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be satisfied with merely ._dde— w .iiust have the largest growth iized and a, ,er of Corr merce, backed up bv every

«!tky Mount is har<jj£ .Acelled in the world for richness of soil and the variety

ire grown successt<\'!>\ Rocky Mount is a cotton inarket of note, one of the

state, and a big sTnpping point for the products of the truck farm. The soil is ad-

otton, tobacco-, oats, corn, wheat, peanuts, alfalfa and almost all kinds of grasses.

ire no floods and no droughts. The crops are sure.

condition therefore of the country round about the city are no less notable than those

w iand, with a good clay subsoil, bearing its abundant fruits of labor, and dotted with

..ith telephones, automobiles and other modern conveniences, peopled by a sturdy, industrious

': filiation, constitute one of the city's most valuable assets. The cultivation of the land is done

-.itelligently, with the most improved farming utensils and machinery. Stock, dairy and truck farms

profits, and here is found some of the finest blooded cattle to be seen an} where. And yet, the country

.that it is yet in its earliest morning; and the farmers, improving in skill afd intelligence each year, rais-

" of boys educated in practical agriculture, continue to eagerly seek for "ther means of improving their

thods, utensils and the iand. The future holds glowing promise.

the center of this, one of the fairest and most bounteous lands created by the Almighty, populated by a

ired by the Historian to be "the freest of the free," who have just now learned to apply their intelligence

0 commercial affairs, lies ROCKY MOUNT, the energy-panoplied young giant of the East, already North

istest growing city. & s y

The Best Governed City in North Carolina.

of Rocky Mount as a well-governed community, one whose bus ess affairs are administered in a bus- been well-established ever since the city was a village. No gt >r scandal, no whisper of dishonesty •y. has ever marred the white record of the municipal govern , Those not familiar with the facts ces have sometimes marvelled at Rocky Mount's unusual g< une in this respect. But theansv er

•ene Looking North on Main Street.

Showing four buildings of the Railroad Shops at South Rocky Mount.

%v S6 Whe" \uU ku?Wt u Jt[s ^is: the best, broadest and most capable business and professional men of the i tn h, fhneVwr/h0Ught 'i b£.neath them t0 take an active Part in municipal politics; yea more, they have recognized ^^.dUSa^f°?d^M?&t0*ethilt-flieg0vernment be clean and economical, and have been willing to SSS^S^^gH^ reribility' The ** theref0re' h3S bee" in ^d and ca>able ** fafthS Pv„R,0CkyuM0UntJu Proud of ^r line of mayors. During the past twenty years, the following have occupied the execuhve chair: Thomas H. Battle (Mayor ten years,Alderman fifteen years, Chairman School Boar since 1 886 £ I iw>T Tn8The Co7Am*ttee fortte,n y^s jto July 1910,) W. L. Thorpe (Attorney at Law.) Joseph Bake (Attorney at Law) T. T. Thorne Attorney at Law and now State Senator,) and the present Mayor Mr Joseph B Ramsev These would compare favorably with the chief executives of the best governed and larg?s c t es of the natfon , *"

The present city government is as follows: nanon.

Mayor and Recorder, Joseph B. Ramsey (Attorney at Law, and President First National Bank)

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l Realty CO., and Treasurer of the Rocky Mount «k) ^

C. H. Harris, Mayor Pro Tempore .

E L Daughtridge, (Planter and large real estate owner) Fire C/ii'e/ Dr. John Battle, Chief Of Police J. S. Davis. City 'Physician Dr. Ivan Battle. Supt. Electric Plant

A. S. Lyon. ylLDE^ME^C.

j C Braswel. (President The YlJS^^f Abran, (of Abrann Book Co.)

W. D. Joyner, Jr. (of JoynerWoS) B. L. Daughtridge (Planter)

L P. Matthews (of A. C. L. R R-Co ) W. H. Home (Planter)

* for, A C L R R °Co ) WaR Lancaster, (of Battle & Lancaster, Furniture House) W.B.Darrow(Supt.ofTransportahon, A. C. L. *• "^ ^

R R Gay, (of Gay &Arrington, Hardware.)

Sixf/i WW .

The * Kuauees are now, as usuat, uTe£eSS„^,U SSi**-* - - go»er„meu, are wo*

Scene on the Railroad Yards at South Rocky Mount showing thousands of car wheels, ing efficiently and in harmony. The police forceps admirably manned, and with the mayor properly

the the

path of the evil-doer is rendered mighty hard in Rocky Mount. The people are law-abiding^ too busy to break law if they had the inclination, and public sentiment is behind law enforcement in every case.

The whole city takes pride in the reputation of the city government, and under these circumstances it is not to be wondered at that Rocky Mount can with good reason, claim to be, not only the fastest growing city in North Car- olina, but also the best-governed city in the Tar Heel State.

The Chamber of Commerce.

It has been indeed fortunate for Rocky Mount that its citizens early recognized the great importance of concert of action; and it is to this fact that much of the city's extraordinary growth and development must be attributed It was the good fortune of the community in the beginning to be settled by men of strong and broad-guaged ancestry whose natures were too big for them to be blinded to the interests of the city by their own private individual affairs!

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ACL Relief Department Hospita1.

Theref„reRo*vMo»„,hasbee„no«ytree,rom those petty iea.ou.es and ,oca, feuos toa« Have so ^ P 12

Pavillion at Oakland Park.

Scene along Main Street.

other enterprises, was its first President, and its membership has included and does include, the business and pro- fessional strength of the city. Its accomplishments have been very crediitable, and it is felt now that the organization is entering on a still larger usefulness.

In the fall of 1910, it was decided that better results might be obtained and the organization prove more effective, if funds were raised and a capable business manager employed for his whole time, who would maintain offices in the city and devote his entire energy to the interests of the community as a city. This has been done.

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Imperial Tobacco Company's Building, considered Absolutely f.re proof and costing nearly $

100,000.

The officers of the Chamber of Commerce are now as follows: President Lewis C. Levy (of Braswell & Levy, Tobacco) Vice Presidents R B. Davis Jr., (Cashier First National Bank) F. A. Hampton (Attorney at Law);Secre- ta?y & Treasurer JW Aycock (Cashier The Planters Bank); Business Manager, John L. Arnngton; Execut.ve Committee, J. W. Hines, J. W. Aycock, W. S. Wilkinson, L. C. Levy.

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The offices of the Chamber are on the Second Floor of The Planters Bank. A postal card will bring ^erature and a full exhibit and explanation of what the city has to offer, to any one who makes enquiry. Free fac tory sites and other substantial inducements are offered to manufacturing enterprises. Address John L. Arnngton, Business

The Schools of the City.

In the determined and unremitting building of the city, Rocky Mount citizens have not ■ overlooked the fact that one of the corner-stones of the structure must be adequate educational facilities for their children. They have been the reverse of niggardly in this respect, and have responded nobly to every educational need. The public schools or the city are institutions in which every loyal Rocky Mounter takes the deepest pride. BIlhlirh„ flnH a

In 1902 a graded school district was created that embraced within its limits, he whole town and suburbs, and a bond issue provided the necessary funds for the building and equipment. A brick building of fine proportions was ejected thoroughly modern in all of its appointments. The first year of the school, the students, numbered about 350 'with twelve teachers The growth of the schools has been very rapid. In 1909 another building was erected n the opposite side of the town, much larger than the first. This new building is located on the corner of Marygo Id and RPaTeigh Its, and has few superiors in size and beauty of architecture in North CaroUna A conse rva tjve es .mate would fix the value of the public school buildings of the city at this time at nearly $60,000.00. The past year, the number of students attending the white schools was approximately 1,000.

Nor have the people of Reeky Mount forgotten their duty to the colored children A convenient and commodious building has been provided for the negroes, with a competent corps of teachers. The enrollment of the colored graded school the past year was nearly 400.

The officials that have in charge, the educational interests of the city, are as follows:

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Thomas H. Battle, Chairman; L. V. Bassett. Secretary; J. C. Braswell W. S. Wilkinson ,TL ^home Ed Gorham, Geo. J. Hales, Geo. L. Parker, J. Q. Robinson. Superintendent, Prof Z. B. McW horter (Vanderb.lt University and Peabody Normal College); Principal, E. M Highsmith A.B., (University of North Carolina

Teachers- First Grade, Misses Nemmie G. Paris, and Bessie McDearman, and Mrs C. Y^ Thorpe, Second Grade, Misses Martha Darden, Mary Lee Shine, Nellie Arrington; Third Grade, Misses Add.e Pans, Nannie B.

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Cooper, Mavis Lucile Griffin; Fourth Grade, Misses Fannie T. Anderson, Claude Bassett, Lulu H. Jackson; Fifth Grade, Misses Fannie Gorham and Mary Embra Morton; Sixth Grade,Miss Bessie C. Whitehead and Hattie Strachan; Seventh Grade, Misses Nannie E. Richardson and Lucy Dillard Hall; Eighth Grade Miss Margaret Redmond. Music Teachers, Misses Lois Threadgill and Constant Checkley. The teachers of the Colored Graded School are as follows: Principal, Prof. John W. Bird, and Geo. H. Porter, Nellie Pitt, Chanler Battle, Olivia Cobb, Fannie Halliday, and Mrs. Susie Baskerville.

The great care that is provided for Rocky Mount school interests, and the competency of the management, will be seen from the fact, that on the Board of Trustees of the Rocky Mount Graded Schools given above, are the presidents of three banks, two State Senators, the Chairman of the school board of Nash county, wholesale grocers and others of like standing. The able Superintendent, Prof. McWhorter is a native of Gatesville Ala., where Sher- man started on his famous "march to the sea." Prior to coming here, Prof. McWhorter was for eight years, princi- pal of the public schools of Mt. Olive, N. C. He received his education at Peabody Normal College and Vanderbilt University. The principal, Prof. Highsmith is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, and is thoroughly equipped for the high duties that have fallen on him. The corps of teachers is an admirable one, and they are rend- ering the highest service.

Rocky Mount is thus able to offer prospective residents,educational advantages for their children that should satisfy the most particular. And no fear need be entertained that as the city grows larger, the school facilities will keep step; for Rocky Mount is building for the future as well as the present.

The Twin Counties.

Rocky Mount is not a county seat, but it is the metropolis of two counties. Half in Nash county an half in Edge- combe county, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad being the dividing line between the counties, Rocky Mount occupies a commanding position in both, by reason of wealth, intelligence, and population. The two counties referred to are rich in historical fame, as well as in their soil and the diversity of their industries. They have produced some of the ablest and noblest sons of North Carolina, men who have made and written the state's history in War and Peace. And the sons of Nash and Edgecombe today are taking a large part in the political and industrial, as well as the moral and social development of the commonwealth. The weight of these twin-counties is always felt in legislation, and the voice of their people carries a potent influence in the councils of the political parties and the state.

Tarboro is the county seat of Edgecombe, and Nashville the county seat of Nash.

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Episcopal Church

Methodist Protestant Church

Parks.

Rockv Mount is fully resolved that the future shall see large and beautiful playgrounds for the rest and recreation of her citizens during their spare hours. Oakland Park on Tarboro Street, covering almost a whole block has been established for years Here, during the summer, the city is treated to vaudeville and comedy performances of a high order The park also has an excellent dancing pavillion, and a good orchestra is employed during the whole season.

A new and extensive playground, that will be without a superior in the country is one of the things that will be brought to pass during the near future. This will be located on the picturesque River Tar which winds about the

city on three sides.

Baseball.

Dunn* the past few years, Rocky Mount has had professional baseball of Class D, the city being a member of the Eastern Carolina Baseball League, which includes the cities of Raleigh, Wilmington, Goldsboro Wilson, Fay- etteville and Rocky Mount. In 1910, Rocky Mount won the second series of the season, Fayetteville winning the first. The local baseball park is one of the best in Eastern Carolina.

The Rocky Mount Bar.

The Rocky Mount Bar is an unusually strong one, the dean being Ex-Judge Jacob Battle of the family of that name long distinguished in North Carolina history. Other members are Hon. Frank S. Spruill, Hon. L. V. Bassett Hon T T Thorne, Hon. W. L. Thorpe, and Messrs. J. P. Bunn, E. B. Grantham, Frank A. Hampton, Richard Fountain, Joseph B. Ramsey, James W. Keel, and Victor Barnhill.

A Great Railroad Centre.

Among the railroad centres of North Carolina, Rocky Mount ranks first. 38 passenger trains and 60 freight- trains enter and leave the city every day. The number of freight cars handled to and from Rocky Mount reaches 2,000 per day. The engines and crews of the Atlantic Coast Line Trains are made up and changed here, ana the

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VIEWS AT SOUTH ROCKY MOUNT Showing Two of The Many Buildings of The Coast Line at That Point

cars coming from different points are classified here and put in solid trains and sent on to their various destinations. Here also, at South Rocky Mount, are located, the great repair shops of the Atlantic Coast Line System, and the second largest yards in the United States.

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The approximate number of employees of this railroad system at Rocky Mount is as follows- men Yard Clefks ^Tothers d' in Tran^ortation Department' including Yard Masters' Yard Conductors, Switch- Number of employees in'offices at Rocky Mount - - - -"■-"."_"" 2il Number of employees in shops ---------____ r wj

Q , ,^hen jt ?s considered that a large proportion of these 1591 employees are high-salaried3 officers and employees' and the remainder skilled workmen drawing high wages, it can readily be imagined what' a large pay roll is here dS tnbuted by this railroad system. It amounts to approximately $1,000,000.00 per year. Her fare the general offices

S inenntenddiV,tS10fn'Teaded 5yt-Mr W, ?" uNTeli' General Superintendent, the office of Mr. W* B Darrow Superintendent of Transportation and of the division counsel and special attorneys. Here also are the offices or the Supt. of Motive Power, Road Foreman of Engines and General Car Inspector.

The New Passenger Station.

,p The railroad company has here its own electric lighting systems. The station is now one of the prettiest on the line, and the contract has just been let for a great enlargement and remodelling of the same

I he plans included in the contract, provide that the present passenger station shall be made two stories over its

3 H «Unh?5wnndt WmKgS I*/6"™8 3b0Ut fif^y f6et further West be added t0 each end of the bu?lding an3 'hese will also be two stones in height The present baggage room will be thrown into the waiting room and the new

baggage room will be located in the North wing. The present mail and express rooms will be thrown into the oS waiting room and the mail and express rooms placed in the South wing. The offices of the General Superintendent Superintendent of Transportation, Engineer of Roadway, Supervisor of Buildings, Roadmasters and S [Attor- neys wil be on he second floor in addition to the offices of the Superintendent Train Master and Dispatchers of the Fayetteville District, which are already located there. uispaiuiers or tne

This remodeled building will be equipped with entirely new modern plumbing and steam-heating facilities The fc'£t3: ^brella shed of abont 500 feet in length, and other minor improvements too numerous to mention When this is completed, Rocky Mount's passenger station will have no superior in the state.

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*T$W'#

Bridge Over Falls -At Close R

ange

A. C. L. Relief Department Hospital.

Bridge Over Falls— From A Distance

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nurses and is under the direct supervision of Dr, G. G. Thomas, Chief Surgeon of the Relief Department. Hie hospital is only open to members of the Relief Department who are also employees of the Rai road Company but there are few members of the Relief Department who fail to avail themselves of its privileges when necessity arises.

The Railroad Y. M. C. A.

About a year ago the Railroad Company instituted an investigation into the working of the Railroad Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association and was so pleased with the results obtained that they appropriated funds tor the erection of a modern Y. M. C. A. Building in this city. It Will be located in the vicinity of the passenger station. Plans have all been made, the funds appropriated, the contract awarded and the ground is being broken.

The proposed building will be about 1 10 feet frontage and about 90 feet depth in center which will be in the torrrl of a "T" The basement will be fully concreted under the whole building and here will be located eight or ten modern shower baths, also other facilities. The basement will also accommodate bowling alleys. The nrst floor will have ample space for a large lobby in the center of the building and a restaurant, if desired on one end and a large reading room on the other and an auditorium in the rear of the center to seat about 300 people. 1 he second floor will consist of single sleeping rooms and toilet rooms.

The entire building and grounds is deeded to the Railroad Branch of the Young Men s Christian Association by the Railroad Company and will be controlled exclusively by the Y. M. C. A. Directors. The Railroad Company will also pay the salary of the permanent Secretary.

Of the amount necessary for construction, citizens of Rocky Mount contributed $5,000.00 and the Railroad Com- pany $30,000.00. _ .

1 he r reight Depot.

The freight depot of the A. C. L. at Rocky Mount, is costly and capacious, admirably constructed tor the hand- ling of the immense volume cf freight of the lusty young metropolis of the east. ,

Built but a few years ago, with thought to provide for the increase of business for many years, it is now how- ever pushed to its capacity, and crowded hourly with merchandise coming to Rocky Mount from all parts ot the world and our own goods going to the uttermost parts. The Railroad Company has realized that it s hard to guage the growth of Rocky Mount, and that only constant enlargement and construction can provide adequate facilities tor

her trade.

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Electric Power and Water Station — Outside View

Inside View Electric Power and Water Station

Rocky Mount Public Works,

As has been said, Rocky Mount owns its Water, sewerage and electric lighting system and works. And further, its electric lighting plant alone shows a profit at the end of the year just past of several thousand dollars, after deduct- ing charges at full rate for all the current used by the city. So, as is the case with other departments, Rocky Mount

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.

Public Works are conducted on sound business principles and methods. It should be considered, too that the profit above referred to has been made, while charging a light rate much less than that prevailing in other cities of similar size in tnis stcitc.

f„ -, Tue e.tctrictlight pla,nt and waterworks are located one mile west of the business section, on Tar River, which furnishes the water supply of the city The plants were designed by a firm of Atlanta Engineers, and the instaUatio of machinery and the construction of buildings, reservoirs, foundations etc., was looked alter bv Mr AS Lyon the present competent Superintendent of Public Works. The electric light plant is composed of two cross compound ^ndensing four-valve engines of 340 H. P. each connected to two 200 K. W. Fort Wayne Alternating Current Gen- erators of 2300 volts. It furnishes current for both street lighting and commercial purposes. In Sept 1909 a day power circuit was started, which supplies a three-phase current for use in driving motors in the various industries formerly using .steam and gasoline power The rates for commercial and domestic purposes are each ten cents pg W h' rtth £ c'SC°U!l- dePend«ng.on vo ume used. The rates for power of the three-phase circuit is five cents per K W H., with the same d.scounts as in lighting. The engines are driven by two Heine water tube boilers of ?00 and 125 H P. respectively. Fhey furnish steam at 150 pounds atthe engine throttle. These same boilers furnish steam for dnving the three large pumps in the water station. The auxiliary apparatus in the electric station consS of one motor-driven exciter, and one engine-driven exciter, both of 20 K. W. capacity and one :Deane steam ie Con- denser, into which the two large engines exhaust their steam. steam jet con

The Water Works.

The water works plant is under the same roof as the Electric Plant, and consists of one large Laidlaw Dunn Gor- ? hXne U lt°TPrni co"densing) compound duplex pumping engine, of two and a half millions capacity in 24 hours. It has also two Smith-Vale compound duplex pumps of 750,000 gallons each within 24 hours These are the pumps which force the water to the city for fire and domestic purposes The plant contains two N Y Contin-

hodl5oTo^SLl^t^raPaCty °f 2'0?0h'000.^1Ions- There is °ne !arge reinforced concrete reservoir whSi fPl Lpn'S If fiS i I Sl0uge- lherue 1S al?° °"e large reinforced concrete coagulating basin which is six feet deep and 75 feet in diameter. It is in this basin that the water from the river is pumped with sufficient alum water solution to settle out any impurities that may be contained in the raw water. The water stays in S basm from two to three hours, and ,s pumped to and through the two large sand filters above mentioned where the re- maining impurities are caught and held. The water goes from the filters to the large concrete reservoiV and is ready

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Mm *■	Mr Hit ■■*-> K :	■pHhBbbBnnV9
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West Graded School Building per cent of the harmful bacteria, which is considered an

East Graded School Building

for use. The filters and the coagulating basin take out unusually high per cent.

The buildings, reservoirs and foundations were built by D. J. Rose & Co., contractorsof this city, and the olans and specifications were drawn by F. D. Milstead and J. N. Ely, Engineers, of Atlanta. The construction and instal- lation was under the supervision of Mr. A. S. Lyon, Supt. The approximate cost of the plant, including new trans- mission lines, and new 14-inch water main to standpipe, was close to $85,000.00

The sewerage system has cost to the present time, about $30,800.00. The city has under construction a new sew- erage disposal plant located near the railroad bridge, that when completed, will have cost approximately $6,500.00

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This plant will consist of three concrete tanks and one chemical house, and is being built under direction of the N. C. State Board of Health, in compliance with their new regulations.

The Superintendent of Public Works is Mr. A. S. Lyon, who has efficiently filled the position for the past seven years. Mr. Lyon is a native of Granville County, a graduate of the North Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College, class of 1899 with the degree of B. S. On the completion of a special course in Electrical Engineering at this college, Mr. Lyon took charge of the Roanoke Navigation & Waterpower Co., where he remained until 1904, when he came to Rocky Mount. His record as Superintendent of Public Works is a fine one, and his services have been eminently satisfactory to the city.

The Churches.

