USA > North Carolina > Historical and descriptive review of North Carolina, volume 1 > Part 14
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Mr. Harris is a native of Granville county,
graduated from the University of N.C. in 1881. His house issue catalogues of their stock, with prices, also rates on firing and gilding all kinds of china articles.
JOHN NICHOLS, POSTMASTER.
Mr. John Nichols was born in Wake co., 15 miles east of Raleigh, November 14th, 1834. On the death of his father he was appren- ticed to the printing trade at the age of 14, and served his full time without the loss of a single day; after arriving at maturity he re- moved to Beaufort, N. C., where he published a newspaper for two years. In 1858, Mr. Nichols returned to Raleigh and took charge of the printing office in connection with the institution of Deaf, Dumb and Blind, remain- ing there until January 1, 1866, occupied also in teaching the deaf mutes printing ; after that was engaged in the book and job print- ing business from 1866 until March, 1873, at the head of the firm of Nichols, Gorman & Neathery. In 1873 he was elected principal of the institution of Deaf, Dumb and Blind, and served as such for four years. Then was appointed as Government stamp agent in the revenue department at Durham, N. C., where he remained until April, 1881, and in that year was appointed Postmaster of Raleigh. Is a prominent Mason in the State, has filled the office of Grand High Priest to the Grand Chapter of North Carolina, was also Grand Master of the State for two years and presid- ing officer of the Grand Council of the State, and is one of the few Masons in North Caro- lina who has ever reached the 32d degree. He has ever performed the duties of Postmas- ter since he entered upon them with entire satisfaction.
Since his appointment as Postmaster he has been very active and successful in improving the mail service in the State, and it is to his untiring exertions that the free delivery sys- was established in Raleigh. The political changes in the National Administration may cause his retirement from his office, but the community which he has served accord to him the credit of having made a faithful and impartial officer.
L. ROSENTHAL, CLOTHIER & HATTER,
215 FAYETTEVILLE STREET.
This excellent gentleman has had quite an eventful career in life. Born in the Province of Posen, at an early age he went into mer- cantile life and came out to the United States in 1852. He remained a year in New York City, was then 3 years in Milwaukee from where he migrated to Little Rock, Ark., re- maining there till the war broke out when he at once joined the Little Rock Grays in the Third Confederate Army. Mr. Rosenthal
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
was a brave and plucky soldier and did good service for the great cause. His company was hotly engaged at Shiloh, he was taken prisoner at Parraville, was afterwards in Louisville Kent, and two years before the end of the war he had a United States suttlership at Murfreesboro. Tenn. 'He then came with Sherman's army to Raleigh, in 1865 started in business and has since risen to be one of the best known and wealthy men of the town.
His store located on Fayetteville street, is 25x65 feet in extent, is filled with a complete and varied stock of the latest styles in cloth- ing and hats and caps, also boots and shoes, and dry goods, four competent hands are em- ployed. Mr. Rosenthal has always made it a point to be perfectly straight in business and has established a high reputation. He was formerly a member of the Odd Fellows.
ARMISTEAD JONES, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW.
Among those lawyers whom it has been our duty to call on in this town is the above popular gentleman.
Mr. Jones was born in Granville county 23d September, 1846. was educated at the schools there and at Dr. Horners. At sixteen he joined Mosely's battery, in which he served the Confederacy more than a year. In 1836 he came to Raleigh, and in the then unsettled state of the country took a post as telegraph operator and ticket agent with the R. & G. R. R. In the meantime he diligently devoted himself in his leisure hours to study law, and received his license in 1870. He then com- menced practice and ever since by close at- tention to his clients' interests has steadily gained more and more the public's confidence till he now does business for many of Raleigh's leading men. He has conducted several large and important civil cases, prac- tices in all State and Federal courts, and apart from business takes an interest in what is go- ing on around him and seeks to advance the well being of the general community.
H. J. DOWELL,
DEALER IN WASTE COTTON, RAGS, METAL, SKINS, TALLOW, BEESWAX, ETC.
