Collection of American ^Literature
3BcqucaIbr6 to
Cfje ILibvavp of ttjc Bnibersitp of
i^ortfj Carolina
'He gave back as rain that which he
received as mist"
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00032761039
This book must not
be taken from the
Library building.
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4
J
JOHN M. MORKHEAD,
INTKRNAI. IMPROVEMKNT GOVERNOR OF NORTH OROLINA.
THE
IISTORY OF GUILFORD COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA.
sallif: w. s'iy)ckari),
A. n. (IS'JT, C^uilford College), A. H. (18'W, University of Noitli
CaroliiKi), A. M. (l«JXt, University of North Carolina.)
'O WDUlil that my oncmy ml^tit write a book." -Job.
Knoxvillx, Tknn.:
Co., I'kimteks and Book Binhehs.
1110 2.
To
Col. James Turner Morehead,
Dr. and Mrs. Charles D. Alclver,
Col. and Mrs. W. H. Osborn.
Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Lyndon Hobbs,
Mr. and Mrs. J. Wyatt Armfield,
Major and Mrs. Joseph M. Morehead,
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred ^loore Scales,
Mrs McAdoo-King and her children,
Prof. P. P. Claxton and P<-of. J. Y. Joyner.
To
Guilford County, her historic lore,
her glorious past, and her
wealth of promise for the future.
Copyright, 1902,
by
SALLIE W. STOCKARU.
"Rejoice wc arc allied
To That wliich doth provide
And not partake, effect and not receive!
A spark disturbs our clod ;
Nearer we hold of God
Who gives, than of His tribe that takes, I must believe.
Tlien, welcome each rebuff
That turns earth's smoothness rough.
Each sting that bids not sit nor stand, but go !
Be our joys three parts pain!
Strive, and hold cheap the strain ;
Learn, nor account the pang; dare, never grudge the throe.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
C?IAPTER I. Guilford County, Its Establishment ii
CHAPTER II. The Slttlement 13
CHAPTER III. Prerevolutionary Land Grants 20
CHAPTER IV. The Part of Guilford in the Revolution. 24
CHAPTER V. "^Iinute Packet," i782-'S8 33
CHAPTER VI. Notes from the Minute Docket, 1796-1811 40
CHAPTER VII. The Slavery Question 46
CHAPTER VIII. The Part of Guilford in the Civil War. . . 52
CHAPTER IX. Industrial Development 55
CHAPTER X. History of Education in Guilford 7-7
CHAPTER XL History of Religion in Guilford 114
CP[APTER XII. The Towns of Guiliord and History of
Families 132
PREFACE.
Histon- relates the rise and progress of the human spirit.
History is the story of what has been done. It shows the free play
of reason, and is mind objectified into strenuous, potential, fruitful
activity.
Guilford County is the heart of Piedmont North Carolina.
Once it was the hunting-ground over which the Catawba Indian
chased the buffalo and built his wigwam fires by the many whis-
pering streams. By right of discovery the Spanish claimed pos-
session until England assumed her place as mistress of the seas.
In 1776 the British Colonies of America declared their power of
self-government. Old Mecklenburg of North Carolina was the
first to raise the flag of Independence. In 1861 North Carolina
withdrew from the United States to become one of the Confederate
States of America, and the star of destiny shone red above her.
In five years the Old North State was again admitted into the
I'nion. In the galaxy of nations the United States of America
takes her place as the honored of all the world.
Guilford County is midway between the mountains and the
sea. Greensboro, the County seat, is a city of twenty-two thou-
sand inhabitants, situated a thousand feet above sea level, midway
in the state from Raleigh and Charlotte, Asheville and Wilming-
ton. High Point is twelve miles south of Greensboro.
Guilford is the typical Piedmont region. From her broad-
backed ridges many creeks and rivers rise. Near the swell of
land. C)ak Ridge, two of the largest rivers of the state have their
origin. Here the upper waters of the Dan of the Roanoke, and
6 PREFACE.
of Deep River and Haw River of the Cape Fear, almost inter-
mingle in the loving gambols of childlike springs. The Great
Alamance, the Little Alamance and the Stinking Quarter Creeks
also have their source in this County. These waters turn more
cotton-mill wheels than any other in North Carolina.
Guilford County has an almost uniform soil and forest
growth'. Oak, hickory, walnut, persimmon and maple abound.
The soil of the wide ridges is of yellow, sandy, gravelly loam
underlaid by a yellow and red clay.
The southern part of the County belongs to the cotton zone ;
the western part to the tobacco zone. Guilford is the wheat-
growing and fruit-raising County of the State. Before the War
mining was carried on profitably. Gold and copper are found on
the south side of the Southern Railway, which bisects the County,
and iron on the north side.
Guilford County is rectangular, 28 miles east and west, 24
miles north and south. There are eighteen townships, namely:
Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Center Grove, Monroe, Madison, Wash-
ington, Deep River, Friendship, Morehead, Gilmer, Jefferson,
Rock Creek, High Point, Jamestown, Sumner, Fentress, Clay
and Green.
In regard to the people of this County succeeding chapters
will show. How really to know them is by experience. In no
way does one come closer to understanding them than by writing
the history of their county.
In the history of Guilford County only four dates have any-
thing like a general value. These are: 1750, when the first settle-
ment was made; 1774, when the Quakers freed their slaves and
began to agitate the slavery question; 1840, when the Whig idea
attained supremacy and the internal improvement and educational
wave began to break over the country; and 1865, the close of
the Civil War. Around these dates each of these ideas has
hovered like a shadow with a penumbra fainter and fainter in
efifect.
PREFACE. 7
However absurd and unpatriotic it may seem to some rich
people, I undertook this work as a business enterprise and I hoped
to earn sonic money out of it.
1 hope this work will awaken in the younp people a deeper
interest in the land they live in. I wish to sec a buildinjr, commo-
dious and imposinp^, erected at the State Normal College for the
purpose of preservings the history of North Carolina, the relics
which show the life and the development of the people of this
state. The State Historical Society, the Colonial Dames, the
Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daug^htcrs of the Con-
federacy and other historical orp^anizations would be interested in
having such a building, fire-proof and secure, as a receptacle for
this objective teaching of history. A hall for this purpose will be
erected somewhere soon or late.
The portraits of Governor John M. Morehead, Judge Gil-
mer. Governor Scales, Judge R. P. Dick, Dr. Calvin H. Wiley,
Dr. J. Henry Smith and some others would be an adornment
for the Greensboro Public Library. A statue of John M. More-
head will perhaps some time be erected near the depot of the
Southern Railway in Greensboro, to commemorate the name of
him who did more for the North Carolina Railroad than anv
other, and thus hastened industrial activity in the state. It would
beautify the square on which the courthouse is situated if walks
were laid off, grass plots and flower beds were made, over which
beautiful fountains played. The fine old Roman roads in Eng-
land were the beginning of her civilization and prosperity. Such
macadam roads as lead out from Summer Avenue in Greensboro,
if they were all through the County, would be a credit to any
people. It would be an honor to Guilford if every school-house
in her borders was made attractive without and within. Horti-
culture should be taught in the public schools.
The Audubon Society, organized through the interest and
energ>' of Prof. T. Gilbert Pearson, of the State Normal College,
for the study and preservation of birds, is an advance both indus-
8 PREFACE.
trially and educationally ; birds affect agriculture and the natural
products of a country ; this society creates the love and study of
natural history.
The organization of the Society for the Improvement and
Beautifying the Public Schools in North Carolina, during the
spring term of 1902 at the State Normal College, is an advance-
ment to the cause of education. Miss Laura Kirby, of Goldsboro,
is its president. The plan of the society is to organize the women
throughout the State in this movement.
The Southern Education Board, of which Mr. Robert C.
Ogden is chairman, has inaugurated the greatest philanthropic
movement this country has probably known in its history. The
Civil War left the South impoverished. This body of men of both
North and South have come together for the sake of humanity to
do what can be done for the education of the Southern youth for
the development and salvation of America.
The History of Guilford County was undertaken at the sug-
gestion of several prominent men of this County. Its accomplish-
ment is largely due to Mr. Victor Clay McAdoo. My thanks are
due Col. James T. Morehead, Dr. Charles D. Mclver, Mr. A. M.
Scales and Mr. V. C. McAdoo for presenting the interests of this
book before the County Board of Trustees. Upon their request
the Board granted one hundred dollars. To. Col. Morehead, Mr.
Scales, Prof. J. Y. Joyner, Prof. W. C. Smith, Mrs. L. L. Hobbs
and others I wish to make grateful acknowledgment for reading
various parts of the manuscript. The excellent library of the
Greensboro Female College has been of service to me. Prof. P. P.
Claxton has given some very helpful suggestions. To Hon. W.
H. Ragan, as Chairman of the County Board of Trustees, and to
Col. W. H. Osborn, as Mayor of Greensboro, I express my thanks.
This book may be severely criticised. A chapter from the
Kingdom of Glory would be distasteful to some folks. The writ-
ing of this history, the collection of the data, and getting up the
subscriptions, has indeed been hard work. This has been no child's
PREFACE. 9
l)lay. The writing of local history is truly arduous. It is hard to
write history, hardest of all to write local history. Advice has
not been wanting. May all the good live immortal and all the bad
be buried.
S.VLLIK W.M.KER StoCK.VRD.
Greensboro, N. C, 1902.
JUDGE JOHN A. CII.MER,
I.A\VYER. SOLDIER. STATESMAN.
SEE PAGE 1/2.
HISTORY OF GUILFORD COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER I.
GUILFORD COUNTY ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
Guilford County was erected in 1770 by an Act of the General
Assembly then in session at Xcwbern. The Act crcatinj;^ it reads
as follows :
"An Act for erecting a new County between the Towns of Salisbury
and Hillsboro, by taking part of the Counties of Rowan and Orange.
I. irhi-rcas, the great Extent of the respective Counties of Rowan
and Orange, render the attendance of the Inhabitants of Part of Rowan
County, and the Inhabitants of the upper Part of Orange County, to do
public Duties in their respective Counties, extremely difficult and expen-
sive : For Remedy whereof.
II. Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and .Assembly, and by the
.\uthority of the same. That a Line beginning at a Point twenty-five Miles
due West of Hillsborough, running thence North to the Virginia Line, then
West to a Point due North of the Painted Springs, then South to Anson
Line, then along .Anson and Cumberland Lines to a Point due South of the
Beginning, then North to the Beginning, be erected into a distinct County
by the name of Guilford County, and Unity Parish."
This is accompanied by a foot-note which says: "The (^ripi-
nals being missinc;."
The Act is copied from the Laws of North Carolina, printed
in 1791 by J. A. Iredell, "Anno Rej^^ni Georgii III.. Regis Magn?e
Britannijc, Franciie, & Hibcrni?c, Undecimo."
The new county was called Guilford in honor of Lord North,
the Earl of Guilford, who was a Tory, King George IIL's Prime
Minister, and "one who bowed to the roval will, and endeavored to
12 GUILFORD COUNTY,
carry out George Ill's favorite policy of 'governing for, but never
by, the people.' "
This new county was strongly \\'hig. Dr. David Caldwell,
Alexander Martin, six times Governor of North Carolina, General
Gillespie, James Hunter and William Rankin were Whigs of no
uncertain soundings. This was the hotbed of the Regulation
movement. The people of Orange and Rowan petitioned the
Legislature requesting that among various reforms relating to
taxes, fees, etc., an Act be passed "to divide the county."*
Therefore Guilford County was erected, a concession to the
Regulators. As Guilford was established at the request of such
wilful Whigs, why was it called by the name of the English
premier ? It seems quite human to cover the point of yielding with
the name of the High Priest of the Tories. Perhaps it was to
inspire loyalty to the King's policy. The tone of that Legislature
was Tory, Tryon was governor. Did he name Guilford ?
Guilford County has always been Whig in principle. Internal
improvements, public education and industrial development are
Whig ideas.
Randolph County was formed, in 1779, from Guilford, and
named in complim.ent to the Randolph family in Virginia, dis-
tinguished for patriotism and talents. (See Wheeler's History.)
Rockingham County was formed, in 1785, from Guilford
County, and named for Charles Watson Wentworth, ]\Iarquis of
Rockingham, a distinguished friend of America in the English
Parliament, who acted with William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, in
opposition to Lord North. He was premier of England in 1782.
(See Wheeler's History.)
It appears that the dividing of the County of Guilford from
Orange and Rowan was a political division for the purpose of
separating the "Insurgents from Orange and left them in Guil-
ford." "The spirit of the Revolution was twin-born with the
County of Guilford." f
* See North Carolina Colonial Records, Vol. VIIL, Preface, pp. xvii-xviii.
•hSee the Oration of Maj.Jos. M. Morehead on "James Hunter."
NORTH CAROLISA. 13
CHAPTER II.
THE SETTLEMENT.
About 1/49 t'lt^ fij"^^ settlers came to this section. At that
time a heavy stream of nii<jration was pourinpf into North Caro-
lina. In the portion of the State marked by the present towns of
Greensboro. Salisbury. Concord and Charlotte, the Scotch-Irish
and German settled.
To the territory now known as Guilford County people repre-
senting: three nations, the Scotch-Irish, the German exiles from
the Palatine and the Eng^lish Quakers, came. These people were
dissenters seckiuii: reliijious liberty as well as homes for wives and
children. From the colony of William Penn. where they had first
set foot on American soil, they passed on through Virginia, where
the Church of England was already established, and traveled
through a wild country to a milder climate and the freedom of
forest and river to be found in Piedmont North Carolina. In the
beautiful scope of country that later became Guilford County these
three peoples settled, building their homes amid the fertile, rolling
plains and wide ridges of Middle Carolina. The houses, manners
and customs of the lands they had left were soon firmly fixed upon
the new country.
■ In central Guilford the Scotch-Irish settled: in east Guilford
the Gennans built their homes; while in west Guilford the English
Quakers took up their abode. A band of Welsh also came to this
section.
In central Guilford were: the Archers, the Hrannocks, the
ells, the Dennys, the Donnells. the Foulkes, the Gillespies,
Gorrells, the Hunters, the Kerners, the Lindsays, the McAdoos,
the McMikels, the Osbornes, the Stokes, the Sanders and the
^f ytaldw
Jv//the Go
14 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Weatherlys. (Mr. Robert ]\I. Sloan of Greensboro is authority for
this.)
In east Guilford were: the Albrights, the Clapps. the Cobbs,
the Cobles, the Fousts, the Holts, the Keims, the Linebergers, the
Sharps, the Shoffners, the Straders, the Summers, the Reitzells,
the Whitsells, the Whitsetts and the Wyricks.
In west Guilford were; the Armfields, the Beasons, the Chip-
mans, the Coffins, the Elliotts, the Edwards, the Gardners, the
Horneys, the Mendenhalls, the Pughs, the Starbucks, the Stan-
leys, the Welborns.
One band of Scotch-Irish came from Lancaster Coimty, Penn-
sylvania ; another poured into the province by way of Charleston,.
South Carolina. These two streams met in central Guilford. A
company called the Nottingham Company of Pennsylvania bought
a large tract of land on the Buffalo and Reedy Fork Creeks. ( See
Life of Caldwell.) These were the blue-stocking Presbyterians.
On the headwaters of the Alamance the * followers of Whitfield
built their homes. Old Alamance Church was the nucleus of the
neighborhood.
"From the stock of Scotch-Irish in the north of Ireland," say
Hawks, Swain and Graham in their History of the Revolution^
page 51, "came the Carolina immigrants. They reached the place
of their settlement by two different avenues of approach ; the one
portion came to America by the Delaware River, landing in Phila-
delphia ; the other touched our shores at Charleston, South Caro-
lina. They struck into the fertile country of Virginia, and in
Carolina the two tides of migration met. The line of their settle-
ments across the whole state from North Carolina to Virginia may
be traced through Charlotte, Concord, Salisbury, Lexington,
Greensboro, Milton and the head waters of the Roanoke." "Our
forefathers," says Dr. C. H. Wiley in his address on the Centen-
nial of Alamance Church, "came not as adventurers or hunters,
not as outlaws and wanderers, but as intelligent men, with good
• These were Presbyterians who had been influenced to emotionalism by John Wesley.
NORTH CAROLIS'A. 1&
worldly substance, with nct-dod inii)lemcnts of industry, with civi-
lizati«m and the church."
The characteristics of the Scotch-Irish are mainly noticeable
in tbouirht-inovenients. From this stock have come our public
men. soldiers, politicians, statesmen, ai^itators. Morehead. Gilmer,
Wiley were Scotch-Irish. In the first battle for American rij^hts,
that of Alamance, in 1771. and the last decisive battle of the Revo-
lution, that of Guilford Courthouse, of 1781, the Scotch-Irish were
most prominent.
The Germans, who settled east of the Scotch-Irish, had
come from the Palatine, driven by the scourge of war from
what was once their happy home. Up the Rhine from
Cologne the Thirty Years' War had left terrible devastation.
Thousands of these people came to America upon William Penn's
invitation. With them they brought that love of domestic life so
marked a characteristic of the race. For many years their German
speech excluded them from public offices, but they were among
the fighters in the Regulation War and among the Whigs of the
Revolution. Their manners and customs are German, their old
German F>ibles and text-books are extant.
Unlike both German and Scotch-Irish was the Quaker in his
territory in western Guilford. It is this element which makes the
history of Guilford unique in North Carolina. The Scotch-Irish
and Gennan may be found in many other counties in the state ;
but not these three together. In the conjunction of these a clash-
ing of ideas came about which has made history. In the question
of slavery Guilford County history is vital not only in this State
but touches national life as well. The aggravating element kept
the Scotch-Irish mind active. Out of the active Scotch-Irish mind
came the impulse for internal improvements in North Carolina.
In England. Quaker and Presbyterian had alike suffered re-
ligious persecution. They were impelled by the same purpose to
NoT»: InUmeoflhe Revolution and before it, William Rankin lived in Guilford on the
North Buffalo; Walter Dennv lived near by; Col. Daniel and Col. John Gilletpie, Ralph
Gorrell, Hantz Mc Bride and John Thorn lived in the vicinity of Greenaboro; Jamei Hunter,
Robert Bruce, Jamea .Mendenhall and Henry Ballinger lived north and west of Greensboro
16 GUILFORD COUNTY,
gain for themselves new homes and freedom to worship as they
chose. About the same time, and probably together, they had
journeyed to Guilford County. Though they had much in com-
mon they v.'ere yet unlike. In the Quaker settlement the hip-roofed
houses and the various crafts are manifestations of English train-
ing. Besides the Quakers who came from Pennsylvania about
1749, a band of Nantucket Quakers came to this territory in 1771 :
another band of emigrant Quakers came here from eastern
North Carolina ; others still were of Welsh extraction. Among
these last were the Benbows, Brittains, Hoskins and others.
The followmg, taken from S. B. Weeks' ''Southern Quakers,"
pages 107-108, gives us some interesting information concerning
the Guilford Count}' Quakers :
"The island of Nantucket being small and its soil not very produc-
tive, a large number of people could not be supported thereupon. The
population of the island still increasing, many of the citizens turned their
attention to other parts and removed elsewhere. A while before the Revo-
lutionary War, a considerable colony of Friends removed and settled at
New Garden, in Guilford County, N. C. William Coffin (1720-1803) was
one of the number that thus removed about 1773. Obed ^Slacy, writing of
the period about 1760. says that because of the failure of the whale fishery
some went to N^ew Garden, N. C. About the outbreak of the Revolution,
because of derangement of their business by the war, some went to New
York and North Carolina.
"In 1764, Friends had begun investigations to find out who were the
original Indian owners of their new homes, in order that they might pay
them for the land, as they were trying to do at Hopewell, Va. It was
reported that the New Garden section belonged to the Cheraws, who had
been since much reduced and lived with the 'Catoppyes,' Catawbas. In
1780 two-thirds of the inhabitants of Nantucket were Quakers. Among
their leaders were the Coffins, Starbucks, Folgers. Barnards, Husseys.
■'During a period of five years there were no less than forty-one cer-
tificates recorded at New Garden Monthly Meeting from Nantucket out
of a total of fifty certificates received.
'In this number there were eleven families, including many that have
since been prominent in Guilford County. Among them were : Libni
Coffin, William Coffin, Jr., William, Barnabas, Seth (and wife), Samuel
(and family), Peter and Joseph Coffin; Jethro Macy, David. Enoch, Na-
iVO/v'77/ CAROLINA. 17
thaniel. Paul (and family). Matthew (and five children) and Joseph Macy ;
William. Gayer. Paul (and family), and William Starbuck; Richard, Wil-
Ii:im, Stephen and Stephen Gardner; Tristrim. Francis and Timothy Bar-
nard; Daniel. Francis and Jonah Worth; John VVickersham. William
Recce. Jonathan Gifford. Reuhen Bunker. Nathaniel Swain, Thomas
Dixon "
The Pennsylvania and Xantucket Quakers did not mingle and
inter-irarry with the Scotch-Irish, whose whole modus vivendi
was the opposite of their own.
Ahnost all the members of the denomination at the present
day who are "birth rij^ht," can trace their descent from one or
both of these sources, and those who cong^ratulate themselves upon
their Xantucket origin may be interested in the followinjr doggerel
which was supposed tersely to describe those same ancestors.
The Rays and Russells coopers are,
The knowing Folgers lazy.
A lying Coleman very rare.
And scarce a learned Hussey.
The Coffins noisy, fractious. loud,
The silent Gardners plodding.
The Mitchells good,
The Bakers proud,
The Macys cat the pudding.
The Lovetts stalwart, brave and stern.
The Starbucks wild and vain.
The Quakers steady, mild and calm.
The bwains sea-faring men,
And the jolly Worths go sailing down the wind.
In a letter of Tryon to the Board of Trade. August. 1766
(Col. Rec, \'ol. 7, page 248), he said:
"I am of opinion that this province is settling faster than any
on the continent. Last autumn and winter upwards of one thou-
iKi.^i**V' i?i*" •?"■'«' r°r*'"" "'"*»'« county, even within our preMnt boundaries, was at
Ih.t Ume wilhoul white inhabitant.. The bcauuful middle region was the hi^hwav of
DrW^e;°T.ad^«^„"^7'""'"°^•^ '-■;■"'' V^'f'J"" ^.'''* '^^ lndian,we.t.''nd.'uth.
Ur. Wilej s acldrew on Alamance Church. »ce al»o Record* at Salisbury .N C bk» 1.7 at
^fte^'w:r7. wentwV."'."""' "'" ' "'"••^'" """"• '^'""^ °' Iboie'^who LVttled here
18 GUILFORD COUNTY,
sand wagons passed through Salisbury with families from the
northward, to settle in this province chiefly ; some few went to
Georgia and Florida, but liked it so indifferently that some of them
have since returned.
• "The dispatch of patents I have granted since my administra-
tion will show to your Lordships the great increase of settlers in
the western or back counties. These inhabitants are a people dif-
fering in health and complexion from the natives in the maritime
parts of the province, as much as a sturdy Briton differs from a
puny Spaniard."
Governor Try on regarded this territory "as of great value,
being perhaps the best lands on this continent, particularly Her-
man Husbands', who had (in May, 1771) on his plantation about
fifty acres of as fine wheat as perhaps ever grew, with clover
meadows equal to any in the Northern Colonies." (Col. Rec, Vol.
8, page 615.)
These people did not live in crude log cabins. Many of them
had comfortable homes, hiproof ed, with dormer windows, built of
brick or frame material. They had wealth ; they loved beauty.
All worked, continually stirring from four o'clock in the morning
till late at night. Industry at length brought luxury and plenty.
They were a pastoral and agricultural people such as good living
never spoils, but, on the contrary, develops in them spirit and
energy.
Spacious fields of wheat, corn, buckwheat and patches of
flax and cotton surrounded their homes. Sometimes a hundred
bee hives added another charm to the garden, with its lilacs, roses,
sweet lavender and daisies.
The home itself was like a colony of bees in which there were
no drones. It was a custom that no young woman should marry
until she possessed forty or more bed-quilts, counterpanes and
Note: These Nantucket settlers were not the first Friends to come to North Carolina,
and it is likely that Henry Phillips, who, in 1665, came to Albemarle from New England,
was seeking a refuge from the tyranny of Massachusetts,where Friends suffered martyrdom
on Boston Common.
NORTH CAROLINA. 19
snowy sheets that she had made herself. These articles of her
handiwork she embroidered with all sorts of needlework.
The women wove for the whole family, tow shirts, barndoor
breeches and silken p^owns. They sold p^reat quantities of cloth,
wajj:onloads of butter, cheese and honey. They raised silk, flax,
cotton and wool, and manufactured these products for sale. They
sold preen apples and chestnuts all winter.
People lived without much expense. They had no fear of work.
The men prided themselves on their physical strength. A friendly
fight as a test was not infrequent, while even old men wrestled
occasionally. It was customary for a company of men and boys
to collect on Saturday evenings at a mill or cross-roads. One
described a circle. Upon bagter being given two men stepped into
the ring and they laughed at black eyes and hard knocks. They
boxed each others' ears as a joke, and gouged and bit each other
for fun.
20 GUILFORD COUNTY,
CHAPTER III.
PRE-REVOLUTIONARY LAND GRANTS.
From the Register of Deeds, Rowan County,* Books 1-7, at
Salisbur}', North Carolina.
The Province of Carolina, embracing that territory which is at
present North and South CaroHna, and extending westward to the
Pacific Ocean, was, under a grant issued by King Charles II. of
England, the property of eight Lords Proprietors. In 1729 the
right to this land was surrendered to the King by all the lords
except Granville, who retained his one-eighth part.
"In 1743 Granville's interest was laid off in severalty. It embraced the
northern portion of North Carolina, and extended as far south as the Mont-
gomery County line, or near it, and thus included the lands in Guilford
County.
"Though Granville retained no political power, his right in the soil
carried with it the right to appoint land officers and agents, thus forming
a sort of government in a government, and involving complications which
added to those grievances which helped to prepare the way for the 'Revo-
lution.'" (Dr. C. H. Wiley's Address on Alamance Church.)
In 1744, September the seventeenth, George II. granted the Earl of
Granville one-eighth part of iNorth and South Carolina.
In 1745 George II. granted Henry Eustice McCulloh eight tracts of
land in the Province of North Carolina, each tract containing twelve hun-
dred and fifty acres. That part of McCulloh's land in Guilford County
lay on the head waters of the Alamance and Stinking Quarter Creeks.
Parcels of it were sold to William Rose, Peter Amick, Nathaniel Robinson,
Jeremiah Kimbro, James O'Neal, Solomon Grace and Smith Moore. The
remainder of McCulloh's lands ni Guilford County was confiscated to the
use of the State, and by an act of the Legislature of 1795 it was granted
to the trustees of the University of North Carolina. McCulloh's land was
within the limits of Granville's part of North Carolina.
* Rowan County was set up from Anson County in 1753. Orange County was once a
part of Granville County. From Rowan and Orange, Guilford County was erected in 1770.
NORTH CAKOUN.l. 21
In >753 James and his wife Jeane Graham, of Anson Coimty, sold
to William McKnight, for five shillings, a parcel of land in Anson County
on a branch of Buffalo Creek, six hundred and forty-one "Eackcrs," "Be
ye same more or less, yielding and paying ye yearly rent of one pepper .-orn
at ye Feast of St. Mickals ye Archangel only if ye same be then demanded."
In '753 William Renolds and Rachel, his wife, of Orange County,
conveyed by deed to their son, Jeremiah Renolds, two hundred and sixty-
six acres of land on Polecat Creek.
In '753 Tabuland Gant (also spelled Gaunt. Gauant) bought of
James Carter, for five shillings, six hundred and thirty-two "acors by esti-
mation." on the south fork of Deep River.
In 1/53, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of George II. of
Great liritani, France and Ireland. King, Defender of the Faith, etc., Henry
Beddingfield sold William Mebane six hundred acres on the North Buffalo
Creek for the sum of forty-five pounds, current money of Virginia. To this
indenture Alexander Mebane and John Thompson were witnesses.
In 175J Granville ^fnnted Robert Rankin a tract of four hundred and
eighty acres for three shillings proclamation money.
In 1753 Granville sold John Cunningham a grant of six hundred and
forty acres of land on Reedy Fork Creek for three shillings.
In 1754 George Jordenjur sold to Jonathan White three hundred
and twenty acres of land on the south side of Hogin's Pond, south of Haw
River. To this indenture Daniel Weldon, Blake Baker and Edward Under-
bill were witnesses.
In 1754 Granville granted Alexander Mebane a tract of six hundred
and forty acres of land on the upper branches of the Great Alamance. A
yearly rent of twenty -five shillings was agreed upon.
In 1755 Henry Ballinger sold David Renolds, for five shillings, a
tract of land on South Polecat Creek. "A yearly rent of one pepper corn"
was agreed upon, "if the same be demanded." In May of that year Gran-
ville sold Henry Ballinger a tract of land on the same stream.
In 1755 Granville's agents granted Robert Thompson a tract of four
hundred and sixty-four acres on the north side of Reedy Fork. Robert
Thompson was the first man killed in the Battle of Alamance, 1771.
In 1755 Robert Rankin and his wife, Rebckah, sold William Denny
six hundred and forty acres of land in Rowan County.
In 1755 Granville sold George Finley a tract oirthe north side of the
Reedy Fork, in Orange County.
In 1755 Robert Jones sold John Blair, of Virginia, land on the Dan
River.
In 1755 Granville sold Anthony Hoggctt, for three shillings proclama-
tion money, four hundred and eighty acres on Deep River. Granville also
22 GUILFORD COUNTY,
in the same year granted Philip Hoggett four hundred and twenty acres on
Deep Creek.
In 1756, November the ninth, Granville granted John McNight that
tract of land on both sides of Nix's Creek, a branch of the Reedy Fork
of Havk^ River. To this indenture the signature of Peter Henley, Chief
Justice of Rowan County, is affixed. Mordecai Mendenhall came to this
territory at or before this time. He owned many hundred acres of land
on Deep River.
In 1756 Granville granted John Kirkpatrick a tract of land embracing
three hundred acres in the Parish of St. Luke, on the Buffalo Creek. In
the same year Granville granted John Rhodes, for ten shillings, a tract
joining Robert Harris's land on the north fork of Haw River.
In 1750 Granville granted Joseph Ozburn 640 ^cres of land on the
Reedy Fork of Haw River.
In 1757 Zebulon Guantt, wheelwright, sold John Hiat six hundred and
thirty acres of land on the north of Deep River. William Shepperd and
his wife, Martha, sold Isaac Beason four hundred and eighty acres of
land on the Deep River.
In 1757 Christopher Nation and his wife, Elizabeth, sold Benjamin
'Cox a tract of land on Polecat Creek.
In 1757 Henry Ballinger and Thomas Hunt bought of Richard Wil-
liams fifty acres of land for five shillings. This tract the deed declares to
Tdc "for .the use, benefit, privilege and convenience of a Meeting House
which is already erected, and bears the name New Garden, for the Chris-
tian people called Quakers to meet in for publick worship of Almighty
God, and also the ground to bury their dead in."
In 1758 [Nlordecai Mendenhall and his wife. Charity, of Rowan
County, sold Nathan Dick four hundred and fifty acres on Horsepen
Creek. That year Uriah Woolman, merchant of Philadelphia, and Joseph
Miller, yeoman of Chester County, Pennsylvania, bought of William Buis
a tract of land on the Deep River. To this indenture Moses and John
Mendenhall were witnesses.
In 175Q Granville granted William Mebane six hundred and thirty-
six acres in St. Luke's Parish on South Buffalo, beginning at Kimbrough
Corner and running along John McAdoo's line. In that year Granville
granted John Boyd four hundred and sixty-seven acres on Reedy Fork.
In 1760 Thomas Donnell sold James Donnell three hundred and
twenty acres of land on the North Buffalo for five shillings.
In 1762 Granville granted William Armfield five hundred and forty
acres of land in St. Luke's Parish for ten shillings, or two dollars and a
half. He also granted James Mendenhall for the same amount two hun-
NORTH CAROLINA. 88
drcd and four acres of land joininR Richard Reason's land on Deep River;
and Willianj Millican. six hundred and twenty acres of land on the same
stream.
In 176.? John Nick? sold James Denny, of Pennsylvania, six hundred
and fifty acres of land on the North Buffalo.
In 1764 Thomas DonncU sold Alexander McKnight land on the North
Buffalo. In that year Robert Tate sold William Trousdale land on the
North Buffalo.
In 1765 Henry Eustice McCulloh sold Robert Sloan two hundred
and eight acres on Pott's Creek.
In 1766 Thomas Donnell sold Francis Cummings, for five shillings,
four hundred acres of land on a branch of the South Buffalo.
In 1766 James Mathew, Sr., sold James Mathews, Jr., for one hun-
dred pounds proclamation money, five hundred acres of land on the
Alam.incc Creek.
In 1767 John Hodge sold Alexander Penny, for five shillings, three
hundred and twenty-six acres of land on the Buffalo Creek, this being a
part of a tract granted John Gillespie by Granville in 1762.
In 176K Adam Mitchell sold John McKnight and William Anderson,
as trustees for the Presbyterian Congregation and their successors, one
acre of land on the waters of the North Buffalo, for twenty shillings. This
land the deed affirms to be for the use of a Presbyterian Meeting House
for those that are members of the Synod of Philadelphia and New York,
and is '"for that use forever, including the meeting house and the study
house "
In 1769 Benjamin and Elizabeth Reason gave land on the Polecat
Creek to their sons, William, Richard, Benjamin and Isaac Beason.
In 1770 Robert Forbis sold Welcome W. Hodge land on Joseph's
Creek.
In 1770 Joseph Scales owned land on the Dan River.
In 1770 John Fraizer and Abigal, his wife, sold Thomas Buller land
on the Deep River.
In 1770 James Graham, of Rowan, sold John McGee, of Orange,
a tract on the Great Alamance. This was a part of the land sold by Her-
man Husbands to James Graham in 1766.
24 GUILFORD COUNTY,
CHAPTER IV.
THE PART OF GUILFORD IN THE REVOLUTION.
The life of David Caldwell, by Dr. Eli Caruthers, gives the
history of the society in North Carolina called the "Regulators."
This society was organized about 1764. Dr. David Caldwell was
the most prominent man then living in the heart of the territory
in which the Regulation movement had its greatest strength. ( See
prefatory notes to the Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol. 8.)
The Regulators were the first company of men banded together
in the interest of home rule, or government by the American
people in matters relating to their own business, and opposed to
Great Britain. Hence their movement was the beginning of the
Revolutionary War. Dr. Caruthers, the successor of Dr. Caldwell
as both pastor and teacher, a biographer and historian, certainly
regarded the movement of the Regulators as the beginning of the
Revolution.
As early as 1760 Igrievances were made to the king, among
others, because "illegal and arbitrary pecuniary claims were in-
forced for the use of the governor and secretary." The land
agents, ^deputy surveyors, entry takers and other officers of in-
ferior grade in that department, encouraged by the example of
their leaders, soon became as much adepts in the practice of chicane
and extortion. Sfhis state of things continued, and perhaps be-
came much worse, at least in the lower grades of office, until the
people, unwilling to bear it any longer, undertook to regulate mat-
ters themselves ; so assumed the name Regulators. -^When all
Note: l See (2) Colonial Records Vol. 7, page 159.
See Lite of David Caldwell, page 98, 185.
2 Life of David Caldwell, page 99.
3 " " page 102.
4 " " page 107.
NORTH CAROLINA. 25
lej^al means of redress had failed, they had recourse to an expres-
sion of puhHc sentiment by hohhn^ meetinjT:s in ditTerent parts of
the country for the purpose ; then they refused to pay illef^al taxes
or fees, and this brou^lit about an open rupture witli tlie govern-
ment.
A large i)roportion of the men in Dr. Caldwell's congregations
were Regulators.'* Hemian Husbands, James Hunter, Rednap
Howell, all of them Guilford County men. were guiding spirits in
the movement.
In April. 1771. Governor Tryon marched up toward the
Regulation section with an army to enforce the authority of his
officials. He met several hundred Regulators, probably eleven
hundred, just over the Guilford County line, on the banks of the
Great Alamance Creek. Dr. David Caldwell was there to present
resolutions of the Regulators and to ask for peace. Many mem-
bers of his congregation were there, and others, to demand redress.
A battle occurred, in which Tryon was victorious. But the Regu-
lators thus made the first open resistance to British authority.
Colonial Records of N. C, \'ol. 8, shows that Tryon and his army
then marched through the territory of the Regulators, "destroying
everything that was in his power to destroy by fire and sword."
On May 30, 1771, the Superior Court of Oyer and Terminer,
for the trial of the Regulators in the "back country," began at
Hillsboro. X. C. Twelve men were tried and condemned for high
treason.
"A PROCL.AM.\TION.— Whereas. I am informed that many Persons
who have been concerned in the late Rebellion are desirous of submitting
themselves to Government I do therefore give notice that every Person who
will come in either to mine or General Waddell's Camp, lay down their
arms, take the oath of allegiance, and promise to pay all taxes that are
now or may hereafter become due by them respectively, and submit to the
Laws of this Country, shall have His Majesty's most gracious and free
pardon for all Treasons, Insurrections and Rebellions done or committed
on or before the 16th Inst., provided they make their submission on or
before the loth of June ne.xt. The following persons are however excepted
5 Their (graves mav be seen at AUmancc and BufTalo graveyards.
26 GUILFORD COUNTY,
from the Benefit of this Proclamation, Viz. All the Outlaws, the persons
in Camp, and the under named persons, Samuel Jones, Joshua Teague,
Samuel Wagones, Simon Dunn, Jr., Wilkerson, Sr., Edward Smith, John
Bumpass, Joseph Boring, William Rankin, William Robeson, John Wink-
ler, and John Wilcox. Wm. Tryon."
"31 May, 1771."
See Col. Rec, Vol VITL, page 613.
The spirit of the Regulation movement was the same North
CaroHna love of liberty which in 1766 resisted the Stamp Act in
Wilmington, when the British sloop-of-war Diligence arrived in
the Cape Fear River, laden with stamps, and was peremptorily-
refused permission to land them. The Regulators were fired with
the same zeal for liberty which actuated the men of ^lecklenburg
in 1775 when they declared independence. This love of liberty is
found today in every North Carolinian.
"James Hunter, The Regulator," by INIajor Joseph M. More-
head, gives conclusive evidence that the Regulators made the be-
ginning of America's great struggle for freedom from Great
Britain. All revolutions have begun in this way.
"North Carolina in 1780-81," by Judge David Schenck, has
shown the history of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, when
Greene so crippled Cornwallis and his army that they were forced
to leave the state. The Battle of Guilford Courthouse was the
beginning of the last act of the Revolution, which ended at York-
town by the surrender of Cornwallis. The beginning of the
Revolution was in Guilford County, because of unjust taxation ; so
it was permitted her to strike the last great blow at the Battle of
Guilford Courthouse.
Dr. Eli Caruthers and Judge David Schenck have exhausted
the subject of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. To get a full
view of the battle, its causes and its effects, read them. Also
visit the battleground and see the various imposing monuments
that tell the story of the part of Guilford in the Revolutionary
War.
NORTH CAROLINA. 27
In Mardi. 1781, the forces of the American Revohition under
the coinniand of General Green met the forces of Great Britain
under Lord Cornwallis on the field near Guilford Courthouse, then
at old Martinsville.
C(<rn\vallis had heen attracted l(xi far from his supplies. It
seemed at first that he had won the battle, but Greene had so
weakened his force as to compel him to retire to Wilminj^ton.
North Carolina, 'riuiice he went to 'S'orktown, \ir,i,nnia. and
surreiulered.
Many American and English, soldiers died on the battlefield
of Guilford Courthouse and in the county surroundinpf. New
Garden Meetinefhouse was used as a hospital for the British. In
the graveyard there are larpje square p^raves, under a great oak
tree, containinq; the last of British soldiery on this territory.
r.REKN'K ANH CORN W.MJ.IS.
Between Cornwallis and Greene there seems to have been a
difference similar to that between America and England. They
were representative men, each of his.own country. Cornwallis was
a member of the House of Lords, born at London, educated at the
famous Eton College. City-bred men are different from those of
the coujitry. So Cornwallis was true to his birth and his training
when, at Brandy wine, he evinced much coolness and bravery. He
could fight gallantly and show kindness too. In his encampment
at Jamestown he pressed the mill into service, took all the meal,
tlour, meat, wheat ; took the cow, the mother's last chance for
feeding her children, Mrs. Judith Gardner Mendenhall demanded
her cow of the General, saying that she needed it and must have
it for the support of her children. Cornwallis had the cow re-
turned and ordered the soldiers to let her alone. "He was an
accomplished soldier. While he did not himself commit acts of
cruelty, he allowed his subordinates to do so without rebuke."
Marching from the Battle of Guilford Courthouse through
the state, he found disappointment instead of supplies awaiting him
28 GUILFORD COUNTY,
at Wilmington. He moved to Yorktown, where he was obhged
to surrender. From Yorktown he was sent, in 1786, to the East
Indies, as governor and commander-in-chief. He fought gallantly
the Sultan of Mysore. Upon his return to England he was ap-
pointed master-general of Ireland. Later he was minister pleni-
potentiary to France. In 1800 he received the appointment of
governor-general of India, where he died, in 1805.
So England regarded him as a brave soldier and a diplomat.
He must have felt himself to be superior to the backwoodsmen
and their rustic Rhode Island commander.
Nathaniel Greene had no special lordship to sustain. It re-
quired great energy and wit on the part of Greene to meet an
English earl and general with his well-trained body of soldiers,
famous for their record — the best in the world at the time. They
had fought with Wolf, with Wolf had scaled the Heights of
Abraham. Greene knew that fight he must, and think as well as
fight — something Cornwallis had done beforehand, so probably
packed away his thinking cap. Greene and Cornwallis were about
equally matched, except in this respect : Greene did the thinking,
Cornwallis relied upon training.
Those daily readings of Greene, in his Rhode Island home, on
the subject of military tactics, served to entertain and occupy his
youth, like that of Napoleon on the Island of Corsica. 'But the
real benefit came later v/hen, in the flower of his life, this fund of
resourceful reading was like a mine of gold to America.
Greene and Cornwallis had been ordered South by their
respective governments ; chance pitted them against each other.
They resembled each other physically. Neither was over medium
height, both broad-shouldered. Cornwallis was forty-three, Greene
thirty-nine. An eye of each was impaired. One was America,
fresh, resourceful, self-dependent, a maker, or shifter, of circum-
stances. One was England, proud, sure of herself. Both had
been at the Battle of Brandywine.
'Greene was born May 26th, 1742. His father was a miller, an
anchor-smith, and a Quaker preacher. In early life he followed the plow
NORTH CAROLINA. 29
and worked at the forge. He had no educational advantages in his
youth, was born and reared in obscurity. But Jie is an example of what
good principles, native sense, industrious habits and careful improvement
of time can accomplish. A British officer said. "Greene is as dangerous as
Washington: he is vigilant, enterprising and full of resources. With but
little hope of gaining any advantage over him, I never feel secure when
fiicamped in his neighborhood.'" (Garden's Anecdotes, p 76.)
Battle is the game of chess nations play at. Had Greene lost
this one. the poptilation of Guilford County and of North Carolina
would prohably be today entirely different, for the ancestors of her
people would have been mutilated or destroyed by Tories, dops and
scavengers of war.
"Comwallis led a country dance;
The like was never seen, sir;
Much retrograde and much advance,
And all with General Greene, sir.
They rambled up and rambled down,
Joined hands and off they ran. sir;
Our General Greene to old Charlestown
And the Earl to Wilmington, sir."
In Guilford and her neighbors the strife was kept well stirred.
There were loyalists here true to the kingdom of Great Britain.
These had property and did not like to see a change in government.
There were also "Tories."' rapacious, wicked, who hated all Whigs
and the American cause. Their leader was David Fannen, a
scrawny, raw-boned man with the scaldhead, bitter, spiteful, re-
vengeful with the soul of an Indian. His band of Tories was
almost omnipresent in its cruelty to Whigs. The novel, "Ala-
mance," by Dr. C. H. Wiley, gives a good idea of what the Tories
were in Guilford County. Dr. Caruthers gives a good history of
this period in his books, "The Old Xorth State," first and second
series.
ai,ivX.\.\I)i;r M.\kTi.\.
(Extracts from Judge Douglas's Speech.)
Alexander Martin, one of Guilford's first great leaders, and
hei first governor of Xurth Carolina, was of Scotch- Irish descent,
30 GUILFORD COUNTY,
his father being a Presbyterian minister. He was born in 1740,
graduated at Princeton University in 1756.
In i772 he settled at Guilford Courthouse, then situated near the
battlegrgand, and was later named Martinsville in his honor. When the
Battle of Guilford Courthouse occurred he was a member of the Council
Extraordinary; and in company with Dr. David Caldwell was present at
the Battle of Alamance.
In 1774-75 he was a member of the Colonial Assembly from Guilford
County. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Regiment
from this State in the Continental line on September the first, 1775, and
wa's promoted to the Colonelcy in 1776. He, with his regiment, was
present at the Battle of Brandywine, 1775, where Lafayette was wounded,
and was near him. In the attack of Washington on the British at Ger-
mantown, he was present. His General, Francis. Nash, was killed.