Rocky Mount is emphatically a church and church-going town, and has some of the most creditable church edi- fices in the state. The church membership is large in proportion to population, and the greater part of the members are active in church work and worship. While the religious spirit is dominant in the town, it is a broad and liberal spirit with regard to denominationalism. Almost all religious faiths are represented in the city, and tolerance is (he rule, all churches working in harmony and cooperating to as large an extent as possible. The churches (white) in Rocky Mount, are as follows: Missionary Baptist 4, Primitive Baptist 1, Methodist Episcopal 4, Methodist Protes- tant 1, Presbyterian 1, Episcopal 1, Christian 1, Catholic 1, total 14. There are also a number of Christian Scientists here though they have no organized church. The Primitive Baptists were the first to establish a church in Rocky Mount, away back in the early days of America. This church was located and is yet located near the Falls of the Tar, and for a hundred years has been a landmark and a place of gathering. The history of this church and the history of Rocky Mount have been entwined through all the years of the town's existence. The new Methodist Church at the corner of Church Street and Sunset Avenue was built five years ago, and is a model church boih arch- itecturally and with regard to convenience. With the parsonage adjoining, it cost approximately $25,000.00. The new Presbyterian Church just completed is a most handsome edifice, costing $20,000.00. Thoroughly modern and convenient in its appointments, it has no superior as a church building in this section. The ideal and handsome brick house of the Episcopal Church on Church Street is well worthy of mention, and this church includes in its membership some of the leading and most progressive citizens of Rocky Mount. The First Baptist congregation, one of the largest church organizations in the city, are preparing to erect this year a large and costly brick building on their handsome lot on Church Street, that will be commensurate with the size and wealth of this strong church.

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First Methodist Episcopal Church

Presbyterian Church — Rev. Dr. W. D. Morton, Pastor

The pastors of the various white churches of the city, are as follows:

First Baptist Church, Rev. I. M. Mercer, D. D.

Arlington Street Baptist, Rev. A. B. Harrell.

First Presbyterian Church, Rev. W. D. Morton, D. D

First Methodist Church, Rev, L. P. Howard.

Episcopal Church (Church of the Good Shepherd) Rev. R. B. Owens.

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Calvary Baptist, Rev. W. O. Biggs.

N. Rocky Mount Baptist, Rev. C. G. Lowe.

Primitive Baptist, Elder P. D. Gold.

Marvin Methodist, Rev. J. B. Thompson

South Ry. Mt. Methodist, do

Clarice St. Methodist, do

Methodist Protestant, Pastorate vacant

Christian Church, Rev. H. C. Boblitt

Catholic, Father C. B. Harriman. The colored church membership is also very strong in Rocky Mount, and while the city has its share ot the dis- reputable colored element to be found in all Southern cities, it is probable that Rocky Mount has more substantial colored citizens, who own their own homes and are succeeding in business, than any other city of like size in the South. Though perhaps a little out of connection just at this point, it might be mentioned that the negroes ot Rocky Mount own and operate a silk mill, said to be the only one owned and operated by negroes in the state, and one ot the few in the world so owned and operated.

The Rocky Mount Road District.

Rocky Mount is justly proud of her good roads, especially within a radius of five to ten miles from the city These roads, built of sand and clay are the envy of the surrounding towns, and maintain their excellence through all sorts of weather. . , „

The first great impetus given good roads building was the passage of an act through the IN. C. Legislature ot 1907, after a hard struggle, creating the Rocky Mount Road District. This district embraces 100 square miles ot territory with Rocky Mount as the centre. It is under the supervision and control of the Rocky Mount Road Com- mission, composed of one member elected by the county commissioners of Nash county, one member elected by the county commissioners of Edgecombe county, and three members elected by the Board of Aldermen of the city of Rocky Mount. The bill as passed authorized a bond issue of $100,000.00 of 40-year bonds and a special tax levy. There was much outside opposition to the bill, which was introduced in the State Senate by Senator T. 1 . 1 home, and dire predictions were made. , . , ,

It is a fact however that the working of the system has been ideal. Old roads have been straightened, new

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PHILIPS BUILDING.

Owned by Mr. Hyrmn Phil'ps, of Tarboro, unt 1 recently an attorney of Rocky Mount, how practic ng law with Solic'tor Allsbrook in Tarboto. Ths build ng is one of the best of- fice build.ngs in the city.

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roads have been built, and travelling and hauling made easy and profitable instead of the struggle that they used to be. The benefits that have accrued to the town and district are inestimable, and further work is being pushed The taxation has scarcely been felt, and the increase of land value has overpaid the cost many times All the offenders sent to the roads from the Recorder's Court of the city of Rocky Mount, and all the offenders whose crimes were committed in this district and who are convicted in the two county Recorder's Courts of Nash and Edgecombe are sent to The Rocky Mount Road District Road Force to work out their sentences. The present members of the Rocky Mount Road Commission are:

W. E. Jeffries,

W. S. Wilkinson,

W. H. Home,

E. L. Daughtridge,

E. W. Shearin.

The Fire Company.

Rocky Mount's fire company is well-manned, well-equipped and is kept at a high order of efficiency It includes 64 men.

The Chief is Dr. J. J. Battle and the Asst. Chief, Mr. D. D. Daughtridge.

The city division has as equipment, two Horse-Hose- Wagons, a Number Four Steamer, and is manned by 28

me£ w ■ W: R,a^ls.,i? Foreman- w- s- Moye 1st Asst' Foreman, and W. Soden Jr., 2nd Asst. Foreman. Quarters in the Municipal Building.

The Hook & Ladder division (Colored) is composed of Mclntyre, Foreman, and sixteen men, with hook and ladder truck. Their quarters are on Thomas Street.

The Gibson Hill Division has ten men, one hose truck and has quarters on Bassett Street. Luther Dausrhtridee is Foreman s 6

The North Rocky Mount division has a hose-truck with quarters on the Falls Road. This division has ten men with Foreman Bass.

Besides these fire departments maintained by the city, The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company keeps a hose department of its own near the shops at South Rocky Mount.

It would be a' long story to undertake to tell of the numerous acts of daring and heroism that must be credited to

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the Rocky Mount Firemen. It suffices to say, that a braver and more loyal company exists nowhere, and that each individual has proven his willingness to imperil his life if necessary in defense of Rocky Mount against the ravages of the flames. These men occupy a warm place in the hearts of the citizens of the city. It should be added that on two occasions the local department has won honors in state contests.

Rocky Mount Military Company.

Having produced men whose bravery and war-like spirit won for them high military honors, and the meed of Immortality in the Revolution, and later in the great struggle of the War Between The States, it was inevitable that Rocky Mount should have even in these peaceful times, a military organization.

Rocky Mount's military company, which is Company "C" of the Second Regiment N. C. National (_»uard, is only about three years old, and has already won honors at the two State Encampments the company has attended

They have an armory, club room and quarters on the Second Floor of the Rose Building on Main Street. The company has 47 members, and the officers are as follows:

Captain, J. S. Lewis, First Lieutenant, H. L. Daughtry, Second Lieutenant, A. E. Dixon.

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The Rocky Mount Mills.

Ranking next to the railroad company as employers of labor and in respect to size and prominence are The Rocky Mount Mills situated at The Falls of The Tar. '

These mills are three in number but are so joined together as to constitute one great industrial giant They are the support of a large mill town, now an integral part of the city, and contain 30,099 spindles, manufacturing cotton ysirns.

These mills/aside from their overshadowing importance as the city's largest manufacturing industry, are a

32

source of pride to all the people of Rocky Mount from an historical standpoint. First built in 1818, burned down in 1863 by the Federal forces, rebuilt, and burned down a second time in 1871, then immediately rebuilt, neither the exigencies of war nor the financial pitfalls of peace have been able to engulf them. Sentiment is mingled with in- terest therefore, in the regard the people of Rocky Mount have for the Rocky Mount Mills.

The secret of the mills' success and longevity can be found in the uniformly competent management since their foundation.

The Mills were launched in 1818 by three men, Messrs. Joel Battle, Evans and Donnelson, with Joel Battle as Manager. And since the beginning, for nearly a hundred years, a Battle has been manager. 93 years in one family, it is perhaps safe to say, is a record that is equalled by few other businesses of like proportions in the United States. Slave labor was used in the mills exclusively until the year 1855, when white labor was substituted. The present Treasurer and Manager of The Rocky Mount Mills is Mr. Thomas H. Battle, a great-grandson of Joel Bat- tle, the founder of the business and its first manager.

It would not be amiss to give in this connection, a few particulars about the House of Battle, which for more than a century has been distinguished in North Carolina history. The Edgecombe branch of the family was founded in 1742 by Elisha Battle (grandfather of Joel Battle above mentioned and great-great- great-grandfather of Thomas H. Battle) who came to North Carolina from Virginia, and settled on the banks of Tar River. Elisha Battle was a Senator from Edgecombe in the General Assembly of North Carolina for ten years, and was President of the North Carolina Convention which finally ratified the Constitution of the United States, North Carolina and Rhode Island holding out and refusing to ratify until certain amendments vital to the liberties of the people had been adopted. Elisha Battle was a great Primitive Baptist and one of the founders in this section, (where it even now has so large an influence) of the church of that denomination, so justly famed for probity and the practice of real Christianity. Elisha Battle's grandson, Joel Battle, was the founder of the Rocky Mount Mills as stated in the foregoing. Joel Battle's son, Hon. William H. Battle, was for eight years on the Superior Court Bench of North Carolina, and for fifteen years a Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, being regarded as one of the ablest judges who ever sat upon that court, which has been graced by many of the ablest jurists known to American Jurisprudence. Dr. Kemp P. Battle, son of Judge William H. Battle, and father of Mr. Thomas H. Battle, is a man loved and honored by all North Carolinians. Serving for 16 years with conspicuous ability and use- fulness, as President of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earlier as State Treasurer, and later as Pro- fessor of History at the University, he is now in retirement, full of years and full of honors, and is the recipient of an income under the Carnegie Education Endowment Fund given for conspicuous educational services.

33

It is sufficient to say of Mr. Thomas H, Battle, that he is in all respects worthy of his ancestry. Since his early manhood, he has been one of the most potent forces for progress and good in the building of Rocky Mount and this section. He was for ten years Mayor of Rocky Mount, his administration of the city government being a model of economy, progressiveness and general excellence. He was Alderman for fifteen years and Chairman of the Finance Committee for ten years, resigning from the Board of Aldermen in July 1910. He is now and has been since 1886, Chairman of the School Board of the city. Besides being Treasurer and Manager of The Rocky Mount Mills, Mr. Battle is at present, President of The Bank of Rocky Mount, the oldest financial institution in the city, President of The Rocky Mount Saving & Trust Co., President of Rocky Mount Homestead & Loan Association, the oldest institu- tion of its kind in the city, and of The Rocky Mount Insurance & Realty Co., and is largely interested in other things that mean much to the city.

The President of The Rocky Mount Mills, Hon. R. H. Ricks, who is the subject of a sketch elsewhere in this book, is probably the wealthiest man in this section, and his touch has seemed to spell success to every enterprise with which he has ever been connected.

The full list of officers and directors of The Rocky Mount Mills is as follows:

President, R. H. Ricks.

Sec. & Treas. and Manager, Thomas H. Battle.

Superintendent, H. L. Holden.

Directors:

A. J. Ruffin R. B. Peebles

B. Cameron W. K. Carr A. P. Thorpe J. D. Dawes R. H. Ricks T. H. Battle.

34

MR. F. P. SPRUILL, Cashi,

The Rocky Mount Savings & Trust Co.

An institution that has wielded a big power for good, in that it has helped the citizens to cultivate habits of saving and thrift, is The Rocky Mount Savings & Trust Co.

This institution which has earned from the people the familiar name of "The Savings Bank", was launched on the business sea, Nov. 2, 1903, with the following officers: President, Thomas H. Battle (also Pres. The Bank of

35

Rocky Mount.) Vice-President, J. C. Braswell (also President The Planters Bank.) Cashier, Frank P. Spruill. The capital was $10,000.00. From the initial day, this bank has prospered and has done a great work in the com- munity. The same President, Vice-President and Cashier have guided its fortunes to this day, and it is safe to say that no institution in Rocky Mount has been better managed or more successful.

At the end of the first year in business, the deposits were $76,302.65. They have grown steadily each year ex- cept the year of the famous 1907-8 panic, and the decrease that year was very small as compared with that of other financial concerns. The following table shows the deposits at the end of each business year since the beginning;

Nov. 2, 1904 - - - - $76,302.65

Nov. 2, 1905 - - - - 127,542.67

Nov. 2, 1906 - - - - 164,332.21

Nov. 2, 1907 - - - - 179,940.11

Nov. 2, 1908 - - - - 168,257.64

Nov. 2, 1909 - - - - 207,394.63

Nov. 2, 1910 - - "-' - 231,119.32 Mr. Frank P. Spruill, the Cashier of this bank since its organization, is not only a capable and faithful bank offi- cial, but a useful and popular citizen. His career is one of the best illustrations of the fact that industry, honesty and ability are bound to succeed even under adverse circumstances. Mr. Spruill was born in Halifax County, N. C. Oct. 17, 1881. He came to Rocky Mount Aug. 15, 1898, as office boy for the American Tobacco Company. In the summer of 1899, he drove an ice wagon for the local ice company. In the fall of 1899 he went back to the Amer- ican Tobacco Company as Asst. Factory Manager. In the summer of 1900, he was soda fountain boy at Griffin's Drug Store. In the fall of 1900, he accepted a position as Asst. Factory Manager for Thorpe & Ricks', leaf tobacco dealers. In 1901, through the kindness and advice of Mr. A. P. Thorpe, he was enabled to go to Poughkeepsie,N. Y. to attend the Eastman Business College. Returning in the fall of 1901, he again accepted a position with Thorpe & Ricks, which he held until the organization of The Rocky Mount Savings & Trust Co., when he was elected Cash- ierof this institution. Feb. 22, 1908. Mr. Spruill was married to Mrs. A. M. Shaw, who was formerly Miss Fannie Philips.

The officers and directors of this bank are now as follows:

President, Thomas H. Battle; Vice-President, James C. Braswell; Cashier, Frank P. Spruill. Directors, Thomas H. Battle, J. C. Braswell, J. W. Aycock, A. P. Thorpe, Geo. S. Edwards, S. L. Arrington, M. C. Braswell, R. H. Ricks, H. B. Marriott, J. R. Bennett.

36

L. F. TILLERY & SON,

INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND RENTS PHILIPS BUILDING, MAIN STREET,

ROCKY MOUNT, N. C

The firm of L. F. Tillery & Son is comparatively a new one, having begun business Jan. 1, 1911; but the senior member of the firm is so well and favorably known to Rocky Mount and all this section (having been Cashier of The Bank of Rocky Mount for 23 years) that they really need no introduction to the people.

Mr. Luther Fentriss Tillery came to Rocky Mount as a child in 1867, when what is now the metropolis of Eastern Carolina was only a small hamlet. Since his young manhood, he has been identified with things that have contribut- ed largely to the building of the city, and toward the best results from a moral standpoint. In his youth, Mr. Tillery was in the railroad and telegraph service, and was for three years manager of the Newbern office of the Western Un- ionTelegraph Co. In 1889, with Mr. Thomas H. Battle and Mr. S. E. Westray, as associates, he took part in the organiza- tion of The Bank of Rocky Mount, the first bank organized in Rocky Mount, and was elected Cashier. For twenty-three years, until Jan. 1, 191 1, when he resigned to establish his present business, he served as Cashier of that institution, and it is not too much to say, that as for efficiency, courtesy, integrity and popularity, no bank in North Carolina was bet- ter served. Mr. Tillery won not only the confidence of all who came in contact with him, but inspired in all a gen- uine liking. All these things being true, it is inevitable that his present business must be a large success. Mr. Tillery was married Feb. 9, 1887, to Miss Vyne, of Michigan, who is and has been since her first residence here, a social favorite. They have two children living. Miss Annie Vyne Tillery, and Mr. Luther Jarvis Tillery, the junior mem- ber of the firm of L. F. Tillery & Son. Mr. L. F. Tilery's father, Dr. R. C. Tillery, was one of the best known and most respected citizens of Rocky Mount, and was for two or three terms Mayor of the city in its earlier days. Dr. Tillery was a veteran of the Civil War, being Captain in the Artillery Service of the Confederacy.and was at onetime, Provost Marshal of the city of Wilmington. He came to Rocky Mount originally from Halifax County, N. C.

The junior member of the firm. Mr. Luther Jarvis Tillery is now only 19 years old, but shows fine business

37

capacity, and the future holds much promise for him. He was educated in the Graded Schools of Rocky Mount, in the Warrenton High School (N. C.,) at Culver, Ind., and in the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Messrs. L. F. Tillery & Son, write all forms of insurance, collect rents, buy and sell real estate, handling same on commission, and negotiate loans.

They represent the following standard and reliable insurance companies, among the best doing business in this country:

The Prudential Life, The New York Underwriters, the New Hampshire, The Fidelity Phoenix, The Underwriters of Rocky Mount, and The Queen.

Anybody doing business with this firm may be assured in advance that their matters will be handled with the utmost of care, efficiency, fidelity and dispatch.

^

MR. L. F. TILLERY, Senior Membei of the Firm.

38

MR. W. E. JEFFREYS.

Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of

Nash

MR

E. JEFFREYS.

Any work on Rocky Mount or Nash County that purposed to tell of their pro- gress and improvement during the past twenty years would be incomplete if it did not include a story of the life and public service of Mr. W. E. Jeffreys; for in al- most every movement and undertaking looking to the building up and progress of Rocky Mount, and Nash County especially, his energy and ability have been among the most important and potent factors. Since 1898, Mr. Jeff- reys has been a member and Chairman of the Nash County Board of Com- missioners. This position is considered by far the most important official station in the County government, corres- ponding as it does to the speakership and leadership of the legislature of a State, the Board of Commissioners con- stituting the county's legislative body.

The record of Mr. Jeffreys' administration of county affairs is a story that is a source of pride to every loyal Nash County citizen. It is certain that there is no county in North Carolina whose affairs are administered in a wiser, more economical or more business like manner than are the affairs of Nash County under the present Board of County Commissioners. Every transaction by the county is inspected just as closely and is made just as carefully and economically as Mr. Jeffreys would transact a private matter that concerned only himself. For instance when the new Grand Jury Building was erected a few years ago at a cost of approximately $3,000, Mr. Jeffreys saw to it that the plans and arrangements were so made as to furnish the county law offices to rent, which are at this time

39

bringing in an annual revenue that amounts to 11 per cent, of the total cost of construction of the whole building,

In 1898, when Mr. Jeffreys was first elected County Commissioner, the county owed eight thousand dollars ($8,000.) Since that time, that debt has been liquidated in full; the Grand Jury Building, a two story brick structure, has been erected at a cost of $3,000; approximately twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) has been spent in repairs, ad- ditions and improvements on the Court House; exceeding $10,000 has been spent in protecting the citizens of the county from the dread ravages of smallpox which gained a strong foothold in the county on the return of the soldiers from the Spanish-American War; seven magnificient iron and steel bridges have been built over Tar River and one over Swift Creek near Gold Rock, besides a large number of substantial wooden bridges over smaller streams in the county; the County Home property has been converted into one of the finest agricultural and farming properties in this section, new houses being built, the land improved, the best teams and farming utensils provided that could be obtained; and in every particular the progress and improvement in county affairs have been most gratifying. The last annual statement showed two hundred and twenty one substantial bridges, including ten of iron and steel.

All this has been done with the utmost economy, but with an eye to permanency and without burden to the tax-

payers; and it is but simple justice to say that the strong hand of Mr,

Jeffreys has been the guide and has furnished much of the strength. The county does not owe a cent now, with the exception of a small loan of $500, which the Treasurer can pay at any time without the slightest inconvenience.

It should be said too, that this fine and enduring service has been rendered the county by Mr. Jeffreys at much personal sacrifice. He is a man of large private interests. His idea of public service is such, that if ever they come in conflict, his private interests must give place to the interests of the county. It is natural therefore that he should be held, as he is held, in universal respect and esteem by his fellow countymen. His popularity was conclusively proven at the last election when he was re-elected by the most overwhelming majority of his political career. Mr. Jeffreys is a native of Granville County, North Carolina, born September 22nd, 1859; and is therefore fifty one years old, in the prime of vigorous and mature manhood. He was educated in the schools of He lived in Henderson, N. C, for four years and

COUNTRY HQME OF MR. W. E. JEFFREYS.

Granville and plunged right into business in his early youth

40

was One of the most influential forces in the founding of the tobacco business in that town. He came to Rocky Mount in I8:»2 and launched the Jeffreys' Tobacco Warehouse. His success in the tobacco business is a mattter of com- mon knowledge, and it is said by those who ought to know, that a better judge of tobacco never operated on the local market. In 1895, in obedience to his natural taste and inclination, he bought the large and valuable plantation near Rocky Mount, known as the Thorpe place, and became a planter. He subsequently purchased other adjoining tracts until his land holdings in Nash County now amount to, approximately, one thousand acres of the best and most favo- rably situated land in the county. He conducts one of the largest and best dairies in eastern Carolina. Owning only the purest and most aristocratic of the Bovine breeds, his dairy products are the last word in quality; and the famous "Jeffreys Butter" is one thing that is sought after by every discriminating house-keeper in this city.

Mr. Jeffreys is also one of the owners of the Jeffreys-Ricks Clay Works, a concern that manufactures a famous brick especially adapted for building and paving purposes, which is sold over North Carolina and adjoining states. Other things, in addition, that contribute to the material and moral progress of the city and county have found in Mr. Jeffreys a liberal patron and friend.

Mr Jeffreys' home life and his family are ideal, and no doubt account for much of the strength and integrity that have been so conspicuous in his record in public office. He was married !n 1891 to Miss Dena Lyon, and their union has proven a most happy and congenial one. They have five children, varying in age from six to eighteen, all bright and spirited, showing the refinement and gentleness that must ever result from good lineage and proper training

Mr. Jeffreys takes an active interest in Church work, and is one of the most prominent and influential members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Rocky Mount.

41

W. L.GRO0M, Prest & Ge«»'l Moo

W T. KEETON.Vice Pbest

HOWARD E BAKER. Tne<*s

11. ANDERSON, SectV.

TarKiverfiu

WE USE LUMBERMANS TELECODE

WE FURNISH ON SHORT NOTICE STAIR TRIM. PORCH TRIM

WINDOW FRAMES. DOOR FRAMES. SCREEN DOORS. AND

SCREEN WINDOWS. AND MANTELS

,nUFActURfb (HA" of tfs

KILN DRIED FLOORING,

CEILING, SIDING AND MOULDINGS.

MOULDED BASE AND CASINGS

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN

kiln DRfED NORTH CAROLINA PINZPOPLARfOAK.