" Waste not, want not," is a proverb not only applicable to individuals but to States and nations, and by its observance great in- dustries have been developed by the utilization of waste matter, and whole countries have been enriched by turning what was formerly considered an inconvenience and a burden into something of value in man's economy. In gathering together the common waste of civilized peoples there have been fostered into being large inercantile establishments, who receive such goods from the individual col- lector, hold them till they have accumulated large stocks when they ship them to the man-
ufacturer who transforms them into articles and substances of use and value. Such a house in Raleigh which does an extensive busi- ness in this beneficial line have we under no- tice. Mr. Dowell started in 1880 in partner- ship with another but since 1882 he has been alone. He occupies a spacious building 20x100 feet in extent, and three stories high, at 310 Wilmington street, and this he has of- ten filled with stock sometimes running up in value $5,000 or $6,000. He employs three hands around the store and keeps two wagons always going, he makes no charge for dray- age. He deals in all kinds of waste goods and gives highest prices for waste cotton, rags, copper, brass, pewter, lead zinc, wrought and cast iron, dry and green hides, old rub- ber, furs of all descriptions, bones, beeswax, tallow, &c. He can supply a superior article of machinery waste in any quantity. He is constantly receiving goods from all over the State, also ships direct from the depots in any portion of North Carolina to consumers who are mostly in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
Mr. Dowell is a native of Green county, came to Raleigh in 1860. IIe is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the K. & L. of H.
SWIFT'S ART STUDIO, FAYETTEVILLE STREET.
Boucicault in his popular play of 'The Oc- toroon,' brings down the house by making Salem Scudder say to Simon Legree, when confronted by the proof of his guilt in the picture obtained from the camera, "the in- strument never lies." This gallery has long been prominently before the public. It was opened many years ago by J. W. Watson, who was succeeded by one Hunt, then by Andrews, and in December, '83, Mr. Swift bought out H. F. Maneely .. He has still fur- ther improved the gallery so as to make its elegance and completeness surprising. In at- tractiveness it is on a par with the first estab- lishments of large cities, and one which the citizens of Raleigh and North Carolina may be proud and boast of. The studio is located on Fayetteville street on the line of the ladies' promenade, which renders it conveniently accessible for their patronage. The reception room, is 20x40 feet, the operating room with northern light 45x20: toilet rooms. dark and printing rooms complete the whole. Mr. Swift is an experienced artist and photo- grapher ; he has a stock of 14,000 negatives . he does fine work enlarging from photograph or from life in water, oil and crayon. He is a native of New York, studied for the Meth- odist ministry at Evenston Institute, Ill., had a charge for many years in Pittsburg, Pa., and was sent as a missionary to Colorado, where indulging too much in his favorite pastime music and singing, he contracted a bronchial disease and lost for a time the use of his voice. He sought Florida as a climate better suited to his health, turned his atten- tion to photography and conducted a splen-
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CITY OF RALEIGH.
did gallery in Jacksonville many years. He was requested to open an establishment in Paris, but declined in favor of Denver City, where he opened elegant premises, but re- fired from there for health's sake, coming later to Raleigh where he has since estab- lished a first-class and deservedly growing business.
JAMES BAKER & CO., LIVERY STABLE.
Among the successful men in Raleigh we note James Baker & Co., livery stables. Their stables is a substantial building 60x200, well ventilated and comfortably arranged, which accommodates a large number of horses in the stalls, a good stock of harness and sad- dle horses are kept, and a fine set of buggies and carriages constantly on hand, and at the public service. The business which is brisk during the Spring and Summer, necessitates the employment of a number of competent stable hands, who keep everything clean and in nice order, and are careful in attending to the wants and comforts of the animals. Mr. Baker who was born in Halifax county. N. C. served all through the war, was a bar-keeper for 13 years, is well known and well thought of by everybody : he started in this business in 1878 and has given general satisfaction to his patrons, he is very attentive to his busi- ness, and has had considerable experience, knowing how to please his customers, and now deservedly does the livery trade of the town.
R. E. PETTY, DRY GOODS.
Among the oldest and most prominent stores in the city is that of R. E. Petty. He commenced business here in 1868 under the style of Primrose, Petty & Newsom, which firm closed out in 1873. In September, 1873. entered into partnership with Mr. T. N. Jones, of Henderson, N. C., which firm was succeed- ed in September, 1879, under the style of Yeargan, Petty & Co., and finally Mr. Petty bought out his interest in the business and has carried on the trade alone ever since.
With moderate capital at the outset, Mr. Petty soon acquired a leading position among the merchants of this city ; enlarging his transactions and extending his trade limits presenting an example of what can be accom- plished by careful diligence and integrity.
The trade oxtends to adjoining States and takes equal rank with any similar establish- ment in the South.
His business premises are also most com- plete in convenience and appointments. One floor is 25x100,"with three stories in front- not quite so long. The assistants employed are competent and trustworthy gentlemen who thoroughly understand their business.
Mr. Petty was born in Chatham county, N. C. in 1836, and is a Master Mason ; was a Major in Confederate army, and went out with company D. 35th N. C. Regiment, and was seriously wounded twice during the war.