In 1779 he was elected state senator from Guilford County, serving
for a number of years. In 1780 he was speaker of the Senate. Upon the
capture of Governor Burke by David Fannen, Alexander Martin suc-
ceeded to the governorship. He was elected Governor of North Carolina
in 1786 and 178.3.
In 1786 he was elected by joint ballot of the two houses of the
General Assembly one of the five delegates to the Federal Convention,
called to meet in Philadelphia to frame the Constitytion of the United
States. The convention met May 25, 1787, and among the delegates from
North Carolina Alexander Martin's name appears first.
Six times Governor of his State, once by succession and five times
by direct election, Alexander Martin has left a record that has never been
equaled.
In 1793 Governor Martin was elected to the Senate of the United
States. He was a staunch Federalist and a friend of Washington.
At the general meeting of delegates at Newbern. on April 3rd, 177S,
Alexander Martin was the delegate from Guilford. At the meting at Hills-
b'orough, August 21st, 1775, Alexander Martin, Ransom Southerland,
Samuel Parke Farley, Thomas Henderson. William Dent, George Cortner
and Nathaniel Williams were delegates.
On April 4, 1776, at the meeting which placed the State in military
organization, the Guilford delegates were Ransom Southerland, William
Dent and Ralph Gorrell. The officers appointed for Guilford were : James
Martin, Colonel ; John Paisley, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Thomas Owens, First
Major; Thomas Blair, Second Major.
NORTH CAROLINA. 31
At the meeting at Halifax. November I2th, 1776, which formed the
Constitution, the delegates from Guilford were: David Caldwell, Joseph
Hinds. Ralph Ciorrell. Charles Liruce and I sham lirowdcr.
CLILFORU nATTLEGROUNl).
The orip^inator of the Guilford Battlegrouml Company was
Jiulpe David Schenck, who, in 1882, came to Greensboro from
Lincolnton, X. C. He was a brilliant man, interested in the devel-
opment and up-buildinp of North Carolina, and for years worked
ceaselessly toward that end. To him was due the early establish-
ment of the Greensboro paraded schools. In 1886, October, he
purchased the j^frounds on which this g^reat decisive battle of the
Revolutionary War occurred ; to Jud^e Schenck is due the honor
of rescuinc: the battlejii^round and its history from oblivion. He
tauc^ht the history of the conflict of 1780 and '81 in North Caro-
lina cflFectively. both by his pen and his redemption of the Guilford
Batlle^c^round. Until he came this battlej^round, blessed by the
blood of patriotism, was an old sedge-field of pines and briars, a
tangled wilderness. Today everyone knows of the great Battle
of Guilford Courthouse. The imposing monuments there will tell
the youth for many a generation the history of North Carolina
patriotism.
A charter from the Legislature of North Carolina was pro-
cured at its session in 1887 and on the 6th of May, 1887, Friday,
J. W. Scott, David Schenck, Julius A. Gray, D. W. C. Benbow
and Thomas B. Keogh met in Greensboro and organized "The
Guilford Battleground Company." Judge D. Schenck was elected
president ; J. W. Scott, treasurer, and Thomas B. Keogh, secretary.
Citizens of Greensboro responded liberally. Mrs. McAdoo-King
was the only lady stockholder.
In 1889 the Legislature appropriated two hundred dollars
annually to the support of the Guilford Battleground. The first
monument, given by McGalliard and Huske, quarrymen of Ker-
nersvil'.e, N. C, was erected in honor of Capt.mn Arthur Forbis,
32 GUILFORD COUNTY,
who was wounded and died on the field of battle, a brave soldier of
Guilford County.
Governor A. M. Scales had prepared granite blocks, begin-
ning with a base of five feet square and running up to two feet,
in form pyramidal. This was erected "with joy" in the centre
of the battlefield, near the railway, where all travelers might read :
''GuTLFORD Battle Ground, Thursday, March the 15TH,
1 781" — the Battle Monument.
Two natural springs of cool water on the grounds were de-
veloped and beautified bv the Northern gentlemen, who were one
with us in the great American cause — Mr. William P. Clyde, of
New York, for whom Clyde Spring is named, and Mr. Leonidas
W. Springs, of Philadelphia, for whom the twin, "Leonidas
Springs," is named.
In 1891 the remains of Brigadier-General Jethro Sumner
were re-interred in this hallowed mould of the Guilford Battle.
That year a museum was built on the grounds, which has gathered
many relics of the Revolution.
In 1892 Maryland Monument was erected, in memory of
the Maryland Regimentals.
In 1893 The Hoi,t Monument was erected by Governor
Thomas M. Holt.
The Oak Ridge students have erected a monument to the
Bugler Boy of Light Horse Harry's Troops, who was killed
near Oak Ridge Institute.
In 1900, James Hunter Monument was built (through the
efiforts of Hon. Joseph M. Morehead), and the history of the
Regulators established as the first patriots of American liberty.
There are many 'other monuments. The Fourth of July is cele-
brated each year. Thousands of people visit annually this scene
of the Revolutionary War.
NORTH CAROLIX.
CHAPTER V.
MINUTE PACKET OF THE COURT OF PLEAS AND
(4L'ARTER SESSIONS. 1782-1788.
The County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions was a con-
tinuation of the Enghsh fomi of government. It met quarterly, in
February, in May, in Aug^ust and in November. Three, five or
more Justices of the Peace sat on the bench. Besides rendering
judgment, tliey appointed county officers, to be confirmed by the
governor, deeds were probated and wills were proven in their
court. It was a quarterly meeting of the Magistrates' Court.
(Nov., 1782. Book I in Clerk's office at the County Seat of Guil-
ford.) This court, in time, became the Board of County Commis-
sioners, which meets the first Monday in each month, and some-
times in the middle of the month, composed of three citizens.
Thf County ta.x is laid by the Court to one shilling on every
hundred pounds ta.xable property in the County. (Book in Clerk's
office at Greensboro. Nov 18, 1782.)
Ordered that each constable who warned the inhabitants to give a
list of taxable property for the years 1781 and '82 be allowed forty shil-
lings. .■\lso each assessor be allowed the same. (17 Feb., 1783.)
Ordered that Col. John Peasly, Col. John Gillespie, John Forbes,
William Kerr, Thomas Wiley, John Foster, Thomas Landwith. Moses
Craner, .Vndrcw Wilson and John Mc.\doo be a Jury to lay out a road
from the Highrock ford on Haw River to the County line at Elisha
Mcndcnhall's Mill.
Daniel Allen, who was brought before the Court for speaking defama-
tory words against the State, was fined twenty poinuls — (not paid).
.At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, .\le.x Caldwell, William
Dent. George Peay, Esquires, present: "William Dick is allowed £5, 4s, 4d
for his attendance as Juror at Salisbury Superior Court, March term, 1780.
(May 20, 1783.)
34 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Sprow Macay, Esq., is appointed attorney to act in behalf of the
State in the County of Guilford.
For each district a constable and assessor were appointed. David
Peebles is appointed in Mr. Bruce's district for the present year and Justin
Knott constable for the same year. (David Peebles' son, Lewis, had a
daughter, Patsey, who married Col. Walter McConnell, who was the
father-in-law of C. N. McAdoo.)
At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held for the
County of Guilford, the third Monday in August, 1783; Present, Charles
Bruce, William Goudy, James Brown, Esquires.
The last will and testament of James Mendenhall is recorded. Also
an inventor\' of the estate of James Hunter, deceased, was returned in
open court and recorded.
Ordered that Allen Unthank's tax for the year 1782 be remitted, it
being proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was a balloted man
to serve in the Continental service nine months and had paid his tax
regularly until that year.
John Williams, Esq., is appointed attorney in behalf of the State for
the County of Guilford.
Ordered that John Wilej' be allowed the sum of 40 shillings for
his services in warning the inhabitants of Mr. Larkin's district to give a
list of their taxable property for the year 1779.
John Gillespie, Esq., produced a commission from his Excellency,
the Governor, appointing him Sheriff of this County of Guilford, and
qualified as such by taking the necessary oaths prescribed by law for the
qualification of Public officers and gave bond with security for the faithful
discharge of his duty.
Ordered that the Collectors receive no more than a two-fold tax from
those Quakers who are above fifty years of age and not exceeding four-
fold from those under that age that have not given in a list of their taxable
property.
Ordered that Alex. Caldwell and George Peay, Esq., be appointed a
committee to settle with James Brown, Esq., former Sheriff of this County,
who reported that they had done the same and that by the several vouchers
produced there appeared to be a balance due the said Brown from the
County £582, 8s, 3d, as per and filed. The same persons also settled with
the said Brown for taxes.
Ordered that the following persons, to wit, Elijah Oliver, Thomas
Cook, William Allen, William Stephens, Robert Coleman, Jeremiah Morris,
John Nix, William Peay, Eli Surry, Derby Hoppen, David Walker and
Jeremiah Johnson, be appointed patrolers in their several districts.
AOAV7/ CAKOLL\A. 36
Ordered that the sheriff or collector pay Thomas Blear one pound
titteen shillings t(»r his attentlance as Juror at Salisbury Court in June, 1775.
F'resent Wni. Gowdy. Wni. Dent, Robert M. Kaniie, Alex. Caldwell,
Adam Larkie. (Nov.. 1783.)
Ordered that Thomas Henderson have leave to remove the House,
called the store house, that is now on the lot of James Buchanan to his own
lot for the purpose of keeping the Records and other papers belonging to
the clerk's office of said county.
The county tax is laid to one shilling for the present year.
Ordered that the Sheriff agree with some person to repair the Court
house, erect a Barr and make report to ne.xt court.
Col. John Gillaspie, high sheriff of Guilford County, came into Court
and excepted against the Jail.
Ordered that Thomas Henderson, clerk of Guilford County, be
allowed 40 pounds for two years. The county is in arrears to him for
extra services, and 20 pounds for present year.
Ordered that Robert Wiley be allowed £5, 17s, 8d, for his attendance
at Salisbur>' Superior Court which met in March 1784. (May, 1784.)
Jes^e Benton, Esq., produced a license to practice law from their
honors the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity. (Minute Bk.
Court of P. & Q., 1781-8.^.)
James Hunter, Esq., being elected sheriff of this county, ordered that
he be recommended to his Excellency the Governor to be commissioned
for that purpose.
Jacob Brown. Wm. Crawford. Wni. Fathom and John McXary, Esqs.,
produced each a license with testimonial annexed agreeable to law from
the honorable the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and
were admitted to practice in this Court as attorneys at law.
Ordered that the sheriff summon all the Constables within this county
to give their attendance with proper staffs, as wands, during the sittings
of the County Courts to be held for this County during Term time, to do
their duty in office or otherwise be subject to the pains and penalties of the
law.
Thomas Archer, indicted for retailing liquors, came into Court and
submitted and was fined.
License is granted William Reed to keep a Tavern at his own dwell-
ing house, Francis McXary, his security. (May, 1784.)
In 1784 Thomas Henderson was Clerk of the Court.
At a County Court of P. & Q., present the worshipful Alex. Cald-
well, Wm. Gowdy and William Dent. Agreeable to the petitions of Sundry
Inhabitants, ordered that Peter Oneal have leave to build a Grist Mill over
Prewit's fork of Hogan's Creek.
36 GUILFORD COUNTY,
On motion of John Williams., Esq., ordered that an instrument of
writing or Duplicate of the last Will and Testament of Daniel M. Collom,
Dec'd, be recorded (the original being destroyed by the British), which
was proved in the open Court by the oath of Thomas Wratherford.
Ordered that Jehu ]\Iorton be fined 15 pounds for three profane oaths
by him sworn in the presence of the Court and that he should be com-
mitted till fine and fees be paid.
Ordered by the Court that Jehu Morton be committed to stocks for
two hours and that the Sheriff summon a guard sufficient for that purpose
and that any convenient fence be deemed stocks for that purpose or any
other place of confinement.
Thomas Brown is appointed Overseer of the road from the Court
House to the middle of Horsepen Creek and that he with the hands of
Francis AIcNary, Widow Foster, John Hamilton, Nathan Brown and Capt.
Wm. Dent keep the same in good repair agreeable to law.
"Ordered that in future each sheriff attend this court with a Wand
of tough wood eight feet in length and one inch in diameter, and that
each constable attend the courts with staff's neatly shaved 6^ ft. in length
and iy'2 in. in diameter painted black on the head for 8 inches." James
Hunter, High Sheriff. (August, 1788.)
Chas. Bruce and Wiliam Dent, Esqs., are appointed to superintend the
next election for members for Legislature for this County.
Wm. Gowdy. Ralph Gorrell and William Dent were present at the
term of Court. John Stokes, Esq., produced a license with a testimonial
annexed from their honors the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and
Equity and was admitted to practice law accordingly. Ralph Gorrell, Esq.,
is by the Court elected Register of the County of Guilford. (Nov. 1784,
Court of P. & Q.)
Ordered that the sheriff or some of the collectors pay James Brown
£20, 6s, Sd, which appear to be due him from the settlement of his amount
as former sheriff of this county. (Nov. 1784.)
Ordered that the County tax for the year 1784 be laid to one shilling
on every poll tax and the same on every 300 acres of land. Andrew John-
ston being of a proper age came into court and made choice of Henry
Ross, William Gowdy, Esq., his security in the sum of 200 pounds for the
faithful discharge of his duty. (Feb. 1785.)
■"Charles Galloway records his mark, to wit, 'a crop and slit in each
year.' " (Each farmer had his stock marked.)
The Esquires present at this court of P. & Q. were Wm. Gowdy,
George Peay and Adam Lackey. James Hunter is unanimously elected
Sheriff of this County for the present year. (May 1785.)
corKTiicrsK OK (.rii.i-oui) cointv
NORTH CAROLISA. 87
On the petition of Suntlry of the inhabitants of the two Buff ilos, it is:
Ordered that a road be laid off from Ralph Gorrcll, Esq., to Elijah Stan-
ley's Mill and from thence to the Cape Fear Road and that the following
Jury, to wit. Daniel Ciillaspie, John Foster, John Mc.^doo, John Mcb:ine,
David McAdoo. James McAdoo, Francis Cummings, John Holt, John Orr,
George Parks, Samuel Martin and James Butler, be a jury to view and
lay ofT sai<l road and make report tlureof to next Court.
Nichlas McCubbin is appointed Overseer of the road from the Sorrow
Town to Quaqua Creek; James McCoIium from thence to the County line
of Caswell ; John Odell from the County line of Caswell on the Iron Works
Road to William Bethel's Muster Ground; Natty Jordan frojn thence to
the roads at Browder's Executor's; William Hickman overseer of Hen-
derson's Road from Samuel Bethel's to Cantrel's Meeting House; Lawrence
Bagston from thence to the Governor's Road ; David Suttlcs from Manlcave
Tarrant's to Hugh Reeds'; and Hugh Reeds from his own house to Thomas
Gray's. Jacob Williams' road.
Nathaniel Scales is appointed Overseer of the road from Sinythe's
or to Dry Creek and the road from the Saura Town ford to the Vir-
.;a line.
A deed of sales from James Buckhannon and wife to James McQuis-
• :i for 60 acres of land was proved in open court by the oaths of James
1 ir.nlap and ordered registered.
Ordered that the sheriflF, or collector, pay Ralph Gorrcll. Eso.. £5. 6s,
r his attendance as a Juror at Salisbury Court of Oj'cr and Terminer,
. held for the district first of June, 1775.
Ordered that the SheriflF or collector pay Ralph Gorrcll. Esq.. £1, 12s,
for blank books furnished his office as register.
Ordered that the Sheriff or collector pay Robert McKamie, Esq., £9, 3s,
4d, for his service done as Crowner of his county.
John Duke was sworn in as Juryman with Henry Whitesel, Thomas
Green, George Glass. (Nov. 1785.)
Agreeable to an act of the assembly for appointing an inspection of
tobacco at the Court hou.se of Guilford Co., Wm. Dent, E.sq., and Alex.
McCain are appointed inspectors of the same.
Court house repaired. Ordered that the said Commission (William
Dent. John Ilamilttm. William Duke) also engage with said workman who
undertake the Court house to build a pillory and stocks for the use of the
County.
On the resignation of Thomas Henderson as Ckrk of Guilford
County, live members being pristnt, Thomas Leary is unanimously elected,
into bond with William Dent .-.nd Thomas Henderson in the sum of two
thousand pounds for the faithful discharge of his duty, etc.
38 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Hance Hamilton was by the Court elected Sheriff and that he be
recommended to his Excellency the Governor to be confirmed. Accord-
ingly the said Hance Hamilton Produced a commission from the Governor
appointing him sheriff. Bond, £5000. (May 1786.)
James Buckanon submits to the court and is fined 40s for selling liquor
above the rates.
Ordered that Abner Willis, orphan of Richard Willis, dec'd, aged 14
years, be bound to Edward Ryan until he arrives at full age, to learn the
art and mystery of weaving, and the said Ryan engages to give the said
orphan one horse to the value of 10 pounds, and learn him to read, write
and cypher as far as the five Common rules in Arithmetic.
Ordered that the Sheriff or some Collectors pay Thomas Hamilton
48 shillings for his service in making the line between this county and
Randolph County. (Laid off in 1779.)
"I do hereby certify that John Stockard appeared before me within
the space of two or three months after Isham Lett had entered a Bay Gild-
ing on the Stray Book in or about the year 1784 and the said John Stockard
made oath that the said Gilding was his property." Given under my hand
Feb. 24. 1787, Wm. Gowdy.
It is ordered that an issue to each Justice be made "that at the time
of taking tax list they likewise take a list as law requires of the number
of inhabitants m each district."
The county tax is levied at 2s, 6d, for the year 1786 on each poll and
the same on every 300 acres of land.
Joseph Hoskins. Constable, enters into bond with the Court in the
sum of 250 pounds for the faithful discharge of his duty, George Denny,
his security. (May 1787.)
Ordered that John Hamilton and William Dent, Esqs., be allowed the
sum of 16 pounds for running the dividing line between Rockingham and
Guilford Counties, and that Richard Burton be allowed the sum of 40s for
his services in carrying the chain in running the line between the Counties
of Guilford and Rockingham. (Rockingham formed from Guilford in
1785-)
Rockingham being made for the Election of a sheriff for the year 1787
Hance Hamilton offered himself a candidate for the same who was unani-
mously elected, five members being present.
Ordered that William Dent and Ralph Gorrell, Esqs., be appointed to
settle with James Hunter, sheriff of said County, for the County tax for
the years 1784- 1785.
Hance Hamilton produced a commission from his Excellency, Richard
Caswell, Esq., appointing himself Sheriff of Guilford County, who took the
XONTH C.IROLI.SA. 3»
oath agreeable to Utw— who at the same time protested against tlic goal
of the County. Joseph Hoskins and John Spruce qualified as deputy sheriffs
for the County of (iuiltord.
Ordered tliat Thomas Smith, who was a continental soldier in the line
of the snte. he allowed the sum of 15 pounds, it appearing that he lost one
of his legs in the Battle at Utaws (Eutaw Springs?). .-Kged .28 years, left
eye out. Capt. Porter Shaw repaired the Court House for 400 pounds.
"Andrew Jackson produced a license from the Judges of the Superior
Court of I^w and Equity to practice Law and was admitted an attorney of
his Court." (Nov. 1787.)
( .\ndrew Jackson was born at Waxhaw, N. C. He removed to Guil-
ford County, X. C, read law at the home of Charles Bruce, at Summer-
field, Guilford County. N. C, became constable in Guilford County, went
to Tennessee with Judge McNairy, and afterward became President of the
I'nited States, and the head and shoulders of the Democrat Party. While
in Guilford he is said to have enjoyed the sports of cock-fighting and
horse-racing. His old race paths are at Summerfield.)
Hance Hamilton re-elected sheriff. (May 1788.)
Ordered that Capt. Patrick Shaw be allowed to keep a tavern in his
own dwelling at Martinsville.
40 GUILFORD COUNTY,
CHAPTER VI.
NOTES FROM THE MINUTE DOCKET. 1796-181I.
On petition of Alexander McKeen, Trustee of the Publick Buildings,
ordered that the following repairs be made, viz, the goal to be weather-
boarded and the doors made secure and a pair of steps made to ascend to
the upper door; further that the window shutters of the Courthouse be
repaired and the glass repaired that is broken out. Also that the steps of
the Courthouse be repaired and the floor of the stocks new planked, the
gullies by the goal to be stopped by a stone wall to be made low in the
middle, and the Barr in the Courthouse to be made some longer and ele-
vated about 18 in., with a step at each end and a platform from the middle
to extend to the Bench on which the Clerk's seat and desk, or table is to
be placed near to the Bench and a Jury box to be fixed on each side of said
platform, between the Barr and the Bench to hold twelve Jurors, at least,
with convenience, and the Banister or railing of the Bench are to be
repaired. (November 1796, page 5. See Minute Docket in Clerk's office in
Greensboro, N. C.)
In No-^'ember, 1796, there were summoned for the next term of court
sixty-four Jurors. At this court twenty-nine deeds were acknowledged.
(Page 7.)
Hance Hamilton and Cieorge Bruce, Esqrs., who were appointed at
the last General Assembly Justices of the Peace for the County of Guilford,
produced a commission from the Governor for the time being to that pur-
port and took the necessary oath of office in open court, and took their
seats accordingly. (Feb. 1797, page 11.)
For the year 1796 county tax was one shilling for one poll and one
shilling tor every 300 acres of land. (Page 13.)
Ordered that the clerk give Public Notice for the inhabitants of this
County to attend on the first day of next Court and every succeeding Court
in order to do all kinds of County Business of a special nature as the
Court will attend hereafter for that purpose and those that do not, ne.ed
not expect to have such business done at any other period in the term.
(Page 15.)
Ordered that the Sherifif hold an election for Wardens for the Poor
on Easter Monday next, agreeable to Law or within the limits. (Page 15.)
NORTH C.lROl.L\.'i. 41
Z. D. Brn<lur was slioritT for 1795- At the February 1797 Term of
Court 8t deeds were aunounced in open Court and ordered recorded.
(Page 15 ) . , .
Ahner Weatherly was electd sheritT for 1797. He received six votes,
a maiority; seven votes were cast.
Ordered tliat the slierifT be directed to .idvertise for an election for
Wardens of the poor held at the same time of next annual election. (May
1797. P'igi- -V) , , <• •
Ordered that the Clerk he allowed the sum of 20 pounds for services
in 1796. Ordered that the SheritT be allowed X pounds for 1796. Ordered
that the following Justices be appointed to take the lists of Taxables for
the present year in the following manner and districts: "Adam Stevor for
liis own and .\lexander Gray and Thomas Dick to take in .said Gray's and
George Wilson's districts and north of Reedy Fork from the lower end of
the County up to Samuel Thomp.son's Bridge, then along Dixes ferry road
to where 1 sham Coffee formerly lived; Hubbard Peoples from Samuel
Thompson's Bridge up to Reedy Fork to Scott's Mill, thence along the old
road to Joseph Erwin's, thence down to said Coffee; Robert McKime,
Hance Hamilton and Benjamine Beason to take in from said Leatt's Mill
up including Jean's District and that of Lindsey's north of the old Salis-
bury road.
Thirty-seven deeds were proven in open court this term.
Abner Weatherly, shcrifT, came into open court and protested against
the goal of this County, the same being insufficient in his opinion, (.\ugust
1797, page M)
John McMurray is appointed trustee fur the year 1796 who gave bond
in the sum of 500 pounds. (Page 35.)
Ordered that the following insolvents be allowed to John Henley.
Sherift for 1796. by the oath of Joseph Hoskins. deputy sheriff in Hubbard
' Peeple's District. Fifty-three deeds at this term of Court. (Page 37)
Also "the certificate of a procession made for William and Andrew
Jackson on the 8ih day of June, 1797. all of which are filed with the
petitions of the Court, (fees not being paid).
Gottlieb Shober. Esq., produced a license from their honorables, the
Judges of the Superior Courts of this state, licensing him as an attorney
in the County Courts of this state who it appeared had taken the oaths
prescribed by law and was admitted accordingly." (Page 41.)
At the November Court of 1797 one hundred and twenty-one deeds
were proven in open court and thirty-seven deeds the following February.
U'age 48.)
42 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Abner Weatherly was re-elected Sheriff and allowed 30 pounds for
year's service. Ordered that the clerk be allowed 22 pounds for his ex-
officio services for 1797. (May 1798, page 65.)
John Hamilton proved a power of attorney from William Bridges to
Andrew Jackson impowering him to make a title to David Dawson, Jr.
Andrew Jackson proved release from Robin Weeden and Wife to Christian
Full. (Page 69.)
Andrew Jackson, attorney for William Bridges, acknowleded a Deed
from Daniel Daeson for 74 acres of land. At this court one hundred deeds
were proveq.
Present at this term of Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Samuel
Lindsay, William Armfield, Matthew Cunningham. Abner Weatherly, Esq.,
(elected Sheriff by the Court) produced his commission from Gov. Saml.
Ashe appointing him as Sheriff of Guilford County.
Ordered that it be entered on record that John Goodrich came into
open court and acknowledged that he expected that some time ago in a
quarrel he deprived John Wright, son of Francis Wright, of a small piece
of his right ear.
William Farrington ^ Charged with passing base metal as money in
gtajg ( the similitude of a Spanish milled dollar.
William Farrington was bound over to Salisbury Superior Court. He
gave bail of 100 pounds.
Forty-six deeds were reported at this court. In November Court
thirty-seven deeds reported. Ordered that Duncan Cameron be appointed
attorney to act for the State during this court. (August 1798.)
At this court were present Hance McCain, Hubbard Peebles, George
Mendinghall, John Howel and Jonathan Parker. (Feb. I799-)
Abner Weatherly" was re-elected Sheriff unanimously at the May
Court. William Armfield was appointed Trustee for Guilford County.
Ordered that George Rankin be appointed to procure and keep a
proper standard of weights and measures for this county. (May 1799, page
102.)
John Plowel was appointed entritaker for Guilford. His duty was to
keep ihe public and confiscated lands, and to sell them. His bond was
2,000 pounds. (Page 103. Page 113.)
Ordered that James Loum.er, a wounded soldier in the services of the
United States, one of the militia of his state, wounded in 1779 in Ashe's
Defeat in Georgia, being shot through the body and right arm, which was
broken, rendering him incapable of pursuing his business as a blacksmith,
be allowed the sum of 17 pounds 10 shillings per year and the certificate
.\Of:ril C.IROHS'A. 48
of same l)c made known to the C.cncral Assembly of North Carolina.
(Nov. I79«j, paRC I2l.)
Ahncr W'eathcrly was unanimously elected Sheriff by the Court.
Ordered tliat lieorpe Bruce, Samuel Lindsay and John Hamilton be
appointed to jud^e the paper currency in the county agreeable to the
.Assembly. William Armtield was appointed trustee for county.
Ordered that Charles Bruce, John Howel and John Hamilton be
appointed a committee to establish a stanTlard'of weights and measures for
this county which shall be a guide for the person appointed to regulate the
same. (Feb. 1800.)
.•\t an e.xtra session of this court held in February, 1801. there were
present (ieorge Bruce. John .Moore. Jester Knott, Zaza Brasher, David
Price. Rol)ert Bell and William .\rmfield. Court called to try a negro
charged with rape, sentenced to be hanged. (Page 156.)
.\t the May court, 1801, Abner Weathcrly was elected Sheriff, receiv-
ing twelve votes out of si.xtcen cast.
The following Jury: Andrew Jackson, William Dick, John Wheeler,
Thomas Rose, George Waggoner. George Starbuck, James Thompson, John
Swicher. Zeal Shepherd. John White, Isaac Hiatt. (Page 16S. )
Ordered that the seven sets of the Acts of Congress (i Vol. lacking)
furnished this county be distributed as follows: One set left in the office
and the remainder to each three Justices, it appearing that there are seven-
teen Justices in the county, and the broken set to go to the class of Justices
that contains two. Justices are to be classed as follows: Ralph Gorrell,
Roddy Hannah. Jonathan Parker ; David Price, George Bruce, John Moore ;
James McNearry, Alex. Gray, Samuel Lindsay; John Howell, George Mtn-
denhall. William Armfield ; William Gilchrist, John Cummings, Zaza D.
Brasher; Jestin Knott, Robert Bell.
For 1801 the county tax was two shillings to the poll and eight pence
for every 100 A.
George Bruce, David Price. Jestin Knott presided. Archibal.l Murpliy,
Esq., produced license from the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and
Equity authorizing him to plead and practice law in the different Courts,
on his taking the oaths by law he is admitted to practice in this Court.
(May 180J, page 202.)
Andrew Jackson is appointed road overseer from Reedy Fork Bridge
to the Widow Flack's branch. (Page 218.)
Ordered that Abner Weatherly, sheriff, be fined for swearing. ( Page
234)
Agreeable to an order of Court, the sheriff summoned a jury to
inquire into the sanity of David Coble's mind, it being suggested to the
44 GUILFORD COUNTY,
court by Barnabas Troxlow that the said David was of mind,
wasting his estate. Twelve good men duly summoned in behalf find the
said David Coble to be of sound mind and that he is not wasting his
estate. (May 1803.)
On petition of Elizabeth Wheeler, widow, the owner of a slave called
Saul, who has performed divers meritorious services, of fair and good
character, it is ordered that the said negro Saul be let free and that he be
called by the name Saul Wheeler forever hereafter. (Aug. 1804.)
Two indictments for retailing spirituous liquors by the small without
license. Sixty-three deeds recorded. (x\ugust 1805.)
A bill of sale from Andrew Jackson to Latham Donnell of one negro
woman slave was proven. (November 1805.)
(The word dollar is used instead of pound. Feb. 1806.)
Administration on the estate of Andrew Jackson, dec'd, is granted
John Starrat and Edward Gran. (Aug. 1806, page 387.)
IMartinsville was the first county seat of Guilford, known in history
as the scene of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The wealth of the town
was, in 1806, as follows :
John Adam's lot 150 pounds
John Hamilton's lot 250 pounds
John Hamilton's lot, where he dwells 525 pounds
Charles Bruce's lot 200 pounds
Saul Cummings' lot 175 pounds
Robert Lindsay's lot 325 pounds
David Brice s lot 125 pounds
Sm.ith ]\Ioore's lot 275 pounds
James Cannon's lot 375 pounds
Robert Lindsay's dwelling lot ■ 400 pounds
John Hamilton's lot 40 pounds 10
Alexander Martin's lot 275 pounds
David Price's lot 43 pounds lO
Town lots 25 pounds
The Commissioners to appraise the property of Martinsville were John
Cunningham. George Nicks, Geogre Swain. (Page 392.)
Thomas Dick, William Ryan and Abner Weatherly, Esqrs., are ap-
pointed a committee to arrange and prepare a list of 'persons qualified to
serve as Jurors in the Superior Court of Law hereafter to be held for this
county and that they make report of proceedings at present term of this
court. (Feb. 1807, page 398.)
Ordered that Thomas Dick, William Lease, William Ryan, Charles
Bruce and Joseph Davis, Esqrs., be appointed commissioners for the build-
NORTH CAROI.l.W.-i. 45
ing of a new Courthouse and jail, hy plans aRrced upon l)y commissi. >iicrs.
A sufficient tax was levied for 1S07-8-0-10. ( I'ane .v)-^. )
Elections were held at Martinsville. Jamestown and Findley Stuart's.
I, Page 407.)
At a "County Court" for Guilford. .\t the May term for 1808 a plan
of a town at New Courthouse was discussed. (November 1S07. page 4.^7.)
At this term Ahner Weatherly, who had been sluritT ten years, re-
signed and James Dunning was elected for nine months. (August iSaS.)
At the term of Court held May, 1809, nt Martinsville it was an-
nounced "the new courthouse in (ireensboro now ready for reception of
court. The court adjourned from the town of Martinsville to the town of
Greensboro (which was the centre of the county)" to meet at ten o'clock
tomorrow, Friday, 19 May, 1809. (Page 465.)
The esquires present at the first term of Court held in Greensboro
were John Starrat, Jonathan Parker, Joseph Gullet, George Swain, John
McAdoo, Ephraim Burrow.
This court was interested in hying off new roads, appointing road
overseers, palrollers. constables, binding out children, acknowledging deeds,
electing county officers, levying taxes. They had only poll and land taxes.
46 GUILFORD COUNTY,
CHAPTER VII.
THE SLAVERY QUESTION.
Slavery, an institution bequeathed to us like the church, the
state or other forms of mediaeval life, was the embryo of a parasite
growing from the roots of our republic. In Europe this principle
had the form of feudalism ; in America, that of negro slavery.
Through this system in the south, negroes from African jungles
were trained into a class of men with some degree of civilization.
In its day, in the South, slavery was the greatest of blessings to
the blacks.
Though the institution of slavery had a much stronger hold
on industrial life in Warren, Halifax and other eastern counties,
still there were many slaveholders in the eastern half of Guilford
County, Among the files of the Greensboro Patriot may be found
advertisements like the following, offering a reward of ten dollars
for a "Runaway negro man named Dutchman, formerly called
Caesar. About forty years old, five feet, eight inches tall, long
head, and stooped shoulders, has a down look and 'zacly,' or 'zack-
ly, sar," is a common word with him. He took different kinds of
clothing, old suit of blue jeans, and striped pants, some coarse
summer cloths, two hats and a cap."
A reward of fifty dollars was offered by another subscriber
for a runaway negro from his master in Washington County, Vir-
ginia : "On Sunday a negro named Mack, sometimes called Wil-
liam, jet black, very free spoken, tw^enty-four years old, about five
feet, eight or ten inches, he wears a blue jeans frock coat, tow-
linen pantaloons and straw hat. It is probable he may have pro-
cured a pass and aims to get to a free state or to North Carolina.
The said negro can write a little. I will pay the above reward for
XOHril C.iROLlX.l. 47
the delivery of said slave to nie in Washington County, or half
the amount, if secured so that I may ^et him aj^ain."
Pat riot of 1845 : "In pursuance to a decree issued from the Court
i.f Equity, we shall expose to public sale, to the hitjhest hitliler. on
the credit of 9 months, at the late residence of William I'.ayles,
dec'd, on 25th day of July next, the following
U)T OF KF.r.ROES:
"Uen, Jim, Logan, Alsy. and Dicey, (two men, two women
and one boy), all young and lively. The purchaser will be re-
<iuired to give note and api)roved security.
"Wii.i.iAM A. Lash.
"John Hannkr,
"Admr. of \Vm. lloyles."
Now. there were those in Guilford County having decided
conscientious scrui)les against all this business. The western part
of Guilford County was peopled by Quakers, Englishmen coming
by wa\ of Pennsylvania, and another type not so mild — the Nan-
tucket Quaker, who came to this western part of Guilford about
the time of the first brewings of the Revolutionary War. This
section was. and is today, the centre of Quaker element in the
state. For some reason, or impulse, the Friends, or Quakers, re-
garded the freeing of the slaves as their own peculiar mission. In
their yearly meeting as early as 1772. according to Stephen B,
Weeks, Friends were discussing slavery and the sin of it ; and in
1774 they freed their own slaves. The North Carolina yearly
meeting of Friends chartered a ship, called The Sally Ami, for the
purpose of sending slaves to Havti, where they might be free.
Captain Swain, of Guilford County, was the skipper of the boat.
Slaves were bought and sent to Hayti. (Mrs. ^L M. Hobbs.)
Even earlier than The Sally Ann, soon after the Revolutionary
War, societies were formed all over North Carolina to protect and
restore to freedom those negroes kidn3i)ped and sold into slavery.
In the first decade of the ninetenth century a society was organized
in Guilford Countv. calle<l the "Manumission Societv of North
48 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Carolina." Its meetings were held in the Deep River section, and
others besides Friends were members, among them many slave-
holders, who eagerly discussed the question of slavery. There
was at this time in Washington City a society for the colonization
of "free people of color."
The Manumission Society of North Carolina sought to put an
end to the slave traffic by allowing no more to be brought into
North Carolina ; by allov/ing no slave to be exchanged from one
master to another ; and by allowing all negroes born after a certain
date to be free. By this means they would gradually promote
emancipation, thus averting the disastrous consequences of releas-
ing suddenly upon North Carolina civilization about 205,170
slaves (See Census of 1820-1830), of half-savage negroes.
The representative members of the Manumission Society were
the Coffi.ns, the Worths, James and Richard Mendenhall. The
active members numbered several hundred, many prominent slave-
holders being members. A large per cent, of the people of North
Carolina at that time v.-ere philosophizing about some scheme for
the emancipation of slaves.
What to do with slaves when freed was a question. Emigra-
tion to Hayti was encouraged. Many of this Society preferred
that the negroes be kept in slavery to having them remain in the
state when freed. They were all, however, abolitionists. (This
information was given by Mrs. M. M. Hobbs.)
The Underground Railway, though in reality an outgrowth of
the Manumission Society, was not connected with it. This was
a secret organization, begotten in the ingenious brain of the Coffins,
by which slaves were sent to the Northwest. The scheme remained
a secret for a quarter of a century, in which time many a slave-
holder found his number of slaves greatly diminished, and his
negroes skipped and gone.
Note: Friends did not receive negroes into their denomination as did Presbyterians,
Baptists and others. Who ever saw a negro who was a Quaker?
1 have several times heard Addison Coffin talk of the Underground Railway and how-
it was operated. S. W. S.
XJkTIJ L.lKUUX.l. VJ
The first "Mcpot" of this "railroad" was in southwest Ciuil-
ford County, not many miles from the Randolph Comity line. The
nej^ro escapeil from his master by ni,u:ht, went to one of these
"aj^ents." was concealeil by day in the hiproof of his house ;
by niyb.t he was sent to the next "aj^jent's" home, and so to free
territiiry. A system of nails driven in trees along; the way marked
which fork of the roatl to take.
Slaveholders themselves indulj;ed in "heavy threats," which
intimidated many non-slaveholders who knew nolhiu}:; whatever of
the "L'nder^'round Railroad." Thouj^h these were innocent, they
coulil not endure the sentiment. They, too, went to the Northwest.
W hole counties in Indiana and Ohio were peopled by Guilford
County stock and their homes were left vacant. What was the
primary cause of this? Slavery. For forty years before the
Civil War, slavery was a pretty hot subject in Guilford County.
North Carolina. It was the conjunction of the "Nantucketers" and
the Scotch- Irish.
The Census of 1850 brouj^ht out the fact that nearly one-
third of the population of Indiana was from North Carolina, wlnle
Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas each had a large number of
Carolinians. In 1835 the res^ion in the far Northwest was opened
for settlement and Carolinians were among the first to enter the
new territory. In 1849 the gold fever excitei'nent in California
attracted "Carolinians who became the first to blaze the way."
Far up in North Dakota, near Uevil Lake, Addison Coffin found
a colony of young men located and holding their claims. Their
parents were from Guilford County, North Carolina.
The first emigrants went west by horseback, with pack horses,
following the buffalo trails. These animals, now extinct, came to
Guilford to feed on the great peavine pastures in the winter. In
the spring they went again to the northward, fording the IhitTalo
Creek, the Haw River, the Dan River, at the best fords. Buffalo
See Guiironl Colteeian, Vol. 4. published at Guilford Collcfce. Paper by Addi<^ort
Coffin and Stephen B. Wccka on "Southern leakers and dlavcry.
60 GUILFORD COUNTY,
trails and buffalo fords were an advantage to those seeking outlet
westward.
Many places in the west, in Indiana especially, were named
for those places left in Guilford County. Knightstown, Ind., was
named for a family of Knights living in west Guilford; Greens-
boro, Ind., w^as named for Greensboro, N. C., it is settled by Guil-
ford people; Center and New Garden townships were laid off in
Indiana. (See Steven B. Week's "Southern Quakers and Slav-
ery.") Whole families and monthly meetings went west from
Guilford. Deep River Monthly Meeting, Dover Monthly Meeting,
Springfield INIonthly Meeting, New Garden Monthly Meeting
were impoverished by the constant drain of migration.
The town of Florence, in Guilford, went west almost bodily.
Men living remember when Florence was a thriving little town;
now it is a deserted village. Jamestown and Friendship have
been depopulated in a similar way. Gardners, Dillons, Winslows,
Hills, left almost all of them. About 1830, four hundred families
went west from Guilford County. The efficient cause was slavery,
the old. old story of the time.
Though Guilford was drained by migration to the west, she
probably lost less wealth, and suffered less because of slavery than
any other county in North Carolina. Look at her enterprise, her
industrial development, her educational system. Compare her
towns with those of Warren County, Halifax County, Edgecombe
County and others that had an immense wealth in slaves. Though
these counties are drowsily waking up, by the demands of the
tobacco and peanut markets, still they have no such industrial
foundation as Guilford. Why? Their industrial life received
the greater paralysis at the loss of so much wealth. With Guil-
ford it was not so. Guilford had not, in the first place, so much
wealth in slaves to lose. Guilford men were already hardened
to labor. Guilford was not "aristocratic." Guilford men had
long ago learned to be self-reliant. Guilford had the crafts of
New England firmly fixed in her industrial organism by the "Nan-
.\\ji:ri] L.iROLi.wi. oi
tucketers." Thoup:Ii there has been contendinpf and clashinjj. it
was the contlict of ideas which always develops education. The
wranijli'iiJ ^vas not wranp;ling destructive; it was the throbbing
of lusty life. This chapter directly affects our industrial and
educatitMial deveh^penunt. Thouij^h Guilford County lost a great
many people before and since the Civil War because of the slavery
question, still the foundation of her industrial life remained.
Addison Coffin, one of the leaders of the "Underground Rail-
road." was also emigration agent from Guilford County to the
Northwest. In iSC/\ once each month he was in Greensboro,
X. C. for the purpose of conducting emigrants. Thousands of
white people left this County under his guidance until he, in 1872.
went out of the business. In May. 1866, he conducted over three
hundred: in June of the same year, he conducted a troop of emi-
grants, of which 300 were twelve years old and younger, 100 were
three years old and under.
The data for this chapter has been collected here and there ;
from Addison Coffin's Life, from sketches in the Guilford Co/-
lci;iau, from the complete file of the Greensboro Patriot in the
library of the Greensboro Female College, and from conversing
with many people, Mrs. Mary Mendenhall Hobbs. Mrs. P. B.
Hackney; and Addison Coffin's talks to the students at Guilford
College.
J
GUILFORD COUNTY,
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PART OF GUILFORD IN THE CIVIL WAR.
To Governor Ellis's call to arms in 1861 the Guilford Grays
at once responded. Of these, fifty men went into the Battle of
Bristow Station, in the fall of 1863, seven men came out alive, and
only three of these were unhurt. (Per Mr. Wm. Rankin.)
From the Roster of North Carolina troops in the war between
the States during the years 1861 and 1865 it is learned that the
following commanding officers and companies were from Guilford
County and there were other soldiers besides these from Guilford
County :
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT^ COMPANY B. — OFFICERS.
John Sloan, Captain; cm April 20, 1861 ; p Lieutenant-Colonel September
28, 1861.
William Adams, Captain; cm September 28, 1861 ; pr from ist Lieutenant;
killed at Sharpsburg.
John A. Gilmer, Captain ; cm April i, 1862, p from 2d Lieutenant.
J. A. Sloan, Captain.
Wm. Adams, ist Lieutenant, cm April 20, 1861.
J. T. Morehead, ist Lieutenant, cm October 5, 1861 ; p Captain 45th Cal. 53d.
John A. Gilmer, ist Lieutenant, cm January 6, 1862.
Rufus B. Gibson, ist Lieutenant.
Rufus B. Gibson, 2nd Lieutenant, p.
James T. Morehead, Jr., 2nd Lieutenant, April 20, 1861, promoted.
John A. Gilmer, 2nd Lieutenant, April 20, 1861, pr —
TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT, COMPANY E.
Columbus C. Cole, Captain, cm May 23, 1861, p Major Jime 13, 1862.
Charles E. Harper, Captain, cm ]\lay 2t„ 1861, k June 30, 1862 at Frazier's
Farm; p from ist Lieutenant.
Joseph A. Hooper, Captain, cm, — , w — at Seven Pines; r April 20, 1S63;
p from 2nd Lieutenant.
Cm— Commissioned. K— Killed. R— Retired.
P— Promoled: W— Wounded. Dt— Detailed.
..^^^
1^ ' ^ -
i
M.IKKI) MOdKK SCAI.KS.
GF.NKK.M. IN THK CdXKKI'KRATF. AKMY IN NORTHKKN VIKC.INIA,
W)VKRN«)R OF NORTH CAROLINA.
F.I.m-R IN THK FIRST l'RKSI»YTK.RIAN CHLRCH OF 0RF.F.NSB«)RO.
I.AWVFR-STATF.SMAN.
NORTH CAROUSA. 68
M. M. Wolf. Captain, cm June 30. 1862. w August 30, 1862. at Manassas; r
Sept. 15. 1863; p from 1st Lieutenant.
R. W. Cole. Captain, cm Sept. 15, 1863, w at Chancellorsville.
Charles IX Harper, 1st Lieut., cm May 2^. 1861. w and k.
Martin M. Wolf, ist Lieut., cm. p and w.
.\. J. Busick, 1st Lieut., cm Sept. 15. 1863, p from Sergeant.
R. W. Cole. 1st Lieut., cm, p and w.
W. H. Faucett, 2d Lieut.. May 23, 1861, dt to Comm.
James M. Hanner. 2nd Lieut., cm May 2^, 1861 ; r July 21, 1861.
