $200 worth of material, consisting of a few type and one small amateur hand press, without a shelter for an office, he printed an "extra," chronicling the particulars of the fire. This was accomplished on Monday after the fire, in the open air, under the old sweet gum tree, now standing in front of the "Messenger Opera House." Mr. W. H. Col-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 1811

lins, then and now foreman of the Messenger^ worked the press, which could not print the slips as fast as the hun- dreds of eager hands reached for them. This energy was appreciated by the public, and all who were able gave tangible proof of their appreciation by urging that the publication be resumed, and backing up that encour- agement by paying the subscription price of the paper in advance. Thus encouraged the Messenger re-appeared in a new dress after only four days' suspension, published as a weekly and semi-weekly. Henceforward the Messen- ger entered upon a career of prosperity and enlarged use- fulness.

'^The business direction of the paper, as also the edi- torial department, are under the vigilant management and supervision, and it may be proper here to add that the paper is the creation of his own labors. He controls the business management in its minutest details and carefully edits and revises the entire make up of the paper. For many years he did the marvelous work of alone editing and managing the entire paper. But in the campaign of 1880 his health became impaired and since then his labors are somewhat lightened by those whom he has called about him to aid and assist in making the Messenger what he designs it shall ever be — a first-class family newspaper.

"Young men may find a valuable lesson in the career of Mr. Bonitz. Let them remember that when they start out to seek success in the world, they should do so with a determination to win. Like Mr. Bonitz, let them bear in mind the wise words of David Crockett: "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." Place your mark high and well up beyond your reach — keep it before, you but strive to win it. Persevere! And remember that

" If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again."

Mr. Bonitz went to Wilmington, at the solicitation of

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the business men of that place, in June, 1887, since which time he has edited the " Wilmington Messenger " which promises to be a fine success.

ABRAHAM HAYWOOD MERRITT,

OF PITTSBORO.

The subject of this sketch was born in Chatham county, July 18th, 1832. He was prepared for college under the late W. J. Bingham, at Oaks, Orange county, N. C. He graduated at the University of North Carolina with high distinction in 1856. Was editor of the University Maga- zine during his senior year. After leaving college he entered the school room and taught very successfully until the beginning of the war. He was then at the head of a flourishing high school at Olin, Iredell county. The derangement of nearly every line of business, caused by the hostilities between the States, necessitated the sus- pension of the school. He then returned to Chatham, his native county. He was appointed Clerk and Master in Equity for Chatham, although that position was usu- ally given to lawyers and was eagerly sought by several excellent members of the bar. This position he contin- ued to fill with entire acceptability to the court and bar until the office was abolished. After the war he was in charge of a school of high grade at Cary, Wake county, and later was in charge of the Academy at Pittsboro. He was married in 1861 to Miss Purviss, of Iredell county, a lady of great intellect and worth, by whom he has seven interesting children.

In 1880 he was elected State Senator by a most flatter- ing vote. Was nominated unexpectedly and against his wishes, and in a county where the parties are nearly equally divided he received over seven hundred votes

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 183

more than both his competitors. Was one of the presid- ing Justices of the Inferior Court when he received the Domination for the Senate. Was elected one of the Trus- tees of the State University during that session of the General Assembly. By profession he is a Methodist, takes great interest in tlie Sunday-school work, and has made, at different times, addresses on the subject which have been highly complimented. Diffident and distrust- ful of himself, he seldom appears before the public, but this much may be said in his praise, he is mcst loved and esteemed by those who know him best. He was Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library, and Chairnian of the Committee on Education, Enrolled Bills, and Roads and Highways. He was a conscientious and faithful Senator— ever watchful of the interests of those he had the honor to represent.

He was returned to the next Senate by a handsome majority over a prominent and popular opponent. He was made Chairman again of the Committee on Education, and was largely instrumental in framing and carrying through the Legislature the present School Law. He served on other committees, and took a prominent part in all the important measures of legislation. He has since declined every importunity to be returned to the Legisla- ture.

In '84 his friends brought his name forward fur State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was strongly endorsed and received a flattering vote in convention.

He has also been prominently spoken of for " Commis- sioner of Agriculture." But he never pushes his own claims for recognition.

Since the fall of '84 he has been the efficient Superin- tendent of Public Instruction for Chatham; and has ed- ited and published The Home, a sound Democratic and popular family paper. The press and people give him credit for being a good writer and a level-headed man.

Tlie following are among the many complimentary notices which this distinguished gentleman has, from time to time, received from the newspapers of the State,

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showing in what high estinoatiou he is held by his fellow- citizens and brethren of the press throughout the length and breadth of his native State:

For Superintendent of Public Instruction. — We are glad to observe that Mr. A. H. Merritt, of Chatham county, is prominently mentioned as a candidate for the impor- tant office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We know of no one better qualified in all respects than he for the position. He is endorsed by Judges Ruffin, Fowle and Merrimon ; Hon. Messrs. W. L. Steele, Dowd and Manning; Major Robert Bingham, Mr. J. S. Carr, and numerous other prominent gentlemen.'-i^a^/e^^m/Ze Ob- server, May 22, 1884.

Asheville Citizen: We depart from our usual habit when we note that Mr. A. H. Merritt, of Chatham county, is prominently named as a candidate for the office of Su- perintendent of Public Instruction. Such a recommend- ation we would endorse most heartily, because we believe Mr. Merritt most eminently qualified for the duties of such position. We speak of what we know. He was a member of the Senate at the session of 1881. He was our roommate. He is a finislied scholar, and has turned his talents and acquirements to educational uses. As a legislator no member was more active or more intel- ligent in perfecting and advocating measures for the improvement of the school laws, no one more liberal and earnest in all propositions in aid of educational and lit- erary institutions. If Mr. Merritt had a hobby it was on educational topics. He is a gentleman of great modesty, not apt to sound his own praises. But he is industrious, he is energetic, he is intelligent, and he is pure. The State Convention will make no mistake in giving him the nomination.

Wilmington Star : Our excellent contemporary, the Pitts- boro Home, has completed its third year. It is a good,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 185

honest paper, edited with discriminating tact, fairness and ability.

Concord Times: The Pittsboro Home has just closed its third volume. It is a good paper. The editor says: ^' We do not boast of being wise and smart and enterpris- ing, nor do we hope to please everybody." We congrat- ulate Bro. Merritt upon standing on such a platform. The man v/ho tries to please everybody will soon find that he pleases nobody.

Charlotte Chronicle: With its last issue, The Home, oi Pittsboro, closed its third volume. It is a straightfor- ward, sincere journal, and merits the most abundant suc- cess, for Bro. A. H. Merritt has given his readers an ac- ceptable paper.

Alamance Gleaner: The Pittsboro Home completed its third year last week. The Home is thoroughly reliable and intelligently edited — it could not be otherwise with A. H. Merritt, Esq., managing it. We wish editor and paper continued success.

Progressive Farmer : The Chatham Home has closed its third volume and enters upon its fourth with an increased list of subscribers and flattering prospects. We congratu- late Mr. Merritt on his well-merited success. It speaks well for the people of a county when their home papers are well sustained.

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EUGENE B. DRAKE, Esq.,

OF STATESVILLE,

Was born near Haywood, Ghatbam county, December 1st, 1808. Son of Francis Drake and grandson of Gene- ral Hardy GriflBn, of Nasb county. He was raised on a farm ; educated at a country scbool, tbe usual method at that time. At the age of 16, taking leave of family and home, he went to Fayetteville to accept a position as clerk in a mercantile house. Close attention to business and strict economy brought fair accumulations, which in a few years enabled him to start in business on his own account. He has been twice married, first to Miss Katha- rine J. Warden and later to Miss Maria L. Ramsey, daughter of the late John A. Ramsey, of Chatham. In 1836, he removed tc> Columbus, Mississippi, and in 1840 became editor of the Southern Argus newspaper, and with S. S. Prentiss andT. G. Brownlow and other Whigs, took an active part in the "Log Cabin" campaign that elected General W. H. Harrison President, over Martin Van Buren. At the close of the campaign he removed to Mobile and again embarked in mercantile life, with a branch house in New Orleans. At the expiration of four years he went to St. Louis, but returned to New Orleans in 1847, and resided there seven years. Within this time the fiUibuster invasion of Cuba by General Lopez took place and Mr. Drake was invited to join it by that oflS- cial, but declined.

After an absence of some twenty years, in search of the "best place," Mr. Drake returned to his native State and found what he had so long searched for, "The Best Place."

Adopting journalistic life, Mr. Drake started the Bulle- tin at Asheboro, using the press upon which the Meck- lenburg Declaration of Independnece was printed ; and later, in 1855-56, was editor of the Herald in Salisbury.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 187

A year after his sojourn at Salisbury, he went to States- ville and established the ^'Iredell Express" which was con- tinued until April 13th, 1865, when the office was burned by General Stoneman's raiders. Another outfit was soon supplied and the nanaeof the journal changed to "Ameri- can" which was continued until the latter part of 1886, when the editor retired from journalism, after a service in that profession for 35 years.

In politics Mr. Drake was an old Henry Clay Whig, and a "Union man" since the days of South Carolina nullification and the opposition of General Jackson to the United States Bank ; but later chose the Republican party as more in harmony with the principles of the old Whig party.

Mr. Drake opposed secession and the late war until his State withdrew, then advised the prosecution of the con- test that the most favorable terms might be secured in a final adjustment of the troubles.

He has not been a politician or office seeker, but; he is strong in the faith of his party. He never had bestowed upon him any official position of note under the National or State Government.

Mr. Drake is perhaps the only living man in the State who ever saw General LaFayette and Aaron Burr. He celebrated his "Golden Wedding" some three years since.

LEOOTDAS Lafayette polk, Esq.,

OP RALEIGH,

Was born April 24th, 1837, in Anson county. His father was a farmer. At the age of fourteen Mr. Polk was left without parents. He received a very meagre education; only studied the English branches. He was married to Miss S. P. Gaddy, of Anson county.

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In 1860 he was elected to the Legislature and served in the regular and both the extra sessions. He volun- teered as a private in the army in May, 1862, joining the 26th N. C. Regiment, of which Z. B. Vance was Colonel. He was Sergeant Major of the Regiment until February, 1863. He was transferred and promoted to 3d Lieuten- ant in the 43d N. C. Regiment, of which Col. T. S. Kenan was Colonel. He served through all the campaigns of these regiments. He was elected as the soldiers' candi- date by the soldier vote to the Legislature of 1864 and '65. He left the army in the Valley of Virginia and took his seat. In 1865 he was elected to the Johnson Consti- tutional Convention over Gen. A. J. Dargan. Mr. Polk was at the time at home ploughing a mule and his can- didacy was not announced until the morning of election day. He was a prime mover for the State Agricultural Department.

He was chairman of the committee from the State Grange which was before the Legislature in behalf of the Agri- cultural Department He was elected Commissioner of the Department, April, 1877, established and organized it. He resigned in June, 1880. He was for some time associate editor on the Raleigh News wMth P. M. Hale, and subsequently on the staff of the News and Observer, He is now, editor of the Progressive Farmer, published at Raleigh.

He is President of the Inter-State Farmers* Association, composed of the ten cotton States and organized in Atlanta, Georgia, August, 1887. He is First Vice-Presi- dent of the Farmers' National Alliance and Co-operative Union of America, and is Secretary of the North Caro- lina Farmers' State Alliance. He is a ready writer and speaker and is a man of great energy.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 189

JOSEPHUS DANIELS, Esc^.,

OP RALEIGH,

Was born at Washington, Beaufort county. May 18th, 1862. He received a rudimentary education at the Wil- son Collegiate Institute. At the age of eighteen he was local editor and part owner of the Wilson Advance. A year later he became sole editor and owner of that paper.

In 1882, in company with his brother he commenced the publication of the Kinston Free Press. He read law under Hon. John Manning at the University in 1885, and obtained his license the same year. The day after receiving his license to practice he succeeded Capt. Ran- dolph A. Shotwell, as editor of the Raleigh State Chroni- cle. He has increased the circulation of this paper and has made it a potent power for Democracy. The paper is rapidly increasing in patronage and reputation. It is doubtful if any young man in North Carolina at Mr. Daniel's age has ever wielded a greater influence in journalism.

He was married May 2d, 1888, to Miss Addie Bagley, of Raleigh, daughter of the late Maj. W. H. Bagley, who was for a long time Clerk of the Supreme Court, and granddaughter of Gov. Jonathan Worth.

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CLERICAL.

Et. Eev. THEODORE B. LYMAN, D. D.,

Was born near Boston, Massachusetts, November 27th, 1815. His father removed to the State of New York about one year after his birth, and his early years were passed in that State and in New Jersey.

He graduated at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 1837, and in October following entered the General Theological Seminary in the city of New York. He graduated from that institution June, 1840. He was or- dained Deacon September 20th, 1840, in Christ Church, Baltimore, by Rt. Rev. W. R. Whittingham, D. D., Bishop of Maryland. In October of the same year, he took charge of St. John's Church, Hagerstown, Md., where he re- mained for about ten years. He was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Whittingham in Hagerstown, Dec. 19th, 1841.

In 1850 he became the Rector of Trinity Church, Pitts- burg, Peun., succeeding Dr. Uppold, who had been con- secrated as Bishop of Indiana. He remained in that charge until the spring of 1850, when he went with his family to spend two years in Europe. The subsequent breaking out and continuance of the war, determined him to remain abroad, and he was instrumental in estab- lishing, upon a permanent basis, the American Chapel, now St. Paul's Church, Rome, of which he had the charge until the autumn of 1869.

In the autumn of 1870, while still in Europe, he was invited to the Rectorship of Trinity Church, San Fran- cisco, California. He returned in December to America and accepted the charge of that Parish, continuing there

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 191

until the spring of 1873, when he was chosen Assistant Bishop of North Carolina.

r~ He was consecrated to the Episcopalian Christ Church, Raleigh, December 11th, 1873, and became Bishop of the Diocese, upon the death of Bishop Atkinson, Jan. 4th, 1881.

In April, 1886, he was appointed by the Presiding Bishop to the charge of the American Church on the continent of Europe, and held that office, in conjunction with the charge of the Diocese of North Carolina. He made accustomed visits to Europe for the supervision of the Foreign work committed to his charge.

His published writings are chiefly sermons and ad- dresses.

Rev. ARNOLD W. MILLER, D. D.,

Arnold W. Miller, D. D., was born in Charleston, S. C, and is a graduate of Charleston College and the Theolog- ical Seminary at Columbia. He was licensed to preach by Charleston Presbytery, and in 1849 was ordained by Bethel Presbytery. His first pastorate was in Chester District, S. C. ; his second in Charlotte, N. C, for two years; his third in Petersburg, Va., from whence, in 1865, he was recalled to Charlotte, where he has ever since re- mained, the faithful and much loved pastor of the First Church. Under his ministry the church has grown and prospered greatly.

Dr. Miller is one of the soundest theologians and ripest scholars, as well as one of the ablest and most eloquent preachers in the Southern Church. He is a laborious student, and a man of remarkable courage, indomitable energy, and devoted piety. Decided in his convictions and loyal to the truth, he would not, for any considera- tion, betray or compromise it. His preaching is doctrinal and eminently characterized by the constant and clear

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presentation of the mediatorial office of Christ. His style is logical, clear and forcible, and the brightest orna- ments of rhetoric and the graces of oratory are called into requisition to enforce the truths he so ably presents. A distinguishing characteristic of his preaching is his in- terest in God's ancient people, Israel, and his reliance upon the promises concerning them. He has a most ex- cellent library, in which are some of the rarest theologi- cal works. As a pastor, he is welcomed among his peo- ple as a faithful and tender counsellor, and the little children love him as a father. — Presbyterian Encyclopsedia.

Eev. W. M. ROBEY, D. D.

This is the age of sham. Pretence is the glittering gem that wins the lofty reputation. We are all, it seems, coloring our ideas and conduct to suit the popular will. Cajolery is the order of the day. To say the plain, un- varnished truth, is not always convenient. To say what our conscience dictates may lose us a patron. We prefer to hesitate and watch the drift of public opinion, and then follow in its wake. He who dares to advocate what he believes, is destined to have troops of enemies; to travel a lonesome and rugged pathway, and to have a postponed triumph. But by his courage the public is to receive its good; by him are errors to be cleared away, and the beacon lights of truth set in the heavens. The man who studies to please the masses rather than what is good for them, is a poor friend indeed, and his life is a failure.

Dr. Robey is a very striking example of a fearless man in his conduct and opinions. He is no respecter of per- sons when he has a duty to perform or a truth to ex- pound. He is a fine scholar and a deep thinker. He is

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 193

exceptionally apt in choosing forcible words to express his ideas. His capacity for work is great.

His father was W. A. Robey, and his mother was Eliz- abeth Welch. Both were natives of what is now Yadkin county, N. C. His father was a plain, unambitious far- mer of moderate estate, belonging to what might be called the middle class. He had a fair education for his day, and being fond of reading was far above the average of his class in general intelligence, and the same may be said of his mother, who is still living.

He was born in Yadkin county on the 13th day of No- vember, 1832. He grew up on the farm and learned to work. When a boy, he worked on the farm in summer and went to school a little in winter, as was the common custom of that day. His father was an occasional teacher, and always encouraged him to read and study. Conse- quently he grew up with a fondness for books. His oppor- tunities for education were very meager till he was about eighteen years old, when he was sent to an academy or high school, where he remained several years. When he left the academy he was prepared to enter the junior class at Emory and Henry College, which he contempla- ted doing. But not having the means at hand, he en- gaged in teaching, and followed this vocation steadily for five or six years, finally abandoning the idea of going to college and determining to study law.

Soon after engaging in this study, he became disturbed in mind on the subject of the christian ministry. The conviction that it w^as his duty to preach the Gospel grew strong as he advanced, till he became almost desperate.

At length he abandoned Blackstone and turned to the Bible to find rest. He was licensed to preach in 1856, but continued to teach until the year 1860, when he be- came a member of the North Carolina Conference. He was ordained to the office of a deacon on entering the Conference by Bishop Paine. In 1870 he was elected President of Davenport Female College, which posi-

13

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tion he held till 1876, when the college was accidentally burned.

In 1879 he was elected Principal of Jonesboro High School, but remained in charge of it only one year, leav- ing it to enter the regular pastorate.

He was first married in 1857, to Miss Maggie J. Clay- well, oldest daughter of the late Peter Claywell, of Yad- kin county. His first wife having died, he was married a second time to her youngest sister, Miss Mollie S. Clay- well, in 1874.

In addition to his regular ministerial work, he was chief editor of the Methodist Advance from 1881 to 1886, when he sold it to Rev. Dr. J. B. Bobbitt. On the sale of the Advance, at the solicitation of the friends of the en- terprise, he became the editor of The Ballot, in the city of Charlotte.

Being transferred from Charlotte to Goldsboro, his con- nection with that paper had to cease, and at the solicita- tion of the owner of the Advance, his connection with that paper was renewed, and he is now joint editor and owner with Dr. Bobbitt.

Bev. jethro rumple, d. d.,

OF SALISBURY,

Was born in Cabarrus county, N. C, March 10th, 1827. The first 18 years of his life were spent on a farm, varied by attendance upon the country schools. About the age of eighteen he made a profession of religion and soon after undertook, by his own exertions, to secure a classi- cal education. By teaching and attending neighboring academies, he was prepared to enter Davidson College, where he graduated with distinction, in 1850. He then taught school for several years to defray the expenses of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 195

his literary and theological education. In 1854, he was received under the care of the Concord Presbytery, and the same year entered the Theological Seminary at Columbia, S. C, in which the Rev. J. H. Thornwell, D. D., was then Professor of Theology, and remained two years. He was licensed by Concord Presbytery, July 31st, 1856, and was ordained by the same, January 9th, 1857, and installed pastor of Providence and Sharon churches, in Mecklenburg county, N. C. He served these churches four years, when he was called to the Presbyterian church at Salisbury, Rowan county, N. C, in the same Presby- tery, where he was installed pastor, November 24th, 1860. He has continued to be the faithful and beloved pastor of this church until the present time. In both of these fields his labors have been abundantly blessed. During his pastorate of the Salisbury church six young men have entered the ministry. The high esteem set upon Dr. Rumple's character and abilities by his brethren is shown by the varied and responsible positions to which they have called him. For more than twenty years he has been a Trustee of Davidson College and a Director of Union Theological Seminar}^, Virginia. He has been a Commissioner to several General Assemblies, and in Synod and Presbytery has served the church in well nigh all the most honorable and important positions. As a pastor, he is prudent, laborious and sympathetic. As a preacher, he is earnest, clear, tender and able. As the stores of his learning increase, so does his preaching pos- sess additional freshness and power.

Besides his pastoral and Presbyterial duties he has made excursions in the field of authorship. For the last five years, in the North Carolina Presbyterian^ he has been writing up the "History of Presbyterianism in North Carolina." These sketches when completed, will be issued in a volume, giving a full account of the churches and ministers of his native State. In the meantime he pub- lished in 1881, a History of Rowan county, N. C. — From the Presbyterian Encycloposdia.

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■Jf

Kev. lieyum skidmore burkhe ad, d. d.

Born in Davidson county, N. C, February 17th, 1824. His parents were Methodists of the Old School and trained him up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." They both died in blessed hope of "Eternal Life"; his mother at the age of 85, and his father at the advanced age of 94 years.

He was educated at the "Old Field" school and at Union Institute, now Trinity College. Converted and joined the church in his nineteenth year; taught school three years; was received in the N. C. Conference on trial November, 1849; ordained deacon by Bishop Andrew, 1851, and elder by Bishop Paine, 1853. Has been a regular itinerant up to date, four years on circuits, ten years Presiding Elder on District, and twenty-four years on Stations. He has served as Pastor of the Methodist churches of Wilmington, Plymouth, Chapel Hill, Salis- bury, Tarboro, Greensboro, Fayetteville, N«-w Berne, Ral- eigh, Goldsboro, Charlotte and is now in Winston. Many souls have been won to Christ through his instrumen- tality. He was a delegate to the General Conference in 1866, and a reserved delegate, 1870; and a delegate to every General Conference since. He has been a member of the "Board of Missions" since 1872. Was the Minis- terial member from N. C. Conference in the "Ecumenical Conference" held in London, 1881.

He has published sermons on "The work and support of the Methodist Itinerant Ministry"; "The importance of Christian Character"; a book, "Centennial of Method- ism in North Carolina," and a "Catechism on the Mode of Christian Baptism." Has written frequently for the church papers on various subjects.

Blessed with a fine physical nature, he is now in full

*Dr. Burkhead died after the above notice was written. He died suddenly 2d December, 1887, at the Conference at Fayette- ville.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTB CAROLINIANS. 197

vigor of maDhood and capable of a vast deal of hard work in his chosen profession.

He has been twice married.

A man of general culture and of large Christian charity. While he holds firmly to his convictions of truth, he is tolerant and magnanimous. He "thinks and lets think," and no man who knows him well, ever thinks of losing his friendshij) because of differences of opinion or because of fair and earnest opposition to his views. He believes truth can never lose anything by an open and fair contest with error.

Key. F. W. E. PESCHAU,

OF WILMINGTON,

Was born in Clausthal Zellerfeld, on the Hartz Moun- tains, in the kingdom of Hanover, where Muhlenberg, the patriarch of American Lutheranism, went to school and taught school. It is a city of about 10,000 inhabit- ants and has two Lutheran churches, and no other, all the people being Lutherans. In 1853, his parents came to this country, settling first in Baltimore, but subse- quently in Wheeling, West Virginia, where the aged father still lives.

He spent six years in the college and Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. His first charge was at Nebraska City, Nebraska, fifty miles south of Lincoln, and served by Rev. Eli Huber, D. D., of Philadelphia. His second field of labor was Nashville, Tennessee, and his present field at Wilmington is his third pastorate.

As an educator, he has also had considerable experi- ence. For three years he was Superintendent of Ger- man in the public schools of the city of Evansville, Indiana, and Professor of German in the High School.

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At Nebraska City, Nebraska, he was Superintendent of the city Public Schools two years, and also Professor of German in an Episcopal College, located there. At Nashville, Tennessee, he was Professor of German in Dr. Ward's Female Seminary, the largest in the South and the second largest in the United States. He was also Professor of German in Vanderbilt University, but these extra labors coupled with his pastoral duties, were too much for his system, and he broke down, with an attack of typhoid fever, in 1881, which nearly ended his life. Since living in Wilmington, he has taught only private classes and delivered lectures on educational subjects in North Carolina and Tennessee. Sermons, sketches of sermons, articles, letters, and poems from his pen have appeared in the German and English press of this coun- try. He has been one of the editors of the Lutheran Visitor for nearly six years. He preaches in German and English with equal fluency, ease and accuracy, with or without manuscript, and has so far mastered the Dan- ish language as to be able to hold services in that lan- guage for sailors and officers of the Scandinavian ships in the Seaman's Bethel at Wilmington.