DIRECT PROM STUMP TO THE MARKET.

^ocKy Mount, N.C,

THIS CUT SHOWS THE MANY BUILDINGS OF THE TAR RIVER LUMBER COMPANY.

TAR RIVER LUMBER CO.

ROCKY MOUNT'S MAMMOTH LUMBER PLANT.

Among the industries that have contributed to the upbuilding and progress of Rocky Mount and this Section, the Tar River Lumber Company is easily one of the greatest and most potent. This company's plant is at present one of the most complete and modernly equipped lumber plants in the South. It has a capacity of 40,000 feet in ten hours, and by reason of the perfect arrangement of the buildings and machinery, together with a management that for excellence of system and entire efficiency is scarcely equalled in the country, the plant is able to convert timber

42

into finished lumber at a minimum cost that absolutely guarantees its ready sale on the market at profitable prices.

The present plant of the Tar River Lumber Company is located just on the out-skirts of Rocky Mount, on the Nashville branch of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It consists of the latest improved band saw mill, the building being 36X132 feet; a planing mill 72X132 feet, which includes a band resaw with a capacity of 50, 000 feet per day for turning out flooring, ceiling, weather boarding and finished lumber of all kinds; a trim mill 48X144 feet, in which is made inside and outside finish of high grade; brick dry kilns fire proof, and two modern power plants of 500 horse power. The company has a railroad running from this mill in a northwesterly direction through Nash county, which penetrates their timber properties and hauls the logs to the mill. As a matter of accommodation to the people who live along the line, this railroad, while not a common carrier, has been hauling several thousand tons of fertilizer annually. It is the purpose of Mr. Groom, the President and General Manager of the company, (and whatever he purposes to do is pretty sure to be done) within the near future to convert this private railroad into a common carrier that will carry both freight and passengers. The benefits that will accrue to the people of that section of Nash county traversed by this railroad will be incalculable. The railroad will have one of the towns in the northwestern section of Nash county as its objective point, and may be extended further to a connecting line.

The Tar River Lumber Company is perhaps the only lumber plant in the South that cuts the log from the stump and handles it in its entirety through the different processes necessary to finish it up for all kinds of inside trim, in- cluding grills, mantels, store fixtures of all descriptions, window and door frames, etc. Many of the finest stores and residences in eastern North Carolina have been finished on the inside by this plant. The company owns a vast amount of standing timber, sufficient to supply them with the raw material for several years, and also owns several thousand acres of land in fee simple, and they are constantly adding to their holdings.

This company has a paid up capital of $300,000.00 on which it pays a substantial dividend just as regularly as the years come and go.

History Of The Business.

In 1897, Messrs. W. L. Groom, J. H. Harris, Howard E. Baker and Abram McHenry formed a copartnership to operate the old Tar River Lumber Company plant, with Mr. W. L. Groom as manager. The business was com- paratively small at that time, but succeeded from the beginning, owing to the competency of the manager, Mr. Groom, and to his thorough knowledge of the lumber business from the moment the timber is cut from the stump

43

MR. W. L. GROOM

President and General Manager.

until it has become a finished product. In 1902, Messers. Harris, Groom and Baker purchased the interest of Mr, McHenry. The plant continued to grow and prosper until April 4th 1905 when it was totally destroyed by fire, the loss being about $40,000, with insurance of $19,000. For a time, it was doubtful as to whether or not the company would rebuild in Rocky Mount. It is needless to say that this was a matter that greatly concerned every loyal citizen of the city, and there was much gratification when the company finally decided to rebuild here on even a larger and more magnificient scale. The present site was then secured and the present mammoth plant constructed.

44

"The Master Hand."

The story of the success and growth of the Tar River Lumber Company is largely the story of the wonderful experience and energy of one man. This man came to Rocky Mount, a stranger from the North, in 1896, and has taught this section a new lesson in industrial achievement, and has organized a monster business by gathering up and with a master hand, crystalizing into a great and beneficial industry, the ragged ends of what had hitherto been a slipshod, nondescript business— he has taught and assisted the people of this section to utilize in the most productive manner, their large timber holdings which had before been something of a burden rather than otherwise. Scores of families now have abundant reason for gratitude to him for the means furnished them to clear from their homes the incubus of mortgages that had been hanging over them for years. This man's name is William L. Groom, Presi- dent and General Manager of the Tar River Lumber Company. Mr. Groom came to Rocky Mount in Feb. 1896, and started this lumber business in one of the hardest years for the lumbermen since 1893. The conditions were such that the banks would not discount commercial paper, no matter how good it might be considered in ordinary times. This made it especially hard on the lumber business on account of the fact that, however fine the sales might be, they did not count for much, owing to the fact that the paper taken in settlement could not be used at the banks. It was a time of financial stringency and of business failures throughout the country. And yet, Mr. Groom so managed his plant that it was not shut down for a single day for want of business. The utmost economy was practised, Mr. Groom keeping his own books for two years, doing his book work at night from memoranda jotted down during the day when he was performing a strong man's work, actually laboring as hard as any of his men. In this way he kept things going, never failing in his confidence in the future of the business. Still, even his great energy and close application could not have saved the business if he had not been thoroughly conversant with every detail and with every necessary process involved in the converting of the standing timber into the finished product and advantageously putting it on the market. Having had experience, and having worked himself up from the humb- lest work in the lumber business, he was able to grasp every detail of the work and to give intelligent and forceful supervision to every department.

The tide of adversity stemmed in that instance, ihe business went forward by leaps and bounds making money for the stockholders, and enlarging its capacity and spreading its benefits. Then in 1907, came another crisis in business affairs— the well remembered panic of 1907 thundering the wreck and crash of scores of old established bus- inesses throughout the United States. Failures were almost daily occurrences and the shutting down of manufacturing

45

plants and the discharge of hundreds of employees was seen on every hand. All this was bound to affect the lumber business very severely, for it is well known that when panics come, building and construction stop. Here in Rocky Mount, hundreds of men were thrown out of employment; but it is a notable fact that not one day did the plant of the Tar River Lumber Company stand idle, and not one man was discharged, except for his own negligence. Again, Mr. Groom was sitting steady in the boat. He recognized the condition of the large number of men and their fam- ilies who were depending on him for their support, and he was determined that as long as the mills could run without too much loss to his stockholders, who had their money invested, that none of his men should lose a day's work. It is not a matter of wonder therefore, that labor troubles, insubordination and shiftlessness are practically unknown at the plant of the Tar River Lumber Company, and that loyalty to Mr. Groom and the company is deep-seated in their employees.

To further show the development of this staple concern, we will go back to 1904, when Mr. Groom decided to again enlarge his business and bought over a big lumber plant in Onslow county, carrying with it immense tracts of land and timber. Mr. Groom purchased this property as Trustee for himself and others, and incorporated it under the name of The Swansboro Land and Lumber Company, with a paid up capital of $150,000.00. The operation of this plant has been very successful, Mr. T. H. Pritchard being the local manager, but Mr. Groom exercising in his own way, a supervision that takes account of even the smallest details. The lumber is shipped from the Swansboro plant both by water and rail. Gasoline tugs are provided for towing purposes, and the plant owns and operates a standard-gauge railroad, fourteen miles long. The mill has every modern improvement and has a supply at present of seventy five million feet of timber. Mr. Groom is also interested in some other large propositions which are yet in their first stages of development.

The birthplace of Mr. Groom is at Big Flats, Chemung County, New York, ten miles from the city of Elmira, and the year of his birth was 1861. His father before him was in the lumber business, Mr. Groom taking on the responsibility of the success of his father's business at the early age of seventeen years, being very successful from the beginning. He was educated in the free schools of New York and completed a commercial course in Allen's Business College in New York in 1881. At the age of twenty three years, in Feb. 1886, Mr. Groom commenced to learn the finishing part of the lumber business by striking out for himself. He began in the planing mill business as stationary engineer. He was promoted in five weeks to the position of inspector and buyer of lumber where he re- mained for two years. He was then made superintendent of the planing mill and wholesale shipping department. Resigning this position in 1889, he went with a larger concern, the Harris-McHenry Company with whom he re- mained until seven years later when he came to Rocky Mount and established the Tar River Lumber Company.

46

Mr. Groom's career in Rocky Mount has been one long record of unbroken growth in usefulness, influence, popularity and success. It is not too much to say that there are few if any men in Rocky Mount who are held in higher esteem.

The citizens elected Mr. Groom a member of the Board of Aldermen, where he served four worthful years and where he would probably be yet if he had not resigned, owing to the pressure of his large business affairs. Mr. Groom is a member of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount and one of its most influential members. The work of his head and heart has been seen in the establishment of Sunday Schools and in other Missionary work where it was most needed. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Temple, and is a Royal Arch Mason, as well as a prominent member of the Pythian Fraternity, and of the Board of Directors of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce.

One of the main elements perhaps in the remarkable success that Mr. Groom has achieved has been this fact (which those who are starting in business would do well to note particularly,) as he has acquired more and more power and position, he has never for one moment let up in the dominating industry and energy which have been such conspicuous features of his business career. If there is any difference, he works harder now than when he first came to Rocky Mount, recognizing that "eternal vigilance" is the price of continued business success as well as of "liberty."

The Tar River Lumber Company's business organization, perfected by Mr. Groom, is a wonder of thorough- ness and efficiency. He receives daily reports from every department of the business. He is thus enabled to keep complete tab on the whole organization, backing this up by frequent personal inspections, and at the close of each day he can calculate to a nicety just what has been done.

Mr. Groom has a handsome and commodious residence at 226 Franklin Street, which was built from plans drawn by Mr. and Mrs. Groom according to their own ideas. It is undoubtedly one of the best and most conveniently ar- ranged homes in the city. Here Mr. Groom dispenses unstinted hospitailty to his host of friends. A picture of the Groom residence appears on another page of this book.

Altogether, it might well be said, that Mr. Groom measures up fully to that quality of man who in the words of the poet, is necessary to fitly "constitute a State."

47

Rocky Mount is famed for its beautiful and commodious residences. It is truly a "city of homes." The residence of Mr. W. L. Groom here shown, is a wonder in convenience and comfort. The plans for the res- idence were drawn by Mr. and Mrs. Groom, themselves, car- rying out their own ideas of a model arrangement.

Residence of Mr. W. L. Groom, 226 Franklin Street.

48

The Ricks Hotel, Rocky Mount, N. C.

49

KOCKY MOUNT HOSIERY COMPANY

The Rocky Mount Hosiery Company was organized in 1904. Rocky Mount business men wanted to start tome manufacturing industry that would pay a profit and help the town by employing labor. A knitting mill was suggested. The industry was investigated and the conclusion reached that it would pay if a proper manager could be secured. Mr. Geo. T. Andrews was at that time suc- cessfully operating a knitting mill at Enfield. He was induced to come to Rocky Mount and accept the management of a mill here. The mill started to work in March, 1905, under his management, in a commodious new brick building on the Nashville branch of the Coast Line Railroad, with 80 machines, and complete dye-

MR. GEO. T ANDREWS

ing and finishing plant. The fatory has since ad- ded other machinery, and now has 126 machines in active operation. The ca- pacity to start with was 350 dozen pair per day,

and it is now 600. Though not yet two years old, the plant has shown a very satisfactory profit. The quality of the work is of an unusually high order and finds ready sale, in fact, the demand is greater than the capacity of the plant. The success of the mill is due almost entirely to having secured a thoroughly competent superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews moved to Rocky Mount in January, 1905, and make a valuable addition to the social life of the city.

50

ROCKY MOUNT TOBACCO MARKET

Brief Sketch of Its History— Tobacco Raising In Eastern Carolina.

.. 5

ROCKY MOUNT TOBACCO BOARD OF TRADE

Bright tobacco has been raised in Eastern North Carolina for perhaps sixty years or more, and the ' 'oldest inhabitant" can hardly recall the time when the weed was first planted in this section. Many, however, recall the

51

hotel was then changed to the name of The Alton, receiving this name as an honor to the only child (a son) of Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Bland. The Alton was continued in operation under the ownership of Messrs. Ricks and Bland.

During the first year of the operation of The Ricks and Alton Hotels under the ownership of Messrs. Ricks and Bland, The Cambridge, which had been renovated throughout, and made into what would be considered a really modern hotel under ordinary circumstances for any city in the State of North Carolina, this hotel was operated under the management of Mr. V. E. Porch. After this hotel had been conducted under such management for nearly a year, it was purchased by Messrs. Ricks and Bland and used to assist mainly in the accommodation of guests that overflowed The Ricks. ' ,,,,,,,,.

-About the time of the purchase of The Cambridge, Messrs. Ricks and Bland decided to lease the Hotel Louise, at Washington, N. C. They spent a considerable outlay in renovating and refurnishing this hotel, which was even then considered the leading hotel of that city. Mr. W. E. Porch, whose picture appears on these pages, had achieved a fine reputation as a hotel man in Norfolk and other cities, and Messrs. Ricks and Bland realizing his ability as such, placed him in charge of the hotel at Washington,

All of these ventures of Messrs. Ricks and Bland proved eminently successful, so much so that they recently de- cided to invade the Capital city of our State and see what their ability as hotel men could accomplish in that loca- tion. A proposition was made to them by the law firm of Messrs. Jones & Bailey, they offering to erect a modern hotel building and lease same for a certain number of years to the firm of Ricks & Bland, the latter to furnish and operate same. The erection of this hotel is going on at the present time and will be rushed to completion. It is ex- pected to be finished and ready for the accommodation of the public sometime during the early Fall, certainly by the time of the State Fair. A picture of this building as it will appear when finished is shown on these pages.

Elsewhere in this book appears a complete history of the life and accomplishments of the senior member of this firm, Mr. R. H. Ricks, who has seemed to possess the happy faculty of discernment of ability in his fellow man, for with hardly an exception, every man with whom he has associated in business has been successful.

In respect to Mr. T. L. Bland, when his natural opportunities and youthfulness are considered, his success is truly remarkable. Any one having read of his accomplishments would naturally think it must have required a long stretch of years to have acquired such success, but at the present writing Mr. Bland is only 28 years of age. As we have previously stated in this article, Mr. Bland first saw the light on a farm. This seems to be a fortunate circumstance for a man of natural ability, partly accounted for from a view point that healthful surroundings give a man a strong body to support a strong mind, and also fires one with ambition to such an extent that a foothold hav- ing been gained in a more thickly settled community, application is more constant and success generally more rapid.

52

ML laMllM^m^..' jmg

Not being satisfied with work on the farm, after receiving a business ed- ucation in Kentucky, he returned to the county of Pitt (in which he was born in 1882.) and in July, 1903, was married to Miss Queenie Mc- Gowan, a woman of cul- ture, beauty and strong character, who has been of great assistance to Mr. Bland in his business enterprises. They have one child (a son) Alton, six years old, for whom the Alton was named, as above stated.

Mr. Bland came to „, „ Rocky Mount and took

THE CAMBRIDGE HOTEL, Rocky Mount, N. C. charge of the Cuthrell

in May, 19CG. His subsequent success has been told above in this article, and needs no elaboration, the plain statements of facts stand for themselves and are strong tes- timony to his business ability. Before closing the description of Mr. Bland it should be stated in justice to him that he has the happy faculty of making each and every traveling man feel at home when he stops at a hotel conducted by him.

THE RICKS HOTEL. The Ricks Hotel is a strictly modern four-story structure of stone and pressed brick, sp'.endly located on Man

53

THE LOUISE HOTEL, Washington, N. C.

Street, next to the Coast Line station. It has 75 bedrooms, (all outside,) 40 rooms having private bath; telephone (both local and long distance) in every room, and at every table in the dining room. Its lobbies, parlors, and writing rooms are hand- somely furnished; the spacious auditorium, billiard and pool rooms, barber shop and pressing club, as well as soda fountain and drug store add much to the pleasure and convenience of the guests. Has its own cold storage plant, and printery, and is equipped with an electric elevator. This hotel is as near perfect as money and thorough management can make it.

THE CAMBRIDGE HOTEL.

This hotel is second only to the Ricks in this section, and in point of service and other respects is kept at the same high point of efficiency. It is three-stories, has 42 rooms, thoroughly modern, telephone in each room, private baths in a large portion of the rooms. The Cambridge is built of stone and pressed brick and is it- self an imposing structure.

THE ALTON HOTEL.

The Alton has 22 rooms, with all modern accommodations, within a min- MK. W. L. PORCH, ute's walk of the station, and as is the case with the above mentioned hotel, is al-

Mgr. Hotel Louise, Washington, N.C. ways well filled with guests.

THE LOUISE HOTEL, WASHINGTON, N. C. This is an admirably constructed hotel, built of pressed brick. It is three stories, has 65 rooms, thoroughly modern in its equipment and under the capable management of Mr. W. E. Porch. Washington has always been a popular point with the traveling men, and since the administration of Messrs. Ricks & Bland, the Louise has been headquarters there and patronage has greatly increased.

THE BLAND HOTEL, RALEIGH, N. C. And now The BLAND! This is to be a five-story-up-to-date-in-every-detail, hostelry. Aside from the fact of its being the best in the State when completed, it will vie with any in the South and will have eighty rooms.

54

MR. J. C BRASWELL'S RESIDENCE,

55

COUNTRY RESIDENCE OF HON. R. H. RICKS.

56

HON. ROBERT H. RICKS, Soldier, Legislator, Financier.

The story of Leonidas and his Three Hundred Spartans at Thermopylae, and the tale of the last matchless charge of the Old Guard at Waterloo, have numberless times thrilled the hearts of men who love bravery, loyalty and patri- otism.

Leonidas and his Spartans, and the devoted and favorite troops of the Corsican "Man of Destiny" have long since fallen on sleep in "the bivouac of the dead"; but Rocky Mount and North Carolina are yet blest in that they do

57

r

not yet have to dig in the ashes of the past for heroes to honor. A few of them, yearly growing pitifully fewer an come US W£ may l0°k °" thCm 3nd h3Ve the St0ry 0f the priviIeSe ^ tell to fu?Sldren inthc ? years to

There live : in Rocky Mount today, two of the immortal Six who volunteered to charge the house at RethH in which charge the life of Henry Wyatt, one of the Six, was offered up as the first red sacrifice on the altar of the Southern Confederacy. These living heroes are John H. Thorpe and Robert H R cks the subject of this sketch the only other survivor being R. H Bradley, Marshal of the Supreme Court of North Carolina '

The story of he life of Robert H. Ricks is an epic that brings pride to every North Carolinian Not less re nowned in peace than m war he has come to fill perhaps a larger place in the industrial affair" o "this cut and sec" t.on than any other individual He is at present, President of The Rocky Mount Mills the largest m£uSSiiri5i« concern m the city, Vice-President and Director and one of the lareest stockholders in ThJ . R«nt of i£ " m *g ^^ffin^^l institution, Vice-President of ftefi^^ffx^^MflJiSSd^t of°f he Ig&y Mount Ice & Fuel Co., President of the Enfield Hosiery Mills member of the firm nf \}\rV* I ri" a I V

^fftnt hotels in Rocky Mount, one in Washington, and have one now in course STS?

e.gh that will be without a peer in the Capital City, member of the firm of Thorpe & Ricks among the latest teif tobacco dealers in Eastern North Carolina, member of the firm of H. E. Brewer & Co one oFthe citv's largest re lliand S?Sy ft0reS; 3nd ?art ■0WK1?eru0f the Jeffreys-Ricks Clay Works, large brick manufacturers Mr Ricks is te2£^StiffiXS£g&?'md " intereSt£d -umerousotherthings of „S?„f cAuSS ffi

SS5SS ^Sy-an^ril^f^w^1 """ ^^ the beSt f" *e ^ a"d Ss »- t

Volunteering in the famous "Bethel Regiment" at the first bugle-call to battle in 1861 sharing with Wvatt and l his comrades the first honors of the war, the breast of Robert H. Ricks was bared to he enemy"! bullets hundreds ttr mSShSm °Ahl bel°ved Southland. And when the Star of the Confederacy had Ely se : £ agony and fighting. "'"d the bloody horizon at Appomattox, Robert H. Ricks and his famous ''Manley's Battery" were st"ll

For this man NEVER SURRENDERED!

During the last fighting around Appomattox, having charged further ahead than had been anticipated, Mr. Ricks'

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SCENE OF R. H. RICK'S FARM.

;ommand in some way became cut off from the main body of Southern troops (here they delivered their last artillery ire of the war, having an opportunity to fire point-blank in the face of Sheridan's charging cavalry, and did terrible execution. Henry Biggs, uncle of the present Judge J. Crawford Biggs, was killed in the fight); and when the last lope was gone, and it became known to them that their beloved "Marse Roberf'had at last become enveloped in the reat mass of attacking hosts and had yielded to the inevitable, Mr. Ricks with two other kindred spirits "took to the nountains", determined that as they had followed the Stars and Bars four years without yielding, at that late day heir arms should not be stricken at Federal command. For fourteen days, Mr. Ricks, on foot and after a time having become separated from his companions, traversed the woods and mountains, keeping under cover and living as best le could. He crossed the Dan River at Leaksville, and finally arrived at home in Nash county, footsore and weary, Dut still unconquered and under no oath or parole. Thus was demonstrated, the same indomitable spirit and courage hat have meant so much since the war in this man's efforts to build up his wasted and impoverished South.

We write it here in plain words, but it should be written in letters of gold, that not once in those four ensanguined »rears of the bloodiest war known to history, did Mr. Ricks' battery ever retreat from a charge in front. Twenty-one ;harges were sustained at Spottsylvania Court House; at Cold Harbor, the wheels of the gun Mr. Ricks was operat- ng were actually shot down with minie balls, so completely that new wheels had to be put on before the gun could 3e moved, the only instance of the kind on record, and Mr. Ricks himself was struck five times in this one fight; yet

59

his battery never retreated from a front attack and he never surrendered. History, ancient or modern cannot furn- ish a more glorious record. Belonging to the same battery, were Thomas Rolac, afterward a United States Judge in Alabama, William Jones, for years Mayor of Petersburg, Va., Ex-Sheriff Atkinson of Johnston county and other men whose valiant conduct on hard-fought fields furnished a forecast of their subsequent achievements.