John N. Nelson. 2nd Lieut., cm July 30. 1861, d November, 1861 ; p from
Sergeant.
Joseph A. Hooper. 2nd Lieut.
R. W. Cole. 2nd Lieut., cm June 3.
' ' C. Wheeler. 2nd Lieut., cm ; r Jan. 26, 1864.
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT, COMPANY M.
William L. Scott, Captain, cm June 4, 1861 ; p Lieut. -Colonel Feb. i. 1862.
William S. Rankin, Captain, an .\pril 26, 1862; p Major, .August 28, 1862.
John E. Gilmer, Captain, cm .\ugust 28, 1862; w at Fredericksburg.
William S. Rankin, ist Lieut., cm June 4, 1861.
Wilson S. Hill, 1st Lieut., cm
John E. Gilmer, ist Lieut., cm April 26, 1862.
John S. Dick, ist Lieut., cm Aug. 25, 1862; w at Fredericksburg.
John Doggett, 2nd Lieut., cm June 4, 1861.
Andrew Summers, 2nd Lieut., w June 4. 1861.
J. A. Cobb.. 2nd Lieut., w at Winchester and Gettysburg.
S. F. Stewart, 2nd Lieut., cm
NINETEENTH REGI.MENT, COMPANY F.
Barzillai F. Cole, Captain, cm June 4, 1861.
P. .A. Tatum, Captain, p from ist Lieut; cm June 4, 1861.
N. C. Tucker, ist Lieut., cm June 4, 1861 ; p from 2nd Lieut; w.
J. .\. Hooper, 2nd Lieut. ; cm June 4, 1861.
FORTY-FIFTH REGI.MENT INFANTRY— FIELD AND STAFF.
John Henry Morehead, Colonel, cm Sept. 2, 1862; p from Lieutenant-
Colonel; d at Martinsburg, Virginia. June 25, 1863; p from Captain
of Company E, Second Regiment.
Charles E. Shober, Major, cm June 26, 1862; p from Captain of Company
B; p Lieut.-Colonel of Second Battalion.
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT, CO.MPANY B.
Charles E. Shober, Captain, cm Feb. 15, 1862; p Major Sept. i. 1862; Lieut.-
Colonel of Second Battalion.
54 GUILFORD COUNTY.
Samuel C. Rankin, Captain, cm September i, 1862; p from ist Lieut.; w
July, 1865. at Gettysburg.
S .C. Rankin, ist Lieut, cm Feb. 15, 1862; p and w.
James M. Wharton, ist Lieut, (cm Feb. 15, 1862), cm Sept. i, p from 2nd
Lieut.
Charles W. Woolen, 2nd Lieut., cm Feb. 15, 1862.
Henry C. Willis, 2nd Lieut., cm June 29, 1862, w.
R. R. Sanders, 2nd Lieut.
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMKNT, COMPANY C.
James F. Morehead, p Captain, cm Feb. 15, 1862, p Lieut-Colonel of 53d
Regiment, p Colonel.
Peter P. Scales, Captain, cm May 8, 1862, Virginia ; d of w received at
Gettysburg.
Robert C. Donnell, Captain, cm Sept i, 1862.
Robert L. Morehead, ist Lieut., cm May 8, 1862; r Sept. 1863; p from
2nd Lieut.
Joseph Henry Scales, ist Lieut., cm Sept. i, 1863; p from 3rd Lieut., Vir-
ginia.
FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT, INFANTRY — FIELD AND STAFF.
James T. Morehead, Jr., Lieut-Colonel, cm May 6, 1862, p from Captain of
Company D, p Colonel.
FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT, COMPANY D.
David Scott, Jr., Captain, cm March i, 1862.
Peter F. Daub, 2nd Lieut, cm March i, 1862. (This Company from For-
syth, Stokes, Surry and Guilford.)
FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, COMPANY F.
Rufus L. Hooper, Captain, cm Feb. 14, 1863.
Joseph S. Ragsdale, ist Lieut, cm Feb. 14, 1863.
Charles W. Ogbum, 2nd Lieut., cm Dec. i, 1862.
Wm. H. Young, 2nd. Lieut., cm Aug. 13, 1863, p 1863.
(The above from Vols. H. and HL of N. C. Roster.)
Johnson and his army for days and days poured in one steady stream
into Greensboro, where he surrendered. Wheeler's Cavalry, Dibble's Divi-
sion, was in Guilford also. The last meeting of the Cabinet of Jefferson
Davis was held in Greensboro.
Note: Wars of mediseval Europe were fought along the lines of race or religion;
Wars of modern history are industrial problems wrought out under restraint iind com-
pulsion. The Civil War was fought along the lines of Southern institutions. That was
the great problem of institutionalism versus individualism. The verdict of the western
world is that the individual is above and better than all sorts of institutions. But the lives
of men like Morehead, Gen Scales, Col. J. I. Scales, Gilmer, Gorrell, Vance, Maftatt,
Lee and Jackson, and many another, will forever give the Southern cause and the South-
ern army glory and dignity in the world. It is sweet and beautiful to die for one's
country.
>- ' ;.. J. 1. si .\i.i;s.
KM I. SENT SOI.DIKR. LAWYER AND STATKSMAN
lUklNi, THE DARK DAV^ Of THE Sf)L'TH,
A I'ATRIOT WITH HONOK TKIKD.
NORTH CAROLINA. 66
CHAPTER IX.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Guilford County, lyinj^: near the middle of the plateau region
of North Carohna. is twenty-four by twenty-eifjjht miles, rectanp:u-
lar. This is the watershed county of the State; Haw River and
Deep River rise from the Oak Ridge elevation, but join in Chat-
ham County, flowing to the ocean as the noble Cape Fear. The
Dan may be called a Guilford river, because this land was once
Guilford's. Draining part of Guilford's territory, the beautiful
Dan flows north, joining at length the great Roanoke. The aver-
age elevation of Guilford County is between 800 and 1,000 feet
above tide. The mean temperature is 50 degrees. Roses bloom
out of doors nine months in the year. Guilford County is almost a
square. Her eighteen townships are rectangular. Fifteen of these
are penetrated by one hundred and eleven miles of railway.
Guilford has always been a great public highway. Before
railroads, the Salisbury and Petersburg stage coach line passed
tlirough Guilford, as did also the Salisbury and Fayetteville road.
And before these, the same roads were the great Trading Paths of
the Indians. The Five Nations on the north ; the Tuscaroras, in
their Kehukee and Toisnot rendezvous, on the east ; the Catawbas
on the south ; and the Cherokees on the west, passed over the
Trading Path in their commerce with each other, or with the
whites. But the road was not original with them. They held it
by right of comjuest from the buffalos, which fed all winter on
the tall peavines growing luxuriantly and abundantly in Guilford.
These early lords of the savannahs of Guilford left their name
writ in the waters of the North and South Buffalo Creeks.
Peavines grew here tall enough to reach the shoulder of a
66 GUILFORD COUNTY,
man on horseback. (Col. J. T. Morehead.) Hawks, Swain and
Graham say that: "Between the Yadkin and the Catawba were
immense grazing grounds. The Reedy Fork was bordered by
cane brake, within which game abounded." McAdoo's Woods
was a resort for bear, deer, wolf and panther. C. H. Wiley and
Addison Coffin agree iii saying that there were all kinds of game
and fish in abundance. The Address on Alamance Church, by Dr.
Wiley, shows ''that shad came up the Buffalo." At one time the
crows and blackbirds were so numerous and destructive a law was
passed that each m.an should kill so many. (Life of Caldwell, also
Addison Coffin in Guilford Collegian, Col. Rec, Vol. 8.) A bonus
was given for their skins. Before 1850 chestnuts were so plentiful
that hogs were fattened on them. The ground where Greensboro
is situated was, when the site was chosen, an unbroken forest with
a thick undergrowth of huckleberry bushes, that bore a finely
flavored fruit. Dr. Wiley, in his Address on Alamance Church,
says : "That a scientific Englishman, who was in the Van Buren
exploring expedition around the world, thought that he found
more kinds of wild flowers in Guilford and the adjoining region
than he had ever seen elsewhere."
There were only a few scattered oaks in Guilford previous
to the Revolutionary War. (Col. J. T. Morehead and others.)
These rolling plains, with fertile soil and temperate climate, fur-
nished a good foundation for the earliest occupation of the Pioneer
Settler. With the present staples, wheat, corn and tobacco, they
cultivated flax, indigo, hemp, and made large quantities of butter
and honey. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and many of the
occupations known to men have been followed here. On many of
the old plantations were made most of the things of common use.
vSalt, and on rare occasions, a pound of coffee, were bought.
Guilford has been a leading section in the South in the culti-
vation of fruit. The early settlers brought with them from across
the "Big Waters" seeds of the different kinds of fruits. To a
Quaker woman is due the honor of bringing the first varieties of
NORTH CAROLINA. 57
fruits and j^arden seeds liorc. In 1790, says Addison Coffin in the
Guilford Colli'^iau (\ol. 3, papc 175). Ann Jessop, a minister of
Friends, went to Enjjland and returned two years later brinpinj;
e^rafts of the standard fruits. Ahijah Pinson, an expert in praft-
inp. did the work of successfully j^raftinpf her seedlinp^ trees in
the spring of 1793. These varieties of apples were the "Father
Abraham." "Red Pippin," "June-eating:." "Yellow Pippin," "Enj^f-
lish Russett." "Horse Apple," "Pearmain." "\'andever."
While enduring hardships, the early settlers of Guilford were
working out great problems that would reach far into the next
century. Tliere are now about forty nurseries in the state. Four
of these are around Greensboro — Pomona Hill, John A. Young,
Lego, and X'andalia Nurseries. At the first railroad meeting in
Greensboro, July 4, , Mr, Joshua Lindley came up from Chat-
ham County bringing a crate of the first ripe peaches. Thev were
considered very early, but at the present his son, Mr. J. Van
Lindley. has developed the culture of that fruit so that peaches
may be gathered from the trees in Guilford from June to Novem-
ber. In the cultivation of fruits the name Lindley has stood for
much. Joshua Lindley was the pioneer in the business in Indiana.
(His son, J. \'an Lindley, Pomona Hill. N. C.) In 1850 he came
to Guilford County. Pomona Hill is a continuation of his "New
Garden Nurseries" and the "Mendenhall and Westbrook Nur-
series." three miles west of Greensboro. In the last twenty-five
years the old-fashioned pears have been replaced by the Oriental
varieties, and the quantity greatly increased. Japanese plums have
been introduced, which are more delicious and productive than
the old. Guilford is the mother of the peach orchards of Georgia.
Though the soil of Guilford is well adapted to the cultivation
of wheat, the old people say that their fathers and mothers rarely
saw wheat bread except on Sunday. This was due largely to the
want of a good thresher. The history of how the early Guilford
people worked out the problem of threshing wheat is a good index
to their power of industrial development. They at first spread the
58 GUILFORD COUNTY,
wheat on the barn floor and the horses were driven around to tread
it out. Elihu Coffin made an improvement on this method by
having his barn loft made with holes all over the floor for the
wheat to drop through. So the horses were led upstairs to tread
the wheat, the straw being left above, the wheat falling on the
floor below. Dr. Swain had a means of threshing by rolling a big
log over and over the scattered sheaves. John Ballinger run the
first thresher. It was called the "chaff piler." The sheaves were
run through it, the straw and wheat coming out together. The
next improvement separated them by means of a trough, which
carried the straw off, this being an invention of Addison Boren.
(All these improvements were thought out by Guilford men.)
The wheat was harvested with a reap hook until in 1840
cradles were introduced. Matthew H. Osborn, a Guilford man
who went to Kansas City, invented the reaper. Madison Osborn
invented a thresher in 1842, called the "Osborn Thresher," or the
"ground-hog." He lived about six miles west of Greensboro.
Before the war of i860, three hundred bushels was an unusually
large crop of wheat. In the vicinity of Deep River and James-
town a thousand bushels is now raised by many farmers. On Mr.
Ragan's farm near High Point, one of the best wheat farms in the
state, forty-seven and one-half bushels has been raised to the acre.
The farm yields three thousand bushels of wheat annually.
THE CRAFTS.
The industrial development of Guilford resembles that of
New England. Whittier might have written his "Songs of Labor"
for these people as well as for those of Massachusetts. The "Nan-
tucketers" brought with them the handicrafts, and the idea of
apprenticeship. New England ideas, transplanted from Old Eng-
land. (See the Chapter on the Settlement of Guilford County.)
Western Guilford is Yankee North Carolina.
The old records show (see Chapters V. and \'I. above), that
the boys, and girls too, were trained in industrial pursuits, i. e..
NORTH C.-iROlJX.l. 69
"to learn the art and mystery" of weaver, tanner, hatter, plow or
^ninmaker. Guilford was the county ot jjuninakers, plowmakers,
hatters, tanners, woodworkmen and other industries.
In the section of country between Guilford College and Hiph
Point were many punmakers. Though this was under Quaker
influence, a people opposed to war, still they seemed to think it
the rijjht thinjj: to make puns. Ther-.' were the Wriphts. the
.•\rmfields. the Lambs, the Ledbetters. the Stephens, the Couches,
Dixons and Johnsons who made puns for the Regulators and
Tories of the adjoining counties. The soldiers of the Rattle of
Guilford C(Hirthouse used puns of home manufacture. Many rifles
were made here. About the first puns with percussion locks were
made by these people. '"The Guilford Rifle" was known in the
other States.
The plows of Guilford attracted public attention. The metal,
or cast-iron mould-board, succeedinp the wooden mould-board,
was invented in 1830 in Guilford by Eli Puph, near Jamestown.
The output of plows from his shop was about three dozen per
week. The manufacture of plows was a repular business for
years ; they were sold directly to farmers, beinp hauled by agents
in wapons for many miles.
I have see.i an old hatmaker livinp a few miles from Greens-
boro. He said that the makinp of hats in this county was once
a fine busine.^s. It was usual to pet six, eipht or ten dollars in
those days for hats. The hatters used the hides of rabbits, squir-
rels, opossums, coons, foxes and sheep. The fur was trimmed
v.ith a knife made for that purpose. A liquid was used on the fur.
That mixture, just as fine as silk, was "bowed out on a bip hurl,"
like a counter. A linen cloth was used to raise it from the hurl.
A rouplv awkward hand could not touch it without breakinp it
all to pieces. With the linen cloth the fur was moulded into the
shape of the letter \'. It was sized over the fire in a boilinp pot.
"It would felt up fast, sometimes too fast." In a few moments it
v.as touph as sole leather and could not be torn. These hats held
60 GUILFORD COUNTY,
water like a bucket. A ten-dollar hat lasted ten 3'ears, a two-dol-
lar hat was made to last the purchaser two years.
The Mendenhall tanyard, as old as the county, is still doing
business.
The greatest auger-maker in the State was j\I. C. Iddings.
His augers and gimlets have been in use over seventy-five years.
The Swains were chair and bedstead makers. The beds were
made with high posts, with curtains aroimd the top, to be grace-
fully looped back. The "Valance," or foot-curtains, were strung
around the bottom.
Westbrook, the tailor, employed several hands in making
suits for Guilford and neighboring counties.
Spinning wheels were made by Col. James Neeley. His flax
wheels sold for four dollars, his cotton wheels for three dollars.
Ballard's soap yard and Beard's hat shop were industrial
enterprises until the slavery question drove their proprietors west.
A notable example of old-time industries carried on by slave
labor was at Jamestown. From 1820 to 1845 George C. Menden-
hall had a large system of industrial labor on his farm. His
slaves were all special workmen. Being taught a trade they
worked at it, not running around from one thing to another. He
introduced the system that prevailed among the white people. In
his store a negro clerk sold and bought goods. His harness shop
was kept by a slave, a set of whose harness before the War took
first premium at the State Fair. His carpenter helped to build
the capitol at Raleigh, N. C. His caterer was sent to wait on
President Buchanan when he visited the University of North
Carolina. George Mendenhall had a shoe shop; a work shop in
which were made plows, rakes, hoes, etc.; a large flouring mill,
cotton gin, tanyard and farm, all worked by specialW skilled
negro slaves.
MINERALS OF GUILFORD.
The mining interests in this county have in the past been
worked to some profit. In north Guilford is the iron zone. The
]. \ AN I.INDI
liiMdNA, N. C.
A'()A'77/ CAROLINA. 61
old iron works existed in»the days of Greene and Cornwallis. In
south Guilford is the pold zone. It is said that no jjold has been
found north of the railroad in Guilford, but south of it ^old and
copper ore are found. Tradition says that the Iiulians had some
knowledge of gold in this section.
The following: is a copy of a letter written by Robert W. Hod-
son and placed in my hands through the kindness of Mr. Phillip
Horney Hodson.
Plainficld, Indiana, 5 nio., 24th, 1879.
P. H. Hodson.
Dear Cousin : Thy letter reached in due time, I)ut from various causes,
has not been replied to earlier. I have been from home and otherwise
engaged. I have recently returned from Philadelphia, Pa., as well as some
shorter visits nearer home.
My health is pretty good for a person of my age (in my 83rd year).
.•\s to thy inquiries relative to the gold mines in N. C. The mine
where I worked was in my brother Jeremiah's land, I was only privileged
to work on a certain part of it under a lease to my father, James Kersey,
and myself.
1 think in the year 1825 my brother Jeremiah and I in prospecting
along a branch found sonv.- particles of gold by washing the sand in a
pan (a little previous I think some particles had been found on John
Teague's land near by on another branch, perhaps by a \Vm. Jessup, which
was afterwards known as the Homey mine). From some knowledge of
the Geological stratas of the earth we coursed the vein over the high land
to the next branch, thence up the hill some distance, where a ledge of
quartz jetted out, not more than a foot thick, leading S. S. \V., the gen-
eral course of ledges of rock in that section of the country. \Vc found
some particles of gold in quartz.
After harvest that summer my brother and I commenced sinking a
pit on the hill, went perhaps 15 or 18 feet deep, looking for larger pieces of
gold than are generally found in the veins, but finding none then gave up
the pursuit till next summer.
In the meantime I applied my mind closely to gain a knowledge of
Geolog>'. .Mineralogy, and Metallurgy from the best books, papers and men.
&c.. in my reach — the manner of gathering and working metals in Peru and
elsewhere. Then we commenced work with a little better understanding of
the manner of gathering gold in other countries by following the vein of
quartz only, gathering the ore, crushing it in mortars, grinding it, &c., and
62 GUILFORD COUNTY,
washing with Mercury. We washed the ore first, then crushed and ground
the residue. The gold in the ore was pure, but there was sulphates of
various metals combined in the ore. When we succeeded in the work it
produced a wonderful excitement. Men came from far and near, went
to work sinking shafts at random and getting no pay.
The Horney mine was soon opened and worked with some success;
and subsequently many other places in Guilford and Randolph Counties
were worked for gold, though copper abounded in some of those mines.
I think gold was first found in Cabarrus County, in the southwest part
of the State, in alluvial beds in larger pieces, some of those pieces very
large.
We worked more or less of the time about four years in the mine.
The value of the ore by the ton varied so much that I can make no satis-
factory estimate of it. There were small beds in the veins very rich ; we
called them pockets.
My brother-in-law and myself worked together, one dug ore, one
hauled to the washing place and the other washed. Some days not make
more than $i.oo to the hand, other days much more. The largest day's
work we ever done, was to dig out the ore, haul it to the washing place
and wash out a little over $90.00, or $30.00 to the hand. We only went a
little over fifty feet deep while I worked the vein. The vein thickened from
near a foot on the surface to near five feet in the bottom. We sold out, I
think, in the spring of 1831 to Andrew Lindsay, James Robbins and Jesse
Shelly.
Perhaps I need not say more at present. If we were together, we
might speak of many things transpiring betwen '25 and '31 when I left
Carolina for Indiana. I am so nervous it is difficult to write.
In love, thy cousin, Robert W. Hodson.
Among the older mines of Guilford County lying from six to
twelve miles south and southwest from Greensboro, that were,
previous to the Civil War or at one time, successfully operated for
gold and copper, are "The North Carolina or Fentress Mine,"
"The Hodgin Hill," "The Fisher and Millis Hill Mine," "The
Gardner Hill Mine," "The McCulloch or North State Mine,"
"The Lindsay Mine," "The Deep River Mine," "The Guilford
Mine," "The Twin Mine," and some twelve to twenty miles north
and east, "The Melvin Mine" and "The Gibson Hill Mine." These
mines were worked to depths varying from fifty to three hundred
NORTH CAROLINA. 68
and fiftv feet, tlic quartz veins varying in width from one foot to
twelve feet or more. They produced free millinp^ pold ores run-
ning' from $2 to $100 per ton or more, and even a better average
gratle of iron pyrites gold ores from which they were unable to
extract the gold with the methods then known and used.
HISTCKV OF COTTON .M.\NL'FACTLRI NG.
North Carolina is the pioneer of the Southern States in the
manufacturing of cotton. Feeble beginnings were made in Lin-
coln and Edgecombe Counties, but these were unsuccessful. By
these failures the cause was hindered rather than established.
Henry Humphreys, a citizen of Greensboro, was the first to
demonstrate that cotton manufacturing might be carried on profit-
ably in the South. He built and completed the Mount Hecla Steam
Cotton Mill, in 1832. To build a cotton factory then was a great
undertaking. The machinery had to be hauled in wagons either
from Petersburg, \'irginia, or from Wilmington, North Carolina.
Postage on letters was twenty-five cents. Mr. James Danforth
came down from Paterson, New Jersey, to set up the machinery,
and spent a year or so teaching the people how to run it. The
hands were white people from the neighborhood.
A bill of lading for Mr. Humphreys' machincfy says that "seventeen
bo.\es had been shipped on the Schooner Planet whereof Capt I. Cole is
master for this present voyage now lying in the port of New York harbor
and bound for Petersburg, \'a. Goods to be delivered in good order and
well conditioned at the port of Petersburg, Va. (the danger of the seas
only is excepted). Freight for said machinery is eight cents per cubic foot.
These goods were insured, marine insurance, policy costing $1.25."
•Another letter bears date of August 5. 1835, Paterson, X. J. :
To Mr. Henry Humphreys:
Wages with mechanics have advanced in a much greater ratio and
there is a scarcity of workmen. Besides the Trades Unions have created
throughout all the whole Northern and Eastern section of the country
much insubordination. Workmen have struck in many places for a reduc-
tion of the hours of labor. The cotton mill hands have been standing out
for eleven hours per day for more than four weeks.
64 GUILFORD COUNTY,
We trust the reasons stated are sufficient to justify the increased price
of the I20 spindle frames. Rogers, Ketchen & Grownor.
The mill was built of brick and contained four stories, with
a basement. It was one hundred and fifty feet long by fifty feet
broad. Tv/enty-five hundred spindles and seventy-five looms were
run. Sheeting, shirting and osnaburgs were woven, and also cot-
ton yarn, which was put up in five-pound packages and sold
throughout the country round to be woven on old-fashioned
looms. When the mill was first established the yarns were so
popular that people from the country camped all around the fac-
tory, v/aiting for the yarns to come off the machinery. Other
products of the factory were hauled in large wagons to Virginia,
Tennesseee, Kentucky and v/estern North Carolina.
This, the first cotton mill in this State, stood on the corner of
Bell Meade and Green Streets, in Greensboro, N. C. Edwin M.
Holt, who became the leading cotton mill owner in the State and
in the South, learned the cotton manufacturing business from
Henry Humphreys. (See a letter of Governor Thos. M. Holt's in
the "History of Alamance.")
Currency was issued by Mr. Humphreys. This bore a picture
of Mount Hecla Steam Cotton Mills. Fifty-cent bills, dollar
bills and three-dollUr bills were issued in 1837. Many of these
were made payable to Thomas R. Tate, his son-in-law.
At present Gieensboro is the home of one of the great cotton
manufacturing plants in the State. Western Greensboro is a
manufacturing city in itself.
The Proximity Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of
colored cotton goods, was organized in 1895. Its ofiicers are:
Caesar Conk, President.
B. N. Duke, Vice-President.
J. W. Cone:, Secretary and Treasurer.
R. G. Campbell, Superintendent.
This mill began operations in the latter part of 1896, with
about 240 looms, and now has 985 looms. The company employs
NORTH CAROLINA. 66
abcKit IK)0 people. The villajje immediately surrounding thamill
contains about .^oo residences and a population of about 2.500. In
the village there arc three churches of various denominations, and
also a public graded school.
Hucomuga Mills, manufacturers of colored cotton goods, was
organized in 1895 ?i"*l t>egan operations the same year. Its of-
ficers are :
J. \V. Cone, President.
G. O. Coble. Vice-President.
Clarence X. Cone. Secretary and Treasurer.
J. H. Dennv, Superintendejit.
This mill contains 144 looms.
The Revolution Cotton Mills, manufacturers of cotton flan-
nels, organized in 1899, began operations in 1900. The officers
are :
E. Sternberger. President.
S. Fk.xNK, Vice-President.
H. Sternberger, Secretary and Treasurer.
J. \V. Holt, Superintendent.
This mill contains 374 looms.
The Coulter & Lowry Co. Finishing Works are also situated
at Ureensboro.
The \-an De% enter Carpet Co. operates the onlv carpet fac-
tory m the State.
The Minneola Manufacturing Company, of Gibsonville. began
busmess m 1886 as a private company, of which B. and J A
Davidson were the proprietors. In 1888 the company was incor-
porated, with Mr. B. Davidson as president and J. A. Davidson as
secretary and treasurer.
In 1862 Oakdale Cotton Mills were moved from Petersburg.
\ a., to Jamestown, in Guilford County, where thev occupy the
site of the old gun shops. In 1892 the original stockholders, ex-
cept Mr. J. A. Davidson, retired, and Lawrence Holt became the
president. Mr. Holt was succeeded in 1894 by Cxsar Cone and
66 GUILFORD COUNTY,
he in 1896 by B. Frank Mebane, of New York. The mill is
equipped with a 200-horse power Corliss engine, 181 looms, 2,000
spindles, and employs 150 hands.
THE CIVIL WAR.
"After the War," men said, "fashions came and destroyed
our peace." P'actoi y-made cloth and calico put an end to home-
spun dresses. After the war cotton was per pound sixty cents in
gold. A suit of clothes was worth a thousand dollars in Confed-
erate money. Th2 soldiers turned farmers and wore out their
army clothing in the cornfield. Men wore homespun hats and shoes
with wooden soles. People practiced all sorts of economy. The
wom.en of North Carolina, God's women, thought, planned and
worked, during the War and while its darkest clouds were pass-
ing over, they held the country together.
During the Civil War Guilford County was continually
flooded with soldiers. Wheeler's Cavalry, Johnson's Army, Sher-
man's, marched through. In 1865 the commissary stores at Mc-
Leansville were destroyed for fear the Yankees would appropriate
these supplies. A carload of shells was exploded, barrels and
barrels of molasses and of whiskey were burst open. Hungry
women dipped up molasses from the gutters in buckets. Hopeless
m.en lapped up the liquor like dogs.
Though Guilford's life-blood was freely given to feed the
awful fury of war, still her industrial life was not choked alto-
gether. Her people did not have the greater portion of their
wealth invested in slaves. Of course there were some large slave-
holders here ; many were content with a dozen or so. One-third
of the population was non-slaveholding, the western half of Guil-
ford being largely Quaker. In Warren, Halifax and other eastern
counties, many slaveholders owned one or two hundred slaves.
When the crash came they suffered most.
The remarkable occurrences of nature affect industrial life.
On the night of the thirtenth of September, 1833, "the stars fell."
NORTH C.tNOLLWA. 6T
Tlu' shower of luetfors hc^an about throe o'clock in the iiK^niiiitj
ami lasted until day. Thousands of shootinp lights fell to the
earth, "just like the snow" cominj? softly down. The "bip snows"
came in 1854 and 1857. Ten-rail fences were covered out of
sight. The snow in the roads r»?ached the side of a horse. In
1857 it bei^an snowinp: before Christmas, on Saturday, and for
five Saturdays it snowed. Au<jitst 7. 1869, there was a total
eclipse of the sun. ^~*-^
WOOD WOKKMA.NSIIII'.
In 1867 a barrel of shuttle-l;l(Kks made of persimmon wood,
as an experiment, was shippetl from Greensboro to Lowell, Massa-
chusetts. Prior to this all shuttle-blocks had been made of apple
trees, very costly since apple trees must be planted and allowed
to jjrow. To Captain W. H. Snow belonj^s the honor of the dis-
covery that persimmon and dop^wood and some other North Caro-
lina timber mij^ht be used for the manufacture of shuttle-blocks.
The discovery meant thousands of dollars to the State as well as
to this County, ijreat industrial activity and enterprise and more
wholesome living. Captain Snow demonstrated to Guilford people
the way to utilize the unbounded but hitherto untouched resources
of th«ir forests. In 1872 he went to High Point and touched the
corpse of industry and it sprang into life. (See Chapter XII. on
the Towns of Guilford.)
NEWSP.M'ERS.
The newspaper, as invented in London by the scholarly Addi-
son, was a factor in literature in which the drama, the theatre and
society figured largely. Hut, according to American sentiment, the
newspaper belongs to industrial development.
The Greensboro Patriot through fourscore years has been a
factor in the life of Guilford County. 1821 was its birthyear and
't has since been continuously published. Its circulation is large;
many homes in Piedmont Carolina would feel lost without its
weeklv visits. The Greensboro Patriot mav be found in almost
68 GUILFCRD COUNTY,
complete file in the library of the Greensboro Female College.
This paper was originated by C. N. V. Evans and Clancey, who
were succeeded by William Swaim,. whose successors were Lyndon
Swaim and M. S. Sherwood. Col. James A. Long, of Randolph,
was at one time connected with it ; also Hon. D. F. Caldwell and
A. W. Ingold. About 1867 Jam.es W. and Robert H. Albright,
who had been publishing the Times on West Market Street,
secured control of the Patriot and consolidated the two publications
under the name of the Patriot and Times. One year later R. H.
Albright sold his interest to J. W. Albright, who took Major P. F.
Dufify, now political editor of the Wilmington Star, as an associate.
The latter became sole proprietor about 1876 and remained so
until 1880, when he was succeeded by R. G. Fulghum, who began
a daily in connection with the weekly. The former lasted but six
months. Mr. Fulghum died in 1885, but had been succeeded in
1882 by John B. Hussey, then librarian of Congress. In 1890 the
paper became the property of Messrs. Bethel, Scales and Cobb. A
daily edition was issued from May to November, 1890. Wallace
N. Scales, who was one of the publishers, moved to Idaho and
became county judge in that State. Mr. Bethel retired from the
firm in March, 1890, and the remaining members continued to
conduct the publication until 1891, when J. R. Wharton succeeded
them. Among others who at some time were connected with the
Patriot were Whitehead & Hemby. In 1893 the present owners,
W. M. Barber & Co., became proprietors, and under their man-
agement the Patriot has fully maintained its honorable record of
the past and broadened its field of usefulness. It is a paper of the
people, which is read at the hearthstones of Guilford County and
goes to other counties and states to tell those who are bound by
ties of consanguinuity and social or business connections of the
weekly happenings in the County of Guilford. The staff is:
W. M. Barber, editor ; Wm. I. Underwood, local editor ; and Wil-
liam P. Turner, foreman.
The Daily Record was launched on the journalistic sea
(. M'T. W. M. SNOW,
IIIC.ll IHMNT. N. C.
NORTH CAROLINA. 69
November 17, i8c)0, with Messrs. H. J. Elam and J. M. Reece as
editors. It is a popular paper, orij^inally five columns, but its size
has been increased at various times. At present it is an ei{jht-
page, six-column evening daily.
The Brett iti^i^ Telegram was established in July, 1897, by the
Telegram Publishing Company, with Mr. C. G. Wright, president.
It was a six-column folio at first, but was enlarged in 1898 to a
seven-column folio. It is a lively, up-to-date publication, gener-
ously supported.
INTERNAL IMTROVKMENTS IN THE STATE INAUGURATED IIV
GUILFORD MEN.
"Even as late as 1833, a committee of an internal improve-
ment convention^ in their address, say, 'We have nothing that de-
serves the name of maufactures. No process for changing the
values of the raw materials are in use among us, except those
effected by manual labor, or by machinery of the very simplest and
commonest construction.' " — Dr. Wiley's North Carolina Reader,
page 341.
About this time internal improvements was the line of cleav-
age in politics ; the Whigs represented the progressive policy, the
Democrats were conservative.
Among the names connected with this era in the industrial
history of the State that deserve to be remembered are John M.
Morehead. John A. Gilmer — both father and son — Calvin Hender-
son Wiley and Nereus Mendenhall, all of them sons of Guilford.
That period from 1830 to 1840 was like a great storage bat-
tery in the history of Guilford County and North Carolina, not
only, but of the world as well. In 1833 slavery in all the English
Colonies was abolished. In 1830 the first railroad was run. It
went from Liverpool to Manchester. In this decade telegraph
lines were first stretched, and the first steamship crossed the Atlan-
tic. In this decade Tennyson, the Brownings, Thackeray, Dickens
and Ruskin became famous. They were unknown before. Ameri-
70 GUILFORD COUNTY,
can literature was born in this period. Before it, Washington
Irving had been the only one supreme writer in this country. But
in this ten years Bryant, Holmes, Whittier, Longfellow and
Lowell came into prominence.
It was in this decade that the "Internal Improvement" and
"General Education" policies thrilled the souls of people in North
Carolina. Governor Alorehead kept in close touch with the indus-
trial development and studied English newspapers and English im-
provement. About this time there first began to be in North Caro-
lina, railroads, the public school system, colleges, asylums for the
insane, the deaf and dumb and the blind, the penitentiary, cotton
factories, banks, good roads and generosity.
The Legislatures of 1840 and 1848 deserve also to be com-
memorated— the first for an act to establish eommon schools,
always indicative of industrial and healthful feeling; and the
other for an act for the charters of the North Carolina Railroad,
the Fayetteville and Western Plankroad, "The Slackwater Navi-
gation of the Cape Fear and Deep Rivers, and prospectively of
the Yadkin, with a portage railroad connection with Deep River."
In those days the impulse for more effective transportation was
so great that the project for making the rivers navigable was
entered upon with enthusiasm. The Dan River even was one on
which was expended much means and labor without any adequate
returns.
Governor John ]\I. Morehead, in his last message to the Legis-
lature of North Carolina, urged upon that body the demands of
philanthropy and statesmanship for the establishment of a state
asylum for the insane, which had before been housed in jails. John
A. Gilmer's speech in the Senate of North Carolina was a most
earnest appeal in behalf of these vmfortunates. That noble and
praiseworthy woman, Miss Dorothea L. Dix, of New York, had by
her personal appeals succeeded in inducing the Legislatures of
many states to make provision for the insane. It was through her
efforts also that the asylums were built. The Home for the Aged
NORTH CAROUSA. 71
and Iiihrni of Guilford County was planned by no others than
Dorothea Dix and Governor Morehead. Dr. Xereus Mendenhall
lielpevl in a ^reat measure toward the founding and erection of
the Insane Asylum at Morganton. probably the best institution of
the kind in the South.
JOHN M. MOREHE.XD.
Governor John Motley Morehead was a man of action and of
great affairs. State institutions, railroads and factories were intro-
duced into North Carolina by his creative hand. Our educational
ami industrial life received an im.pulse from this man that can
never be lost.
John M. Morehead was born the fourth of July. 1796. the
birthyear of the University of North Carolina, from which, in 1817,
he was graduated, with John Y. Mason and James K. Polk. For
one year he was tutor and later a trustee of his Alma Mater. Far
more than is usual in this State, he was familiar with hcllc lettres,
history, arts and science. In practical surveying he was an expert.
On mechanics and architecture he was well informed. With
Archibald D. Murphy he studied law and in 1819 he was licensed
to practice. His contemporaries were Murphy, Ruffin. Settle and
Yancey, an array of intellect sure to bring out the best in man, and
soon, in the face of competition, he had built up a fine pra.ctice,
with his brother, the Honorable James T. Morehead. In 1821,
John M. Morehead was elected to the House of Commons from
Rockingham County. In 1827 he represented Guilford in the
Legislature. In 1840 he was the Whig candidate for governor of
North Carolina, in competition with General R. M. Saunders,
Democrat. They made the first canvass of the State for that office.
In 1842 Governor Morehead was elected to a second term of office
as Governor of North Carolina, this time in opposition to Hon.
L. D. Henry.
In 1 8^8 John M. Morehead was president of the convention
which nominated General Taylor for President of the L'nited
72 GUILFORD COUNTY,
States. In those days the South had great men in the pubhc
Hfe of the nation. Henry Clay was a personal friend of Governor
jMorehead. In the General Assembly of North Carolina of 1858-
59, Governor JMorehead fought the fight for the railroad system of
this State, a fight of giants about a real subject. In the Peace
Congress which met in Washington City in February, 1861, Gov-
ernor Morehead, together with Judge Rufiin, Governor Reid,
George Davis and Daniel M. Barringer, represented North Caro-
lina. Governor Morehead went opposed to separation of the
States, but he returned in favor of it, taking the cause of his native
land.
At a meeting of the stockholders of the North Carolina Rail-
road, held in 1855, in Greensboro, Governor JMorehead said, in his
farewell address as president of the company: "Living, I have
spent five years of the best portion of my life in the service of the
North Carolina Railroad; dymg, my sincerest prayers will be
offered up for its prosperity and its success; dead, I wish to be
buried alongside of it in the bosom, of my own beloved Carolina."
After the War, broken in spirits and with fortune impaired.
Governor IMorehead died, twenty-seventh of August, 1866, a man
who had lived a hundred years ahead of his time. He was buried
in Greensboro, where a beautiful monument should be erected to
his memory.
"When Spring with icy fingers cold
Returns to deck her hallowed mould,
She there shall press a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod."
The Piedmont Railroad Company, at a meeting of its Board
of Directors held in 1866 in Richmond, \^irginia, adopted the
following resolutions : "Resolved^ That as a testimonial of our
appreciation of the exalted talents and eminent services of the
Honorable John M. Morehead, of North Carolina, in the con-
struction of many of the most important railroads in his own state,
but specially for the liberal views and unceasing efforts for the
NORTH CAROLINA. 73
])ast fifteen years to obtain the charter from the Legislature of his
native state for the construction of this Road, the depot nearest
Greensboro. North Carohna, and known as Sepinan, shall here-
after be known and designated by the Company as 'Morehead
Depot.' "
Governor Morehead was the friend of education. His earnest
support was given to the efforts made for the public school sys-
tem. Out of his own means he built Edgeworth Seminary for
young ladies and gave it his personal attention. This was a school
nnich in atlvance of the time in scholarship. In his young man-
hiMxl he. with his brother, James T. Morehead, gave to his father-
less brothers and sisters a liberal education.
With John M. Morehead's advent into the gubernatorial
chair, the idea of internal improvements reached its high-water
mark in North Carolina. The public school system was set upon
its feet through the personal efforts of Dr. C. H. Wiley. Asylums
were built for the insane and for the deaf and bumb and blind.
Governor Morehead. John A. Gilmer, Miss Dorothea Dix and
others combined their zeal for a Hospital for the Insane of the
state, who had up to this time lain in jails without medical atten-
tion, without care. The speeches of Governor Morehead and John
A. Gilmer, two sons of Guilford, before the Legislature, are classic,
equal to Cicero.
Governor Morehead was a man of action and business
capacity. "The City of Jackson." in Rockingham County, showed
his efforts at city-building. This would have been a great success
had nature, too, done her part.
In 1842 people were discussing whether or not North Caro-
lina should have a penitentiary. In his message Governor More-
head directed the attention of the General Assembly to this sub-
ject. John M. Morehead was the great industrial magnet of the
state.
Ah ! this man was a man with a head, heart, hand-
One of the simple, great ones gone
Forever and ever by.
74 GUILFORD COUNTY,
He owned cotton mills, had many slaves, which was a paying-
business ; was a large farmer, great lawyer ; but his great work for
the state was better transportation, good roads, railroads. The
work of building the railroad, beginning at Raleigh and Charlotte
and working toward a common centre, met in January, 1856, near_
Greensboro. It was a gala day in the little city when the first train
came in. The young ladies from Edgeworth Seminary had
special privileges to go down and ride in on the first train. The
people came from far and near to see carriages without horses.
Prior to this the mail arrangements were as follows : Eastern,
daily ; southwestern, daily ; western, three times a week ; Danville
mail, three times a week. When the railroad was completed to
Raleigh in 1840, the news was brought to Greensboro by a stage-
coach driver. Fifty years ago it was thought dangerous to ride
faster than ten miles an hour. Today Greensboro is probably the
most accessible city of the state. The North Carolina Railroad,
the Northwestern North Carolina Railroad, the main line of the
Southern Railway, and the Atlantic and Yadkin Valley Railway
meet at Greensboro. Forty or more trains come daily.
CORPORATIONS IN GUII.FGRD COUNTY.
Capital Stock.
American Lumber Co $ 20,ooO'
Brooks Manufacturing Co 5,ooo
Central Carolina Fair Association 3,50O
Cape Fear Manufacturing Co 10,700
Chisholm, Stroud, Crawford, Rees 15.000
Carolina Mfg Co 6,000
Cone Export and Commission Co tax 400
Eagle Furniture Co 35,ooa
Greensboro Lumber Co 15,000
Gate City Furniture Co 6,850
Greensboro Ice and Coal Co 10,000
Greensboro Furniture Mfg. Co 20,000
Gibsonville Store Co 3.50O
Globe Furniture Co 40,000
Goose Grease Liniment Co lO
NORTH CAROLINA. 76
Guilford Lumber Mfg. Co 27,400
Hucomuga Mills 7.500
Hunter Mfg. Co SO.ooo
Harry-Bdk Brothers 10,000
1 lagueMcCorklc Ory Goods Co 20,000
High Point .Milling Co 2.000
High Point Hardware Co 6.000
High Point CotVni and Casket Co 16.000
High Point Mantel and Table Co 15.000
High Point Clothing Co 7.500
High Point Trunk and Excelsior Mfg. Co 4.100
High Point Metallic Bed Co 10,000
High Point Shirt Mfg. Co 10.000
Home Furniture Co 43.000
High Point Chair Co 10.000
Johnson Bros. & Co 4.000
Julian Milling Co 5.300
Lindsay Chair Co 24.000
\'3n Lindley Nursery Co 40.000
Merchants* Grocery Co 18.000
Mount Pleasant Mfg. Co 37-20O
Mineola Mfg Co 40,000
North State Bobbin Co 3.050
Odell Hardware Co 49.500
Oakdale Cotton Mills « 50.000
Piedmont Cotton Co 5.000
Pomona Terra Cotta Co 25.000
Pro.xiiTiity Mfg. Co 150.000
Piedmont Shuttle Works 5,000
Piedmont Table Co 1 2.400
Revolution Cotton Mills 300.000
L. Richardson Drug Co 22,000
Sunmierficld Gun Club 300
J. W. Scott Co 30.000
Sherwood Bobbin Mfg. Co 6.000
Simpson-Shields Shoe Co 18.000
Snow Lumber Co 75.000
Snow Basket Co 3.500
Southern Chair Co 20,000
Tucker & Irwin 2,000
Tate Furniture Co 48,000
76 GUILFCRD COUNTY,
Tomlinson Chair Co 9,ooo
Vanstory Clothing Co l8,ooo
Victor Chair Co 1,250
West End Land Co 2,400
Ward Shoe Co 3,000
Wakefield Hardware Co 12,100
Welch Furniture Co 15,000
NORTH CAROUSA.
CIIATTKR X.
HISTORY OF EDUCATION I.N GUILFQKD tol NIV.
Prior to the Revolutionary War the classical school of Dr.
David CaUlwcll was the centre of educational work in the state
and in the south. The early settlers brou.s^ht with them love of
cuUure. The education of the orphan children was cared for by
law and manual training given them.
The old Minute Rooks of Pleas and QCiartcr Sessions have many in-
stances of children being bound out to a master, who would give them a
certain number of months at school and "to learn them the art and mystery
of weaving," or farming, or coopering, etc.. and give them freedom dues, a
set of tools and a suit of clothes. The masters agreed "to find tliem suf-
ficient dyet and lodging and give them learning as the law directs." One
record shows the boy should get "one suit on and off when free" and "learn
the art and mystery of a tanner."
In the Minute Book of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of
1784, page 82. in the office of the clerk at Greensboro, N. C, is shown that
Mary Carnaham, aged ten years, was bound to Andrew Carnaham until she
arrive at the age of eighteen years. Her guardian promised then to give
her a cow and calf and spinning wheel, also he promised to give her a
year|s schooling as soon as possible.
In November, 1784, it is ordered that William Millon, orphan, aged
thirteen years the fifteenth of February next, be bound to John McBride
until he arrive at tlie age of twenty-one years, to learn the art of a cooper,
and the said John McBride dotli here agree to learn or caused to be learned
the said apprentice, \Vm. Millon, to read, write and cipher as far as the
rule of three, before he is free, and at the time of his freedom to give him
one good suit of clothes and a set of tools."
Minute book of Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. May, 1799:
"Ordered that Abigal Perr)', aged eight- years, an orphan, be bound to
Capt. Patrick Shaw until she arrive at the age of maturity agreeable to law,
at and before which time he is to learn her to read the Bible and also the
different arts of a spinsttr and to give her a full suit of dollies, win 11 free.
exclusive of her common apparel and also a new tlax wheel."