Coupled with these talents of linguistic attainments, he has a musical education and has published a number of songs, the words and music of which were his own composition; notably among these is the "Ode to Jackson," sung at the unveiling of the equestrian statute of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, at Nash- ville, in 1880, which was published in the extra edition of 180,000 copies of the Courier- Journal, Louisville, Ky., at the time. He has some new songs in press now. He has shown his administrative talents as President of the North Carolina Synod, and of the General Synod South, and of the United Synod, and no one in the Lutheran Church South is more widely known or has received more complimentary notice from the press.

Full of energy and push, and working faithfully at his post, under God's blessing he has succeeded in doing a

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 199

good work in every position he has occupied. This is proven by the fact that his congregation at Nashville twice offered to call him back, if he would consider a call, and his first field of labor recently proposed to do the same, if he would come back to it. His congregation at Wilmington, a few years ago, unanimously and enthu- siastically adopted a resolution requesting him to remain its pastor during the days of his natural life. — From the Lutheran Home, of March, 1888.

Rev. JACOB HENRY SMITH, D. D.,

OF GREENSBORO,

The eldest son of Samuel R. and Margaret Smith, was born in Lexington, Rockbridge county, Va , August 13th, 1820. He was prepared for college in his native town, and graduated from Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, June 29th, 1843. In the fall of the same year, he entered Union Theological Seminary, Va., and taking full course, received his cer- tificate in 1846, and in August of the same year, he was licensed by Lexington Presbytery and transferred to West Hanover Presbytery.

In September of this year, he took charge of the church at Pittsylvania C. H., Va., where he was ordained and installed July 31, 1847. Being invited to take charge of "Samuel Davies Institute," in Halifax county, Va., as Principal and Professor of Greek, he went thither in the beginning of 1850, and conducted that Institute with great success until 1854. At this time he was invited to Greensboro, N. C, and Charlottesville, Va. Accepting the latter place, he preached at Charlottesville till 1859, when he accepted the renewed invitation to Greensboro, N. C, and began his work there April 20, 1859. In June

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following, he was received by Orange Presb3^tery and in- stalled in July over Greensboro church, where he con- tinues to labor with great success and acceptance.

Dr. Snaith is an accomplished classical and Belles Let- tres scholar, a well informed theologian, and fairly abreast of the literature of the day. He is the owner of a well- selected and a well-read library of sacred and polite lit- erature. But his peculiar fort is, that he is a powerful and impressive preacher. His sermons are finished and pol- ished production?, filled with the choicest thought, and garnished with graceful allusions, and enlivened with appropriate illustrations. To the polish of the graceful composer, Dr. Smith adds the attractions of the skillful elocutionist, and the controlling power of a magnificent voice.

The Lord has greatly blessed his labors, granting him revival after revival in his own churches, and in others. About one thousand souls have been hopefully converted under his preaching. He is still active, able, ready to preach, and is heard with pleasure wherever he goes.

In 1872 Hamf)den Sidney College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and in 1877 the Uni- versitv of North Carolina repeated the honor. — From the Presbyterian Encydopsedia. •

prominent living north carolinians. 201 Rev. T. H. PRITCHARD, D. D.,

OP WILMINGTON.

His father was Joseph Price Pritchard. His mother was Eliza Hunter Henderson, of the old North Carolina family of that name, among whom were Judge Leonard Henderson, of Granville county, his brother JBaldy Hen- derson, of Salisbury, Moyer P. Henderson, of Chapel Hill, and Samuel Henderson, of Charlotte, N. C.

Dr. Pritchard was born in Charlotte, N. C, February 8th, 1832; was fitted for college in Mocksville, Davie county, by Rev. Baxter Clegg ; w^as graduated at Wake Forest College June, 1854, delivering the valedictory. Judge W. T. Faircloth and J. H. Mills were members of his class; was for little over a year agent for Wake Forest College ; was ordained pastor of the Hertford Baptist Church, Perquimans county, in November, 1855. He made a profession of faith in Christ while at Wake For- est College, in September, 1849, and was baptized by Dr. W. T. Brooks. He had at first intended to read law and enter the arena of politics. In 1858 he studied theology with Dr. John A. Broadus, then pastor of the Baptist church of Charlottesville, Va., and took some tickets in the University of Virginia. In 1858 he was married to Miss Fannie G. Brinson, of New Berne.

The year 1859 was spent as pulpit supply of the Bap- tist church of Fredericksbuig, Va., the pastor, Dr. Wm. T. Broad.us, being in the field raising money for the en- dowment of the General Theological Seminary, then lo- cated in Greenville, S. C. In 1860 he became pastor of the Franklin Square church of Baltimore, where he re- mained until July, 1863, when, in an attempt to come South, he was captured on the Potomac and imjirisoned in Baltimore for five weeks, when he was sent through the lines with his wife and children, by way of Harper's Ferry, Charleston and Winchester. He labored in the

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great revival in the Army of Northern Virginia in the fall of 1863, as missionary under appointment from the Virginia Army Colportage Board.

In the absence of the regular pastor, he was sub pastor of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh, and held that post until June, 1865. He became pastor of tht^ First Baptist Church of Petersburg, Va., in July, 1865, one week after that church had lost its beautiful house of worship. Much of that year was given to collecting funds in the North and West to rebuild the edifice. After a prosperous pastorate there of two years and a half, he was recalled to the First Church of Raleigh, where he remained until September, 1879, having served that church about thirteen years. The church grew in that time from a membership of 240 to 515. While in Ral- eigh he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Raleigh Baptist Female Seminary, and he labored ear- nestly and successfully for the establishment of that in- stitution.

In September, 1878, he became President of Wake Forest College, and while occupying this position he trav- eled extensively over the State, speaking, preaching and lecturing on education, and in the three 3^ears he was connected with the college the patronage increased from 117 students to 181.

In 1882 he accepted the pastorate of the Broadway church of Louisville, Ky., but the climate proving too severe on his family, he returned to North Carolina, and accepted the pastorate of the First Church of Wilmington, which position he still occupies.

Dr. Pritchard has been a Trustee of Wake Forest Col- lege for twenty years; for thirteen years a Trustee of the General Theological Seminary of Louisville, Ky.

The degree of D. D. was conferred on him by the State University June, 1868, in his 36th year.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 203

Eev. JACOB CRAWFORD CLAPP,

PRESIDENT OF CATAWBA COLLEGE,

Was born in Guilford county, N. C, September 5th, 1832, near the field of the battle of Alamance, in the vicinity of which his great-great-grandfather, a Palati- nate German Protestant, settled with his family as the second immigrant to that section about 1750. His grand- father, then a lad, was a spectator of the battle of Ala- mance. His ancestors were all German Protestants; they warmly espoused the cause of the patriots in the Revo- lution, and from the earliest settlement of that region rallied around the standard of their faith at the Old Brick church (German Reformed), where many of their descendants still worship.

Mr. Clapp's boyhood and youth were spent in earnest toil on the farm and in the mills, with a few months during most of the winters in the public schools, in their incipiency in the State. At 18, with the most superficial knowledge of the rudiments of an English education, he left home with the reluctant consent of his father, his mother having died four years previous, to fit for college. One year of private study with Dr. G. W. Welker, his pastor, and three sessions in the preparatory department of Catawba College, at Newton, N. C, entered him as a probationer in Amherst College in the fall of 1853, from which institution he graduated in the class of '57. After teaching one year near the old home, part of a year in Catawba College and one year in Mississippi, he was elected to the chair of ancient lanuguages in Catawba College and entered its duties in the fall of 1860, soon after his marriage to Miss Emma Lewis, of Mississippi, on the 4th of July of the same year. The civil war dis- organized the college in 1861. He then commenced an academy for boys and girls, which flourished through the war, and after its close, was converted into Catawba

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High School, for boys and young men, in which Maj. S. M. Finger was associated as co-principal, in 1866. This school was highly successful, but Maj. Finger's health failing after several years, he resigned his place, which has been filled mainly since by Rev. J. A. Foil. In the meantime, the trustees of Catawba College elected the subject of this sketch. President, which office he still holds. In the spring of 1866, he was ordained to the Christian ministry by the Classis of North Carolina, since which time he has preached regularly, either as supply or regular pastor. Ursinus College conferred the degree of D. D. upon him several years ago. He was the agent to raise funds for the new college building and is now agent to raise an endowment fund. Three new churches have been built recently in his charge.

Mr. Clapp is a man of wonderful energy. His early habit of handling the plow and the scythe has never been abandoned. He is a planter as well as a preacher and is an industrious worker in both callings. His ser- mons are argumentative, interesting and full of practical religion. His original, earnest and vigorous style, his perfect articulation and his musical voice, would please and attract a congregation in any community.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 205

EDUCATIONAL,

Hon. KEMP P. BATTLE,

PRESIDENT OP THE UNIEVRSITY.

The effort of Dr. Battle at reorganizing our Univer- sity from the ruins of the war, has been a fine success and has justly won for him the respect and admiration of the people. He is an admirable manager and a man of unusual ability.

He is the first son of Hon. W. H. Battle, for manv years one of the Judges of the Supreme Court.

He was born near Louisburg, in Franklin county, in 1831. He received an academic education and entered the University in 1845, and graduated in '49, dividing the honors of his class with Peter M. Hale and Maj. J. M. Robinson. After graduation he was for a while tutor of Latin and Greek, and for four years tutor of Mathe- matics in the University. He was even at this age remarkable for keeping order in his classes and making his lessons attractive. Many of our prominent men were among his pupils, for instance, Hon. A. M. Waddell, Hon. Clement Dowd, Col. W. L. Saunders, J. B. Wheeler, J. L. Morehead, Jos. A. Engelhard, Judge W. J. Mont- gomery, Col. Wm. Bingham, Maj. Robt. Bingham and J. W. Graham.

In 1854, having obtained his license, he located for the practice of the law in Raleigh and readily acquired an extensive practice.

In 1860, he entered the arena of politics and ran for a seat in the House of Commons, but after a plucky and exciting contest, he was defeated by about three votes.

Dr. Battle was a pronounced Union man prior to the proclamation of Lincoln, but he fell in line after this

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with the leading men of the South and pledged himself for secession, and was a delegate to the Convention of 1861.

All through the war he was an ardent supporter of Gov. Vance. On the occasion when the conscript ofiQcers threatened to disregard the mandates of the Courts of North Carolina in habeas corpus proceedings, Dr. Battle, in company with Gov. Bragg, went on a mission to Presi- dent Davis to procure positive orders that the process of the courts should be regarded, which mission was suc- cessful.

In 1862, Dr. Battle was made President of the Chat- ham Railroad Company, which was scattered to the four winds by Sherman's army.

He was elected Treasurer of the State by the General Assembly of 1865-'66, and was re-elected by the same in 1866-'67. His reports were highly commended. They showed that he was familiar with the conditions and his- tory of the State debt and gained for him a wide reputa- tion as a business man.

By the reconstruction acts of Congress in 1868, he was deprived of his oflSce. Since then he has not made an effort to re-enter the race for political office.

In 1869 he was called by the friends of agriculture to revive the North Carolina Agricultural Society, which had been destroyed by the war. He undertook the task with earnestness and in a short time new buildings were eredted on the Fair Grounds, old ones repaired, and a very creditable fair was held in 1869, which gave a fresh impulse to the farming interests.

He was elected a Trustee of the University in 1862 and served on its Executive Committee until 1868, when the University changed hands.

He practiced law in Raleigh until 1875, when he was selected by the Board of Trustees elected by the Legisla- ture, to take the lead in re-organizing the University, and was made its President.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 207

Dr. Battle was married in '55 to Miss Martha Battle, of Edgecombe, a distant relative. They have live sons, and one daughter, the wife of Dr. R. H. Lewis, of Raleigh.

Rev. EGBERT L. ABERNETHY, D. D.,

PRESIDENT OF RUTHERFORD COLLEGE. "The force of his own merit makes his way,"

There is no more striking instance of a self-made man in our State than the gentleman whose name appears above. He was born poor, and had not even good health with which to fight the battle of life. But he bravely faced the world and "carved out his passage" with a manly stroke, striking down barrier after barrier and wading through the quagmires of poverty and discour- agement, till he won a high position among the educators of our State.

Like the late Dr. Craven, of Trinity College, he pos- sessed that rare but admirable faculty of inspiring his pupils with a laudable ambition. His mental powers are strong and he dares say what he thinks. Many a poor boy has knocked at the door of his college and received a free education.

Long may he live and may the sons of North Carolina long honor him and draw inspiration from his philan- thropic career.

The events of his life are related in an article in the ** Sunny South " ;

" Robert L. Abernethy was born in Lincoln county, N. C, April 3d, 1822. His grandfather, a near kinsman of the great English surgeon, emigrated to North Caro- lina before the revolution, was one of the leading pioneers both in the struggle for freedom and in the subsequent

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attempts at self-government. Fanny Wetner or White- ner, his mother, traced her lineage back to a member of the royal Wedner family of Saxe-CoburgGotha, who, incited by a proverbial love for adventure, came to this country in its early colonial history. At the period in which Robert was born the family was broken by war and various reverses, and was living in comparative retire- ment. The subject of this sketch was heir to great bodily aflOiiction, but with it he inherited an energy dauntless amid all the combinations of untoward circumstances that thronged his pathway. From his arduous farm labors he found intervals to collect rudiment iry books; and each night, instead of sleep, intense application to his studies, by the faggot's flare, was the rest to his over- taxed body. Having fitted himself for teaching, at an early age he left the farm — so ill-suited to his weak frame and ever-growing ambition. Soon after being converted to God, he joined the ministry of the M. E Church, South. Here he was in his proper element. Methodism, just beginning to thrive in that section, owed much to the earnest eloquence of the boy-preacher. During three years of active service in the South Carolina Conference, be received over eleven hundred applicants into the church. Then followed nervous prostration, and loca- tion ; still he was not discouraged. A large tract of land in Burke county was donated for a school, over which Mr. Abernethy was to preside. The enterprise flourished. From a school of eight students it grew into an academy, then a seminary, finally a college.

In 1869 President Abernethv received the degree of A. M. from Trinity College, N. C, and in 1880, D. D. from Alfred University, New York.

Of Rutherford College, over which he now presides, it is hard to speak in terms of sufficient encomium. Generosity, it is admitted by those who love him least, is his chief fault. Over 2,000 indigents have been gratuit- ously educated; many of them are filling places of trust and honor. Over 1,000 have been converted under his

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 209

teaching. Dr. Abernethy's generosity is not confined to the dispensing of instruction. Many a time his last dollar has found its way into the hands of some needy supplicant, and often has this unrestrained liberality been successful in making him the prey of rogues and sharpers. Giving thousands of dollars to charitable uses, and struggling hard in the maintenance of a large family, he has all his life lived in comparative poverty, feeling himself rich in the sole possession of his sublime trust in Providence.

Dr. Abernethy is greatly loved and honored b}' the people of his State. He has been a figure in all reforms, social and political — voting for principle in preference to party — upholding the South and her supporters. For years he was a prominent leader in the early temperance movements in the State, and in the prohibitory agitation of 1881, was bitterly assailed both from the press and stump for his manful adherence to what he deemed the cause of humanitv and God.

Rev. LUTHER McKINNON, D. D.,

PRESIDENT OF DAVIDSON COLLEGE.

Born October 31st, 1840, in Richmond county, N. C. He was prepared for college at the academies in that sec- tion ; entered Davidson College in 1857 and graduated in 1861, sharing first honor. He studied in the The- ological Seminary at Columbia, S. C, and was licensed to preach by the Fayetteville Presbytery in 1864.

In 1864 and '65 he was chaplain of the 36th North Carolina Regiment. He was ordained Evangelist April, 1866, by the Fayetteville Presbytery. He was Principal of Floral Female College from January, 1865, until June, 1866. In 1866 he was called to the Goldsboro 14

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Presbyterian church, and served as pastor for over four years. He was pastor of the Presbyterian church of Con- cord from December, 1871, until October, 1883. In 1883 he was called to Columbia, where he remained from Oc- tober of that year until April, 1885. He was elected President of Davidson College September, 1885, which position he now holds.

He is a man of great energy, and whatever he under- takes he does thoroughly. As a pastor, he attends to or closely supervises every little detail of the church gov- ernment, besides keeping the strictest watch over his congregation. As President of Davidson College, he dis- played the same disposition to attend to details, and suc- ceeded in increasing the patronage, but for the past year or so his health has been broken, and he has been forced to retire from active service. He is one of the best preach- ers in the State, and one of the purest of men.

Rev. J. C. PRICE,

OF SALISBURY.

The subject of this sketch is, perhaps, the most distin- guished negro in America. He is certainly equal to any as an orator. He has lectured in England and America before the best audiences. He has preached in the pul- pit of Henry Ward Beecher, and in many other places no less prominent. In the Ecumenical Conference at London in 1881, he made a speech of five minutes, which was one of the happiest efforts of his life. When his time was up, he was greeted with the wildest enthusiasm. In- vitations poured in on him to lecture in all parts of Eng- land. He remained in England and on the Continent one year, lecturing in behalf of his race, and succeeded in collecting ten thousand dollars, which enabled him to

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 211

establish the beautiful buildings now known as Living- stone College, Salisbury, N. C.

He displays no egotism. His lectures are modest. But he reasons well ; he thrills his audience with earnest emo- tion ; his language is strong, pure and fluent. His ar- ticulation is distinct and pleasing.

He was born in Elizabeth City, N. C, February 10th, 1854, and is therefore as yet a young man. He is a genu- ine negro. His father was a slave, his mother a free but unlettered woman. At the age of nine he went with his mother to New Berne. She did her part to give him an education. Some time after he had learned to read, he attended the Lowell Normal School of New Berne. For four years he taught in a public school at Wil- son, then entered Shaw University of Raleigh in 1873, remaining five months. Returning to New Berne, he connected himself with the A. M. E. Zion Church, and began to preach in less than two years after. Desiring to better qualify, himself, he entered the Lincoln Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, and took a four years' course. He won the Freshman and Junior prizes as an orator. In 1879 he graduated with the valedictory. After gradua- tion he remained three years in the Theological Semi- nary, completing the course at that place. In 1880 he was a delegate to the General Conference at Montgomery, Alabama, where his oratory first brought him into promi- nence.

He was delegate to the Centenary Conference which met in Baltimore in 1884, and responded to the opening address by Bishop Andrews, of the M. E. Church.

He was recently appointed by President CJleveland Minister to Liberia, and was strongly urged by Secretary Bayard to accept, but he declined, believing that it was for the best interests of his race to continue his work in the South.

The Institute of which he is the head is now doing a great work for the negro race. Besides the regular cur- riculum, instruction is given in music, printing, dress-

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making, fancy needle work, cooking, laundry work and carpentry. Tuition is free, and board is only six dollars per month.

JOHN B. BURWELL,

PRESIDENT OF PEACE INSTITUTE,

Is the oldest son of Rev. R. Burwell, D. D., and was born in Chesterfield county, Va., Oct. 3d, 1834. In 1835 his father moved to Hillsboro, N. C, and took charge of the Presbyterian church at that place, remaining there as pastor until the fall of 1857.

In 1845 the subject of this sketch entered the Caldwell Institute, then in charge of Rev. R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. John A. Bingham and Prof. R. H. Graves.

In 1850 he entered Hampden Sydney College, in Vir- ginia, and graduated in 1853 from that institution. From the fall of 1853 to the summer of 1859, he was engaged in teaching a School for Boys, first in Mecklenburg county, Va., afterwards in Charlotte county, Va. In 1859 he moved to Charlotte, N. C, and joined his father in the management of the Charlotte Female Institute, remain- ing there until the summer of 1862, when he entered the army, joining the 53d North Carolina Regiment, under command of Col. William A. Owens. He remained in the army until the surrender at Appomattox Court-House, being present when General Lee surrendered.

Mr. Burwell then returned to Charlotte and continued with his father in the control of the Female Institute at that place.

In 1872, at the earnest solicitation of the Directors, he and his father moved to Raleigh and organized Peace Institute, commencing the exercises in August of that

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 213

year with about seventy-five pupils. The number of pupils has steadily increased, until now the average at- tendance is about one hundred and seventy-five, and often more.

Ro^. SIDNEY MICHAEL FINGEE,

OF NEWTON,

Born in Lincoln county, the 24th of May, 1837. His father was a farmer and tanner, in both of which occu- pations he exercised his son assiduously until he was 18 years old. Prior to that time he had no school fa- cilities, except such as were afforded by the public schools, which were poorly supported; but in his district the school fund was supplemented by private subscriptions, and the term of school extended to four months per an- num, and some of the higher branches allowed to be taught.

At the age of 18 he entered Catawba College, Newton, where he remained four years as pupil, and part of the time instructor in some of the lower branches. In 1859 he entered the junior class of Bowdoin College of Maine ; graduated with A. B., 1861 ; received A. M., 1865. He entered the Confederate Army as private in Company I, 11th Regiment. At camp of instruction he was made Quarter Master Sergeant. After the battle of Gettysburg he was promoted to Captain (Assistant Quarter Master) and assigned to collection of tax in kind, with headquar- ters at Charlotte, and in charge of that Congressional district. In 1864 he was promoted to Major, and put in charge of tax in kind for the whole State, in which ca- pacity he was serving when the war closed.

For nine years he was in partnership with Rev. J. C. Clapp in conducting Catawba High School at Newton,

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having charge of the property of Catawba College, which had lost its endowment during the war. Ill health ne- cessitated the abandonment of teaching in 1874. This was a matter of much regret, because of his fondness for the profession in which he had displayed a marked tal- ent. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1874. He was elected to the Senate in 1876, and re- elected in 1881.

As a member of the Legislature he was specially inter- ested in education, the settlement of the State debt, and railroad development.

He was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion in 1884, in which capacity he has served with great acceptance to the people.

As a civilian since 1874, when he gave up teaching, he has been engaged in merchandising and cotton manu- facturing in Newton.

In 1882 he was appointed by Governor Jarvis a mem- ber of the Board of Directors of the Morganton Insane Asylum. This was the first Board, and, consequently, opened that magnificent institution for the reception of patients. He was Chairman of the Board when elected State Superintendent.

F. P. HOBGOOD, Esq,,

PRINCIPAL OF THE BAPTIST FEMALE SEMINARY OF OXFORD,

Was born. in Granville county, N. C, one mile from Oxford, in 1847. His father, J. B. Hobgood, was the pioneer fine tobacco planter in this section, now famous for the yellow leaf. He was the first to raise it, and from him it spread to others.

Mr. Hobgood's early life was spent on the farm, until he was sent to Oxford to school, first to a celebrated

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 215

teacher, Prof. Tuley, afterwards to the Horner School. Before his preparatory education was completed he went into the Confederate service under the 17 year old call — took part in the battle of Bentonsville

After the surrender he re-entered the Horner School, from which he graduated in January, 186G. Then he entered Wake Forest and graduated in 1868.

In October of that year, he married the daughter of Rev. W. Royall, D. D., one of the Professors of Wake Forest College. In the meantime he taught in a Female College at Oxford. In January, 1869, he commenced a High School at Reidsvilie, N. C, and taught there for two years. Two of the prominent lawyers of Rocking- ham county, Hugh R Scott and Reuben Reid, were pre- pared for college by him.

In January, 1871, he closed his Academy at Reidsvilie to take a position as Professor in the Raleigh Baptist Female Seminary, and on the retirement of the President of that Institute in June of that year, he became Presi- dent and conducted the school for over nine years, closing it in June, 1880, to remove to Oxford. He has been teaching there ever since.

He was President of the last Baptist State Sunday- school Convention, and has for seven years been the Moderator of the Flat River Association, He is also Superintendent of the Baptist Sunday-school at Oxford, and Chairman of the Board of Education of Granville county.

Mr. Hobgood has six children, three boys and three girls.

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MILITARY.

Gen. ROBERT RANSOM,

OF NEW BERNE.

It seems that this man was born for a soldier. He has the fine physical bearing and the stern and commanding face. No better or more graceful horseman ever sat in a saddle.

His princely manners and his easy, dignified mien mark him as a gentleman of the most refined type.

He was born at Bridle Creek, Warren county, N. C, February 12th, 1828.

His father was Robert Ransom, the oldest son of Sey- mour Ransom and his wife,Birchett, whose maiden name was Green, the daughter of William Green and his wife Mary, nee Christmas.

Seymour Ransom was the youngest son of James Ran- som and his wife Priscilla, nee Jones, the daughter of Edward Jones and Abigail Shugan. James Ransom's wife was the widow of Col. Macon and the mother of Nathaniel Macon, so famous in North Carolina.

General Ransom's mother was Priscilla West Cofiield Whitaker, daughter of Matt Cary Whitaker, of Halifax county, N. C, and his wife, Elizabeth Ann, nee CoflSeld.

Matt Cary Whitaker was the only child of Gough Whitaker and his wife Martha, nee Cary, and the son was named after his mother. Elizabeth A. Coffield was the daughter of David Coffield and West Duck, his wife.

All of General Ransom's grand parents were born in North Carolina, the paternal in what is now Warren county, the maternal in Halifax county.

The great-grand parents came from Virginia, those on the father's side principally from Gloucester county, and

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 217

on the mother's from Warwick county. Legend says that the Whitaker family descended from Alexander Whitaker, the English Church Minister who baptized Pocahontas, showing the family to have been among the very first white settlers of the continent.