"And since that dark day in the Spring-Time, , "When a nation's sun went down,"

Mr. Ricks like his suffering mater dolorosa, Carolina, has just as bravely, and with the same sublime fortitude taken up the more harassing battle of Peace, and has wrought a great man's work in helping to raise from the ashes of ruined homes and fortunes, a new and beautiful commonwealth, infinitely stronger and richer in material wealth and prosperity, but withal, holding fast to the honor and high ideals of our fathers. Returning as stated above, after the Surrender," heartsick, but strong and unafraid, young Ricks went back to work with an old bach- elor named Wells, with whom he had lived before the war, and now began again at the princely (?) salary of $10 per month and keep". Those were hard days, but young Ricks saved his money. When he had accumulated $300 (his salary having been raised in the meantime) he made his first investment in stock of the old Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, now a part of the Atlantic Coast Line system. This proved a fortunate investment, showing even that early the sound business judgment of the young investor, and on a later sale, netted him $600 profit Mr Wells soon after died leaving young Ricks additional stock in this railroad, which he sold for $1600 In 187J Mr Ricks came to Rocky Mount and built a house on Church Street, hauling in the timber himself at night from the country He sold this house at a profit of $300, and for some time, continued to build houses and sell them. From this period his rise financially has been substantially rapid. Today he is Rocky Mount's and this section's wealthiest citizen It has seemed that he has had only to connect himself with a business to render it very successful. This of course has been due to executive ability, unerring judgment of men, and to the high standard and just methods of all his com- mercial dealings. He has been "square" to his fellow man, and his fellow man has known he could trust him

hver a busy man and much occupied with his large and varied business interests, Mr. Ricks has yet made sacri- fices and found time to serve his county and state to their great satisfaction and profit in a number of public stations 1 he people have been delighted to honor him, and never has this failed of the utmost warrant in his case He was tor tour years on the Board of Commissioners of Nash county; a member of the North Carolina House of Repre- sentatives in 1903: State Senator from Nash in 1905; a member of the Board of Education for four years and its chairman; member of the Board of Directors of the State Penitentiary; and member of the Board of Trustees of the

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PRIMING TOBACCO TO GO IN BARN FOR CUR1NG-R. H. RICKS FARM. North Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College. In each of these capacities, Mr. Ricks has served with honor to himself and with signal credit to the public.

61

PREPARING TOBACCO FOR CURING AT R. H. RICKS FARM.

The poor and the needy, as well as deserving men struggling under difficulties, have found in Mr Ricks a wise counsellor and a friend whose hand was open. At one time, when the Rocky Mount Graded Schools were in tem- porary straits, Mr. Ricks contributed $800. from his own pocket to meet their pressing needs. This is but one instance of many where he has come to the rescue of deserving men and things when they were hard pressed

As a planter, Mr. Ricks has for years been blazing the way for better and more scientific farming methods and cultivation, and consequently more remunerative agriculture. He was the pioneer in this section in the growth and culture of tobacco, which has since become such a great industry here. Here was illustrated the foresight and judg- ment that have been such prominent characteristics of his business career. Mr. Ricks owns some 1600 acres of the best-situated, most highly improved and most valuable farming lands in Nash county, besides his extensive real estate holdings in the city of Rocky Mount. His large plantation, five miles from the city, and his modern and intensive farming methods, and machinery, are a model for the farmers of this section. His plantation home is a gem, from standpoints of beauty, convenience and architecture. The broad and beautiful grounds surrounding his home were laid out by an expert landscape artist, and constitute one of the loveliest views in the county. Stately oaks and sweet magnolias add to the beauty of the surroundings.

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LOAD TOBACCO LEAVES- R. H. RICKS FARM.

63

COW BARN AND SILO- RICKS FARM.

On this plantation, cotton, tobacco, corn and grasses reach their highest state of cultivation and production. Mr. Ricks has the gift of maintaining an ideal state of efficiency and order among his tenants. Perhaps his unquestioned justice, and his consideration for their needs and comfort, account in a measure for this. His tenant houses are well built and commodious, and are all painted and well-cared for. Every facility is at hand for the cultivation and hand- ling of the crops through every stage and process, and the use of machinery wherever possible is the rule.

Mr. Ricks was married in 1874, to Miss Tempie Thome, of the prominent family of that name, and their union has been a notably congenial and happy one. They have no children; but the children of others, not so well provid- ed with this world's goods, have many times had reason to bless their goodness and liberality in the furnishing of means for education, etc.

As a banker, manufacturer, industrial captain and capitalist, the people of Rocky Mount respect and love Robert H. Ricks, for his rectitude, great ability, absolute justice and generosity; but it is as the young soldier of the South,

64

his heart fired with iove of his state and with the daring and fortitude of his nature, that he is still dearer to them— the boy in homespun charging the house with his martyr comrade Wyatt at Bethel, and fleeing to the mountains rather than taste bitter surrender in the last sad hours of the conflict. A tie that links us with the loved Past and with the shades of those who died for the Lost Cause on a hundred battlefields, the living incarnation of the tremendous force that has resulted from the mingling and fusion of the honor and courage of the Old South, with the progress and in- dustrial spirit of the New—

So, here we present him to you, "My Lords and Gentlemen," our First Citizen,, Senator-Soldier-Industrial Captain, and Master Builder; but above all, the type of which "Nature can stand up and say before all the world: 'This is a MAN.' "

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details of the insurance business. She is a member of one of the foremost families in this section and is universally popular.

Mr. Paul Gorham, who has entire control of the rental department, also comes of one of the pioneer families of this section. He has been with the firm for several years and his success in the able management of his depart- ment of the business has proven his ability.

Mr. Jacob Battle, Jr., who recently accepted a position as book-keeper, is one of the most competent in the city. He has held several important similar positions and was secured by this firm upon its becoming general agents of The Underwriters Fire Insurance Co. of Rocky Mount. He is a son of Judge Jacob Battle and one of the family of that name which has achieved such prominence and acquired many honors in the history of the State.

Mr. W. S. Wilkinson is the general agent of the Maryland Life Insurance Co., of Baltimore for Eastern Carolina and has placed a large amount of business for that company.

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I

9

MR. THOMAS H. BATTLES RESIDENCE.

67

their share to the prosperity above outlined, being the mainstay ot the country and rendering the era ot prosperity possible and to them should be given more than a liberal share of credit. Unfortunately the seasons have been noor for the past few years and the crops have been worse than poor, and the farmer has suffered thereby, and some §f them have become discouraged; but to the intelligent, who study the signs of the times, a brighter day is in store for the tobacco raiser The trade conditions are better than ever before. The large companies are invading China, Japan Corea and other countries, where the opium habit has enthralled the masses for centuries and are now sup- Wanting : that deadly curse with the cigarette, and the pipe, filled with fragrant North Carolina tobacco and are eman- dpSthose people from the slavery that has held them bound for years, and are doing beneficial work, paving Se way for a more enlightened civilization.. The leaf tobacco dealers are extending heir trade and finding new outlets for tobacco all the time, while independent manufacturers are multiplying rapidly on all sides. Thus the con- sumption of tobacco is rapidly increasing while the production is scarcely keeping pace With same. Then too .with the new methods of fertilization, as taught by the government experts, improved fertilizers being used he quality of he leaf will doubtless be improved also, and command a larger price-one that is remunerative, and it would be un- wise for the farmer to abandon the production of tobacco just when the time is a hand when he can reap the : ull re- ward of his labor. It is a wise farmer that does not put all his eggs in one basket, but diversifies his crop, Panting only so much as he can well care for and give the proper cultivation to same. Cotton is selling high now but who knows when it will reach the low level of 1901-2 when it sold for 4 to 5c. and tobacco was selling at 10 to 12c. and but for Tat staple the whole country might have been bankrupt. So let's diversify the crops, ra.se some cotton some nenniits and some tobacco and if we fail on one crop we may hit it on another and thus continue the tide of pros- Serrtv thatis sweeping o?er our fair land We have the best land and the best people on earth and with the proper efforts put forth, all working together in a spirit of unanimity, employing the best and most scientific methods, ws can make this section of the country blossom like the rose.

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THE PLANTERS BANK

The Leading Financial Institution of Rocky Mount, and Nash and Edgecombe Counties— Has the Largest Resources

The banks of a city usually furnish an unfailing barometer by which to judge of its progressiveness and worth. If the banks are in full sympathy with every progressive movement, backing them up when consistent, with an eye

, always to helping forward the small business that is deserving, as well as the larger

ones, the effect of such a policy is felt in the quickening of business in every channel of trade; and the city having such banks is bound to be a live and growing one.

THE PLANTERS BANK OF ROCKY MOUNT was born in the progressive spirit, and of men who typify the liberal and aggressive policy above outlined. In every movement for the upbuilding of the city and county since the organization of this bank, its officers, directors and stockholders have been leaders, and the support of this strong institution has been a chief reliance.

The men behind this bank, from its president on down, are men who have per- formed a large share in making the city and community what they are today and the large interests of these men are all centered here.

THE PLANTERS BANK was organized in 1899, to meet the demand for greater and more ample banking facilities brought about by the rapid growth of the city, and to foster and encourage new industries. It has been the uni'crm policy of the bank officials, as well as their pleasure, to encourage small deposi':;rs, liberally uphold them when deserving, and extend them every courtesy which the larger depositors receive. The result of this policy can be plainly seen in the great popularity and strength of this bank among the smaller businesses and among the farmers of this section, as well as among the business concerns of larger capital and greater scope. In fact, the consideration with which this bank treats its customers, and the pleas-

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PLANTERS BANK BUILDING

,.J,II ...111.. III.

J. C.BRASWELL, President

J. W. AYCOCK, Cashier

70

W. W. AVERA,

Asst. Cashier

ant manner in which all business done with them is transacted has become axiomatic, the customers feeling that in the bank officials, they have friends and valuable business advisers as well as bankers

A bank conducted along these lines was bound to become a tremendous force in the community and the follow- ing comparative statement will furnish some idea of the rapid and substantial growth in capital, deposits and resources, of this popular institution.

COMPARATIVE ST A 1 hMblN 1
Capital Surplus and Profits Deposits Resources
Jan. 1, 1904	40,000	17,458.91 158,833.01	224,694.59
Jan. 1, 1905	40,000	21,785.44	160,314.05	235,868.94
Jan. 1, 1906	40,000	28,704.04	197,340.19	270,395.06
Jan. 1, 1910	100,000	50,000.00	293,715.19	444,613.52
Jan. 1, 1911	100,000	55,178.69	341,569.65	501,257.58

greatest

valued patrons

Richmond, are its correspondents. e . , a . ,. „„_

The Board of Directors is an especially fine one, every name on it standing for honor, financial strength cour- tesy, care, and efficiency. The following stockholders are members of the Board of Directors: M C. braswell (merchant, planter and capitalist, Battleboro, N. C.) H. B. Bryan Planter, Bat eboro, N. C.) Geo. S. Edwards head ofG S. Edwards & Co. Wholesale Grocers of Rocky Mount) M. R Braswell (Physician retired and plante.) J. R. Sorsby (head of Standard Hardware Co.) J. C. Braswell (President) Jno.M. Sherrod (Planter: Whitakers, N. C and Vice-President) W. H. Newell (General Supt. A. C. L. Railroad Co.,) W. T. Wilhford (Merchant) W. S. Wilkinson (of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Co.) H. B. Marriott (Physician of Battleboro.)

The above names are a guarantee which no man can gainsay, and the sufficiency of which almost every citizen

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of Rocky Mount and this section fully knows that the affairs of this bank must be conducted with the greatest meas- ure of care, ability and integrity known to the business of banking.

THE GUIDING HAND.

An army, no matter of how brave and valiant individual units it might be composed, would fail in battle without a great and resourceful commander. And also, the policy, and success of any business of consequence must reflect in a great measure, the qualities of the guiding and directing force. No institution like THE PLANTERS BANK could have been created and built to its present magnificent potentiality in the business life of Rocky Mount, without an industrial captain at its head that combined in his character, the elements of splendid ability, unquestionable in- tegrity, and a natural capacity for leadership of men. James C. Braswell, the President of The Planters Eank, has all these and more. His training has been ideal, and a great business ability and fine sense of honor, were his, by inheritance. His father, "Squire" T. P. Braswell, was for two score years, one of the most influential, most re- spected and best loved men in this part of the state.

From his early youth Mr. J. C. Braswell has been one of the towering forces for good and for progress in Rocky Mount, lending his support to every worthy cause and frequently leading where a high order of courage has been required. He is President of The Planters Bank, President and Treasurer of The Rocky Mount Sash & Blind Co., one of our largest manufacturing enterprises; of Braswell & Levy, among the largest leaf tobacco dealers in North Carolina; President of The Rocky Mount Hosiery Mills; President of The Marygold Heights Land Co.; Secretary of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Co., leading insurance agents and real estate dealers; Treasurer of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company of Rocky Mount; Vice-President of The Rocky Mount Savings & Trust Co.; and President of The Citizens Building & Loan Association, which is performing such a fine service in making Rocky Mount a city of home-owners. His high standing in banking circles is shown by the fact that he is First Vice-President of The North Carolina Bankers Association, a post of honor to which none but the state's soundest and ablest financiers are ever elected.

One would think it difficult for a man carrying such extensive and varied business responsibilities, to find any time for public duties beyond those of a private citizen. And it speaks volumes for the apparently unlimited capacity of this man, that he has found time to wield one of the largest influences for clean and economical municipal govern- ment in Rocky Mount for twenty years past. For 17 years consecutively, Mr. Braswell has been a member of the Board of Aldefmen, and one of the controlling forces in that body. He is now Chairman of the Finance Committee,

72

which has in charge all the city's financial affairs. He is also one of the most influential members and supporters of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, and was its first President.

The power and capacity of such a man actively enlisted as Mr. Braswell has always been in the forces of Weal and Progress, is incalculable; and adding to this the fact that with his business and other connections, he commands almost unlimited resources, speaking in a local sense, it can readily be seen to what extent the city must ever remain his debtor.

It should be said too, in this connection, that as Mr. Braswell and his associates have to a large degree, all been "the architects of their own fortunes," some of them coming up under very adverse circumstances, those honestly struggling to rise, have always found in him, a sane and friendly adviser, and one who does not hesitate to extend a helping hand in time of need.

Mr. Braswell is a large owner of Rocky Mount real estate and of farming lands. His home on North Church St., is one of the handsomest in this part of the state.

Mr. Braswell was married about ten years ago, to Miss Grizzelle Burton, the charming and accomplished daugh- ter of Mr. R. C. Burton. Three children, two boys, Jas. Craig, Jr., and Robert Russell, both fine and intelligent young fellows, and one charming little girl, Lillian, have blessed the home life of Mr. and Mrs. Braswell.

Mr. Braswell was born in 1868, and therefore is now only 43 years of age — scarcely yet in the full maturity of manhood.

THE VICE PRESIDENT.

The Vice-President of The Planters Bank, Mr. John M. Sherrod, is a man "you can tie to"— a businessman of sound worth, who has been successful to a very gratifying degree. His name and character stand for integrity. Mr. Sherrod is one of the largest land-owners in Edgecom'be County, and one of its wealthiest citizens. With the large resources, he has scores of time extended his hand with financial assistance to those in need, and scores have cause to bless his liberality and generous nature.

THE CASHIER.

The cashier of The Planters Bank is Mr. John W. Aycock, and it would be hard to find in all North Carolina, a man better fitted for the responsible duties of the position.

Mr. Aycock was born Oct. 4th, 1872 on a farm in Wilson Co., N. C. His father early moved to Johnston Co., and there Mr. Aycock was reared on the farm, developing that self-reliance, and sense of responsibility which many

73

sav is hard to acquire elsewhere. Mr. Aycock attended school and held a number of minor positions up to 1892 when he went to Gddsboro as bookkeeper for B. M. Privett & Co., Wholesale Grocers. While with this firm, the Shier of The Bank of Wayne, noting the strict business habits and fine ability of the young man, (who was practi- cally a stranger to him) offered him a position as asst. bookkeeper in the bank Mr. Aycock accepted and as has always been his record "made good.'' This was Jan. 1, 1894. In August 1900 Mr. Aycock was elected Assistant Sr o = The Bank of Wayne and held that position with great satisfaction to the bank until April 1, 1905 when he resigned to accept the responsible and lucrative office of State Bank Examiner or North Carolina. Mr. Aycock s services o the state were eminently satisfactory, but he resigned; and went back in the banking business in 1906 or- ganizing and I launching a new bank, The National Bank of Greenville, N C and being elected its ; Cashier In less than a year, this bank under Mr. Aycock's administration had grown until its deposits were above $125,000.00, a fine record for the first year. . .

In Oct. 1907, Mr. Aycock was elected Cashier of The Planters Bank of Rocky Mount, and accepted, resigning his position with 'the Greenville bank, and coming to Rocky Mount.

Since his coming to this city, Mr. Aycock's influence has steadily been growing, and he is today, not only one of the mos t popular bank officials in Rocky Mount, but a highly valued and very useful citizen. He is a director of The Rocky Mount Savings & Trust Co., a stockholder in the Rocky Mount Hos.ery Mills, and a Director and, Secretary & Treasurer of The Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Aycock was married in Dec. 1903, to Miss Kate Darden, charming daughter of the late Capt. W. A. Darden of Greene County.

THE ASSISTANT CASHIER.

The assistant cashier of The Planters Bank is Mr. William Whitehead Avera a native Nash County boy, and one of the most popular and most respected of the younger business element of the city. Mr. Avera was born in Rocky Mount Dec 12, 1877 and was educated at Oak Ridge Institute. His first business experience was as book- keeper for The Tar River Lumber Co. At the organization of The Planters Bank ,n 1899 the stockholders recog- nizing his fine character and business capacity, elected him bookkeeper, in which position he served most acceptably for 3 years, and was then promoted to the position of Assistant Cashier.

He resigned in 1904 to go into the mercantile business. However he came to recognize that banking was his

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proper vocation, and in April 1910, on the resignation of Mr. C. V. Brown to be Asst. State Bank Examiner, Mr. Avera was again elected, and accepted the position of Asst. Cashier of The Planters Bank. Mr. Avera is efficient, and courteous, and possesses the full confidence of the public. The future should be bright for him. He married Miss Kate Rawlings, daughter of Mr. F. M. Rawlings, of Battleboro. Mrs. Avera died in Feb. 1907.

Mr. Peter B. Doub, the bank's bookkeeper, is a young man of fine parts, who is competently and satisfactorily filling a position that requires great accuracy and fine ability. Mr. Doub is a native of Lee County and is 20 years of age.

Mr. Sam T. Mallison the bank's collector, it is safe to say, has not a superior in town in his work, which really calls for a high order of courtesy, diplomacy and business ability. He is always courteous, and while looking closely after the bank's interests, he yet has the tact and gift of maintaining the most pleasant relations with the people with whom he comes in contact.

In fact, as has been stated it has become an axiom with this bank and its employees, that no matter what sort or class of business is to be transacted, the utmost courtesy and consideration on the part of the bank must obtain and be exercised.

And so admirably have the officials and employees of this institution been selected, that the practice of this rule is not only not a burden, but is a pleasant privilege. Appreciation of business is not only felt, but is shown in all their dealings with the public.

THE BANK BUILDING.

This article should not be closed without a word about the elegant building which The Planters Bank owns and in which it does business.

The bank building is a massive 3-story structure of pressed brick and granite. Architecturally, it is of very handsome design and appearance, and is thoroughly modern in its appointments and conveniences. It fronts 40 feet on Main St.; running west on Sunset Avenue 110 feet to Howard St.; fronting 40 ft. on Howard St. That part of the building on Howard St., and Sunset Ave., is occupied on the first floor by Wilkinson, Bulluck & Co., and the Underwriters Fire Insurance Co., the second floor by offices, and the third floor by fraternal organizations. The banking rooms on Main St., and Sunset Ave., are large and commodious and handsomely finished, in all respects fit quarters for this strong and leading financial institution.

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NASH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. (As of March I, 1911.)

By ROBERT E. RANSON, County Superintendent of Schools.

It will be the purpose of this article to give some information in regard to the school system of Nash county. Frequently questions are asked concerning the number of schools, number of children, and about other matters of concern to those who have an interest in the welfare of Nash County. It will be our purpose to answer briefly questions It is felt that the people should have as full and accurate information about their schools as it is possible to give Unfortunately this writer hasn't at hand statistics showing a history of the growth of the school system in Nash County but he is persuaded that the record of growth has been most remarkable, and he has been told that wonderful improvements in school circles have taken place within the past ten (10) years. Some of the figures are for the year 1909-1910, as the final reports for the present school year have not been sent in. Again the totals with the exception of the Census reports, do not include the schools of Rocky Mount, Spring Hope, and Sharpsburg, as these schools operate under special charters.

According to the Census reports there are 6197 white school children m the county and 4199 colored children, making a total of 10396. In Rocky Mount, there are 745 white children and 514 colored on the Nash side; in Sharps- burg 54 whites and 50 colored, and in Spring Hope there are 319 whites and 405 colored. In Nash County outside of the school districts operating under special charters there are 5079 white children and 3229 colored children. During this school year, 52 schools with 88 teachers are being taught for the white children. 32 of these are one- teacher schools. In the number of teachers, all the teachers at Whitakers (4) and at Battleboro (4 are c°u.n,ted' although the children on the Edgecombe side are not given in the Census report. For the 3229 colored children there are 38 schools with 39 teachers. Last year $16654.10 was paid to white teachers and $3857.12 to colored teachers This year the amount to white teachers will be a fraction more, while the amount lo colored teachers will be a little less These figures do not include the amounts paid teachers in the schools operating under special charters nor to the teachers in the Battleboro and Whitakers schools. The financial report made by the Co. Supt in July of last year showed that the total school fund for the year 1909-1910 was $44306.29. Of this amount $4742 57 was a balance on hand June 30, 1909; $21689.46 county school fund; $2390.96, fines, etc ; sale of property $298.68; exami- nation of teachers $180; insurance $1750; total county funds not including balance $26313 23. The total local tax fund was $7671 31 The total received from the State last year was $4725.43, this including $2500 loan fund and $500 tor high schools. The total fund was increased by private donations of $85 for libraries and $768 1.75 for buildings. $39945.42 of the above amount was expended, leaving on hand July 1 1910 a balance of $4360.87. $215.26.60 was

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Spent for teachers and superintendent; $9404.42 was spent for buildings and supplies; $1552.01 was paid for adminis- tration, this including $755.16 for county treasurer; mileage and per diem of county board, charges for taking census, holding elections, etc., $802.92 represents the borrowed money repaid; $2375. 1 1 was transferred to public high school fund, and $4284.36 was paid to the schools operating under special charters. The teachers of the high schools were paid from the amount transferred to the high school fund, and the salaries of the high school teachers are not included in the amount given above for white teachers.