W. N. JONES,
ATTORNEY AT LAW.
Among the younger members of the N. C., bar who are worthy of remark on these pages we note Mr. W. N. Jones. Mr. Jones is a native of this county, was educated at Wake Forest College, graduating from there in 1879. He was a diligent student of law under Judge Strong, and was licensed in 1880, and has since enjoyed a flattering practice in partnership with Gen. Cox, and has made himself popular as a lawyer and citizen.
He for 2 years has been Alderman of the city, and was Auditor of the Baptist State Convention. Mr. Jones takes pains in prepar- ing cases submitted to him and deservedly merits the success he is meeting with.
He is anthor and joint editor of the N. C. Manual of Law and Forms, for justices of the peace, county officers, lawyers and bnsi- ness men.
J. W. WATSON, PHOTOGRAPHER.
Among the various lines of business in this city, that of photography has been long and well represented by Mr. Watson, who is the first man who made a photograph in this State. He learned his art in Petersburg, Va., his native city, the daguerrotype process being then used, and in '49 started business for him- seif in Richmond, being a member of the firm of Minnis & Watson, till 1855, when he re- moved to New Berne, N. C. Here he con- ducted a prosperous concern till the war, when, notwithstanding that he suffered great- ly from rheumatism, he did some good ser- vice for the Confederacy, noticably in which was his capture of a prisoner who had embark- ed at New Berne in a yankee schooner. Not- withstanding it was blowing a gale, Sergeant Watson with four men, put off, brought the vessel to, some miles out at sea. captured his
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
man and brought him safely back to the | general commanding.
Having formerly made a tour through N. and S. Carolina and Ga , Mr. Watson opened the gallery in Raleigh, immediately after the war, in 1865. This was the first regular pho- tograph gallery established in N. C. and was run by Mr. W. with great success till seven years ago when he sold out. Was in Ala. 4 years but returned to Raleigh in 1882, and soon re-established himself in the confidence of his old patrons.
His rooms are well located on Fayetteville street. He keeps a large stock of picture frames, photographie albums, eases, ete., and makes life size pictures from old photographs, and all work in his line.
Mr. Watson is a Mason, Odd Fellow, belongs to the American Legion of Honor, owns a large farm with flour and grist mills, saw mills, in Chatham county, and withal is a weighty factor in the general welfare of Raleigh.
DAVID ROSENTHAL, CLOTHING. HATS, SHOES, ETC.
Among the younger business men of this community who are deserving of notiee on these pages we note with pleasure the name of David Rosenthal, who after several years served as confidential employee of Mr. L. Rosenthal, sueceeded Mr. Jno. Rosenbaum on. the 25th July last in this store. This estab- lishment has been in existence 4 years. Cen - trally located on the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett streets, it occupies two spacious floors 35x50 feet extent,
and is filled to repletion with a stock valued at me $15,000. This includes every- thing in the line of fashionable clothing, for men and boys, to suit all tastes and pockets; all sizes of boots and shoes, latest styles in New York and London hats and caps; etc. Two competent hands assist the proprietor.
This gentleman a native of Prussia, was raised in Berlin, came to the U. S. and Raleigh six years ago.
He is Mason and past grand Odd Fellow, is one of those who will make a success of any- thing he puts his hand to, merits the success he has and is daily meeting with.
S. M. RICHARDSON,
DEALER IN CIGARS AND TOBACCO, CONFECTIONS, FRUITS, ETC., 113 FAYETTEVILLE STREET.
Who, even though he does not smoke, does not like the odor of a good cigar? The hand- some and tastefully arranged store of Mr. S. M. Richardson on Fayetteville street. un- doubtedly contains a fine selection of domes- tic and imported cigars, the best brands of smoking and chewing tobaccos, snuff, pipes, and in faet a complete variety of the artieles necessary for the smoker's comfort, conveni-
I ence and wants. The stock which averages some $2000 in value, also embraces the best stock of confections in town, and a large va- riety of Floridian and Tropical fruits received direct from the importers on the sea coast. Mr. Richardson started business in September. '81, lower down on the same street No. 315, always has enjoyed an increasing custom, and last March moved into his present prem- ises 24×60 feet. He has also a good demand from the surrounding counties for his goods, and in this way does a considerable business at wholesale figures. Mr. Richardson is a na- tive of Jonston county, and is a Master Mason.
