USA > North Carolina > Historical and descriptive review of North Carolina, volume 1 > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
OF NORTH CAROLINA.
MAP OF PART OF THE GOLDEN TOBACCO BELT
Boydton
Lombards O
Blk. Walnut
Q
Taylor's Fy.
Whitby
St.Tommany
Harmony
Show's Store
Haskins Fy/ Palmere Spro
Woodadalo
OBlas Wing
Roanoke
River
Ridgeway
e
Littloton
O Manson
Mecon
Boxboro
Midway
Warrertos
Berea
VKARRE
N
HALIFAX
GRANVILL
Dabney
HENDERSON
1
Nit. Tirza
=
Drink vyvina
Tully HO
Fair Fort
Red. Mt
=
Kittrslj
RIESwood
Plat River
Knappof Reeds.
Fulton
Mt. Energy
Stagville
Dutchville
-Franklinton
Lonicburg
Castalis
RANKLIN
1
Youngsville
N
S /H
Wake Forest
Nashville
River
River
Stanhope.
-Strickland
Guston'
Ode Hil
Enterpriso
Sausafras
FoVE
VANCE Ő Williamsboro
ERSON
Dalby's
PART OF
Leasborg
Beshy Fort
Oxford
1 Dekes Store
Fisting Cr.
RiTOS
Hilliardston
Neuse
Polesvillo
120
TOWN OF HENDERSON.
G
Clarksville
Buffalo Spr.
Conninghams Store
Youngs & Rds
Townesvillo
HENDERSON, Vance County, N. C.
Vance county, organized in 1881, is in north latitude 36° 15' and west longitude 78° 25', and is known as one of the northern tier of counties of North Carolina. It extends from the Roanoke Valley, on the Virginia State line (its northern boundary) to the Tar river on the south, a distance of about 30 miles, by from 14 to 18 wide. Arca about 425 square miles. It was created as a pressing need of the territory comprising it on account of its rapid growth and business necessities, and was formed out of the most desirable parts of Granville, Frank- lin and Warren counties. Population about 19,000. Exact number and proportion of whites and colored cannot be given, as the county was not formed at the time the last census was taken, in 1880.
Vance county is most advantageously situated as to railroads, water power, character of soil, diversity of crops, and healthfulness of climate. Occupying as it does an intermediate station upon the rich table lands or plateau of the middle section, between the low flat coun- try of the east and the mountainous region of the west, it possesses every advantage of both these, besides enjoying many others peculiar to this locality alone. In variety of soil and climate Vance county is unsurpassed. The country is diversified in its topographical aspect, the surface rolling and undulating, the lands rich and productive. Within its territory is to found a diversity of soil meeting the requirements of every crop indigenenus to the latitude; and while there are many mills and factories, the principal source of wealth lies in its agricul- ture. Tobacco and cotton are the chief staples. Here the fine yellow tobacco which has be- come world famous, is grown in its greatest perfection, while the cotton is of an unusually fine staple and as a money crop is excelled only by its more fabulously priced rival of recent years.
In addition to tobacco and cotton, the cultivation of the cereals is followed by great success; corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, peas, beans, peanuts, potatoes, &c., grow thrifty and produce well. The soil and climate are peculiary adapted to fruit growing. Two vineyards are in successful operation where are made quantities of very superior wines. The hardy fruit and vegetables of the North, as well as peaches, pears, apples, grapes, plums, cherries, strawberries, melons, and vegetables of all kinds, grow and ripen in full per- fection, and whether for house consumption or market purposes, produce good results. The fruit industry is quite an important one, large quantities being shipped North each season.
The county is well watered and timbered, many small streams furnishing an abundant supply of fresh water at all seasons of the year. Along the banks of these water courses are large quantities of low lands, rich and luxuriant. Stock raising could be made a profitable industry. A large proportion of the land is adapted to grazing purposes in its original state, and besides the native grasses, clover and the cultivated varieties prosper on this soil. Cattle for both beef and dairy purposes, are raised to advantage and prove remun- erative. Hogs are raised extensively, horses and mules to some extent and profit : while sheep husbandry opens up large possibilities by virtue of the excellent pasturage afforded and
122
TOWN OF HENDERSON.
their healthy condition and rapid increase. Domestic fowls are raised in large numbers, the prodnet of which always finds ready sale in the market towns. Deer, turkeys, quail, wild ducks and squirrels are found ; while the ordinary varieties of fresh water fish abound in the streams and mill ponds.