78 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Minute Book, August, 1804, page 300: "Ordered that a child of color,
aged six years, named Hannah, free born, be bound to James Dicks until
she arrives at the full age of eighteen years. He is to teach her to read
and to give her freedom dues."
From Colonial days Guilford County has been foremost in
educational work in North Carolina. Presbyterian and Quaker
have been alike zealous in the cause. Soon after building homes
in the pioneer country, churches and schools were erected. As in
the Old Country, Church and State had been united, so in this
New Country Religion and Education were at first closely allied.
The preacher was most often teacher as well. In 1766 or '67 Dr.
David Caldwell established his classical school in Guilford County,
at that time the northeastern part of Rowan County, about three
miles from the present site of Greensboro. This became the
most noted school of the South. For many years "his log cabin
college served for North Carolina as an academy, a college, and
a theological seminary." An able Presbyterian divine, the Rev.
E. B. Currie, says that "Dr. Caldwell, as a teacher, was probably
more useful to the church than any one man in the United States."*
"Five of his scholars became governors of different states ;
many more became members of Congress ; and a much greater
number became lawyers, judges, physicians and ministers of the
gospel. It would have been a credit to any man to have been
the instructor of such men as Judge Murphy, Judge IMcCoy, John
M. Morehead and others."
The most illustrious names in the educational history of
North Carolina are the names of David Caldwell, from 1766 to
1824; Dr. Calvin Henderson Wiley, from 1840; and Dr. Charles
D. Mclver in later years, upon whom the sacred mantle has
descended.
DR. DAVID CALDWELL.
David Caldwell, the son of a Scotch-Irish farmer, was born
in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March the twenty-second,
* See the Hist of Education in N. C, by Charles Lee Smith, page 2".
XORTH C.-IROLLWA.
19
1723. After receiving the riuliments of an education, he bepan
hfe as a carpenter, working at tliis trade until his twenty-sixth
year. Decithnj; to become a minister, his tirst steps were to obtain
a classical education. For some time he studied in eastern Penn-
svlvania at the school of Rev. Robert Smith, the father of John
W. Smitli. president of Hampden-Sydney College, and of Rev.
Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., at one time president of Princeton
College. Before entering college David Caldwell taught school
one or more years.
At the time he entered Princeton, "candidates for admission
into the lowest class must be capable of composing grammatical
Latin, translating X'irgil. Cicero's Orations, and the four Evan-
gelists in Greek."
His biographer. Dr. Caruthers, relates that: "An elderly gentleman of
good standing in one of Dr. Caldwell's congregations stated to me * * *
that when a young man Dr. Caldwell was spending a night at his father's
one summer about harvest, and while they were all sitting out in the open
air after supper • * * Dr. Caldwell observed that, so far as his own
experience had gone, there was nothing unwholesome in the night air; for
while he was in college, he usually studied in it and slept in it, during the
warm wcathtr, as it was his practice to study at a table by the window, with
the sash raised, until a late hour, then cross his arms on the table, lay his
head down and sleep there until morning. This was not very far behind the
most inveterate students of the seventeenth century, * * * and a man
who had strength of constitution to pursue such a course of application,
though of moderate abilities, could hardly fail to become a scholar." See
Caruther's Caldwell, page 20.
In 1 761 he graduated at Princeton. For a year he taught at tape May,
then took a graduate course and acted as tutor in languages as well at
Princeton.
At a meeting of the Presbytery held at Princeton. 1762, David Cald-
well was received as a candidate for the ministry. In 1763 he was licensed
to preach; in 1764 he labored as a missionary in North Carolina, returning
to New Jersey m 1765. being ordained to the full work of the ministry, he
immediately returned to North Carolina, where he labored as missionary,
until March 3, 1768, he was installed as pastor of the Buffalo and Alamance
congregations, of Guilford County.
Dr. Caldwell was one of the first Presbvterian ministers to
80 GUILFORD COUNTY,
make the state his permanent home. His history is identified with
the reHgious and educational history of the state more than is that
of any other one man of the eighteenth century.
Dr. Caldwell was one of the first Presbjiierian ministers to make the
State his permanent home. His history is identified with the reHgious and
educational history of the State more than is that of any other one man of
the eighteenth century.
In 1766 he married the daughter of the Rev. Alexander Craighead, and
as the salary from his churches was not sufficient for the support of a
family, it became necessary for him to increa.se his fortune. He established
the first institution for the higher education that achieved more than local
fame. The average attendance of students was from fifty to sixty, a large
number for the time and the country. The school was not interrupted by
the war until 1781, the students being in the American army. The number
was small until peace.
Judge Archibald D. IMurphy, in an address before the literary societies
of the University of North Carolina in 1827, referring to the facilities for
higher education before the opening of the University in 1795, said : "That
the most prominent and useful of these schools was that of Dr. David Cald-
well, of Guilford County. The usefulness of Dr. Caldwell to North Caro-
lina will never be sufficiently appreciated. The facilities of the 'school
were limited. His students were suppHed with a few Greek and Latin
classics. The students had no books on history or miscellaneous literature.
There were indeed very few books in the State, except in the libraries of
lawyers who lived in the commercial towns." "I well remember that after
completing my course of studies under Dr. Caldwell I spent nearly two
years without finding any books to read, except on theological subjects.
* * * Few of Dr. Caldwell's students had better opportunities of get-
ting bookj than myself. At this day, 1827, when libraries are established
in all our towns, when every man has a collection of books, it is difficult to
conceive the inconveniences under which young men labored thirty or forty
years ago."
During the Revolution, Dr. Caldwell was in the prime of
manhood and his service to the state was of great value. Hated
alike by Tories and British, he was driven from home and to
escape his enemies was forced to spend many nights, in the forest.
His library and many valuable papers which he had prepared
were destroyed. They tried to seduce him with British gold, but
NORTH CAROLINA. 81
neither persecution nor money could shake his loyaUy to the cause
of America. "Dr. Caldwell was a memher of the State Convention
of 1776, which drew up the 'Bill of Riijhts' and^ framed the Con-
stitution. He was a member of the convention to consider the
Constitution of the United States, in 1778, where he took a decided
stand as an advocate of states' rig:hts." When the University of
North Carolina was erected he was urjjed to accept the presidency.
In 1810 the institution conferred upon him the dep^ree of Doctor
of Divinity.
Dr. Caldwell died the twenty-fifth of Aufjust, 1824. It is
said that "time-worn veterans in the service of their country, men
who have stood firm ap^ainst the intrigues of ambition, who have
fous:ht tjie battles of freedom and maintained the rijjhts of the
pc<iple in the halls of our National Legislature, year after year,
until they had grown gray in the service, have been known to shed
tears at the mention of his name, when passing in public convey-
ance by the place where his remains lie buried, and by the church"
in which they had heard him preach. (Caruthers' Caldwell, p. 36.)
The work of Dr. Caldwell had carried the educational devel-
opment near the beginning of Dr. C. H. Wiley's work for the
state. Now let us go back to bring forward another thread in the
educational growth in this County. During the last decades of the
eighteenth century Richard IMendenhall was demonstrating
Quaker patriotism by teaching at night for si.xteen years in his
store at Jamestown, furnishing books and tuition free of charge.
Young men, old men and boys, busy struggling with the
problem of existence, were taught the rudiments of education.
Richard Mendenhall, himself a classical and mathematical scholar
of ability, inspired a love of culture. A monthly paper. The Public
School Journal, published by him, was probably the first paper in
the South in the interest o( education.
From 1820 to 1830 George C. Mendenhall was the most
prominent man in this section of the state — lawyer, farmer,
wealthy slave-owner and teacher. On his farm the negroes were
82 GUILFORD COUNTY,
trained as special workmen ; carpentry, harnessmaking, shoemak-
ing, tailoring, cooking, agriculture, reached a high state of per-
fection. The problem of the education of the negro was solved.
"Tellmont," the law school of George C. Mendenhall (for
-white students), was situated on a beautiful knoll on his farm at
Jamestown. Long cedar avenues leading up to it were terraced
and the grounds rendered otherwise attractive. Some of the
State's eminent lawyers here received instruction for their life-
work, Judge Dick, Judge Armfield, ^Ir. Simmons of Montgomery
•County, and others.
About 1830 Horace Cannon taught in "the little brick school
house" at New Garden. His school was largely attended. He
gave instruction in philosophy and Brown's English Gramhiar.
(His son, Joseph G. Cannon, is a leading Republican in Congress
from Illinois.)
In 1833 a classical school for males was founded as Greens-
boro by the Orange Presbytery, called Caldwell Institute. Rev.
Dr. Alexander Wilson, a man of high scholarship from Ireland,
became principal, with Rev, Silas C. Lindsay as assistant. After
two years Rev. John A. Gretter was added to the faculty. In 1844
Prof. Ralph H. Graves succeeded him.
About this time the school was moved from Greensboro to
Hillsboro, N. C. The Greensboro High School was chartered to
take its place, with John M. IMorehead, John M. Dick, John A.
Gilmer and others as trustees. Its principal. Rev. Dr. Eli W.
Caruthers, was, like Dr. David Caldwell, a graduate of Princeton,
and the pastor of Buffalo and Alamance churches. He wrote a life
of Dr. Caldwell and history of the "Old North State," valuable
contributions to the North Carolina literature. In no small way
did he serve the people of the state. A classical school at Old Ala-
mance church was taught by him.
The decade from 1830 to 1840 in North Carolina was full of
effort and enthusiasm for education. In this period Baptists,
Methodists, Presbvterians and Friends each resolved that educa-
XORTH CAROLIX.l. 88
tion was the question of paramount importance, and the demoni-
national colleges of the State were foumled ; Wake Forest, in 1832 ;
Trinity Collej;e. in 1838; Davidson Collepfe, in 1836: New Garden
Boarding: School, in 1837; Greensboro Female College, in 1837.
Of these five denominational colleges in the state, two were in
Guilford County — Xew Garden lioarding School and Greensboro
Female College. Xew Garden lioarding School became, in 1888,
GUII.I'ORD COULKCK.
Six miles west of Greensboro, on a beautiful, undulating
plateau, is located Guilford College, or Xew Garden r>oarding
School of Friends. For a hundred years the Yearly Meeting, the
highest authority of the Society of Friends in the State, was held
here. ( Since 1881. High Point has been the scat of that assembly.)
Guilford College had its origin in a deep religious concern for
the education of the members of the Xorth Carolina Yearly fleet-
ing and for the' promotion of the Society of Friends. Nothing
less powerful than religion could have sustained the worthy men
and women in their struggle against poverty and indifference for
the establishment and maintenance of this school for their own
children and for future generations. Steps prelimmary to its
erection were taken at the Yearly Meeting of 1830. Subordinate
meetings were asked to report the following year upon the charac-
ter of the schools attended by the children of Friends, of Friends'
children of school age. and tlic number of these not in school. The
subordinate meetings reported that : "There is not a school in the
limits of the Yearly Meeting under the care of a committee either
of monthly or preparative meetings. The teachers of Friends'
children are mostly not members of the Society and the schools
are in a mixed state; which brought the Meeting under exercise
for a better plan of education, and Dougan Clark, Jeremiah Hub-
bard, Nathan Mendenhall, Joshua Stanley and David White were
appointed to prepare an address to the subordinate meetings on the
subject of schools."
84 GUILFORD COUNTY,
That address contained the following high estimate which
Friends have in regard to education : "We believe that the Chris-
tian and literary education of our children, consistent with the
simplicity of our profession, is a subject of very deep interest, if
not of paramount importance, in supporting the various testi-
monies that we profess to bear to the world, and even the very
existence and continuance of the Society."
A committee was appointed to receive subscriptions for the
establishment of a boarding school, and $370.55 was received that
year. Another committee was appointed later to digest a plan
relative to buying a farm on which to locate the school. In 1832
$1200 was subscribed, and a plan of operation was proposed. This
plan was that a small farm be bought, buildings erected for the
accommodation of fifty boarding pupils. The institution should
be near a meeting house, "somewhere within the limits of New
Garden, Deep River, Western, or Southern Quarterly Meetings."
The farm was not to be located on a public road, it was to be
provided with an orchard to furnish fruit for the students, and a
pasture for cattle for the convenience of the institution ; the farm
was to be in a healthful neighborhood and watered by a con-
stantly running stream. The farm, the orchard, the dairy, the
running brooks and the healthful environment have always been
marked features of this school.
A committee, appointed by the Yearly Meeting, consisting of
tw^o men and two women from each of the Quarterly Meetings,
decided upon the location, appointed the superintendent and
teachers. This was probably the first time it was ever seriously
proposed to appoint women for such duties in North Carolina.
Each monthly meeting within the limits of the Yearly Meet-
ing was to select one man or woman who would be willing, when
sufficiently educated, to teach in the primary or monthly meeting
schools. These were to be educated at the expense of the monthly
meeting, or from the general' fund of the Yearly Meeting, if the
parent or guardian were unable to pay.
In 183.^ the school was located at New C.anlcii. A cliartcr
from the General Asscnihly was obtained through George C. Mcn-
denhall. that year a member of the Senate of North Carolina. In
1834 Klihu Cotlin donated a tract of seventy acres of land, adja-
cent to that first bouj^ht. Interest in the school was not confined
to the North Carolina Yearly Mcetino;. Interest in education was
the chord of vibration between North Carolina Friends and those
of England. Philadelphia and elsewhere. In 1834 English Friends
had given $2000 for buildings; in 1837 Joseph John Gurney, of
England, gave $500, one-half of which was to be used as the
trustees saw fit, tjie other half in aiding the children of Friends
unable to meet the expenses of their education. Through the
gifts of English Friends "early provision was made to defray the
expenses, wholly or in part, of ten children at the school. This
assistance was given for several years at a period in the history of
the school when, but for this aid, "the attendance would have been
discouragingly small." George Rowland, of New England Yearly
Meeting; Roland Green, of Rhode Island; Francis T. King, a
noble philanthropist of Baltimore; New York Yearly Meeting,
Philadelphia Friends and others have given large contributions.
At present the school is well endowed.
"Of the members of North Carolina Yearly Meeting," said
President Hobbs in his address on August 23, 1883, before a
students' reunion, "no one. perhaps, exerted a greater influence
for the school at home and abroad than Nathan Hunt. An emi-
nent minister of the gospel, he used his extraordinary eloquence to
aid the effort which was being made for the establishment of a
higher institution of learning."
Destined not to close its doors though Civil War raged wild,
and the slavery question drove many from this high and quiet
place, though Poverty howled about it like a hungry wolf. New
Garden Boarding School was opened ist of August, 1837. Fifty
students were in attendance the first day — twenty-five boys and
twenty-five girls — second in the United States in regard to co-
education, Oberlin College being first in that respect.
86 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Dougan and Asenath Clark, two well-known and accom-
plished Friends, were the first superintendents. The first teachers
were Jonathan L. Slocum. of Providence, R. I., governor of the
boys' school; Catherine Cornell, governess of the girls' school;
Harriet Peck and Nathan B. Hill.
The various buildings of GuOford College are Founders' Hall,
Khig Hall, named for Francis T. King; Archdale, for Governor
John Archdale, our Colonial Quaker Governor; the Y. yi. C. A.
Hall, and Memorial Hall, built by Messrs. B. N. and J. B. Duke,
in memory of their sister, Mary Elizabeth Lyon.
For a decade before the Civil War the school was harrassed
by financial matters. In i860 the sale of the property was pro-
posed. Friends, North and South, rallied to its support. New
Garden Boarding School was the only school of its grade in this
State to withstand the Civil War without the loss of a day, con-
tinued without interruption on a gold basis. Isham Cox was a
great friend of the school, helping to reHeve it of debt. Jonathan
E. Cox, for many years, was interested in disbursing the debt.
JONATHAN E. COX.
Born in the County of historic Panquotank, inheriting the
equanimity and spiritual life of a Quaker ancestry, Jonathan E.
Cox was born twenty-first of January, 1818, the son of a
widowed mother. While a boy on the farm he was an industrious
worker, and accumulated with his own hands a comfortable living.
He had great strength and endurance, his physical manhood he
regarded as holy and he was a man in the happy union of constitu-
tional harmony. When he was forty-one years of age he was
elected superintendent of New Garden Boarding School and re-
moved with his wife and four children to Guilford County for
the purpose of educating his children. Seeing the oncoming cloud
of war, he hoped to remove to the Western States. But in two
years the Civil War broke upon the South, the darkest day for
the Quakers of North Carolina. Jonathan Cox was determined
NORTH CAROLINA. «7
to emigrate with his family whin nu-ii Hkc Francis T. King said
to him that in view of the $18,000 deht on the school and the war,
the institution wouUl have to he'' sold, uidess Jonathan Cox would
take the school upon his own responsibility. A hasty council was
held. Xereus Mendenhall, Isham Cox and Jonathan Harris were
found willing to stand I)y the school, and Jonathan Cox assumed
the whole resixMisihility of maintaining the institution.
Jonathan E. Cox did what no other man in North Carolina
could do — he preserved a high-grade school during the Civil War
without the loss of a day. This was due no less to his business
ability than to his tact and smooth temper. With his means he
helped many a youth in this State to an education. He gave away
his fortune in the support of the school where for fourteen years
he was super'ntendent. For this cause he gave away the best of
his life.
In 1888 the school was chartered as Guilford College. Three
courses of study are given : Classical, Scientific and Latin-Scien-
tific. The bachelor's degree in Arts and in Science is conferrecf
after a course of four years. Guilford College was the first and
only school in the State for many years ofTcring women the advan-
tage of Greek culture and higher mathematics.
Among the best friends of the institution have been the Men-
denhall family, the Cox family, Jesse M. Bundy, Dr. Joseph
Moore. Francis T. King, Dr. J. C. Thomas, Jeremiah Hubbard
and many others.
Representative students of this school arc: Dr. A. Marshall
KUiott of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Nereus Mendenhall. Dr.
Dougan Clark of Indiana, Judge Blair of California, Mr. B. G.
Worth. Captain James X. Williamson, Mr. L. Banks Holt, ex-
1 ieutenant-Governor Reynolds and others.
LEWIS I,VXDO.\ IIOUUS.
The first president of New Garden Boarding School after
becoming Guilford College, in 1888, was Lewis Lyndon Hobbs.
88 GUILFORD COUNTY,
He was born in Guilford County, the youngest son of Lewis anrl
Phoebe Hobbs. He was prepared for college at New Garden. In
1872 he entered the Freshman class at Haverford College, Penn-
sylvania. At Haverford he received the degree of Bachelor in
Arts, and later, Master in Arts. In 1876 he returned to New Gar-
den Boarding School as Professor of Greek and Mathematics. In
1885 Dr. Joseph Moore, of Indiana, became president of the school,
and Prof. Hobbs taug-ht Latin and Greek.
Not only has President Hobbs been president of Guilford
College since the trustees secured the charter raising the standard
for higher education m the State, but he has also been clerk of the
North Carolina Yearly Meeting of Friends. Clerk of this body
corresponds to the office of Speaker of the Senate in the Legisla-
ture. President Hobbs is most thoroughly conversant with his^
church, its needs and its members. His work on educational mat-
ters, however, has been felt beyond the limits of the Yearly Meet-
ing. After the death of Dr. Nereus Mendenhall he filled the
vacancy caused thereby in the County Board of Education ; he
also was for four years a member of the State Board of Examiners.
President Hobbs is a young man, quiet, unassuming, but a close
thinker and an unceasing, effective worker for education, standing
among the foremost in North Carolina in the warfare for culture,
education, strength and beauty of character.
GREENSBORO FEMALE COLLEGE.
(See "History of Church and Private Schools" by Prof. Raper of the
University of North CaroUna, pages 202-210.)
The year 1837 marks an epoch in education in Guilford
County. Not only was New Garden Boarding School opened
for students, but also steps were taken for the erection of Greens-
boro Female College. The members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church sent a petition ( See Hist, of Education in N. C. by C. L.
Smith, p 120) to the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, asking that a college, under the auspices of the
denomination, be established at Greensboro. This year the North
NORTH CAROLINA. S9
Carolina Conference began its separate existence. Greensboro
Female College is of the same ajje as the Conference. In 1838
the North Carolina Conference secured a charter for the institu-
tion from the State Legislature, so this school has the honor of
being the first chartered college for women in North Carolina,
ud with the exception of the Wesleyan Female College at Macon,
' .oori^ia, the first sou'h of the Potomac.
The Church bought two hundred and ten acres of land in
•h;- western limits of Greensboro, and in ihc centre of a beautiful
ark on West Market Street the school was erected. The intelli-
gence and social refinement of the people of Greensboro determined
the location. In April, 1846, the College was opened, with Rev.
Solomon Lea as its president. His successors have been: Rev.
William Albert Micajah Shipp, Rev. Dr. Charles F. Deems, Rev.
1<. M. Jones. Dr. B. F. Dixon. Dr. B. L. Reid, Dr. Dred Peacock,
Mrs. Lucy Roberson.
.\mong the best friends of the institution have been the great
nd good Dr. C. F. Deems, J. S. Carr, T. U. Jones, J. A. Odell,
'r. Sidell, Mrs. Susan Mendenhall and Mrs. Ann Rumpass. The
'umnae from 1S48 to 1863 numbered 191 ; from 1863 to 1873. 51 :
irom 1873 to 1897, 428. These graduates are to be found all over
the South, many in the North and West.
At commencement, 1902, Mrs. Lucy H. Roberson, having
been unanimously chosen by the trustees of the College, was
inaugurated as president to succeed Dr. Dred Peacock. The
alumna? and friends of the institution hailed with enthusiasm
President Roberson's inauguration. Woman as president of a
college in North Carolina is a new departure, opening a wider
field and new incentive to woman's work in behalf of education.
The library of this College is considered the best collection
of books and papers on North Carolina history.
EDC.EWORTII SEMINARY.
In 1S40 Edgeworth Fe.m.\le Semkv.xrv was established by
Governor Morchead. On a centrallv located site he erected a four-
90 GUILFORD COUNTY,
story brick building. Miss Ann Hodge was chosen principal.
Among the teachers were Misses Emily Hubbard and Eliza Rose,
Misses Nash and Kollock, Rev. Mr. John A. Gretter. Professors
Breite and Brandt were instructors in music.
Dr. and Mrs. D. P. Wier succeeded Miss Hodge. After them
came Rev. Gilbert Morgan and wife, who introduced the collegiate
plan with four classes and preparatory department to train young
girls to enter the lowest classes. The expenses for board and
tuition were $150: wax-works, $20; shell-work, $20; silk and
worsted work, $10. In the first collegiate year were taught Arith-
metic, English, Latin, and Greek Grammars ; . Spelling, analysis
and dictionary; Geography, History of United States, Book of
Commerce, Mythology, Jewish Antiquities, Watts on the Mead.
French, Latin or Greek Ivanguages, with one ornamental branch,,
and lectures on Self Knowledge and Self Culture. Some of the
women of the best intellectual culture of the State have matricu-
lated at Edgeworth, who in their old age were women of marked
scholarship. They enjoyed mathematics and even worked prob-
lems in Calculus for pleasure. A gold medal for especial excel-
lence through a four years' course.at Edgeworth Seminary is pre-
served at the State Normal College, a relic of the thorough edu-
cation of young women in Guilford County before the days of
railroads.
Li 1850 Prof. Richard Sterling succeeded Mr. ^lorgan at
Edgeworth Seminary. The school was closed in 1862 by reason
of the War. In 1868 Rev. J. M. AL Caldwell, grandson of Dr.
David Caldwell, conducted Edgeworth Seminary until 1871, when
Edgeworth died and passed into history.
NORMAL SCHOOL AT HIGH POINT.
In 1880 Major William Bingham Lynch founded an excellent
School at High Point. A brick house was provided, 100 feet long-
by 47 feet wide, four stories, capable of accommodating 125 board-
ing pupils. It was destroyed by the War.
Note: For much of the above information see Educational Report for North Caro-
ina, by C. H. Mebane, for 189ti-'97-'98.
NORTH CAROLINA. 91
In 1880 Major William niiiKliani Lynch founded an excellent
military school at High Point, but it scx>n closed.
Tim Co%fMON ScHOOi System of North Carolina went into
operation in 1840 with the administration of Governor John M.
Morehead. who was much interested in educational development.
This was the era of internal improvements. Dr. Nereus Menden-
hall. a Guilford man. was also one of the architects of our public
schcKil system. lUit Dr. C. H. Wiley was the main spirit and
became the first Superintendent of Public Instruction in North
Carolina.
Dk. Wii.kv wa-^ born in the neitjhborhood of old Alamance
Church. The Rankin and Wharton families of Guilford County
arc his relatives. Dr. Calvin H. Wiley was a Presbyterian minis-
ter, statesman and educator. The present system of public educa-
tion in this State was organized by his efforts. Before the days
of railroads he visited every county in the State from sea to
mountains in the mterest of schools. The Fir.st Annual Report
of the General Superintendent of Common Schools of North
Carolina, by Calvin Henderson Wiley (the year 1854, page 8),
states these facts : The Common School System went into opera-
tion in 1840. The Literary iJoard was made the chief executive
head until 1854, from which Hoard not a single report or an
official statistic appeared.
The whole income of the public schools of the United States,
in 1850, aside from that raised by taxation or donations, was two
millions, five hundred thousand dollars. The income of the Pub-
lic Fund of North Carolina, aside from swamp lands and county
taxes, was equal to one-twentieth of the whole. The Legislature,
by granting of lotteries and corporate privileges, was. the only
substantial aid to the cause of general instruction. Judge A. D.
Murphy, in 18 19, made report for education, but it passed soon
from public mind.
Dr. Wiley says: "I felt, too,— not .t pleasant reflection to a sensitive
mind — that while I was spending freely in books, in postage, in travels and
92 GUILFORD COUNTY,
neglecting more profitable sources of revenue, and not saving much of my
salary, some were thinking I was growing rich on the public money, and
robbing the schools which had lost many thousands for the want of a more
efficient organizer, and which contributed to my salary about 50 cents each,
or in the ratio of three-fourths of one cent to the child, while I was trying
to save twenty times that amount to each on the single small item of books
alone."
'■'Such was the prospect on one side, on the other were tempting
pecuniary inducements to resign. Very strong financial considerations had
to be sacrificed by my continuance in office. I felt that to resign would at
once create confusion and a want of confidence in the system, and that the
eyes of many were turned to me in hope while those who elevated rne to
office had reason to expect my best exertions to the last and under all temp-
tation."
The popular will is represented in the District Committees
selected by the people ; these Committees chose the teachers, while,
at the same time, they are limited in their choice. A County Com-
mittee of Examination is appointed to pass on the merits of all
teachers, and only those having the certificates of the committee
are allowed to draw public monies. A tolerably wide margin is
allowed this Committee to discriminate as to the merits of teachers
so as to suit all classes. From this method good results are ex-
pected. The certificate shows on its face whether the holder takes
the lowest or the highest or an intermediate place.
(By R. D. W. Connor, Superintendent Oxford Graded Schools.)
"The work of Calvin H. Wiley was essentially that of an originator
and organizer. Beginning with practically nothing except opposition as a
foundation, he built up by his own power, often unassisted, a flourishing
system of efficient schools. Although the strain of the terrible days follow-
ing the war broke down the system he had founded, so strongly had he laid
the foundation, so well had he builded, so deeply had he instilled into the
minds of the people the common school idea, that it proved but a temporary
suspension. With the rescue of the State from the hordes which were
sucking her life-blood, came the opportunity to redevelop her resources.
Far-sighted statesmen and leaders clearly foresaw that the first essential
for development was universal education. Upon the apparent ruins of
Wiley's system, they founded our present growing, influential public school
system, with many of the improvements which Wiley himself would have
adopted had he held the helm."
•KKSIM'.NT I.. I,. Ilor.liS.
NORTH CAROLINA. »:^
"When Dr. Wiley took charge of the educational interests of the
Stnte he clearly perceived two important things, heretofore passed hy with-
•r notice: first, that before a system of schools coiild he successfully
tiblished the adult population must he educated to believe in public educa-
tion and to act upon that belief; second, that he must educate, train and
equip a full supply of efficient teachers. These two things done, then it
would be time to consider the details of the system. He bent all his energies
toward a''Coinp'ishing these ends."
"He resorted to every conceivable method of reaching the great mass
of the people. Personal visits, newspapers, circulars, private and public
' rtcrs, ringmg and eloquent speeches — all were brought to his use in edu-
ing the people. He succeeded beyond his fondest hopes. Nothing better
phasires the success of his labors than the fact that with every nerve
-.lined to meet the demands of war. the people were willing to strain a
•lie further in order to continue the operation of their schools."
"In the training of a sufficient force of teachers Dr. Wiley adopted as
his motto. "Scatter judiciously over the State good copies of any good work
■1 education and it will create a revolution.' He began his work with less
n a thousand old-field teachers, whose ideas of teaching were that the
■cher must be merely a recitation-hearer and a thrasher of boys. Bcs'des
•ing this force to be used in the work he was compelled to furnish a
pply of two thousand new ones. His plan for doing this cannot be ex-
plained here. It is sufficient to say that after five years of labor he supplied
to the State more than three thousand well-equipped, trained, enthusiastic
instructors. What a powerful influence this force had on the development
of the State it is impossible to estimate, no little part of that quality which
made our State 'First at Pethel ; last at Appomalto.x,' was due to this
trained army of devoted worker.s. When wc think of the work done by
Calvin H. Wiley and his splendid school system, it does not seem strange
that North Carolina rallied so soon after a destructive war in which she
had spent her life-blood freely, and has had such marvelous success in
building up her resources. Back of all her wonderful development in other
matters as well as in school affairs, lies the solid foundation of Dr. Wiley's
;J<8 schools and his trained force of teachers."
"Our people are just beginning to awaken to a knowledge of Dr.
Wiley's gre.Ttncss and of his wonderful work. Our educators have long
been working under his influence without knowing it. When they fully
realize what his labors have meant in the past to their work, his influence
will spread as it ought to do and continue to grow until it pervades the
rank and file of all who arc interested actively in our material, intellectual
and moral welfare."
94 GUILFORD COUNTY,
•'In this great educational campaign now arousing our people to a full
sense of their educational duties and responsibilities, it would be a fitting
time for the teachers to whom it properly .falls to start a movement for the
erection of a monument to Dr. Wiley as a testimonial of their recognition
and appreciation of his great efforts and results. A resolution looking to
this end will probably be introduced in the meeting of the Teachers' Assem-
bly and it is to be hoped that it will receive the earnest and active support
of that body — such a movement would do much for the cause of education
by showing to the people that teachers honor their educational heroes and
demand the same from others. No North Carolinian better deserves such
honor than Calvin H. Wiley, for no man has better served his State."
In 1853, Guilford County had seventy-two Districts; five
thousand, nine hundred and eighty-nine children reported; three
thousand, five hundred and forty-five children taught; average
time, four and one-half months; average salary, for men, $17.00,
for women, $14.00. The number of teachers licensed was fifty-
seven males and nineteen females.
Guilford County has at present about ninety public schools
for white children and thirty for colored. The salary of teachers
and the length of the school years is about the same as it wa^ in
1854.
In May, 1874, Greensboro voted a special tax for the support
of its public schools. So much in sympathy with the movement
were the people that only eight votes were cast against the tax.
The first graded school in the state was established in Greens-
boro in 1875. Mr. J- R- Wharton was the first superintendent until
elected County Supervisor of Schools. Prof. J. A. Grimsley
served the graded schools as superintendent for ten years. His
successor is Mr. Edgar D. Broadhurst. The number of children
enrolled in the three schools for whites under his supervision ex-
ceeds the number of children reported in Guilford County in 1854.
Guilford County is not only the first in the State to establish
graded schools in the larger towns but also the first to establish
rural graded schools. In the neighborhood of New Garden in
AORTIl CAROUX.l. »•>
icpi a tax was voted for the New Garden ^^raded schools. At
SunimerfieUl and Urown's Summit a similar plan is in projrrcss.
In April, i<>02. a meetin?; held in the interest of education at
Greenshoro donated $8,050. iti addition to the tax money, for rural
puhlic schools.
The Board of .Mdermen and the Chairman of the School
Committee of Greensboro were interested in jjettint; a more suit-
able school building and in 1887 the handsome building on Lind-
say Street was comi)leted. In May. 1891, the corporate limits of
Greensboro were extended, and in that year graded schools were
provided for both white and colored children. In May, 1893,
Ashboro Street School was built.
The graded schools enrolled during the first year. 1875. one
hundred students. In i8t)7 there were enrolled i.oc)6 white chil-
dren and 452 colored. Ninety-five per cent, of white children
between the ages of six and sixteen are in school.
The High I'oint graded school was established the first Mon-
day in May. 1897. when the citizens of High Point voted $10,000
for the erection of buildings and equipments. It opened the 20th
of September. i8()7. The following is a brief history of its
growth: Its enrollment the first day was 386, which increased
during the year to 476. It began the second year with 479
I)upils and ended with 562 ; the third year, with 568 and ended
with 5f)8; the fourth year, with 559 and ended with 662; the fifth
year with 670. and will end with about 725. The increase the first
year was c)o pupils : the second, 83 ; the third. 30; the fourth, 103 ;
the fifth. 55. and a real increase for the four years of 339.
O.VK RIDC.E INSTITLTK.
In 185 1. Jesse Benbow. .-Mien Lowery, Dr. John Saunders,
Jas. B. Clark. Thomas J. Benbow and Samuel Donnell. of Oak
Ridge; .Archibald Bevil. of Hillsdale; Wyat Bowman, of High
Point, feeling the need for a preparatory school for young men,
founded Oak Ridge Institute. P>y a majority of one, the present
96 GUILFORD COUNTY,
beautiful location was selected. From this knoll, with its majestic
oaks, the peaks of the Blue Ridge mountains may be seen. From
this knoll as a watershed the Haw River and the Deep River rise
and, winding each its separate way, they unite in loving embrace
and flow to the sea as our noble Cape Fear River. This is one
channel by which the heart of Piedmont Carolina reaches the East.
The natural beauty of Oak Ridge is fine, probably the most pleas-
ing in the County of Guilford.
Dr. Saunders was the first chairman of the Board of Trustees ;
Dr. Charles F. Deems was chairman ex-officio, then president of
the Greensboro Female College, a man who did much for edu-
cation in North Carolina, and became pastor of the Church of
Strangers of New York City.
Oak Ridge Institute first opened its doors to students in Feb-
ruary, 1852, with Prof. John M. Davis as principal. Fifty students
greeted him. Among them were INlr. Rufus Benbow, of Oak
Ridge, and Dr. Morris, of Forsyth County. Although students
came from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina. Mississippi,
Louisiana and Texas, the school was not a financial success. At
the outbreak of the Civil War the students numbere(^ about one
hundred. Hon. John A. Gilmer, Sr., addressed the people of Oak
Ridge on the coming storm of war. All but three students volun-
teered.
Tn 1866 Prof. O. C. Hamilton, a graduate of Trinity College,
was chosen principal. He found the building burned, probably
by an incendiary, before reaching his charge. Obstacles did not
daunt the courage of Oak Ridge. The new trustees added to the
old board were Messrs. W. O. Donnell, J. F. Hoh, C. R. Benbow,
Charles Case, A. J. Rolling, Thomas Graham, Charles Wilson,
J. S. Brown, John King, R. A. Blaylock and Thos. J. Benbow.
They erected a new building.
In 1869 Prof. Pendleton King, a graduate of Haverford Col-
lege, librarian of the State Department at Washington City,
was principal of Oak Ridge. After him the school declined until
NORTH CAROLINA. 97
1875, when Prof. J. A. Holt brought energy to it and the influence
of Mark Hopkins, his teacher and friend. In 1879 Prof. M. H.
Holt became junior principal. As the school grew year by year,
new and more spacious buildings were erected, wood giving place
to brick. In 1891 a large, three-story building, containing a
V. M. C. A. hall, library, gymnasium and class rooms, was built
and christened "Holt Hall."
For twenty years this institution, under the present manage-
ment, has been giving young men thorough commercial training.
It is this training which has made a place for Oak Ridge Institu-
tion. This influence is felt in every trade centre in this State.
Her graduates are everywhere.
To Professor J. Allen Holt and his brother, Prof. Martin H.
Holt, is due the credit of contributing to North Carolina the
Rugby of the State. This is a business age ; everything seems to
turn on the pivot of the dollar, even religion, etiquette, good prin-
ciples. Death and the Grave have to do with money, the one great
basis. Therefore a business education, to know not only the
classics but also to understand people in business and how to
clinch a bargain is of great importance. With a keen eye Oak
Ridge has seen the point of contact between the scholar and the
world. Therefore they seek to unite in their students what is best
in the old idea of culture together with business ability.
The Holts come of a race remarkable for business capacity.
They were born in Alamance County, near the battleground of
the Regulators. In Colonial days Michael Holt, their forefather,
lived here, a fanner, innkeeper, large land-owner, man of wealth
and of aflfairs in the State. His descendants have made of Ala-
mance County and the State a great manufacturing centre. "Isaac
Holt, the son of Michael Holt, married Lettie Scott. Their son,
Thomas Scott Holt, married Sallie Foust. She was the niece of
George Foust, who married Maria Holt, sister of Isaac Holt.
John Foust Holt, of Alamance County, married Louise Williams,
of Rockingham County." This is the direct line of descent of the
98 GUILFORD COUNTY.
professors of Oak Ridge, showing who they are and at the same
time giving an index of the success of the school.
Prof. T. A. Holt was born in 1852. For many years he has
been chairman of the Board of Education of Guilford County.
His name was prominently before the people for State Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction at the last convention. He was
president of the Teachers' Assembly in 1901.
Prof. M. H. Holt was born in 1855. When a member of the
Legislature in 1893 he served as chairman of the Committee on
Education. From 1893 ^o 1897 l^^ wgs a trustee of the State
University. He has been for some time director of the North
Carolina School for the Deaf and Dumb, at Morganton. For
years he has been on the township board and public school com-
mittee. In 1875 and 1878 Professors J. A. and AI. H. Holt came
to Oak Ridge.
Fifty years ago Oak Ridge Institute was founded. This
year, 1902, its year of jubilee is celebrated.
WHITSETT INSTITUTE.
Thirt>--eight years ago there was established a school which
became later, Whitsett Institute. Located in Southeast Guilford,
on a beautiful plateau eight hundred feet high, the institution was
built, looking toward the southeast over a beautiful expanse of
open country, like a rolling savannah. About the buildings and
westward are great oaks of nature's own, a reinforcement against
the ttmiultuous world beyond. The landscape offers philosophic
repose and sweet peace. Nature has contributed her advantages
luring youth to health, to beauty and to thoughtfulness. Tw^o or
three miles away the lonesome whistle of the train blows at Gib-
sonville, the nearest station. The village of Whitsett without the
student is deserted, like an oasis without the songs of birds or
merry antics of animals. Nothing there tempts the youth to waste
his time. To study is the natural way at Whitsett.
Toward the south is Southern Pines ; toward the west is
XORTH C.IROIJ.\.-l. W
Aslifvillo. The soil of Whitsctt is loam, not red clay. I'lowcrs
bloom and the t^rass y:ro\vs tall.
Country life reduces the expenses of the student away at
school. Courses for business, teaching or ct)llege are offered both
boy and girl, young men and young women. In 1900 the student
body numbered 329. with room for more. Still a beautiful new
buiUling is being erected. 80 by 100 feet, furnishing every modern
convenience for school work, library, chapel, reading room, society
halls, gymnasimu and nnisic rooms. At the State Fair, held in
Raleigh, this school was awarded two elegant diplomas, one for
•'i'.est General Display by School" and another for "Ilest Com-
mercial Display."
Rev. r.rantley York. D. 1).. "the founder of Trinity College,"
and Charles H. Mebane. one of North Carolina's best Superin-
tendents of F'ublic Instruction, and of Guilford County by birth,
have helped by years of teaching and superintending to build uj)
this institution.
William Thornton Whitsctt is a native of Guilford County,
North Carolina. He attended the public schools of his native
county and was prepared for college by private tutors. He was
educated at North Carolina College and the University of North
Carolina. He has been president of Whitsctt Institute since 1888,
is a trustee of the University of North Carolina ; member of the
Southern Historical Association, Washington. D. C. ; secretary of
the North Carolina Association of Acadamies; member of the
American Authors" Guild. New York ; member of the School
Directors of Guilford County; member of the .\merican Academy
of Social and Political Science. Philadelphia. For three years
he was secretary of the North Carolina Teachers' Assemblv.
THK AC.KICII.TLU.M. .\NI) .M IX HAN ICAI, COI.IJCC.F, or r.KKKXSnORO.
The Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored
Race was established by an act of the General Assembly of North
Carolina, ratified 9th of March. i8<)i. The financial support of
100 GUILFORD COUNTY.
the school is derived from the United States, under an act of
Congress known as the "Morrill Act," passed August 20, 1890.
The citizens of Greensboro donated twenty-five acres of land and
eight thousand dollars to be used in the construction of buildings.
In 1893 the General Assembly appropriated ten thousand dollars.
Substantial buildings have been erected. They have about two
hundred students. Its president is James B. Dudley, A. M. of
Shaw University, A. M. of Livingston College, teacher in public
schools 1 876- 1 880, principal of Peabody graded school 1880- 1896.
He is a blessing to his race.
Fully 80 per cent, of the colored people in this State live in
the country and subsist on agriculture. The future of the colored
race in the South depends upon the ownership of farm lands and
their intelligent and skillful treatment by colored farmers. This
field is free from competition and race feeling. Owners of large
tracts of land now yielding nothing are only too glad to rent them
to the skilled farmers who graduate from an agricultural college,
and also provide him with stock and implements of husbandry.
The young man who leaves this college with honor, a good charac-
ter and a well-trained mind, who is familiar with science and art
relating to his calling in agriculture, mechanics or any of the
trades, will not be compelled to canvass the country seeking em-
ployment. Capital will be looking for him to place him in charge
of land and stocks, to handle machiner.v and direct unskilled labor.
Wherever skilled labor is found among producers, turning the
wheels of industry that increase the wealth of the world, there will
be found graduates of the Agricultural and Mechanical College.
The reputation of the Agricultural and Mechanical College
is extending over wider fields. Immediately following the infor-
mation that the College had received notice of the awarding of a
silver medal on the account of its exhibit at the Paris Exposition,
comes information from another remote section, showing the rec-
ognition of this institution elsewhere.
"President Pulido, of San Chez, Mira, Philippine Islands,
fr
C^
JdNATIIAN K. COX,
XORTH C.lROIJN.-i. 101
writes that he intends to have his son enter the 'famous college
of Greenshoro' al)out the first of April. He will make arrange-
ments for his son to remain here until graduation,"
Hknxktt Coi.i.EC.K was opened in the city of Greensboro in
1873 by the Treedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. North, one of forty-six such in-
stitutions founded and sustained by that church. About 1876 the
institution became a boardins: school in a larp:e four-story brick
buiidincr. and chartered under the laws of North Carolina. It is
situated on the outskirts of Greensboro. Its president is Rev. J. D.
Chavis. a neg[ro man reared in Guilford County. The classics and
mathematics are tau.yfht. It is co-educational.
Near Bennett Collcj^e is the Kent iNnrsTuiAi. Homk for
CouoRED Girls, under the support of the Woman's Missionary
Society of the M. E. Church. North, Troy, N. Y.. Conference.
This Home was dedicated May 2, 1887. Industrial traininj:;: for
sixteen girls is yearly given. The superintendent is a white woman
from the North, Miss Carrie L. Crowell. They have also a
teacher of sewing and a primary teacher. The building erected
for this home is of brick, neat and convenient. A new and larger
house will be erected soon. Servants from this home are well
recommended.
Till-: STATI- NORMAL AND 1N'DUSTRL\L COLLEGE.
When the South began to recuperate after the paralysis of
Civil War and of slavery and her people had a little easy leisure in
which to think, they gave their attention to education. Thought-
fully and with great earnestness a few men in the State studied
the great plan of education, as developed in other lands. They
soon came to the conclusion that teachers should understand their
I)rofession before being allowed to practice, that the minds of chil-
dren were just as sacred as their bodies. The quack physician had
long ago been relegated to the dark corners.
Institutes were held for the training of teachers in the court-
houses in manv counties in the State. These institutes were usu-
102 GUILFORD COUNTY,
ally in session for two weeks in July and August. During the
years 1889 and 1890 the Board of Education sent out two men
as Institute conductors to visit every county in the State and hold
in each an institute lasting one week. The two men sent by this
Board were Dr. Chas. D. Mclver and Dr. E. A. Alderman. They
aroused a love for learning and a desire for reading and study
among the teachers. Page's "Theory and Practice" and other
books on pedagogics were placed in the hands of teachers, many
of whom had never seen a book on teaching, though they were
"duty-loving and duty-doing men and women."
To quote from the report of Prof. J. Y. Joyner to the Super-
intendent of Public Instruction (See report 1897-98, p. 964), he
says : "To one who, for the past fifteen years, has been engaged in
this educational work, and who, during each year, has mingled
much and talked much, publicly and privately, with all classes of
our people in the interest of public education, there is noticeable a
very marked and hopeful change in their attitude toward the public
schools. This change has come about so gradually that many
whose work has not kept them in touch with the educational
sentiment of the State are not conscious of the extent of it."