The special tax for this year will be $9559.12 and the general county tax will amount to $22473.21. These are the amounts after all errors, insolvents and the sheriff's commissions have been deducted. It is impossible to tell at this time what the other funds will amount to, as this will not be known until the end of school year.

There are twenty-two local tax districts in the county, seven having been established during the past year, add- ing nearly $2,000 to the local tax fund. There are thirty-three rural libraries, eleven of these having been established within the past two years. There are fifty-one white school houses with an estimated value of $39,200 and thirty- seven colored school houses valued at $6,470, making a total of $46,170, forty-six of the white schools and four of the colored schools are reported as equipped with Datent desks. At Mt. Pleasant and Red Oak High Schools hand- Some dormitories were built last year. These, with the furniture, are worth fully $6,000. Free tuition is given all high school pupils of the county at these schools. Board is given at cost. Free tuition is also given high school pupils at the whitakers school, which is also one of the State high schools.

Of the 6, 197 white children of the county 3,389 live in districts where the term has been extended by local tax. During the school year 1909-10, more than $1,600 was expended in the various districts, not local tax districts, for extending the school term. $1,521.75 was raised by the teachers and pupils of the county for Betterment Work. The money was expended in painting school houses, in buying pictures, teacher's desks and chairs, window shades, and other things that make school houses more attractive. This year at the suggestion of the county superintendent prizes of $25 have been offered to the two schools raising the most money for Betterment Work. One prize will go to the school having a census of more than 100 and the other to the school having a census of less than 100.

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ROCKY MOUNT SASH AND BLIND COMPANY. This company is one of the most successful manufacturing enterprises in the city, and one of the best managed. The high grade of work done has created for this plant, a wide and very desirable market for its product. Among the different products turned out are Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, Mantels and Turned Work. Everything re- quired in a building of wood can be furnished by this plant. A full line of glass, in every size that can be desired, is also carried. The reputa- tion for making the best gradeof furnishings in their line, has been steadily built up by the most rigid inspec- tion of every article turned out, only the most expert labor being used, and honest and conscientious filling of every order. The fine inside work in many of the handsomest Rocky Mount residencesand other >uildings and indeed all over Eastern North Car- olina and elsewhere, testify to the high quality of the products of this plant.

This company has ample capital behind it and is therefore never at a loss for any funds necessary for

improvements and enlargement. Its president, Mr. J. C. Braswell, is one of the great industrial and financial lead- ers of this section. The active manner is Mr. J. C. Wynne, a man with long experience in the business and most admirably equipped in the way of ability and managerial capacity for his important and responsible duties.

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THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Rocky Mount's growth has been unprecedented, but no more marked than one of its most progressive institutions, the First National Bank, and the only national bank doing business in Rocky Mount. The bank receiv- ed its charter from the national government in 1904, and began business on the morning of Aug. 16th, that year, since which time it has grown in strength and usefulness.

Its directors are R. D. Bulluck, P. C. Shore, Gaston G. Levy, T. T. Thorne, W. H. Home, Geo. L. Wimber- ly, Jr., Sidney P. Hilliard and Jos. B. Ramsey, business men in whose judgment and integrity the people of Rocky Mount have full confidence.

Under the national banking system, it is the duty of these directors to meet once each month and direct the af- fairs of the institution, and they perform that duty with unfailing regularity. The strong arm of the government requires that each national bank be conducted on a high plane and in such a manner as to safe-guard the funds of the bank and to further the financial interests of its deposi- tors. The conservative, liberal and independent policy of the First National Bank has made it a principal factor in the financial life of this community.

The first home of the bank was in the Tillery Building, on North Main Street, but recently it has established new quarters in the handsome Shore Building, corner Tarboro and Washington Streets, so that its present bank:ng rooms compare favorably with any in Eastern North Carolina.

Among the stockholders of the bank are many of the first citizens cf Nash and Edgecombe Counties, in which

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banking

HOME OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK

two counties the city of Rocky Mount is situated. The stock of the bank is so weii a representative body, that the bank's policy is assured to be a broad and liberal one safe-guard the funds of the bank and then to serve the interests of the public in every way possible.

By straightforward, liberal, progressive business methods and fair treatment of its patrons, the First National Bank has taken strong hold on the affections and confidence of the people, and its doors, during banking hours, are constantly kept ajar by loyal men, women and children, who have become acquainted with its Savings Department slogan "Safest for Savings".

The following comparisons give a true estimate of the bank's present condition and it's progress:

Aug. 16, 1904 March 13. 1911

Loans and Discounts $ 20.00 $165,760.89

Surplus and Profits 60.00 5,473.30

Deposits 1,349.49 205,929.07

Resources 27,204.16 262,122.23

Those in need of the services of a sound banking institution are generally more or less interested in the personnel of its active officers, as a legitimate busi- ness is likely to succeed only under active, wise and prudent management. The customers of the First National Bank have every assurance that its management is second to none in this city.

The president, Mr. Jos. B. Ramsey, is among the first young men of Eastern North Carolina. On both sides of honorable parentage, it is but natural that in the son should be reflected the sturdy characteristics of the parents. His father was the late beloved and lamented F. Y. Ramsey, who spent his entire life in this com- munity, and was one of its leading citizens. His mother, Miss Lucy Bunn, of Nash County, was a member of the prominent family of that name, and is remem- bered for her lovely character and disposition. Mr. Ramsey was prepared for college in the High School of Rocky Mount, and was graduated from the University of North Carolina with distinction. He afterwards read law under the late Judge

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scattered, and its directors such Its officers have tried first, to

JOS. B. RAMSEY. President

James C. McRae, at the State University, from which he received his degree of Bachelor of Laws, and began the practice of his profession in Rocky Mount. He enjoys a large and growing practice, and ranks high as an active lawyer and banker. Few men at the age of twenty-nine have accomplished more — mayor of the city, judge of the Recorder's Court and president of a leading bank, and yet Mr. Ramsey wears his mantle without ostentation or conceit. He has al- ways been a strong supporter toward any movement for the up-building and im- provement of Rocky Mount, and has frequently urged upon those in authority the need of public improvements. He is one of the city's most progressive citizens. By training, temperament and natural ability, he is eminently qualified to fill the position he holds.

Dr. Sidney P. Hilliard, Vice-President, is a large property owner in and out of Rocky Mount, and is one of the best known and most accomplished dentists in the State. A pupil for several years of the celebrated Richard B Winder, Dean of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, he has achieved not only business and professional success, but has a most desirable clientele. When elected President of the North Carolina Dental Society in 1889, he was the youngest member ever so honored. He was a member of the State Dental Examining Board from 1893 to 1908, during which period of fifteen years he rendered valuable services to the State and his profession. He lends strength to any enterprise with which he is connected.

Dr. G. L. Wimberly, Vice-President of the First National Bank, is one of the most substantial citizens of Rocky Mount. Enjoying a large practice, and having invested wisely and prudently, he is regarded as one of the most prominent busi- ness men of the city. His advice and counsel largely shapes the policy of the bank and materially adds to its rapid advancement. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Wimberley, two of Edgecombe County's most lovable citizens. Em- braced in their long life of usefulness are many acts of charity and kindness. Dr. Wimberley by marriage is most highly connected, having married Miss Mary Bunn, daughter of Hon. and Mrs B. H. Bunn of Nash, the mention of whose r. b. davis. jr.. G«hi«

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names is suggestive of the highest type of Southern honor and chivalry. Mrs. Wimberley, by her lovely di tion and charming personality, adorns the home of the doctor and has greatly assisted him in reaching the manding position he holds in the community.

The Bank's Cashier, Mr. R. B. Davis, Jr., is a native of New Hanover County and a member of a distinguished family, on his mother's side largely identi- fied with the early development of the Cape Fear Section. His father is a native of Virginia and a prominent Confederate soldier, besides being a man of wide learning and information Mr. Davis first began his business career in the em- ploy of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, at Wilmington, N. C, with which Company he was associated when transferred to a more important position at Rocky Mount. Soon after coming here, he forsaw the progress Rocky Mount was destined to make and resigned his position to enter business for himself He engaged in the insurance and real estate business and became a leader in the insurance life of Rocky Mount. Mr. Davis afterwards accepted a position as secretary and treasurer of the Rocky Mount Insurance & Realty Company, a corporation doing a very large business here, and still later became Special Agent for the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company, of this city, from which position he resigned to become cashier of the First National Bank. Mr. Davis has had varied experience in the business world, and is unusually well qualified for his present position. No man in this community is more highly esteemed, or enjoys the confidence of the people to a greater extent. He is a member of the City Board of Assessors, and is perhaps more familiar with local real estate values than any man in the city. Patrons of the bank, and citizens generally, when in need of information concerning property values, invariably seek his counsel. He is at present President of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and a member of its directorate. No man in Rocky Mount has labored more faithfully and un- selfishly for the growth of the city than he, and his efforts have borne good fruit. Mr. Davis' ability, integrity and business judgment mark him as a man of the highest qualites. A few years ago he was married to Miss Annie Lee Bunn, a

sposi- com-

S- G SILLS. Atsistant Cashier

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daughter of the IateB. H. Burin, Ex-Congressman from this District, who perhaps had a wider influence in Nash County than any man who ever lived in its borders. The unprecedented growth of the First National Bank is large- ly due to Mr. Davis' able management and the confidence the public reposes in him.

Mr. S. G. Sills, Assistant Cashier, is one of the most competent accountants in the city. His uniform courtesy makes it a great pleasure to transact business with him, and his reputation for integrity is firmly established and be- yond question. His father is the esteemed Clerk of the Superior Court of Nash County, and the name of Sills, wherever it is known, signifies honesty of purpose and faithful performance of every trust. Mr. Sills is a most val- uable man to the bank, and has added largely to its friends and prestige.

Benjanrn H. Bunn, Bookkeeper for the First National Bank, is a young man of promise and counts his friends by his acquaintances. He is adding to the popularity of the bank by his pleasing manners and attention to the wants of its patrons.

Miss Sarah Gorham, Stenographer, by efficiency and by the charm of person and manner, is a valuable assistant to the working force of the First National Bank.

Hon. T. T. Thome, Attorney for the First National Bank, is widely and favorably known both at home and abroad. The people of his city have honored him continuously for almost two decades, and to every position of trust that he has been called, he has always answered with the verdict of "well done and with clean hands". Mr. Thorne combines all of the qualities of an able lawyer, a man of the highest personal integrity, a business man of pronounced ability, and a very attractive personality.

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HON. T. T. THORNE

Lawyer, Senator and Mayor

Theophilus T. Thorne, the subject of this sketch, has been for twenty years, since his first coming to Rocky Mount, one of the effective forces for good in the community. Eminent as a lawyer, one of the leaders of the bar of the Fourth Judicial District, he is also one of the most influential public leaders of the city and county, a man whom the people feel that they can trust without hazard, and who has ever justified their faith.

Mr. Thorne was born in Edgecombe county, N. C. Aug. 9, 1867, and is therefore 43 years of age having scarcely yet reached the full vigor and intellectual power of mature manhood. He is a son of the late T. T. Thorne, Sr., who was a prominent citizens of Halifax county, and of Mrs. Mary (Cutchin) Thorne, of the well known Edgecombe family of Cutchin.

Mr. Thorne was educated in the public schools of his county and at Whitikers Academy. He studied law under his brother, Hon. W. C. Thorne, and under R. O. Burton, Jr., one of the most gifted lawyers of the Raleigh Bar. He received license to practice law in the fall of 1889, and at once located at Enfield, N. C, and began the practice with his brother above referred to. In 1890, Mr. Thorne moved to Battleboro, N. C, where he remained one year, during which time he was elected Mayor of that town. In 1890, he came to Rocky Mount for permanent location.

It was quickly observed by the public that he was a lawyer of unusual ability, both in thorough mastery of the profound and intricate principles of the Law, and as an advocate at the bar. And it was also seen that he was the sort of MAN in whom confidence could safely be reposed. Therefore, he prospered, and developed and broad- ened. He soon formed a partnership with the well-loved and distinguished Judge Dorsey Battle, which connection continued until the election of Judge Battle in 1898 to the Judgeship of the Eastern Criminal Court. In 1896, Mr. Thorne was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen of the city, and was re-elected consecutively for 13 years, until he was chosen as Mayor of the city in May 1909. During 12 of the 13 years Mr. Thorne served on the Board of Aldermen, he was Mayor Pro Tern, and during three of these years, he was both Mayor Pro Tern and City Clerk. In 1896, the year of the disgraceful Fusion catastrophe in North Carolina Mr. Thorne was the Democratic Candidate for the House of Representatives in Nash county, and went down to defeat with the balance of the ticket in the general disaster. In 1906, the Democratic party in the seventh senatorial district com-

84

posed of Nash, Wilson and Franklin counties by the overwhelming majority of over

at once

HON. T. T. THORNE

nominated Mr. Thorne for the State Senate, and he was elected 4200 in the district. He was an able and conscientious representative, taking high rank in the Senate. In 1909, as hereinbefore stated, Mr. Thorne was elected Mayor and Recorder of the city of Rocky Mount, and his administration of the city government set a high water mark for clean govern- ment, enforcement of the law and general efficiency. He resigned the Mayoralty upon his reelection to the State Senate in the fall of 1910. In the Senate of 191 1, it can safely be said, that no Senator stood higher in the matter of influence or in the respect and esteem felt for him by his colleagues, than "the hand- some and silver tongued Senator from Nash," as Mr. Thorne was termed by Senator Long of Iredell. His committee assignments clearly proved that he was regarded as one of the very ablest men in the Senate. He was Chairman of the Committees on Corporation Commission; on Legislative Apportionment; on Rules; and on Enrolled Bills; four of the most important Chairmanships, and was a mem- ber of the following committees: Banks and Currency ; Counties, Cities and Towns; Election Law; Finance; Institutions for the Blind; Insurance; Judiciary; Public Buildings and Grounds; and on Railroads. As the important work of the session was done in committees, it can be seen how far reaching was the influence of the Senator from Nash. And be it said to his eternal honor, that when the question came up of voting or not voting for an anti-trust law "with teeth," and the differ- ent large interests had filled Raleigh with a strong lobby to defeat an effective bill, although all sorts of pressure was brought to bear, and "the common folks at home" had no one there to look out for them, Senator Thorne stood true to the people constituting himself their spokesman, and cast his vote and influence for the Turlington Bill, which was the anti-trust law "with teeth". It was defeated by two votes, but not by the help of the Senator from Nash. Thi^iSithe sort of serv- ice the people do not forget, and Mr. Thome's fidelity to the pgppie and his signal ability, it is felt by his friends, must carry him still hi^ger in the public service. ^-

Mr. Thorne was married in 1892 to Miss Louisa C. Fountain, accomplished

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daughter of Mr. S. K. Fountain of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne have three intelligent and interesting children; Spencer, Sallie and Randolph.

Mr. Thorne is a very extensive owner of Rocky Mount real estate and besides his political prominence, is inti- mately concerned with a number of interests and concerns that are bearing a large share in the progress and upbuild- ing of the city and this section. He is a Director and Attorney for the First National Bank, a director of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rocky Mount Graded Schools, President of the Nash County Sunday School Association, and is a Trustee ot the First Methodist Church of Rocky Mount. His large influence, and the force of his strong personality can always be counted upon to be thrown in favor of the things that contribute to the religious, political, moral and industrial good of his city and state. The people always know "where to find" T. T. Thorne, and it is this, as well as other things, that accounts for his wide popularity and his strong hold on the confidence of the people.

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fTOartjaimt. *wi&wi» nf JHr. 31. W- ii^inrs, Sarkit Jflaimt. N. GL

Mr. J. W. Hines, One of Eastern North Carolina's Most Resourceful Industrial Generals. The Man More Than Any Other To Whom Rocky Mount Owes its Largest Industrial Plant

There have been few movements for the progress and upbuilding of Rocky Mount in which the quiet but strong hand of Mr. J. W. Hines has not been one of the most potent forces. There is no glare of lights or sounding of

87

trumpets about the work of this man, but to those who have been associated with him and others who have become familiar with his methods, he is known as a hard and indomitable fighter, and one who always WINS. Mr. Hinesis a native of Pittt Co., N, C. but removed to Wilson, N. C, when young and was reared there. He is a descendant of the Hines and Johnson families of Old Sparta, Edgecombe county, N. C. He came to Rocky Mount when this city was a small village. From the first, Mr. Hines believed firmly in the future of Rocky Mount, and with the clear business insight and judgment which have become characteristic of him, he laid his plans far into the future, and quietly and unostentatiously worked up to them.

Possessing the rare quality of being able to wait patiently for the maturing and operating of his plans, and rarely if ever making a mistake in his judgment of the direction and magnitude of the town's progress, he has bought and sold more real estate than any other individual in the city, and this connected with his large industrial operations, has made him one of the city's wealthiest citizens. And be it said to his credit, that his great ability, time and money, have never failed to be placed freely at the service of Rocky Mount, when necessity has arisen. When the Rocky Mount Tobacco Market was in its infancy and its success seemed largely problematical, the support of Mr. Hines was a large factor. At one time, when all the tobacco was being sent away from this city for re-drying. The American Tobacco Co., offered to re -dry their tobacco in Rocky Mount and thus employ a large number of laborers, if they could secure a large prize house for the purpose. Without hesitation, Mr. Hines stepped down into the breach and built the prize-house, and also built the largest warehouse on this market at that time for the sale of leaf tobacco.

When the place of the location of the large A. C. L. Railroad Shops, was in question, few people had any idea that Rocky Mount would be able to secure them. Mr. Hines, comprehensively surveying the situation, thought he saw a chance to secure them for Rocky Mount. So, quietly, on his own initiative, he began taking the matter up by correspondence and by personal interviews with the highest officials of the Railroad. Repeated interviews with the continual and persistent presentation by Mr. Hines of his case, resulted in a telegram from Mr. Walters, requesting Mr. Hines to meet him in Wilmington. When Mr. Hines arrived in Wilmington, he found that he had won his case. The plans had been prepared, a map showing the land the railroad wished to secure for the shops was exhibited and a definite proposition made to locate the shops in Rocky Mount. At this interview the matter was settled and Mr. Hines came back to Rocky Mount to arrange for the city to carry out its share of the contract which he had as- sured the officers would be gladly done. On his return, he quietly made the announcement to a few astounded friends. The shops came, and with them came a new era of prosperity to the city. This was undoubtedly the largest service ever rendered to Rocky Mount by an individual, but so unassuming is this man and so averse to any kind of publicity as to his work, that no doubt a large proportion of the public now hears of the matter for the first time.

And the editors of this work wish to state in this connection, that it was only after the hardest sort of persistence that they succeeded in getting the facts from which they have written this article, so disinclined is Mr. Hines even at this late day to receive any notoriety in the matter. But Rocky Mount and her people are entitled to the facts. Another instance when the business judgment of this man has inured greatly to the benefit of the city, was in the purchase of a site for the West Side Graded School. He secured a price of $800.00 on the lot on which the building now stands, Objections were heard that the lot was too far out. He strongly urged its purchase. Using the same foresight he has used in his private purchases, he believed that the lot would greatly enhance in value; and this lot was finally purchased, and is easily today worth $10,000.00.

Mr. Hines and the corporate interests which he controls have put more bricks into brick walls than any one else.

Mr. Hines is largely interested in a number of the most important corporations in the city, and has planned and worked out large enterprises with unvarying success and superb generalship. Well versed in the intricate art and use of diplomacy, with a smooth, even temperament, but withal, possessing a tenacity of purpose that has become axiomatic, he is known as a fighter to be feared, and one who has never lost a battle. He enjoys to the fullest extent, the im- plicit confidence of his associates and of the entire community in both his business capacity and his personal integrity.

Although interested in various other enterprises, his principal business, and that with which he is most closely connected and best known, is the manufacture and sale of ice. Mr. Hines is probably the largest individual stock- holder in ice factories in North Carolina. The Rocky Mount Corporation, The Rocky Mount Ice & Fuel Co., in which Mr. Hines is the largest stockholder and the moving spirit, includes among its stockholders a group of men who represent larger financial strength than is represented by any other Rocky Mount concern.

Associated with him in the active conduct of the ice business, are his two sons, Thomas M. Hines, and J. W. Hines, Jr. Although these young men are only two years out of college, they are showing the metal of trained and seasoned business men, and are among the most respected and popular of the younger business element of the city and section. Thomas M. Hines is handling the large shipping and re-icing business at the factory with great credit to himself and the business. J. W. Hines, Jr., by his courtesy, promptness and general efficiency, is giving a most satisfactory service to the public in the city delivery. These young men give fine promise of being worthy suc- cessors to their father in years to come.

Mr. J. W. Hines Sr., besides his business interests, can always be counted on to give substantial support to every movement looking to the best moral and political interests of the city. He is largely interested in local church work, and has for three years been President of the North Carolina State Convention of the Christian Church, of which he is a member. He is a Director and member of the Executive Committee of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and one of the ruling forces in that organization.