General Robert Ransom was the third child of his parents, the oldest, a daughter, dying in her tenth year, and the second the present United States Senator, Matt. W. Ransom.

General Robert Ransom, previous to his entrance into the United States Military Academy, was educated by Robert Ezell, at Warrenton, N. C, where, not loving books, he acquired an imperfect acquaintance with Latin, Greek and Arithmetic. He had previously been to vari- ous teachers, none more than six months at a time, and in different places.

In August, 1846, he was appointed a Cadet at West Point by Hon. J. R. J. Daniel, the appointee made earlier not having entered at the regular time in June, and he began his course at the Military Academy in a class of 121 members, and graduated 18th out of 44.

He with a young man from Texas — Anderson by name, were the first instances known to have been appointed Corporals in the corps of Cadets without passing through the hard military routine of a full encampment.

He was never a student but was a thorough soldier, and fond of those employments requiring physical action with force and energy combined. He was the best horse- man of his earlier days in or out of the army, and has lost little of his powers in that line.

Upon graduating from West Point, in 1850, he was assigned to the 1st Dragoons (there were only three mounted regiments then), and in October went to duty at the Cavalry Depot, Carlisle Barracks, Pa., where he remained till March, 1851, whence he carried a detacli- ment of troops to Fort Leavenworth.. Kansa?, and in May accompanied the command uf Col. E. V. Sumner to New Mexico. He was engaged in scouting over the whole of

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New Mexico, most of Arizona, great parts of Texas, and Colorado, and Utah, for nearly four years. In the autumn of '54 he was placed on duty at West Point Academy as Instructor of Cavalry, while Col. R. E. Lee was Superin- tendent, and in March following, i. e. '55, was promoted to the 1st Cavalry, one of four new Regiments, added to the army at that time, and made 1st Lieutenant, the appointment stating, "with a view to his special appoint- ment as Adjutant "

He joined his Regiment in July, which w^s to be organized at Fort Leavenworth, and spent that fall in scouting.

The next year and a half or more he was in Kansas during the ''border troubles" and was with the Regi- ment at Topeka, July 4th, '56, when Col. Sumner dis- persed the Assecpbly called a legislature, and there met the notorious John Brown. For a short time he was again on duty at Carlisle Barracks in '57, owing to ill health, but resigned the Adjutancy of the regiment on that account.

Until the beginning of the war in '61, he was chiefly in Kansas and Colorado, and was at Fort Wise, on upper Arkansas River, and early in '61 he was appointed a captain of Cavalry. On 24th May, '61, when he heard his State had left the Union, he resigned, and on the 4th day of July, '61, he arrived in North Carolina and passed the day at Warren ton.

Governor Ellis had him appointed Colonel of the 1st N. C. Cavalry, which he organized near Ridgeway, War- ren county, and on 13th of October, '61, started with it to Virginia.

During the winter of '61-'62, he was its Colonel, and in November, '61, led successfully the first encounter between the Cavalry of the two armies.

Just as General J. E. Johnston retired from Centreville in '6 \ Ransom was promoted Brigadier General for the special purpose of being sent to organize the Cavalry of Generals A. S. Johnson and Beauregard in the West

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 219

and Southwest. But New Berne having fallen, he was directed to the eastern part of North Carolina, where he was engaged in keeping the Federals at New Berne from penetrating to the westward.

In June, '62, he was put in conamand of a Brigade of North Carolina Infantry and was with Holmes and Huger during the seven days' fighting — and with Huger at Malvern Hill, where his Brigade made the last charge upon the enemy, leaving some of its dead among the Federal guns.

With this brigade a little changed he was a part of J. G. Walker's Division in the first Maryland campaign, '62.

He was at the fall of Harper's Ferry, and in the battle of Sharpsburg. Stationed early in the morning of Sep- tember 17th, '62, upon the extreme right, but at 9 a. m. double quicked to the left center where the enemy had penetrated the Confederate lines driving the enemy back and holding the position until the Confederates withdrew on the night of September 18th.

He was with General Lee's army until after the battle of Fredericksburg, 13th of December '62, and commanded a Division (what had been Walker's), and "was in special charge of Marye's and Willis Hills." (General Lee's ofiicial report; and of the point attacked, Longstreet's offi- cial report).

In January, '63, he was ordered with division to North Carolina, to repel attack on Wilmington and Weldon -Railroad. He w^as in North Carolina till May, '63, when promoted to Major-General and put in command of Richmond when D. H. Hill went to Bragg's army. He was about Richmond till July, when illness forced him to go to Virginia Springs. In earl}' fall or late summer he was made President of Court of Inquiry at Atlanta, Georgia, to report upon the campaign which ended in the fall of Vicksburg, but orders were received suspend- ing its operations. Howell Cobb and John Echols were the other members.

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In October, '63, he went to command in East Tennes- see. Drove the Federals as far South as Knoxville, and in November had a brigade of Yankee Cavalry captured at Rogersville. Went to Longstreet before Knoxville, but he had left the place. He remained in East Ten- nessee, under Longstreet and Buckner, commanding Cavalry, till April, '64, and then was ordered to Rich- mond ''for other and distant service." The intention was to put him in command of Trans-Mississippi De- partment, but the condition of affairs at Richmond — caused his assignment to command in and for the pro- tection of the Confederate Capital. 'Here he had to meet Butler's movement at Bermuda Hundred and Sheri- dan's and Kantz's raids — and with only a handful of men at his disposal. He commanded Beauregard's left wing at Drury's Bluff, May 16th, '64, and crushed the enemy's right. He was highly complimented by Beauregard in a special order the day after the battle. But Beauregard, realizing his own failure, attempted to make a scapegoat of Ransom.

In June, '64, he was sent to command Early's Cavalry in his movement to meet Hunter — and was with Early all through the march to the rear of Washington in July, '64. He was taken sick and relieved August 15th, '64, and was on leave till September, when he was sent as President of Court of Inquiry to investigate outrages reported done by Morgan's last raid into Kentucky.

In November, '64, he was sent to the command of Charleston and surrounding country. But he was taken again sick and relieved in December, '64. No other duty; surrendered to General Howard at Warrenton, N. C, May 2d, 1865.

Since then has been Express Agent and Marshal of the City of Wilmington, N. C. He has also done some farm- ing, and for full ten years has been Assistant Engineer in charge of Government Improvements upon the water ways of Eastern North Carolina. He now resides at New Berne.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 221

General Ransom has been twice married, first on Feb- ruary 7th, '56, at Washington, D. C, to Minnie Huntt, oldest daughter of the late Dr. H. Huntt, and there were born to them nine children, eight living. Two daughters married, the oldest to F. M. Williams, Newton, N. C. The second to Geo. Bell, Jr., Lieutenant United States Army. Oldest son in dry goods house, New York. Second son married. Third son teaching in Alamance county, N. C. Third daughter single and with him. Fourth and fifth sons at school.

On 7th of February, 1881, his first wife died at New Berne, N. C, and on the 10th day of September, 1884, he married Katharine DeWitt, the widow of the late F. G. Lumpkin, of Athens, Georgia, at the house of her father, DeWitt F. Wilcox, Columbus, Georgia, and to them have been born two children, the oldest a daughter, that died recently, the second a son.

General Ransom, without being a robust man, is one of great endurance and toughness, for he is still vigorous and active although having suffered much from repeated attacks of severe illness.

He has written little or nothing of his military his- tory— trusting to official records to do him justice, but the extraordinary productions published by some prominent characters of the War between the States, may force him to bring to public view what the official record is.

To that record he refers all who desire facts upon which to rest opinion or from which to learn the truth. The records are under process of accurate compilation at the "Record Office" in Washington, and he has recently referred with profit and great satisfaction to what is there preserved and accessible to any and all who seek reliable knowledge.

222 SKETCHES OF

Gei^. eufus bakeinger,

OF CHARLOTTE.

General Barringer is one of the most noted Republicans in the State ; a man of strong convictions, bold utterances, and of fidelity to his principles. He was a strong Whig, and bitterly denounced secession as fraught with untold troubles and dangers to the country. Since the war he has been an earnest supporter of the National Republican party, but he has not degraded himself by his political bearing.

Notwithstanding his national proclivities, he remains devoutly true to the sentiments and memories of the Con- federate cause. He writes often for the press in illustra- tion and vindication of the cause as it then stood, and is most liberal and generous to its war-worn heroes and veterans.

He is a man of general culture; fond of literature and history, and has always been interested in political science. He has stood out against the "Rip Van Winkleism" of the State, and labored hard for reform in many ways — especially judicial, agricultural and educational reform. He longs to see the young men of North Carolina coming to the front in something else than politics, and he be- lieves the literature, and especially the history of the State, a most proper and attractive theme.

He is now much interested in Industrial Education, and is a trustee of the '' North Carolina College of Agri- culture and Mechanic Arts." As a specimen of his lit- erary style and an explanation of the principles of In- dustrial Education, a portion of an article written by him for the Charlotte Chronicle, is copied :

* * * "The leading object is not to teach trades, arts or science, as such, or for the purpose of turning out from schools artisans, agriculturists, trained cooks, skilled dress makers, or skilled machinists of any sort, but to instruct children and pupils.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 223

as a part of general education, in the elementary or foundation principles of all art, science, mechanics, and other practical knowl- edge; and this, not by teaching theories, but by learning "to do things." It is all on the principle of the Kindergarten, but ex- tended to agriculture, domestic life, plain mechanics, the use of tools, etc., and simply to the end that the boy or girl, when so taught in his or her separate school, can the more readily take up, if desired in after life, any sort of business, or one specially suited to the particular line or talent distinctively manifested in the early training. True, the modern agricultural and mechani- cal colleges are intended primarily to make farmers and mechan- ics, but they do not teach them art as such, as a school of the- ology, medicine, or law, turns out its preachers, doctors, and law- yers. Tney only give them sound first principles in all depart- ments of practical life ; but they do this, not by theory, as in the old high school or college, but by showing the pupil how to do the things intended and putting them to doing them. And this again, based on the aphorism of Bacon, that ' Education is the cultivation of a just and legitimate familiarity betwixt the mind and things,' and the more simple axiom of Cominius, ' Let things that have to be done be learned by doing tliem^'' and all summed up in the grand conception of Carlyle, that ' Tools constitute the great civilizing agency of the world.' ' Man without tools is nothing : with tools he is all.'

" The idea is very old, and lay at the bottom of the highest of past civilizations. But in time the so-called University system undertook to teach all knowledge, and finally drifted into noth ing but dbstraction, and caused Bacon again to say that the Uni versity, in fact, taught 'nothing but to 'believe.'' Froebel fairly started the new movement by his Kindergarten, and now the whole industrial world marches with giant strides towards the ' Manual Training School,' and the ' Agricultural and Mechanical College.' It is not intended that these shall supersede the 'Academy,' the ' High School,' or the 'University.' The work of art and science, however, can be better and more satisfactorily taught in the shop and on the model farm, separate and distinct from all other teaching and training ; thus, too, avoiding all class prejudices and difficulties.

" But the advocates of the old school must learn to recognize the just claims of the new methods. A feeling is abroad that the classic course has a tendency to slight and degrade work, and it certainly has had some effect in making labor a drudgery. It has not taught or trained either men or women ' how to do things,' how to accomplish the work of life, how to make success easy and pleasant. It has rather led the masses to believe that suc- cess is won more by wit and sharp ways than by honest toil and healthful work, aided and made both agreeable and profitable

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by a skilled hand, a trained eye and a delicate touch. And thus it cotnes that no class amongst us is early or well trained in the work or business of life, and when the day of trial comes in real earnest, so many fail and give up in despair and disgust, often going to the 'ditch and the dogs,' to the great mortification of friends and admirers, and often to their ruin.

***** #**

"A training or industrial school would be the very thing for Charlotte, and in due time it must come. But I also desire to see the idea introduced in our common public schools. It is not so diflaeult as supposed, and for the use and application of the elementary principles, the appendage of a small shop and kitchen, with a few tools and fixtures, would be all likely to be needed in the common free school for a long while. Of course the ' old fogies,' the ' professionals,' and all party politicians will cry 'in- novation,' 'infidelity,' ' high taxes, ' ' wild extravagance,' 'vision- ary notions,' and all sorts of hydra-headed monsters."

The subject of this sketch was born December 2, 1821, in Cabarrus county ; educated at Sugar Creek Academy and Chapel Hill, graduating in 1842.

He studied law under Hon. D. M. Barringerand Chief Justice R. M. Pearson ; settled and practiced at Concord till 1866, and then at Charlotte till 1884, when he retired from the bar and went to farming.

He was in the Legislatures of 1848-49 and 1850-51 ; was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1875.

He entered the army in 1861 as Captain of a company of cavalry raised by him in Cabarrus. In May of the same year, his company was attached to the famous First North Carolina Cavalry Regiment, with which he re- mained until June, 1864, when he was promoted from the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of that regiment to the position of Brigadier-General of Cavalry, in which he served until the 3d of April, 1865, when he was captured on Lee's re- treat and sent to Fort Delaware, where he remained a prisoner of war four months.

He was in seventy-six actions, received three wounds, and had two horses struck under him. He was never defeated in action except in the last retreat, when his no-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 225

ble brigade was cat to pieces, especially at Chamberlain Run, Five Forks, and Namozine Church.

He came out decided for colored suffrage as early as 1865; accepted the Reconstruction Acts of 1867, and has ever since co-operated with the National Republican party. He has occasionally opposed the men and meas- ures of that party, but has stood unswervingly by its principles, which he is honestly convinced are the only principles that can pacify and save the country in its new and changed conditions.

Hon. R. B. VANCE,

OP BUNCOMBE,

Was born on Reems Creek, Buncombe county, N. C, the 28th of April, 1828, and was named for Dr. Robert B. Vance, who was killed in a duel with Samuel P. Car- son, October, 1827, at Saluda Mountain, S. C.

His education was very limited, being confined to the "old field" schools, as they were called in that day.

He was elected Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quar- ter Sessions for Buncombe county in 1848, and served eight years, voluntarily declining a re-election. He fol- lowed the mercantile business awhile in Asheville. When the war broke out he raised a company. The Bun- combe Life Guards, and was elected Captain, When ten companies were mustered at Asheville, N. C, to-wit : Company A, Captain William Walker, Cherokee ; Com- pany B, Captain W. B. Creasman, Yancey; Company C, Captain J. M. Lowry, Buncombe; Company D, Captain John A. Jervis, Madison; Company E, Captain Hiram Rogers, Haywood; Company F, Captain W. A. Enloe, Jackson; Company G, Captain M. Chandler, Yancey; Company H, Captain R. B. Vance, Buncombe; Company 15

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I, Captain John C. Blaylock, Mitchell ; Company K, Cap- tain B. S. Profitt, Yancey, an election was held for Colo- nel, and R. B. Vance received every vote in the regi- ment but his own.

Captain Wm. Walker, Lieutenant Colonel, Captain B. S. Profitt, Major.

The regiment, the 29th North Carolina, was re-organ- ized at Cumberland Gap, Kentucky, in 1862, according to law, and Vance was re-elected Colonel. He was in several engagements at Cumberland Gap, in 1862, and commanded his regiment in the battle of Murfreesboro, under Generals McCown, Polk and Hardee. Col. Vance was complimented for gallantry in the report of General McCown. His horse was killed at Murfreesboro.

After the army under General Bragg fell back to Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 1863, Col. Vance was taken with typhoid fever, and while down, his regiment was ordered to Mississi{)pi, and he never was in command of it afterwards.

When he returned to the army in September, 1863, -General Bragg assigned him to duty in Western North •Carolina, and he was captured at Cosby Creek, Cook county, Tennessee, the 14th January, 1864, by his riding into a squad of Federal troops through a mistake.

General Vance was appointed Brigadier in June, 1863, iby President Davis, his commission coming to hand while he. was unconscious with typhoid fever.

General Vance was kept in prison, first at Nashville, then Louisville, Camp Chase, Ohio, and lastly at Fort Delaware.

While at Fort Delaware he was selected in company with General Beale to buy clothing for the Confederate prisoners of war, which duty engaged his attention until he was sent home on parole, the 14th March, 1865. His parole read, "until exchanged." As he was never exchanged he is still a prisoner.

General Vance was elected to Congress from the 8th District of North Carolina in the following years : 1872,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 227

1874, 1876, 1878, 1880 and 1882, and served in the 43d, 44th, 45th, 46th, 47th and 48th Congresses, being on the Committee of Pensions for 1812, in the 43d Congress, on Coinage in 44th Congress and on Patents from 44th to 48th inclusive, of which committee he was chairman except in the 47th Congress.

General Vance's principal speeches were on the civil rights bill, on the Internal Revenue and the tariff, on fraternity and the coinage of silver.

At the Congressional Convention at Asheviile, N. C, in 1884, he declined and withdrew his name from the Convention. He aided by a hot campaign in the elec- tion of his successor, and in the election of President Cleveland'.

On the 11th of April, 1885, he was appointed by the President, Assistant Commissioner of Patents, which position he now fills. ^

General Vance was twice elected Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina, and has also filled the posi- tion of G. W. P. of the Sons of Temperance in his State. He is a member of the M. E. Church, South, in which capacity he has been honored by the church in being several times elected to the General Conference.

He was also one of the Cape May Commission, which in a measure settled the property question between the M. G. Church and the M. E. Church, South, in 1875.

The college of Bishops also appointed him a delegate to the Ecumenical Methodist Conference in London, in 1881.

General Vance has lectured extensively in North Carolina, some in Maryland, Virginia and in Washing- ton City, on Temperance and the Sunday-school cause.

He is author of a book of poems called ''Heart Throbs from the Mountains," and is now writing on "Oneka, or The White Plume of the Cherokees," and "Lights and Shadows of Mountain Life."

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COMMERCIAL.

Hon. K. E. BRIDGEKS,

OP WILMINGTON.

Among North Carolinians there is no more prominent example of an able business man than the subject of this sketch.

The following extract from one of his letters to a friend will give the key to his success:

" From 1845, when I went regularly to work, I did not leave the county for nearl}^ eight years, except on busi- ness; I was always at my office at office hours when I was not engaged at business. Men depend more on hard work, good habits and economy for success, than mere intellect. When I look back to my schoolboy days I have found, of the several hundred with whom I was at school, that the success of the coming man was more foreshadowed by the industrious and good habits of the boy than by the boy's natural capacity. My business has caused me to employ hundreds of young men ; the first question I ask is, "what are his habits?" the next is, "how much work can he do?" This is the key to suc- cess. Then I ask what is his capacity. A young man of a fair, ordinary capacity can accomplish any usual business undertaking if he will do enough work; try, try, and success will sooner or later come. Of course, good integrity is a necessity in all positions in life; without jt no man can have permanent success."

The facts of his life are taken from the "Way Bill," of New York :

" Robert Rufus Bridgers was born in Edgecombe county, N. C, November 28th, 1819. Graduated with highest honors in class of '41, at the University of North Caro-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 229

lina. During his collegiate course he studied law and was licensed to practice a week after graduation. In 1844 was sent to the Legislature, being the youngest member of that body and serving as a member of the Judiciary Committee. After this he withdrew from poli- tics and devoted his time to planting and the practice of his profession, attending courts 25 to 30 weeks in the year, and becoming a leading practitioner in the Circuit. During this time he declined the office of Attorney-Gene- ral and Judgeship of Circuit Court. In 1851 was appointed President of Branch Bank of North Carolina. From a very small patrimony he became one of the largest cotton planters in the State of North Carolina. In 1856 was sent to the Legislature and continued there till '61, being a recognized leader in the House of Com- mons greater part of the time, and was Chairman of Judiciary Committee. Was a member of the Confeder- ate Congress during the entire war, serving on the Mili- tary Committee; and being a member of the Special Finance Committee in addition thereto during the second term. At the close of the war was elected President of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad with almost unanimous vote, and, by his endorsements of the paper of the company and individual efforts, the road was saved from foreclosure. Had the policy urged by him during the war been adopted, the road, instead of being worn out and on the verge of bankruptcy, would have been in a healthy financial condition, with money enough to renew and equip it and meet its floating debt. As an evidence of its condition in '65, the schedule time for the first six months was 10 miles per hour, taking 16 hours from Wilmington to Weldon, a distance of 162 miles. In the Fall of 1868 financial aid was secured through Messrs. Wm. T. Walters and B. F. Newcomer, of Baltimore, who ever afterwards proved fast friends of the subject of this sketch and of the road. Through their efforts and the aid of their counsel and financial help the foundation was laid of the great "Atlantic. Coast

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Line." Col. Bridgers has been 20 times re-elected Presi- dent of the Wilmington and Weldon road by unanimous vote. Has been also President of other roads of the Atlantic Coast Line System, from time of their acquisi- tion to the present. He not only discharged the duties of President, but for 13 years was General Manager. During the past 12 months, on account of his increasing age and the business devolving on him, he requested the Directors to relieve him of the latter office, and, at his request, H. Walters, Esq., was appointed General Mana- ger.

No Railroad Company has a better organization or more efficient officers than the Coast Line. The Disci- pline is good and the selection for places admirable. For many years there has been a rule of the company to pro- mote their own men, which has a good effect on the young employees. They feel that they have something to hope for in the way of promotion. It shows bad training to have to go to the organization of other Railroads to recruit officers. In case of vacancy, no position of the 'Coast Line is so important, but it can be filled efficiently by some other man brought up in the service.

Mr. Bridgers was a member of the Committee on Mili- tary Affairs in both sessions of the Confederate Congress, which often brought him in conference with the military leaders. He commanded the confidence of President Davis and Cabinet, in a high degree.

Among many of the best men of the State there was great fear of an iron famine during the war. At the request of the Government and his advisers, he and his brother. Col. J. L. Bridgers, were requested to engage in the production and manufacture of iron. They pur- chased the High Shoals iron property lying in the coun- ties of Lincoln, Gaston and Cleveland, rebuilding the furnaces, forges, rolling mills, nail factory and founda- ries. To a large extent the States of North and South

I

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 231

Carolina became depeudeut on these works for iron fab- rics, especially nails and plow fabrics. In this they had marked success. The failure of the health of Col. J. L. Bridgers caused the chief management to devolve on the subject of this sketch. These iron works became the second iron works in size and importance in the Con- federacy and did much Government work.

Mr. Bridgers has had some success in planting, mer- chandising and making turpentine. Indeed, in what- ever he undertakes he shows remarkable thrift. He is a man of great energy and perseverance. His motto has always been "if at first you don't succeed try, try again."

He is now nearly seventy years old, with unimpaired faculties, enjoyiiig the fruits of his life's labor and a wide popularity which he has paid for in good habits and hard work. .

JULIAN SHAKESPEARE CARR,

OF DURHAM.

" A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us, His dews fall everywhere."

The South cannot boast of a more popular or deserv- ing business man than Mr. Carr, He is, perhaps, the richest man in our State. His success is most remarka- ble, yet it is by no means beyond the reach of others who may desire to imitate his example. He has not come by his wealth by speculation, but he has won every dollar by his frugality and foresight. He has thrown his entire soul into his work, and has become master of the largest tobacco manufactory in the world, and the head of a firm which is known as far as civilization extends.

He lias made it a point to manufacture a good article,

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SO that his extensive advertising would not misrepresent his goods.

He has shown himself as generous as he is rich, and, like the widow's cruse of oil, his supply is unfailing. He has given thousands of dollars to colleges, churches, and various other objects too numerous to mention. No worthy object ever appeals to him in vain.

Not only is he generous, but he is a patriot. He finds time to keep abreast with the issues and enterprises af- fecting the general welfare of the State. He lends a help- ing hand and takes a lively interest in promoting many of our manufacturing, building, educational and religious enterprises.

To heighten all, he is a conscientious and consistent christian. In domestic life, he is one of the best of men : a true and devoted husband, an affectionate father and a pleasant and affable fireside companion; in friendship, he is constant, and in all his affairs he is manly and sincere.

His great business ability, his strict adherence to hon- est principles in his transactions, his record of frugality, the conspicuous example he has given of the compati- bility of great generosity with great wealth, his zealous interest in the vital institutions of our State, and his high honor and domestic virtues — these things conspire to ren- der him one of the finest characters that North Carolina has ever produced, and one of her greatest benefactors.

As an evidence of the high estimation in which he is everywhere held, a few of the positions he now occupies are enumerated :

President of Blackwell's Durham Co-operative Tobacco Company.

President of First National Bank of Durham.

President of Durham Electric Lighting Company.

President of Atlantic Hotel Co., Morehead City.

President of Golden Belt Manufacturing Company of Durham.

President of Tobacco Association of North Carolina.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 233

President of Board of Trustees of the Methodist Feraale Seminary of Durham.

President of the Greensboro Female College Associa- tion.

Vice-President of Durham and Lynchburg R. R. Co.

Vice-President of Durham Street Railway Co.

Vice-President of the Durham Cotton Manufacturing Company.

Member of Executive Committee of Board of Trustees of the University.

Member of Executive Committee of N. C. Agricultural Society.