Out of these institutes for teachers the feeling grew and there
arose a demand for a State Normal and Industrial College for
the education of young women, giving them thorough training in
the science of teaching, and instead of a few weeks of training in
their profession, to give them four years of instruction at much
less than cost, at prices within their reach.
At the Teachers' Assembly, which was the congregation of
the Teachers' Institutes, the first formal step was taken toward
the establishment of a Normal College. The teachers passed reso-
lutions, in 1886, asking for this institution, and they appointed a
committee to memorialize the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chas. D. Mclver, the propelling spirit of the
movement, was studying the system of the education of women.
His determinative wisdom and zeal fought the fight before the
NORTH CAROLINA. 108
General Assembly for the higjher and better education of her
women by the State. By his persistent energy and logic the
North Carolina State Normal and Industrial College was estab-
lished in 1 89 1. The time was hastened throughout the whole
State by the teachers, the King's Daughters, the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union and the Fanner's Alliance. Dr. J. L. M.
Curry made a strong appeal for the cause. The citizens of
Greensboro gave $30,000 for its location. Mr. R. S. Pullen
and Mr. R. T. Gray, of Raleigh, and others donated the land
— ten acres. During the ten years of its existence hundreds
of young women who could not have gone elsewhere have been
sent out into this State and everywhere as most efficient teachers
and as cultured women in every walk of life. The course of
study has been arranged for meeting the needs of young women
in North Carolina and it embraces the Normal Department, the
Commercial Department and the Department of Domestic Science.
At the comencement of 1902 of the State Normal and Indus-
trial College at Greensboro, President Mclver presented the fol-
lowing report, which embodies the history and the wonderfully
successful career of that great school:
"Ten years ago on this hill, then a bleak and barren ten-acre
lot— the gift of Mr. R. S. Pullen, Mr. R. T. Gray, Mr. E. P.
Wharton and others, with $30,000 voted unanimously by the far-
sighted citizens of Greensboro to secure the location of the institu-
tion, and with an annual appropriation of $10,000, voted by the
General Assembly of 1891 to aid in the employment of a faculty,
the State Normal and Industrial College began its work.
"In 1886 the North Carolina Teachers' Assembly, then in
session at Black Mountain, passed resolutions asking for the
establishment of a normal college and appointed a committee to
memorialize the General Assembly. Each succeeding Teachers'
Assembly for five years passed similar resolutions and appointed
similar committees to present the question to our law makers. In
his biennial report to the General Assembly the late Hon. S. M.
104 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Finger, then Superintendent of Public Instruction, urged the im-
portance of establishing the institution. But it was at the session
of 1889 that the question really came before the General Assembly
for serious consideration for the first time. A committee from
the Teachers' Assembly, consisting of Charles D. Mclver, chair-
man ; E. G. Harrell, E.' P. Moses, E. A. Alderman, Geo. T. Win-
ston, D. Matt. Thompson and Mrs. J. A. McDonald, presented in
person and urged the adoption of a bill establishing a training
school for teachers, and this bill, in spite of active and intense
opposition, passed the Senate by a large majority, and failed in
the House by only a few votes. Had this bill become a law the
institution would be co-educational.
"Before the meeting of the next General Assembly in Janu-
ary, 1891, Governor F.owle had in his message urged the establish-
ment of the institution. In the meantime, the King's Daughters
had petitioned the Legislature to establish an indusrial school for
girls. The North Carolina Farmers' Alliance, in 1890, at its
annual meeting at Asheville, had passed strong resolutions asking
the State to aid in the higher education of girls and women of
the white race as it was already aiding in the education of white
men, negro men and negro women. Hon. J. L. M. Curry, agent of
the Peabody Fund, appeared before the General Assembly and
made an earnest and powerful plea for the establishment of a
normal college, and through him the Peabody Fund has always
given substantial aid to this institution.
"By 1891 the North Carolina Teachers' Assembly had decided
that it was wise to eliminate the co-educational feature, and in-
structed its committee to that effect. This committee suggested
the establishment of a normal college with industrial features,
whereupon the act establishing the State Normal and Industrial
College was passed and an annual appropriation made for its
maintenance.
FACULTY.
"In choosing the Faculty of the College the Board of Direc-
tors has selected those who in their judgment could best carry
NORTH CAROLINA. 105
out its policies. Neither peopraphical. iu»r political, nor denomina-
tional influences have dtV'ided their selection of teachers.
"The charter Faculty of the College numbered twelve, besides
the assistants. Of these twelve, ei^ht— Misses Boddie, Bryant,
F.^rt. Kirkland and Mendenhall. and Messrs. Forney, Brown and
Mclver— are members of the present faculty. Three other mem-
bers of the present faculty — Misses Allen, Jamison and Lee —
answered to the first roll-call of students in 1892. The college
now has a faculty and executive corps numberinj^ thirty-six. Its
teachers have come from all sections of the country. Four-fifths
of them are Southern people, most of these having received train-
ing in both Southern and Northern colleges, and more than one-
half of them have been native North Carolinians. It has been a
young company of aggressive workers, representing in their train-
ing several State Universities, the leading normal colleges of the
country, and such institutions as Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Welles-
ley, Bryn Mawr. Massachusetts Institute of Technology and sev-
eral Furopean universities. The Governor has recently called
Mr. James Y. Joyner, IVofessor of Knglish in the State Normal
and Industrial College, to the State Superintendency.
STUDKNTS.
■'For the past nine years the average number of students in
the college has been about four hundred and twenty-five. This
number will not materially change until more dormitory room shall
have been provided. The total matriculation for the past ten
years has been about 2,200, about 450 of whom have been in the
college this year. Of the 1,750 who have left the college, 68 have
died, leaving about 1,700. One thousand and five hundred of
these have reported to me during the past two months, and more
than (16 2-^ per cent, of them have taught school. I have asked
each student to give the number of pupils taught by her. The
aggregate number reported is, in round numbers, 130.000. It is
natural to suppose that some of these children have been taught
106 GUILFORD COUNTY,
at different times by two or more representatives of the college.
Deducting, therefore, 30,000 for duplicates, this would mean than
100,000 children have been taught by students.
"As the finances of the institution have justified it the Board
of Directors has increased the physical equipment. Beginning in
1892 with dormitory capacity for less than one hundred and fifty
boarders, with only fifteen recitation rooms in the college building,
including the chapel, the president's office and the physician's
office; with a teaching force of fifteen, including assistants, and
with an enrollment of two hundred and twenty-three students, the
college has steadily developed until at the end of its tenth year it
has dormitory accommodations for three hundred boarders,
twenty-five recitation rooms and offices in the college building and
fourteen rooms in a practice and observation school building, a
teaching force and executive corps of thirty-six, and an enroll-
ment of about four hundred and fifty regular students, besides
about three hundred pupils in the practice and observation school.
Instead of ten acres of land the college now owns one hundred
and thirty acres, and instead of five buildings owned and rented
it now uses eleven buildings. Instead of looking upon a bleak
hill of clay and briars its students enjoy, to some extent, looking
upon growing trees and grass and flowers, and, by the generosity
of Mr. George Foster Peabody, we have the immediate prospect
of a beautiful park, plans for which have already been made.
"Representatives of the college are working in twenty-three
of the States of the Union and the District of Columbia. In nearly
every leading city from Greensboro to Boston representatives of
the State Normal and Industrial College can be found working as
teachers, students, stenographers, bookkeepers or trained nurses.
"The State Normal Magazine, a self-supporting publication,
has been the work of the faculty and students of this college. The
best educational journal ever published in the South and now one
of the leading educational journals of the country, was established
and managed by our Professor of Pedagogy in connection with
NORTH CAROLINA. H)7
his work licre. Several texl-bnoks that liave received ^a-nerous
recognition throitfjhout the country have been published by inem-
l)crs of our faculty. The Audubon Society and the Association
of North Carolina Women for the Betterment of the Public School
Houses of the State are two State organizations which have
resulted from the work of the faculty and students of the State
Xormal ami Industrial College.
'"This college has given some prestige to North Carolina's
name beyond the borders of the State, and has had the good for-
tune to interest influential people in the educational development
of the State which it serves. In the ten years of its existence it
has become as strongly entrenched in the regard of the people of
North Carolina as if it had an hundred years of history behind
it. Ii> this short period it has enrolled 2,500 students, every county
in the State has been represented in its matriculates, and ninety
per cent .of its graduates have taught or are now teaching in the
schools of the State. About every year witnesses an addition to the
buildings of this institution, made necessary by its increased attend-
ance and its growing usefulness. Only about two months ago the
cornerstone was laid for the Curry Building, a practice and
observation school, and a new Alumni Building is to be erected
during the coming year.
15ENEFACT0RS.
"This report would not be complete without some reference to
tlif special benefactors of the institution.
"Within the past two years Mr. George Foster Peabody, of
New York, donated $11,000 to the State Normal and Industrial
College ; $5,000 of this is to be used for developing the Peabody
Park, named for the great philanthropist, George Peabody, who
in 1867 gave to the public schools of the South $3,000,000.
"The Students' lUiilding is a gift to the college which means
more than any single donation of money. It represents the affec-
tion and loyalty of its daughters and those whom they have been
108 GUILFCRD COUNTY,
able to interest in their Alma Mater. The gift of $i,ooo from Mr.
and Mrs. T. B. Bailey, who lost their only two children while
students at this college, was made as a subscription to the Students'
Building. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have also established a permanent
scholarship to be known as 'The Sarah and Evelyn Bailey Scholar-
ship.'
"Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Buxton in 1893 established the 'Jarvis
Buxton Loan Fund' of $100 in memory of their little son. Soon
after this Mr. and Mrs. Josephus Daniels established the 'Adelaide
Worth Daniels Loan Fund' of $100 in memory of their little
daughter. These funds, while small, have aided in the education
of several students. In 1896 General and Mrs. Julian S. Carr
established the Xida Carr Fellowship Fund,' the income of which
is $200 a year. This has made it possible for from two to four
people to remain in college each year since that time, who could
not otherwise have done so. Much help along this line has been
provided by the two literary societies, by the Alumnae Association,
and by the Woman's Education Club. Charles Broadway Rouss,
of New York, gave one hundred dollars to be used as a loan fund
to the daughter of a Confederate soldier.
"The State wants this institution to be good enough for any
of its citizens, and the expenses low enough for all. The purpose
for which the institution was created is clearly stated in section 5
of the act establishing it. It is as follows :
" 'Section 5. The objects of this institution shall be (i) to
give to young women such education as shall fit them for teach-
ing; (2) to give instruction to young women in drawing, telegra-
phy, typewriting, stenography and such other industrial arts as
may be suitable to their sex and conducive to their support and
usefulness. Tuition shall be free to those who signify their inten-
tion to teach, upon such conditions as may be prescribed by the
Board of Directors.'
'Tt is the general purppse of the institution to give such edu-
cation as will add to the efficiency of the average woman's work,
NOKTH CAROLINA. 109
whatever mav be her field of labor. To that end there are three
distinct departments in the course of study : the Normal Depart-
ment, the Domestic Science Department, the Commercial Depart-
ment."
It is well to close this chapter with a few facts relatinjjj to
the Southern Hducation hoard, of which Dr. Chas. D. Mclver is
secretary, having the oversiijht of the work of this Hoard in
North Carolina.
The Southern Education Hoard consists of twelve members.
They are Robert C. Oj^den. president ; George Foster PealwDdy,
treasurer: Charles D. Mclver. secretary; E. A. Alderman. W. H.
I'.aldwin. Jr.. Wallace lUittrick, J. L. M. Curry. Charles W. Dab-
ney. H. 1'.". Frissell. H. U. Hanna. W. H. Page and Albert Shaw.
The Board was created and organized last November in accord-
ance with the platform and resolutions adopted at the fourth
annual meeting of the Southern Educational Conference at Win-
ston-Salem a year ago. April lyoi. The work undertaken by this
lioard is that of agitation and stimulation of all efforts toward
universal education in the .Southern States. It does not make any
gifts to any educational institutions whatever. It has sufficient
funds to aid in a campaign for local taxation and for the better-
ment of public school facilities in several of the Southern States.
So far its chief work has been done in Virginia. North Caro-
lina and Louisiana. It began to arrange for continuous cam-
paigns in these States in January. It has also done some work
in the State of Georgia, and is planning to aid in public educa-
tional campaigns in South Carolina. .Alabama and Mississippi.
.Ml the campaign work of the Southern Education Board is
under the immediate direction of the Southern members of the
Southern Education }^>oard. The field work is in charge of three
district directors, I3octors Alderman, Frissell and Mclver. Dr.
Charles W. Dabney is Director of the Bureau of Investigation and
Publication. His chief assistant is Professor P. P. Claxton, and
he is also aided by Professor J. D. Eggleston and an efficient corps
110 GUILFORD COUNTY,
of clerks. Rev. Edgar Gardner Murphy, of Montgomery, Ala.,
is the executive secretary and personal representative of President
Robert C. Ogden, wherever his services may be needed, whether
in New York or in visiting the various offices in the South.
Dr. F. S. Dickerman and Dr. Booker T. Washington are
doing special work for the board as field agents, the latter being
the special adviser in regard to educational matters relating to the
colored race.
Hon. J. L. M. Curry and Messrs. Alderman, Dabney, Frissel
and Mclver constitute the general campaign committee, and have
direction of all the work of the Southern Education Board.
The plan and work of the Southern Education Board is
merely an extension of the campaign work that has been done for
many years in the towns and cities of the Southern States by the
Peabody Board under the guidance of the General Agent, Dr. J.
L. M. Curry.
Many of these men and those composing the Southern Edu-
cation Board are Southern people; some of them born here, and
some having resided here for several years. Having seen the
heavy load we are carrying, especially in maintaining a double
system of public schools for two races, and recognizing the neces-
sity for continuing this double system, they would like to aid us
in carrying that burden, exactly as the Peabody Fund aided nearly
every town and city in North Carolina to carry its burden when
the latter were establishing their graded schools.
The General Education Board, with headquarters in New
York, is composed of ten men, five of whom have lived in the
South. Wm. H. Baldwin, Jr., chairman ; George Foster Peabody,
treasurer ; Wallace Buttrick, secretary and executive officer ; J. L,.
M. Curry, Frederick T. Gates, Daniel C. Gilman, Morris K. Jesup,
Robert C. Ogden, Walter H. Page and Albert Shaw compose this
board. All except Messrs. Gates, Gilman and Jesup are also mem-
bers of the Southern Education Board. Dr. Curry and Dr. Gilman
are members of the Peabody Board and the Slater Board, and
NORTH CAROLINA. Ill
Messrs. Baldwin and Georpfe Foster Pcabody arc members of the
Slater Board. The General Education Board will make an efTort
to co-operate with the Peabodv, the Slater Board and the Southern
Education Board so as to aid in Southern education, and to pre-
vent duplication of effort.
The underlying principle of the Association is the recognition of the
fact that the people of the Southern States arc earnestly engaged in the
promotion of public education, and that in this effort they should receive
generous aid ; and to this end, and in pursuance of the following named and
kindred objects, the Association will seek gifts, large and small, from those
in sympathy with its plans. It is the purpose of the Board :
1. To promote education within the United States of America, with-
out distinction of race, sex or creed.
2. To develop the public school system, especially in rural districts.
3. To develop the principle of self-help by urging increased local
taxation, local contributions, or by other means.
-t. To further the establishment of training schools for teachers,
especiilly those designed to educate teachers of industrial and manual
training.
5. To co-operate with other organizations interested in educational
work, and to simplify and make effective the general work of education,
avoiding unnecessary duplication.
6. To aid in the maintenance and improvement of educational insti-
titutions already established.
7. To collect full information and statistics in respect to educational
matters in the districts covered by the operation of the Board, which shall
be kept at a general office.
8. To furnish the public with information, suggestions and counsel,
and for this purpose to act somewhat as a clearing-house for educational
statistics and data to be collated by the Board.
9. To educate public opinion in all matters pertaining to the gen-
eral cause of education by publication of reports through the daily press
and by other means.
10. To promote by all suitable means every form of valuable educa-
tional work. Wallack Buttkrick,
Secretary Executive Office.
116 Nassau St, New York, N. Y., May 31, 1902.
A few weeks ago Greensboro, N. C, raised $4,000 for the
public schools of Guilford County. This amount will be duplicated
112 GUILFORD COUNTY,
by the General Education Board, the only condition attached being
a special tax levy for schools in each district that receives any of
the money raised.
"The educational awakening is now on in full force. We are
at last realizing that universal education is a necessity for our
people, and also that in our higher institutions of learning we
must produce the best scholarship and culture. Libraries, labora-
tories and great teachers must give scholarship a chance." — Prof.
Mimms, of Trinity College.
The Outlook, May 17, 1902, has this to say in regard to
Southern education : "North Carolina is one of the leading States
in this new movement. * * ^' The first gift of the National
Board was one of $4,000 to the public schools in Guilford County,
and that gift was made contingent upon the raising of an equal
sum by the citizens of the vicinity."
This is a real movement of reconstruction.
Fifty years from the present the historians will say that Dr.
Charles W. Dabney, of the University of Tennessee, was in his
day the great educational statesman of the South, They will
probably say that he, more than any other, brought learning from
the heights of theology and law to the fruitful, pleasant valleys
of how-to do things. Manual training, agriculture, school garden-
ing he encouraged. He presented the greatest need of the South
before the thoughtful men of the Southern Education Board, so
that they saw the situation. Dr. Dabney brought about self-reali-
zation in the South. He focussed all eyes on the remedy of weak-
ness. In science, in art, in literature, his work has been of creative
service. "Everything in the South," said he. "waits on general
education."
He organized the Summer School of the South, and gave the
teachers there assembled charge of this individual, resourceful de-
velopment. Recognized leaders of thought and great teachers
came and all were inspired by a new hope. Dr. G. Stanley Hall,
the distinguished philosopher, said in regard to the vSummer
School of the South :
DR. MelVEK,
i'kesiuknt of thf. st\ti- nokmai, coi.i,f,ce.
THK l.fTHKR OF NOKTH CAROLINA FtnCATION.
NORTH CAROLINA. 118
"It is the bij^jjcst one in the world. In numbers and interest
it has never been surpassed. From what observation I have been
able to give the class work, the character of the work being done
is of the best. I think that the greatest impression made upon
me, next to the number, is the .social quality of the students. You
have the advantage over us in the North by far, in the high char-
acter, socially, of the ladies, especially, who are the teachers in the
schools. Most of our teachers are from the lower walks of life,
while yours arc from the best. This means more than you can
possibly appreciate. This school is sure to have a tremendous
influence upon Southern civilization."
114 GUILFORD COUNTY.
CHAPTER XL
HISTORY OF CHURCHES IN GUILFORD COUNTY.
Guilford has been a county of many religious sects, of
churches and of ministers. However these people may differ in
regard to other beliefs and manners, they all agree in the doctrine
of Puritanism. To deviate from the Puritan standard to them is
sin. The rigidity of Friends concerning outward show, and the
will power of the Presbyterians relating to duty, have each the
essence of Puritanism in them.
The Presbyterian Church, the Society of Friends, the German
Reformed and Lutheran Churches, the Methodist Episcopal
Church, the Methodist Protestant Church, the Episcopal Church,
the Baptist Church and the Roman Catholic Church have had
each a share in the moral and religious tone of this section of
the State. In regard to time, influence and number, the Presby-
terians and Friends are first. The work of the Society of Friends
in this County relating to slavery and to the settling up of the
West has touched our national life. The Presbyterians of Guil-
ford have been soldiers and architects of state.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church is and has been since its organiza-
tion here a strong and most influential denomination in North
Carolina. Her ministers have been men remarkable for allegiance
to duty and for leading men. The true worth of many men is
largely brought out by the shepherd of the people. Dr. David
Caldwell, Dr. Eli W. Caruthers, Dr. Calvin Henderson Wiley,
Dr. Jacob Henry Smith and his son. Dr. Egbert W. Smith, have
had an influence for good in North Carolina equaled probably by
NORTH CAROLINA. 116
no other body of five men. In statecraft, literature, education and
the development of character as well as in the buildinj? up of the
church, they have shed an intUience of lipht and calory from the
lH\£:inning of the history of Piedmont Xorth Carolina.
In 1753 the Nottingham Company .from Pennsylvania bouu:ht
J 1.1 20 acres of land on the waters of the North Bufifalo and
Reedy Fork. Dr. Eli \V. Caruthers, in his Life of David Caldwell,
pages 24 and 93, says that when these people were making their
arrangements to change their residence, which was about the time
David Caldwell commenced his education, or soon after, they
made a conditional agreement with him that when he obtained
license to preach he would come and be their pastor. From 1745
to 1758 the two Synods of Philadel])hia and New York appointed
missionaries to North Carolina. liook seven in the Register of
Deeds office at Salisbury, N. C, contains the indenture to the
Synods of Philadelphia and New. York for a tract of land on the
Bufifalo Creek for the use of a church, and "to that use forever,
including meeting house and study house."
In the life of the Presbyterian Church not only, but in educa-
tional w'ork also, perhaps no name stands above that of David
Caldwell. In the spring of 1765 he was appointed by the Synod
of New York and Pennsylvania to labor at least one year as a
missionary in North Carolina. He settled near the present site of
Greensboro. In this pioneer settlement he was pastor of both
Buffalo and Alamance churches, a practicing physician, and
teacher of what was for many years the largest school in North
Carolina. He was a good farmer and had much to do with aflfairs
of state. Marked intellectual vigor and physical energy character-
ized his work in North Carolina.
Buffalo Church, two miles or more north of Greensboro, was
organized five or six years before Dr. Caldwell came; and Ala-
mance church soon after, or when he was here as a licentiate, in
116 GUILFORD COUNTY,
1764. His installation as pastor took place according to appoint-
ment of Presbytery at Buffalo, March 3, 1768. In the graveyard
at Buffalo he is buried and his stone bears this inscription :
"Sacred to the memory of Rev. David Caldwell, D. D. Graduated
at Princeton College, N. J., removed to North Carolina at a period not
exactly known. Organized the churches of Buffalo and Alamance, over
which he has faithfully sustained the office of pastor for more than sixty
years. He departed this life August 28, 1824, aged near one hundred
years."
The tablets and headstones in the old graveyard at Buffalo
reveal the last repose of many brave Revolutionary st)ldiers. The
Gillespies, the Donnells and Rankins there buried fought for the
cause of American liberty.
"In memory of Col. Daniel Gillespie, born in Frederick Co., Va.,
October, 1743. Son of pious and worthy parents, endowed by nature with
a mind above ordinary grade, with a strong love of liberty and great
decision of character, though without the advantages of a liberal educa-
tion, he will nevertheless be ranked by a grateful posterity among the noble
band of patriots whose skill and valor in the field of battle during the
struggle of national independence, and whose wisdom and integrity in the
council chamber where the principles were discussed and the platforms
constructed of the happiest government on earth. Having through a long
life discharged the duties of husband, father, soldier, statesman, citizen,
with uncomon fidelity, he died in a good old age, January, 1829."
Alamance church, a few miles east of Greensboro, is the
second oldest Presbyterian church in Guilford County. William
Cusach gave the land for the church, of which it may be said that
prayer was its cornerstone. On a day appointed the people, with
their axes, came together. Andrew Finley proposed that they
should kneel in prayer for Divine blessing on their undertaking
on this consecrated ground. The band of workmen offered solemn
supplication to God for the upbuilding of this church in their
pioneer country. Soon a log house was built for worship. Henry
Patillo, a missionary sent out by the Synod of New York, was
present at its organization.
The people of Alamance Churcl^i were of the New Light
NORTH CAROLINA. 117
faith, or bclicviTs of tlii- rtvival doctrine of George Whitfield.
Those of HulTaU) were conservative Presbyterians. When these
classes were formed into one pastorate by Dr. Caldwell, an anti-
W hitficlilian. bnt a man of great piety and prndencc, there was
a l)lcti(li!ig of the better elements of both sides and a quiet resist-
ance to extreme tendencies either way and a development of an
active, conservative, religious life. In 1791 a great revival, ex-
tending through several counties, was felt at Alamance. In 1799
new names appear on the list of Orange Presbytery as ordained
in the vear 1797 or '98. These were Guilford County men: Wil-
liam T. Thomas. William I'aisley. John Gillespie, Samuel McAdoo
and Robert Tate. Jjce Dr. Wiley's Address on Alamance Church.
Among the early members of Alamance Church was John
Thorn, who lived about two and one-half miles from Alamance
Church. He came from Maryland. Other members were David,
\\ illiam and John McAdoo, Abram and Samuel Leckey. A sub-
sc?-iption list of .August 23, 1800. shows that Marshall McLean,
Robert Shaw, Andrew McGee, David Wiley and William Wiley
were trustees of Alamance Church.
In 1813 the Synod of the Carolinas was divided into the
Synods of North Carolina and of South Carolina. In that year
the North Carolina Synod held its first meeting at Alamance
Church.
In 1825 Sabbath School was established at Alamance Church.
Master John Finley was its first superintendent. The school was
held all day Sunday, with an intermission for dinner. The "A, B,
C Card," the "Blue-backed Speller," the Bible and the Shorter
Catechism were the text-books used.
In 1829 a revival meeting came, and for days and nights the
tents, the church and all the woods resounded with prayer and
religion was the absorbing theme. In 1830 there were added to
the church one hundred and twenty members.
Dr. Eli W. Caruthers succeeded David Caldwell as pastor of
both Alamance and Buflalo churches. His life of David Caldwell,
118 GUILFORD COUNTY,
and his histories of the Old North State during the period of the
Revokition are foundation stones in North CaroHna history.
The Presbyterian Church at Greensboro was organized on tRe
third of October, 1824. Rev. John Witherspoon, of Hillsboro,
N. C, presided over the meeting and the church was organized
with twelve members — two male members, six female members
and four negro slaves. Wm. R. D. Lindsay, Justin Field, Mrs.
Frances Paisley, Mrs. Ann Mebane, Polly Paisley, Mary Ann
Paisley, Elizabeth Caldwell, Mrs. Mary Carson are the names of
the original white members ; and the names of the servants were
Tony, Milly and Tilly, slaves of Rev. Wm. D. Paisley, and Kezia,
slave of Robert Carson.
Wm. R. D. Lindsay was unanimously elected to the office of
ruling elder. The following persons were elected trustees to
attend to the temporal affairs of the church, none of whom, it
appears, were at that time communicants : Thomas Caldwell,
Robert A. Carson, Dr. John A. Mebane, Christopher Moring,
Abraham Geering. In 183 1 twenty-six persons were added to the
membership — twenty whites and six colored.
In 1832 the first house of worship was built. Jesse H. Lind-
say donated the lot for it. Four additional ruling elders were
elected: Silas C. Lindsay, Christopher Moring, Wm. H. Gumming,
Green D. Jordan. The whole membership that year was thirty-
eight — twenty-eight whites and ten colored. Green D. Jordan
became a member in 1832 and soon became a ruling elder, and
with him Silas C. Lindsay, Christopher Moring, Wm. H. Gum-
ming also became ruling elders. Rev. Wm. D. Paisley was supply,
and preached twice a month. In 1833 the Sabbath School was
organized, with W. H. Gumming superintendent. In 1839 Wm.
D. Rankin became ruling elder. In 1840 Watson W. Wharton,
Dr. David C. Mebane, Dr. David C. Weir were ordained ruling
elders. On October 23, 1843, a congregational meeting was held,
presided over by Rev. John Witherspoon. A unanimous call was
extended to the Rev. John A. Gretter, who accepting the call, was
NORTH CAROLINA. lip
duly ordained and installed as the first pastor, October 13. 1849.
Ralph Gorrell and Jesse H. Lindsay were elected ruling' elders.
Mr. Gretter died July 21. 1853. and Rev. John M. Sherwood acted
as supply for a year. July 26, 1854. Rev. J. Jones Smythe was
called to the pastorate. Until his arrival, January i, 1855, Rev.
Martin McQueen acted as supi)ly. On the fifth of February,
1851;. a call was made for Rev. J. Henry Smith and he came April
20, 1859.
The Civil War had an cftVct on the Presbyterian Church. In
i8t>8 the colored members withdrew and were organized into a
Colored Presbyterian Church. They had sat in the gallery, listened
to the same sermons, and partook of the Lord's Supper in the
same church with their masters, the sheep of one fold. This had
much to do with making the old-time negro the beautiful char-
acter that he was. After the War their names were erased from
the book of this church. They had their own pastor, officers,
Sunday School and about one hundred members.
When Dr. Smith came to the church its membership was one
hundred and eighty. In 1887 it numbered three hundred and
eighty-five. The present membership is seven hundred. April 29,
1863, Richard Sterling, C. G. Yates, J. L Scales, L. Swain and
John H. Dillard became ruling elders. In 1879 Robert P. Dick,
Samuel C. Smith, John A. Gilmer, became ruling elders. In 1882
Robert M. Sloan, Sr., became ruling elder. In 1887, Dr. Smith's
son. Egbert W. Smith, was junior pastor, and in December, 1893,
he became pastor with his father, being unanimously elected. In
1879, the session of this church, feeling that the growth of the city
was tending toward the depot and south of it, took measures to
establish a chapel in that section. In 1882, a lot was bought with
a view to building a mission chapel.
The Register of Elders of the First Presbyterian Church from
October 3, 1824, to March, 1902:
Wm. R. D Lindsay Silas C. Lindley
Christopher Moring Wm. H. Cuniming
120
GUILFORD COUNTY,
John A. Gilmer
Robt. M. Sloan, Sr.
Dr. Robert F. Robertson
William S. Moore
Governor Alfred Moore Scales
Jas. T. Carson
Lunsford Richardson
J. William Scott
Judge Thomas J. Shaw
Alfred M. Scales
Rudolph G. Lea
William C. McLean
Dr. Albert R. Wilson
Lee G. Wharton
'Green D. Jordan
Wm. S. Rankin
Watson W. Wharton
Dr. David C. Mebane
Dr. David P. Weir
Ralph Gorrell
Jesse H. Lindsay
John C. Wharton
Prof. Richard Sterling
Chas. G. Yates
Lyndon Swain
Junius L Scales
Judge John H. Dillard
Judge Robt. P. Dick
Prof. Sam'l C. Smith
The Register of the Deacons of
from November 25, 1849, ^ March
James Sloan
Robt. G. Lindsay
Andrew Weatherly
Milton Rose
Fenner M. Walker
Chas G. Yates
Robt. P. Dick
Wm. A. Caldwell
Wm. S. Moore
Wm. B. Bogart
Wm. R. Murray
Jas. T. Carson
Robt. M. Sloan, Jr.
Geo. S. Sergeant
Jed H. Lindsay
J. Wm. Scott
J.ACOB HENRY SMITH.
In the history of the Presbyterian Church of North Carohna
one character is set reflecting rays of Ught like a diamond. To
his city and his country, to civiHzation and humanity, his Hfe has
Note: 1 suppose that from the organization (1824) till Nov. 1849, the elders dis-
charged duties of deacon*. E. W. Smith, (Pastor.)
the First Presbyterian Church
25, 1900:
Wm. Edmund Bevill
Robt. F. Robe rr son
Wm. C. McLean
Sam'l A. Kerr
Sample S. Brown
Neil Ellington
James King Hall
Robert G. Glenn
Robert R. King
William E. Allen
Jesse T. Abbott
Edward M. Hendrix
Lee G. Wharton
J. Walker Fry
Robt. G. Vaughn
^^w
UK. I. IIKNKV SMITH.
FOR THIKTV-KK'.MT YKAKS I'ASTOR OK
l-IRST rRE>»VTKRIAN CHIKCH OF C.RKKNSIIORO.
NORTH CAROLINA. 121
been a Mcssinj;. 'I'lu- best friend on earth is the wise, true pastor.
Th«nit,^b (lead, yet Dr. Smith Hves in the hves of his children and
the jHTiple of his church.
Rev. Jacob Henry Smith was born iu Lexington. Rockbridj^c
County, \irtrinia. Auirust 13. 1820. He (bed at his home in
("irccnsboro. \. C. Monday. November 22. 1897. Dr. Smith was
the oldest son of Samuel Runckle Smith and Margaret Fuller. His
father's parents. Henry Louis Smith and Margaret Runckle. were
of German extraction and spoke only the German lanj^ruaij^e.
Jacob Henrv Smith at an early ajje joined the Presbyterian
Church of Lexington. \a.. then under the pastorate of Dr Gcorpje
A. Baxter — the church in which Stonewall Jackson was later a
deacon. In 1843 ^^ qraduated with hiph distinction from Wash-
ington College, now Washingfton and Lee University. In 1846
he received his certificate from I'nion Theolog^ical Seminary.
From 1850 to 1854 he was principal and professor of Latin and
Greek in the Samuel Davies Institute. Va. In 1839 he was called
to Charlottesville. In June. 1859, he was received by Oranpfe
Presbytery and in Julv installed over the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensboro. Xorth Carolina.
In u%i Dr. Smith submitted a paper before Oranf^e Presby-
tery on the "Reported Action of the General Assembly in Relation
to the Political Crisis in the Country." This was one of the first
steps, if not the first, taken toward the orj^anization of the South-
em General Assembly.
The Church in Greensboro jjrew steadily and rapidly and "It
became." says Dr. W. W. Moore, "the State's chief nursery of
pure and learned lawyers, judg^cs and j^overnors.''
Dr. Smith was a man of sjreat natural abilities. He possessed
a mind of fine |q:rasp. lofjical. acute, analytic, broad and just. He
had an insatiable love of learning: and was indefatig^able in acqui-
sition. He was a scholar-student. He was not content alone to
study, but he mastered any department of knowledjje bearings on
his life-work, which meant not only the building^ up of a church in
122 GUILFORD COUNTY,
re,^ard to numbers and wealth, but the much higher task of
making men, developing the highest type of character in its indi-
vidual members. Tenderness, wisdom, strength and firmness, with
the courage of an Isaiah, sympathy and love so blended in him as
to make the ideal pastor and teacher of a lifetime.
In 1870 the General Assembly appointed Dr. Smith chairman
of the Committee of Education, and in 1888 chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Missions. From 1866 he was director of
Union Theological Seminary, Va., and for many years President
of that Board and a member of the Board of Directors of David-
son College, N. C.
In 1872 Hampden-Sidney College conferred upon him the
degree of Doctor of Divinity, and in 1877 the University of North
Carolina gave him again the same degree. His last public duty in
the church was as chairman of the General Assembly's committee
to prepare a program for the celebration of the two hundred and
fiftieth anniversary of the Westminster Assembly.
Dr. Smith was twice married: to Miss Catharine Malvina
Miller, who died in 1854; in 1857 to Miss Mary Kelly Watson.
His children are : ]\Irs. L. Richardson, Mrs. R. G. Vaughn ; Rev.
S. M. Smith, D. D., of the First Presbyterian Church of Colum-
bia, S. C. ; Dr. Henry Louis Smith, President of Davidson College ;
Rev. Egbert W. Smith, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensboro, N. C. ; Dr. C. Alphonso Smith, Professor
of the English Language in the University of North Carolina ;
Rev. Hay Watson Smith, of the Congregational Church, Park-
ville, N. Y.
A tablet to the memory of Dr. J. Henry Smith in the Presby-
terian Church at Greensboro has inscribed on it the following
stanza :
Thirty-eight years
Down History's tide
In the life of this church
Fondly side by side
Pastor and people floated
Gently on,
NORTH CAROLINA. 1»
Loving and loved, in days
That arc gone.
The billows of tinu-
Have borne him away.
From the starlit dawn
To the golden day.
\ larRC and handsonte building is bcin- erected adjoinitip: the
ITesbvterian Church for the Sttnday School department of chnrch
work.' It will be a me.uorial to Dr. J. Henry S.mith. The idea
and the plan .s ori^nnal with Dr. Egbert W. Smith. The schoo
will be carried on with the best means of education of the present
''''■' The I'resbvterian Church of Guilford County has had three
pastors of re.narkable power. Dr. David Caldwell and Dr. Eh W
Caruthers in successive ministry labored here for one hundred
years, and Dr. J. Henrv Smith for thirty-eight years. These men
in a large measure contributed to the civilization of North Caro-
lina. Thev each were men of vital strength of doctrme and their
lives would indicate that Presbvterianism is conducive to
longovitv. . r-i 1 •
(The data for the sketch of the Presbyterian Church in
Greensboro were obtained from a sketch of that church by Dr. J.
Menrv Smith, now in the possession of Dr. Egbert W. Smith. The
data for the historv of Alamance Church were obtained from a
speech delivered at the Centennial of that churchj)y Dr. C^H.
Wilev. )
THF, SOCIKTV OF FRIKNOS.
The center of the influence and strength of the Society of
Friends in North Carolina has been Guilford County. For a
hundred and f^ftv vears their Yearly Meeting has been held in
this Countv. first at New Garden, but of late years at High Point,
N. C. Friends had first settled in Pasquotank Countv. this State,
and John Archdalc was the good Quaker governor long before.
But Friends came among the earliest settlers to this section. There
is some record that they chartered or traded with the Catawba
124 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Indians for lands in the beautiful undulating plains of western
Guilford. Guilford College, six miles west of Greensboro, is ihe
seat of learning of Friends in the South. This institution was
founded, in 1837, as New Garden Boarding School. Friends l.ave
always been great advocates and leaders in regard to education.
From the first they seemed to have believed in the equal educ-ition
of the sexes. Their women have responded in the noblest anfl
most intellectual types of character.
The principles of Friends have been laid down by George
Fox, whose works are sometimes read fifty or one hundred times
by the most consistent Friends. Like the Israelites of old, they
have been a "peculiar people." Their opinions in regard to tem-
perance, war and slavery have been very decided. Though not
great in regard to number, but, united in fidelity, firm in convic-
tion, believing in the "inner light" and the "written word," their
influence has been felt most strong. Their position before and
during the Civil War is better imagined than described. The
chapter on the slavery question in this book will show some of their
principles at work. In 1774 the North Carolina Yearly Meeting
of Friends freed their slaves.
Some Friends came to this section from Pennsylvania at the
same time the Scotch-Irish and Germans came, having crossed
over with William Penn. With this company were the Menden-
halls, Hunts, Ballingers, etc. About a score of years later Friends
from New England came. These were the "Nantucketers."
Again another company came from eastern North Carolina. See
the chapter on the "Settlement."
Friends came here not as hunters and wanderers, but with
civilization and the Christian religion. There is a tradition that
the first meeting of Friends in the County was held at "Cobbie,"
or Concord, an old place near Centre Meeting House. It is said
that the first Yearly Meeting in western North Carolina was held
here. But from New Garden as a centre the other meetings of
Friends have been established. New Garden may be called the
NORTH (CAROLINA. 12^
mother of the society in Caiilfor<l Oniiity an«l also of the society in
Tn(hana. where the I'rieiuls constitute the prevaiHnj:; and intUiential
tlenoniination.
Fmni the Register's hook at Sahshury. X. C. it is learned
that "on the 19th of ( )ctoher. 1757. Henry iJallinper and Thomas
Ihmt houj^ht of Richard Williams fifty acres of land for five
shillings, for the use. henefit, privilege and conveniency of a Meet-
ing house which is already erected upon the ahove and bears the
name New Garden for the Christian people called Quakers to meet
in for publick worship of Almighty God. as also the ground to
bury their dead in." The place was called Xcw Garden from their
home in Pennsylvania, and that in turn from Xcw Garden in
England.
In 1 75 1 a meeting fi>r worship was granted Friends at Xew
Garden by Cane Creek Monthly Meeting. For three years the
Monthly Meeting circulated between Cane Creek of Orange
County and Xew Garden.
( Dr. Weeks' "Southern Quakers and Slavery" is an exhaus-
tive treatment of the subject of the early church history of
Friends.)
Early members of Xew Garden from Pennsylvania were:
Joseph Ogburn. Peter Cox, Abram Elliot. John and Richard
Mendenhall and William Reynolds.
Xew Garden is one of the most historic places in Piedmont
Xorth Carolina. The church was used as a hospital for British
and American soldiers wounded at the Battle of Guilford Court-
house. Tv/o large mounds in the graveyard show the last resting
place of some of the bravest of Cornwallis's army.
In 1757, Friends' Meeting House at Centre was established.
The meeting was hrsl held in private homes, then a small house
was built which was used for both worship and for school. Dur-
ing the Revolutionary War Daniel Worth and James Dix sat at
the head of the meeting. Centre is a historic place also for the
number of great men who were born there. Three governors of
126 GUILFORD COUNTY,
three States were born almost in a stone's throw of the church.
The Nixons, who edit the Inter-Occan, were born here. In the
old graveyard are buried members of the Worth family for genera-
tions.
Deep River has been one of the strongest Monthly Meetings,
In 1758 it was established as a Preparative Meeting. In 1778 it
became a iMonthly Meeting. In 1818 it was made a Quarterly
Meeting. The records of Deep River Monthly Meeting show
that migration westward began about 181 1 and continued to i860.
Many of its members, Mendenhalls, Hills and others, left their
home meeting to live in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and elsewhere.
Beeson, Clark, Cook, Elliot. Beard, Gardner, Harris, Horney,
Ham, Henley, Howell, Hubbard, Hiat, Pike, Pegg, Starbuck and
others went to Ohio. Deep River Meeting House is situated on a
beautiful high plain sloping in all directions toward the horizon.
Mighty oaks are back of the large, almost square, brick building.
A large graveyard lies in front, the low stones in the centre of
which mark a time in the history of Friends when gravestones
were not allowed higher than eighteen inches. Around these are
more imposing monuments. However quaint the place may be
within this hallowed mould, though gray and sere, romance and
beauty and nobility are laid away with some of earth's grim
secrets. Diversity and individuality may be safely studied in the
congregation of the dead. Deep River is a typical Friends' j\Ieet-
ing.
WEST MARKE;T street METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first record of Methodism in Piedmont Carolina is that of
1770, when Andrew Yeargan was appointed to Yadkin Circuit,
which embraced Guilford County and was a part of Virginia Con-
ference. Three years later Guilford Circuit was formed and
Samuel Dudley and James Gibbons were put in charge of it. In
1800 this Circuit reported five hundred and fifty-one white mem-
bers and thirty-nine colored. A year later the minutes show that
the Circuit was a part of the Salisbury District, and James Douthit
NORTH CAROLINA. 127
was presii'iii.i; cldtr. A list oi the pastors of the church from
1800 to the present time is fjivcn :
ivSoo. \Vm. Atwood; 1801. Josiah Phillips; 1802. John Moose; 1803,
Thomas L. DouRlas. J. C. Ballew ; 1804. Win. Huhhard. George Dillard;
1805. John Cox. Nathan Weldon ; 1806, John Gibbon. Richard Owen ; 1807,
William Barnes. Chas. Ronndtree: 1808. Edminid Henley. J. T. Brockwell;
i8<x), Chas. Ronndtree. John Humphries; 1810. Joel Arrington ; 181 1. Kd-
ward Cannon. Erasmus Stinson; 181 j. F.thelbert Drake; 1813. Joel .Erring-
ton. John Hoylc; 1814. Joel Arrington, Cyrus Christian; 1813. Henry
Robertson, Chas. Mos'ey ; 1S16. James Hammer, Abraham Frail; 1817, Sam-
uel Garrard. James Smith; 1818. John F. Wright, .A.rchibald Robinson;
181Q. Samuel Hunter. Benj. Stephens; 1820. Thomas Howard; 1821. James
Rcid; i8.:3. Thacker Muis; 1824. Jesse Lee; 1825. Rufus Wiley; 1826. Thos.
Mann. Jacob Hill; 1^27. Rufus Wiley. Thomas Mann; 1828. W. N. Abing-
ton; 1829. Richard D. Merriweathcr. Joshua Jaliff; 1830. Peter Doub ; 1831,
John H. Watson. W. W. Albca. helper; 1832-3. Joshua Bethel. In 1834
the record reads: '"Greensboro — Samuel Bryant." In 1835. Robert O.
Burton; 1836. B. B. Miles. In 1837 the North Carolina Conference was
established by the General Conference. Its first session the following year
was held, at which time James Purvis was sent to Greensboro. In 1838
Thomas S. Campbell was pastor; 1839. William Class; 1840. Addison Lea;
i8Ut, Ira T. Wyche ; 1843. Bcnj. M. Williams; 1844-5. S. S. Bryant; 1846,
Joel W. Turker; 18 17. Peter Doub. Joseph B. Martin; 1848, Samuel M.
Frost; 1849, A. S. Andrews; 18^0, James P. Simpson; 1851, James Jami-
son. S. D. Bumpass: 1852-3. N. H. D. Wilson; 1854-5. W. H. Bobbitt;
1856, Numa F. Rcid. Joshua Bethel ; 1857-8. L. S. Burkhcad ; 1859-60. L. L.
Hcndren; 1S61-2. H. T. Hudson; 1863-4. Joel W. Tucker; 1865-8. William
Barringer; 1869. A. W. Mangum ; 1S70-3. J. A. Cunningham; 1874. W. H.
Bobbitt; 1875-7. S. D. Adams; 187S-80. D. R. Burton. J. C. Thomas. Supt.
in '79: 1881-4. L. W. Crawford; 1S85-8. J. E. Mann; 1889. L. W. Crawford;
i8'/)-94. S. H. Hilliard; 1894. J. li. Weaver; 1897. Dr. Roe; 1900. S. B.