89

THE BANK OF ROCKY MOUNT

Rocky Mount's Oldest, Most Noted, and Premier Financial Institution

Here is presented a short sketch of the institution that has without doubt been the most powerful and usefuf in the building of the lusty and aggressive eastern metropolis that is the Rocky Mount of today. This is the oldest:

90

bank in the city, having been organized Jan. 1, 1839, and has steadily grown in strength, usefulness and power each year of its history, having behind it, men who constitute a large proportion of the bone and sinew, brains, progress- iveness and financial strength of the community. These men are Reeky Mount men, born and bred, they and their ancestors for generations, and their stake in the community has been and is now perhaps greater than that of any other group of men represented by any Rocky Mount organization.

This bank was first organized as above stated in 1889, Messrs. Thomas H. Battle, S. E. Westray and L. F. Tillery being the moving spirits. At the organization, Mr. Westray was elected President, Mr. Battle Vice- President, and Mr. Tillery Cashier, Mr. Battle being then as he is now, the active manager. Rocky Mount in that day was a small village of a few hundred people, and the launching of a bank was quite an event and something of a venture. But the bank prospered from the beginning. Five years after its organization, Mr. Westray, who was one of the wealthiest citizens of the community, died and Mr. Battle was elected President in his stead. Mr. Westray 's stock in the bank was purchased by Mr. R. H. Ricks, (who was then elected Vice-President to fill the place made vacant by Mr. Battle's election as President) and by Mr. J. H. Ruffin, who was at that time connected with The Rocky Mount Mills. The capital of the bank in the beginning was $25,000.00. This has been increased from time to time, as its needs and the needs of the town for financial accommodation have grown larger, until now it has a capital of $100,000.00, and undivided profits of $60,000.00.

The Bank of Rocky Mount ever since its organization, has led where matters that would benefit the city have been in question, and has never hesitated to back up with the necessary funds every sane movement for the upbuild- ing of the community. One case in point is that of the tobacco market, now grown to be one of the largest employers of labor and producers of wealth in the cky, employing in one capacity or another, people who are the support of perhaps 20 to 25 per cent of the population of the city. The establishment of the Rocky Mount Tobacco Market, the first in Eastern North Carolina, was considered a good deal of a risk. But the officers of this bank after fully inves- tigating the situation and the conditions, were persuaded that the culture and production of tobacco in this sec- tion was bound to become in time a great industry, and arriving at this conclusion, The Bank of Rocky Mount, with the decision, and the confidence in the city which it has always shown, did not hesitate to furnish the necessary finan- cial assistance through several years of varying success in the industry, to place the market firmly on its feet. It is not overstating the proposition to say that Mr. Battle and The Bank of Rocky Mount are responsible for the success of the market, as they are responsible for a number of other things which have been strong elements in the city's de- velopment. Beginning business when the city was a country village, the growth and success of this bank and the growth and progress of the city, have been so interwoven, and their interests and movements have been so joined,

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that it is difficult to think of one without thinking of the other. The people have come to feel about The Bank of Rocky Mount much as they feel about the postoffice, as a public institution in every sense of the word, the people's bank, and the Rocky Mount Bank in the broadest meaning.

THE HEAD OF THE BANK.

The commanding and powerful position attained by this bank in the financial circles of this city and section, and the magnitude of the work it has wrought could not be accounted for on any other hypothesis than that at its head, guiding its fortunes, and directing its policies, must have been a strong and resourceful industrial captain, not only a man of great business ability, but a man of broad views and sympathies who commanded the respect of the whole community, and knew how to gather about him and manage the right sort of men.

And so it has been. The president of the bank is Mr. Thomas H. Battle, who has been its active manager since its birth. This fact would alone explain the bank's success and usefulness to the thousands who know this man.

It might be said of Mr. Battle that he is a great business general, successful in everything to which he has put his hand— that would be true; it might be said that he has been the greatest individual force in the building of the city and in the giving to it of the cleanest and wisest municipal government for a quarter of a century of which any town in the state can boast — that would be true; it might be said of him that he is a public leader in whom every man, woman and child in the city has the fullest confidence and who has never led them except to their best interests— that would be true; but the rare quality which the people rightly attribute to Mr. Battle and which he has ever justified, we believe to be finer than all, and the Editors of this work find pleasure in the privilege of giving it expression here: "That Mr. Battle is a man who regards his word when given as meant to be kept, not only to the mere letter but to the fullest meaning that was in contemplation, who scorns and hates all subterfuges, who knows no way of meeting an issue save straight from the shoulder and face to face, and who, whether he holds the advantage or not, disre- gards it to do plain and simple justice."

Mr. Battle comes of distinguished ancestry. He was born in Raleigh in 1860, his father being Dr. Kemp P. Battle, ex-State Treasurer and ex-President of the University of North Carolina, whose name is a household word in this State and a synonym for high purpose, great ability and stainless worth. Mr. Thomas H. Battle's grandfather was the able and gifted Judge William H. Battle, for many years one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

Mr. T. H. Battle was educated in the schools of Raleigh and at the State University at Chapel Hill. He studied law under Dr. John Manning, graduating in 1882 and receiving his license to practice law from the Supreme Court

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the same yean He iocated in Tarboro at once, and within two weeks was elected Solicitor cf the Inferior Court of the county. Remaining in Tarboro a year and a half, he then removed to Rocky Mount. On the retirement of Mr. J; H. Ruffin from the position of Treasurer of The Rocky Mount Mills, Mr. Battle (who was then President) was elected to succeed him, and has been since, and is now, the active manager of that noted concern. His duties at the mills, together with his duties as President of The Bank of Rocky Mount and his interests elsewhere, forced him to give up the practice of law.

Since that time, Mr. Battle's influence and business connections have grown wider and wider, his extraordinary capacity for Work and management permitting him to increase his responsibilities to an extent that seems appalling, but which he has ever easily and capably carried; and there has never been a moment when all the influence and resources at his command were not at the service of Rocky Mount when occasion arose.

To give one instance of many that show the generosity and fine public spirit of this man, it might be related that at one time When the Rocky Mount Graded Schools were in urgent need of a large sum, (about $1,600.00) to finish one of the present school buildings, Mr. Battle contributed from his own pocket half the amount necessary, giving $800 to this purpose, the other half being contributed by Mr. R. H. Ricks, Vice-President of this Bank. As Chairman of the Graded School Board for many years it can be said without question that Mr. Battle has done more for the educational interests of the city than any other citizen. It is a work that is close to his heart, and he has retained this post because of his devotion to the public school cause, after declining continued honors in the municipal govern- ment. Full details of Mr. Battle's eminent public service can be found in the sketch of The Rocky Mount Mills elsewhere in the book (of which mills he is Treasurer and Manager) and to which reference is made.

Mr. Battle was first married to Miss Bettie Davis, of Wilson, aud from this union he has one son, Mr. Kemp D. Battle, Attorney at Law, and graduate of the State University. Mr. Battle was married asecond time in 1895 to Miss Sallie Hyman. and four children, three of whom are living, have blest his last marriage. Mr. Battle is not a member of any fraternal organization, and finds his greatest pleasure in his ideal home life with his gifted wife and intelligent and lovable children. He is one of the most prominent members of the Episcopal Church of Rocky Mount.

VICE-PRESIDENT R. H. RICKS,

Mr. R. H. Ricks is Vice-President of The Bank of Rocky Mount, and his name and ability make up one of the substantial elements of its success. A full story of the life of this soldier-hero, legislator and resourceful financier, can be found elsewhere in this book. We will attempt no sketch here.

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THOS. H. BATTLE, President

S. L. ARRINGTON, Vice-President

J. R. BENNETT, Cashier

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VICE-PRESIDENT SAMUEL L. ARRINGTON.

Mr S L. Arrington was born at Hilliardston, in Nash County, March 11, 1860, and is a son of the late Hon A. H. Arrington, who, in his day and generation, was the most prominent and influential man in Nash ^ounty and in- deed in this section of the State, having represented his district in the U. S. Congress and later in the Confederate Congress. His mother was before marriage Miss Kate Wimberly, daughter of the late R. D. Wimberly of fcdge- combe County, whose descendants are still prominent in Edgecombe County and the State.

Mr Arrington while a mere youth, gentle, modest and unostentatious as he was, showed marked evidences or business tact and ability, and as years passed by it was found that he had made few mistakes that his )udgment in all his business affairs was good and as a result of his cool deliberation and financial ability, he has amassed large landed estates both in North Carolina and in Alabama, beside having other large business interests which are prot-

Mr Arrington has never married. He has lived in Rocky Mount since 1882. He has never had or sought any political office, though often giving his time freely and effectively to his friends who stood tor omce.

Mr. Arrington and the late John H. Hunter were strong personal friends and at his death many years ago Mr Hunter devised his most valued possession, his batchelor home near town, to his friend, who preserves it and Keeps it always ready for occupancy for himself and his friends when the city becomes oppressive to them He is presi- dent of and owns a half interest in the Arrington-Bissette Co., a very large mercantile business in Nashville, which owns a controlling interest in the Farmers Oil Company of Nashville; is Vice-President of The Bank otKocky Mount in which he has been a director for many years; is a director in the Rocky Mount Saving & 1 rust Lo and is as considerate and polite to the small boy who wants to raise ten cents to help him get a base ball bat, as he is to the prosperous man who wants to borrow a thousand or ten thousand dollars.

MR. J. R. BENNETT, CASHIER.

Mr. J. R. Bennett, the competent and courteous young Cashier of The Bank of Rocky Mount is largely a product of the bank having been employed there since he was 17 years eld, in 1903. Mr. Battle bel eves iin the , tank promoting its own employees to the responsible positions when they show the proper merit, and the case or Mr Bennett is an instance of this policy. Mr. Bennett is now but 24 years old, having been born Oct. 9. 1886 n Warren County His father moved to Rocky Mount in 1890 when young Bennett was four years old. Mr. Bennett received

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his education in the Rocky Mount Graded Schools, and first came to the bank in 1903 as Collector. From that posi- tion, he has by ability, close application, and unremitting loyalty worked his way steadily up to the responsible and prominent position lie now occupies. It is a big thing for so young a man, but Mr. Bennett performs his duties and carries his responsibilities well, possessing the full confidence of his superiors and of the public at large.

The Assistant Cashier is Mr. W. G. Robbins, who also performs with great satisfaction to the bank the duties of bookkeeper, which require much ability and great accuracy. Mr. Robbins is also a young Rocky Mount man who is deservingly winning his spurs in The Bank of Rocky Mount. Mr. Norman Bennett is Collector, and is one of the best in the city, tactfully and efficiently looking after his work but at the same time is uniformly courteous to the pub- lic. He makes a third of the trio of young men who under the guidance and advice of Mr. Battle are being qualified for the highest duties of business and citizenship. The stenographer of this bank is Miss Lena Redmond aud her work in her line measures up to the high standard which the bank maintains in each of its departments.

In closing it might be said, that The Bank of Rocky Mount numbers its friends and patrons among the Wealthy and the poor, and in every walk of life. The small depositor receives the same courteous consideration, that the larger depositors receive. And the character and ability of the officers and directors are such as to make every man who puts a dollar in this bank feel absolutely assured that his money is not only perfectly safe, but is receiving the maximum of care, efficiency and ability known to the banking business.

The Board of Directors of The Bank of Rocky Mount is as follows:

Thomas H. Battle (President) R. H. Ricks (President Rocky Mount Mills) G. T. Matthews (Head of Matthews, Weeks & Co., Wholesale Grocers) J. P. Whitehead (Physician) George J. Hales (Head of Geo. J. Hales & Bro., Wholesale Grocers) L. V. Bassett (Attorney at Law) T. J. Hackney (of Hackney Bros., Buggy and Wagon Manufact- urers) A P. Thorpe (of Thorp & Ricks, Leaf Tobacco Dealers) S. L. Arrington (of The Arrington-Bissett Co., of Nashville) D. J. Rose (Contractor) E. G. Muse, Durham N. C. (Manager Sales Department for N. C. of Virginia- Carolina Chemical Co.)

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ROCKY MOUNT HOSIERY COMPANY.

This is one of Rocky Mount's important manufacturing concerns. The factory, a cut of which is shown here, is in the western portion of the city, on the Nashville branch of the A. C. L. R. R. Tne Rocky Mount Hosiery

Company was organized in 1904, and has been uni- formly and largely success- ful. They have now in operation 214 machines, employing 200 hands, with a capacity of 800 dozen pair per day, the capacity of the plant having been increased fifty per cent, last year. The pay roll amounts to $3,000.00 per month. A good class of labor is em- ployed, and few industries in the town are of more actual benefit to the busi- ness life of the city. This

mill together with the Enfield Hosiery Mills, also owns the controlling interest in the Littleton, (N. C.) Hosiery Mill, and'the manager of this mill, Mr. Geo. T. Andrews, operates in addition, the Enfield, (N. C.) Hosiery Mill. The Rocky Mount factory has a complete dyeing and finishing plant. The combined capacity of the three mills is 2,000 dozen pair per day. The manufactured product has always found a ready market because of the high merit of the goods The President and Treasurer of the company is Mr. J. C. Braswell (President of The Planters Bank), the Vice-President is Mr. Geo. S. Edwards (of Geo. S. Edwards & Co., Wholesale Grocers), and Mr. Geo. T. Andrews is Secretary and Manager. Mr. Andrews is a man of long experience in the business, and the successful record he has made in the management of this mill is ample proof that he is the right man in the right place.

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W. D. & C. A. COCHRAN.

Largest Clothing, Gents' Furnishings and Shoe Store on the Atlantic Coast

Line Between Richmond and Charleston.

The large clothing store of Messrs. W. D. & C. A. Cochran, on Main Street, is one of the show places in Rocky Mount. As indicated in the headlines, these gentlemen carry the largest stock of clothing, gents' furnishings and shoes to be found anywhere on the Coast Line between Richmond, Va., and Charleston, S. C, the value of the stock carried being approximately $50,000.00. Their store is artistically arranged— double-decked, airy and well lighted— and they occupy something like 9,000 square feet of floor space in their sales rooms. While trying to have goods for every class of trade, their specialty is the better and higher class of goods, and so well known has this fact become over Rocky Mount and a wide surrounding territory, that the very fact of goods having been purchased at Cochran's has come to mean that they are of the best grade. It has been the policy of this store to sell on small profits, backing this up with economy and the highest class of system and business management, so that the benefit of the saving could go to the store's customers, and yet an average profit accrue to the business. This is one of the facts that account for the wide popularity and enviable reputation of this business,

The senior member of the firm, Mr. W. D. Cochran, is known as one of the city's very ablest business men, a man whose integrity has always been above question, and who has won the respect of this whole section by his eminently good business judgment, square dealings and his clean character. Mr. Cochran is a native of Halifax County, N. C, was born January 13, 1856, and lived on the farm until after his majority. He spent some time in the mercantile business as salesman in Weldon, Oxford, and in the Mississippi Valley. Traveling over most of the great West in search of a business location, he finally returned to North Carolina and came to Rocky Mount, fore- seeing well the great future of this city. He established his business here in 1894, and his record in Rocky Mount has been a continued growth in success, influence and in the respect of the community for him as a wise and sane business man and a very useful citizen. The large business he has built here is alone a sufficient testimonial to the fact that he possesses extraordinary business generalship and fine judgment. Mr. Cochran was married April 30, 1896, to Miss Virginia Morecock, charming daughter of Capt. and Mrs. J. E. Morecock, of Halifax county. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have two children.

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Interior View of W. D. & C. A. Cochran's Store.

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The junior member of this firm is Mr. Charles A Cochran, one of the most prominent and popular ot the city s younger business element, and a nephew of Mr. W. D. Cochran. Mr. Charles A Cochran was born in Weldon, NC December 20 1875. He spent his youth in Virginia, to which State his father moved about 1884. He was connected for about seven years with a mercantile business in Emporia, Va„ coming to Rocky Mount as salesman

f°r ^C^^JSp^^ofAt of the city with his capacity for business and with the further fact that he is a man n whom trust and confidence may be reposed with full safety By his uniform courtesy good fellowship honorable life and conduct, he has become very popular, not only in business and soca circles of the city , but amone neoDle in every wa k of life. He became a partner in the business in the Spring of 9 0, earning his success dv forcePofhis ow aMiTy honesty and industry. Mr. Cochran was married June 30th, 910 to Miss Mary Scot Bulluck of Enfield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Bulluck of that town. Mrs. Cochran is a lady of many graces and accomplishments, and makes a valuable addition to the social life of the city.

The large brick building now occupied and owned by this firm was built in 1896, made necessary by the rapid and substantial growth of the business, and no concern in the city has better quarters

In closing it should be noted that one of the potent elements in the success of this business has been that every customer of theirs has come to feel that he can, with entire safety, trust implicitly in whatever representations are made™ him by either of the proprietors or their salesmen. It has always been a cardinal principle of this house mat every customer must know exactly what he is buying, and even the slightest misrepresentation would not be

^Asli conseque^c?: of this principle, uniformly practiced, this firm sell clothing to customers living all the way from Richmond to Augusta.

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WILKINSON, BULLUCK & CO.

One of the City's Largest and Most Important Organizations.

Conduct insurance, Real Estate and Rental Business.

Have General Agency for Three Fire Insurance

Companies.

In writing of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Co., there is nothing stronger than a bare statement of facts to prove what this business has accomplished in the upbuilding of the community in which they are ocated Truly itcan be said of the above firm that the bare relation of what it has done to assist in the upbuilding of Rocky Mount ne eds no em- bellishment The last census published by the United States Government proved by the actua figures that Kocky Mount grew more in proportion than any other city in the State, a full relation of which is given elsewhere m this book. The connection it has with Wilkinson, Bulluck & Company is that the industrial progress of Rocky Mount in the last ten years has been thoroughly interwoven with the accomplishments of the above jwmed firm. Hardly any movement of a public or industrial nature has been started in Rocky Mount during the time named but that it has received at least a strong support from this firm. . mim .. m1,ct h_ „„

At the head of any successful business can always be found the brain of one individual; of course he must be as- sisted by able lieutenants. The guiding hand of the firm of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Company hasbeen and isst .1 centered in the person of Mr. W. S. Wilkinson. No one individual has been more concerned in the advancement ot the cSsremarkaSe industrial progress than the individual named. The amount of work that this man accomphshes is not generally known; those who have opportunity of realizing it wonder how he really does it The solution lies in the fact of his remarkable executive ability, and he enjoys at the present time not only the unbounded

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confidence of this entire community, but his work has been of sufficient scope to make him recognized as second to no man in the insurance business in North Carolina. His business ability and absolute integrity, not only in fulfilling the letter of his obligations, but in the spirit of fair dealings between man and man, has gained for him the confidence of a large circle of strong business men over the entire State. In the course of his work in Rocky Mount he has come in contact with not only business men in the insurance line, but in nearly all lines of business and the directory of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company bears strong testimony of the confidence and esteem in which he is held by business men, not only in his home community, hut in other cities, for really it was an attestation of their confi- dence in his ability as an insurance man and his integrity as a business man, that these directors and other stock- holders in the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company gave in putting their money in this enterprise.

Mr. Wilkinson was born in Tarboro, Sept. 4th, 1866, being the son of Mr. F. S. Wilkinson, one of the State's most noted educators. (Mr. F. S. Wilkinson has always enjoyed the reputation of being thorough in his work and he inculcated this spirit in the training of his son.) After preparation for a higher course under his father, Mr. Wilkin- son attended the State University and graduated at that institution in 1887. Recognizing the possibilities of this city, he moved here in 1894 and became a local agent in the fire insurance and real estate business. Although at that time the field was small and the contest for business sharp, by sheer ability and work Mr. Wilkinson gained a strong nucleus for a prosperous business, and in 1901 the firm of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Company was formed, con- sisting of Mr. J. D. Bulluck and Mr. W. S. Wilkinson, as managers with Mr. J. C. Braswell as a third partner. This firm was incorporated in 1902. After several years successful business the interest of Mr. Bulluck was purchased by Mrs. Wilkinson, as Mr. Bulluck desired to engage in other lines of business. As a strong busi- ness had been established, it was decided to retain the firm name, but for the past seven years Mr. Wilkinson has been the active manager of the business, and Mr. J. C. Braswell, one of the city's strongest financiers, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this book, his strong business partner and associate.

Mr. Wilkinson was married in 1891 to Miss Lula Wimberley, daughter of Mr. G. L. Wimberley, which name stands among the very most prominent in this part of the State. They have six children and live in one of the handsomest residences in the city on the Falls Road (which is one of the most desirable residential sections of the city). A picture of Mr. Wilkinson's home appears elsewhere in this book.

The firm of Wilkinson, Bulluck & Company has shown a remarkable increase every year since its formation until today it does one of the largest insurance, real estate and rental agency businesses of any firm in this 'State.

Ever since the formation of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company Mr. Wilkinson has been general agent. In 1908 the Seaboard Fire Insurance Company, of Norfolk, Va., entering North Carolina, placed their general agency

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with him. In April, 1910, the Atlantic National Fire Insurance Company, of Macon, Ga., entering the State, made the third company for which Mr. Wilkinson is general agent.