Member of Executive Committee of the National To- bacco Association of the United States.

Trustee of Trinity College.

Director of Oxford Orphan Asylum.

The following is from the PlaiUer^s Joitr^ia^ of Missis- sippi :

" He was born on the 12th of October, 1845, at Chapel Hill, only twelve miles from his present home. While yet a boy he entered the army, and came out as he went in, 'a high private in the rear rank,' as he expressed it when in the company of a party of Colonels and Majors. He obtained a fair education at the University of North Carolina, and soon after the war, like so many other mis- guided young men in the older States, he was induced to believe that the West was the place to make his fortune. And so he went off to Arkansas — to Little Rock, which was perhaps the best place he could have selected. There he bad that measure of success which most industrious, sober, intelligent young men meet with wherever they may go, and in all probability he might by this time Lave been one of the leading men of the Arkansas Capi- tal had he remained there. But it happened that during a visit to his native State his relatives persuaded him to settle closer to home. At that time (1870) Messrs. Black- well & Green were doing a very safe, snug little tobacco manufacturing business at Durham, and were looking about for a partner, with a view to enlarging it. For a

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few thousand dollars young Carr bought a third interest with them, and this was the beginning of his career as a tobacco manufacturer. From the very day of his en- trance into the firm, the foundation for what is now five times the largest smoking tobacco establishment in the world, commenced being laid. Not with stone and mortar, for they staid in their little wood factory several years longer, but in head work and hand work.

" For seven years the bulk of the firm's profits were spent in advertising. Of course that advertising would have proven futile in the end, had it misrepresented the articles; but neither pains nor expense were spared in giving the public all that it had been led to expect.

" In the course of a few years the demand for the Bull Durham tobacco had reached such a point that the ca- pacity of the original factory was utterly inadquate to supply it. So a large brick building was constructed, which, it was thought by many, would for all time to come furnish ample floor space for manufacturing all the goods that the firm could market, i^year or two, how- ever, sufficed to convince these knowing ones of the short- sightedness of their calculations ; for in order to meet the ever increasing demand, addition after addition — all of brick — had to be made to the original building, which, with characteristic foresight, was constructed with a view to such a result, until now there are nearly seven hun- dred hands at work in this factory, whose floors cover ninety-six thousand square feet of space — considerably more than two acres. And still the factory, 'Jumbo' though it be, is scarce half big enough, as is evidenced by preparations now going on to construct still another addition which in itself will be more than the equal, both in architecture and spaciousness, of any other factory in the State of North Carolina. Its dimensions will be in excess of 82,000 square feet — thus making a grand total of more than four acres.

" It has ever been a favorite idea with Mr. Carr to give employment to the poorer classes of white people, as well

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 235

as to the negroes who formerly monopolized the work in tobacco factories. But he no sooner attempted to put this into practice than the very people whom he was striving to benefit confronted him with that miserable old skeleton against manual labor, that, alas ! still stalks in so many communities here in the South, frightening thrift and plenty from so many homes (?) where want and penur}^ hold undisputed sway. But this only made him the more resolute in his determination to banish the fatal spectre. So he at once sent North and brought to his factory a number of operatives of the very best class ob- tainable. The result was, their example served to bring a change over the spirit of the dreams of the denizens of Durham, who soon learned to appreciate the dignity of labor. And now fully 33 J per cent, of the 700 operatives on the pay-rolls of Blackwell's Durham Tobacco Com- pany are white."

SAMUEL WITTKOWSKY,

OF CHARLOTTE.

Youngest child of Jacob and Mindel Wittkowsky, born May 29th, 1835, in a small place called Schwersenz^. one mile from the city of Posen, eastern part of Prussia. He received only a free school education. At one time his parents were well to do, but lost all through sickness and bad investments, and they were very poor when Samuel made his advent into the world. He had few pleasures in his childhood days, as he had a hard strug- gle for existence.

About 1853, a distant relative of his father's living in the country, sent his father about ^50, which enabled young Samuel to venture to America. He took steerage passage on a sailing vessel and was 64 days out. There

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was great distress on board of ship for food and water. On August 6th, 1853, he arrived in New York l:\arbor and was forced to lay in quarantine (never knew why), but on payment of one dollar a passenger could land. All the worldly possessions of Sam at that time amounted to three gold dollars and a few clothes. He was there- fore rich enough to land, and so engaged a boatman to take him ashore. A fellow passenger with not a cent in his pocket stood by with tears rolling down his cheeks, saying, if he only had a dollar to enable him to leave the ship. Samuel loaned the fellow one of his gold dol- lars, but up to the present time has never seen the man nor the dollar since. So he landed in America with the enormous sum of one dollar in gold. He had, however, well-to-do relatives in New York, from whom he expected assistance. But they turned their backs on him. So he was left in a strange land at the age of 18, poor, lonely and friendless, with not even a language. He had a good cry! But he braced up and found a distant relative of his father's who treated him kindly and gave him employ- ment in his store at $6 a month and board. He worked in that position for three months and sent two-thirds of his income, $12, to his needy parents in Prussia: with the remainder he went as steerage passenger to Charleston — landed again with one dollar. Here he was engaged by relatives in a store for $12.50 a month. From his first landing until the death of his parents, he gave all he could spare from his wages for their support. In 1855, he accepted a position with L. Drucker & Co., of Char- lotte, arriving in the city the 4th of July. He had saved at this time $100 which he put in the Charlotte Bank. His solicitude for that bank was great. It was his morn- ing and evening thought. His spending money in Char- lotte was 5 cents a week, and by close economy he saved something and helped his poor parents. Mr. Rintels was a fellow-clerk, and he and Wittkowsky formed a partnership in the fall of 1856 — firm, Rintels & Co., — joint capital $450. They opened store at Ellendale,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 237

Alexander county, having a branch establishment in '57 in Caldwell county, on the Yadkin River, which was superintended by Mr. Wittkowsky. The Alexander branch was moved to Boone, Watauga county, under Mr. Rintels' superintendence. In the spring of *58 he sold his interest to Mr. Rintels and took a clerkship with Mr. S. Wolfe, in Winsboro, S. C. In the following fall he returned to Charlotte, later formed partnership of Koop- man, Phelps & Co., at Concord. He became an active member in Masonry; was elected Senior Deacon and represented his Lodge in Grand Lodge.

In 1861, he sold out. Went in again with Mr. Rin- tels; moved to Statesville. Took an active part in Masonry; became Master of the Lodge and was repre- sentative several years in the Grand Lodge.

The civil war coming on, Mr. Rintels went to New York, taking with him what money he could gather up, as they reasoned that onesideortheother mustlose; thattheSouth, even if successful, would perforce of circumstances be bank- rupted; they were not willing to risk ''all their eggs in one basket." Reasoning good. Result bad ! Mr. Rintels lost every dollar of his own and Mr. Wittkowsky's on Wall Street. After the war Mr. Wittkowsky had to send his partner money to enable him and family to return. While at Statesville, Mr. Wittkowsky went into manu- facturing hats with one Saltzgiver, a refugee from Mary- land. It would be interesting to fully describe that enterprise. Hats sold as high as $800 apiece and $5,000 a dozen. Sold out after the war and moved to Charlotte, where the firm of Wittkowsky & Rintels was formed. They rented a room in Irwin's corner 21 by 21 with 9 feet pitch. Bought old rough planks, put up shelving themselves and covered with calico. Available assets, $3,000 (worth in to-day's currency $800). With that they commenced a wholesale and retail trade, worked from 16 to 18 hours a day. Made money and in ^68 enlarged store to 75 feet deep. Business increased to

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$175,000 a year in 1870, when Mrs. Osborne built a store for them 54 by 92, three floors. **

In 1871, he was married to Miss Carrie Bauman, of New York. In 1874 the firm rented the Brem store for retailing exclusively, retaining the other for wholesale. Business increased to $700,000 in 1876, when Mr. Rin- tels died suddenly, June 21st.

In 1^79, Mr. Wittkowsky formed partnership with Mr. Baruch, under name of Wittkowsky & Baruch. Dis- solved May 1st, 1887, Mr. Wittkowsky doing the whole- sale business himself.

Mr. Wittkowsky has never been in an}'' financial embarrassment; has never been a day behind in meet- ing any of his obligations.

He has identified himself with the progressive element of Charlotte and has always been found eager in any cause for the public good.

He has in many ways received tokens from the public of the high esteem in which he is held as a square business man and good citizen.

He was Alderman of Charlotte in 1878 and 1879. Has been Director in and President of several Buildirjg and Loan Associations, and is now and has been for five years President of the Mechanics' Perpetual Building and Loan Association.

He was President of the Charlotte Chamber of Com- merce, in 1881.

In Masonry he has held various positions to High Priest.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 239

ALEXANDER BOYD ANDREWS, Esq.

OF RALEIGH,

Was born on the 23(1 day of July, 1841, in Franklin county, near Franklinton. He is descended from promi- nent and honorable families upon both sides. His father, William J. Andrews, of Edgecombe, was one of the lead- ing merchants of Henderson. His mother, Virginia Hawkins, was a daughter of Col. John D. Hawkins, of Franklin count}^, and her mother was the daughter of Alexander Boyd, a sturdy Scotchman, of Mecklenburg county, Virginia. It was after this maternal great-grand- father that he was named. Another great grandfather, Col. Jonas Johnston, was a revolutionary hero, and was wounded in the historic battle of Moore's Creek. His elder brother, John, a bright promising lad, died of yel- low fever in Norfolk in 1855. His mother dying in 1852 and his father surviving her but a short w^hile, their eight children, four sons and four daughters, were left to the care of their grand parents, Colonel and Mrs. Haw- kins. Never were orphans more fortunate in their lot. The influence of the grand parents is clearly marked in the career of the subject of this sketch.

Until his seventeenth year he attended school, where he was proficient in his studies, especially mathematics, and was a generous, popular participant in the sports of the play ground. He learned in the home of Col. Haw- kins the valuable habits of obedience, industry, method and promptness, and imbibed, perhaps unconsciously, the art of impressing his will upon others and of enforcing obedience to it.

In 1859 General Phil. B. Hawkins, who had a large railroad contract in South Carolina, selected his nephew, young Andrews, as General Superintendent, Purchasing Agent and Paymaster. His early training was soon manifest in the fidelity with which the mere boy dis-

'it

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charged a man's duties, and he took his first lessons in the great work of railway construction which was to engage his mature powers and by which he was to leave his impress on his State's history.

At the first bugle call for volunteers he forsook the hardy, healthful life of the engineer for the dangers and the rigors of war. He enlisted as a private in Colonel, afterwards Major-General Robert Ransom's splendid regi- ment, the first North Carolina Cavalry. He was appointed a Lieutenant by that gallant soldier and passed rapidly through the grades to the Captaincy of Company "B," during his first year of service. Captain Andrews par- ticipated in all the memorable campaigns of Stuart's, afterwards Hampton's Brigade, and bore himself with marked and unflinching courage upon every field. On September 22d, 1863, at Jack's Shop, Madison county, near Charlottesville, there was a bloody cavalry fight between the Confederates, numbering about two thou- sand, and the Federal Cavalry, under Kilpatrick, six thousand strong. Into the battle Captain xlndrews' regi- ment carried only about one hundred and thirty men, so great had been its losses in the recent engagements of the campaigns. The Adjutant of the regiment, who par- ticipated in the fight, wrote to the "Fayetteville Observer^' a short while afterwards, as follows : " While cheering on his men the gallant Captain Andrews fell, shot through the lungs. No braver man or better man has fallen during the war. He was universally beloved." This tribute reads like an obituary. It was so accepted. But his work had not been completed. The wound was indeed a desperate one, and might well have been regarded as mortal, the ball having passed directly through the left lung, injuring the spine on its way out. He was removed to Liberty Mills and thence to the hos- pital at Gordonsville, where he was attended by Dr. Schultz, of New Orleans. In reply to his eager question, he was told that there was barelv a chance for his life, but his indomitable courage never faltered and he never

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 241

lost faith in his recovery. Dr. Schultz was ordered else- where and did not follow his patient through the weary stages of convalescence. Years afterwards Col. Andrews met him in New Orleans, and expressed his obligations to him for his skill and care in preserving his life, and asked the Doctor if he could recall him as one of his army patients. Dr. Schultz tried several names and finally said : " Well you can't be Andrews, a young North Carolina officer, who, I remember, was shot through the lungs. I never saw a young fellow try harder to live; but I was quite sure he could not." He was greatly pleased to find that his visitor was his former patient, and was astonished, as was also Dr. Warren Stone, the eminent surgeon, at so perfect a recovery from such a fearful wound.

In 1864 Captain Andrews tried twice to return to his old command, but his strength was not equal to his sol- dierly sense of duty. When, however, he learned that General Lee had surrendered, he made his way to Gene- ral Joe Johnston's command and surrendered, and was paroled with the surviving veterans of that gallant army, at Greensboro.

Captain Andrews returned home to find waste, dis- order, and dismay. His nature was hostile to such a state of affairs, and he at once became a leader in cheer- ing the survivors, and preaching the duty of labor and hope. Instinctively he turned to his former pursuits,, and observing the interrupted communication in the North and South line of railway, by reason of the destruction of the bridge at Gaston, he interested Presi- dent Lassiter, of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, and Col. Sanford, of the Petersburg road, in his enterprise,, and established and equipped a ferry at Gaston. It was a great convenience to the traveling public, and a profit- able venture.

In July, 1867, Dr. W. J. Hawkins, then President of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, who had tested the capacity of his nephew, offered him the Superintendency 16

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of the road. The duties were comprehensive and embraced Dot only a supervision of the transportation; but also of construction. During his eight years of service the finances of the company, under Dr. Hawkins' wise man- agement, were placed upon a substantial basis, and by their joint labors many miles of the Raleigh & Augusta Air-Line Railroad were built.

In 1875, Captain Andrews became Superintendent of the North Carolina Railroad. The Richuiond & Dan- ville Railroad Company had leased this road, and had learned by experience in contests with the Raleigh & Gaston, the force and address of the young Superinten- dent. As the field broadened his capacity filled it. He strove to identify the interests of the railroad with the interest of the State and to aid in building up the coun- try and towns along the lines of the roads controlled by the system. To a large number of people the lease of the road was a rank offense and the cause of much irri- tation. It is not extravagance to say that no man could thave allayed this and made friendly feeling to take its place with more skill than Colonel Andrews displayed. His loyal love for his State he had proved with his blood. His antagonists never questioned it and the most hostile expressions against the dominance of a foreign corpora- tion in the transportation business of the State did not •confound the representative of it with the object of dis- like. ,

In 1876 Governor Vance appointed Captain Andrews a member of his staff with the rank of Colonel, and he continued t^ hold that position through Governor Jarvis' two administrations.

In addition to his office of Superintendent of the North Carolina Railroad, Colonel Andrews was made assistant to the President of the Richmond & Danville system. The greater his authority grew the more he could do and did for his State. He had sat at the council board while the Richmond & Danville Road stretched itself out over the Virginia Midland, from Danville to Washington,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTB CAROLINIANS. 243

from Richmond to West Point, from Charlotte to Atlanta, Augusta, Birmingham and became a great system. He knew its resources and he turned them to account in North Carolina. It is necessary here only to refer to the helpless condition of the Western North Carolina Rail- road, Its sale was a matter of course. The sagacity of Governor Jarvis and his council had convened the Legis- lature. It had concluded a contract with Mr. Best and his New York associates by which the State was secured against loss and providing for the completion of both branches of the road to Paint Rock and to Murphy. Under the contract work was to begin by May 29th, 1880, or the contract was to be forfeited. Mr. Best's associates forsook him and the middle of May came with- out a dollar in hand with which to begin work. Colonel Andrews associated with him Colonel Buford, General Logan and Mr. Clyde, of the Danville Directory, and advanced fifty thousand dollars and began the construc- tion of the road westward. Shortly afterwards he induced the Richmond & Danville syndicate to purchase the con- tract. This was done and the Western North Carolina Railroad was reorganized. Colonel Andrews became its President, and is at its head to-day. Over three millions in money have been expended in pushing the road through to Paint Rock and over the Balsam to Red Marble Gap on the edge of Cherokee, our extreme west- ern county. It realizes the dream of the great promoters of internal improvements, and accomplishes what taxa- tion could not have dared. Colonel Andrews was for a number of years Superintendent of the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad and controlled a line the length of the State.

He became third Vice-President of the Richmond <fe Danville Railroad, in December, 1886. This system now embraces 4,700 miles of railway, is capitalized at over $50,000,000 and is the sixth largest in the United States. He is also President of the University Railroad, of the Statesville & W^estern, from Statesville to Taylorsville,

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of the North Western North Carolina, from Greensboro to Salem and under construction to Wilkesboro, of the Oxford & Henderson and of the Oxford & Clarksville, to be completed to Oxford by January i5th, 1888, and to Durham by January 1st, 1889.

He sat as Alderman of the city of Raleigh for a num- ber of years and is a Director in several banking, insur- ance and manufacturing corporations.

In September, 1869, Colonel Andrews married Julia, the daughter of Colonel William Johnston, of Charlotte, and has five children. In 1873 he moved to Raleigh where he has since resided. He brought with him his devoted old grandmother, to whom he was always ten- derly attached, and she made her home with him until her death.

Colonel Andrews has never sought political preferment. His bent is distinctively to material construction and to doing rather than theorizing. Few men have done more before crossing the line of middle life. Even now he can look upon great public works completed which he had hardly sketched in his fancy a decade ago.

Of agreeable presence and strong will, he always impresses himself upon those with whom he is brought in contact.- Every man who ever held place under him respects him and bears him good will. Loyal to his con- victions he has never yet failed a friend or quailed before an opponent.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 245

Col. WILLIAM JOHNSTON,

OF CHARLOTTE.

The subject of this sketch is a native of old Lincoln, now Gaston county, the son of Robert Johnston, Sr., whose father was Col. Janoes Johnston, distinguished for revolutionary services ; his father being Henry Johnston, of Scottish descent, who had migrated to North Carolina long before the revolutionary war, and settled on the banks of the Catawba river, about fifteen miles from Char- lotte. They all followed the vocation of farming. Col. Wm. Johnston's father married Mary Reid, daughter of Capt. John Reid, and had twelve children, of whom no one died until after the youngest was over thirty years old. There were seven brothers, and the subject of this sketch is the sole survivor. Three of the sisters still live, Harriet M. Shipp, Mary E. Davidson, and Martha M. Rankin.

Dr. or Capt. John Reid, the grand parent on the moth- er's side, was a brave and gallant officer in the revolu- tionary war, a Senator from Lincoln county 1710-'ll, also in 1717-'18, and former proprietor of the Catawba Springs plantation, three miles west of Beattie's Ford, on the road to Lincolnton. He left a large family, of whom Major Rufus Reid, of Mount Mourne, was his youngest son. His wife was Sarah Sharp. They were devout worshippers at Unity church, in whose cemetery their remains rest. Col. James Johnston and wife were mem- bers of the same church. He was the first Senator from Lincoln county to the Assembly of the State, and was elected three successive years, 1780, '81, and '82.

Colonel Johnston received a classical education, was graduated at Chapel Hill, where his three brothers, Jas. A., Dr. Sidney H. and Thos. L. Johnston, also graduated. He studied law under Judge, afterwards Chief Justice Pearson, and commenced the practice of his profession in

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Charlotte, where he readily became a successful member of the bar. In 1846 he was married to Miss Anne Eliza Graham, a niece of the late Governor Graham. His wife died October, 1881. His financial and practical ability soon brought him into prominence. He was elected President of the Charlotte and Statesville Plank Road, and he built twenty-five miles of it to Mount Mourne, in Iredell county, at a remarkably small cost. It has been often said that in the construction of that road not a superfluous dollar was used. Id 1856 he was elected President of the Cnarlotte and South Carolina Railroad, and abandoned the practice of law shortly thereafter. In this position he found a wider field for his great practical business character. The road had never paid a dividend, was run down, the stock selling at forty on a hundred. He paid a small dividend the first year, put the road in good order, and continued to pay liberal dividends to the commencement of the war, when the stock freely sold at par, and the road paying ten per cent, on the stock an- nually. Thus the wealth of the stockholders and the country was vastly increased. The road finally becamS the chief agent of transportation to the Army of Virginia from the South, the Coast Line and other roads being in possession of the Federal armies, and continued open until February, 1865, when the devastating army of Gen- eral Sherman laid it in ruins for sixty miles, including the shops, iron track, depots, wood and water stations, and over one thousand bales of the company's cotton.

After Wilmington was occupied by the Federal forces, he projected the Columbia and Augusta Railroad as a means of increasing the facilities of transportation be- tween the armies of Lee and Johnston, respectively at Richmond and Dalton, the East Tennessee and Virginia lines being also in possession of the Federals. He ap- pealed to the Confederate Government for aid in this en- terprise, which was promised by the Secretary of War, but the waning fortunes of the South rendered aid im- possible. However, private investers subscribed about

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 247

$1,000,000 in Confederate currency. This he invested in cotton, and saved about one thousand bales, selling it for $170,000, which enabled him to build the Columbia and Augusta Railroad, eighty-five miles in length, costing in Greenbacks over S2,000,000. When he commenced work in January, 1866, lie had not means enough in all to build the Savannah and Congaree bridges, which cost over $200,000. At the close of the war only $14,000 worth of work had been expended in construction of the road. With this and the proceeds of cotton, he constructed a road through a country made desolate by Vv^ar, a task which was very remarkable, considering the limited fa- cilities, the scarcity of money, and the want, of confidence and credit in the country. Perhaps no other public work has. ever been accomplished in the South under such adverse circumstances.

In the construction of this road his private fortune was entirely involved, having endorsed for the company for over $300,000. His triumph was accompanied with five law and equity suits pending against the road, all of which were settled at the plaintiffs' cost.

When the citizens of Augusta wished to build the Sa- vannah Valley Railroad, and had not the means necessa- ry, General Toombs remarked that the only hope he saw was to employ Col. Johnston, who, he had heard, could build a railroad without money.

In 1866 he rebuilt the Charlotte and South Carolina Road, sixty miles of which, as before stated, had been de- stroyed by Sherman's army.

At this time he had built and rebuilt more miles of railway than any other man South of the Potomac and Ohio rivers without State aid. In all these works his resources were fri m individuals, except $100,000 of county bonds, worth about $95,000. Much praise is due to Col. Johnston for the part he acted in repairing the country at the close of the war. His efforts not only benefited the corporations of which he was the head, but evinced unmistakably his public spirit and his zeal for his sec-

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tion. The greater portion of his labors was \u South Carolina, extending to the city of Augusta.

The success of Col. Johnston as a financier naturally made him popular with the people, and he has therefore been often drawn into the arena of politics. Apprecia- ting his ability, Gov. Ellis tendered him the position of Commissary General of the State in 1861. This he de- clined, as he had just been unanimously elected to the Secession Convention by his county. But on reaching the Convention at Raleigh, he was prevailed on by Gov. Ellis to accept. He resigned his seat in the Convention, and immediately entered upon the duties of his office. By the Constitution as it then existed, the Jews were de- barred from holding any office in the State. He intro- duced the ordinance, which passed the Convention, enti- tling them to all the rights of citizens. His railroad con- nections enabled him to economize and facilitate the transportation of supplies. Apprehending that meat would soon become scarce, he bought a large supply of bacon at about eleven cents. Later he found that he had over 200,000 pounds more than the department might require, on account of the fact that the Confederate au- thorities declined to take any more twelve month com- panies, which diminished the troops in camp. This he sold to the Confederate Government at 22 cents per lb., QDaking for the State over twenty thousand dollars clear, a sum more than sufficient to pay all the expenses of his department during the time he acted as Commissary General. Thus his administration cost the State nothing. He resigned in the fall, and resumed his management of railroads. He was an old line Whig, and a strong Union man before the war, but after eight States had seceded, he favored North Carolina's withdrawal from the Union entirely, as a meatis of securing peace. He believed that the General Government might attempt to drive the few seceded States back into the Union, but that if all the slave States united they would become too strong for the Nortli to attempt their subjugation, thus avoiding blood-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 249

shed. He was not an original secessionist, but he simply favored secession as a peace measure.

In 1862 the financial state of the country was unsettled, and there was a general sentiment in favor of electing a practical business man for Governor. Co). Johnston was made a candidate on account chiefly of his ^reat success as a financier. He was opposed by Hon. Z. B. Vance, our present Senator, who was elected. Col. Johnston did not make any canvass.

In 1864 President Davis offered him the position of Commissary General of the Confederate States, which he declined, thinking that his services in the transportation department would he better for the country.

In 1880 he was strongly supported for Congress in his district, and entered the Convention with the largest number of votes, but after a number of ballots, in which he came within a few votes of the nomination, his name was withdrawn.

He has been for a number of years elected Mayor of Charlotte, where his good management and financial ability served to add much to the prosperity of the city. The Electric Lights, Street Railway and Sewage were all introduced during his term of office, and in one year. The extensive macadamizing of the' streets was also a feature of his administration.

He is a man of large fortune, and has done much for Charlotte in his private capacity; he is owner and part owner in a number of the finest business houses in the city.