Turrentine.
In 1830 the first regular Methodist Church of Greensboro was built,
when Rev. Peter Doub was pastor. In 1850-1 a new site was chosen on
West Market Street. Again in 1892 the congregation had grown so large
as to demand a more commodious building. .Vnother lot was bought on
West Markvt Street, more elevated and nearer the centre of the city. On
April 17, 1893, the Quarterly Conference appointed as a building committee,
Mcssr.s. S. L. Alderman, W. G. Balsley. C. H. Dorsett. W. H. Hill. Chas.
H. Ireland. H. H. Merrimon. T. M. Pickard. S. L. Trogdon. C. W. Whitsett,
128 , GUILFORD COUNTY,
G. W. Alley. S. Brown. H. W. Cobb. C. M. Hackett, H. M. Alford, J. A.
Odell, H. L. Scott, J. I\I. Winstead. July 5. 1893, the first brick was laid for
the edifice; the new West iMarket Church is one of the handsomest
churches of any denomination in the State.*
Pastor.— Rev. S. B. Turrentine, D. D.
Bo.vRD OF Stewards.— J. A. Odell, President; C. H. Ireland, Vice-
President; Prof. W. F. Alderman, Treasurer; Dr. J. E. Wyche, Secretary;
J. N. Richardson, E. J. Stafford. C. H. Dorsett, C. A. Bray, J. N. Leak,
J. W. Landreth. W. W. Wood, Dr. Dred Peacock, A. W. Vickory, Dr. Jno.
H. Wheeler. F. C. Boyles, M. S. Sherwood, T. M. Pickard. E. L. Sides,
Prof. J. M. Bandy, R. R. Alley, W. P. Hutton. W. T. Smith, O. F. Pearce.
Lookout Committee. — C. H. Ireland, Chairman; Dr. J. H. Wheeler,
F. C. Boyles. W. W. Wood. W. T. Smith.
Finance Committee. — E. L. Sides, Chairman; Dr. Dred Peacock,
M. S. Sherwood, J. N. Richardson, T. M. Pickard.
Committee on Care of Sick. — C. H. Dorsett, Chairman; E. J. Staf-
ford, J. W. Landreth, O. F. Pearce, W. P. Hutton.
Committee on Church Property.— C. A. Bray, Chairman; J. N.
Leak, A. W. Vickory, R. R. Alley. Prof. J. M. Bandy.
Trustees.— G. W. Alley, Chairman ; G. Will Armfield, M. Lamb, J. A.
Odell. S. L. Trogdon. W. E. Coffin, J. N. Richardson, W. H. Turner, S. C.
Dodson.
USHERS.-C. H. Dorsett, Chairman; V/. T. Smith, Jos. J. Stone. J. N.
Leak, E. J. Stafiford, E. A. Brown, R. E. Reeves. G. W. Patterson. M. R.
Reeves. O. S. Ball, H. G. Reinickcr, A. E. B. Alford, Sidney N. Peters, A. J.
Sykes, R. G. Stockton.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
Early in the nineteenth century there was a division in the
Methodist Church in regard to church government, and the Metho-
dist Protestant Church was created, beheving that obedience to
bishops was inconsistent with a repubhcan people. The first
Methodist Protestant church in central and western North Caro-
lina was Moriah, in Guilford County, four miles south of Greens-
boro. Moriah had once been a Methodist Episcopal church, but
under the leadership of Rev. John Coe, Joseph Gilbreath, James
Hendricks and William Gilbreath it became Methodist Protestant.
* I am indebted for this data to Miss Ruih York, who has an excellent sketch of the
Church in Vol. 3, College Message.
KOUKNT M. SI.OAX,
F.I.UKR IN TlIK IkKSHYTERIAN CHLKCH,
.\(;i:i) OVKR NI.NM-TY.
NOHni CAROUSA. 12B
This little band of thirty-four nu-ti and wonu-n planted the Metho-
<list Protestant Church in Guilford County. It is said that there
are more churches of this denomination in Guilford County than
anv other, thoutjh it is surpassed by others in regard to numbers.
.\l)out 1840. Tabernacle Church was established. Jonathan Causey
donated the first plot of p:round. In 1841 they built a commodious
house, and a i)reacher. Kev. Joseph Causey, painted it. The
trustees were: John Forbis. Samuel Hunter. Levi Cau.sey, Joseph
Alexander and John Hardin. This church has now a membership
of three hundred.
About 1830. IMeasaiit rnion was built. Rev. .\lson Gray, one
of the cfreatest preachers of this denomination, organized the
church. In 1842 I'eter Julian, Christian Kime and G. W. Bowman
were appointed trustees. Peter Bowman was first Sunday School
superintendent. One special rule in a long list of rules which were
read each Sunday was : "That males and females were not to go
together, but males by themselves and females by themselves." In
1855 the church numbered twenty-four males and eleven females.
Following this time the pastors were: Revs. Jordan Neese, A. W.
Lineberry. T. II. Pegram, J. L. iMichaux, W. C. Kennett, C. F.
Harris. R. R. Michaux, J. H. Page, J. W. Heath. J. W. Ball, R. H.
W ills. S. W. Coe, T. F. McCuUocli, J. R. Hutton, W. W. Amick,
G. F. Millaway.
Bethel. Flat Rock, \\, are also Methodist Protestant churches,
built up by the labors of Revs. Alson Gray and A. W. Lineberry.
Grace Methodist Protestant Church was erected in 1892. Its first
pastor was Rev. W. F. Ogborn, from Maryland, who was suc-
ceeded by Rev. J. S. Williams. Rev. J. F. McCulloch served one
year and was followed by Rev. T. M. Johnson. The erection of
this church marked a new era in the life of the Methodist Protes-
tant Church in this State, and in a great measure Grace Church
determines the thought and progress of the denomination. Many
little children attend Grace Church. Seated in a body they are a
beautiful group.
130 GUILFORD COUNTY,
The Methodist Protestant Church at High Point was begun
in 1894. On the fourth Sunday in September, 1895, Rev. F. T.
Tagg, D. D., preached the opening sermon, at the close of which
a collection was taken sufficient to cover the indebtedness. In the
evening Rev. T. J. Ogburn preached the dedicatory sermon and
organized the church with thirteen members. At the following
conference W. R. Lowdermilk was made pastor.
The oldest of the German Reformed churches in Guilford
County is Lows Church, standing on the old road from Hills-
borough to Salisbury, North Carolina. (See Colonial Records,
Vol. 8, 1735.) It was a union Reformed and Lutheran church
until dissentions arose in regard to the Regulation war. Upon
that the Reformed members moved out to a house of their own,
"Brick Church," of which Rev. Samuel Suther was pastor until
the close of the war. In these years Ludwig Clapp and Christian
Foust were elders. After three years Rev. Bithahm succeeded the
Rev. Suther. After this Rev. Andrew Loretz made annual visits
for a number of years. The people were accustomed to meeting
without a pastor each Sabbath for worship, when the ruling elder
or the schoolmaster read a selected sermon. In 18 12 Capt. Wil-
liam Albright secured the services of a young minister, who was
deputed to visit all of the Reformed churches of the South. Rev.
James R. Riley came, making the visit on horseback by way of
the emigrant route. Under his preaching fifty-seven members
were added to this church. 1814 was the most prosperous year
of Brick Church. In 1841 Rev. G. William Welker became pastor
and served in that capacity this church about fifty years.
Frieden's Church was organized soon after Brick Church,
probably by the same minister, ten miles northeast, in Guilford
County. It was first known as Stahmaker's Church. The Re-
formed families here were the Weitzells, Wyricks, Straders, De-
Wolds, etc. In 1855 Rev. G. William Welker became their pastor,
bringing new life to the church. Gideon DeWald and William
Weitzell were chosen elders ; John Clapp, Duncan Trosler and
NORTH CAROLINA. 181
Joshua Wcitzell. deacons. After a few years St. Mark's Riforined
Church was built, at Boon's Station.
In 1851 the Reformed Congrcpation built a church on the old
Martinsville road to Fayelteville. on the upper Alamance, and
named it Mt. Hope. This conprep^ation after the Civil War grew
to be the stronijest church numercially, numberinp; over 425 mem-
bers. Rev. G. W'm. Welker was its pastor for forty-six successive
years.
(It has been impossible to ^et the history of all the churches.)
132 GUIIFCRD COUNTY,
CHAPTER XII.
THE TOWNS OF GUILFORD.
The principal towns of Guilford County are Greensboro and
High Point. Those who travel say that in no part of the country,
North or West, are there greater signs of growth and industrial
development.
GREENSBORO.
Greensboro, the County seat of Guilford, has a population of
about twenty-two thousand. Situated on a plateau, slightly in-
clined toward the sunrise, is Greensboro, Queen of Piedmont Caro-
lina. Surrounded by beautiful, undulating fields covered with
soft Japanese clover, bufifalo grass and abundant wild flowers,
she is called the "City of Flowers." Once this section was prairie,
it is said, but there are now tall oaks, poplars and elms of such
strength and size as to suggest the forest primeval. Greensboro,
the Gate City, is the open door of transportation between North
and South. This advantage alone would have made her strong
industrially. Her hotels are famous. Her people are kind, cul-
tured and hospitable. Her health is perfect. Greensboro, City of
Flowers, Garden of Roses, Abode of the Birds, is the centre of
Guilford County.
In 1909 Greensboro will see her centennial. One lucky Fri-
day morning in May, 1809, the Court of Guilford County was
removed from Martinsville to the centre of the county, Greensboro.
From the Court Records, 1809, is the following:
■'At a County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held
for the County of Guilford at the Courthouse in the town of Martinsville
on the third Monday of May, 1809, it being the fifteenth day of the month.
Cdl.. w . n. r)SI!()UN'.
iii:.\(>()i- Ki:i:i,i;v instititk in north cakoi.ina.
MAYOR OK CRKKNSIIOKO.
XOI^ni C.lR()lJ.\'.l. 188
"The Esquires present were Joliii Starratt, H. lUirrow. R.iddy Hannar,
Jonathan Parker, Obadiah Anthony.
"Court adjourned from the town of Martinsville to the town of
C.rccnsboro to meet at to o'clock Friday.
"According to adjournment the court met Friday. 19 May, i8og, at
('.reensboro, for the first time."
Tlic Judfjjcs present at this first court held in Oeensboro
were Joliii Starratt, Jonathan Parker, Joseph Harnett. John Gul-
lett, George Swain, John McAdcx) and E. Hurrow.
When Greensboro was made the chief town of Caiilford
C.nntv. Raleigh, as the capital of the State, was still very young;
Wilmington was possibly a month's journey distant; Fayetteville,
the chief trade centre for Piedmont North Carolina; and Hills-
boro. almost royal in its degree of aristocracy. The great high-
way between Salisbury and Hillsboro, leading by the little town
of Greensboro, was traversed by the stage coach, not hourly, as
the trains pass today, but a lumbering stage coach drawn by
six horses. A daily newspaper was something undreamed of,
Init unconsciously the stage coach driver fulfilled the functions of
newsmonger as well as engineer, conductor, baggage master and
expounder of the law and Constitution.
The University of North Carolina, established in 1796, was
not very old wh.en Greensboro became a town. The first degree
conferred by that scat of learning was upon a Guilford man, Dr.
David Caldwell.
Kven the United States had not grown old enough to feel
its importance in the world. Boston was a town of much beer,
rather than much learning. Fulton's first steamboat was only
two years old. The spirit of Young America was just an.sing up.
Did the citizen of Greensboro go to Washington then he might
sec Thomas Jefferson retiring from the President's chair. William
Henry Harrison was fighting Tecumseh. The map of the United
States looked very different from the map of the same territory at
the pre-sent. Scientific study was only beginning. Darwin, Tyn-
dall and Huxley had not yet begun their wonderful work. In
134 GUILFORD COUNTY,
fact, the city of Greensboro be^^an with the beginning of a cen-
tury, greatest in the civiHzation of the Germanic race.
The People's Savings Bank of Greensboro, N. C, the first mutual
savings bank ever organized in North CaroHna, and at present the oldest
bank m Greensboro, opened its doors for business on July 2nd, 1887. Its
organization was effected by many of the leading citizens of the city, to
provide a safe and convenient place of deposit and interest for persons of
small means, and to aid and encourage the youth and the industrious to
save a portion of their earnings for a period of life when through sickness
or misfortune or as capital for business they might need it. Its first set of.
ofiicers was : President, J. M. Winstead ; Vice-Presidents, Prof. W. F.
Steele, J. A. Odell and J. H. Harris; Treasurer, Samuel L. Trogdon; Sec-
retary. H. H. Cartland ; Attorney, Robert M. Douglas. At the close of the
first year the deposits of the bank had run up to $27,300, since which time
they have gradually increased until for the last six months the average
deposits have lieen about $200,000. Among its leading organizers. Judge
Robert P. Dick, J. M. Winstead and H. H. Cartland have passed away, but
the work is still being carried on by others, as hundreds of its depositors
can testify, who have been enabled through its advantages to provide homes
for themselves and families. Its depositors now number more than
twenty-six hundred, scattered throughout the Piedmont section of the State.
Its present officers are : President, J. W. Scott; Vice-President, J. A. Odell ;
Treasurer, J. Ad. Hodgin ; Assistant Treasurer, L. M. H. Reynolds ; Secre-
tary, Samuel L Trogdon; Attorney, R. D. Douglas.
The Greensboro Loan and Trust Company was organized on July 19th,
1899. Following is a list of officers and directors: President, J. W. Fry;
Vice-President, J. S. Cox; Secretary and Treasurer, W. E. Allen; Direc-
tors, J. A. Odell, R. M. Rees, Geo. S. Sergeant, R. R. King, J. S. Cox, J. C.
Bishop, W. L. Grissom, W. D. McAdoo, R. P. Gray; John Gill, Baltimore,
Md.; W. H. Watkins, Ramseur, N. C. ; O. R. Cox, Cedar Falls, N. C. ;
W. F. Williams, Red Springs, N. C. ; J. A. Hadley, Mount Airy, N. C. ;
S. Bryant, Randleman, N. C. ; J. Elwood Cox, High Point, N. C. ; J. W.
Fry. The company does a general banking business; acts as receiver,
fustee, guardian, executor and administrator of estates; runs a savings
department m which 4 per cent, interest is allowed on deposits remaining
three full months ; has a fire- and burglar-proof, steel-lined safe deposit
vault, where safe deposit boxes are rented and chests of valuables are kept.
The City National Bank was organized January 20, 1899, with a capi-
tal of $100,000, and succeeded to the business of the Piedmont Bank, which
had been doing business in Greensboro for about ten years previous to that
MU. W . II. KACAN,
II I'. 11 rolNT, N. C.
NORTH CAROLINA. 136
time. The Piedmont Bank was organized by ex-Governor A. M. Scales,
who was its first president, and served the bank in that capacity until his
death, which occurred on February 0. 1H92. He was succeeded by Col. J. M.
Winstead. who from the organization of the bank and at that time was
cashier. . The tirst Board of Directors was composed of e.\-C.overnor
vScales. J. A. Odell. J. M. Winstead. Lawrence S. Holt and Samuel L. Trog-
don. On August 23. l8f4, the bank suffered the loss of its president. Col.
Winstead, he having died suddenly, and in tlie following September J. M.
Walker was elected to this p«i.sition. As stated before, the Piedmont Bank
went ouf. of business in January. 1899, and was succeeded by tlic City
National Bank. The new bank commenced growing immediately and in
two years had more than doubled its business. The surplus fund of the
bank at present is $,?o,ooo, all accumulated since the organization of the
bank, besides having paid the stockholders over $12,000 in dividends. The
present ofticers of the bank are: President, J. M. Walker; Vice-President,
J. \'an Lindley; Cashier, Lee H. Battle. The Board of Directors is com-
posed of the following well-known business men of Greensboro: J. C.
Bishop, president of the Merchant Grocery Co. ; Jas. A. Hodgin, treasurer
of the People's Savings Bank; R. H. Brooks, of the Odell Hardware Co.;
Dr. Dred Peacock, president of tlie Greensboro Female College; Mr. J.
\'an Lindley. president of the Lindley Nursery Co., and Mr. J. M. Walker,
president of the bank.
lll(;il POINT.
His:h Point is a thrifty town of six thousand inhahitants,
situated on the Raleigh and Charlotte road. Six miles to the west
is Thotnasville. a smaller town, but larijc industrially, as if it. too,
had caught the spirit of work from its hustling neighbor. Within
a few miles of High Point is the Orphanage of the great Mission-
ary Baptist denomination of North Carolina.
High Point is the centre of the furniture business in North
Carolina and the South. It is regarded as second only to Grand
Rapids. Michigan. Thirty years ago High Point was a little place,
as dead industrially as a town could be. Dried fruit was its prin-
cipal product. In 1872 the school house at High Point, according
t^Captain Siiow, was a little log hut that cost less than twentv
dollars. The seats were made of slab-boards with poles stuck in
holes for legs. Shingles were simply laid on the roof and held
136 GUILFORD COUNTY,
down by weights. Instead of windows, holes in the wall admitted
the light. At present the little city has one of the finest graded
schools in the State, in a beautiful stone building. The popula-
tion numbers five thousand, with a factory for every one hundred
and thirty-three of its inhabitants. The many northern riien who
visit this section and Pinehurst regard High Point as an exceed-
ingly busy and industrious town, and its development one of the
most remarkable anywhere. Her success is due to plain, legiti-
mate business. Her people work. High Point has no "dead
elephants," no wrangling. A spirit of co-operation pervades the
place.
To what then is due this remarkable growth? Given a man
of energy and knowledge of industry in the presence of North
Carolina resources and much will be accomplished.
Captain W. H. Snow may well be regarded as the father of
High Point. He is the pioneer in the State in the manufacture
of shuttle blocks, spokes and handles. He brought into the State
the first Blanchard lathe and band saw operated in North Carolina.
The standing timber in Randolph, Davidson and Guilford counties
determined Captain Snow's location at High Point. Our people
had no idea of the wealth that was before them in sight. Captain
Snow called out the latent energy to develop these resources.
Captain W. H. Snow was born in Washington County, Ver-
mont, in 1825. In response to the call to arms by President
Lincoln, Captain Snow responded and arrived in Washington
City from New England among the first troops. He was in the
first battle of the Civil War with the Sixth Regiment from ]\Iassa-
chusetts. So when he came to Guilford County at the close of
the war the odds were against him. The people regarded with
suspicion a Yankee, as if he were seeking his own good at their
expense, but at length Captain Snow won the lasting high regard
of our people. For seven times he has been elected mayor of High
Point, by all the people.
His work in industrial life of North Carolina has been an
MU. I. Kl.WOOl) COX,
H 11.11 I'OINT, N. C.
A'OA'77/ CAROUX.l. l-"i7
important factor. In i8(.7 he sent a sintjic barrel of persinunon
shuttle blocks to Mr. IC. .A. Thissell. of Lowell. Massachusetts, the
first sent from the South, as an experiment. Hitherto shuttle
blocks were made of apple trees. Captain Snow discovered that
persimmon, dogwood and hickory timber had a commercial value.
Men came ten miles to sec the man who was such a fool as to pay
money for dogwood. In 1S72 he went to High Toiiit and built its
tirst factory working^ in wood. Soon this was burned, and ho
fiuuvl himself four hundred dollars poorer than wluii lie began
business. I'pon borrowed money without security he began again.
Captam Snow says: "If any man is able to say that a good
name is capital. I am the man." For fifteen years he was the
busiest man in the countrv. For some time all the wood business
in High Point was under his management. lUit suddenly the
energy of the people "broke loose," and then High Point became
one of the greatest examples of intlustrial workmanshij). Captain
Snow's son. Mr. F. A. Snow, and his son-in-law, Mr. J. Flwood
Cox. entered work with him ; now in his old age they have taken
the burden of his business, which has many times doubled itself.
Captain Snow is a remarkable man. He is a genius in indus-
trial development. He went to Australia to better his fortune in
early life and built the first telegraph system south of the ec|uator
for the Colony of \ ictoria, from Melbourne to Sydney, in Aus-
tralia. With his knowledge of people all over the world he says
the Xorth Carolina type of character has as high a sense of honor
and integrity and perhai)s the best of any people on earth.
Mr. J. Flwood Cox purchased from Captain Snow the plant
for manufactiinng spokes and handles, shuttle blocks and bobbins.
Gradually the business has increased until these mills are dotted
over Xorth Carolina, and the South as well. Mr. Cox received
his education at Guilford College, Xorth Carolina, and at Farlham
College. Indiana. He is j)resitlent of the Globe-Home Furniture )
Manufacturing Company, the largest industry of the kind in the
.^outli. having a capital stork .-t' ..n.- hundred and fiftv thousand '
138 GUILFORD COUNTY,
dollars. He sells ninety per cent, of the shuttle blocks of the
world.
In June, 1891, Mr. Cox was elected president of the Com-
mercial National Bank at its organization, and still holds that
responsible position, lending his energy and business skill to its
successful operation. Mr. Cox is connected also with many of
the industries of High Point, and is a fine type of North Carolina
manhood. He is much interested in the "History of Guilford
County."
Another one of the best business men of this "Hub of the
Furniture and Wood Business in the South" is Mr. W. H. Ragan.
Mr. Ragan was born in Randolph County, one of the daughter-
counties of Old Mother Guilford. Early in life he came to Guil-
ford and began farming and merchandising nine miles southeast
of Greensboro, at the age of fourteen. Before the Civil War he
went to Franklinsville, N. C, where he learned the cotton manu-
facturing business. At the close of the war he returned to Guil-
ford, entering into the mercantile business of the firm "Pleasants,
Ragan & Co.," afterward the "Ragan, Millis Co.," of High Point.
"Tell something of Mr. Ragan's work in Guilford County,
please?" asked the author of a certain book on North Carolina.
"Something of Mr. Ragan's work? Well, I'd like to know
what line of honorable business he is not engaged in," responded
the well-informed business man of Greensboro. Then, more
kindly, "Mr. W. H. Ragan is one of the most public spirited
county commissioners of this State. I believe he will send a copy
of that history of Guilford County to every county commissioner
in the State and to every public library in North Carolina. But
to tell you, lady, something of his work. He is secretary and
treasurer of the Eagle Furniture Company, president of the Oak-
dale Cotton Mill at Jamestown, president of the Southern Chair
Company, director in National Bank of High Point ; director
in National Bank of Greensboro, director in Wachovia Loan
and Trust Company of Winston, treasurer of the High Point
NORTH C.-lROLIX.l. >:^«
llanlwaro Company. He lias licUl important positions in the city
i>t Hiijh Point ami is an export in banking: business." More than
this still I have learned. Mr. Rapan is a pood Methodist, a man
of tine taste and education, exemplifyintj in life the j::olden mien.
Iliijh Point is the head of a triangle made by Deep River.
This town is remarkable for its soberness, piety, business and
thrift. The city has never luul a bar-room or saloon: only one
murder case in all its history, and this was an imported affair;
everybody works in Ilij^h Point; everybody there has a Rood
livini:^ and. judging from the beautiful homes and other new build-
inc:s going: "P. everyone has plenty of money to lay by. To Quaker
influence and ancestry this city owes these pronounced character-
istics. Moralitv, soberness, living: within one's income, thrift and
love of work arc Quaker attributes, the inheritance of the youth of
High Point, better than grandure, better than gold. The yearly
meeting of Friends has been held in this town in August for years,
this is the North Carolina city of good-will, of brotherly love.
In a town such as this all its citizens are people of beauty
and strength of character. When none stands up as a type above
his fellows it is a token of special energy. When one writes, it is
a duty to tell the truth, the truth creative, which can help some
other to lift up his heart and take good courage. The real success
of one good man is an inspiration to many another. The real suc-
cess of a whole city full is a great inspiration to very many people.
I like people who have done something. I like people who do
things. For the sake of young people just now struggling, fight-
ing life's battles that shall place them firmly, I like to tell of the
success of other people, our own kin, they are; and work like
theirs will gain recognition at last ; victory is indigenous in every
real effort. There is no failure. Failure is like sin, a deformity.
Our successful men have all had their struggles.
Another one of Guilford County's successful men, and a
resident of High Point, is Mr. J. H. Millis. He began life as a
salesman for the Worth & Walker Comi)any of .Xsheboro. Later
140 GUILFORD COUNTY,
he came to Greensboro to the firm of Odell, Ragan & Co., where
he remained two years. He became afterward a member of the
firm of Ragan, Millis & Co., now under the name of W. H. Ragan
& Co.. of High Point. Mr. IMiUis is largely interested in the furni-
ture and wood business in High Point. For ten years he was
chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for Guilford
County.
Mr. J. A. Lindsay is a citizen of High Point who has gained
for himself an honorable name in the business world as an indus-
trial leader. The Lindsay Chair Company was organized in J\Iay,
1900; this company manufactures rocking chairs, diners, making
twenty-five dozen chairs per day. Mr. Lindsay is also president
of the Union Furniture Company of High Point, which manu-
factures suites beautifully finished in golden oak.
The High Point IMantel and Table Company was incorpor-
ated March 15. 1900, with Messrs. E. M. Armfield, A. M. Rankin,
Wescott Roberson as incorporators. This company makes hat
racks, tables and kitchen safes. These goods find a great market
all over the South and Southwestern States.
The only complete upholstering business in North Carolina is
f High Point Upholstering Co., which was organized in 1895 by
\ Messrs. T. T. Wrenn, J. J. Welch, P. V. Kirkman. In fact, this
is the only establishment South making handsome overstufl^ed
parlor suites and pulpit and lodge furniture. Their Morris chairs
are very beautiful and delightfully comfortable. Their leather-
bound rockers are especially elegant. They make felt and hair
mattresses also.
The Southern Chair Company was incorporated in 1896 by
W. H. Ragan, J. A. Lindsay, J. J. Welch, E. A. Snow, R. F. Dal-
ton and others, with a capital stock of $24,000. In 1898 Mr. W.
H. Ragan resigned as secretary and Mr. S. L. Davis was elected
his successor. This company makes arm chairs, rocking chairs
and dining chairs. Mr. Davis is a graduate of the University ot
North Carolina.
S \ni'|;\r\ ii.i; i.m;i \M!UKU, N. C.
NORrn C.IROUXA. m
Th'- \ ictor Chair Company wa-^ ort^anizc-d March 21, 1901,
with Mr. S. L. Davis as i^residcnt, Mr. \V. H. RaK^in as vice-
lircsiileiit and Mr. Harvey l^avis as secretary and treasurer. The
name "\ict(M-" was <Tiven it hy the secretary in honor of his
friend. Mr. \ ictor Cl:i\ MeAdoo. of Greensboro. The \ictor
Chair Comi)any makes a specialty of children's chairs, all j.;rades
and designs. Mr. Davis is a University of North Carolina student
of the class of i8<;<;.
The Tomlinson Chair Factory was estahlislud in i«;(ki by Mr.
1 lalstead Tomlinson.
The Welch Furniture Company l)ei;an business in 1900. with
Messrs. W. P. Picket, president; R. 1>. Strickland, vice-president;
I. W. Harris, secretary and treasurer. They manufacture oak
and parlor chamber suites. chitToniers. odd dressers, folding beds.
Xo other factory in this State makes folding beds. This very
successful business yields an output of $icx),C)00 yearly.
The youngest manufacturer of High Point, the boy manufac-
turer of Xorth Carolina, is Mr. \Villie.E. Snow, who in 1899 took
in hand the business of the Snow Basket Company — the only
basket factory in the State. He is a grandson of Captain Snow,
the- father of the furniture manufacturing business in Xorth Caro-
lina, and inherits much of his grandfather's genius for work. The
Snow baskets are sold to the tobacco men of Wilson, Durham,
Henderson, Oxford, Winston, Rocky Mt., Greeneville. Snow
ba'^kets are used by the cotton growers of the eastern and southern
section; the truckers of Mt. Olive, Faison, Kinston and all along
the A. C. L. buy the Snow basket.
The oldest furniture plant in High I'oint was established in
1888 by Mr. Wrenn. The first piece of furniture made in High
Point is a desk in the office of the High Point Furniture Company.
This company has an average shipment of one carload per dav,
sending its suites of furniture all over the country.
Green logs arc brought to High Point from the forest.<? primc-
--■! ot Guilford, Davidson. Randolph and elsewhere. This timber
142 GUILFORD COUNTY,
is made into the highest grade of furniture, coffins, chairs, suites,
etc., to the finest wood workmanship.
SKETCHES OF FA^IILIES OF GUILFORD.
The McAdoo Family and their Connections.
By Victor Clay McAdoo.
Dr. Caruthers, speaking of the Scotch-Irish, says : "Combin-
ing the inteUigence, orthodoxy and piety of the Scotch with the
order and love of hberty pecuhar to the Irish, they were the most
efficient supporters of the American cause during the struggle for
independence; and they have done more for the support of learn-
ing, morality and religion than any other class of people."
Along with the first settlers of that noble race in this County
came James and John ]\IcAdoo, and a little later, their sister,
Nellie. They came via Charleston, S. C, and were prompted to
leave home because their father, William, had married a second
time, against their wishes. Upon their arrival in this section they
took up large grants of land near Alamance Church, and settled
there and reared large families. Nellie ]\lcAdoo married John
Ryan and among her children was William Ryan, who took a
prominent part in the battles of Raft's Swamp and Wetzel's Mill,
and represented Guilford County in the Legislature of 1816-1817-
1818. Dr. Caruthers speaks of him as "one of our most upright
and estimable citizens." Nellie McAdoo Ryan died at the age of
105 years, and is buried at Buffalo Church.
John McAdoo was granted, in 1759, 640 acres near Alamance
Church, and he and his wife, Ellen Nelson McAdoo, had among
their children, David McAdoo, Samuel INIcAdoo, John, W^illiam
and James McAdoo. Samuel IMcAdoo, a son of John and Ellen
Nelson AlcAdoo, was born in Guilford County, April 10, 1760,
and educated at Mecklenburg College, and married Henrietta
Wheatfey. He moved with his brother-in-law, John Larkins, and
James McAdoo's wife and children to Dickson County, Tennessee,
NORTH C.IROLINA. 143
Nvliore John Larkins hail hccn fjrantetl. with his brother HuK'h, two
tliousand acres of land by North Carolina for their conspicuous
services durinp: the Revolutionary War. Samuel McAdoo became
a minister of ijreat distinction, and was one of the founders of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was organized by
him and associates at his house in Dickson County, in 1810.
He died in Illinois, March 30. 1844, leaving two sons and two
daughters.
James Mc.\doo married Margaret Houston, and their chil-
dren were Mary, Sarah, Dorcas and Martha, John, William. David
and Ezra. James Mc.\doo died in 1800. and his wife, with her
children, moved to Dickson County, Tennessee. Mary McAdoo
married James Larkins, Sarah married Houston, and Dorcas mar-
ried Xesbitt.
John Mc.Kdoo married Hannah McXeiley. and was a trustee
of Dicki^on County for fourteen years. His brother, David, was
sheriff of the county for six years. Among their children were
John, Hugh and James McAdoo. James now lives at W'averly,
Tenn, and is the oldest elder in the Cumberland Prcsbvtcrian
Church there, and one of the largest farmers in that county.
John M. McAdoo is the Judge of the County Court at W'av-
erly, Tennessee, was a captain in the late war, and several times
represented his county in the Legislature, and is now a ruling elder
in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Hugh ^L McAdoo was born in Dickson Couirty in 1838, and
was educated for a lawyer. He was a captain in the late wai,
several times member of the Legislature from Humphreys County,
and was in 1876 elected to the Senate, being chosen its Speaker.
He was a man of great legal ability. He died in 1894. The
descendants of James McAdoo in Tennessee are now among the
state's foremost citizens, and they are now residing in many of the
Western States. Some of those who have attained prominence
and are descendants of the McAdoo family are Samuel J. Keith, a
banker; Dr. William Morrow, a prominent physician, and Rev.
144 GUILFORD COUNTY,
J. H. IMcXeilly, of Nashville, Tenn., a prominent Presbyterian
minister: also the late Prof. William G. McAdoo, of the University
of Tennessee, at Knoxville, and Capt. Brantley McAdoo, of Texas.
James McAdoo married and had David, Samuel, John, James
and William, Margaret and Jean, and granddaughter Ann Boyd.
He died in 1802 at 94 years of age, and is buried at Alamance
Church.
Capt. John McAdoo was a reckless fighter during the Revolu-
tionary War, and was nicknamed "Devil John." He was killed in
the battle of Raft's Swamp, and Caruthers says his death "was
greatly lamented as a man of tried firmness and dauntless cour-
age."
William McAdoo fought at Wetzel's Mill, and rode up almost
imder the guns of the British, and drew his wounded companion,
Shaw, across his saddle and carried him off the field. William
McAdoo moved to Tennessee, and his children and grandchildren
acquired large estates in Gibson County, and one of his grand-
sons was a captain under the command of General X. B. Forrest
in the late war.
I\Iy great-grandfather, David McAdoo, was born December
7, 1760, and married Elizabeth Nicks, a daughter of George and
Elizabeth Nicks, of Guilford County. They resided on the old
family estate near Alamance Church, and conducted a large farm,
Elizabeth Nicks was the daughter of George Nicks, who was one
of the largest land owners north of the city, and they lived in
excellent style for those days. Their children were : Calvin Nicks,
Pleasant, Albert Y., John, Asynath and Elizabeth.
Albert Y. McAdoo graduated at the University, and became
a practicing physician, and died at thirty-four years of age, ]\Iay
28, 1849.
Asynath McAdoo died May 27, 1849. at the age of forty-two,
never having married.
John McAdoo lived in Greensboro, and was engaged in
business. He never married, and died March 2^, 1872, age fifty-
four years.
NOKTll C.lROU.\.l. 146
Pleasant McAdoo luarricl l-.uphrasia Gilchrist, who was a
pranddauijhter of Wilhaiu Kvan. who married his cousin. Jean
McAdoo. and of their children. Adolphus married Kmma lievill,
and died at twenty-three years of aj^e. July i8, 1875. leavini,' one
son. Adolphus McAdoo. who now resides in Xew York.
IClla Dora McAdoo married William Iv lievill. and died
Decemher 28. 1880. at the ai;e of twenty-five years, leavint? one
dau.irhter, Dora lievill.
Alhert McAdoo manird Xantiie Summers, and left at his
death in 1901 four small children: Urantley McAdoo resides with
his mother, and has never married. Elizaheth McAdoo married
Col. John Milton Cunnin.q:ham. and resided ahout five miles north-
cast of Greenshoro. and had three children : .Aut^usta and Lenora,
who both died leavinij no chihlren. at the atj:e of twenty-two
years.
James Milton Cunninp^ham married Rettie Jones, a dauL^hter
of Harriet Keen and Decanter Jones, of Pittsylvania County, \'ir-
!:::i!iia. He died in 1881. and left five children. He was a very
popular man and held in the hi,i,diest esteem by his friends and was
at the time of his death sheriff of this county. Ilie Cunningham
family were of the first settlers in this section, and were relateil to
the old Patrick family, who were very large land owners on Haw
River. Matthew Cunningham, a member of the family, was for
years one of the county justices, and Col. John M. Cunningham
was. at the time of his death, a very large land owner and slave
holder. John Cunningham, a member of the family, was granted
by Lord Granville 640 acres in this county in 1753.
Calvin Xicks McAdoo, my grandfather, was born on the old
family estate near Alamance Church, October 22, 180), and at-
tended Caldwell Institute in Greensboro, and engaged in the mer-
cantile business here after leaving the Institute. He formed a
partnership with his cousin, David Scott, and the firm of Scott &
McAdoo was one of the first to engage in business here. He was
married to Isabella McConnell, the only daughter of Col. Walter
148 GUILFORD COUNTY,
McConnell and ^lartha Peeples McConnell, March 7, 1839, t^e
ceremony being performed at the McConnell home, four miles
east of Greensboro, by Rev. EH Cariithers. Col. Walter ]\IcCon-
nell came to this county from near Harrisburg, Pa., when a young
man, and engaged in farming, and conducted several large tan-
yards in this and adjoining counties. He married Martha, a
daughter of Capt. Lewis Peeples and Jane Hicks Peeples.
David Peeples, father of Capt. Lewis Peeples, was one of
the early settlers in this county, and took up large grants of land
on Jacob's Creeek and Haw River, and I judge from the number
of grants recorded in this county to him that he must have been
among the largest land owners in the county.
Capt. Lewis Peeples inherited a great deal of property from
his father, and he lived in style and luxury for those days. He
was born December 22, 1760, and died December 29, 1828, and
left a son, Col. Allen Peeples, who was a man of prominence in
this county for years. He was a member of the Legislature in
1830, 1 83 1, 1832 and 1833, and married Betsy Braziel. Capt. P.
A. Peeples. a son of Col. Allen Peeples, was mortally wounded
at Gaines' Mills, in 1862. Another son. Dr. Pinkney Peeples, was,
at the time of his death, president of the National Bank at Jack-
son, Miss. Col. Allen Peeples left here before the War with his
family, and went to ]\Iississippi, where his children married, and
are prominent people in that State.
Col. Walter McConnell had one son, Washington McConnell,
who married Mrs. Garvin, of Rhode Island, and they had two
children, Dr. Charles McConnell and Lola McConnell ^IcLeod,
who now live in Boston, JMass. Col. McConnell built for his son, .
Washington, the large brick storehouse on West Market Street
now owned by Mrs. C. C. Gorrell, and built a home for him, also,
on West Market Street, now occupied by Mrs. M. A. Winstead.
The store conducted by Washington McConnell was, before
the War, the principal store in Greensboro, except the store con-
ducted on East Market Street by my grandfather, C. N. McAdoo.
SORTH CAROLINA. l«
Washiiifjton McConnoll ilicd in St. Louis, October 21, 1865. My
grandfather. Calvin X. McAiloo. and wife, Isabella McConnell
McAdtx\ resided at their home at the corner of Gorrrell and Ashe-
boro Streets, and iheir children were: WaUer David, born Jan-
uary 28. 1840; Martha Klizabcth. born May. 1842, died September
20. 1843: \'ictor Clay, born March 25. 1845. died November 5,
iS-8: \Villiam Calvin, born May 25, 1848, died April 8, 1878.
Calvin Xicks McAdoo was for years the most successful
merchant in this county, and conducted branch stores at Madison
and Graham, his business extending: over several surrounding
counties. He was one of the organizers of the Greensboro
National r»ank, and a director in it at the time of his death. He
ilietl April 24. 1887. and left one of the largest estates in the
county. "For more than half a century he was connected with
the active business affairs of Greensboro and Guilford County.
He was scrupulously correct in all his dealings and probably had
more transactions with his fellow-citizens than any man who has
lived here. His strong intellect held to the last. His was a busy
life. He was always considerate of the feelings and rights of
those in his employ. His loss will be keenly felt throughout the
county and many will sincerely mouni his death. One more of
the few remaining early settlers of Greensboro has released his
grasp on this world and passed over to join the great majority."
C'Capt. W. S. Bali in Greensboro Xortli State.)
My father, \'ictor Clay McAdoo, was educated at Wilson's
School and the University of North Carolina, and joined Company
I, Fifth North Carolina Cavalry, Capt. Nathaniel Rankin, Gor-
don's Brigade, Stuart's Division, Army of Northern \'irginia, and
Note: The name McAdoo ha« stood for much in the commercial life of C;uilford
Countv. It has been like a business backbone in Grcen>boro since the founding ol the
city. \o McAdoo ever failc<l in business, or failed to pay a debt, or to make money. The
McAdoos love real estate and know how to hold on to it. The genuine McAdoo'has no
fibre of stin|;iness in him. but "you can't hoodoo a McAdoo."' I'hey have a clearer per-
ception of justice than some folks, and have a way of recoifnizinf; goo'd in others. Met>srs.
Victor Clay and Thomas J. .McAdoo have belived in the South as the great field of future
literature. .More than one writer of rccnenition can take otV his hat to these men. They
love the old North State. 1 h« McAdoo family have some pride ot race and sense of honor
for the name inherited from a noble line. Honor to whom honor i* due.
Sali.ik Walker Stockard.
148 GUILFORD COUNTY,
was in the battles of Ream's Station, Stoney Creek and Yellow
Tavern. He was wounded several times and given his parole in
Virginia at the close of the War, He married Nannie Witcher
Jones, a member of the families of Jones, Keenes and Witchers,
of Virginia. They have three sons, Thomas Jones, Victor Clay
and Calvin Nicks.
William Calvin AIcAdoo was educated at Wilson's School,
the University of North Carolina and Washington and Lee Uni-
versity, Virginia. He was engaged in business in this city and
died at thirty years of age, never having married.
Walter David McAdoo was educated at Wilson's School and
Dickinson College, Pennsylvania. He joined the army at the
breaking out of the W^ar and fought bravely till severely wounded
at Gettysburg, on which field he was commissioned Major, but
never was able to accept the commission. After the close of the
War he married Aliss Josie A. Moore, of Virginia, and has two
children, William and Mary.
SKETCH OF THE ARMFIELD FAMILY.
As far as is known, all the Armfields in America have sprung
from the same source, i. e., from English Quakers in the north of
England, where the family is still numerous. And although the
majority of them have drifted away from the old church, yet they
still exhibit many Quaker traits, such as honesty, thrift and sim-
plicity. It is believed that they are of Anglo-Saxon stock, judging
from the name and from the florid complexion and light hair of the
older members of the family in this country. But the name is now
common in Sweden, and a Count \'on Armfeldt was a brilliant
general under the meteoric Charles XH. of Sweden. (See Enc.
Britt.)
The original John Armfield, from whom all the Armfields of
whom we know were descended, was born in the north of England
in 1695. He was a strict Quaker and a school-teacher by profes-
sion. He and his young wife came with a colony of Quaker emi-
r^^
J. \V^■.\TT AUMIIKF.D,
HK.ll I-DINT, X. C.
.Vt)/v'77/ C.iROU.Wl. 149
j^-rants io riiiladtlphia in 171H. Afterward he moved to Hucks
Count V. Pennsylvania, wlure he houpjht a farm and taujjht scIkxjI.
He had tive sons and three dauj^'hters. About i-rK) John and his
oiliest son. William, together with a company of twenty men and
thirty horses, came to North Carolina on an explorinj^ expedition.
For the greater part of the way they traveled throuj^h dense for-
ests of unpopuK^ted country and located in Rowan County, now
the northern part of Ciuilford. This proved to be a favored sec-
tion, as there were no Indian settlements in this particular locality.
This band of ailvcnturers avoided the Indians as much as
p<issible. though the savages did not seem to be very hostile at
that time, for they often ran off and slii)ped away from the white
men. These emigrants had no sources of living except game,
wliich was found in large quantities, and consisted of bear, deer,
buffalo, wild turkeys and squirrels. Their horses fared sumptu-
ously on the grass and pea-vines which covered every spot not
covered with leaves. There was no undergrowth at that time, but
the whole country was a vast forest of large timber.
Their horses were herded in a pen, with one or more men to
guard them. This pen was built on a creek which therefore
became known as Horse-Pen Creek. The Indians once endeavored
to stampede their horses, but failed. However, the emigrants be-
came alarmed anil moved their camp and settled on Deep River,
at a point near the present Coltrane's Mill. Game was not quite
so abundant there, but the river furnished quantities of fine fish.
Having remained in North Carolina about three years, they
packed up, loadmg some of the extra horses with furs, dressed
hides and a few relics, and returned to Pennsylvania.
In 1765 John Armfield and wife, with their sons, viz., Wil-
liam. John. Robert, Isaac and Thomas, and a number of their
neighbors, sold their furniture and set out for North Carolina.
The three daughters were married, and remained in Pennsvlvania.
There were about one hundrefl men. besides women and children,
all traveling horseback. John Armfield acted as leader, as he was
150 GUILFORD COUNTY,
acquainted with the route. It took nearly two months to make
the journey. Several families came from Nantucket, via Penn-
sylvania, and John Armfield and others joined them and all came
on to North Carolina together. The party reached its destination
the last of May, 1765.
Upon their arrival in North Carolina, John Armfield and
family settled on South Buffalo, about one-quarter of a mile
southwest of Pomona or Salem Junction. Their first log-house
stood a short distance north of the present railroad tracl<:, a little
over three miles from Greensboro, on land now owned by J. Van
Lindley. The Ballingers settled west of New Garden Meeting
House, on land which is still owned by the family. The Iddinges
settled on the road which leads from Greensboro to Guilford Col-
lege at a place which became later the home of the late Joshua
Lindley. The Hodgins settled in what is now South Guilford;
the \\"orths still farther south on Deep River, in the present county
of Randolph, and also in South Guilford, near Centre. The Stu-
arts built their home near the headwaters of Deep River, in south-
west Guilford. The Coffins settled in northwest Guilford, near
the Ballingers ; the Mendenhalls on Deep River, which place is
now known as Old Jamestown. The Gardners lived east of James-
town. The names of other families have become extinct, on ac-
count of emigration to the West.
As only two of John Armfield's sons, William and Isaac, had
families and remained in North Carolina, we will trace each
branch separately and mention the other three sons in the proper
order.