The forest growth comprises all varieties of oak, pine, hickory, dogwood, ash, walnut, maple, poplar, persimmon, gum, elin, cedar and cherry, large quantities of which are shipped to be used in the manufacture of furniture, shuttle blocks, &c. Building stones are found in large variety and abundance. One of the finest granite quarries in the State is operated in this county. The stone is of fine grain, high finish and susceptible of a high polish. It is in great demand and shipped to long distances. The quarry is worked on an extensive scale upwards of 100 men being employed. Good brick clay is found and a large business is done in the manufacture of bricks.
Two railroads traverse the county-the Raleigh and Gaston and the Oxford and Henderson. Besides these, the Richmond and Carolina the new air-line from Richmond south, HOW in course of construction, will strike the Raleigh and Gaston near the northeastern edge of the county and pass through it via Henderson, giving us still another and more direct route to the north. A charter has been obtained for a road from Henderson to Clarksville, Va., on the upper Roanoke river, to connect with the Richmond and Danville system. The route has been surveyed and such a road is one of the probabilities of the near future. Thus we see Vance county is well situated as to trans- portation facilities, and Henderson is destined at no distant day to be an important railroad centre. Besides Ilenderson, the county has two railroad towns, Kittrell and Middlebury; and Six county villages-Dabney, on the Oxford and Henderson railroad, Williamsboro, Townes- ville, Brookston, Steedsville and Enterprise.
Vance county the youngest, is one of the most prosperous and well-to-do counties in the State. It has built a splendid brick courthouse; is free from debt, and has money in the treasury. The affairs of the county are justly and economically administered; the public officials are men of intelligence, capability and fitness for their respective positions. The public school system is thorough and efficient, good schools for both races in successful opera- tion are in all parts of the county. Taxes arc low and county script worth its face value. The people are industrious and law-abiding.
The climate is mild and healthy, the winters short and not unusually severe. The summers are warm, but as a rule seldom oppressively so. The precipitation of this season of the year is about proportionate with that of spring and autumn. Protracted drouths accompanied by hot and sultry weather are exceptionable. The fall season is sufficiently long for the maturity of all crops.
Nature has done much for Vance county and woven in a wonderful manner many elements of beauty and of grandeur. Lofty hills, rolling valleys, beautiful lakes, sparkling streams, and fertile fields dotted here and there by thirfty farm houses, all combine to make this an interest- ing subject to write about or a pleasant and profitable place of abode. Here the yellow leaf, the golden grain, and the fleecy staple, all grow and flourish alike, and here our people are prosperous and progressive, happy and contented. As a country for immigrant to consider, Vance county offers many inducements.
Henderson the chief town and seat of justice of Vanee county, is pleasantly situated at the highest point on the Raleigh and Gaston railroad 44 miles northeast of Raleigh, and 53 miles southwest of Weldon. It is 505 feet above sea level, and 55 feet higher than any other town in this part of the State. It is a remarkably healthy place, free from malaria and all miasmatic influences, and much sought as a summer resort. The climate is pleasant and invigorating, the water pure and healthy. There are several mineral springs near town whose waters are said to possess rare health-giving properties and are freely used by the local public. Population about 3,000.
The business interests of the town arc great. Hender. on is a market for a large section of surrounding country. and about 7,000,000 pounds of tobacco and between 5.000 and 6,000 bales of cotton, besides large quantities of grain and other country produce, are sold here annually. Tobaeco is the principal crop, and the growth of this industry alone has been almost phenominal.
123
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
From one small warehouse and about one dozen buyers in 1872, during which year there was sold on this market less than 300,000 pounds, there are now four large and well appointed ware- houses for the sale of leaf tobacco, in each of which are held daily sales, and between 50 or 60 regular buyers. The amount of tobacco now sold here annually approximates very near 7,000,000 pounds. The prices realized for some grades of tobacco sold on this market seem almost beyond reason. It is not an uncommon thing for "fancy wrappers" to sell for $1.00 a pound; while prices ranging all the way from $35 to $80 per hundred are of daily occurrence. The growth of the "leaf " business has more than kept pace with the manufacture of "the weed." On every hand, in different quarters of the town, are to be found large structures devoted to the storing and handling of this great staple. This tobacco is bought on special order for large manufacturers in other towns, and for speculation.