ARTHUR WINSLOW, B. S., ENGINEER AND GEOLOGIST,
307 FAYETTEVILLE STREET.
As a new and valuable addition to the con- course of business in this city we note the ad- vent of Mr. Arthur Winslow whose presence as a trained engineer, geologist and scientist fills up what was formerly a missing link in the chain of professions represented in the capital of our State. Mr. Winslow was five years engaged in seientific study generally at Stuttgart after which he devoted his atten- tion more particularly to engineering and geology at the Boston Sehool of Technology graduating from there in 1881. For three years he was actively employed in the field and office as assistant geologist on the Penn- sylvania survey.
In October last he opened his office here and has already done considerable business in surveying, prospecting and drafting, both for the State and private individuals. He is pre- pared to undertake anything in this line in the way of examining and developing min- eral properties, assaying ores, surveying for- est and agricultural lands, making maps and reports, analyzing fertilizers, marls and phos- phates, locating railroad lines, etc. He is also opening an agency for the sale of mineral lands and has already on his books several valuable properties. Ile is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, the Boston Society of Natural History, the En- gineers' Club of Philadelphia, and has pub- lished varions pamphlets chief among which is a valuable work on Stadia surveying, a dimissis on the theory with useful tables.
THOS. C. HARRIS.
The above gentleman was born in Granville, received his education at the school there and was for some time engaged in business with his father till he came to settle in Raleigh 7 years ago. He then obtained a place as as- sistant State Geologist, which post he filled for three years, when he was appointed Cur- ator of the Museum two years ago. When not attending to the immediate duties of the Museum naming and arranging the new spec- imens that from time to time arrive and the
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CITY OF RALEIGH.
like, he has his time occupied preparing maps of the Geological and other essays that are being extensively projected over the whole State. He is consequently a great authority on matters pertaining to geography and ge- ology of the State, and is acquainted with the locations of the various mineral deposits that have been so largely found here in late years. Mr. Harris is himself a practical sur- veyor, and among his many other attainments
that of designing and engraving is worthy of mention. He engraves all sort of designs for cards, advertising signs, labels, book, letter heads, maps, and does nice work from photos of buildings or individual busts and portraits. He is also Signal Service Observer for the National Government and State, and his of- fice is headquarters for information or meteo- ology.
THE GREAT NORTH CAROLINA
BOOK AND PUBLISHING HOUSE, RALEIGH, N. C. ALFRED WILLIAMS & CO.,
ALL SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BOOKS USED IN N. C. LAW BOOKS, REPORTS, ETC. STANDARD WORKS OF ALL LANGUAGES. STATIONERY IN ENDLESS VARIETY ; LEATHER & HOLIDAY GOODS.
LARGEST STOCK IN THE STATE.
In intimate connection with leading United States, London, Paris and Leipsig houses, we can get you anything in our line.
EUGENE G. HARRELL. JNO. B. NEATHERY.
[See page 80.]
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
99
FOUNDED 1842.
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL, RALEIGH, N. C.
THE REV. BENNETT SMEDES, A.M. RECTOR AND PRINCIPAL.
A corps of Fifteen Efficient Instructors. French taught by a native ; German, by an American educated in Germany. Special attention paid to Mathematics and Composition. Every facility afforded for broad Literary culture as well as forvan advanced course in the Fine Arts.
N. B .- The PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT of the pupils thoroughly cared for.
The 89th Term begins September 12th, 1885.
For Circulars, &c., apply to the Rector.
OF NORTH CAROLINA
MAP OF PART OF THE GOLDEN TOBACCO BELT
-
Blk. Walont
Taylora Fy.
Whitby
Clarksville
/St.Tpmmany 0
Harmony
Show's Store
Easaus F Palmer's Spr
-
Woodedale
OBlue Wing
Roanoke
Townesvilie
Youngs X Ras
River
Oak Hill
Enterprise
Ridgeway
Littloton
Manson
Liacon
Roxboro"
Posidway
PART OF
Leasbara-
Warrenton
Bered
WARE
HALIFAX
Brahy Fork
Osford
THANDERSON
Mt. Tirza
Grinkloyville
Sbocco
Tally Ho
Fair Fort
Rad.Mt.
Duke's Store
Ringwood
Kittrell
Fishing Cr.
WVilton
Mt. Energy
Stagrille
Dutchville
Franklinton
Louisburg
Caetelis
VKLIN
0
Hilliardston
(Yourgsville
N A
Wake Forest
T
ar
9
Rolesville
Javer
Stanhope
-O Strickland
Gaston
ERSON
Sessafres
VANCE &williamsboro
Fork. /
Goshen
Dalby's
GRANVILLE Dabney
Pint River
River
Kuang of Reeds
Nashville
Nease
River
Q Bordtan
Lombardy
Buffalo Spr.