The energy of Col. Johnston, his enterprise, his cau- tious but progressive spirit, and his great ability to util- ize the resources at his command with foresight, are worthy of the highest praise, and also of imitation.

His business enterprises have shown him to be a man of broad, liberal and far-seeing faculties. He is practical and economic in executing his plans; stern but generous in his requirements of others, and quick and decided in action. His policy has been public spirited, and has

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greatly promoted the general weal in his section. Added to his financial ability he has displayed that rare quality of inspiring confidence in his ability to succeed.

His interest in afi'airs has not been altogether confined to financiering. He is a man of general culture. He is familiar with the political history of our country, and has a fine appreciation of the English literature. He has given much study to historical and scientific subjects. In his public life he has often made speeches in which he displayed a wide range of knowledge, interesting and forcible reasoning, and a ready wit; all with a grace and fluency seldom found in orators of our time.

He is a man of handsome physique, erect, and grace- ful in carriage. He has an intellectual iforehead and a dis- cerning eye. His dress is becoming and tasty, and in his bearing he shows every mark of a cultivated and refined gentleman. His manners and address are such as to at- tract attention wherever he appears.

W. T. BLACKWELL, Esq.,

OF DURHAM.

With slight alteration the sketch of this gentleman's life is taken from the "History of Durham:"

Was born January 12th, 1839, near Woodsdale, Person county, N. C, and is the son of Mr. James L. Blackwell, now a resident of this city. In his youth he received a common school education. In the years 1862 and 1863 he taught school in his native village. He began life as a broker and trader in every description of merchandise. He early began to devote especial attention to specula- ting in plug tobacco, and, purchasing a wagon and team, travelled through the country, in conjunction with James

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R. Day, peddling tobacco until the close of the war. He then, in copartnership with Mr. Day, opened a jobbing tobacco house in Kinston, continuing his itinerant traffic. The principal part of their traffic was in the tobacco manufactured by J. R. Green, at Durham, then an obscure water station, whose brand had gained consider- able local reputation. It soon became apparent that there was a greater demand for this tobacco than Mr. Green could supply, and arrangements were consummated in 1868, whereby the capacity of the factory was enlarged and Messrs. Black well & Day became partners with Mr. Green. The business thus received a new impetus and began to thrive; but Mr. Green, who for some time had been in failing health, died in 1869, and his interest was purchased from his heirs by the remaining partners. In 1870 Mr. Julian S. Carr joined the firm, and since that time Mr. Blackwell has been senior partner of the cele- brated firm of W. T. Blackwell & Co. He remained, however, sole proprietor of the trade-mark, until his interest was bought by M. E. McDowell & Co., of Phila- delphia. Mr. Blackwell, as a judge of tobacco, has few equals. While a member of the firm, he gave exclusive attention to selecting and purchasing the tobacco manu- factured by the firm, every pound of which passed under his inspection, and his intelligence and experience as a buyer was an important factor in the extensive popu- larity of the Durham Bull Smoking Tobacco.

He was married December 27th, 1877, to Miss Emma Exum, daughter of W. J. Exum, an extensive planter of Hillsboro, and formerly of Wayne county, N. C.

To W. T. Blackwell mainly belongs the honor of found- ing the town of Durham through the establishment and successful conduct of his Tobacco manufacture, and to him equally belongs the credit and renown of having fostered and sustained a community which has grown from a straggling village of 273 persons to a busy town of 5,000 or more inhabitants. Through him Durham has thus been given a forward move in the tobacco

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industry, and the example has been productive of the inauguration of other and prominent establishments. Nowhere on the American continent is better tobacco produced than in the vicinity of Durham, and nowhere can its manufacture be more successfully conducted, as has been proven by W. T. Black well & Co., whose reward is written on every building in the town, and whose names will be held in grateful remembrance.

Col. THOMAS M. HOLT,

OF ALAMANCE COUNTY.

"Col. Thomas M. Holt, of Haw River, is the second son of Edwin M. and Emily Holt, of Alamance county, N. C. He was born 15th July, 1831 ; was prepared for college at Caldwell Institute, Hillsboro, and matriculated at the University of North Carolina in 1849 ; but so strongly was he imbued with the spirit of his father, and being more fond of his factory than college fame, he left Chapel Hill in 1851, when half advanced in the junior class, and at once addressed his time and talents to the manufacture of cotton yarns and fabrics in his father's employ until 1860, when in a brick building 36x64, with only 528 spindles (now a wing to that immense factory known throughout the Southern and Eastern States as the Granite Mills), he commenced business on his own account.

"These mills are owned and managed by Col. Holt, and have recently been reconstructed and furnished with new machinery. They are situated on Haw River, near Haw River Station, on the north side of the North Caro- lina Railroad, in Alamance county. They are the larg- est and best equipped mills in North Carolina, and rank with any in the Southern States. They contain 8,424

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spindles and 434 looms, and give constant employment to 425 men, women and children, wlio occupy 100 or more well constructed and neatly painted brick and frame dwellings, situated on the premises; besides these dwellings there is a five-story flour mill; a large store house, filled with general merchandise, from which the operatives and neighbors get their supplies, a beautiful and conveniently arranged office; sundry store and ware- houses, and last but not least, an attractive and comfort- able Chapel, in which Col. Holt and family and the opera- tives worship, and whose pulpit is filled at Col. Holt's expense.

"Standing on the railroad bridge which spans Haw River, and looking on the north side, are seen the cotton factory, flour mills, dwellings and other buildings men- tioned above, and it has the appearance of a large, thrifty and beautiful village; larger indeed than some of our so-called towns, all owned by Col. Holt, which cost him exceeding $400,000.

" On the opposite side of the bridge, on an eminence, his princely mansion is located. It is perhaps the largest, most elegantly finished and furnished country dwelling in North Carolina. The grounds cover twelve acres, are most highly improved and embellished, presenting the appearance of Central Park, New York, in miniature. A more desirable house cannot be found. These grounds and the improvements cost $25,000. He is the owner of that famous plantation known as "Linwood," at Linwood station, on the North Carolina Railroad, a few miles from Lexington. It is here' he raises such vast quantities of wheat, clover, hay and choice cattle and sheep. The property herein described, with other not mentioned, together with the stock and lands he holds, makes his estate worth at least a half-million of dollars — the pro- ceeds of his own industry."

The above is taken from an article in the '^New South." Col. Holt was elected by the people of Alamance as a County Commissioner two terms and served as chairman.

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In the fall of 1876 he was elected to the State Senate from Alamance and Guilford. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1882 and in 1884-86. He was elected Speaker of the House in January, 1885. For twelve years he w^as President of the North Carolina Railroad Company. He has long been a member of the Board of Agriculture. For eight years he was President of the North Carolina State Agricultural Society. Before the war he was a magistrate and a member of the Special Court under our old County Court system.

Col. Holt has been found a ready and liberal supporter of any measure tending to the progress of the State.

He is now the nominee of the Democratic party for Lieutenant Governor of the State.

H. W. FRIES, Esq.,

OF SALEM.

The subject of this sketch is the senior partner of one of the oldest and most successful cotton and woolen enterprises in the State. He was born March 5th, 1825; educated at the Moravian boys' school at Nazareth, Penn- sylvania.

The woolen establishment was commenced July 24th, 1840, by F. Fries, Sr., a man of fine business talent, who was born near Salem, in 1812; educated at Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and died August 1st, 1863. In March, 1846, the firm of F. & H. Fries was formed by the entrance into the business of H. W. Fries, the subject of this sketch. The establishment has steadily grown in success and reputation from its foundation. The goods manufactured are of the very best quality and have long enjoyed a wide reputation. Since the establishment of the wool mill in 1840, the firm increased their enterprise by erecting the adjoining cotton mill in 1846, and also in 1880, by establishing the Arieta Cotton Mill. The

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Wachovia Flouring Mill was built in 1878. The mem- bers of the firm have shown great enterprise and ability in achieving their success and reputation.

The subject of this sketch was the sole manager of the business after the death of F. Fries, Sr., until 1879, when the interest of F. Fries, Sr., was assumed by J. W. Fries, F. H. Fries and H. E. Fries. Mr. J. W. Fries is now the chief manager of the business. He attends to the office work and the finances, and is a man of intelligence and first-class financial ability. Mr. F. H. Fries is the prac- tical manager of the Arieta Cotton & Salem Woolen Mill. Mr. H. E. Fries has charge of the Wachovia Flouring Mill. The}^ are all men of energy and fine business capacity.

Maj. R. S. tucker,

OF RALEIGH.

Rufus Sylvester Tucker was born in Raleigh, April 5th, 1829. He was the third sod of RufiSn Tucker and Lucinda M. (his wife) Sledge, and brother of Col. W. H. H. Tucker and Dr. Jos. J. W. Tucker, of Raleigh, now de- ceased. He was prepared for college at the Raleigh Academy, under J. M. Lovejoy, in his day one of the most noted teachers in the State.

In 1844 he entered the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1848, having among his fel- low-collegians M. W. Ransom, United States Senator, and Gen. Johnston Pettigrew, and among his classmates were Victor C. Barringer, Seaton Gales, Jno. Wilson, and others. On leaving the University, he entered the mer- cantile establishment of his father and brother (R. Tucker & Son), serving as a clerk until 1851, when his father

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died, and he then became a partner with his brother, un- der the name of W. H. & R. S. Tucker.

At the beginning of the civil war in 1861, he was ap- pointed by Gov. Ellis Quartermaster and Commissary at Raleigh, N. C, with no supplies or preparation, and by untiring industry succeeded in aiding and getting into the field ten companies of State troops. In the fall of that year he resigned the appointment and raised an inde- pendent company of cavalry, of which he was elected Captain. His company afterwards joined the 3d Regi- ment of North Carolina Cavalry, composed of ten inde- pendent companies, and was placed in active service in the eastern part of this State. He remained with his regiment, principally in the neighborhood of New Berne ai*id Washington, until the fall of 1862, when he was pro- moted to a majorate and assigned to the staff of the Ad- jutant-General of the State.

In the winter of 1862-'63 he was elected Chief Clerk of the House of Commons of North Carolina, the duties of which oflSce he performed until the close of 1863.

Since arriving at man's estate, he has- always taken a leading and active part in the affairs of his native city, to whose interests he is zealously devoted, and to the ad- vancement of which he has brought the skill and energy of the business man, united with liberality and enlight- ened ideas. He was a Director of the North Carolina Railroad Company for years, including the war, and is now a Director in the Raleigh and Gaston, Raleigh and Augusta, and Carolina Central Railroads. He is, and has been for over twenty-five years, a Trustee of the North Carolina Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, and for the last eight or ten years has been the President of the Board, and manifests great care and de- votion in its proper conduct and success. He is a mem- ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a vestryman of Christ Church, Raleigh.

His brother, W. H. H. Tucker, died in 1882, and on the first day of February, 1883, he retired from the mer-

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cantile business, in favor of the young men who had been in their employ, and who now conduct this famous dry goods establishment under the name of W. H. & R. S. Tucker & Co. Since then Major Tucker has been at- tending to the winding up of his mercantile affairs, and has also bought and highly improved a farm of some 540 acres near Raleigh (known as Camp Mangum), and has succeeded well in improving and bringing up the farm. He is also engaged in raising the very finest strain of Jersey Cattle, as he will raise none but the purest and highest butter strains.

A considerable portion of the proceeds of his mercan- tile business has been invested in very desirable real es- tate in Raleigh, being probably the largest holder of real estate in the city.

In private life he is courteous, hospitable and liberal, with fine social qualities united with great energy and industry ; and withal a keen love for the sports of the field, having the reputation of being one of the best shots on the wing in the State. lie married in 1856 Miss Florence E. Perkins, daughter of Churchill Perkins, of Pitt county, N. C, a man of prominence in the eastern portion of the State, at one time the largest manufacturer of turpentine in the United States. He also represented Pitt county in the Legislature for a number of terms.

Copied, with some alterations and additions, from the " Representative Men of the South."

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MOSES L. HOLMES, Esq.,

OF SALISBURY,

Born the 6th day of April, 1817, on Big .River, near Flat Swamp, in Davidson councy. His father was Jesse Holmes, who w^as a well to do farmer, owning a fine tract of land, a grist mill and a large number of negroes.

Moses was raised on his father's farm, where he had the industrial training incident to country life. His edu- cation was very limited. He attended the subscription schools of his time a few months in winter. But he gradu- ated in a higher school — the school of practical business. There are some men who, with the best college educa- tions, are without common sense, and who seem to learn nothing of men or of business. There are others who, with- out any college education, seem to have a quick compre- hension of men, and who, by a habit of observing closely and storing up what they learn, acquire a large amount of useful knowledge. One of the latter kind is Mr. Holmes.

He left the farm at an earh^ age and took a clerkship with James Ellis, a merchant of Davidson county. He retained this position for a year or so, when he removed 'to Gold Hill, Rowan county. Here, on a borrowed capi- tal of $500, he entered, into partnership with Honeycutt Bros, in the business of general merchandising. His brother Reuben was also connected with the business for awhile. Mr. Holmes continued in this business for sev- eral years. Then he and his brother began merchandis- ing under the firm of M. L. & R. J. Holmes, and con- ducted their business successfully until 1853, when they became interested in mining and retired from mercantile life.

They had for some time prior to their retirement from merchandising operated successfully the Earnhart mine, and also the McCulloch mine, in Guilford county, which

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 259

they had under lease. The Old Field mine, the Heilick mine, and the Barnhart mine, all in Davidson county, were taken under bond by Mr. Holmes; that is to say, bonds were given and an agreement made that if Mr. Holmes sold the property for a certain sum in a given time, it wouJd be deeded to him ; if not, the bonds were void. Mr. Holmes was very fortunate with these mines, and in August, 1853, he sold them for $315,000, a sum much larger than the bonds required. At the same time, he sold the McCuUoch mine in Guilford county for $110,000.

The Gold Hill Mining Company was then formed to operate the Gold Hill, Heilick and Barnhart mines, in which both Mr. Holmes and his brother Reuben were largely interested.

The property of this company was sold under an at- tachment to B. B. Roberts the 6th of January, 1862.

Mr. Holmes and his brother then formed a partnership with B. B. Roberts, but the war being in progress little was done.

Mr. Holmes, in the meantime, made copperas and blue- stone, a large quantity of which he furnished the Gov- ernment.

After the war the mining property was sold to Amos Hows, the President of the original company, for $25,000, but Mr. Hows failing to meet the payments, the property was sold under mortgage and repurchased by Mr. Holmes and his brother, who lastly sold the same to a London company for $125,000.

During the war Mr. Holmes purchased about 700 bales of cotton from 15 cents to $1.50 per pound in Confederate money, which he shipped to New York after the war and sold at about 63 cents per pound in Greenbacks, making a large sum of money.

He also made money during the war in operating a woolen mill in Montgomery county, but this mill was de- stroyed by fire in 1863.

Mr. Holmes moved to Salisbury in 1865, where he has

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been successfully engaged in general merchandising, in the boot and shoe business, in tanning and in tobacco manufacturing. He is now largely interested in a cotton factory to be operated in Salisbury as soon as it can be built.

He has been a member of the Legislature, a Director of the North Carolina Railroad, and County Commis- sioner, and has held other positions of honor.

He is a man of fine practical sense, level-headed, cau- tious, and knows how to calculate results. Yet he cares nothing for display. With all his wealth, he is a plain, unaffected citizen. He is a man of thorough honesty, and is a sincere christian. He is liberal with his money, yet he likes best to help those who try to help them- selves.

SAMUEL McDowell TATE, Esq.,

OF MORGANTON,

Was born in Morganton, N. C, September 6th, 1830. Educated at private schools in North Carolina and Penn- sylvania. Appointed Captain of Company D, 6th Regi- ment, Regular Troops, May 20th, 1861. Promoted Major at "Seven Pines," May, 1862. Promoted Lieutenant- Colonel at Gettysburg, July 2d, 1863; commanded 6th Regiment to the close of the war. Wounded at Sharps- burg, September, 1862, at Rappahannock Bridge, Novem- ber, 1863, at "Cedar Creek," October, 1864, and at Peters- burg, March 25th, 1865.

Elected President of the Western North Carolina Rail- road June, 1865, and remained a Director of the road for private stockholders till its sale. Was removed from its Presidency by Provisional Governor Holden in August,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 261

1865. Again elected President by the Worth Board in August, 1866, and again removed by Holden's "Recon- struction" Board in 1868. After the sale of the road in 1875, he was elected private stock holders' commissioner to organ- ize the system and work the convict force on the road, as authorized by act of March, 1875, of which, as a member of that Legislature, he was the author. Was a member of the House from Burke two terms previous to the pres- ent, and chairman of Committee on Finance each term. After becoming member of the Legislature, resigned all connection with railroads, and sold his stock. Was a Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. Delegate to every Democratic National Convention from 1860 to this time, save and except the "Greeley" Convention. Serves on committees : Internal Improvements, Railroad Com- mission, Rules, and is chairman of Committee on Finance. Col. Tate is an old-fashioned Jeffersonian Democrat, and a truer son to the Old North State never entered the State Capitol. He is a very quiet man, and very seldom joins in the many discussions that arise, but when he does speak, he receives the attention of his fellow-mem- bers, for all regard his opinions on any subject as being sound, logical, practical and worthy to be carefully con- sidered. He is a very close and earnest worker, and his services on committees and elsewhere are fully apprecia- ted by all who know him. — Legislative Biographical Sketch Book, 1883.

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J. G. HALL, Esq.,

OF HICKORY.

The father of this gentleman was Alexander A. Hall, who was born and raised about six miles from Salisbury, Rowan county.

J. G. Hall was born at the old homestead of his mater- nal grandfather, in Iredell county, the 10th of February, 1845. In his infancy his parents moved to Georgia, where they remained for several years. His father taught school in that State and General Gordon, the present Governor of Georgia, was one of his pupils.

When Mr. Hall was about five years old his parents returned to North Carolina, and lived for awhile with his paternal grand parents near Salisbury. Soon, however, they settled at Wilkesboro, where the subject of this sketch received his first impressions of the realities of life. His first absence from the parental roof unattended was to a remote part of the town on an errand for his mother. In wandering about in the labyrinth of streets in that old town he lost his way, and has ever since that time been somewhat a wanderer.

His father taught school in Wilkesboro until 1857, and from him Mr. Hall received what education he has had.

In 1856, his father embarked in merchandising and Mr. Hal], then eleven years old, entered the store and made his acquaintance with business. At the death of bis father in 1859, he was left entirely in charge of the store. The goods were sold out. Mr. Hall then clerked awhile for Stephen Johnson, an old-time merchant of Wilkesboro. When the war broke out he engaged for awhile as clerk for General James B. Gordon, of the same town. In the winter of 1861, at the age of fifteen, he entered the army and was made Orderly Sergeant of the third company that left Wilkes county. In February,

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1862, he was elected Second Lieutenant of the same com- pany. Mr. Hall was very sickly in his youth and when he entered the army he was not a very dangerous look- ing soldier. At Franklin, Virginia, being "under fire" for the first time, he was severely frightened. At Neuse Kiver bridge, near Goldsboro, he was very badly excited. At the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he felt uncom- fortably far from home. However, being busy at the- time he did not say a word about it. Later in the fight he stepped on a bullet and sprained his ankle. At Bristow Station he felt better when he knew the Union soldiers were going one way and the Confederates another. He was "around Richmond" and in the trenches at Petersburg.

The hardship to vv^hich he was subjected served to strengthen him and he became one of the best of sol- diers. His power of endurance was equal to that of any other man in his company. He was in the principal battles of the war and was twice wounded. His career as a soldier was in every respect praiseworthy. After the surrender he returned to Wilkesboro, where his mother and sister were living alone, his brother being at that time in prison. He had borne up well during the war but he was wasted at that time with disease, weighing only 99 pounds.

In this condition and without a dollar in his pocket or one in expectation, he was left to fight his way through the world.

When his brother was released from prison they secured on credit an old army horse, rented some land and proceeded to raise a crop.

In 1866, Mr. Hall clerked for awhile in AVilkesboro. Then with R. L. Patterson & Co., of Patterson, Caldwell county, until October, 1867. After this he lived in Salem for four years, as salesman, bookkeeper, cashier, etc. He was Assistant Treasurer of the Charlotte, Columbia &. Augusta Railroad at Columbia, for four months.

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In November, 1871, he returned to Wilkesboro and joined his brother in the mercantile business.

In 1872 they became partners of R. L. Patterson, of Hickory. Mr. Hall managed the business, the firm being Hall & Patterson. In 1875 the business at Wilkesboro was discontinued. The firm of Hall & Patterson was succeeded by the firm of Hall Bros. This firm has had more or less to do with all the business activities of Hickory. For several years he personally conducted the mercantile business, but the manufacture of tobacco soon attracted his attention. His tobacco business was first conducted under the firm of Hall & Daniel, then as Hall & Bohannan, and has since 1879 required most of his time and attention, until his establishment of the Piedmont Wagon Company. This enterprise is second to none of its kind in the South.

Mr. Hall has taken an active part in politics, not for himself, but for his friends and his party. He has been repeatedly elected Mayor and Alderman of Hickory. He has been one of the Directors of the Chester & Lenoir Railroad and is now a Director of the Morganton Insane Asylum.

Mr. Hall has a wonderful capacity for work, and per- haps works as hard as any man in the State. He has been identified with every public movement in the pro- gress of his town. Indeed, he is often introduced to strangers as the "Owner and Proprietor of Hickory." He has done a great deal of disinterested charity.

At the Southern Wagon Manufacturers Association recently held at Nashville, he was elected Secretary and Treasurer.

The popularity of the Piedmont Wagons is rapidly spreading throughout the Southern States, and every- where we see that familiar sign :

"Buy a Piedmont Wagon."

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 265

A. B. DAVIDSON, Esq.,

OF CHARLOTTE.

One of the best of men — large hearted ; a true chris- tian; a lover of his country; one of those plain, unedu- cated men who make little noise in the world but do a great amount of good. He has done much to make Charlotte a city. He is ever building new and attractive bouses; altering and repairing aud painting old ones and otherwise making himself a useful citizen.

His paternal grandfather, a Highland Scotchman by birth, came to this country with his widowed mother sometime after the Scotch rebellion and settled in the Cumberland Valley in the colony of Penn., and then removed to North Carolina, county of Mecklenburg, about 150 or 160 years ago. He settled about 14 miles northwest of Charlotte on a plantation situated on the Catawba River, which was then called "Beaver Dam," and which estate has been in the possession of the family for 180 years, and now consists of 2,000 acres and is known as "Rural Hill."

Maj. John Davidson was one of the signers of the immortal Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 20th, 1775. He married Violet Wilson, by whom he had three sons and seven daughters, all of whom they lived to see married. Maj. John Davidson died in 1832, in his 97th year, and his wife, Violet, died in 1818.

The maternal grandfather was Hon. Adam Brevard, an eminent lawyer and sterling patriot, who married Mary Winslow, by whom he had three sons and seven daughters, all of whom he lived to see married, then died in his 75th year, while his wife died at the age of 70 years.

His father, John Davidson (Jr.) called "Jackey," married Sarah Harper Brevard, daughter of Adam and

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Mary Brevard, on November 11th, 1800, and succeeded to the estate of his father, Maj. Davidson.

John Davidson was a man of industry, integrity and intelligence, while his wife, Sallie Harper Davidson, was noted for her eminent piety and benevolence. She died at the age of 84, January 18th, 1864, and her husband did not long survive her, dying April 26th, 1870, in his 92d year.

John Davidson was succeeded in his estate of ''Rural Hill" by his second son, Adam Brevard Davidson, who was born in 1808, and was therefore 80 years old on March 13th, 1888. He married Mary Laura Springs, daughter of Hon. John Springs, of York District, S. C., on April 20th, 1836, by whom he had 15 children, 14 of whom they had the pleasure of educating.

Mary Laura Davidson, wife of A. B. Davidson, was born November 3d, 1813, and died October, 1872, in the 59th year of her age, surrounded by her husband and 11 surviving children.

In 1876, A. B. Davidson married Cornelia C. Elmore, daughter of Hon. Franklin Elmore, of South Carolina.

It is worthy of note that A. B. Davidson was born and married and raised his large family on the same plantation on which his grandfather, Maj. John David- son and his father, John Davidson (Jr.) had each lived and reared their respective families. The old homestead, a noble old brick mansion, was consumed by fire only one year ago on last October, being just two years short of 100 years old, when it was intended by the family to have celebrated its centennial. This place is now occupied by J. Springs Davidson, oldest son of A. B. Davidson.

A. B. Davidson having, as above stated, been born and raised on this "Rural Hill" plantation, continued to live there till 1872, when he moved with his family to Char- lotte. Although having a limited education, he was a remarkably successful planter, which profession he chose at the age of 10 years and in which he employed his

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 267

energy and industry until his removal to Charlotte, since which time he has devoted himself to the management of his real estate, having built 16 stores and dwelling houses during this time.

His residence is situated on the lot known as the Queen's College grounds and under whose sod lies the dust of Dr. Ephriam Brevard and wife, with other noted persons.