While Henderson is in its truest aspect a " Tobacco Town," and is all that the public have learned to associaie with the name in energy and enterprise. rapidity of growth and solidity of character, the mercantile and manufacturing interests have been carefully looked after and kept pace with the spirit of improvement that has at all times marked its progress and development as one of the leading and most important tobacco markets of North Carolina. The growth of the town for the past few years has been rapid and of a substantial nature. Each season finds it increasing its territory, while the character of the buildings now being erected, for both business houses and private residences, are fashioned after more modern styles of architecture and of greater value and durability.
The town boasts of a business block of brick that would do credit to a city of 25,000; and one of the largest and finest theatrical halls in the State ; many large and handsome stores ; a newspaper ; job printing office ; bank with plenty of means ; sash and blind factory ; planing mill ; carriage and wagon works: iron foundry and plow factory ; wcod working establish- ments ; blacksmith shops ; beer bottling establishment; cotton gins; two hotels; boarding houses, &c. There are five churches, all protestant, viz: Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopal ; all nice houses of worship, with large membership. Two excellent male schools and several female schools afford ample facilites for the proper and careful training of the minds of the youth. Thus it will be seen that both the religious and educational interests of the town and community are well provided for. The colored people have their own churches and schools, and as a class are intelligent, pros- perous and good citizens.
The business men of Henderson are active and wide awake, thorough-going and money- making. The citizens are courteous and hospitable, ever ready to extend a cordial welcome to the stranger within their midst.
1
REPRESENTATIVE HOUSES AND PROMINENT MEN
-OF-
HENDERSON, N. C.
JOHN D. COOPER, LEAF TOBACCO DEALER.
MAYOR.
The present chief executive of Henderson as a potential instrument in the welfare of this city deserves a foremost place on these pages. Mr. Cooper was born and raised in Oxford, Granville county, was educated at Horner's school in that town, and while quite a young man passed several years in the
wilder regions of the far west. He was a long time in Texas with Millet & Mabry, the largest stock raisers in that State, was also in Kansas. California, Nebraska and Dakota, and was one of the second party who explored the Black Hills. Returning home about nine years ago he was persuaded by his family to remain here and settle in the more peaceful paths of life, and consequently soon embarked his capital in dealing in the bright leaf to- bacco of this section, and is now one of the largest dealers in this staple in our State. He
confines his attention more particularly to the finer grades, averaging from 25 cts. to 65 cts. a pound, and handles annually about 200,000 lbs. His prize house, 50x100 feet in extent, 2} stories high is well appointed and is stocked with a large quantity of bright yellow and bright mahogany wrappers, fillers, cut- ters and smokers, from which manufacturers and commission merchants can be readily supplied. Mr. Cooper has an establishment from which he supplies half of the hogsheads used here for shipping the tobacco in. He employs 6 or seven hands, and turns out from 15 to 20 hogsheads daily. Mr. Cooper is an ancient Odd Fellow. In the broad political economy that has always formed a source of greatest interest to the American people, Mr. Cooper has from boyhood paid great attention and is well versed in the duties which fall on the shoulders of a public officer. He is now filling his second term of mayor. He was first chosen by the board of aldermen to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected last year. He gives a large portion of his time to planning town improvements, transacts the business of the office promptly and has been a great suc- cess in this position. He has caused a com- plete survey to be made of the town and sur- roundings, and the plan of all future streets mapped out ; has recently put up Dietz improved lamps on all the main thoroughfares, and is generally disbursing the finances so that the people shall derive the greatest benefit from the expenditure thereof.
THE BANK OF HENDERSON, WM. H. S. BURGWYN, PRESIDENT. R. L. DAINGERFIELD, CASHIER.
The lending of money with the taking of interest is a custom which dates from the ear- liest antiquity and the cities who have held the commercial supremacy of their country and of the world, have in great measure con- served their power by means of their superior banking facilities. Since the modern modes of handling money were introduced by the
· 125
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Florentaan money lenders shortly before the Reformation, the system of banking has in- creased in popularity and usefulness, and to- day every trading point of importance pos- sesses one at least of such institutions. Hen- derson then naturally has such an establish- ment whose standing is commensurate with her growing trade, and consequent increas- ing financial transactions.