John Armfield, who came from England, had five sons, whose
names were given above as follows : William, John, Robert, Isaac
and Thomas. William, the oldest son of John, was born in Penn-
sylvania in 1720, married Mary Hamilton there about 1745. They
had sA^en sons: William (Little Billy), Robert. Nathan, Solomon,
Jonathan, David and John; also three daughters. One daughter
married a Fields, another a Macy, and the third a Barnet. Wil-
S'ORTH CAROLINA. l»l
liam moved to the Worth Settlement, in southern Guilford, now
Centre, about 1770. and tojjjether with his brother-in-law, Hamil-
ton, opened a blacksmith ami waj^on shop. At the bey:innin^ of
the Revolution, his father. John, beinjj very old, persuaded Wil-
liam to sell out and return to the old homestead. This he did. and
manaijed the farm very successfully, and took care of his father
until his death in 1702, in his ninety-seventh year. John Armtield,
ami later his sons William and Isaac, were buried in the N'ew Gar-
den c:raveyard.
William was a strict Quaker and took no active part in the
\\ ar \uuil shortly before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The
Tories made a raid in advance of the armies. They went to his
house and took six horses, twenty or thirty head of cattle, all his
corn, bacon and such articles of clothing, bedding, etc., as they
wanted. William implored the Tories to leave him one favorite
black horse, as he had a large famliy, but they mocked him and
went away, leaving him only one poor, sickly calf.
At this point William Armfield lost his Quakerism for a
time. He shouldered his musket and, pretending that he was
going to hunt, he set out to join the Continental Army. The
morning of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, he went to head-
quarters at New Garden Meeting House and said to General
Greene: "General. I have come to help thee out today." The
General smiled at his broad-brimmed hat and Quaker coat, but at
William's urgent request, he gave him a place in Joe Lovett's
company, where he fought all day. Joe Lovett was a private
soldier and a great friend of William Armfield. When the latter
reached home that night, weary and worn out. his wife asked :
"William, where is thy game." He replied : "The game I killed
was not worth bringing home."
William Armfield married the second time. Mrs. Lydia Fields,
the widow of a soldier who was killed in the P.attle of King's
Mountain. She had ten Fields children and her husband. William
Armfield. had eleven children bv his first wife. Marv Hamliton.
152 GUILFORD COUNTY,
They had two more children after their marriage, which made
twenty-three in all. One of the last two died early ; the other was
Joseph B., from whom much of this history was obtained. He
lived to be ninety-six years old and remembered his grandfather,
John Armfield, of England. Much of this information was writ-
ten down at his dictation about twenty-five years ago by his
grandson, G. Will Armfield, of Greensboro.
William Jr. (Little Billy), oldest son of William, the first,
married Bettie Greeen, of Jamestown. They had four sons, Jacob,
Robert, William and Isaac; and three daughters. One married
John Macy, another Christopher Hiatt, and the other John Un-
thank. "Little Billy" lived to be ninety-nine years old.
Jacob, oldest son of William Jr., married Ann Stevenson,
sister to the wife of his half-uncle, Joseph B. Jacob's sons were
as follows : Hiram, Alfred, Tillman, Isaac, Paris and Elam. His
daughters were: Jane, Diana and Susan. Hiram married Jane
Carmichael. Alfred married Polly Iddings, sister of Meshach
Iddings, who was the manufacturer of the celebrated Iddings
augers, Diana married Joseph Iddings. The entire family of
Jacob went to Indiana in 1831. This ends all our knowledge of
his branch of the family.
Robert, William Jr.'s second son, married a Bland. He had
five sons, who were: William Nelson, John T., Robert Franklin,
Alexander and Morehead. William Nelson married Aliss ]^Ioon.
Their children were: John F., Julius, William E., jMary ]\Iay,
Alice Lee and Sarah. John F., oldest son of Nelson, married
Rosa Holmes and went to the West. He has five sons : John,
William, Robert, Frederick and Nelson. Julius, second son of
Nelson, married Leanna Reich. He died and left a widow and
one son, Claud, who lives in Winston. William E., Nelson's
third son, married Ella Shore. Their children's names are as
follows : Walter, Weldon, Duke, Allen and Ruth. Mary May,
Nelson's oldest daughter, married Harper Cummings. Their sons
are Cyrus and Charles. Alice Lee, second daughter of Nelson,
NORTH CAROLISA. 168
marricil C. F. IVrry. Their cliildrcn an- Aldcii and P.yron.
Sarah, voung^est daughter of Xolsoii. married KuKcne X'auKdin,
antl lias two children. Sadie and Xelson. John T., second son
of Rohert. studied medicine under Dr. Coffin, at Jamestown. He
practiced in South Carolina, where he married a Miss Campbell
and then moved to Alabama. P.oth are dead. They left several
children, whose names we are unable to give.
Robert Franklin, third son of Robert, married a Miss Deimy.
Their sons are Charles H.. Josei)h. James and Robert, and there
are three daujjhters. Robert Franklin was the well-known Juds:^e
Armfield. of Statcsville. who was one of the State's most g^ifted
sons. He served as Colonel in the Confederate Army, as Con-
g^ressman for two terms, as Lieutenant-Governor of the State, and
as Jud,c:e of the Superior Court. But he was perhaps g^reatest as
a criminal lawyer. He defended many men in the most noted,
murder cases in the State, and was successful without exception.
His oldest son. Charles H.. is bearinj^ his name and wearing
his father's mantle worthily. Another son, Joseph, was the bril-
liant and admired young Colonel of the First North Carolina
Regiment, which served in Cuba during the W'^ar with Spain.
Alexander, fourth son of Robert, married in Georgia.
Robert, second son of William the first, was a soldier in the
American Army and died during the Revolution. Nathan, third
son of William the first, married Polly Dempsey. They lived near
Pleasant Garden Church. Nathan represented Guilford in the
State Senate for years. He went South, returned with yellow
fever, but recovered. He died in 1839. One of his sons severely
cut his foot with an axe and died at the age of sixteen. The other,
John, went to Tennessee and became a slave-trader, being a mem-
ber of the firm of .A.rmficld & Franklin. He amassed a large for-
time. He had an elegant summer home at Beersheba Springs, in
the Cumberland Mountains, and winter homes in Alexandria, Va.,
and in New Orleans, where Jie and his wife lived and entertained
in princely style. He was one of the original founders and
154 GUILFORD COUNTY,
trustees of the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn. He
left a widow and an adopted daughter, who Hve at Belle Air, Md.,
the latter being the wife of ex-Congressman Archer.
Solomon, fourth son of William the first, married Thankful
Cummings. Three sons and as many daughters were born to
them. Their names were: William Addison, Allen, Calvin, Ma-
linda, Elvira and Jane.
William Addison, oldest son of Solomon, married and had
three sons. They were : Dr. John, Jesse and Solomon. John went
to Indiana. He has two sons living at Elwood, Ind., Orla, a law-
yer, being one. Jesse and Solomon both went West. Allen, sec-
ond son of Solomon, never married. He went to California dur-
ing the gold fever, then to Missouri, where he died. Calvin, Solo-
mon's third son, married first in eastern North Carolina, again in
Indiana, and was living there in 1900. Malinda, oldest daughter
of Solomon, married Allen Short. Elvira never married, but
Jane married Andrew Kirkman. The following are their chil-
dren : Calvin, Alpheus, James and a Mrs. Jarvis. Calvin married
Adela Armfield, daughter of Ithamar. Alpheus married a J\Iiss
Clifton.
Jonathan, fifth son of William the first, went to Indiana and
died of cholera during the War of 1812.
David, sixth son of W^illiam the first, married Betsy Trotter.
They had a large family, who were all prominent people in their
day. Their names were as follows : Solomon, Jonathan, Needham,
Hamilton, Abner, Ensley, Betsy and Jane.
Solomon, oldest son of David, married a Aliss Bland. Their
children are these: John, Jesse Lee, Solomon, ^Mary Alag and
Asenath, who died unmarried. John, Solomon's oldest son, mar-
ried Roxana Patterson. They had two sons and a daughter —
Edgar, William Ensley and Clara. His second wife was Belle
Wiley. He lives ten miles south of Greensboro. Jesse Lee, second
son of Solomon, married Nannie Kirkman. Their children are:
Charles, who married Miss Groome; Minnie, now ]\Irs. Lee
NORTH C.-IROLLWl. 156
Groonie. who has several children; and Genevieve, wife of Chas.
Covin^rton. of HiRh Point. Jesse Lee and his children, with the
except io!i of the last-named, live near Jamestown. Solomon, third
.son of Solomon, never married, but lives one mile east of James-
town.
Marv yiaix. daui;htcr of Solomon, married J. M. Wharton.
a merchant of Jamestown. They have no children.
Jonathan, second son of David, married Sarah IJrown. of
Iredell County. They had three children: Matthew. Luther and
Lou. r>oth .sons went West. The dau.t,diter died receiuly. un-
married.
Xeedham. third son of David, married and moved to Georjjia.
His son Lmsley is now Clerk of the County Court at Monroe,
X. C. Emsley married Rachel Phifer, ami they have a large and
interestinij family, whose names are as follows : Ella. Alice. Frank,
Davis. Rufus. Wilma, Lina and Emsley. Ella is now Mrs. W. S.
Lee. and has six children. Alice married Major W. C. Heath.
They have three children. Frank is a prominent young lawyer
in Monroe. Rufus married Lola Houston. All live in Monroe.
Kmsley served in the Civil War. His only brother, Frank, served
four years in the Confederate Army and was killed at .Appomattox,
two days before Lee's surrender and a few months after his mar-
riage to Ellen Houston, daughter of the late Hugh Houston, of
Monroe.
Hanulton. fourth son of David, married Thankful Short.
Their sons are Xeedham, David the Doctor, Jonathan and Allen,
and their daughters, Bettie. Emeline, Mary and Corinna. Xeed-
ham. oldest son of Hamilton, married a Ward. Their children
are Rhodema, Walter. Xona, Eugenia Mary, John and Emma.
Dr. David, second son of Hamilton, married Delia Sapp.
luigene S., Carl and Earl are their sons. Their daughter, \^era,
married Dr. Foscue.
Jonathan, third son of Hamilton, died at the close of the War
from exposure in the service. .Allen, fourth son of Hamilton,
156 GUILFORD COUNTY,
married Miss Ford and went to Kansas. Bettie, daughter of
Hamilton, married a Crow and lives in Randolph County. Mary,
second daughter of Hamilton, married Julian Kirkman, and moved
to Indiana. Corinna, youngest daughter of Hamilton, married
J. M. Moon.
Abner, fifth son of David, married Hannah Wilson. They
had three children : Wilson, Oliver and Emily, who married Mon-
roe Kirkman.
Emsley, sixth and youngest son of David, married Jane
McGibony. Their only child. Roxie, married Hon. John L. King,
and resides in Greensboro. Emsley Armfield was a successful
financier. He was Chairman of the Board of County Commis-
sioners for years.
Betsy, oldest daughter of David, married Col. James Millis.
They had three sons and two daughters, all of whom died young
except J. Henry Millis and Mary. Henry married Cornelia
Walker, of Asheboro. He is a prominent manufacturer and busi-
ness man of High Point, and served as Chairman of the Board
of County Commissioners for ten years. His children are Albian,
Edwin and Sallie, who married William Armfield, son of Wyatt.
Henry Millis' older daughter, Mary, died at the age of nineteen.
Mary, daughter of James Millis, married Samuel Walker, of
Asheboro. Their children are: James Walker, of High Point;
Emma, now Mrs. C. W. Worth, of Wilmington, and Annie, who
is Mrs. James H. Pou, of Raleigh.
Jane, David's other daughter, married John W^iddows. They
had one son and two daughters, all of whom died unmarried.
John, seventh and last son of William Armfield by his first
wife, married a Miss Avery and went to Tennessee. His oldest
son, John, volunteered and went into the War of 1812. He fought
in the Battle of New Orleans. It is tradition in the family that
he killed the British officer Packingham with his father's rifle, and
that that turned the tide of battle in the Americans' favor. All
trace of this branch of the family has been lost. This ends the
NORTH C.'lKOUX.t. 157
liistory of the cliildron of William Armtkld hy his first wifr. Mary
1 1 ami It on.
A few years after his wife's death William Armfield married
Mrs. Lydia Julian Fields, the widow of a Revolutionary soldier
who was killed at the P.attle of Kinj^^'s Mountain. She was the
mother of ten children hy her first hushand. After her marriac^e
to William Armfield she had two sons. One died younj::; the
other was Joseph 11. .Armfield. He was horn in \y^$ and i^acw
up to he an honorable and uprit^ht man, prominent in church
affairs and in the county. Mis wife was Xellie Stevenson, sister
of Robert Stevenson, the noted wheelwriij^ht and wapon-maker.
I le made both the larjrc spinninjij-wheels and the small Ha.x-wheels
which were in use in nearly every household at that time.
Joseph 15. remained with his father William at the old home-
stead on lUiffalo. near Pomona, until his father's death. Some-
time afterward he sold this orig^inal homestead, which was settled
by John Armfield, of Pennsylvania and Enj^land, and bought a
farm on P.ull Run Creek, two miles northeast of Jamestown, where
he anil his faithful wife lived for more than si.xty years, until her
death in 1875. They were strict Primitive Baptists for half a
century and attended church rcs^ularly at Abbott's Creek. Joseph
r.. was a stronc]^ L'nion man before and durinj^ the War, and a
Grant Republican. He voted in every Presidential election from
I Serf') to and includinfj 1880. He remained at his home until a few
weeks before his death, when he went to visit his daujc:hter. Char-
lotte Gardner, who lived at the Gardner Hill mine. Althout^h he
was i)erfectly blind, he expressed ijreat rejT^ret upon leavinjj his old
home, sayinc^ that he feared that he would never be there as^ain.
Soon after he was taken sick and died, after an illness of two
weeks. His phvsician said that he was without disease and that
his death was entirely due to old age.
He was over ninety-five years old. His mind was clear and
liis memory perfect to the last, and it was from him, as has been
said, that the greater part of this history was obtained. He was
158 GUILFORD COUNTY,
literally "the last leaf upon the tree," as he was the youngest of
the thirteen children of William Armfield, the son of John Arm-
field, who came from England. He outlived all his brothers and
sisters, many cousins of the same name and all the associates of his
early youth.
The sons of Joseph B. were the following: Julian, Jesse,
Ithamar, Joseph S. and John J. Julian, the oldest, married Han-
nah Iddings, and settled on the southeast quarter of his father's
farm, now known as the Capt. John Endy place. In 1849, while
his children, Isaac, Alpheus and Sarah, were not yet grown, he
moved to Indiana, where he died. Isaac, son of Julian, married
and moved from Indiana to Iowa, where his children now reside,
Alpheus died in Indiana. Sarah married and moved to Kansas.
Jesse, second son of Joseph B., died at the age of twenty-
five, a bright and promising man.
Ithamar, third son of Joseph B., married Martha Gates, and
settled north of his birthplace, where he still lives at an advanced
age. His children are Albert, Elizabeth and Adela. Albert mar-
ried Emily Hassell during the Civil War. He served through the
war with his uncle, John Armfield, was captured at Appomattox
two days before Lee's surrender and was taken to Point Lookout
Prison, where he was kept six months. A few years after the
War he died. He had two sons, James and Frank, and several
daughters. James married and lives in Pilot ]\Iountain^ and Frank
lives in High Point.
Elizabeth, daughter of Ithamar, married James Ledwell, and
died several years ago. Adela married Calvin Kirkman, who is
yardmaster for the Southern Railway in Greensboro. They have
three sons, Albert, Alexander and Calvin (all train-dispatchers),
and two daughters.
Joseph S., fourth son of Joseph B., was born in 1823. His
wife was Nellie Iddings, daughter of Mark Iddings, and settled
near Jamestown. He was an expert gunsmith and was a mei^iber
of the firm of Lamb & Armfield, who made the famous Lamb Ken-
XORTH C.lROLLWl. 1<>»
tucky rifles. They maiuifacturcil these pms ami sent them in
wa.ijons to the various courts throughout western Xortli Carolina
and over into Tennessee and Kentucky. Joseph S. suffered many
hardships during; the War on account of his strong, outspoken
I'nion principles. He died in 1887 at the age of sixty-four, and
was interred in Deep River churchyard.
Joseph S. had oidy two children. Geor}j:e Williamson and
Melvina. O. Will married in 1875 Ksther Wakefield, dau^'hter of
the late Henry Wakefield, who was a native of England and came
to Canada and thence to North Carolina. She is also a sister of
Dr. W. H. Wakefield, of Charlotte. G. Will settled in Greensboro,
where he engaged in merchandising in the dry goods line, first as
salesman with Houston & Causey, succeeded by Houston & Bro.
Then he became a member of the firm of Brown & Armfield. but
latter carried on a successful business under his own name until
1893, when he closed out to Thackcr & Brockman.
He has had five sons and two daughters: Josei)h, now in
Greensboro P. O. ; Mrytle; Clay, electrician for McAdoo Tele-
phone Co. ; Hazel, whose tragic accidental death on August 26,
i<>oi, has forever marred the bright and happy home ; Roy, George
and Hugh.
Melvina. daughter of Joseph S.. marricil Franklin Frazier.
and lives at Gladesboro. She has no children.
John J., youngest son of Joseph B., married Lydia Hill, and
settled near his father's home. He was superintendent of the
Lamb Armory, which was broken up about six months before the
close of the War, when he was conscripted and taken to the army.
Two days before Lee's surrender, he was captured, and then
l)laced in Point Lookout Prison, where he died a few days after
the assasination of Lincoln. He left a wife, one son and two
daughters, Mary L. and Laura, who married Prof. J. M. Weath-
erly. She has three sons, Carl, John and Ralph. John J.'s son,
Nathan, went to Indiana.
Lydia, oldest daughter of Joseph B.. married John P.artley.
160 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Their sons were R. IMadison and John. The latter went to Indi-
ana at the beginning of the Civil War. R. ]\Iadison married a
Miss Barker, and settled at Avon, Ind. Their children's names
are Erastus, Orla and Nellie, all of whom are married and live
in their native State. The daughters of Lydia and John Bartley
were Mary, Eleanor and Charlotte. None ever married.
Charlotte, second daughter of Joseph B., married John Gard-
ner, the original owner of the Gardner Hill mine. She had one
son, Jesse, who married Louisa Freeman. He and his one child,
Mary, are dead.
Lavinia, third daughter of Joseph B., died in 1820, while a
school-girl.
Patience, the fourth daughter, married Jabez Stephens, and
had ten children, all of whom are dead except Jesse F., who is a
Pullman car conductor, and lives in Greensboro.
Eleanor, fifth daughter of Joseph B.', married William Reece,
Jr., of Randolph County. He died while a soldier, in 1864. She
has several children.
Mary Ann, youngest daughter of Joseph B., married Donnell
Burney. This ends the history thus far obtainable of the family
of Joseph B. Armfield.
John, Jr., second son of the original John Armfield, mar-
ried and brought his wife from Pennsylvania, settled southeast of
his father, on South Buffalo, near the present Vandalia. He had
a small family, and moved west, probably to Tennessee. We have
no further account of him or his family.
Robert, third son of the original John Armfield, married in
Pennsylvania, just before he came to North Carolina. He settled
on the headwaters of South Buffalo. While he was out hunting
one day, the Indians killed and scalped his wife and child. He
never married again. Although he was a Quaker and therefore
exempt from service, he fought through the Revolutionary War,
and served as a Regular, fighting the Indians after the War. He
died at his brother William's house not long after the Revolu-
tion.
NOKTH C.tROLlNA. 161
Isaac, fourtli son of the original John AnnfKld. inarricd a
Miss I'.rown. and lived on a farm tuar his father's place on South
r.uflalo. He fouf^dit with the North Can>lina militia at the Uattle
of C.uilford Courthouse. Althouj,di he had six sons, there are very
few of his descendants, beariufj; the name, now livinjj in Guilford
County. These were his sons: John. William. Robert, Joseph C,
Isaac and Jacob. His dauj^hters were Ann and Betsy. Johtt. the
oldest son. moved to Shelby County. Tennessee, about 1810. One
of his daujjhters married a Zarecor, and her grandson, J. H,
Zarecor, is now a prominent lawyer in Nashville. Tenn.
William, second son of Isaac the first, familiarly known as
"Sheriff Billy." was a well-known figure in his day and time. He
was County Treasurer and Sheriff of Guilford for a number tf
years, being Sheriff at the time the courthouse was move 1 from
Martinsville to Greensboro. He married Hannah Greene and
lived near Pomona. They had a large family, their children being
Isaac. Robert. Hans. Joseph. William Cameron, John, Jacob,
Hannah. Betsy, Jennie, Sallie and Delilah.
Isaac, oldest son of '"SherifT Billy," married a Miss Hoskins.
Their son, Joseph, lives with his family on Deep River, near Free-
man's Mill.
Robert, second son of "Sheriff Billy," married Miss Lovett.
Their son, Boston, died in the Confederate Army, and their
daughter married a Hayworth.
Hans, "Sheriff Billy's" third son, was educated at Chapel
Hill. He built an academy near Jamestown, where he taught
school about ten years. Later, he moved to Jackson, Miss., where
he practiced law. He was married before leaving this State to
Lucinda, daughter of George Gardner. They died in Mississippi,
without children.
Joseph, fourth son of "Sheriff Billy." lived near Kernersville.
His children were William, Joseph, Tabitha and Mary Ann
William moved to Pennsylvania and Joseph to Texas. Mary Ann
married a King, a brother of Hon. John L. King.
162 GUILFORD COUNTY,
William Cameron, fifth son of "Sheriff Billy," went to South
Carolina and married there. He was a practicing physician for
many years. He died there, leaving two or three children.
John, sixth son of "Sheriff Billy," lived in Rockingham
County, and was never married.
Jacob, seventh and youngest son of "Sheriff Billy," also lived
in Rockingham. He married IMiss Bland, and had one daughter,
Rose, w^ho is Mrs. Wooters, and lives in Richmond, Va.
Hannah, daughter of "Sheriff" Billy," married Hezekiah John-
ston, who was the father of J. Harper Johnston, of High Point.
The latter has four daughters, Mrs. W. G. Bradshaw, ]\Irs. O. E.
Kearns, INIrs. C. C. Wilson of Florida and Alice. Jennie, another
daughter of "Sheriff" Billy," married a Coe, and Sally married a
Burton. Betsy died single.
Robert, third son of Isaac the first, died young.
Joseph C. was the fourth of the six sons of Isaac, who came
from Pennsylvania with his father, John. Joseph C. was born
January 3, 1776, therefore a subject of George III. He married
Elizabeth Beeson. In 1 795 he bought a farm on Deep River, near
the present town of High Point, where some of his descendants
still reside. Joseph C. held positions of trust in the county and
in his church. He was coroner for years and deacon of the old
Baptist Church at Jamestown. The following were his children:
Richard Beeson, Wyatt J., Sallie, Mary, Betsy and Laura. Of
these, Richard Beeson was the only one who remained in the
State and married. He married Annie Chipman, and lived on
Deep River his v/hole life. He w'as an upright man, honest and
truthful to the core. His was a character without sham or pre-
tense, and his long life of toil and saving and simplicity was an
open book wherein all true and honest men might read.
Wyatt J., only son of Beeson, grew to manhood in the
troubled times of the Civil War. He started out in business in
1866 without capital, and now, after thirty-five years of honest
endeavor, economy and good judgment, he has accumulated a
NORTH CAROLINA. 103
lari^c fortune. He was enga^^il in the juirsery husincss for many
years ami haiulled larije «iuantities of fruit aud ornamental trees,
sending: salesmen throup;hout the country from Xew York to Xew
Orleans, and as far west as the Mississippi.
Later, he went into the banking: business, and is now a direc-
tor of eicrht banks in the counties of Guilford. Randolph, Davic-
son. Rix'kiuijham. .Mamance. Montj^omery and Davie. All these
hanks are uniformly successful. His first comiectlon with a bank
was ma>Ie in 1876. when he became director of the National Bank
of Greensboro. In 1886 he was elected president of the National
r.ank of Hijjh Point, and in 1896 director of the Greensboro
National I'ank. In 1897 he was made vice-president of the Batik
of Rantlolph. Asheboro. He is the larg^est stockholder in each of
the three banks last mentioned.
He also invests e.xtensively in stocks, bonds and loans on his
personal account, and is considered very fortunate. He assures
his friends that he has g;iven only one note and endorsed only one
as surety, and never has overdrawn his bank account during his
entire business career.
In i8<'>8 he married Jennie Britt. daughter of W. O. P.ritt. of
Nashville. Tenn. Their children are as follows. Eugene M., Wil-
liam J.. Frank, Jesse, lilanche ( Mrs. R. T. Pickens, of Lexington)
and Lucile.*
Eugene M. .the oldest, has been cashier of the National Bank
of High Point since 1888. He is also president of the Bank of
Thomasville and president of the Bank of Alamance, Graham.
N. C. He is interested in various manufacturing enterprises in
High Point, and is easily one of the ablest and most progressive
business men among the young men of the State. He was the
leading spirit in the establishment of a chain of banks which
covers seven counties. He has a mind wonderful for its breadth
of grasp and accuracy of detail, and also an unusual memory.
* Sonifs from the Carolina Hills is a bonk of poems written by Nf iss Lucile Armfield.
She is A clear and bcauuful writer and one of Norili Carolina's gifted women.
164 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Though his time is largely taken up with his business, he is a
man of culture and scholarly tastes, and is at all times loyal to his
Alma Mater, the University of North Carolina, of which he is a
trustee. He has lately established the Armfield Scholarship at
the University.
William J., second son of Wyatt J., is cashier of the Bank of
Randolph, Asheboro, N. C, and president of the Bank of Mont-
gomery, Troy, N. C. In February, 1900, he married Sallie ^Nlillis,
daughter of Henry Millis, of High Point. They have one son,
Britt Millis Armfield.
Jesse L., youngest son of Wyatt, has been cashier of the Bank
of Thomasville since he was seventeen years old. He is also
treasurer of the Thomasville Manufacturing Co., and secretary of
the Lambeth Furniture Co.
Mary, daughter of Beeson, married 1. H. White, and has
eight children.
Wyatt J., younger son of Joseph C, died in 1843, ^ short
time before his nephew and namesake, the present Wyatt J., was
born. He was about twenty-tive years old and unmarried.
Mary, daughter of Joseph C, married John Chipman, and
moved to Texas. Betsy married Enoch Stevens ; Sallie, Obed
Chipman, and Laura, Albert Dillon. These three, with their hus-
bands, moved to Missouri many years ago.
Isaac, Jr., fifth son of Isaac the first, lived near the present
\^andalia. The following were his children : Martin, Harmon,
]\Iark, Isaac, Jacob, Polly and Jennie. Martin, oldest son of
Isaac, Jr., married and had one daughter, Isabella, who died
young.
Harmon, second son of Isaac, Jr., married Delitha Wilson,
in 1837, and went to Tennessee. They had five children, as fol-
lows : Jane, Mary, Andrew, William and Jesse.
Jane married James Lockman ; her children are : W. W.
Lockman, Bolivar, Tenn. ; Mrs. Leona Stewart, Blythesville, Ark.;
A. L. Lockman, Janesville, Ala.; Mrs. Cora Milstead and Mrs.
Mattie ^liistead, of Cranesville, Tenn.
NORTH CAROUSA. 1«&
Marv. second daiij^htor of llarinon, married Dr. William
Thompson, and they live with their only dauj^hter, Cora, in
I'.olivar. Tenn.
Andrew. oMest son of Harmon, was lost in the Civil War.
William, second son of Harmon, died in 1885 at .\rkadelphia.
Ark., and left two children — James, who lives at lUinis, ( )kla., and
Mrs. Cora Hunt, of Little Rock. Ark.
Jesse, third son of Harmon, lives at Ardmore, I. T. His
children are: Mrs. Ora Citty. Ozan, Ark.; William, who died in
hkxd; .\nnie Lee and Gertrude.
Mark, third son of Lsaac, Jr.. had one son, William, and
three dauc:hters, Mrs. Lucy Cunninj^ini and Misses Fannie and
r.ettie. who have tau{::ht in Greensboro College for years.
Lsaac, fourth son of Isaac. Jr., married a Miss Hendrix, and
moved to Mt. Airy. He died a few years ago at an advanced
age. There are now nearly fifty of his descendants living in
and near Mt. Airy. His sons are Monroe, Frank, Martin and
.Marcus: his daughters, Annie and Jennie, the latter being dead.
Monroe, son of Lsaac. has three children: John 0.. Fred and
Lelia. who married a Cochran. Frank, Isaac's son, has five boys
and a daughter, as follows : James, Isaac, Ester, Elma. Cleveland,
Roy and Ora. Martin, son of Isaac, married a Mitchell. These
are their children : Thomas, Walter, Luther, Charles, Loton,
(.eorge, Florence, Elizabeth, Jeanette and Alice.
Marcus, son of Isaac, married a Prather. Their children are:
Frank. Edward. James. Thomas. Arthur. Maud, Annie, Ethel and
r.ert. Frank, oldest son of Marcus, lives in Fayetteville, and has
two children. Donald and Dennis. Thomas is married and has
two children. Ralph and Louise. Maud is also married and has
two daughters. Bert married Dr. Duncan.
Nannie, daughter of Isaac, married John Greenwooil, ami has
si.x children.
Lolly, daughter of Isaac. Jr.. married Roderick Hendrix, and
Jemiic married a McClintock. Loth went to Tennessee.
166 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Jacob, youngest son of Isaac the first, son of the original
John, never married.
Thomas, fifth and youngest son of the original John, never
married. He was always spoken of as "The Bachelor." He was
a strong Loyalist during the Revolution, which was quite differ-
ent from all his relatives. This fact made it unpleasant for him
to remain in this country, so he returned to Pennsylvania sooii
after the close of the war, and died there.
This ends the history of the original John Armfield and of
his posterity to the present time, January, 1902. He was the only
one who ever came from England, and so far we have never met
nor ever heard of one of this name who could not be traced to
this original ancestor.
In apology, we wish to say that we have spared no time or
pains in obtaining these facts, and if we have made mistakes or
omissions we trust that none will feel slighted or take ofifense.
This has been a much greater task than one would suppose at
first thought. These facts were obtained chiefly from G. Will
Armfield, who wrote them down about twenty-five years ago at
the dictation of his grandfather, Joseph B., and from W. J. Arm-
field, who has lived his entire life where his father and grand-
father lived, and who heard the story of the family from their
lips.
BENBOW.
In 1718 three Benbow brothers came from Wales to America
in a sailing vessel. As they had no money they were, according
to custom, sold in Philadelphia to the highest bidder for the short-
est length of time, to meet the expenses of the passage on the ship.
Charles, then fourteen years old, was bid off by a man by the name
of Carver, who resided in Pennsylvania. He afterwards came
with the family to Bladen County, North Carolina, and later
married one of Carver's daughters. His brother Gresham was
taken by a New Jersey man. Later, he and his family went to
Bush River, South Carolina, and several of the famliy moved to
NORTH CAROLINA. I'iT
Indiana. Grcshani and his sons, Powell and Richard, were noted
for their fondness for tine horses and racing. During the Revolu-
tioary War Mr. Carver and Charles Benbow were engaged in
the culture of the indigo plant, antl later moved to Guilford County
and, being Friends, settled at Centre Meeting House, ten miles
south of Greensboro. The third brother was sold, but never has
been traced.
The r.enbows are a long-lived people. Charles had five
daughters and two sons. Thomas being the ancestor of the family
now living in Guilford County and several of the Western States.
Thomas married Hannah Stanley. March 24, 1787. They
had two daughters and three sons. They settled near the Guilford
Battleground and Mr. Benbow owned and operated a tanyard
there. He must have owned a blacksmith shop as well, for he
made the nails and door-latches for the New Garden Meeting
House in 1792.
One of his sons, Charles, married Mary Saunders, antl they
gave issue to four sons and one daughter, the youngest child being
Dr. D. W. C. Benbow, of Grensboro. N. C.
The Benbow family have worked for the industrial and edu-
cational development of Guilford County. Dr. D. W. C. Benbow
has taken an active part in the erection and maintenance of the
first graded school in this County and the State. Mrs. Priscilla
l>enbow Hackney, for many years matron at Guilford College, has
helped numbers of girls and voung women toward an education.
For a number of years she occupied the responsible position as
clerk in the woman's division of the Yearly Meeting of Friends
of Xorth Carolina. Mrs. Hackney certainly holds a high place in
North Carolina. Her yearly epistles to the women and to the
children of Friends are beautiful expressions of Christian love
and fellowship.
Dr. Benbow has taken an active interest in the betterment of
the road law; he also was interested in the change in the local
stock law, which before had required the owners of grain, fruits
168 • GUILFORD COUNTY,
and vegetables to take care of stock. The Benbow Hotel wa&
made a popular resort by his efforts.
GARDNER FAMILY RECORD.
"Richeard Gardner was born in England and removed to
Salem in New England at or about 1684; from thence to Nan-
tucket. He begot a son Richeard, he begot Solomon, he begot
Stephen and a number of sons and daughters. Stephen, the anther
of this, was born on Nantucket the 10 mo, 11, 1746, and married
Abigail Pinkham the 11 mo, 1766; had one daughter Eunice, who
diede yong; Abigail born i mo, 20, 1772. In the 11 mo, 21, 1772,
removed from Nantucket with my wife and child, father and
mother, brothers and sister, to Guilford County, in North Caro-
lina. Miriam, born 5 mo, 24, 1774; Stephen Gardner, my oldest
son, 6 mo, 10, 1776; Shubal, 6 mo, 20, 1778; Eunice, i mo, 4, 1781 ;.
Roda, 2 mo, 15, 1783; George, 4 mo, 9, 1785; Abel, 8 mo, i,
1788."
MARRIAGES AND BIRTHS.
My daughter Abigail married Zeno Worth — had one son and
three daughters. Miriam married Jonathan Gardner — had one
son, Stephen. My daughter Eunice married David Worth — had
twelve children, nine of which are living at this time, the 10 mo,
23, 1829.
My son, Stephen, married Mary Turner, of New York, and
had three sons — John, Franklin and Stephen T. — and four
daughters.
My son Stephen died in Louisiana.
My son Shubal married Mary Brooks, and have now living
John and Stephen and three daughters. He died in the State of
Indiana in the year 1824,
My daughter Roda married Abel Coffin — had four sons and
three daughters.
My son George married Lidia Coffin — have four sons and
four daughters.
NORTH CAROLINA. K'-'J
Mv son AI)fl inarriol Mary lUiUock — had one dauf^htcr,
Ascncth. born 3 mo, 10, 1813: Kachfl. 7 nio, 4, 1817; Abigail, 12
mo, 12. 1818: Alcb B.. 5 mo, 4. 1820; Mary Marier, 9 mo, 15.
1822: Nathan M.. 2 mo, 18. 1824: Miriam P.. 8 mo, 15 (faded
out) ; Martha Jane. 4 mo, ii, 1832.
Stei)hen Gardner dejiarted this hfe 20th of 3 month, 1830,
ag:ed 83 years and 5 months.
Abi^-ail Garchier departed this hfe 10 mo, 29, 1825, aged yj
years and 15 days.
Roda Coffin departed this hfe 2 mo, 2, 1839.
Lydia Gardner departed this Hfe the 11 mo. 2S, 1833.
George Gardner, ser, departed this hfe the 8 mo, 6, 1836.
Jonathan Gardner died 11 mo, 5, 1843.
Mary Gardner departed this hfe Marcli 17. 1867, aged 76
years. 9 months and 4 days.
Abel Gardner departed tliis hfe Xovember 26, 1873. aged
85 years. 3 months aiul 25 davs.
Eunice Worth departed this hfe the 17 of August, 1866,
aged 86 years. 7 months and 17 days.
Nathan M. Gardner died Jan. 16, 1861, aged T^y years.
R.VLPII COKkKI.I..
This is a name which has been identified with this County
since the Regulation War. The Gorrells. Gillespies and Donnells
were soldier-patriots in America's first great struggle for liberty.
To know them, read Caruthers' "Old North State." On the fair
honor roll of the Colonial Dames and Sons and Daughters of the
American Revolution their names still glow with the fire of true
patriotism.
Hon. Ralph Gorrell. a descendant of Ralph Gorrell of the
Revolution, was a distinguished lawyer and statesman of Guilford
County during the Civil War period. A biographical sketch of Mr.
Gorrell was prepared by Mr. John G. McCormick in the Histori-
cal Monoi^raf^h, published by Mr. James Sprunt for the University
170 GUILFCRD COUNTY,
of North Carolina. This monograph gives the personnel of the
Convention of 1861, of which Mr. Ralph Gorrell was a member.
Mr. Gorrell held many positions of trust. In early manhood
he was elected to the General Assembly, and in that capacity he
served the State upon many occasions. His devotion to duty, his
sound judgment and wisdom made him an honor to his country.
The following is a clipping from the Greensboro Patriot :
"Ralph Gorrell departed this life Saturday morning last, at
4 o'clock, in the 73rd year of his age.
"His death had been expected for some time past, but it is not
the less mournfully felt by the community in which he had lived,
respected and beloved, for over three score years and ten. He had
been confined to his house since last February by disease, which
seemed chiefly to affect his lungs, and for the last two months had
kept his bed, becoming weaker until the lamp of life gradually
went out, yet retaining to the last, in a remarkable degree, his
mental faculties. Conscious of his situation, his last faltering
words to the loved ones at his bedside were : 'I am dying — good-
bye !'
"Mr. Gorrell had been distinguished in this community, in
professional and public service, since his early manhood. When
young, near fifty years ago, he was elected to the General Assem-
bly, and has since, on many occasions, been chosen by his fellow-
citizens to the Legislature, and has held other places of honor and
trust connected with the improvement and progress of the State.
In every station he was distinguished by fidelity and the wisdom
and sound judgment of his counsels. Devoted to principle and
acting on deliberately formed plans of action, he never stooped to
the arts of the demagogue to secure popular favor. Hence the
solid respect in which he has always been held by his fellow-citi-
zens of all parties and classes.
"In his profession of the law, Mr. Gorrell furnished an ex-
ample to every young member of the bar who would achieve an
honorable and desirable reputation. His practice was marked not
NORTH C.-!R01.L\'.t. 171
only l)v hi<;h lu»iu)r in his intfrcDurst- with his hrcthrcn. hut hy
stcrhnj; honesty with his cHcnts. A lahorious student and a cou;
scicntious man. he acqnired and maintained, thnni^di a lon^j and
eheciuered i)rofessional career, the cliaraeter of a safe counsellor
antl ahlc advocate.
'In adihtion to losses by the war and frequent suffering: from
hodilv disease in the latter years of his life. Mr. Gorrell endured
family afllictions more than usually fallinjj to the lot of man. He
had buried one dauj^hter. just bloominij into womanh<x»d. Five
sons were claimed by the jjrave — three of them before maturity,
one just as he was entering: public life with hi^h hope of the
future, one on the battlefield at the head of his company, and a
son-in-law at the sad cont1a.c:ration of the Spotswood Hotel, in
Richmond."
r.ii.Mi-K.
About the name of Gilmer clusters much, not only of the
history of Guilford County, but also that of the State and Nation.
Coming to Guilford County in company with other Scotch-Irish
from Ireland, by way of Pennsylvania, they settled near Alamance
Church. William Gilmer, an active Whig of the Revolution, be-
longed to Capt. Arthur Forbis' Company at the Battle of Guilford
Courthouse. Where they stood their ground, deserted by all the
militia of North Carolina ; their leader fell, a martyr patriot to the
cause of American liberty.
Capt. Robert Shaw Gilmer was the first son of William Gil-
mer. His wife's father was Major John Forbis, another hardy
Scotch-Irish Presbyterian of the earliest history of Piedmont
Carolina civilization.
John Adams Gilmer was the son of Capt. Robert Shaw Gil-
mer. He was one of the foremost men in the State and in the
United States before the Civil War. His service in the Congress
of the United States was during the term immediately jireceding
the Civil War. He exerted all the energy of his powerful will to
turn the current which was fast leading to disunion. He was the
172 GUILFORD COUNTY,
warm personal friend of President Lincoln, by whom he was
offered the place of Secretary of the Interior. Without hesitation
he declined, taking part with the South, and soon he was a member
of the Confederate Congress at Richmond. "He supported Gov-
ernor \'ance in preserving for his people civil liberty amid the
clash of arms and the desperate resistance of a high-spirited na-
tion, overpowered by superior numbers and more abundant
wealth." (See Century Magazine, January, 1888.)
John Adams Gilmer was born November 4, 1805, and died
May 4, 1868. He was reared on his father's farm, where he was
accustomed to the plow-handles. At seventeen years of age, hav-
ing acquired a fair English education, he taught school in the
neighborhood. He boarded at home and dressed in clothes made
by his mother's hands. Aided by means earned in teaching, Mr.
Gilmer entered, in 1824, the Grammar School in Greensboro, N.
C, taught by Rev. Eli W. Caruthers and Abner Gay. He boarded
in the home of INIrs. Mebane, a friend of the cause of education,
and a cultured woman. After two well-spent years in this school
in closest company with the classics of the great languages and
with mathematics — a combination which rarely fails to make great
men — Mr. Gilmer, though having the advantage of culture, found
himself in debt. He went to South Carolina, where, in Lauren's
District, he taught for three years the Mount Vernon Grammar
School. In 1829 he returned to Greensboro, where he studied law
with Hon. Archibald D. Murphy, a great judge, statesman and
scholar of the South. In 1832 John Adams Gilmer was licensed
to practice law.
In this year he married Julianna Paisley, daughter of the Rev.
Wm. D. Paisley, the first preacher in the Presbyterian Church in
Greensboro. She was a granddaughter of Col. John Paisley and
General Alexander Mebane — soldier- Whigs of the Revolution.
Thus reinforced by "Poverty, Patience and Perseverance"
and a "good angel whose radiance guided and controlled me in
darkest hours," John Adams Gilm.er came to a bar already crowded
NORTH CAROLINA. ITM
bv a hrilliaiU array of the first men of the State — John
M. Moreheail. James T. Mt>rehea(l. Thomas Settle, Frederick
Nash. George C. Mentlenhall. and. contemporary with him,
Gen. John F. Tointlexter. for several years solicitor-jjeneral of
that circuit; William A. Graham. Secretary of the Navy; lluf^h
Wadilell. Ralph Gorrell. John Kerr, men of the highest order, all
i.^i them. Mr. Gilmer Iniilt up his professional practice alone, "by
individual attention to his business, by attending promptly to
everything committed to him. by hard work and tireless energy."
Early in his career he was elected to the office of Oiunty Solicitor
for Guilford. In getting cases and in gaining them, his career
was most successful.
\\y his eloquent advocacy and uncommon i)owcr of winning
men, he was in the front rank of those who worked for internal
improvements in this State, and who induced an economic and
unprogressive Legislature to agree to subscribe, for building a
great trunk railroad through North Carolina, two million dollars,
conditioned on the previous subscription by individuals of one-half
that sum. I'y energetic private work, by strong speeches in public
meetings, and by a subscription of his own, he was a great factor
in securing the ])erformance of the condition precedent necessary
for obtaining the grant of the State. Again in 1854. through his
ettorts. the State appropriated another million dollars for finishing
the railroad. His intluence and his vote were given to all the
measures entered upon in 1848 — navigation works, railroads,
plank and turnpike roads in every section, the inauguration of
a progressive public school system, the establishment of schools
for the deaf, the dumb and the blind, and for hospitals for the
insane, the geological survey of the State, the State Agricultural
Society.
.After the tide of public oj)inion in North Carolina had turned
irresistibly toward Democracy, Mr. Gilmer was chosen to oppose
Thomas Bragg for the office of Governor. Gilmer fought for
Whig principles, but the Democratic party prevailed.
174 GUILFORD COUNTY,
John Adams Gilmer was a master of oratory. (See his speech
for the estabHshment of insane asyhims in North CaroHna Third
Reader.)
John Alexander Gilmer, a son of John Adams Gilmer, was
born in Greensboro, X. C., April 22, 1838, and died Alarch 17,
1892. He was a graduate, of the University of North Carolina, of
the class of 1858. He began the study of law with his father in
i860. He had completed his law course at the University of Vir-
ginia, when he entered the partnership of his father in the practice
of his profession. At the beginning of the War he was a member
of the Guilford Grays, which was organized at Fort Macon, S. C.,
in April, 1861, into the Ninth and later into the Twenty-seventh
Regiment of North Carolina. In 1862 he had been promoted to
]\Iajor, and was in command at Newbern, N. C. At the Battle
of Sharpsburg he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. In the Battle of
Fredericksburg he was wounded, and again he was wounded at
the Battle of Bristow Station, where the Guilford Grays, all except
three men, were either wounded or killed. He was assigned to
duty at Salisbury, N. C.
In 1864 he returned to Greensboro and resumed his practice
of the law. Governor Worth appointed him Adjutant-General of
the State. In 1868, in the convention at Raleigh, N. C, he was a
delegate, but was counted out by General Canby, at Charleston,
S. C. Gilmer was the forlorn hope of the people to battle with
Canby and the recently enfranchised blacks and carpetbaggers in
the Loyal League. In 1870 he was elected Senator from Alamance
and Guilford, receiving a majority, though at the time of "Kirk's
cut-throats" undisputed sway. In 1879 ^^e was appointed Judge
of the Superior Court of the Fifth District, and to the same office
in 1880. He held courts in every county of the State. In 1891
he resigned this judgeship, having served with integrity.