Mr. Davidson held the position of Elder in the Pres- byterian Church at Hopewell, for about 40 years, until the time of his removal to Charlotte. He was a delegate to the Old School General Assembly, which convened in New York City in 1856.

He was President of the Mecklenburg Agricultural Society about 15 years, which position he held until the Society was broken up by the late war. He served as a Trustee of Davidson College for 25 or 30 years, in which college he took a special pride, it having been founded by his ancestors, and he having contributed largely to its progress and improvement. On the day of his engage- ment to his first wife, December, 1835, he made a con- tract with Henry C. Owens, contractor for the college buildings; Mr. Davidson was to furnish 150,000 feet of lumber for the college, all of which he delivered on the college ground by September, 1836, having sawed it at his own mill and hauled every load of it by his own teams, not delaying the contractor for a single day. He was elected one of the twelve of the first Board of Direc- tors of the C. C. & A. R. Road, in September, 1847, and has served on that Board up to the present time.

He was elected as one of the Directors of the Granites- ville Manufacturing Company in South Carolina, near Augusta, Georgia, and still serves in that capacity.

He also served as Director in the M. & F. National Bank at Charlotte, for six or eight years.

He was not in the military service, being over age, nearly 60 years, at the time of the breaking out of the war. His sons, however, John, Robert and Richard, all

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served their country up to the time of its surrender, and his sou Robert served from the beginning to the end of the war. He returned home in a dying condition, the result of cruel treatment while a prisoner of war, and lived but a few days after reaching home. His son Richard was but 17 years old when he entered the ser- vice.

It is well known that he was opposed to the war until after his own State, North Carolina, had seceded, when there was no alternative but to come to her defense, and of course he was a strong Confederate, and contributed as much or more money than any other man in Mecklen- burg county. He took over $100,000 of Confederate bonds, the first $30,000 being paid in gold, every dollar of which was lost.

JOHN LEWIS BROWN, Esq.,

OF CHARLOTTE.

Son of P. M. Brown, was born January 8th, 1829, near Salisbury, Rowan county. He did not receive a collegi- ate education, but he has, like many of our most useful citizens, received his knowledge from the business of the world. He started out at 18 years of age as a clerk and has steadily risen to a position of high respect. He has been for a long time one of the prominent merchants of Charlotte. He was married to Nancy J. Kerr, daughter of J. B. Kerr, in the city of Charlotte, August 23d, 1853; represented Mecklenburg in the Legislatures of 1862, 1864 and 1878;^ has been member of the Board of Alder- men at different times since he was 22 years old; has been for twenty years member of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church of the United States; has been a Trustee of Davidson Col-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 269

lege for the last seven years and is now Trustee of the Synod of North Carolina, and a Director in the First National Bank of Charlotte. He was director of the "Bank of North Carolina." He is serving his seventh year as President of the Mutual Building and Loan Association. He had the honor of being elected Presi- dent of the Board of Trustees of Davidson College, last June. He was very recently elected President of the Ada Manufacturing Company, of Charlotte. He is a man of excellent disposition, jovial in conversation and kind hearted in all his dealings.

Capt. ADDISON GOEGAS BRENIZER

OP CHARLOTTE.

Those aspiring for success in the bookkeeping profes- sion will find a worthy example in the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pennsylvania, January 19th, 1839, but his parents moving to the west when he was about 10 years old, his early life was spent amid the bustle and intense energy of western life in the then growing city of St. Louis, Missouri, where he was, as he has always been since, identified with the Southern people.

Entering in early life the wholesale drug business and passing the several grades, he soon reached the highest position in the house, that of Confidential Clerk and Bookkeeper. When this house failed in the great panic of 1857, his services were soon in demand, and he was engaged as bookkeeper and cashier of the large manu- facturing establishment of Thornton, Grimsley & Co., so extensively known throughout the West before the war.

In the latter part of 1860, he decided to locate in New Orleans, where he was engaged with the Mercantile

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Agency of R. G. Dun & Co. ; the war breaking out soon after, he was among the first to volunteer with the four months' troops, joining the 1st Regiment Louisiana Volunteers. It was not long before his talent for accounts became known and he was called first into the Quarter- master's Department and thence into the Ordnance Department at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There being a demand for efficient clerks at Headquarters, he was ordered by the Chief of Ordnance, General Josiah Gorgas, to report at Richmond, where in a few months he was made Chief Clerk of the Ordnance Bureau. In May,

1862, he was appointed Captain of Artillery and assigned to duty as Ordnance officer at Greensboro, N. C, where a new depot for Ordnance stores was established.

In March, 1863, the Confederate Government having decided to establish Ordnance works at Salisbury, N. C, he was placed in command, and the establishment grow- ing in importance, it was designated an Arsenal of Con- struction. The close of the war found him in charge, with 240 men under his command. He also had charge of the Iron District of North Carolina, supervising the contracts with all the furnaces, rolling mills and bloome- ries in the State. Before the close of the war, promoted to be Major of Artillery on Ordnance duty. At close of the war he settled in Greensboro, N. C, where in May,

1863, he had married the daughter of Hon. John A. Gil- mer, and sister of Judge J. A. Gilmer.

In 1864, when the detailed men were organized under Major-General T. H. Holmes, Mr. Brenizer-was elected Colonel of the regiment formed from 'Mecklenburg, Union, and other counties. He engaged first in the Commission and Brokerage business, which was merged into a private banking business; he established a branch in Charlotte, which eventually became the City Bank of Charlotte.

In the latter part of 1867, he was elected assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Charlotte, which place he held until September, 1870, when he was elected

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 271

cashier of the Citizens' Savings Bank of Columbia, S. C, an institution having ten branches, but preferring the National banking system, he, together with some others, organized the Central National Bank of Columbia, of which he continued to be cashier for four years, until called back to Charlotte to be cashier of the Commercial National Bank, in which position he has continued to the present time.

He has always taken great interest in Building and Loan Associations and has been Secretary and Treasurer of five of such institutions, two in Columbia and three in Charlotte.

Masonry has engaged his attention and he is now Emi- nent Commander of Charlotte Commandery Knights Templar.

He is a man of pure christian character, liberal in his support of the church; applies one-tenth of his income to christian and benevolent institutions. A man of fine appearance, polished manners, a thorough accountant, and well versed in commercial law. He is a ripe scholar and is well posted in literature and history. He speaks both French and German with ease.

He was elected President of the 11th Annual Conven- tion of the Young Men's Christian Associations of the State, and has recently been elected Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

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W. H. WILLIAMS,

OF NEWTON.

The subject of this sketch was born in Morris county, N. J., on the 19th day of June, 1848.

He had very few educational advantages. He lived with his father and attended the common schools of the country, and when not in school he would assist in look- ing after his father's business, selling and shipping iron and settling with hands.

As above stated, Mr. Williams had not even the advan- tages of an academic education, yet he had what was much better, a good stock of what is vulgarly known as "horse sense;" and being thrown with all classes of so- ciety and with business men, and being an apt scholar, he has very greatly made up for this want.

He manifested a talent for business when only a boy, and had a great disposition to trade, if only to " swap pocket knives;" "anything to be trading."

Mr. Williams married Miss Mattie Finger while very young, and this important event caused him to enter into regular business for himself earlier than he otherwise would, for when a man " catches a bird," the next thing is to own a cage to put it in.

Mr. Williams moved to Newton in 1869, and embarked in the mercantile business. He had but very little capi- tal in money, but had a large stock of pluck, push, en- ergy and confidence, and his success has been great when we consider aU the surroundings. We must remember that he was not in a great business center, but in a small country town, with many difficulties to surmount. The railroad facilities for Newton at that time were very un- satisfactory. He took a very active part in getting rid of these obstructions.

Mr. Williams continued in the mercantile business

PROMINENT LIVING NOKTH CAROLINIANS. 273

until 1883, handling and dealing in general merchan- dise, machinery, wagons and buggies, and succeeded.

In 1883 he assisted in organizing the '' Newton Cotton Mills," and was elected President, which office he has held all the while.

When the dull year came on manufacturers of cotton the stockholders of the above mills became discouraged, and Mr. Williams, having confidence in the business, commenced to buy their stock, and to-day he is the sole owner and proprietor of the mills, and is adding more pindles and increasing the business.

He has manifested good judgment in the selection of his superintendent and hands, and the result has been that he is unable to supply the demand for his goods. He runs the factory day and night, and his efforts are being crowned with the very best results.

Mr. Williams is uniformly kind to his employees, and never forgets to do something for them at Christmas.

He has been a real benefactor to many poor people. Mr. Williams is kind and generous to a fault. He is one of that class of men who are friends in deed and in need, for when any one is in trouble he does not spend all his help in expressions of sympathy, but reaches into his pocket and gives a substantial expression of that feeling.

When a Lodge of the K. of H. was formed in Newton, he was elected Dictator. He has been repeatedly elected Alderman of the town, and in 1886-'87 was elected a Di- rector of the N. G. R. R.

Mr. Williams has never been a candidate for any office, but has always taken an active part in county politics, and has had a great deal to do with shaping the politics of Catawba county. He has attended nearly all the District and State Conventions as a delegate.

Here we have an example of a poor boy starting in 1869, without capital, now independent and making money very fast, and proving a blessing to his town and county, distributing his money with a liberal hand.

When the Methodist church in Newton was destroyed

18

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by a cyclone, Mr. Williams (although not a naember of that church) was among the first to propose a liberal subscription to aid in rebuilding the church, voluntarily offering to give all the hardware necessary. This is only one among many instances of his liberality. His libe- ralitv has all the while abounded.

ft/

M. 0. Sherrill.

Hoi^. S. B. ALEXANDEE,

OP MECKLENBURG COUNTY.

The subject of this sketch is one of the most distin- guished farmers that our State has ever produced.

His father was Dr. Moses Winslow Alexander, son of Dr. Jas. McKnitt Alexander and Dorey Winslow. Dr. J. McK. Alexander was son of Jno. McKnitt Alexander and Margaret Bain. Jno. Mac. was son of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt. James emigrated from Armaugh, Ireland. He went to Chester, Pa., thence to Maryland, where he died. He had twelve children ; only two came to North Carolina, Jno. McKnitt and Hezekiah, in 1742.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was Violet W. Graham, daughter of General Jos. Graham and Isa- bella Davidson, of Lincoln county.

S. B. Alexander was born December 8th, 1840, at Rose- dale farm, nine miles north of Charlotte. He was pre- pared for college by Capt. Silas Lindsley, at Rocky River Academy, Cabarrus county, and at the Wadesboro Insti- tute. He entered the University, July, 1856, graduated June, 1860. He was married to Miss Emma P. Nichol- son, of Halifax, June, 1872. They had six children. His wife died October 27th, 1880. He was married to Miss Louise Perry, of Franklin, September 16th, 1885.

He is by profession a farmer. He has been member of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 275

the Board of Agriculture, ex-officio Master of the State Grange, was Master of State Grange when Department was organized, 1877; resigned February, 1879.

He was elected State Senator, 1878, and served as chairman of Committee on Agriculture.

In 1882, he was again elected to the State Senate and re-elected in '84 and 'SQ, serving as chairman of the Finance Committee and in '84 he was also chairman of Committee, on Military Affairs.

He entered the army April, 1861, served as private in 1st Regiment, and from September 1st, to March 31st, 1862, in the 28th Regiment. He was elected Captain of Company "K," 42d Regiment. During the last six months of 1864, he was detached and served on the stafi' of Major- General Hoke as Inspector General ; served in Eastern North Carolina and Virginia. He surrendered with Johnston's army at Greensboro.

Rev. GEORGE W. SANDERLIN,

OF BESTON,

The Democratic candidate for State Auditor, was born of well-to-do parents in Camden county, North Carolina^ on the 22d day of February, 1843, and is therefore about 45 years of age. When five years old his parents moved to Elizabeth City, N, C, which place was his home up to the breaking out of the war. When fourteen years old he was sent to a preparatory school at Reynoldson, in Gates county, and at fifteen entered the freshman class at Wake Forest College, where he took high rank as a scholar. The war breaking out, he left school and en- tered the army, joining an infantry company from Gates county, of which he afterwards became Captain.

He fought in the battles of New Berne (where he was

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shot twice), Hanover C. H., Gaines' Mill, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, and all of the seven days' battles around Richmond, Cedar Run, 2d Bull Run and 2d Manassas, Ox Hill (or Chantilly), capture of Harper's Ferry, Sharps- burg, first and second Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Ohancellorsville (where he was within twenty steps of Stonewall Jackson when he fell), Gettysburg (^where he had three companies in the famous third day's charge with Pickett), and in all the subsequent battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia around Richmond and Petersburg, up to Appomattox Court-House. He was never taken prisoner, never in hospital but one day, never had but one furlough (and no fight occurred in his ;absence), and the history of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia was well-nigh his history throughout. He was shot a number of times, though never seriously wounded, and entering the army a private was seven times promo- ted, twice on the field of battle — at New Berne and Gettys- burg.

After the war he returned to his home at Elizabeth City, N. C. In the following fall he went to the South- ern Baptist Theological Seminary, then located at Green- ville, S. C, now at Louisville, Ky., where he graduated in ten of the eleven schools of that famous institution. Returning to his native State he was ordained to the ministry in the College Chapel at Wake Forest College in the spring of 1868.

In 1871 he received a call to the charge of the Frank- lin Square Baptist church of Baltimore, which call he accepted, filling the position shere six years. His health failing from overwork, he returned to his plantation in Wayue county, N. C, where he has been engaged exclu- sively in farming for the past twelve years. It is as a far- mer that Mr. Sanderlin has done some of his best work. In the introduction of new machinery, new crops, new meth- ods of cultivation, &c., &c., and, withal, making these known to his brother farmers by tongue and pen — by public addresses and written communications to agricul-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 277

tural journals and magazines, he has done a work inval- uable to the agricultural interests of the State. The news- papers of the State have often referred to him as the '' Father of Upland Rice Culture in North Carolina."

The above facts are quoted from the State Chronicle^ which further says of Mr. Sanderlin as an orator: " He has a charm, an ease, a grace of manner that wins any audience. He is a man of fine appearance, and will im- press any assembly with the fact that he is above the average." His recent nomination for State Auditor has given great satisfaction to the Democratic party.

Dr. p. L. murphy,

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE W. N. C. INSANE ASYLUM.

Dr. P. L. Murphy, the able and efficient Superinten- dent of the Insane Asylum, at Morgantou, N. C.,isin the prime of life, having been born in Sampson county on the 23d October, 1848. His father was Patrick Murphy, Esq., a lawyer and farmer, of Sampson county, of promi- nence in his day, and a man of the highest character and most sterlini^j integrity. His paternal grandfather was a native of the West coast of Scotland, from whence he immigrated to Wilmington, N. C, about the year 1767. It is said that the family name was changed just before leaving the old country, from MacMurdock to Murphy.

Dr. Murphy's maternal grandfather was Col. Wm. Fai- son, of Sampson county, who was a man of note in that section of North Carolina, and accumulated what was considered a large fortune in earlier years. The Faison family are descendants of the French Huguenots, and came to North Carolina from Hampton, Va., about 1750. For vigor of intellect, industry, perseverance and energy,

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they are noted wherever known, and for the strictest integrity they stand pre-eminent.

Dr. Murphy's mother died when he was quite young, and he was early throw^n on his own resources. He was first sent to school at Clinton, Sampson county, and from there went to a military school at Hillsboro, and then to Bingham School at Oaks, in Orange county. He was a student there when the school was removed to Mebane- ville, in 1865.

Leaving school in 1867, Dr. Murphy taught school in Sampj^on county and worked on his father's farm for a year or two, until he went to the University of Virginia, and afterwards graduated in Medicine at the University of Maryland, in March, 1871. After graduating he practiced medicine in Sampson county and Wilmington, N. C, until 1879.

In March, 1879, Dr. Murphy was elected Assistant Physician in the Western Lunatic Asylum at Staunton, Virginia. He remained there till March, 1882, when a change took place in the political rulers of Virginia, (an ami-Democratic party coming into power,) ai^d all the old officers of the Asylum were removed except Dr. Murphy and one other physician. Dr. Murph}^ feeling that his position was embarrassing to the party in power and to himself, resigned, after obtaining a good deal of experience in the treatment and management of the insane.

In December, 1882, Dr. Murphy was elected Superin- tendent, of the Western North Carolina Insane Asylum, at Morganton, N C, his experience in the Western Vir- ginia Asylum ^iviug him a great advantage over all competitors. His successful management of the Asylum at Morganton, shows that the Board of Directors did not make a mistake in the selection of Dr. Murphy as Super- intendent. Being of an amiable and kind disposition, he seems peculiarly fitted and qualified for the responsi- ble po.sition which he now holds, and the good he has

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 279

done to poor, unfortunate mankind, will be remembered while time lasts.

Dr. Murphy also holds the responsible position as a member of the Examining Board of the North Carolina State Medical Society, a place which is considered the highest honor to fill, and which he has done for a num- ber of years to the entire satisfaction of the Medical fra- ternity of the State.

In 1878, Dr. Murphy married Miss Bettie Bumgardner, of Augusta county, Virginia, a lady of rare accomplish- ments and well adapted by education and family train- ing as a help-meet to the responsible position which her husband occupies.

Dr. Murphy told the writer of this short sketch, that whatever measure of success he has attained in the world, is due to the early religious training of parents and the kindness of many friends.

Capt. armistead burwell,

OF CHARLOTTE,

Was born in Hillsboro, Orange county, on October 22d, 1 839, and is a son of the Rev. Robert Burwell, D. D., who was then the pastor of the Presbyterian church at that place. He entered Davidson College in 1856, and graduated in 1859 with first honor. He then engaged in teaching, and was so employed at Princeton, Arkansas, when, in the Spring of 1861, he enlisted in a cavalry company which afterwards became a part of the 3d Regi- ment, Arkansas Cavalry. He served with this command in Missouri and Arkansas, and afterwards in the cam- paigns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia till severely wounded on July 28th, 1864, at Atlanta. He was Adju- tant of his regiment, and in 1863 was commissioned as

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Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, and assigned to duty upon the staff of Brigadier General F. C. Arm- strong.

After the close of the war he resumed teaching at Charlotte, and while so engaged devoted himself to the study of law. He was licensed to practice upon exami- nation by the Supreme Court, and in 1869 began his career as a lawyer. He was elected to the State Senate in 1880, and since 1877 has been one of the Directors of the North Carolina Railroad Company, appointed by the Governor of the State.

Captain Burwell's professional career has been emi- nently successful. He practiced first in copartnership with Calvin E Greer, Esq., then with Ex-Governor Vance, till the latter was made Senator, and since that time with Piatt D. Walker, Esq., under the well known firm-name of Burwell & Walker, which has for several years been doing a commanding and lucrative practice.

Captain Burwell is of quiet and thoughtful demeanor, unostentatious in the court room and elsewhere, and is universally regarded as one of the ablest and best law- yers in the State.

His home life is beautiful. Mrs. Burwell, nee Miss Ella Jenkins, of Salisbury, is the charm of a large circle of acquaintances, while their pretty daughters Miss Bird and Miss Fannie, just budding into womanhood, and bright little Armistead, nine years old, the only son, render their hospitable home in Charlotte a place of exceeding interest and attractiveness.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 2&1

*NEEDHAM B. BROUGHTON, Esq.,

OF RALEIGH,

Was born near Auburn, Wake county, on the 14th of February, 1848 His father died before he was seven years of age, leaving the widowed mother to the care of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Soon after this the family moved to the city of Raleigh, where the}^ all struggled into womanhood and manhood and have maintained worthy and deserving characters. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of the city for five years, and in his thirteenth year entered the office of the Raleigh Register, John W. Syme, Esq., editor and proprietor, to learn the art of printing. He com- pleted his trade under John L. Pennington, Esq., editor and proprietor of the Daily Progress, about the close of the war in 1865. Just after the war, work being very slack in Raleigh, he went to Richmond, Virginia, and found employment for about six months on the Examiner. From this place he went to Washington City and obtained work on the Congressional Globe, staying here till the close of Congress in 1867. Leaving this city in the mouth of August he went to Baltimore, Philadelphia and then to New York City. Speaking of his first two weeks in the great metrof)olis, he says it was the sever- est trial of his life up to this time. For two weeks he searched in vain for work — his scanty means were exhausted, and just as hope had almost departed he obtained one day's work on the New Fork Wolrd, and then two weeks on the Herald, and for three months fol- lowing found constant engagement on the same great paper. He left that office to take a "sit" on the i^ura^ New Yorker, the great agricultural paper, which position he held until leaving New York City, in February, 1869, he returned to the city of Raleigh, being then just twenty-one years of age.

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In May, 1869, Mr. Broughton married Miss Caroline R. Lougee, daughter of Wm. J. Lougee, Esq., of the city of Raleigh. To this union have been given six children, five of whom are now living.

In 187i4, he united with Mr. C. B. Edwards in purcha- sing the job office outfit of the old Raleigh Standard and established a job printing office. The owner of the Standard outfit (the late Maj. Wm. A. Smith) not only sold to these young fellows on credit, but he so admired their spunk as to lend them one hundred dollars, saying that he would never foreclose on them while he found them with coats off, hard at work. The foreclosure was therefore never made, for up to the present time they have never violated that rule. They can still be found with coats off, hard at work. Thev are now at the head of one of the most complete and extensive printing and binding establishmeots in the South. Mr. Edwards is one of the finest printers and business men in the State, while Mr. Broughton combines the merits of a good printer, manager and solicitor.

The subject of this sketch is a striking example of a self-made man. From poverty he has come to a good position; from ignorance, to knowledge and culture; from insignificance, to a wide reputation. He is a man of integrity; his countenance is frank, his nature, sympa- thetic, his address, manly and easy, his conversation is interesting and winning. A friend to the poor and to those who are struggling for success in life.

Mr. Broughton has been a very prominent worker in the cause of temperance and has filled the highest office in the order of Good Templars, having been the Grand Chief Templar of North Carolina for five years.

The success of prohibition in and about Raleigh for two years was largely due to the efforts of Mr. Broughton.

He is a leading deacon in the Raleigh Baptist Taber- nacle, and is Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which is one of the largest in the State, and Secretary of the Baptist State Convention.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 283

For ten years or more he has been one of the School Comodittee of Raleigh township, and to him is largely due the present efficiency of the schools.

Mr. Broughton has never in any way aspired to politi- cal honors although often urged by party friends to do so. But in the recent Democratic Convention of the Fourth Congressional District, a large number of dele- gates came instructed for him without his knowledge or consent, and he objected to and prevented the presenta- tion of his name as a candidate.

Mr. Broughton is a man of literary attainments. He has been a frequent contributor to journals in our State. During his life he has often spoken in public, displaying vigor of thought and general information.

ROBERT M. GATES, Esq.^

OF CHARLOTTE,

Was born in Cleveland (then Lincoln) county, N. C, of Scotch-Irish parents — his father, James S. Gates being an Elder in the Long Creek Presbyterian church. He remained on his father's farm till he was 23 years of age. In 1853 he came to Charlotte and took a position as salesman in the grocery store of W. W. Elms. Going in 1854 to Texas, he remained only a year, when he returned to his native State and again located in Charlotte. He now entered the grocery and cotton business in partner- ship with Col. L. S. Williams, which was continued for some years.

In 1862 he entered the Confederate service where he remained till the close of the war, surrendering with Lee's army at Appomattox.

Returning to Charlotte he resumed his former busi- ness. In 'G9 he married Ella, daughter of the late John

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J. Blackwood, who was a successful business man and for many years cashier of the Bank of Charlotte.

In 1872, Mr. Gates retired from business — giving his time to rebuilding and improving the Central Hotel (owned by himself and Messrs. Wriston & Sanders) — making it the largest and handsomest hotel in the State. He served the city and county at various times as Alder- man and Commissioner, and has been continuously a Director in the 1st National Bank of Charlotte since 1866.

In 1880, he, in company with his nephews D. W., J. E. and J. M. Gates, erected the first cotton mill in Charlotte. He was made President of this successful corporation, and in January, 1888, another company was organized to build a large cotton mill — "The Victor," of which he is also President,

Mr. Gates has been eminently successful in all his business enterprises, being noted for his good judgment and practical common sense. He has a beautiful home in Charlotte, and a very interesting family, among them three daughters, nearly grown, who seem to have inherited the graces of the mother and the strength of character of the father.