The bank was founded and opened for business on the 1st November, 1882, as Wm. H. S. Burgwyn & Co., the name being changed to the present style on 1st May of last year. From the start the institution has continued to prosper, has been conducted in a manner so as to have gained more and more every year the confidence of the public. and its deserved success reflects credit on the ability of its management and the intelli- gence ot the people. It occupies a neat build- ing in the centre of the town, which is ar- ranged in every way to facilitate the numerous transactions; the large fire proof sate, also the burglar proot one, both in a solid brick vault, are of the best and most improved workmanship, and deserve special mention as tending to insure the safe deposit of money. papers or valuables. The bank transacts a general deposit, exchange, collection and loaning business, is the fiscal agent for the warehouses here, and has the following regular correspondents : Planters' National Bank. Richmond : Importer's and Trader's National, of N. Y. ; J. J. Nicholson & Son, Baltimore : Citizen's National, Raleigh, and others. The bank has proven a most useful and valuable adjunct to the commercial in- terests of this town, and it is but just that we should give a short notice of the gentleman from whom such a benefit has accrued.
Col. Burgwyn was born in Boston. his mother being a native of that city ; his father was a large planter on the Roanoke, North- ampton county, in this State. He received however his education largely in the North, first at Burlington, N. J., and then at George- town College, D. C. In '68 he graduated from Chapel Hill, studying there somewhat the fundamental principles of law, continued his studies at Harvard Law School, receiving his L. L. B. from that famous university in 1869. He then settled in Baltimore, and for about 12 years carried on a large practice in that city, and made himself one of the most popular and brilliant young members of the Maryland bar. While here in 1876 he gradu- ated from the Washington Medical Univer- sity. His digest of the Maryland Reports, published in 1878, received the voluntary in- dorsement of the Judges of the Court of Ap- peals. The colonel has also had a somewhat distinguished military career. At the outbreak of the civil war when only fifteen he volun- teered his services to the confederacy, served in the capacity of Drill Master with Petti- grew, as Ass't Adj. in Clingman's Brigade, as 1st Lieut., later as Capt. Co. H, 35th N. C. Ransom's Brig. He rendered good and active work for the great cause, was wounded in June '64 at Cold Harbor, was wounded and
taken prisoner at Fort Harrison 20th Sept .. 1864, and was confined in Fort Delaware till March '65. when he was parolled by special exchange. With the cessation of hostilities he did not however loose his love for a mili- tary life. In Baltimore he was first, Lieut. Col. of the 8th and later, Col. of the 5th Md. Vol., the crack regiment of that State. Of wide and varied experience. versed in legal lore, deeply read in general literature, in bus- iness systematic, intelligent and honorable, he is an important and potential factor in the progress of this prosperous city. He married in 1876 a daughter of the well known Dunlop family of Richmond. is a leading member of the Episcopal church of this town, and per- sonally making himself agreeable to those he comes in contact with, is apt to make strangers who have the fortune to meet him remember their visit to the capital of the newest county of the Old North State.
Col. Burgwyn is assisted in the Bank by R. L. Daingerfield, an officer of experience in financial matters, who is from Fayetteville, and who was formerly with the Citizen's National of Raleigh.
J. L. H. MISSILLIER,
DEALER IN GENERAL HARDWARE, STOVES, SASH. BLINDS. DOORS, ETC. BREACH-LOADING SHOT GUNS, CUT- LERY. CROCKERY. ETC. TOBACCO FLUES A SPECIALTY. MANUFACTUR- ER OF SHEET IRON AND TIN-WARE.
HENDERSON. N. C.
The hardware business above ahnost all others, increases faster in importance as a country grows older and more thickly settled. but the degree of perfection it attains is in proportion to enterprise of the individuals who are connected with it and who have de- veloped a fitness and capacity for conduct- ing it gained from many years of experience.
Henderson happily possesses, as indeed it only ought, in the house under notice, an es- tablishment which does her credit and which ranks with the first of any city in the State.