Judge Gilmer was a member of the National Convention
which met in New York in 1868. Judge Gilmer was a stockholder
in the National Bank of Greensboro, the North Carolina Railroad
NORTH CAROLINA. 175
Company, ami was iiUiTostcl in any inovcniont that jKoniotftl
tlie industrial welfare of Greensboro or North Carolina. Full of
love lor his native huul ami the atlvancenunt of her people, he won
a rijjht to their hijj:h rej^anl. worthv of his father's son.
Jmljjc John Alexantler Gihner was married July 14. liM^,
to Miss Sallie L. Lintlsay. a daui^hter of Hon. Jesse H. Lindsay,
who was the first president of the National Bank of Greensboro,
N. C.
I t^ive below some newspaper cli])i)in^;s which show something
of the character of John A. Gilmer:
(Judge Gilmer fur Governor.)
HON. JOHN A. CILMKR.
Some weeks ago, we lioistcd at our mast head the name of this pure
and patriotic son of North Carolina as our choice for Governor of this
great Commonwealth. We did not wish to name a man who.se every
energies were in seeking tlie place; whose whole aim was to become Gov-
omor of North Carolina. Wo wanted a man that the office was seeking,
who, if left to his choice would prefer another. We wanted a man who
would please the masses. C\nc whom everybody loved and admired for his
purity of character, untarnished bv cliques — rings; one whose sole record
has been only as Judge of the Superior Court and whose fame is lauded
by the himiblest citizen. Judge Gilmer is known from Cherokee to Curri-
tuck, from \'irginia to South Carolina, as one of the purest, ablest and best
men in North Carolina. Sound in his political convictions, willing to swear
by what is right and just towards every one; possessing peculiar attractions
as a speaker, he would instill such an enthusiasm in the Democratic ranks
as no other but the illustrious Vance could do. Nominate him and our
victory is assured. He does not seek the ofticc but would prefer to be left
alone. — (Paper not known).*
"aTTPNTION ! COOKK's BRIGADK,
And all other soldiers and true men of North Carolina. At no distant date
you are to nonnnate a candidate for Governor of North Carolina, and this
is to call your attention and ask you to rally to the support of one of our
old comrades, a man you all know but to love. One who in all the walks
• People who knew him »«v th.-it Judee Gilmer wai one of North Cnrolin.i'» fcrentett
men. He wa* brave, and did not shirk his part in the world's work, lie was true and
lovely in his life, and men loved to honor him.
176 GUILFORD COUNTY,
of life has reflected only honor to his name and State. Who as a soldier
honored the ofiicers and private soldiers of his command alike so long as
they were gentlemen. One who at the battle of Fredericksburg, when shot
down on the slope of the hill, and his men lay thick around him, and the
storm of battle made many true hearts beat quick with terror, could rise
up in his glorious manhood and unselfish devotion to his men, and com-
mand the litter bearers, who were anxious to remove their beloved Colonel
out of danger, 'To remove these poor fellows first, he could wait, though
unable to move.' John A. Gilmer is the man, you all recollect him; tell
your neighbors and friends of other commands about him. There are other
good men in North Carolina, but none better. And you know he is a
modest man, and will not, like some, push himself forward, and I call on
Cooke's N. C. Brigade, his comrades who knew him well, and are composed
of men from the cloud-capped hills of the Blue Ridge to the restless, roll-
ing breakers of the Atlantic. * * * I call on you. one and all, to go to
your county conventions, tell your neighbors and friends of his gentleness
in peace, of his valor in war, and come in your mighty strength to the State
convention and hand our Democratic Banner to John A. Gilmer and our
victory will be sure. — A Voice from the East." {The Farmer and Me-
chanic.)
(Judge Gilmer would not allow his name to come before the con-
vention.)
Jeremy Forbis Gilmer, soldier, was born in Guilford County,
North Carolina, February 23, 1818. He was graduated at the
United States Military Academy in 1839, third in honor of his
class. He entered the engineer corps and was engaged in building
forts and in making surveys, and in river and harbor improve-
ments, until the Civil War, when he resigned his position as Cap-
tain of Engineers and entered the Confederate Army. In 1861 he
entered the service, and was Chief Engineer on General Albert
Sidney Johnston's staff. In the Battle of Shiloh he was severely
wounded. Upon recovery he was made Chief of the Engineer
Bureau at Richmond. In 1863 he was promoted to i\Iajor-Gen-
eral and ordered to Charleston to direct, her defenses. After the
War he engaged in railroads and other enterprises in Georgia. He
was an honorable man.
•Joseph Whitfield Gilmer was born April 3, 1819, and died
IMarch 16, 1887. For many years he was county surveyor, serving
NORTH CAROLINA. 1 ' <
before an.l after the Civil War. In 1872 he was elected to the
State Le^Mslature. where he served in the lower honse for two
sessions. He was a rulinj,' elder in Alamance, for thirty-two years
Clerk of the Session.
IIOSKINS.
The lU^skins family was amonj^ the first settlers of the
Conntv. loseph Hoskins. the pioneer of the family in Guilford,
came from Chester County. Tennsylvania, in the year 1773, havinj;
obtained from Earl Granville a prant for a large tract of land
near (aiilford Courthouse, on the waters of Horse Pen Creek.
The r.attle of Guilford Courthouse was fought on his land. His
residence was situated about one-third of a mile westward from
the first line of battle, and was taken possession of by the liritish
and used first as Lord Cornwallis's headquarters, and subsequently
as the hospital for his wounded. It is interesting to know that
the home-place of this tract has never passed out of the ownership
and occupancy of some representative of the family.
Joseph Hoskins was an ardent Whig and ])atriot of the Revo-
lution, and shared with the Guilford men the hardships, dangers
and glory of the great liattle of Guilford Courthouse.
In the year 1789 he was made Sheriff of the County. b\ ap-
pointment of Governor Samuel Johnson — the same year that wit-
nessed the ratification of the Federal Constitution by the State of
North Carolina and the election of Alexander Martin, his friend
and neighbor, to the governorship of the State, under the new-
Constitution.
Ellis Hoskins, 1795- 1874. was a son of Joseph, and lived and
died on the old homestead. He was a courtly. Christian gentle-
man of the old school, and a devout member of the Methodist
I^piscopal Church. South. He was a soldier in the War of 181 2-
14. Notwithstanding his strong Southern sympathies, he had a
son who was a distinguished or"ficer in the Union Army — Col.
Jesse K. Hoskins. who had settled in Kentucky prior to the conflict.
178 GUILPORD COUNTY,
Jesse E. survived the War, and achieved distinction in the legal
profession in the State of his adoption.
Joseph Hoskins, 1814-1880, was a grandson of the pioneer.
He established himself at Summerfield in the year 1845, leaving
purchased the Charles Bruce plantation. He was a large land-
owner and a pioneer in the manufacture of tobacco in this County.
The family has furnished two Sheriffs for the County — the
afore-mentioned, and Joseph A. Hoskins, of the present genera-
tion, who owns and resides on the old homestead at Summerfield.
In the years just preceding the Civil War, many of the
family of this name removed to Indiana, Ohio and other Western
States. They went along with the steady stream that left this
County and State and peopled the great Middle West.
The English ancestor of the family came over with William
Penn to Philadelphia, in 1682.
MAJOR CHARLES MANLY STEDMAN.
Major Chas. M. Stedman, president of the North Carolina
Bar Association, is a resident of Greensboro. He was born in
Chatham County. His father and mother were Nathan and
Euphamia Stedman. When twelve years old, the family moved
to Fayetteville. At sixteen he entered the University of North
Carolina. There he showed brilliancy as a student and orator.
When Mr. Buchanan, President of the United States, visited the
University in 1859, young Stedman, a member of the Sophomore
class, was chosen by the Phi Society as one of the orators for the
occasion. In 1861 Mr. Stedman graduated with highest honors.
He soon enlisted in the Army of the Confederate States, vol-
unteering as a private in the Fayetteville Independent Light In-
fantry. He served that company in the First North Carolina
Volunteers at the Battle of Bethel, June 10, 1861. When the
Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment was organized, he was
elected First Lieutenant of the Chatham Company (E). The
regiment was sent to \'irginia, where Major Stedman served under
MAIOK C. M. STICDM.W,
NORTH C.tROIJXA. ITU
Lee in most of the cainpaiijn. He was promoted to Captain of
his company, then to he Major of his rejjfiment. As Major he
serve-l in command at many hattles, never shirking; a duty. He
has the distinction of beinj^ one of the twelve Confederate soldiers
who were enijaged in the first battle at I'.ethel and who surrcii-
ilered with Lee at Appomattox.
After the war. Major Stedman bcjja'n life anew, cnterinj^ his
profession as a lawyer. He studied law with Hon. John Manning,
at rittsboro, meanwhile teachinjj school. In 1867 he settled in
Wilminjjton and soon had built up a larjje and lucrative practice.
In 1884 he received the nomination of the Democratic party for
Lieutenant-Governor and was elected to that oftke on the ticket
with (?iOvernor Scales.
When nominated, he resipied the attorneyships which he
held for several railway systems, believinfr that to be his duty
upon entering otticial life. As President of the Senate, he made a
brilliant record, and won the encomium of being the best presiding
ofticer in the State. Major Stedman has received many honors in
this State. In 1880 he was a delegate to the National Convention
which nominated General Hancock. In 1866 he married Miss
Kate DeRossett. daughter of the late Joshua G. Wright, of Wil-
mington.
THOM F.\.MILV.
This family migrated from Scotland to Irelaml. and thence
to America. In 1750. John Thorn entered a plot of land south
and east of Guilford, and built his home there. He married Miss
Catherine Kerr, of another Scotch-Irish family living near by.
They had thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to old age. Nine
of these reared large families, from whom are descended many of
the first families of Greensboro and Guilford County. At their
old homestead, Daniel Thom brought up his large family of chil-
dren. The place is still owned by the youngest son of Daniel
Thom — Rev. William Francis Thom, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at Gulf. N. C. It is interesting and somewhat singular
180 GUILFORD COUNTY,
that the family of John Thorn and the famiUes of his sons gave
each, with one exception, a son to the Presbyterian ministry. For
sixty years this family have had a representative in the service of
the Church.
Many of the male members of the family moved West, so
that the name is almost extinct in the County. Still, the descend-
ants are numerous. Rev. James Earnest Thacker, of Norfolk,
Virginia, is a great-grandson of the pioneer, John Thom.-
John Thorn was a strict Presbyterian, thoroughly teaching
his children in this doctrine. Many a winter's evening around a
glowing fireplace, with dignity and solemnity, he required his
children to recite the Shorter Catechism.
His oldest child was born in 1771, and his youngest in 1796.
During the Revolutionary War he was away from home, fighting
for the freedom of America. He was in the regular army, and
was consequently not with the militia at the Battle of Guilford
Courthouse. His family cared for those wounded soldiers, how-
ever.
John Thom was a ruling elder in Alamance Church prior
to the Revolution. Among the other charter members here were
Wiley's, Finlys, McBrides, McGeachys, Stuarts, Donnells, AIc-
Ivers, Humphreys. In Church and State they have a record of
integrity and heroic patriotism.
Amos Ragax was born in Davidson County, February 25,
1824 — was a son of Amos and Elizabeth Ragan. His father died
when his son Amos was a mere child. Never went to school but
three months in his life. Had no school advantages. Had to
work to support his mother. At fourteen years of age he went
to JMissouri and spent five years on the ranches, trading in cattle
and taking them to St. Louis, Chicago and other large markets,
and disposing of them. He then went to Tennessee and spent two
years selling machinery in that State, Virginia and Georgia.
\\'hile still a young man he returned to North Carolina and
settled in Guilford County, at what was then called Bloomington,
\ \l( - \i \l. \ \ .
IIK.II HUNT. N. C.
NORTH CAROLINA. l»l
and enjijaj^fd in the lucrcantilc husincss with Clarkson ToniUiiSDii.
For several vears he did a jj^ood business in this Hne. for a small
country place. In 1851) he was niarrietl U) Martha E. Kuijlish.
Since the Civil War he has devoted his entire time to farm-
inij. He has fanns in Guilford, Randolph and Davidson Counties.
\\ hen he first bought the farm at liloominj^ton where he now lives,
tin- land was so poor that it would not "sprout peas." His farmms
land is now worth $100 per acre, and yields from twenty-five to
fortv bushels of wheat to the acre. He has raised in one year as
much as three thousand bushels of wheat from this farm. He has
a farm of several hundred acres on Deep River, where the fertile
bottom lands are very productive to raisinjjf corn. He raises from
2.500 to 3,000 bushels of corn every year.
While Mr. Ras^an has passed the "three score and ten years,"
yet he is a very active man, havinjj a wonderful constitution. He
can do more work now than most of the younc: people.
Hox. Lkvi M. Scott was born in Rockinji^ham County, North
Carolina. June 8, 1827. In early childhood he accompanied his
parents to Guilford County, and his preliminary schooling^ wa^
obtained in the schools of the latter county. Leaving school at
the age of twenty, he began his active career as a school-teacher,
and at about the same time took up the study of law. In 1850 he
was appointed postmaster at Greensboro, X. C, and held that office
for about three years. In 1852 he was licensed to practice, and
a year later received the election as Clerk of the Superior Court,
and held that office until 1856. In the latter year, Mr. Scott was
elected to represent his county in the State Legislature, and served
a term of two years. In 1858 he was elected Solicitor of Guilford
County, and for two terms of four years each most satisfactorily
dischargefl the duties of the important jxasition.
He was appointed as receiver of se(iuestrated property by the
Confederate Governemnt in 1862, and was retained in that cai)acity
until the close of the War, his duties having been to collect all
debts owing Northern creditors from Southern debtors, for the
benefit of the Confederate States.
182 GUILFORD COUNTY,
After the termination of hostilities between the North and
South, Mr. Scott devoted himself exclusively to the practice of his
chosen profession at Greensboro, and his indefatigability is illus-
trated by the fact that during the long period of fifty years he has
practiced at the courts of the Fifth Judicial District he never
failed to be in attendance at the various sessions.
He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the State
Penitentiary from 1885 until 1889.
As a lawyer he has won a name of which he may be proud.
Dignified and able, his opinions carry weight wherever promul-
gated, and his reputation as a man of the most rigid integrity but
add to his fame as a distinguished lawyer and citizen.
I\Ir. Scott has been most happy in his domestic relations, hav-
ing been united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Weatherly in 1861.
Mrs. Scott was a daughter of Mr. Andrew Weatherly, of Greens-
boro. N. C. Two children have been born to this blessed union,
the surviving one being ^Irs. Lily Scott Reynolds, now living in
East Orange, X. J.
Mr. Scott is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and in
1866 held the high honor of Grand ^Master of the Grand Lodge of
the State of North Carolina.
John D. Scott, his father, was born in Guilford County, N. C,
in 1800. - He was given a common school education, and then
gave his attention to agriculture, and was engaged in plantmg all
his life. He served as Colonel in the North Carolina Cavalry for
many years, and held his commission until the breaking out of the
Civil War, being then sixty-one years of age. In 1824 he married
Miss Jane ]\IcLean, a daughter of Marshall McLean, of Guilford
County, N. C, and three children were the offspring of the mar-
riage, their names being: Allan H., of Guilford County. N. C. ;
Levi M., of Greensboro, N. C, and William L. Scott, who died in
1872. The father died in 1880, his wife having preceded him to
rest in 1845. John D. Scott was the son of Adam Scott, who was a
native of Guilford County, N. C, where he was born in 1772. His
i.i:\ I M. si (111'.
or (.KKI.NSIiUKO,- N. C.
NORTH CAROLISA. 1S3
tlcmise occurred in 1837. He was a planter all his life. His
father was Thomas Scott, a IVnnsylvanian, who eini^jratecl to
North Carolina in early manhood, and settled in Guilford County.
The ancestors of the Hon. Levi M. Scott on the paternal side were
from the north of Ireland, and on the maternal side came from
Scotland.
We think it only rij^ht and jiroijcr in s])cakin^ of those con-
ditions that have made Greensboro what it is, to call attention to,
a few of the men who have been identified with its phenomenal
p:rowth. and standinp: in the front ranks of these, Mr. L. M. Scott
holds a most enviable position as one of the leaders of his profes-
sion, as ""Xestor" of the bar of Guilford County, and a gentleman
of the old school. Mr. Scott is one whom to know is to admire
and respect.
W. L. Scott, brother of L. M., was licensed in 1856. Shortly
after being admitted to the bar he moved to Georgia and formed
a law partnership with Benjamin H. Hill. Their law partnership
was cemented by a warm personal friendship which existed be-
tween Mr. Scott and the gifted orator and unimpeachable states-
man of Georgia, until the death of the former in 1872. Return-
ing from Georgia, Mr. Scott fomied a co-partnership with his
brother. L. M. Scott, under the firm name of Scott & Scott. This
was the first instance in the State where relatives of the same
surname had used the same jointly when a partnership existed
between them. Prior to that time the style was "Richard Doe &
Son." or "Richard Doe & Bro..*' as the case might be. The ex-
ample of Messrs. Scott found many followers, and now the style
is in common use.
W. L. Scott was a read}- debater and very popular with the
masses. In 1870 he was a candidate for Congress, but was de-
feated by General James Leach, a strong candidate. He served
as Colonel in the Twenty-first Xorth Carolina \'oluntcers in 1861
and 18O3.
184 GUILFORD COUNTY,
SKETCH OF THE RANKIN FAMILY OF GUILFORD COUNTY.
The Rankins of Guilford County descend from two brothers,
John and WiUiam, who came from that part of Ireland settled by
the Scotch in the reign of James I., and were therefore Scotch-
Irish Presbyterians. They first came to Pennsylvania not later
than 1760 and possibly as early as 1750. The exact time of their
coming to Guilford County is not known, but in 1765, John, the
older brother, bought 511 acres of land lying on the waters of
North Buffalo, from Alexander McKnight. A descendant of his,
Robert Rankin, still living, owns a part of this land, and his title
is derived from John, Earl of Granville. In 1772, John sold a part
of this land, now known as the Calvin Rankin tract, to his younger
brother, William.
John Rankin was born in Ulster County, Ireland, in 1736,
came to Guilford about 1764, married Hannah Carson, and died
March 2y, 1814. He was buried by the side of his wife, Hannah,
in the northwest corner of Buffalo Church graveyard. The issue
of this marriage was eight daughters and three sons, as follows :
Rebecca, Jane. Abby, Samuel, Joseph, Hannah, Mary. ]\Iargaret,
Robert, Ann, Ruth.
Rebecca married John Rankin, possibly a distant relative of
hers, and moved to Tennessee.
Jane married John Paisley. To them were bom : Celilah,
who married George Donnell; Hannah, who married a ]\Ir. Shaw;
Rebecca, who married a Mr. Shaw, and Elizabeth, who married
James Gannon.
Abby Rankin married Cunningham Smith, and moved to the
West.
Samuel Rankin married Mary Scott and had issue : John,
who married and moved to Cabarrus County ; Rebecca, who mar-
ried Calvin McLeon ; Hannah, who married Rankin Donnell ;
Margaret, who married Dr. Scott, father of J. W. Scott, of Greens-
boro; and Nancy, who married Rhoddy Hanna.
Joseph, fifth child of John Rankin, married Marv Donnell,
NORTH CAROLINA. IBG
hv wlioiu he had issue as follows: Ilarzella, who married Rohert
\\'o<MU)urn. the father of Mrs. \V. S. Moon ; John C. who married
r.etsy Denny, dauj^diter of Thomas Denny: Persis, who married
lane ("lilmer: James Edmundson, who married and moved West;
khuhama. who married a Mr. Thom : Samuel, who married a
sister of Rev. C. H. Wiley, by whom he had three children —
Joseph, killed in the Civil War; William C, and Alice.
By second marriai;:e with Xancy Donnell. he had two chil-
tlrcn — Thomas, father of A. L. Rankin, and Mary, who married
Washington Wharton.
Hamiah. sixth child of JoJin Rankin, married Thomas De'nny.
Issue of this marriajje : Eli. Sannicl. Hannah, Thomas, i'.cttie,
Xancv. John, Peijgy. Georjj^e.
Mary, seventh chiUl. married Thomas Donnell. Issue : Ran-
kin, Hester, \'innie.
Margaret, eighth child, married John Xelson. to whom were
born Samuel, Mary, Ann and Melinda.
Robert Rankin, ninth child of John Rankin, by marriage with
Margaret Scott, had the following children: William S., who mar-
ried Elizabeth Paisley; Hannah, who married Lear Donnell; John
Calvin, who married a daughter of William Rankin, by whom he
had four children ; Jane, who married W. P. Wharton ; William,
who married Mildred Dick; John, who married a daughter of
Rankin Smith : antl Famiie. unmarried.
Adam, fifth child of Robert Rankin, married Louisa Kerr.
Thomas Rankin, sixth child of Robert, married a daughter
of William Rankin, by whom he had two children — W. H. Rankin
and Xannic. By second marriage with Xancy Wharton, he had
one son, Alpheus, who married Zula Smith, and three daughters —
Eva, who married Cyrus Wharton ; Louisa, who married Lacy
Paisley, and Minnie, who married Myrom Newell.
Rebecca, sixth child of Robert, married John C. Wharton, of
Greensboro.
By second marriage, with Margaret Patterson. Robert Ran-
186 GUILFORD COUNTY,
kin had three children— Capt. N. P. Rankin, Robert Rankin and
Capt. Samuel Rankin, who died in Fayetteville, N. C. These
sons by his last marriage all married and have raised families.
William Rankin, brother of John Rankin, Sr., was born in
Ireland in 1744 and with his brother John emigrated to America
between 1750 and 1760, stopping a while in Pennsylvania, and
afterwards came with the Scotch-Irish movement into this county
about 1764. Both he and his brother John were ardent Whigs and
were hated by Governor Tryon and his adherents for their strong
Americanism. After the Battle of Alamance, William, who was
present, was declared an outlaw b}' Governor Tryon and, with fif-
teen others, had to keep in hiding till Tryon left the State. Just
before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Lord Cornwallis evinced
his hatred by camping on the plantations of John and William
Rankin and destroying nearly all that was destructible.
In 1873 he married Jane, daughter of Elizabeth and John
Chambers. He died February 9, 1804, and was buried along with
his wife and wife's father and mother in Buffalo Church grave-
yard. To them were born four sons and five daughters — Betsy,
Nancy, Sallie, John, Ann, Thomas, Jane, Robert and William, the
last two twins.
Betsy married Elam Wharton. Nancy married John School-
field, to whom were born Betsy, Sarah (who married Samuel tiat-
rick), Joseph, William, Jane, John, Nancy, Daniel, Samuel.
John Chambers, fourth child of William, was born March 29,
1 781, married Tabitha Wharton, daughter of Watson Wharton,
Sr., and died June 6, 1858. Issue of this marriage: Jesse. Jane,
Martha, William (who died young), Malinda, Watson, John C,
Tabitha and Samuel.
Ann married Samuel Donnell and had one child, Emsley Dou-
nell.
Thomas, sixth child of William, married ^Martha ^IcOuistian.
Issue of this marriage: Albert, r^Ioses, Elizabeth, Lavina. William,
Nancy, Robert, Pollie.
XORTIl C.lliOHX.l. 1S7
Jane Rankin, seventh cliiltl of William, niarritd l".li Smith.
Issue: MacUson. William Rankin and Xancv.
Robert Rankin, eighth child of William, married Sarah Lee.
Is>;ue: John C. Jane. William, h'mily. Alfred and (ireene.
William, ninth child of William. Sr.. and twin brother of
Robert, married Thankful Smith. Issue of this marria.i;e: Hannah
and Xancy.
Tile descendants of the brothers. John and William, now
found in this county ami in three-fourths of the States of the
Union, now number over one thousand souls. The immediate
descendants of the two brothers. W'illiam and John, lived at a
period and under conditions that "tried men's souls." They
"soujjfht out, wrought out and fouij^ht out" their way in the new
world, makincf history but leavinc^ little record of it. (^n every
battlefield from Alamance to Appomattox descendants of these
brothers have been found, struj^j^linp; for what they believed to bo
right.
SKETCH OF THr: WHARTON FAMU.V oK (,LIIJ-()U1) COINTV.
Watson Wharton, Sr., the progenitor of the Wharton family
of this county and of more than a thousand others, who lived or
have lived in nearly every Southern State and in many of the
X'^rthern States, w^as born in. England. perhai)s in the town of
Wharton, June 22, 1746.
His father, Hinman, and mother, Mary, were born, accord-
ing to statistics found in an old famliy Uible, now scarcely legible,
about two hundred years ago, and were married about 1729. Save
the names and date of birth, nothing is known, of Watson Whar-
ton's brothers and sisters. Their names are as follows :
EIi;^abeth Wharton, born September 29. 1731; David Whar-
ton, bom April 27, 1733; Mary Wharton, born July 30, 1735; Hin-
man Wharton, horn December 20. 1737; Catherine Wharton, born
August 30, 1740; Rhoda Wharton, born January 18. 1742.
As there are numerous branches of the Wharton familv in
188 GUILFORD COUNTY,
the United States not directly traceable to Hinman or his son Wat-
son, it is not improbable that they may have a common origin
further back in the twilight of the past. There are families of
Whartons living in Virginia, Texas and Tennessee who trace their
line back to Lord Thomas Wharton, who in 1622 was Lord Lieu-
tenant of Ireland. In history he was called "Veto Tom" and
sometimes "Lying Tom." One of his descendants, Phillip Whar-
ton, was one of Cromwell's generals.
It matters little whether Watson Wharton was descended
from "Lying Tom" or not. That his descendants, wherever found,
have been and are in the main honest, industrious, independent,
God-fearing, patriotic citizens, who have made the world better
for living in it, is a matter of far greater import than to be able
to trace their origin back to a "belted knight," who seems to have
been somewhat careless in handling the truth. In the language of
Scotland's greatest bard :
*"A King can make a belted Knight.
A marquis, duke and a' that,
But an honest man's aboon his might
Gude faith he mauna fa' that —
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The man's the gowd for a' that."
On attaining his majority, Watson Wharton came to America
about 1767 and settled at first in Maryland, where he married a
lady whose maiden name the writer of this sketch has been
unable to ascertain. The issue of this marriage is as follows :
Elam, born 1770; Jesse, born 1771, died in infancy; Elisha,
born 1774, died aged nearly 90 years; Tabitha, born 1776, died
1855 ; John, who married a daughter of William Rankin and
moved to Tennessee more than sixty years ago ; Gideon, born 1781,
married Mary Woodburn and moved West; Martha, born 1783,
married Arthur W^oodburn, had five children — Watson, William,
Elam, Emsley, Tabitha.
*I wonder a good deal about all these people in this book. I wonder also what are
their traits. 1 will be likely to find out by the time I have sold the last copy. What 1 know
then will be something of "value, perhaps.
i
Mu. i:. I', wuautdn,
PKIXDKNT M)ITHKKN LOAN ASM) TKI'
OK wKKKNSIM)K(«. N. C.
NORTH CAROLINA. iH'J
By a scc«Mnl inarria.u'c with Aiij^vU-tta. nci- l-*vaiis, Ik- had t.iic
son. Hvans, born 1785. Soon after tlic birth of his youiig:tst son,
Kvans. he moved with his family to Guilford County, 17H5 or 1786,
and liouijht from I'.lackwood a tract of land acceded to him in 1755
by the b'arl of Granville. \V. 1*. Wharton, a ^^reat-j^^randson of
Watson Wharton, now owns and lives on this same land.
( )f his personal characteristics, little is known. Mr. David
Wharton, a jjrandson, now in his ninety-ninth year, recalls that
he was a man of almost .tjiant proportions, weij^hinf^ nearly three
hundred pounds, that he was somewhat irascible and very much
j::iven to havings his own wav. In politics, he was a staunch Whip:,
in reliijion a Presbyterian, as have been nearly all his descendants.
That he was a man of considerable means for those days is evi-
dent from the \2ir^Q amount of lands jnirchased and the mortj^ap:es
made to secure monies loaned by him. He died in 18 13, and was
burietl in lUifFalo churchyard.
Klam Wharton, his oldest son, married P.etsy, oldest dau.t,diter
of William RanUin, the prog^enitor of one branch of the Rankin
family in this county. Issue of this marriag^e: Joseph, Jesse. Wil-
liam, Lemuel, Robert, Jennie, Isabella, Martha.
Robert, fifth child of Elam. married Melinda Nelson and died
in 1876, leaving: two sons and two daug;hters. James, his oldest
son, a merchant of Jamestown, married Margaret Armfield.
Elisha, third son of Watson Wharton, was born in Maryland
in 1774, came with his father to Guilford County when about ten
years old, married Elizabeth Schoolfield in 1796, by whom he had
the following: children: John, James, Nancy, David, Martha, Wat-
son, Schoolfield (who died in infancy). Eliza. Milton (who died
unmarried).
r.y second marriag^e with Martha Porter he had four sons
and one daug^hter: Porter, Samuel, Minerva, Paisley and Wash-
ington, the last two being twins.
John Wharton, oldest son of Elisha Wharton, born \~y)~,
married Rhoda Webb, bv whom he ha<l three sons and two daugh-
190 GUILFORD COUNTY,
ters : ]\Ielinda, who married Levi Foust ; Elizabeth, who married
Rankin Smith, and had five children — Nannie, William, Zula,
Mary and Lizzie.
Green Wharton, third child of John Wharton, married ^lal-
vina Donnell. To them were born two sons and three daughter? :
Watson, John W., Bettie, Emma and Mary.
William P. Wharton, fourth child of John Wharton, Sr., mar-
ried Emily Rankin, who died without issue. By second marriage
with Jane Rankin he had two sons — Walter and Leslie — and two
daughters — Carrie and Lizzie.
John W. Wharton, Jr.. youngest son of John Wharton, Sr.. by
first marriage, married Alartha Edwards. Issue : Ruth, Roy,
Linda, Rhoda.
By second marriage with Jane Bennett, John Wliarton, Sr.,
had ten children — C. A. Wharton and Eugenia, who died without
issue.
John W. Wharton, son of Green Wharton, married Sallie
McNairy. They have four'children.
James, second son of Elisha Wharton, born 1799, married
Jane Rankin, daughter of John C. Rankin, died 1822. They had
only one son — John C. Wharton, now living in GreensDoro. in his
seventy-ninth year. He married Rebecca Rankin, daughter of
Robert Rankin, Sr. Issue of this marriage : James, who died in
infancy; Alice, who married Wm. Ratlifif; Mary, who married
Rev. Wm. Graves ; E. P. Wliarton, who married Ida Murray ;
Annie, who married Edwin Shaver ; Emma, who married S. C.
Smith; Lizzie, unm.arried; Jesse R., who married a Miss Xoves
and now lives in Butte City; William, a merchant, living in the
State of Washington.
Nancy, third child of Elisha Wharton, married George Find-
ley and went to Missouri. Issue of this marriage: Rufus, James,
Elizabeth, Sarah, Martha, Angeline, John.
David Wharton, fourth child of Elisha Wharton, was born
December 18, 1803, and is still living, in his ninety-ninth year. In
XORTH C.-iROLlN.l. I'Jl
1S26 hi' marriot! Elizahith Donncll. by whom hf ha»l tlircc daugh-
ters and two sons, viz :
Khzabcth. who married Dr. Jos. A. McLean. To them were
born Juha. Cora. Cliarles. W'aher. John. Archibald and Jesse R.
Juha Wharton, who married Rev. C. K. Caldwell and died
soon after marriatje.
Mary Wharton, who married John C. Cannon. Issue of this
marriatje : Julia. I'.essie. ICllen. Mary. Howard. I'annie. Emma and
John.
John Wharton, son of David, married Pattic Cole, daup^hter
of Dr. J. L. Cole. Moved to Texas in 1869. and now lives in
Sherman. Issue of this marriasj^e : John. Hattie, Mary, William
and .Xnnie.
William D. Wharton, younpfcst son of Davkl Wharton, mar-
ried Mary Wharton. dau}^hter of Xewton Wharton. Issue: Wal-
lace, who married Cordelia Hap^an ; Lacy, who married Lizzie
Wharton: Charles, who married Daisy Gilmer: Mary, who mar-
ried Rev. Samuel Rankin.
\\y second marriap:c with Jane Gilmer he had two children —
Hattie and Gilmer.
Martha, fifth child of Elisha Wharton, married Jesse Smith.
To them were born the followinc^ children : Anj^elina, John. Lafay-
ette. Eli. William. Madison, Adison. Isabella. Rufus and Martha.
Watson Wharton. Jr.. sixth child of Elisha Wharton, was
born 1809, marriad Melinda Rankin and died 1S71. Issue of this
marria<;:e: Jesse R. and Jane E.
Jesse married Mattie Turner and had two children — Minnie,
who died in 1876, and Turner A. Wharton, now pastor of a
church in Memphis.
By a second marriage with Mary Rankin, he had four sons —
Henry, who married Nora Graves : Ernest, Lee and Robert.
Jane E. married Dr. J. Rumple, of Salisbury, and had two
sons and a daughter — Watson. James and Linda.
Porter Wharton, tenth child of Elisha. married Xancv Pat-
192 GUILFORD COUNTY,
terson and moved to Alissouri. Issue of this marriage: Samuel,
Martha, Mary, Washington, JMinerva, Nancy, James and Mai-
garet.
vSamuel, eleventh child of EHsha Wharton, married Elizabeth
Kerr and had two children — Florence, who died unmarried, and
Rebecca, who married Lindsay Stuart.
Minerva, twelfth child of Elisha Wharton, married James
Paisley. Children of this marriage : John, Porter, Lacy, Annie.
Rev. William Paisley Wharton, thirteenth child of Elisha
Wharton and twin brother of Washington Wharton, married and
died in 1856, leaving one child.
Washington, fourteenth child of Elisha Wharton, married
]\Iary Rankin, by whom he had five children — Martha, Corrinna,
Annie, Callie and Cyrus, who married a daughter of Thomas Ran-
kin.
Evans Wharton, youngest son of Watson Wharton, Sr., was
born 1785; married Benitha Calk. Issue of this marriage: Lu-
cinda, Newton, Angeletta, Clinton, Eliza, Emiline, Rufus, Jane
and Francis.
Lucinda married Samuel Hattrech. Newton, by first mar-
riage w^th Elinor McMurrav, had two children — Jane and Mary.
By second marriage with Hannah McLean, he had one daughter
— Dora.
Angeletta married David Ray. Issue of this marriage : Peter
Ray, a deaf mute, who married a Miss Williams, also a mute;
Fannie, who married Jas. Bason.
Clinton Wliarton, son of Evans, married Catherine Conrad.
Issue : Albert, John, Ida, Clinton, Eva, Annie.
Eliza Wharton married David McLean.
Nancy married Thomas Rankin. Issue : W. H. Rankin,
Nannie.
Rufus Wharton married Mary L. Perry, of Beaufort County.
Issue of this marriage: Isabella, Francis, Rufus, Thomas, David.
Isabella married John H. Small.
NORTH CAROLINA. iy;i
Wharton married Capt. Xat Rankin. To tluin were born two
sons aiul two dauf^htcrs.
Tabitha Wharton, fourth child of Watson Wharton, Sr.. was
boni in Maryland in I77^». married John C. Rankin, and died in
1856. Issue of this niarriaf^e: Rev. Jesse Rankin, JaneT Martha,
William, Melinda. Dr. Watson Rankin, Dr. John C. Rankin of
New Jersey, Tabitha and Dr. Samuel Rankin, of Rowan, X. C.
Till-: WORTH KAMII.V.
William Worth left England in the reitjn of Charles II. His
preat-};^randson, Daniel Worth, was born in Massachusetts, second
month, tenth. 1739; he died in Guilford County, North Carolina,
seventh month, tenth, 1830. He was marrieil in Nantucket to
Eunice Husscy, a dauj^hter of Paul and Sarah Hussey, a descend-
ant of Sylvanus Husscy. whose wife was a dauc^hter of Stephen
Coram.
Joseph Worth was also married in Nantucket to Judith Star-
buck. These people were the Nantucket settlers of Guilford
County and their descendants have done much for civilization in
North Carolina. Jonathan Worth, jjrandson of Daniel Worth of
Nantucket stock. Governor of North Carolina, and Dr. David
Worth were men of g^reat influence in their day. Dr. John M.
Worth was treasurer of North Carolitia. His children were:
Shubal G. Worth, Thomas C. Worth. Addie McAllister and Dell
Bingham.
Governor Jonathan Worth's children have been men and
women of integrity and strength — David G. Worth, Roxana Mc-
Neil, Lucy J. Jackson, Elvira Moffit. Cora Jackson, Mary Worth
and Addie Bagley. Worth Bagley, the young hero of the Cuban
War, was the grandson of Governor Worth and therefore a rejire-
sentative of the Nantucket stock of Guilford County.
Daniel Worth, of Guilford County, was a man of aflairs, a
leader in the Society of Friends in the State, trustee of Guilford
College.
19i GUILFORD COUNTY,
William Worth was Treasurer of North Carolina for two
terms preceding 1901.
Cyrus B. Watson, a leading lawyer in the State, is a descend-
ant of Ihe Worth family, and therefore a representative of the
Nantucket stock in North Carolina.
John L. Worth, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, compiled a
chart of this family in 1900. The Worth family is representative
of the Nantucket in many instances from both father and mother,
the Folgers, Gardners, Husseys, Macys, Porters, Starbucks are
related by marriage to them. Their religious belie* is that of the
Societv of Friends.
MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Senators. Members of House of Commons.
1777 Ralph Gorrell John Collier, Robert Lindsay.
1778 Ralph Gorrell James Hunter, Robert Lindsay.
1789 Alex Martin James Hunter, Danl. Gillespie.
1780 Alex Martin James Hunter, Wm. Gowdy.
1781 Alex Martin William Gowdy, James Hunter.
1782 Alex Martin William Gowdy, Jones Hunter.
1783 Chas. Bruce Jas. Galloway, John Leak.
1784 Jas. Galloway John Hamilton, John Leak.
1785 Alex Martin John Hamilton, Barzellai Gardner.
1786 Wm. Gowdy John Hamilton, B. Gardner.
1787 Alex Martin B. Gardner, Wm. Gowdy.
1788 Alex Martin John Hamilton, Wm. Gowdy.
1789 Wm. Gowdy John Hamilton, Daniel Gillespie.
1790 Daniel Gillespie Hance Hamilton, Robert Hannah.
Daniel Gillespie Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
Daniel Gillespie Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
Daniel Gillespie Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
1794 Daniel Gillespie Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
1795 Daniel Gillespie Hance Hamilton. Hance McCain.
1796 Ralph Gorrell B. Gardner. Hance Hamilton.
1797 Hance McCain Hance Hamilton, Samuel Lindsay.
1798 Hance McCain Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce.
1799 Hance Hamilton Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce.
1 791
1792
1793
NORrn CAROLIXA. m,
Senators. Members of House of Commons.
iSoo 1 laiKc Hamilton Samuel Lindsay. Jonathan Parker.
iSoi Samuel Lindsay Cioortje Bruce, Jonathan I'arker.
iSoj Cieorge Bruce Zaza Brashicr. Jonathan Parker.
i8o.? Saml. Lindsay Jolm .Moore. Jonatlian Parker.
1S04 Saml. Lindsay John Parker, Zaza Brashier.
iSo^ Hance McCain Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall.
i8c6 1 lance McCain Z. Brashicr, Richard .Mendenhall.
1807 Jonathan Parker Robert Hannah, John Howell.
180S Jonathan Parker Robert Hannah. John Howell.
1800 Jonathan Parker Robert Hannah. John Howell.
i^to Saml. Lindsay Robert Hannah, William Armfield.
iSi I Jonathan Parker Robert Hannah, John Howell.
1S12 Jonathan Parker John Howell, Robert Lindsay.
181 3 Jonathan Parker Obcd .Macey, James Gibson.
1814 Jonathan Parker James Gibson. James McXairy.
1815 Jonathan Parker Jolin Howell, James McXairy.
1816 John Caldwell James McXairy, William Ryan.
1817 John Caldwell Wm. Rvan, Robert Donncll.
1818 John Caldwell James McXairy, William Dickey.
1810 John M. Dick R. Donncll, William Dickey.
1820 John W. Caldwell John Rankin. David Xorth.
1S21 Jonathan Parker Jolm Gordon. Wm. .Adams.
1B22 Jonathan Parker Saml. Hunter, David North.
182.? Jonathan Parker Saml. I lunter, David Xorth.
1824 Jonathan Parker William Unthank, James Xeally.
1825 Jonathan Parker F. L. Simpson. William Unthank.
1826 Jonathan Parker F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead.
1827 Jonathan Parker F. L. Simpson. John .M. Morehead.
1828 Jonathan Parker F. L. Simpson, Geo. C. .Mendenhall.
1829 John M. Dick Geo. C. Mendenhall, F. L. Simpson.
18.W) John M. Dick .-Mien Pceples, Geo. C. .Mendenhall.
1830 John M. Dick .Amos Weaver, .Allen Peeples.
1832 John Parker Allen Peeples, David Thomas.
lS,U George C. Mendenhall David Thomas, Allen Peeples.
1834 Jonathan Parker Ralph Gorrell, Jesse H. Lindsay.
1835 Jas. T. .Morehead Jesse H. Lindsay, Ralph Gorrell.
i8.?6 Jas. T. Morehead Jesse VI. Lindsay, Peter .Adams, F. L.
Simpson.
1840 Jas. T. Morehead Jesse H. Lindsay. Wm. Dick, David
Thomas.
196 GUILFORD COUNTY,
Senators. Members of House of Commons.
1842 Jas. T. :\Iorehead Geo. C. Mendenhall, Wm. Doak, Jas.
Brannock.
1842 Jas. T. Morehead Geo. C. Mendenhall, Wm. Doak, Joel
[McLean.
1844 Jesse H. Lindsay William Doak, Joel [McLean John A.
Smith.
1846 John A. Gilmer Nath.an Hunt, E. W. Ogburn, Peter
Adams.
1848 John A. Gilmer David F. Caldwell, Calvin Johnson,
Jas. W. Doak.
1850 John A. Gilmer David F. Caldwell, Calvin Henderson
Wiley, Pejer Adams.
185,2 John A. Gilmer C. Johnston, David F. Caldwell, C. H.
Wiley.
1854 John A. Gilmer David F. Caldwell, Ralph Gorrell, C.
Johnston.
1856 ' Ralph Gorrell D. F. Caldwell, L. M. Scott, E. W.
Ogburn.
1858 Ralph Gorrell John M. Morehead, D. F. Caldwell,
A. Clapp.
i860 John M. Morehead C. P. .Mendenhall, C. E. Shober. J. L.
Gorrell
1862 Peter Adams S. AI. Sherwood, R. W. Glenn, R. AL
Smith.
1S64 R. P. Dick D. F. Caldwell, A. Clapp, A. S. Hel-
ton.
1866 Peter Adams Jas. Morehead, Jr., J. S. Houston,
W. R. Smith.
1868 E. Shoffner,
J. W. Walker Stephen G. Homey, David Hodgin.
1870 John A. Gilmer,
W. A. Smith Jonathan Harris, S. C. Rankin.
1871 Jas. T. Morehead,
Wm. J. Murray Joseph Gilmer, William Wiley.
Nov. Jas T. Morehead, Jr.
1873 W. J. Murray Joseph Gilmer, William Wiley.
1874 Jas. T. Morehead
1875 A. S. Holton Nereus Mendenhall, John N. Staples.
1876 Thos. AL Holt.
1877 J. L Scales John Staples, Lyndon Swain.
Senators.
S70 J. I. Scales.
n. R Caldwell .
iSSi J. .\. Staples.
J;m. H. Fv MelKine ..
lS8.? I. T. Morehead
SQRTH C.lROl.fX.'l. wr,
Meinhers of House of Commons.
J. \. MoI.e.-m. C. J. Wheeler.
J. .\. Picket. J. S. RaRsdalc.
J. L. King. Jas. \V. Forhis.
Wealth of ('■nilf»)rd County. t;ikrn from the report of the State auditor
for 18.^-55-
In the year iKs.i. Walter .-\. Winbourne, as sheriff of Gnilford County,
presented to the ronii'trolier-ijeneral (or State auditor) the followiuR
report :
Acres of land ^77,i^^ So. I'olU .W..^04
N'aluation of l.ind $i,4iX,q64 Town prr)perty $1,7(^.440
NET TAX.
Land $ 800 00
Town property loi 21
Poll 659 95 Pedlars
Kunatic .\sylum 430 92 Taverns
Interest received 660 26 Circus
Dividend and profit. ...
Lawyers, etc
Ciold Watches
Silver Watches
Pianos
Plate
Playing Cards # 7 05
Stores .153 44
56 40
23 57 Musicians
93 06 Negro Traders
73 i2 Pistols
Rowie Knives .
Mortgages . . . .
48 88
22 56
5 59 Capital Invested
28
20
47
00
i4
10
31
96
• 14
10
<U
58
32
II
37
Pleasure Carriages 128 31
$3,694 05
The population of 'aiilford Comity in 17QO was 7. 191 ; in 1850 it had
increased to 19.754.
Area of (iuilford. 600 square miles; number of acres, 407,214; aver-
age value. $5.40. ni<tance from Raki.i;h. Sj miles.
J