Col. HAMILTON C. JONES,

OF CHARLOTTE,

Was born in 1837, in Salisbury. Son of the late Hamilton C. Jones and Eliza Henderson, daughter of Maj. Pleasant Henderson, of Chapel Hill. Entered the University at Chapel Hill in 1854, and graduated in class '58. He studied law at the University and procured license to practice in Spring of '59. Was nominated by Whigs of Rowan county for House of Commons in 1860^ but was defeated. Took part in the struggle in Presi-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 285

dential campaign of 1860 as an advocate of the Bell and Everett electors. At this time he was first Lieutenant of Rowan Rifle Guard and went with that organization to Smithville after the Forts were seized. Upon the organi- zation of the State troops, he was appointed by Governor Ellis, Captain of Company K of 5th Regiment of which the late Duncan K. McRae was Colonel, and served with this regiment until the battle of Williamsburg on 5th May, 1862, during which battle he was severely wounded. Before he was sufficiently recovered to resume active ser- vice, he was made Lieutenant Colonel of 57th N. C. Regi- ment. With this Regiment he joined the army of Northern Virginia in the Fall of same year. He participa- ted in the battle of Fredericksburg, the battle of Chan- cellorsville the May following, and in the Gettysburg campaign thereafter. On 7th November, 1863, he was captured, together with the greater part of Hoke's and Hayes' Louisiana Brigades, at the affair at Rappahannock railroad bridge. He was thereafter imprisoned at the old Capitol Prison in Washington and subseqiiiently at Johnson's Island in Lake Erie, until February, 1865, when he was sent South and specially exchanged in ad- vance of any general exchange. He took command of his regiment before Petersburg, its Colonel, General Archibald C. Godwin, having been in the meantime pro- moted to Brigadier General. A few weeks after his taking command of his regiment, occurred the battle of Hare's Hill before Petersburg, on the 25th March, which was really the commencement of the struggle that ter- minated in the fall of Richmond. In this battle in an asfeauit upon General Grant's works, Col. Jones was again wounded and disabled.

After the surrender Col. Jones settled at Salisbury, his native place, and resumed the practice of law, where he remained until August, 1867, when he removed to Char- lotte and formed a copartnership with General Robert D. Johnston for the practice of law — a copartnership which continued uninterruptedly for twenty years. Shortly

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after the forming of this copartnership, the firm of Jones & Johnston entered upon the publication of a daily newspaper, called The Charlotte News, which venture proving unsuccessful was abandoned after the lapse of a few months.

In the Fail of 1869, upon the death of the late Judge Osborne, then Senator from Mecklenburg, Colonel Jones was elected as a Democrat to fill out Judge Osborne's un- expired term, and he was re-elected in 1870 and was a member of the Senate during the memorable impeach- ment trial of W. W. Holden, which resulted in his con- viction and deposition from the office of Governor. At the close of this term. Colonel Jones retired from politi- cal life and has never since been a candidate before the people.

In 1885, he was appointed by President Cleveland United States District Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, which office he still holds.

Colonel Jones was married in 1873 to Miss Connie Myers, daughter of Colonel Wm, R. Myers, of Charlotte.

Besides his official duties as United States District Attorney, Colonel Jones continues to do a large practice in the State Courts, and in this practice has associated with him, under the firm name of Jones & Tillett, Mr. Chas. W. Tillett, a talented and promising young lawyer, late a resident of Rockingham, in Richmond county. Col. Jones was for many years prior to his appointment as United States District Attorney, Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Mecklenburg county, performing the duties of that position with entire accept- ability to all concerned except the Republicans.

He has always had a large and lucrative practice and great influence at the bar. He is very effective as an advocate and jury lawyer, and is noted for his great kindness and consideration for his professional brethren, especially the young men of the profession.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 287

Col. M. L. McCOHKLE,

OF NEWTON.

The subject of this sketch was born on Mountain Creek, Catawba county (then Lincohi), November 17th, 1817. His father was the son of Francis McCorkle, who fought gallantly at the battle of Ramsaur's Mill. His mother was Elizabeth M. Abernethy, daughter of J. D. Abernethy, of Lincoln county.

He attended the old field schools at intervals and entered Davidson College in 1838, but when half advan- ced in his junior year straitened circumstances com- pelled him to leave college. After teaching for one year he was enabled to re-enter college, and joining his old class, he graduated in 1843. He studied law under Chief Justice Pearson at Mocksville; obtained license to prac- tice in 1846. He settled in Newton, Catawba county. He was appointed by Hon. John M. Dick, Clerk of the Superior Court to fill an unexpired term, and was elected to that office in 1846 and held it until 1850.

In 1850, he was married to Miss J. M. A. Wilfong, only daughter of the late John Wilfong, of Hickory.

He volunteered in the late war, raised a company and was elected Captain. His company served in the 23d Regiment State Troops. Near the close of the war he was elected Colonel of the Reserves.

In 1864 he was elected to the State Senate and re-elected in 1866. He was elected to the State Constitutional Con- vention of 1875. Col. McCorkle practices in all the courts and has met with success. He is one of the best and purest of men. Though he is in his seventy-first year, he is yet vigorous, mentally and physically, and can handle the knottiest question of law or climb the tallest tree.

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Capt. MELVIL E. carter,

OF ASHEVILLE,

Is a descendant of the Virginia famil}^ of the same naoae; his ancestors came to North Carolina just at the close of the revolutionary war, in which they had taken part. One of his great-grandfathers served under Wash- ington and was in twenty-six battles.

The subject of this sketch was born in Madison county the 27th of February, 1843. He received his education at Stephen Lee's Classical and Mathematical School of Asheville, and at the University under Governor Swain. He studied law under the late Judge Bailey and was licensed to practice in the County Courts in January, 3867, and in the Superior Courts in 1869. He has con- tinued actively in the practice of his profession at Ashe- ville since obtaining his license.

In politics he has always been a Democrat. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1876 and re-elected in 1878 and in 1880. He served in the Legis- lature as Chairman of the Committee on Internal Im- provements; Chairman of the Committee on Elections, an active member of the committee to compromise and settle the State debt and other committees of importance. He took an active part in the legislation that led to the completion of the Western N. C. Railroad to his section of the State and aided in the passage of the bill to com- promise the State debt.

Mr. Carter served as Captain of Company A, of the 64th N. C. Regiment, in the late war. His regiment was captured at Cumberland Gap in 1863 and remained in prison until the war closed. However, Mr. Carter escaped with a few men when his regiment was captured. He raised another company, but was captured in Tennessee while in service under General J. C. Breckinridge and carried North by way of Nashville, Louisville and John-

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son's Island, and while in the passenger depot at Jersey City, with other prisoners, awaiting a train to carry them to Fort Delaware, like Hop O'my Thumb in the Fairy Tale, he stole the Giant's magic boots and again escaped and found his way to Washington, and there gathered valuable information for his cause which he succeeded in carrying through Grant's lines to Richmond, receiving the thanks of General Breckinridge.

After Mr. Carter's last term in the House of Repre- sentatives, his law practice increased so much that he was forced to retire from the political arena, and he now enjoys a very large practice. He is in love with his pro- fession and has no political aspirations. He belongs in the front rank as a lawyer, being both a good jurist and a good advocate. He is a man of pleasant address, socia- ble and affable in domestic life, of high moral character.

Mr. Carter married Miss Susie R. Rawls, daughter of Dr. B. F. Rawls, of South Carolina. They have six interesting children.

Hon. RICHARD HENRY BATTLE,

OF RALEIGH,

Was born in the town of Louisburg, December 3d, 1835. His parents were the late Hon. Wm. Horn Battle and Lucy Martin Battle {7iee Plummer).

He was educated in the village schools and at the State University at Chapel Hill. He graduated at the age of 18 in a class of sixty members, in June, 1854, with first honors. He was elected tutor in the University soon after graduation and taught successively Mathematics and Greek until his resignation in June, 1858. He studied law under his father while teaching in the Uni- versity and began the practice at Wadesboro in Decem- ber, 1858, and continued the practice there in partner- 19

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ship with the late Judge Alexander Little, until he entered the Confederate Army, early in 1862. In March, 1861, by appointment of Judge R. M. Saunders, he became Clerk and Master in Equity for Anson county.

He served as 1st Lieutenant of Company I, in the 43d Eegiment of N. C. Troops, during the campaign of 1862, and his health failing in September of that year, he accepted the unsought appointment of Private Secretary to Governor Z. B. Vance, and moved to Raleigh, where he has lived since.

In 1864, he was appointed State Auditor by Governor Vance to fill a vacancy caused by resignation of Hon. S. F. Phillips, and was afterwards elected by the Legisla- ture to that office, which he held until it was declared vacant by the Federal authorities in April, 1865.

As soon as the courts were open he began the practice of the law in partnership with Hon. S. F. Phillips, and afterwards upon the retirement of his father from the Supreme Court, he practiced with him and his brother Hon. Kemp P. Battle, in the firm name of W. H. Battle & Sons. His father and brother retiring from practice, he and S. F. Mordecai, Esq., have practiced law together, as Battle & Mordecai, since January, 1876. During all these years he has enjoyed a leading and lucrative prac- tice.

Mr. Battle has never sought office, but twice he was nominated, without his consent, by the Democratic County Conventions for Wake county for a seat in the Legislature, in 1872 for the House of Representatives, and in 1880 for the Senate, and in 1875 he was nominated almost unanimously for a seat in the Constitutional Con- vention of that year. He made vigorous campaigns and though defeated received more than the vote of his party in each of these contests. In 1877 he was appointed by Governor Vance a State Director for the 4th Congres- sional District of the Western North Carolina Railroad, upon its re-organization, and was continued as such by successive appointments until the sale of the road by the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 291

Legislature in 1881. He also served one year as au Alderntian of the city of Raleigh and his services have been in demand by one of its leading banks and by other business enterprises as Director. He has also by election of the Legislature, been a member of the Board of Trus- tees of the State University for many years.

Mr. Battle has been a faithful Democrat since the war, and from 1870 to 1888, he was a member of its State Central Committee, and during the campaigns of 1884 and 1886 he served acceptably as Chairman of the State Committee.

He has been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church since his early manhood and Senior Warden of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh, since its organi- zation in 1874. His services in the State Conventions of his Church were recognized by an election as Deputy to the General (triennial) Convention of the Episcopal Church in 1886.

Mr. Battle was married in November, 1860, to Annie RuflSn, second daughter of the late Hon. Thos. S. Ashe, a woman of rare endowments of mind and person, and who died in July, 1883. He has six living children, three sons and three daughters.

JOHN H. FERKEE, Esq.,

OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

John H. Ferree, Treasurer of Randleman Manufactur- ing Company, Randleman, N. C, was born near Morgan- ton, Burke county, in 1839.

His father, Rev. Joseph D. Ferree, a local preacher of the Methodist church, was for twelve years Clerk of the County and Superior Courts of Burke. Being a man of limited means, John H. only received such educational

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advantages as were ofifered by the schools of his com- munity.

In his early life he clerked in the store of W. C. Ervin, of Morganton. He was excused from field service in the Confederate army from physical disability, but was employed by the Government as clerk for two years.

He was for a short time after the surrender Clerk of the Court for Burke county, and also engaged in mer- chandising in Morganton under the firm name of Walton, Caldwell & Ferree. In 1866 he removed to Norfolk, Vir- ginia, and engaged in merchandising, where he remained for two years.

In 1868 he located in Randolph county, N. C, and became interested in manufacturing cotton, and has since been a prominent figure in all the manufacturing inter- ests of Randolph county.

In 1868, he and John B. Randleman bought the old Union Mills on Deep River, Randolph county, of George W. Swepson, and they were incorporated as the Randle- man Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Ferree has been its Treasurer since. They run five thousand spindles and two hundred and twenty-six Plaid looms.

In 1879 and '80, the Randleman Manufacturing Com- pany with several employees built the Naomi Falls Fac- tory, of which John H. Ferree was elected and is still President. He is also Treasurer of the Plaidvilie Manu- facturing Company, and a stockholder and Director in the Powhatan N. Y. Company, all of Randolph county.

These mills employ about seven hundred and fifty hands and support a population of two thousand people. Mr. Ferree was also interested and aided in building the Franklinsville Bag Mills, The Cedar Falls Manufacturing Company, Central Manufacturing Com- and the J. M. Worth Manufacturing Company.

He has also been a stockholder in Columbia Manufac- turing Company.

He is a stockholder and Director of the Greensboro Female College, a Trustee of Trinity College and a County Commissioner of Randolph county.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTB CAROLINIANS. 293

Mr. Ferree married the daughter of his partner, Mr. John B. Randleman, in 1873.

You will seldom find a more attractive and happy Christian home than that of John H. Ferree, where father, mother and children will dispense a liberal and genuine hospitality.

Mr. Randleman died in 1879, and Mr. Ferree has since most successfully conducted the large and constantly increasing interest of Randleman Manufacturing Com- pany.

It will be seen from this sketch that few men have done more to institute, promote and develop large inter- ests that contribute to the wealth and prosperity of North Carolina, than John H. Ferree.

You may trust John H. Ferree as a reliable friend and Christian gentleman. He has been a friend to many who called upon him when in need, and many hearts nov/ throb in grateful remembrance of kind acts bestowed by him. He is a Trustee of St. Paul's M. E. Church, South, at Randleman, and Superintendent of the Sunday school. He gives largely of his ample means to the sup- port of the Gospel and all benevolent causes. «

There have been no strikes at Randleman.

Capt. JOHN M. ODELL,

OP CONCORD,

Son of James and Anna Odell, was born eight miles north of Asheboro, in Randolph county, N. C , on the 20th day of January, 1831. He was reared on a farm and resided at his native home till 'Zl years old. During his boyhood days he attended the neighborhood schools with the exception of a short time when he was a student

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at Middleton Academy, in Randolph county. From the age of 21 to 24 he taught school. He then clerked in the store of the Cedar Falls Manufacturing Company for one year. The company was then changed to the Cedar Falls Company, Mr. Odell taking an interest therein, but was still retained as clerk in the store of the new com- pany till 1868, when he was elected agent for the same. In the fall of 1869 he resigned this position and moved to Concord, N. C, where he engaged in merchandising under the firm name of Odell, Curtis & Company, who did a very large and successful wholesale and retail busi- ness till 1874, when he sold all his interest in Concord and removed to Greensboro, N. C, where he continued in the wholesale and retail general merchandise business, under the firm name of Odell & Company, for some years.

He was one of the charter members of the National Bank of Greensboro, which was organized in 1876, when he was elected a Director in said Bank, which position he still retains.

In 1877 he bought the McDonald Cotton Mills in Con- cord, N. C, which was incor[)orated in 1878 as the Odell Manufacturing Company, with J. M. Odell, President. His home, however, was still in Greensboro till 1880, when he again moved to Concord and devoted most of his attention to the business of said Company.

In 1882, about one hundred thousand dollars was added to the capital stock of the Company; a new build- ing 72x131 feet, three stories high, was built near the old mills and filled with the latest and most improved ma- chinery. In 1886 the buildings were again enlarged and today they are among the largest Plaid Mills in the South, manufacturing not only plaids but also seamless bags, towels and cottonades.

Captain Odell is also President of the Durham Cotton Manufacturing Company, Durham, N. C, the J. M. Odell Manufacturing Company; Bynums, Chatham county, N. C, the Salisbury Cotton Mills, Salisbury, N. C, the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 295

Cannon Manufacturing Company, Concord, N. C, and also the Concord National Bank.

On March 9th, 1854, he was happily married to Miss Rebecca C. Kirkman, of Randolph county, who still lives • to enjoy with him the comforts and conveniences of their elegant mansion and grounds in Concord, N. C, together with such pleasures as their ample fortune can contribute to a Christian home.

John M. Odell entered the Confederate service in 1861 and was elected Captain of Company M, 22d N. C. In- fantry.

Capt. Odell's has been a life of remarkable success; his accumulations have been stead}' and large. He has always been a model of morality and integrity and is to day a fine type of the Southern Christian gentleman, having for many years been an officer in the M. E. Church, South. Though strict in all business transac- tions he is very liberal and his deeds of kindness and charity have been many and large.

As an organizer and manager of employees he has scarcely a superior. Gentle, kind, urbane, yet firm in his discipline.

No strikes, no friction, nothing has ever occurred to mar the peaceful and pleasant relations existing between employer and employees of the Odell Manufacturing Company.

Captain Odell has three children, two sons and one daughter. His oldest son, W. R. Odell, is Secretary and Treasurer of the Odell Manufacturing Company.

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Hon. AVALTEE LEAK STEELE,

%

OF ROCKINGHAM.

Walter Leak Steele was born at Steele's Mills, on Little River, Richmond county, on the 18th of April, 1823. After the death of his father, in 1838, his mother removed to Rockingham. Soon thereafter, he was sent to Boyd- ton, Virginia, and entered the preparatory school, under the charge of Rev. Solomon Lea In August, he joined the Freshman class of Randolph Macon College, but re- mained connected with the institution only a few months. Subsequently, he matriculated at Wake Forest College, and passed through the Freshman class. Then he went to school in Wadesboro to Rev. John Burke. In Janua- ry, 1840, entered the Freshman class of the University of North Carolina, and continued in the institute until September, when, on account of a seeming disagreement with the Faculty, he was pei^mitted to retire He returned in January, 1841, and after a hard struggle, succeeded in inducing the Faculty to believe that, if reinstated, he would demonstrate that he would "lead a new life" and avail himself of the advantages which he had neglected. Rev. Dr. Mitchell, then a Professor, did all he could to assist him, and thus gained his high admiration for the qualities of the Doctor's heart. He was obliged to go back one year, and was graduated in 1844. His grade was second, getting first on Mathematics and all other branches except the Languages. If he had been as lucky on the latter as on the former, his grade would have been number one In that class, amongst others, were William I. Battle, Robert H. Cowan, Rev. P. H. Dalton, L. C. Ed- wards, Alfred S. Foster, James H. Horner, Thomas Ruffin, Rev. S. A. Stanfield, Rev. Geo. B. Wetmoreand Col. E. C. Yellowley.

He was married on the 27th of June, 1844, to Harriet A. Crawford, the youngest daughter of Thomas Crawford,

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 297

of Paris, Tennessee. He commenced reading law, but did not get license until many years afterwards.

In 1846, after a hard struggle, he was elected a mem- ber of the House of Commons of the General Assembly, and was re-elected in 1848 and 1850. In 1852, he was chosen Senator from Richmond and Robeson, and at that session was chosen by the Legislature one of the Trustees of the University, a position which he has held ever since, except three or four years, when the institute was under the control of a political party. In 1854 he was again a Commoner. He was defeated in 1856 for the Senate, but elected in 1858. In 1861, he was the Secre- tary of the State Convention which passed the ordinance of separation, and remained in the session of that body until its final adjournment.

In 1854, he introduced the bill incorporating the Wil- mington, Charlotte & Rutherford Railroad Company. As introduced, the road extended only to Charlotte, but it was amended, on motion of Gen'l John Gray Bynum, so as to go to Rutherfordton. After the bill passed the House, it was taken to the Senate, and passed that body under the charge of the late Judge Thomas S. Ashe. At the first meeting of the stockholders, he was elected one of the Board of Directors, and continued to act as such until the property passed out of the hands of the original owners. This position he held during " the war between the States," and was in consequence exempted from mil- itary service. He offered to raise a company of Cavalry, but the offer was rejected by the Confederate authofities. He was ^'in service" a few months, in the regiment of State troops under command of Col. 0. G. Rand.

After the war he remained quietly at home until the passage of the Reconstruction Acts. These he opposed, on the hustings, as a flagrant violation of the Constitu- tion, and an outrage upon Republican institutions. He entertains the same opinions now, and no lawyer any- where differs from him.

In 1872, he was an Electoral candidate of the Demo-

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cratic party, and in 1876 was chosen a Representative in Congress from the 6th District, receiving nearly 7,000 majority. He was re-elected in 1878. Durins: the cam- paign of that year, he publicly announced that he should not seek the nomination again. In 1880 he was suc- ceeded by Hon. Clement Dowd, and has remained 'in private life ever since, and expects to continue it.

During his service in Congress, he was a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Revolutionary Pensions, the Public Lands and the Electoral Count. He made but few speeches on the floor, and published two which he did not make. One of them was upon the Silver ques- tion and the other upon the Tariff. The main speech which he did make was in vindication of the South against the aspersions of the Republican party, and which his friends thought was a creditable production. His reply to Mr. Frye, of Maine, — who interrupted him — being a quotation from Hamlet, effectually squelched that gentleman. From the Committee on Agriculture, he made a report on a bill offered by Mr. Sopp, of Iowa, which so harpooned the bill and its author that both were defeated, Mr. S. failing to get the nomination of his party.

After his retirement from Congress, he was elected President of the Pee Dee Manufacturing Company, a cor- poration in which he was a stockholder, and is now its President. The mill has done well, and neither that nor any other cotton mill in the South, needs any " protec- tion " either for its stockholders or its "laboring" men and women. He did not, while in Congress, spend all his own money and that which he could borrow, but brought back the njost of his salary, and invested it in cotton manufacturing and other property.

Gov. Scales nominated, and the Senate confirmed him, without his knowledge, a Director of the Penitentiary. He now holds that position and will probably hold it during the present administration. He will not again accept it.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 299

Plis wife having died in 1863, he was married the fol- lowing year to Mary J. Little, of Anson county. By his first wife he has five children, and by the present one six.

He still takes an active part in politics, though want- ing no office. Occasionally he writes for the press on economic and sporting questions. On the latter he has contributed largely to the Forest and Stream and the^mer- ican Field. Some of these articles, his friends have the kindness to say, are quite readable. He is fond of hunt- ing, and has the best collection of breech-loading shot guns in the State.

He has delivered addresses on commencement occa- sions at Mt. Pleasant, Greensboro, Randolph Macon and the University, as well as at various high schools. At the University, he delivered an address before the Alum- ni, and subsequently, on the failure of Mr. Watterson to appear, before the two Societies. A notice of the failure only reached him on Monday, and the address was deliv- ered on Wednesday of the same week. Whatever might have been the merits of the addresses, they seem to have met public expectation.

He is interested to quite an extent in manufacturing, and is a Director in another company besides the one of which he is President.

Hon. RUFUS YANCEY McADEN,

OF CHARLOTTE.

Was born in Caswell county March 4th, 1833. His father was Dr. Henry McAden, the son of Dr. John McAden, both eminent physicians in Caswell county.

Dr. John McAden was the son of the Rev. Hugh Mc- Aden, a Presbyterian Missionary, who came from Phila-

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delphia, Pennsylvania to Norlh Carolina before the Rev- olutionary war, preaching throughout the State of North Carolina and founding the churches of Sugar creek, in Mecklenburg county, Haw Fields, in Alamance county, and Red House, in Caswell, where he located and died. During the Revolutionary war, he took such a prominent part on the Whig, or American, side that the British, when they passed through the county, sought out his res- idence and burned it, together with all his outhouses, and destroyed all his stock.

The wife of Dr. John McAden was Betsey Murphey, sis- ter to Archibald D. Murphey, one of North Carolina's most distinguished citizens. The mother of R Y. Mc- Aden was Francis Yancey, who was the daughter of Bartlett Yancey and l)is wife Annie Graves.

R. Y. McAden was left an orphan when young, and was reared and educated chiefly by his grandmother, Mrs. Bartlett Yancey, then a widow. He graduated at Wake Forest College in 1853, read law with Judges Nash and Bailey, in Hillsboro, and settled first in his native county of Caswell.

In 1858, he married Mary F. Terry, daughter of Dr. B. F. Terry and his wife Lucy P. Terry, of Prince Edward county, Va.

In the year of 1859 he moved to the county of Ala- mance and settled in Graham, the county seat.

In 1860 he was the Whig candidate for the Legislature and was defeated by only thirteen votes, reducing the Democratic vote 300. He was a candidate for the State Convention in 1861, on what was known as "the Whig and Union side." He was elected b}^ an almost unani- mous vote. This Convention did not meet, as the people decided by their vote that it should not be called. He was elected to the Legislature in 1^62, and re-elected con- tinuously, and served, up to 1867.

In 1866, he was elected Speaker of the House of Rep- resentatives, defeating for that high office Col. R. H. Cowan, of Wilmington. He discharged the duties of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 301

that office, in those high party times, so as to receive the approbation of every member of the House, his decisions of parliamentary questions having never been appealed from.

Gov. Swain, the late President of the University of North Carolina, on visiting the House, said : " I have not seen such a Speaker since the days of Edward Stan- ley."

In 1867, whilst living in Graham, he was elected Pres- ident of the First National Bank of Charlotte, having ex- perience in such matters, by reason of having been before and during the war, President of a bank in Graham. He moved to Charlotte in October, 1867, and took charge of the bank to which he had been elected President. He then retired from the practice of law and active participa- tion in polities.

In 1868, he became associated with Col. A. S. Buford, in the construction of the Air Line Railroad from Char- lotte to Atlanta, Col. Buford being President and he Vice President. He was the originator of the present Spartanburg & Asheville Railroad Company, having or- ganized the company. It was chiefly by his energy, abil- ity, money and credit, that this important line of railroad was finally finished.

In 1881 he turned his attention to manufacturing, erecting in Gaston county one of the largest and best ap- pointed cotton factories in the State, giving employment to nearly five hundred hands.

He is at present President of the First National Bank, of Charlotte, President of the Spartanburg, Union and Columbia Railroad, the Asheville & Spartanburg Rail- road Company, the Falls of Neuse Manufacturing Com- pany and the McAden Cotton MiUs.