Mr. Missillier was long with the house of Geo. Allen & Co. in New Berne. He came to Hen- derson and bought out S. H. Allen & Co. and commenced business on his own account here on the 28th June, '82. Since then he has by enterprise, industry and foresight, combined with a happy adaptation tor his trade greatly extended his custom. and his goods are the standard over the northern portion of this State and Virginia. His premises are 25x130 ft. in extent. are well located near the depot. and arranged in every way for carrying out affairs expeditiously. They are filled to re- pletion with a well selected and varied stock valued at some 8 or $10.000. This includes all kinds of general hardware. cutlery, me- chanics', moulders' and builders' tools, iron. nails. steel, all sizes ot kitchen and parlor coal and oil stoves, a fine line of breech-load-
126'
TOWN OF HENDERSON.
ing shot guns, pistols, imported and domestic cutlery, crockery, etc., also sash, doors and blinds, locks and hinges. and plows, harrows and other agricultural implements. The up- per floor of the premises is occupied by the tin shop, and herc 4 skilled hands are em- ployed manufacturing all kinds of sheet iron and tin ware goods.
Mr. Missillier's Tobacco Flues have become one of the staple articles of this market as for durability, lightness, effectiveness and cheapness they are not equalled ; last year he used some 50,000 lbs. of sheet iron in their manufacture, and the demand for them steadily increases.
Mr. Missillier, who is assisted in the store by two polite employees, is a native of New Berne, in business is civil, experienced and farseeing. Socially he is also prominent, is a K. of P., past Grand Chancellor of the Order, belongs to the American Legion of Honor, the Chosen Friends, and the Baptist denomi- nation. We are sate in placing his house as a representative one of this country, and as a pillar of Henderson's commercial greatness it has been and is a material aid in her ad- vance and progress, as a central market for a large and increasing territory of the sur- rounding country.
THE CAROLINA (Brick) WARE- HOUSE,
FOR THE SALE OF LEAF TOBACCO, BURWELL BROS. & CO., OWNERS AND PROPRIETORS.
Those men, who act by the guidance of their own judgment, relying upon themselves and oblivous of the criticism of others, may as a body be considered the only cause which originates and the only agent which carries out projects which, planting the germ of growth makes and promotes the prosperity
and advancement of the world. Therefor in the history of communities cminent mention must be made of those individuals from whose energies and calculations these great benefits accrue, and as one of such in Hen- derson we are proud to note the above estab- lishment whose founder Mr. H. H. Burwell belongs to the catagory already spoken of.
Till five years ago the 4 acre lot now occupied by the Carolina warehouse and its ap- pendages was a marsh. Then, Mr. Burwell commenced putting the plans he had conjec- tured, and to complete which he had the money in bank, into operation, and opened his warehouse for business in the season of 1880. His establishment was soon acknowledged to be just the thing this market wanted, and his patronage steadily grew, and to-day the Car- olina Warehouse enjoys a popularity and does a business equal to the oldest institutions of its kind in the State. The building sub- stantially built of solid brick, is the finest in the State. It is 60x150 ft. in extent, the floor is of solid oak level as a billiard table. and the general appearance at the commencement of a break is one of the sights of this country. To meet the requirements of the sales, grow- ing daily larger, it is expected next season to lengthen the floor 100 ft. and add other im- provements that will outrival all the ware- house facilities at present in use. The plant- ers come here from all over North Carolina. as far east as Reidville on the Air Line, and from the other side of Durham, and about 3,000.000 lbs. of leaf tobacco will be sold here this season. Five regular hands are employed in the warehouse, and about as much extra la- bor, while half a dozen are out drumming the country.
Messrs. Burwell also deal extensively in tobacco; have their basement fitted up for prizing their own stock as well as for the ac- commodation of small buyers, and ship mostly to manufacturers and commission merchants in Richmond. In the rear of the warchouse is a large lot, stable with fifty stalls and all hotel accommodations for farmers and their mules and wagons stopping over night or for several days. The whole premises are lit with gas, and are arranged in a first-class manner, and with every comfort and convenience that money can supply. In a separate building Messrs. Burwell also carry a good stock of buggies-Lewis Cooke's make, and also wag- ons. They deal in the Excelenza Soluble Phosphate Fertilizer, so called from its having the highest avcrage in America.
In conclusion it becomes us to speak of the partners of this prosperous firm whom it will be conjectured are men of capital, energy and experience, and well suited to the calling they prosecute. Mr. H. H. Burwell is a native of Granville county, and son of a gentleman now dead, who was long one of the best known and influential men of this county.
He graduated from Virginia Military Insti- tute in 1873, and was engaged in mercantile life till 1879, when he went into tobacco. He has been one of Henderson's most successful men in this linc, wields a potential influence
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.