On account of growth of business, in 1909, Mr. Geo. A. Wilkinson, a brother of the person of this sketch, who was engaged in the insurance business in Tarboro, was secured as special agent for the three companies named, and has been extremely successful in getting a desirable line of business for these companies. He is a young man of charming personality, knows the business thoroughly, and thereby secures favorable consideration from local agents all over the State. , „ , . , ,

Mr W S Wilkinson is one of the most versatile men with whom the editors of this book ever came in contact. Not only is he versatile, but he is efficient and thorough in all that he undertakes. As an evidence of appreciation of his ability we will cite the fact that he was elected County Superintendent of Education of Nash County after he had been a native of the County for only a few months. This position Mr. Wilkinson held continuously for 10 years until he was forced to resign on account of it being necessary for him to give his attention to details of other interests. How- ever he is today Chairman of the County Board of Education, and is still actively interested in the progress of edu- cation in Nash County. A sketch of Nash County's public schools is given elsewhere in this book, which shows that Nash County has not been backward in educational progress, and this has been due largely to the active and untiring work of Mr. Wilkinson. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Rocky Mount Graded Schools. He is an expert mathematician, and when county conventions are held where rapid clerical count is needed, it has been almost invariably the rule for Mr. Wilkinson to be selected as secretary. Mr. Wilkinson is Secretary of the Rocky Mount Road Commission, and one of the five members of the Board of Directors. He was largely instrumental in having a special bill passed which gave the country within a radius of ten miles of Rocky Mount an opportunity to improve her roads, and he has been an active factor ever since in the work of road im- provement. It has often been said that education and good roads go hand in hand, and Mr. Wilkinson recognizing this, has taken an active interest in both. He is also Treasurer of the Y. M. C. A. funds, and actively asi?lst^d ln the raising of the $5,000.00 which the citizens of Rocky Mount contributed to equip the $50,000.00 Y. M L. A. building, which is now in the course of erection in our city. Mr. Wilkinson is a Director of the Planters Bank, and Rocky Mount Hosiery Company, and a member of the Finance Committee of both institutions. In starting this arti- cle it was stated that the industrial progress of Rocky Mount was interwoven with the history of the persons of this sketch and as the facts are related the statement is absolutely borne out. It seems remarkable that one man can be concerned in so many enterprises and successful in all; but this is due largely in the present instance to the truly remarkable ability that he possesses to choose and to train able and capable assistants.

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It would be impossible to carry on the immense business transacted by this firm unless they had an able and thoroughly trained corps of assistants. Every one of their employees are highly efficient and capable.

Miss Lucy C. Thorpe, one of the city's most charming and popular young ladies, accepted a position with this firm nine years ago, and has been with them without a break continuously since that time. Through long experience she has become rapid and expert in the details of the insurance business, and the number of policies that she has written would run up into the tens of thousands. Unquestionably Miss Thorpe is one of the most competent assis- tants in the insurance business in the State. She was stenographer for the firm until the business grew to such an extent that it now takes practically her entire time writing policies. _

Mr Paul Gorham is in charge of the rental department, and he also has been with the business nine years. He has under his management one of the largest, if not the largest, rental business in the State. He is a young man of energy and strong character, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

Mr C W. Coghillhas been with the firm four years. His preliminary training admirably equipped him tor the responsible duties that he now discharges. He started his business career as an office boy in the Bank of Rocky Mount He remained with this institution eight years, enjoying their implicit trust. He resigned the position as as- sistant cashier in this bank in order to establish for himself an insurance business, but very soon after entering this line of work he received an attractive offer from his present firm, as their bookkeeper. He is not only considered one of the most expert accountants in the State, but he also possesses a thorough knowledge of the principles of the insurance business. He possesses the confidence of his firm to such an extent that he is entrusted with large responsi- bilities. He is conscientious in his work, and is always on the lookout for the mutual protection of all parties con- cerned in the transaction of business with his firm.

Owing to the growth of this firm's business, about a year ago Miss Etta Lancaster was employed as private stenographer for Mr. W. S. Wilkinson, and to assist in the other work of the office. In keeing with the rest of the assistants in this office, she is rapid and efficient.

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UNDERWRITERS FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

OF ROCKY MOUNT

Organized, Owned and Operated by Home People, and Eminently Success- ful. Every Year Shows Gratifying Gains

The organization of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company of Rocky Mount is a strong testimonial of the capability and spirit of progress possessed by the business men of this city, and especially so by those responsible for the organization of this Company, which has been of such an immense advantage to the city's industrial life.

During the year 1905, Mr. W. S. Wilkinson, and his business associates recognizing that the time was propi- tious for the organizing of a company that would bring home some of the revenue paid for insurance, undertook this enterprise. These men guaranteed the stock, and the work of interesting a large number of the business men of the city and adjacent territory was undertaken. In a remarkably short time the amount of $51,500.00 capital, and $12,- 875.00 surplus was subscribed and the Company organized. Dr. M. R. Braswell was elected president, Mr. T. J. Hackney, vice president; Mr. J. C. Braswell, treasurer, and Mr. W. S. Wilkinson, secretary. A strong board of di- rectors was selected from the stockholders. Since that time the Company has been eminently successful, so much so, that at each time for the selection of officers there has been no change from those originally selected. Also the Board of Directors, with a few exceptions, has remained the same. At the present time the following compose the Board of Directors, all known as successful business men: Messrs. W. L. Sherrod, Geo. B. Curtis, and S. G. Bellamy, of Enfield, N. C, Dr. J. C. Braswell, Mr. J. M. Sherrod, Mr. W. T. Braswell, and Dr. R. H. Speight, of Whita- kers, N. C; Messrs. J. B. Philips, H. B. Bryant, M. C. Braswell, and Dr. H. B. Marriott, of Battleboro, N. C, Dr. J. P.Wimberley and Mr. Frank Shields of Scotland Neck, N.C.,Mr. S. F. Austin of Nashville, N.C., Messrs. W. D. Hackney and W. L. Banks of Wilson, N. C, Dr. W. P. Mercer and Mr. R. S. Wells of Elm City, N. C, Mr. J. D Bulluck, of Leachville, N. C, and Messrs. F. C. Ferguson, T. J. Hackney, J. C. Braswell, G. S. Edwards, D. J. Rose and Drs. M. R. Braswell and G. L. Wimberley, of Rocky Mount, N. C.

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DR. M. R. BRASWELL, Pres'dent

T. J. HACKNEY, Viee-Piesidenl

W. S, WILKINSON/ Secretary

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. The company Was organized as stated with the purpose in view of trying to keep at home some of the tremen- dous volume of money that has always been sent away for insurance purposes, and it was decided to do business only in North Carolina. Besides the business men interested in the Company from Rocky Mount, there have been a large number interested in other cities and towns in the Stale. The result has shown that our people are patriotic, have faith in home brains and ability, and recognize the good business policy of keeping money at home so that they may reap some of the benefits thereby. The plan of operation of the Company is ideal, it being so constituted as to show, it would seem absolute and perfect safety in the handling of - its business. The Executive Committee consists of Messrs. T. J. Hackney, Geo. S. Edwards, J. C. Braswell, Dr. Geo. L. Wimberley and Dr. M. R. Braswell, and meets every month for the purpose of investing the funds and examining the affairs of the Company. The Direc- tors meet every six months and a thorough examination of the condition of the Company is made. By this method all the transactions of the Company are quickly brought under the observation of a large number of fine business men. One reason for the gratifying success of this Company is the great care that is taken in the selection of risks. A great deal of consideration was given the matter before the selection of the officers of the Company, and as a con- sequence, no Company could be more fortunate in that respect, for all four of the officers are men who have achieved success by their own efforts and ability. The officers and Directors are not mere figureheads, as is the case in instances of some organizations that make a bid for public faith, but are men who realize their responsibilities, and strive at all times to properly discharge them.

'1 he president Dr^JVl. R. Braswell, is a man recognized as one of our foremost business men, a man well quali- fied for the position that he holds."~TTe is one of three sons of the late loved and lamented T. P. Braswell. His father was an eminently successful and beloved man, and the three children that he left received an early training under his guidance that well qualified them for business careers. It is not amiss to here state that all have made well use of their talents, and opportunities, and have given at all times their time and money on a broad plane for the advancement of the community in which they have lived. Dr. Braswell was educated and trained for a physi- cian, in which profession he was absolutely successful; but his business affairs grew to such a large extent that he' felt that 'he did not want to continue the practice of his profession unless he could give it his undivided time and atten- tion, and recognizing his respons-'bilities as a large planter and property owner, and director of numerous enterprises, he recently retired from the practice of his profession. He received his education at Bingham, Wake Forest, the University of N. C, and the University of Maryland. He was married in 1894 to Miss Mamie Hackney, the beauti- ful and cultured daughter of Mr. T. J. Hackney. They have two bright and intelligent children, Mamie and Emily. His wife being the only child of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Hackney, Dr. Braswell and his family have their home with her

107

fe «,h\rh i< the most handsome and expensive residence in Rocky Mount, and which would be a credit to any parents which is the most hana so me «™| P b f th it >s industries, and is a stockholder in practi-

Clt,T '" ™ Sindustrv that Sheen gotten up for the furtherance of the city's progress. He is vice president of the ^k^l^S^&Blta"&Sdto hisP efforts is due the fact in a large measure, that the Rocky Mount Hosiery Co waf organized an institution that has been successful from a financial point of view ,n itself, and of great value tn the pitv in the wav of paying wages to go towards making the city larger

The Underwriter -Fire "insurance Company was fortunate in their selection of him as >ts president. Of Mr. j. r RrJirfi treasurer and Mr. W. S. Wilkinson, Secretary, mention is made elsewhere in this book.

From he firs year of the organization of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company of Rocky Mount the bus.- npw FhTbeeS successful and gratifying from every point of view. The Company has paid since its formation, losses of ?16 560 00 and 1 dividends to its stockholders of $12,360.00, and in addition to this a handsome surplus has been kid aside each year The growth of the Company can best be determined by a comparison of its first annual state- menrD^mberSst, 1906, and its last annual statement, December 31st., 1910, as follows:

Reserve surplus. Assets.

December 31st., 1906 $4,898 62 $13 743.49 $70,142.11

TVrember31st 1910 $5,996.79 $22,253.60 $91, 83/. 83 t,m/VMnn

The insurance fn force at the end of the first year was $436,046.00 Insurance now in force is $1 593 066.00.

irWS Wlkinsons the General Agent of the Company, and has been since its formation. The business of the Company is nowTn the offices of Messrs. Wilkinson, Bulluck & Co., who have large and commod.ous quarters

ln thft K nltur'aUawtr afy business enterprise to select from the men available those best qualified for the pOsi- ,.„/' V iy the selection of the Vice President of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Company, they were in-

deed ortunateln be^g able to secure such a well trained business man as Mr T. j Hackney. Like father, like son ?« an nfi reneated assertion and in this instance the truth of the assertion is fully borne out. In writing of Rocky m t 2ta SE'rnade of Mr W N. Hackney, the father of Mr. T. J. Hackney, for the former left an im- M° "" Innn th?s nart of t^ Mr- W' N- Hackney now deceased,

^lJMXPc<SnKj«i2SrSS He learned the trade of a wheelright, and located in Wilson, N. C m the m 1853 He engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carts, and from this enterprise sprang the immense business nowwell and most favorably known over many States, under the firm name of Hackney Bros. Mr. T. J. Hackney ?he eldest son, moved to Rocky Mount in 1874, and opened a branch business under the firm name of T.

108

J Hackney & Co., his father being the Company. When Mr. T. J. Hackney's brother, Mr. George Hackney, be- came of age, the father's interest in the Rocky Mount branch was bought by the youngest son, and in 1878, the bus- iness in this city was changed to the firm name of Hackney Bros. In 1884, the health of the father became in such a condition that he was forced to retire from business, and Mr. George Hackney left Rocky Mount for Wilson to take active charge of the business there. The three sons of Mr. W. N. Hackney, consisting of the two named, and Mr. W. D. Hackney, bought the business at Wilson from their father, and an equal copartnership was formed among the three able and energetic business men for the operation of the businesses at Rocky Mount and Wilson. Their training and ability was such as to advance the scope and size of the business until today a Hackney vehicle is synonymous with excellency, enjoying an enviable reputation over many states. The plant at Rocky Mount was burned in 1890 and it was decided not to rebuild at this point, but to enlarge their faciliiies at Wilson. As the firm had secured large property interests in this city, and as a matter of fact are at the present time largely interested in property, and industries here, it was decided that though they would not rebuild their vehicle factory here, they would go into the hardware business, and Mr. T. J. Hackney took the active management of this business, which, as has every business in which the Hackney Bros, have been concerned, was successful from the beginning. On ac- count of his health, Mr. T. J. Hackney decided a few years ago to give up the exacting duties connected with the conducting of the hardware business here, and the business was sold to Mr. R. R. Gay and Mr. R.W. Arnngton, and is now known under the firm name of Gay & Arrington. Mr. Hackney not only has been known as a successful business man, but has always given of his time and money to assist worthy causes and enterprises, and is a man th it has always been recognized as of the strictest integrity.

Mr Hackney was married November 1877 to Miss Josephine Hammond. From this union there was one child, Mamie, who is the wife of Dr. M. R. Braswell. As previously stated in this book, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney and their daughter and her husband, and two bright and interesting grand daughters, have their home together in the hand- somest residence of which the city can boast.

It will be observed from the description of the Directors and Officers of the Underwriters Fire Insurance Com- pany, that they have men, not only of wealth and sterling character, but that are of tried and proven business ability, which makes the assurance of the continued success of this Company.

109

RESIDENCE OF MR. W. S. WILKINSON

110

BRASWELL & LEVY— Leaf Tobacco Dealers.

This firm is one of the best and most favorably known in North Carolina. They handled during the season of 1910-11, approximately 4,000,000 lbs. of tobacco. They have factories in Rocky Mount, and in Frankfort, Ky., maintaining buyers also on both markets. The combined capacity of their two factories is 80,000 lbs. per day. They have installed in both their factories, the latest improved steam drying machines with both apron and stick attachments.

The business was founded in 1892 by Mr. J. C. Braswell,so prominent now in banking and financial circles, who conduct- ed it until 1899, when he took in as a partner the lamented Lewis C. Levy, (who died Feb'.25,1911),andMr. Levy became activ e manager, Mr. Bras- well exercising a gen- eral supervision. The business wasuniform-

ly successful, Mr. Levy being one of the very ablest tobacco men who have ever operated in North Carolina, in whom every man who ever came in touch with him had implicit faith. He gave his life to this business, and was one of the greatest forces in making the Rocky Mount Tobacco Market what it is today. His associates wish to testify here that it was largely his unremitting energy, loyalty and ability that have given this firm its high stand in the tobacco world. Mr. Levy and this firm numbered and do number now, among their customers, valued connections in England, Holland, Germany, Japan and other countries, together with a large domestic trade. They now have a Very large stock of tobacco on hand, of the various grades, both burley and bright. Mr. Braswell will continue to look after the business this season, and will probably take into the firm a new partner next season.

Ill

BATTLE & LANCASTER

The Largest and Most Complete Furniture Store in Eastern North Carolina

The rapid and substantial growth of Rocky Mount's mammoth house furnishing concern, the firm of Battle &

Lancaster, has been one of the most marked incidents in the history of the city during the past two years. This firm, as it is now constituted, was formed in July 1909, not quite two years ago. The present magni- tude and great extent of their business, together with their high financial standing, tells an eloquent story, both of the advantages of the city of Rocky Mount as a business center and of the splendid ability and energy of the two men who compose this firm.

Battle & Lancaster are located on Washington street and now occupy six floors with 20,000 square feet of floor space. They buy their goods in solid car loads, and besides their local trade, they cover with their salesman practically all the small towns from Weldon to Spring Hope. They are now pre- pared to take care of all out of town business in a satisfactory manner and are rapidly extending and widening their field.

It has been the policy of this concern to endeavor to carry in stock every article that would be needed in equiping the most modern home. In this connec- tion it might be stated here that so far as we know, Battle & Lancaster are the only furniture house in eastern North Carolina who can furnish an up-to-

INTERIOR VIEW OF BATTLE & LANCASTER'S STORE

112

date home complete, all the way from a magnificent kitchen range to an artistic high grade piano. Their leading piano is the famous Lester which, as everybody knows, is the last word in art, durability and tone quality in the piano world. They also handle the Cote which is a really high grade instrument, but a less costly make, and are also the local agents for the Farrand Cecilian Player. To give some idea of the great proportions which their piano bus- iness has assumed, we will state that in their piano display room they rarely have less than a car load of pianos.

They unquestionably do the piano business of the city. This firm has just accepted the agency for the well known Buck stoves and ranges, the leading cooking stoves of the country, which are now recommended by all the labor organizations.

In the furniture line, this house carries only the best quality, and yet their business is so large and their system and management so efficient and economical, that they are enabled to give their customers the advantage of the minimum price and still have a reasonable profit accrue to the business.

During the past year the capacity and the sales of this concern have actually doubled, notwithstanding the fact that the utmost care and conservatism is always the rule where business extension is in question. They employ at present eight capable and hustling salesmen, who are every day rendering the firm of Battle & Lancaster more popular and better known to the public.

One of the strongest elements perhaps in the large success of this firm ft the fact that they have been liberal users of newspaper advertising space, believing in the policy of letting the public know it when they have a good thing. And the results have abundantly justified this course.

113

INTERIOR VIEW OF BATTLE & LANCASTER'S STORE

GASTON BATTLE

The members of this firm are Mr. Gaston Battle and Captain W. R. Lancaster, both of whom are Rock Mount men, born and bred, and are members of two of the oldest and most prominent Edgecombe county families. Mr. Battle is a lineal descendentof Elisha Battle, who came to Edgecombe in 1742, and was President of the North Carolina Constitutional Conven- tion, which ratified the Constitution of the United States. Captain Lancaster is at present a mem- ber of the Board of Aldermen of the city of Rocky Mount and one of the most prominent members of the First Baptist Church. Both Mr. Battle and Captain Lancaster are men who have made their mark in the business world and who have the full confidence of the city, both in their business capacity and their personal integ- rity. They are both yet comparatively young men, Mr. Battle having been born in 1871 and Captain Lancaster in 1874; and having already a record of such worthful achievement, the future must hold splendid possibilities for them, and for Rocky Mount in their contribution to the progress of the city.

W. R LANCASTER

114

MORITZ VON MILGROM

MOR1TZ VON MILGROM

Woodruff Jewelry Store in this city as optometrist and manager.

A Leading Jeweler and Optometrist

This jewelry store is scarcely yet one year old, but so efficient has been its management, coupled with such square dealings, and fair and courteous treatment of the public, that it has already won an enviable patronage among the highest class of the trade, and is regarded as one of the leading jewelry stores in this sec- tion of the state. The stock of solid gold and silverware, cut glass and everything in the jewelry line carried by this store is one of the most complete and up-to- date to be found anywhere in a city the size of Rocky Mount. Mr. von Milgrom also does a considerable jewelry manufacturing business, making a specialty of re- modeling old jewelry— something that is not done elsewhere, this side of Baltimore.

The proprietor of the store, Mr. von Milgrom, is one of the most expert and reliable jewelers in the city, thoroughly conversant with every detail of the busi- ness, and possessing splendid business qualities. He is a native of Dresden, the Capital city of Saxony, Germany, having been born there September 22, 1884. Mr. von Milgrom is a descendant of an old and noble German house, his father, D. L. von Milgrom, having been a Major in the Prussian Army with a brilliant record in the Austrian-Prussian War of 1866.

Mr. von Milgrom was educated at the University of Dresden and at the Im- perial Military School at Vienna. He came to America, landing in New York Sep- tember 2, 1901. From New York, he went to Washington, N. C., embarking there in the jewelry business, being a partner in the Washington Jewelry Com- pany. He moved to Windsor, N. C, in 1904, conducting a jewelry business also in that town. He came to Rocky Mount in 1906, accepting a position with the

He went into business for himself, opening his

115

INTERIOR VIEW VON MILGROM'S STORE

present store April 1, 1910, and as stated before, has built up a large and desirable patronage in the short space of one year.

For general beauty, neatness and artistic arrange- ment of stock and sales room, his store is not surpassed in the state.

Mr. Milgrom is, in addition, a graduate optometrist, licensed by the State of North Carolina, and conducts a general optical business, keeping a full supply of the highest class goods in that line. He is regarded as a thoroughly competent and reliable eye specialist, and is widely consulted and patronized.

Mr. von Milgrom was married June 15, 1909, to Miss Mary Hester Marriott, beautiful and accomplished daughter of Dr. H. B. Marriott, of Battleboro, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of this section of the state.

Mr. von Milgrom is not only popular in business circles, but he and Mrs. von Milgrom have made quite a valuable and welcome addition to the social life of the city.

116

MR. EDGAR W. SMITH

Secretary and Treasurer of the Tobacco Board of Trade of Rocky Mount, and Local Manager for the Imperial Tobacco Company, Ltd., of Great Britain and Ireland

There are a few more useful citizens in Rocky Mount than Mr. Edgar W. Smith, and none who are more public-spirited and who are held in higher esteem by their acquaintances. Mr. Smith was born in Danville, Va. in 1865, and was educated in the schools of that city. He was Deputy Clerk of Hustings Court for several years after which he engaged in the tobacco business there, being connected with one of the largest concerns in the South. On the opening of the tobacco market in Eastern Carolina he came to Rocky Mount in 1891 and established the business of leaf tobacco buying under the firm name of E. W. Smith & Co. He built up the business to such an extent that in 1900 it was necessary to build a new factory. This was equipped with steam and the latest improved methods of drying and handling the leaf for domestic and export trade. Mr. Smith then formed a co- partnership with Pemberton & Penn and J. P. Taylor & Co., under the firm name of E. W. Smith & Co., and bought largely for prominent manufacturers of America and England, as well as for the Japanese Government. Upon the forma- tion of the Imperial Tobacco Company he sold his plant to them and accepted a position as Buyer and Manager of their Rocky Mount branch, a position he has

retained ever since and has filled with signal ability, and satisfaction both to the company and to the tobacco industry

of this section.

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EDGAR W. SMITH

Mr. Smith was President of the Rocky Mount Board of Trade for several terms, and is now Secretary and Treasurer of the Board, which position he has held for the past ten years. Mr. Smith is recognized all over the tobacco section as one of the very ablest tobacco men whoever operated on this market, and also as a man with a high sense of honor, whose integrity has always been above question. He is deeply alive to the interests and welfare of Rocky Mount and is ever active in the pro- motion of anything for its good. He has served with conspicuous abil- ity as a member of the Board of Aldermen, Chairman of the Water-

RESIDENCE OF MR E. W. SMITH

works and Sewerage Committees and as a member of other prominent Committees. He was among the first to advocate an issue of bonds for public improvements and has recently started a movement to issue $50,000 in bonds for street improvement purposes.

Besides his tobacco interests, Mr. Smith is a Director of the Rocky Mount Homestead & Loan Association and is interested in several other enterprises of the city.