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JULIUS A. GRAY, Esq.,

OF GREENSBORO,

Was born in the county of Randolph, N. C, on the 6th of September, 1833. His father, General Alexander Gray, was a prominent citizen of, and represented that county in the Senate of North Carolina for many years and was in command of the North Carolina militia mus- tered into the United States service at Wadesboro during the war of 1812-'15. His mother, Sarah Harper, was a daughter of Jeduthun Harper, who attained to the rank of Colonel in the continental army during the revolu- tionary war, and was a near relative of Robert Goodloe Harper, of Baltimore.

After a preparatory course at. the "Greensboro High School" and under the Rev. Jesse Rankin, at Lexington, the subject of this sketch entered the Sophomore class at Davidson College, in 1850, and graduated in 1853. In 1855 he entered the Greensboro Branch of the Bank of Cape Fear as Teller and Book-keeper under that model gentleman and banker, Jesse H. Lindsay, to whose teach- ings and example Mr. Gray is more indebted than to an}'- thing else for whatever success he has attained. In the summer of 1858, Mr. Gray was elected Cashier of the Bank of Danville, Va., and in October of the same year married Miss Emma, youngest daughter of Governor John M. Morehead. In the Fall of 1860, he resigned his oflBce in Danville on account of failing health and spent the following winter in Florida. Returning in the spring of 1861, with improved health, he took charge of the management of Governor Morehead's cotton mills at Leaksville and subequently received an appointment under the Treasury Department of the Confederate States Government, which position he held until the close of the war. His only brother, Robert H. Gray, entered the military service as Captain in the 22d Regiment, of

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 303

which J. Johnston Pettigrew was Colonel; was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of this regiment and died in camp near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1863. After the close of the war Mr. Gray's father and brother having died during the war, and his two brothers-in-law soon after, he devoted himself to settling their estates, gathering up the fragments and making provision for their families.

In 1869, the Bank of Greensboro was established under a State charter with Jesse H. Lindsay as President and Mr. Gray as Cashier. In 1876 this institution was con- verted into the "National Bank of Greensboro," with the same President and Cashier. Mr. Gray continued in this position until 1881, when he resigned in order to devote his entire time and energies to the Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley Railway, of which he had been elected President in April, 1879. He had served for a short time as Direc- tor in the Chatham (Raleigh & Augusta) road, also in the Atlantic & North Carolina, and during Gov. Vance's last term, he was under his appointment, a Director in the North Carolina Railroad. So that when he was elected President of the Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley Railwa}^ he was practically without knowledge or expe- rience in the construction or management of such an enterprise.

The place was tendered him without solicitation or suggestion on his part and it is very gratifying to him that his re election at each recurring annual meeting since, has been unanimous. When he entered upon the duties of President the road extended from Fayetteville to Gulf, in Chatham county, 42 miles. It had been involved in long and expensive litigation growing out of the mis-management of those into whose hands it had fallen during the days of Radical supremacy in North Carolina ; was incumbered with a heavy debt and with- out means for its extension or even for much needed repairs and equipment. The State owned 11-14 (eleven fourteenths) of the stock and had placed a small force of convicts at work grading for the proposed extension west

304 SKETCHES OF

of Gulf, for which she was to be paid in the first mort- gage bonds of the company.

This convict force was increased from time to time and the grading progressed satisfactorily, but the com- pany was without means or credit to purchase rails and cross-ties. In order to reduce the cost of construction it had been determined to make it a narrow-guage road, a mortgage of $4,000 per mile was placed upon it and every effort made to sell the bonds both in this country and Europe without success.

Mr. Gray found that there were two great obstacles which must be removed before any substantial progress could be made towards building the road. One was the State's control. Capitalists could not be induced to invest their money in an enterprise subject to political changes and partisan management. The other was that the scheme itself did not have sufficient merit in it, in the eyes of foreigners (people outside of North Carolina) to justify the expectation that it would be carried through successfully or be self-sustaining after completion. Mr. Gray went to work to remove these obstructions and suc- ceeded in organizing a syndicate of native North Caro- linians of wealth and character, most of whom lived along the projected line of road and had a personal interest in securing its completion, from the ocean to the mountains, as well as personal pride in the development of their State. He then presented his scheme to the General Assembly and secured such legislation as was necessary to enable this syndicate to purchase the State's interest in the road, together with a grant of convict labor upon such terms and conditions as would insure its completion.

This Act of Assembly was passed in February, 1883, and from it may properly be dated the birth of this great North Carolina enterprise, for all previous efforts to build it had proved abortive and then, for the first time in its history, was there a well founded assurance that it would be successfully carried out. Since then it has been com-

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 305

pleted to Mt. Airy in the west and to Bennettsville on the south, a branch built to the Deep River factories in Randolph and another to Madison, in Rockingham county. Altogether, 245 miles of road fully equipped and in successful operation. The extension from Fay- etteville to Wilmington — 80 miles, is now under contract to be completed next year and the surveys are being made for an extension west from Mt. Airy to connect with the great Norfolk & Western Railroad system lead- ing out to the great valley of the Mississippi.

In addition to the office of President of the Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley Railway, Mr. Gray is Vice-President and General Manager of the North State Improvement Company, under which the Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley Railroad is being built, President of the National Bank of Greensboro, to which he was elected in January, 1887, upon the death of Mr. Jesse H. Lindsay, and President of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

He is also a stockholder and managing Director of the Greensboro Female College.

He has never held or sought any political office, but is an ardent Democrat and tries to do his full duty in up- holding the principles and promoting the success of the party at all times. His wife is living, fair, fat and fifty; and rejoices in the maternity of two sons and four daugh- ters— two of the latter married and living near her. Mr. Gray owns and occupies the old homestead of the More- head family in Greensboro erected by Gov. Morehead upon his retiring from the gubernatorial chair in 1844, and still bearing the name bestowed upon it, " Bland- wood," and still maintaining to the best of his ability something of its ancient prestige for hospitality and good cheer.

20

306 SKETCHES OF

HUGH M. HOUSTON, Esq.,

OF MONROE.

Hugh McCombs Houston, son of John Houston and his wife Elizabeth {nee Potts) was born April 13th, 1817, in Mecklenburg (now Union) county, near what is now Stout's Station on the Carolina Central Railroad, the post oflSce being at that time Oakville.

He was raised on the farm, assisting in making the crops in the spring and summer, and attending the old •field schools in the fall and winter. At the age of 20 he took a situation as clerk in the store of Hugh and Eli Stew- art, at a place on the Lawyer's road known then and now as Coburn's store, then the great thoroughfare between 'Cheraw and Charlotte. At the end of two years, young Houston having given evidences of the high business qualities which have rendered his career so successful, his employers set him up in business at the Davis Mine as a partner with themselves, but having entire control. In the course of a few years Mr. Houston bought out his partners and removed the business to Fullword's Store. While here Union county was formed, this place falling on the Union side of the line. In 1840 he married Mar- garet, daughter of Col. Solomon Reid.

In 1846 Mr. Houston moved to Monroe, where he has resided ever since.

While at Fullword, Mr. Houston had as partner the late Robt. Grier, and since his removal to Monroe, has bad as partner at different times, E. C. Grier, David A. Covington and John D. Stewart.

Soon after the formation of the new county, Mr. Houston was appointed Superior Court Clerk by Judge Manly, and after holding that oflSce for some time was elected County Treasurer and continued to hold that office for a number of years. As the war approached Mr. Houston being a strong Whig and Union man, was

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 307

elected by a large majority to the Convention, which was not held and also to the Convention which was held and which passed the ordinance of secession, May 20th, 1861. Doing a small mercantile business during the war his usual sagacity induced him to put his surplus in cotton at interior points, a large portion of which however the Union soldiers destroyed by fire during the closing^ scenes of the struggle or rather during the lawless period immediately following the surrender.

After the close of the war he resumed the mercantile business in copartnership with his son, R. V. Houston and his son-in-law, W. H. Fitzgerald, under the firm name of Houston & Company, and continued thus en- gaged till elected President of the Bank of Monroe, in 1873, which office he still continues to hold. He held the posi- tion of Director of the Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherford Railroad Company, by election of the people of Union county, till the road was sold and was after- wards repeatedly elected by the new stockholders — the purchasers.

Mr. Houston has traveled considerably over the South- ern States and just before the war owned a plantation and negroes in Georgia. He has been eminently suc- cessful in all his business enterprises and without being avaricious or over anxious to get rich or engaging in speculation or descending to the miner arts and tricks in trade has accumulated a handsome fortune. He has always been liberal and charitable, giving freely to schools and churches.

Being a man of the highest integrity and of superior judgment in business affairs, he commands the respect of all who know him, while his amiability of disposition and kindness of heart endear him to a large circle of admiring friends.

308 SKETCHES OF

DAVID F. CALDWELL, Esq.,

OF GREENSBORO.

David Franklin Caldwell, son of Thomas and Eliza- beth Caldwell, was born one mile west of Greensboro, in Guilford county, November 5th, 1814. His father was the first Clerk of the Superior Court of that county and was appointed by Judge Duncan Cameron, at Martins- ville, in 1806 or 1807, and continued to fill that oflQcefor more than 50 years.

In 1808 the county seat was moved to Greensboro, and in laying off that town, Thos. Caldwell became the pur- chaser of a lot and soon afterwards erected thereon one of the first dwellings — certainly the first brick dwelling of the present city of Greensboro. Thos. Caldwell and family moved into this house in 1815 and the subject of this sketch has continued to reside therein ever since.

Young Caldwell was sent to the village school till his health failed and he was then placed in a coach-shop to harden his muscles and toughen his lungs by familiarity with drawing-knives and whip saws. After spending some three years in this health inspiring diversion, his physical condition was so much improved that after a year spent in traveling and visiting the Virginia Springs, he returned to join his brothers in the mercantile busi- ness in which he continued for 17 years. He first took an active part in politics in the Log Cabin campaign of 1840 and gave his first vote for "Tippecanoe and Tyler too."

In 1846, it appeared by the message of Gov. Graham to the Legislature, that some $50,000 of deficiency in the treasury existed and to meet that a new assessment was recommended with a view to increased rates of taxation. Up to this time land was almost the only subject of taxa- tion, the Governor in this message recommending the

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 309

taxing of collateral descents also. Mr. Caldwell per- ceiving the inequality and gross injustice of an exclusive land tax, immediately took a stand for taxing money, solvent credits, licenses and various species of personal property. This was such an innovation and struck so directly at the richer classes, that a tremendous furor was raised about his head. He prevailed upon a young lawyer to take the stump for the Legislature in favor of this new scheme of taxation, but the storm was so great, the gibes, witticisms and ridicule of the other six or seven candidates came so thick and heavy that the young man's heart failed him and he retired after the first encounter. Nothing daunted, the substitute having failed the principal marched bondly to the front. Mr. Caldwell took the field and at the speaking the first day he met his opponents, he showed such pluck, displayed such familiarity with the whole question of finance and taxation, giving such unanswerable facts and figures that at the close of his speech, though by far the youngest of the candidates, the entire audience rose to their feet and gave three rousing cheers for "plucky Frank Caldwell." He was not only elected, but lead the ticket by about two to one and received every vote cast in the county except 120. In the Legislature, Mr. Caldwell not only succeeded in having his favorite measure passed against stubborn and powerful opposition but also took a leading part in passing acts chartering the North Carolina Railroad Company, relaying with T iron the Raleigh & Gaston, and Wilmington & Weldon Railroads, improving the navigation of Deep River, chartering a plank road from Fayetteville to Salem, and a Turn Pike from Salisbury via Murphy to the State line, and one from Greensboro to Mt. Airy. Mr. Caldwell was triumphantly returned to the Legislature while his two colleagues who voted against these important measures were defeated. Subse- quently he took a leading part in the memorable strug- gle for passing and securing the charter of the Charlotte

310 SKETCHES OF

& Danville road, the bill being passed in the absence of one deceased and one or two sick members, by the cast- ing votes of Calvin Graves, the Speaker. But a million dollars had to be raised to secure the charter, and Mr. Caldwell and the late Hon. John A. Gilmer, made that notable campaign in Guilford and adjoining counties which resulted in securing $850,000 of the required mil- lion. Governor Morehead who is generally credited with the success of this measure, was nevertheless incredulous till he saw the results of the herculean efforts of Cald- well and Gilmer, which first seemed to inspire him with hope and led him to exclaim to Lyndon Swain, then editor of the Patriot, "By George, I believe the boys are going to succeed and we must turn out and help them."

It may be truthfully said that no one, not even Gover- nor Morehead, did more hard and effective work in origi- nating the project, securing the charter, raising the means and actually building the North Carolina Railroad than D. Frank Caldwell.

In the Legislature of 1856-57, Mr. Caldwell having taken strong ground against re-chartering the old State Bank and the Cape Fear Bank, was made chairman of the Committee on Banks and Corporations, and reported adversely not only the bills above referred to but a num- ber of other bills chartering State Banks, such as those which the results of the war a few years later showed to have been weak and worthless concerns.

Meantime, Mr. Caldwell having studied law and obtained license to practice, had formed a partnership with the late James A. Long, and the firm was doing a thriving business when the war broke out. Near the close of the war Mr. Caldwell was summoned on duty among the senior reserves and promptly responded although lacking but two months of being 50 years of age — the limit of liability. He was made Captain of his company and on the formation of a regiment was the general favorite for Colonel, but was defeated by a method

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 311

and for a purpose, as he thought, which did him such gross injustice and so incensed his feelings and those of his friends that he again offered as a candidate for the Legislature and was triumphantly elected after a fierce and bitter contest. He was soon afterwards elected prosecuting attorney for the county and continued to hold that office by re-election till ousted by command of General D. E. Sickles, with headquarters in Charleston, S. C. He was elected to the Reconstruction Convention together with Hon. Robt. P. Dick and Jonathan Harris, and was subsequently nominated for Congress in opposi- tion to the reconstruction measures, but was opposed by all manner of foul and dastardly means — crowds of whites and negroes breaking up the meetings at which he was to speak by howling and shouting and threatening violence, at other times barring the doors of court houses where he was to speak, by threats to take his life openly and secretly, etc., and of course he was defeated. Next he was elected with Dr. Nereus Mendenhall to the State Convention which, however, failed to be called by the popular vote, taken at the time of the election of delegates. In 1879 Mr. Caldwell was elected to repre- sent the counties of Alamance and Guilford in the State Senate, in which body he was appointed on a special com- mittfee with Giles Mebaue and others to compromise the State debt, a most difficult and important task which was accomplished in the face of strong opposition, to the general satisfaction of the people of the State. In this Legislature Mr. Caldwell advocated other important works of internal improvement the success of which in subsequent years is further proof of his great sagacity and patriotism.

Although often before the people in heated contests in times of peace and of war, Mr. Caldwell was never defeated except in the forlorn race for Congress above referred to.

He was always a leader in thought and in action, bold

312 STKECHES OF

in speech as well as in deed ; a man of strong convictions, he was always positive, aggressive, never in doubt after his mind was once made up, as to the justice or ultimate success of the measures he advocated. It is regretted that the scope of this work does not admit of a more extended and detailed account of his most interesting career.

SAMUEL H. WILEY, Esq.,

OF SALISBURY.

The subject of this sketch was born in Guilford county, in 1827. His father was a farmer of moderate estate and of Scottish descent; his mother, Nancy Millis, was of French descent, her parents being of a family of exiled Huguenots of France. His father died at the age of 77, his mother at the age of 85.

Mr. Wiley received his education at the classical school of E. W. Caruthers and at the Caldwell Institute, then one of the best schools in the State. Julius A. Gray and Governor Scales were among the students.

Mr. Wiley taught school at intervals and thereby secured the means of paying for his education. He received a classical education and the degree of A. M. was conferred on him by the State University.

He studied Engineering under Gen. J. F. Gilmer, and was for a. while thereafter U. S. Surveyor of public lands in the west.

He was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the Western District of North Carolina, in 1865, and held that office until 1872.

He has been for a long time a Director of the Western North Carolina and the North Carolina Railroads. He is Treasurer and a Trustee of Davidson College.

PROMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 813

In 1882, he formed a partnership with 0. D. Davis and established the banking house of Davis & Wiley, which ranks with the best banks in the State and has done a very successful business. Mr. O. D. Davis is Cashier, a man of high character and fine business talent.

Mr. Wiley is Vice-President of the Salisbury Cotton Mills and a Director of the Salisbury Waterworks. He has been largely interested in the Cranbury Iron Works and is now interested in the Ore Hill Mining property of Chatham county and in various other enterprises.

He has been very successful in business and is one of the richest men of his section.

He was married to Miss Mariam C. Murdock, July 4th, 1861.

Mr. Wiley has travelled a great deal. On one occasion he went around the Mediterranean sea and he has travelled in all parts of the United States.

His home is one of the handsomest places in Salisbury. His house is a large brick structure and his yard and gardens are beautified with flowers and schrubbery.

Hon. JAMES MADISON LEACH,

OF LEXINGTON.

J. M. Leach was born at Lansdowne, the family home- stead, in Randolph county, one mile from Trinity Col- lege, (his father's land once running into Trinity.) His father, William Leach, Esq., was the most prominent man of the neighborhood, and for many years an influ- ential magistrate and settler of disputes in the country around; his mother was Nancy Leach nee Brown, the daughter of John Brown, a revolutionary Whig who fought at the battles of Camden and the Cowpens, (where he was wounded) and at King's Mountain — she was a woman of much vigor of mind.

Mr. Leach, as well as his brothers and sisters, received

314 SEKTCHKS OF

a good classical and mathematical education; studied law with his distinguished brother, 1. E. Leach, who soon after died, (but not till he had attained great success) — settled in Lexington and had a large practice for more than 30 years.

Mr. J. M. Leach was elected to the lower branch of the Legislature in 1848, soon after his marriage, and re-elected and served continuously for 10 years.

In 1856, he was a Fillmore elector from h\f^ district.

In 1858, he was nominated for Congress as a Whig against Hon. A. M. Scales, then in Congress and now Governor, and in a Democratic district, and was elected by a large ma- jority. He opposed secession and voted and spoke against it — having made in that Congress, the 36th, an elaborate speech for the Union and its perpetuity. He was a can- didate for re-election and was stumping the district in the mountains, when he heard of Lincoln's demand for State troops — he went home, raised a company of 101 chosen men, was elected its Captain and when the regi- ment was formed was elected Lieutenant Colonel — was in the Bull Run and first Manassas battles. The next year he resigned, returned home and was elected to the Confederate Congress.

In the Legislature of '65, '6Q, '67 and '68, he was a member of the Senate, serving on the Judiciary and Internal Improvement committees — was as he had been in the years before, a warm friend of Internal Improve- ments, and common schools and the State University and colleges.

In 1871, he was again elected to Congress, this time over General VV. L. Scott, and served the term of two years.

In 1873, he was re-elected to Congress after a warm contest with Judge Settle.

At the expiration of his term he wrote a circular letter to his constituents declining further honors at their hands.

In 1879-'80, he was again elected to the State Senate

PKOMINENT LIVING NORTH CAROLINIANS. 315

and was made Chairman of the Committee on Internal Improvements. He was very active in his position as chairman of Internal Improvements in aiding Dr. Worth, (Worth being the great and manly leader) in settling and adjusting the State debt. He was chairman of the com- mittee of 24, in the called session of the Legislature in the sale of the Western North Carolina Railroad, to Best and his assignees — the Richmond & Danville Road becoming the purchasers, which contract has been met and carried over by the indomitable energy of Colonel Andrews, a man of great administrative ability.

In 1876, he was elector for the State at large on the Tilden ticket and stumped most of the counties of the State, and spoke in 10 counties in South Carolina in behalf of General (now Senator Hampton) for Governor, and he was President of the college again. In 1880 he was elector for the State at large on the Hancock ticket for the Presidency, and also President of the college.

He has had a large and lucrative practice at the law for 35 years and is still at the bar. He lost his large property by the result of the war and by very large security, but has still a competency. He has but one child living, Colonel J. M. Leach, Jr., who is a lawyer by profession, but temporarily out of the State — a graduate of our University with high distinction — a man of fine talents.

The subject of this sketch is perhaps as well known to the people of North Carolina as any other of her promi- nent men. As a campaign orator he ranks with the foremost that our State has produced. He can speak two or three hours without hesitating for a word, and keep his audience in an uproar of laughte'r with his wit and humor and fine mimicry. He "knows all qualities, with a learned spirit of human dealings" and is skilled in the art of converting men to his party.

In his public career of 26 years he was never defeated for office and was never worsted in a public political dis- cussion. He is a very able legal advocate.

INDEX.

PAGE.

Abernethy, R. L 207

Adams, H. B 68

Alexander, S. B 274

Andrews, A. B 239

Armfield, R. F 104

Ashe, S. A 174

Avery, A. C... 105

Bain, D. W 83

Bailey, W.H.... 137

vBarringer, R 222

Barnes, D. A 129

Battle, Richai'd H 289

Battle, K. P 205

Bennett, R. T.. 49

Birdsong, J. C 83

Blackwell, W. T 250

Bonitz, J. A 178

Boykin, E. T 125

Brenizer, A. G 269

Bridgers, R. R 228

Brown, J. L „ 268

i^Brogden,C. H 39

Broughton, N. B 281

Bruner, J.J 165

Busbee, F. H 118

Bunn, B. H.. 79

Burkhead, L. S 196

Burwell , Armistead 279

Burwell, J. B 212

u- Buxton, R. P 126

^^Bynum, W. P 97

Caldwell, W. P 144

Caldwell, David F 308

Caldwell, J. P 177

Carter, Melvil E 288

Carr, J. S 231

Clapp, J. C 203

Clark, Walter 122

Cobb, T. H 150

Covington, D. A 59

Cowles, W. H. H 44

Cox, W. R 48

Craige, Kerr 131

318 INDEX.

PAGE

Daniels, Josephus 189

Davidson, Theo. F 134

Davidson, A. B 265

*^Dick, R. P 109

w^Dockery , O. H 56

Dortch, W. T 120

Drake, E. B 186

i^Faircloth, W. T 135

Ferree, John H 291

Fries, H. W... 254

Finger, S. M 213

Fowle, D. G 35

Gaither , B. S 40

Gilmer, J. A 116

Gray, Julius A 302

Green, W. J 49

Grissom, Eugene .* 153

Haywood, E. B 155

Hall, J. G 263

Harris, J. H _ 70

Howard, Geo 130

Henderson, J. S 43

-Hill, T. N 138

Hobgood, F. P 214

Holt, T. M. 253

Holmes, M. L 258

Hoke. J. F 142

Houston , Hugh M 306

Jarvis, T. J 21

Johnston, T. D 50

w<Johnston, Wm 245

Jones, Hamilton C 284

Kenan, T. S 140

Kingsbury, T. B 171

Latham, L. C 53

Leach, James M 313

Leazar, A 57

Long, B. F. 151

Lyman, T. B 190

Malone, W. H 147

Manning. John 138

McAden, Rufus Y 299

319

INDEX.

PAGE. __ 54

^^cCorkle, M. L _ fj^

McKinnon,L ^^^

.. 88

.... 191

MacRae, J. C.

Merritt, A. tL----" Merrimon, A. b ---

ivieri iLuwx, -^^. - ^.

Miller, A. W--- -— ; ij|

Montgomery, W. J i*^

Moreliead, J. i ^^^

61

Mott, J. J---

J^ui-phy' P- ^ 145

Nash,H. K - - :::::/J^^--'" ^^

Kichols, John ^^^

Gates, Robert M v.:"^::-y^"-"- ^f^

Odell,JohnM 55

O'Hara, J. E --- 63

Overman, L. c> ^^

u^earson, Richmond :;'.'.:'.--"--------- -,07

Pemberton, S. J.- --- ^^*

Peschau, F. W. E. 187

Polk, L. L

Price, J. C

Price, Chas..--- • Pritchard, T. H...

187 210 140 201

5 216

Ransom, M.W. _..

Ransom, Robert _ «-

l^-^Reade, E. G - -" ^'

64 32

Reid, D. S

Robins, M. S--'"" "' IQ0

Robbins, W M 193

Robey,W.M. ■; 80

Roberts, W.P 6d

Rose, G.M. --- — - - II

Rowland, Alfred 194

Rumple, Jethro y_-/_ 1^^

Russell, D. L ^^^

sanderiin, G w :::::::::''--"--------'- tl

Saunders, Wm. L -^

Scales. A.M..-- -//_ 100

Schenck. David 108

shipp, w. M :::::::::::: g

Simmons, F. M -^J

Skinner, T.G - 86

Smith, W.N.H..

86

^^^ INDEX.

o •., ^ PAGE.

Smith, J. H. .

Steele, Walter L 199

Stedman, Chas. M. 296

-_-.* .,_.. 33

Tate, S. McD. .

Tucker, R. S. 260

255

Vance, R. B. .

Vance, Z. B. 225

7

Waddell, A. M.

Warren, C. F.. 27

Warinff, R. p. 69

Webb, J. L. 73

Webster, J. R.. 66

Wiley, Samuel H 62

Wittkowskv, Samuel ^^2

WilKams, W. H. 235

Wilson, T. J.... - 272

Worthington, D. .""/"."."."l.""' ^^^

Yates, W, J. .

169

LBJa'26 K

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