Conninghamg Stora
TOWN OF OXFORD.
100
OXFORD, Granville County, N. C.
The growth, prosperity and decay of commercial and industrial centres is a study equally delectable as, and perhaps of greater usefulness than that of the rise and fall of empires. "Money," says Cicero, "is the sinews of successful government," and by virtue of the amassing of wealth in individual communities, do they gain a strong and influential voice in all doings that affect the existence of a people. It is unneccessary for us to cite examples to sustain this assertion: history, ancient and modern. has amply proven it. It is, therefore, with a feeling not only of gratification but of assurance that we are directed in the right when we give a distinguished prominence to a town whose phenominal growth has no parellel in this decade.
In mining regions, on the discovery of a supposed plenteous deposit of valuable ore, spots that were np to that time perhaps marked but by a solitary log hut, have in twenty-four hours presented the appearance and afforded the the comforts of a city. with hotels, opera house and its other conveniences. Their rise has been compared to that of the mushroon, but lacking the most neccessary elements to continued prosperity. their existence has been too often simi- larly likened to that of the same fungus. In Oxford. however, though we have a somewhat rapid growth the reasons thereof are to be found in quite different causes. Granville county since the days of Memucan Hunt, who so ably economised and disbursed the revenue of N. C. during the trials of the Revolution, has been noted for her ability and finance, and her men have ever given their greatest attention to the nurturing of the productive powers that nature has so lavishly and abundantly bestowed upon her.
Her agricultural resources have been stimulated and fostered by industry, careful study and economy to a degree almost unexampled. To the generous bestowal of human time and wealth, nature has lent her lavish help: to the liberal disbursement of fertilizing agents, the use of the plow, the spade and the hoe, sowing at the right time, harvesting when the plants or cereals are ready therefor, to careful attention to the curing, housing and storing of the tobacco plant and the grain cereal, has been liberally added, sunshine, shower and moisture.
But, our readers will say, you have already stated this has been going on for generations, ever since the Revolution and probably long before, where then is this phenominal growth which you have spoken of? Simply this!
Though the country had been gradually growing rich over since the Anglo-Saxon planted his standard within her borders, only a few years ago was a new life put into her by the intro- duction of new men and new things. Not by the importation of a foreign population or by the investing of foreign capital but simply by a generation of men arriving at maturity and com- ing into prominence. We do not mean to say that the generations that had gone before were inferior in talent and ability. Far from it ! But we will say that the pursuits they followed were sufficiently extensive to engage all their attention, and amply lucrative to satisfy the most expensive and luxurious desires, and as population increased their successors had to
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TOWN OF OXFORD.
look to extending some lesser developed pursuit or some ealling that their fathers had not yet followed. They have done both, but to a more marked degree one of the former, namely :
The Leaf Tobacco Industry, which has been carried on here many years, but owing to want of railroad, warehouse and banking facilities could never be developed to any large propor- tions, and as a consequence most of Granville co. tobacco found a market at the nearest rail- road towns. Five or six years ago many men in this town and eounty began to turn their at- tention to buying tobacco, they erecte l extensive prize houses on the most improved prinei- ples. Some of these are among the largest in the country. Following on their energies a railroad was projected and opened, connecting the town with the R. & G. R. R., then was formed a banking association with unlimited means, the warehouses, where the leaf is auc- tioned, to meet the demands, were extended, and to cap all. there will this season be opened here a brick warehouse with main floor 110x325 feet, larger than any other in this State or Vir- ginia.
Golden or Yellow Tobacco has always been much prized by the consumers of the weed, but of late years this has been especially so, and to-day the chewing and smoking tobaeco made from the yellow leaf is the favorite with smokers and chewers throughout the world. It has superior qualities in taste, aroma, and mildness, not found in the brown, blaek and eoarse leaf grown in hotter and colder latitudes and on other soils, and has less nicotine in it than any other tobacco, this latter being supposed to arise from the fluc curing process generally adopted in this section. For this reason it is in great demand for manufacturing purposes, and its price, especially for the fine grades, has lately been enormously enhanced. While the price of almost every other natural and artificial product of our country during the last few years has been steadily dropping, that of the golden leaf tobacco has been rising, and has at times commanded fabulous figures. This tobacco is chiefly grown in the northern tier of counties of North Carolina, which tract of land has gained for itself the familiar appellation of the Golden Belt. In the very heart of this belt lies the city of Oxford.
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