RESIDENCE CF MR. W, D CCCHRAN

118

RESIDENCE OF MR> T J. HACKNEY

119

ROBERT E. RANSON

ROBERT E. RANSON

Superintendent of Schools for Nash County

Robert E. Ranson was born in 1879 at Huntersville, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. He is a son of R. M. and Agnes A. (Sample) Ranson. He was prepared for college in Huntersville High School, and after four years at Erskine College, Due West, S. C, was graduated in 1901, with the degree of A. B. After leaving col- lege he was a teacher until elected County Superintendent of Schools of Nash County July, 1909. He taught in S. C, Ark., Fla. and N. C, and during the vacation months did newspaper work. While Principal of the Spring Hope Graded School in 1908, he started the Spring Hope Leader, and was its editor for 18 months. Since coming t: Nash County, Mr. Ranson has been correspond- ent for a number of daily papers and has kept Nash County well advertised to the outside public. He is a Mason, a member f Jr. O. U. A. M. and a Presby- terian. He married Miss Bryte Baker, a charming lady of Kings Mountain, N. C, in June, 1910. Mrs. Ranson is a graduate of Elizabeth College, Charlotte, N. C, and during the year 1909-10 was principal of the Kings Mountain Graded School. She also taught music and expression for two years, and has given a number of readings in different places in the county during the present year.

Mr. Ranson's school work in Nash County has been efficient and forceful. He is especially interested in the increase of Special School Tax Districts ii) Nash, and has been largely instrumental in the fine showing the county has rn^de the past two yeirs, not alone in this respect, but in others. He resides at Nashville, the county seat.

120

HONORABLE L. V. BASSETT

Lawyer, Senator, Now and for the Past Twenty Years

A Leader of the Invincible and Triumphant

Democracy of Old Edgecombe

For more than a score of years past the fighting qualities and the uncon- querable strength of the Edgecombe county Democracy have been a chief re- liance in every political battle that has been fought in North Carolina. The fine personnel of the organization in this county has during this period developed a small coterie of leaders of unusual ability and sterling qualities of manhood and leadership, whose voices have carried great weight in the councils of the party in North Carolina. One of the most conspicuous of these leaders was the late loved and lamented Don Gilliam, whose name was a household word in every white home in Edgecombe county and indeed, in all this section of the state and whose untimely death was a matter of deep state-wide regret.

Another of these leaders, and a close friend and associate of Mr. Gilliam's, is Hon. L. V. Bassett, the subject of this sketch. In every political battle that has been waged in Edgecombe for the past two decades, L. V. Bassett has been where the fight w&s thickest and hottest, a leader whom the people trusted and under whose generalship they fought with pride and confidence. The Tarboro Southerner just after the adjournment of the 1911 legislature, in which Mr. Bassett was Edgecombe's Senator, accurately voiced the sentiment of the peo- ple of the county when it printed editorially the following: "This writer has known Lucius Bassett for more than a quarter of a century. In our early acquaintance we were impressed with his sincerity of purpose and loyalty to his friends, a loyalty that counted not the cost. The years have only intensified

121

HON. LUCIUS V. BASSETT

that impression, and these qualities are the ones that have brought him the confidence of his fellow Senators. He^ like the rest of us, makes mistakes, but they are always of the head, not of the heart."

Lucius Virginius Bassett was born in Tarboro, N. C, March 2nd 1861, and is a son of the late W. A. and Chloe (Miller) Bassett. He read law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and located in Rocky Mount for the practice of his profession. While having been actively engaged in politics all the time, in his business and profess- ional affairs, he has regarded the Law as a very jealous mistress and has freely given to her his full allegiance and service at all times.

Possessing in all respects the ideal legal mind, and re-inforcing this with tireless energy and his natural high sense of honor, and pride in the profound principles and great traditions of his profession, he has won a command- ing position among the most eminent members of the Bar of Eastern North Carolina. He is at present Attorney for the Bank of Rocky Mount and also a prominent director of that institution, which is the oldest and most noted finan- cial institution in the city; he is Attorney for the Rocky Mount Mills, the largest manufacturing institution in the city; Attorney for the Rocky Mount Homestead and Loan Association, the oldest concern of its class in the city; and en- joys a large and lucrative practice among people in every walk of life. He was Attorney for the Board of County Commissioners of Edgecombe for six years and surrendered this position when elected to the Senate of 1903. He was also a member of the Boad of Elections for Edgecombe from its creation in 1899 until his first election to the Senate, and was Chairman of this Board during eight of the ten years he was a member.

To find the beginning of Senator Bassett's splendid party service, one must needs go back to the year 1892, twenty years ago, when he was elected a member of the Democratic Central Executive Committee, which had in charge the campaign of that year in Edgecombe, this being the year of a magnificent Democratic victory, not only in Edgecombe, but in North Carolina and the nation, Grover Cleveland being elected President for the second time, and Elias Carr Governor of North Carolina. Ever since that time Senator Bassett has been growing in ability, use- fulness and in the respect and admiration felt for him by all the people of the county and this section. During recent years, his reputation has become State-wide, as a safe and useful legislator and a sane and effective leader in the Senate of North Carolina. Elected to the Senate the first time in 1903, Mr. Bassett at once took rank as one of the really big men in that body, a man whose views were always profoundly considered, and whose opinions" when ex- pressed were always potent in the deliberations of the Chamber. Re-elected in 1910, Senator Bassett's influence in the Senate of 1911 was an accentuation of his prominence in the previous Senate, and he was regarded as one of the most potential of the group of Democratic leaders who shaped the important legislation of the General Assembly of 191 L He was Chairman of the Democratic Caucus of the Senate and was also Chairman of the Democratic Joint

122

Caucus of the Senate and the House, this position carrying with it the formal leadership of the legislature. It is a very unusual occurrence for any one Senator to receive the honor of both these Chairmanships. Senator Bassett was also Chairman of the Committee on the Revisal, and a member of the Judiciary Committee; of the Committee on Appropriations, and on Finance, the next two ranking Committees of the Senate; of the Committees on Counties, Cities and Towns; Legislative Appointment; Constitutional Amendments; Insurance; and of the Conference Com- mittee on the part of the Senate to censiderand adjust the differences between the two Houses as to the provisions of the Revenue and Machinery Acts. Senator Bassett was also Chairman of the Calendar Committee. This is a posi- tion of the very greatest responsibility, in that it is the province of this committee (and most of the work devolves upon the Chairman) to sift the wheat from the chaff in the last days of the legislature, when it is too late to refer the hund- reds of bills awaiting passage, to the various Committees in regular order. The stamp of approval or disapproval put upon any bill by the Calendar Committee, at this stage almost invariably means the life or death of such bill. It is a splendid tribute to the great respect and regard in which Senator Bassett was held by his colleagues in the Sen- ate, that he was made Chairman of this powerful committee; for none but the most trusted and capable leaders ever receive this honor.

The Editors of this Work and the people of Rocky Mount and Edgecombe county take pride in presenting here something of the record of Edgecombe's Senator; for the admiration the people have for his splendid ability, is only equalled by their respect and regard for the man himself, for his clean and upright character, and for the fidelity and efficiency with which he has met every trust that has ever been reposed in him, and has discharged every civic duty that has ever devolved upon him.

Senator Bassett is ah influential member of the Masonic Fraternity, and an active force in local Sunday School work, performing diligently and faithfully, the full duties of true manhood and fine citizenship. His forceful person- ality is enlisted in favor of every proper cause, as it is given him to see it

123

BULLUCK, PHILIPS & COMPANY

Rocky Mount's Leading Furniture and Undertaking House

No business concern in Rocky Mount has a cleaner or more successful record than that of Bulluck, Philips & Company. The firm is composed of Messrs. W. A. Bulluck, D. K. Styles and W. B. Philips, three of the ablest, most respected and most popular of this city's younger business men. Messrs. Bulluck and Styles with Mr. G. B. Byrd, who was their partner at that time, founded this business January 1st, 1906, underthe name of Bulluck, Bvrd & Company, the name being changed to Bulluck, Philips & Company in 1907 when Mr. Philips purchased the interest of Mr. Byrd.

Though Messrs. Bulluck and Styles, the active managers, are yet young men, Mr. Styles being thirty- two and Mr. Bulluck twenty-seven years of age, they are now the oldest furniture dealers in the city, having been actively engaged in this business since 1902. Their phenomenal and substantial growth has carried them in the five years since the establishment of the present firm from the comparatively small Barnes Building, a wooden structure, to the larger store at 115 Washing- ton St., and thence to the magnificent quarters they now occupy.

Their stock of furniture and of everything that goes to furnish an elegant modern home is exceptionally large and complete and of the highest grade. They

124

cater to people in every walk of life and keep a stock that will answer the de- mands from the most inexpensive to the most expensive. When a customer so desires, they will furnish his entire home complete on the basis of a small payment down and a very small sum payable monthly thereafter. This gener- ous custom of theirs has indeed been a blessing to scores of homes that were not able to command the necessary money to pay all cash for iheir furniture. The kindness and liberality this firm has shown to hundreds of customers in this respect is one of the secrets of their popularity. They also have a com- plete embalming and undertaking department with a full line of coffins and caskets and all undertakers' supplies, including the finest hearse in the city. Mr. Styles, who assists in the undertaking department, is thoroughly competent and experienced, having taken a special course in embalming in the Renourd Training School for Embalmers, in New York. This firm also has the only morgue in the city, located on their third floor.

The story of the success of this concern and of these young men is one of the most remarkable in the annals of Rocky Mount. By square business methods, upright life and splendid business capacity they have created one of the very largest and strongest furniture businesses in Eastern North Carolina. They occupy at present four floors of the large, modern Shore Building, and also occupy a large part of the Barnes Building on East Washington street, and of the store-room on Washington St., recently vacated by Gorham-Matthews Hardware Company, and are using approximately twenty-five thousand square feet of floor space.

Messrs. Bulluck, Styles and Philips are all native born Rocky Mount men, and they have, by sheer ability, unfailing courtesy and square methods, attained their present enviable standing in the business circles of the city.

The people of Rocky Mount, recognizing Mr. Bulluck's fine ability and pub- lic spirit, elected him a member of the Board of Aldermen in June 1910. In this position he served with much usefulness until his removal from the ward

125

MR. W. A. BULLUCK.

from which he had been elected, Mr. Bul- luck was educated in the schools of Rocky Mount, and in his boyhood worked in the brokerage business with his uncle at Scot- land Neck, N. C. Returning to Rocky Mount, he received four years, experience in the furniture business as salesman for Philips & Dowdy up to the time he went into business for himself.

Mr. Styles knows the furniture busi- ness in all its details and has well earned the success that has come to him winning at the same time the respect and esteem of everybody with whom he has come in con- tact.

With these three alert, aggressive and successful young business men behind it, and with the marked prominence already achieved, the future of the firm of Bulluck, Philips & Company is particularly bright and its usefulness to Rocky Mount very promising.

MR. D. K. STYLES

MR. W. B. PHILIPS

126

J F BISHOP JR.

JNO N. BATTS

JESSE PITT

Selling force for Bulluck, Philips & Co. 127

ROCKY MOUNT SHOE COMPANY

One of the Largest and Highest Class Shoe Stores in North Carolina

INTERIOR VIEW OF ROCKY MOUNT SHOE CO. STORE.

128

The Rocky Mount Shoe Company began business in Rocky Mount in the spring of 1907 and was incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in 1910. Since it first opened in Rocky Mount, this store has been one of the most pop- ular business places in the city. They carry only the highest class goods and cater always to the best people. Their line of shoes, both as to quality and as to the size of stock and complete- ness of range in the different styles, sizes and widths is not surpassed by any shoe store in North Carolina. In the line of haberdashery their prominence is undisputed, and the stock they carry has become the last word in styles in Rocky Mount.

It is not too much to say in this connection that there are few stores anywhere more artisti- cally arranged or with neater and more inviting appearance. The managers of this store realize the fact that the public appreciates competent and courteous service and a pleasant place in which to shop, as well as goods of high quality.

The President of the Rocky Mount Shoe Company is Mr. R. E. Roberson, a prominent

MR. P. L, TH1GPEN

MR. C F. GETSINCER

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and wealthy citizen of Palmyra, N. C. Besides his interest in the Rocky Mount Shoe Company, Mr. Roberson is a partner in the stores of Baker & Roberson at Palmyra and Harrison Bros. & Co., at Williamston. He has also large and lucrative farming interests.

The Secretary and Treasurer of the Rocky Mount Shoe Company is Mr. C. F. Getsinger, who is a native of Jamesville, N. C, having been born March 24th, 1881. Mr. Getsinger came to Rocky Mount in 1907 as Mr. Rober- son's associate, to take charge of the Rocky Mount Shoe Company and it is to his fine business ability and uniform courtesy, that a large portion of the success of this company is due. Both in a business and a social way, Mr. Get- singer is one of the most popular and respected of Rocky Mount's younger business men. Mr. Getsinger is an active member of the First Methodist Church of Rocky Mount and of the Pythian Fraternity.

Mr. Percy L. Thigpen, the Vice-President of the Rocky Mount Shoe Company, was born near Tarboro, January 20th, 1884, and came of a prominent Edgecombe county family. He came to Rocky Mount in October 1904 as a salesman for The Blount Cympany which position he occupied with eminent satisfaction to his employers until January 1st, 1910. On this latter date, he became interested in the Rocky Mount Shoe Company and was elected Vice- President of the same and one of its active managers. Mr. Thigpen is thoroughly conversant with the details and responsibilities of the business and by his straight-forward methods and courteous and upright bearing has won the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends in this city and thereby contributed materially to the success of this company.

All in all, it might be said that with two young and aggressive businessmen of sterling character in charge like Mr. Getsinger and Mr. Thigpen, The Rocky Mount Shoe Company was bound to succeed, and the prominent posi- tion this firm now occupies in the retail business circles of the city is therefore not a matter of wonder.

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188 5

GRIFFIN'S DRUG STORE

19 11

INTERIOR VIEW GRIFFIN'S DRUG STORE

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MR. HUGH A. GRIFFIN. Manager

Griffin's Drug Store was one of the earliest business houses established in the city, then a village of only a few hundred inhabitants. In 1885 Mr. J. M. Griffin, a young man of Washington, N. C, acquired the business from Dr. Powell, for whom he had previously clerked. He soon became widely known and loved by all his patrons for his kindly and courteous manner and his unwavering loyalty to their interest and welfare. Under his hustling and energetic management the business grew and prospered, and became known to the people throughout both counties.

Since the death of Mr. Griffin in 1901 the business has continued to be run under the old name so well known to the whole community, and with the same attention to its old policy of reliability and accuracy, promptness and courtesy.

The present manager, Mr. H. A. Griffin is a son of the founder and former owner, and a young man of exceptional ability and personality. He graduated with honors from the College of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina, in 1908 and was licensed in the same year. Mr. Griffin is ably assisted by Mr. George Hart, a registered druggist, for years associated with the Thomas Drug Co., of Duke, N. C, Mr. E. V. Woodard and Mr. J. M. Griffin.

During the twenty five years of its active business this house has kept abreast of all modern methods, and has ever stood for the best interest of the community and the developement of the city. No better criterion of its honesty and reliability could be cited than that of its continued growth, and the fact that no error has ever occurred in the whole course of twenty-five years of active business to mar its record. A business house of unusual stability, striving for the end of the mutual advantage of itself, and its patrons, with reliability and accuracy as its motto, this firm has had a larger part in our great growth and prosperity as a city.

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GEM THEATRE— Rocky Mount's Popular Playhouse

One of the innovations that have b2;n introdu;ed within the past few years, and which have become very popu- lar, are the moving picture theatres. From the beginning it was seen that these theatres were not only a source of

much innocent diversion and pleasure, at a minimum cost, but were really important educational factors to the large body of people who patronize them, giving them an insight and a knowledge of the physical parts of the different countries and cities of the world and of historical incidents that cannot fail to be understood by even the most un- lettered.

The Gem Theatre in Rocky Mount, owned and operated by Messrs. W. F. Swaringen and J. A. Edgerton, is one of the most efficiently conducted and popular of these playhouses in the eastern section of North Carolina. Here are shown not only several new films of attractive pictures every night, but a class of vaudeville performances that are really creditable to a theatre where the admission price is as low as it is here, five, ten and fifteen cents.

Mr. Swaringen is one of the best known and most capa- gem theatre ble vaudeville managers in the South and is also the head

of the Carolina Booking Exchange, which has its main office in Charlotte, with a branch office in Rocky Mount, managed by Mr. J. A. Edgerton, and books performances for a chain of theatres that reach all the way from Virginia to middle Georgia. In addition to his theatre in Rocky Mount, Mr. Swaringen owns and operates the Orpheum Theatre, in Charlotte, N. C, which is the headquarters of his booking business. Mr. Swaringen was formerly well known in the North Carolina newspaper field, being for a number of years editor and owner of the Edenton Trans- cript. He left the newpaper business to enter the amusement world about two years ago and the success he has won in his new field in so short a time is proof that he possesses ability of more than ordinary class. Mr. Edger- ton looks after the management of the Gem Theatre in this city.

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RESIDENCE OF HON. F. S. SPRUILL

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MR. M. V. BARNHILL

MR. M. V. BARNHILL

U. S. Commissioner and Attorney At Law

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Maurice Victor Barnhill, is one of the most prominent of the younger members of the Rocky Mount and Nash County Bar.

Mr. Barnhill was born in Enfield, Halifax County, N. C, December 5th, 1887 and is therefore only twenty-three years old. He is a son of Martin V. and Mary (Dawes) Barnhill, his mother being a sister of Senator John Dawes of Elm City, N. C. ^ n . , , . lU

Mr. Barnhill was educated in the Enfield Graded Schools and in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

During 1907 when only twenty years old, he was Assistant Cashier of the Toisnot Banking Company of Elm City, N. C, making an enviable record in the short time he was engaged in the banking business. Going back to Chapel Hill, he read the prescribed course in Law, and was licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of North Carolina in February 1909. He immediately located in Raieigh for the practice of his profession forming a copartnership with Mr. Walter H. Grimes, a leading young attorney of the Capital city. Mr. Barnhill practiced law in Raleigh until March 1910, when he came to Rocky Mount to permanently locate.

Here, Mr. Barnhill is by his close application, upright life and fine ability, achieving success, and has already built up a nice practice within this short time.

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During the campaign of 1910, he was appointed by the Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee, leader tor Nash County of the Young Men's Movement which contributed materially to the great Democratic victory won in North Carolina and the nation last year.

In February 1911, as a further recognition of Mr. BarnhiU's ability and fine character, he was appointed U S Commissioner byU. S. Judge Connor, and is filling this position with credit to himself, and with Ihorough satisfac- tion to the governmental authorities.

Mr. Barnhill is at present, Attorney for a number of corporations, including the Sharpsburg Banking Company, the town of Sharpsburg, the town of Elm City, and the Toisnot Banking Company of Elm City. He is regarded among the profession as a very promising practitioner, one who holds in high regard and respect, the ideals and ethics of his profession, and withal, possesses those sterling qualities of character which must constitute the founda- tion of success in any walk of life.

Mr. Barnhill is unmarried.

His offices are over Kyser's Drug Store in the central section of the city.

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MR. LEIGH DAVIS BULLUCK

Proprietor of Bulluck's Garage, Bulluck's Automobile Training School, and Rocky Mount's Leading Automobile

Expert and Dealer. Cars For Sale, Hire and Exchange

One of the most striking effects of the building of good roads in the surrounding country and the paving of the streets of Rocky Mount has been seen in the great increase in popularity of automobiles as a means of transit during the past few years, and in the great number of machines that are now owned by citizens of Rocky Mount.

The leading automobile dealer in the city is Mr. L. D. Bulluck, and his garage in the Rose building on Main street, is one of the largest in Eastern North Carolina. On one floor he has approximately 6,500 square feet of floor space, with cement floor, sufficient to store comfortably, forty cars, and an average of fifteen cars can be found in this garage every night.

The famous Overland, Oakland, Reo, Brush, Hupmobile and E. M. F. cars are here stored and handled.

Mr. Bulluck's automobile repair department is one of the most complete and efficient in North Carolina. He employs only expert machinists, and all the work done is the very best that skill and the utmost care can produce. He carries a full line of all accessories and also a complete line of tubes and casings to fit any car now in use. 5 per cent discount is given for cash.

Another feature of this big establishment is a painting and finishing department, carrying an extensive line of paints and crude material and employing an expert painter and finisher who has given his life to this business. This department is prepared to do all kinds of painting and finishing, especially automobiles of all makes, carriages, hearses; and repairs and refinishes high grade and antique furniture. The excellence of the work of this depart- ment is well known and has been widely commented on.

Beginning the first of the present year, Mr. Bulluck has been conducting at his garage, an Automobile Training School, which has been eminently successful so far, and is rapidly acquiring a reputation for thorough and conscien- tious instruction both as to the mechanism of all makes of automobiles and in the capacity to handle them. Men totally without experience are here put through a course of training that in a short time thoroughly fits them for any class of service in the care and handling of automobiles.

Mr. Bulluck is one of the best known and most reliable automobile and mechanical experts in eastern North

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Carolina. For twenty one years he has been engaged exclusively in business that has covered almcst every department and class of mechanical work. His methods are direct, thorough and effective.

Mr. Leigh Davis Bulluck is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prom- inent Edgecombe County families, which has long been widely connected and closely identified with the county's business and social life. Mr. Bulluck himself was born in Halifax County, January' 22nd 1863. His father moved back to

LEIGH DAVIS BULLLCK

BULLUCKS GARAGE

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Edgecombe in 1866. Mr. Bulluck's early life was spent on the farm, where he imbibed those elements of physical and intellectual strength and vigor, which are rarely gained elsewhere. Although he has been actively engaged in the handling and operation of machinery for the past two decades, he only entered the automo- bile business in the spring of 1909, becoming a partner at that time in the Rocky Mount Motor Car Company. His present business was launched December 1st, 1909, and its rapid growth and notable success are a splendid tribute to a business generalship which has been able to accomplish so much in so short a time. Being com- paratively a new business, the success of an establish- ment of the large proportions of The Bulluck Garage, was regarded