USA > North Carolina > Historical and descriptive review of North Carolina, volume 1 > Part 19
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in all measures undertaken to advance her fi- nancial prosperity, and indvidually is pro- gressive, solid and enterprising. He resides in a nice house, surrounded by two acres of ground in the rear of the warehouse lot, and is an active Episcopalian. He is ably sec- onded by his brother J. S. Burwell, a young man of prudence and business capacity. They also are managers of the City Opera House, which seats 800 persons ; it is located in Bur- well Building, the largest brick block in town, 3 stories high 79x160 ft. in extent, which contains also several offices and stores. The third partner Mr. W. S. Stark, is one of the most experienced tobacco men in North Carolina, and energetic and polite is most ad- mirably suited to his post of floor manager. In conclusion it is but just to say this estab- lishment in its appointments and management leaves nothing to be desired; it has been one of the strongest motors in Hendersonian ad- vance, and is a bulwark which will always continue to conserve lier material and social standing and progress.
J. A. HARRISON & CO., GENERAL MERCHANTS.
The above house has since its foundation here in August of last year taken a leading place as one of the best managed establish- ments of this town ; in fact the beneficial and enlivening influence it has had on trade gen- erally in this centre is noticable, other and older houses having made marked efforts to copy and keep up with it. The premises oc- cupied centrally located in the heart of the town consist of a substantial 2-story brick building 26x100 feet in dimensions, arranged and adapted in every way for carrying out the multifarious transactions with method and dispatch. The stock averaging some $10,000 in value is well selected bought for cash at low figures from the best jobbers and manufacturers. It is in this point, namely,
the house's unexampled knowledge of how, when and where to buy, that largely lies their success. This stock contains a very full line of foreign and domestic dry goods from the best looms, fancy dress goods. latest French and American notions, all styles in ladies, gents' and children's boots and shoes : in this line they sell some goods at same prices as competitors buy them for, and have always something special to offer. In ready-made clothing they have a varied and fashionable stock, also in hats and caps, gents' furnishing goods, newest styles; furniture at factory prices, also of heavy and fancy groceries al- ways a fresh supply. Goods are bought and sold entirely for cash, the costly trouble of keeping a set of books is thus dispensed with, the low prices is a subject of favorable com- ment among all classes, and the quality of the goods is proverbially high. The railroad agent's books show that the house pays more freights than any other firm in town. Six polite clerks assist the proprietor and the trade of the house rapidly and surely in- creases throughout a large section of the ad- joining conntry where the goods enjoy a standard reputation.
Mr. J. A. Harrison the owner of this pros- perous establishment is one of the best known and most experienced business men in our State. He is a native of Nash county, in the war did some good service for the Confeder- acy as captain Co. D. 47th N. C. He first started business at Castalia. then moved to Warrenton, to Petersburg, returning to Casta- lia from where he moved to Henderson. He is a Master Mason, and Odd Fellow since 1850 and belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is assisted by his son-in-law, Mr. C. M. Bridgers, who is well suited to the post of buyer for the house, and by his two sons John A. and James.
Mr. Harrison is also half owner of S. W. Bartholemew Cotton Seed Elevator which is now popular over the whole Southern States. It is quick in its action, easily worked and cheap ; the first two years Mr. Harrison went out on the road he sold $45,000 worth of rights, a fact which is the best proof of its value. Mr. Harrison is a man of brains and foresight and has seen a good deal of the world ; he was shipwrecked on the coast of Ireland in 1869, sunk twice but came to land all right ; his prominence in business and so- cial circles is but a consequence of his re- markable talents. experience and happy man- ner.
W. E. CARY & CO., LEAF TOBACCO BROKERS.
As the tobacco buyer regulates the price of the leaf at its first sale, namely, when brought from the plantation he forms a very intrinsic and important factor in the wealth and pros- perity in the tobacco country, and as a conse- quence he must occupy much space in a work designed to show the growth and industry of this section of North Carolina. As the largest
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TOWN OF HENDERSON.
buyer on this, one of the principal markets of our State, the subject of our sketch de- serves eminent mention. Mr. Gary has been on this market now five years, though he has been more or less connected with the tobacco business all his life. lle was long with his father and has had an excellent experience. HIis prize house five stories high 40x120 feet in extent with L 40x50 feet is the largest in the State, was built in the season of 1883 and is provided with every facility for prizing, bulk- ing, handling and re ordering the leaf with great expedition. His house when the racks on all the floors are full is a sight worthy alike the admiration of the visitor and the pride of the resident. He buys tobacco en- tirely on order mostly for manufacturers and includes among his many patrons such large houses as T. C. Williams & Co., Richmond, Va .; Kinney Tobacco Co., N. Y .: The J. B. Pace Tobacco Co., Richmond, Va .: Daniel Scotten & Co., Detroit; Adams Tobacco Co., Montreal. He passes through his house an- nually about a million pounds of all the grades to be obtained on this market.
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Energetic, live and liberal in business Mr. Gary is without invidious comparisons one of the best liked men in Henderson. He is a native of Richmond, Va .. served a short time at the end of the war with the reserves, is a Mason, K. T. Richmond No. 2, K. of H., is married to a Virginia lady, belongs to the Methodist denomination, and has a family of six. He is one of the most generous and sociable of men, ready to overlook faults of his fellows, has been often wanted by the peo- ple for public office, and withal is a power- ful pillar in the progress and a bulwark in the solidity and strength of this thriving tobacco town.
BOYD'S WAREHOUSE.
These men who have aided in building up the tobacco in this section of country may con- jointly be looked upon as the most important factor in the progress of the community and consequenty deserve a prominent place on these pages. Among such our readers will admit that the well kuown proprietor of Boyd's warehouse of Henderson commands special attention at our hands. This ware- honse in its six years history has been owned by various parties, in the first year 1879 and 1880 the firm was Currin, Watson & Co., the present owner being bookeeper to them, in 1880 and 1881 Jenkins, Boyd & Co. were own- ers, for the next two seasons Burwell Bros. & Co. ran it, in 1883 and 1884 Boyd & Eaton and on 1st January last W. B. Boyd & Co. with the senior partner the principal owner and manager of affairs, took possession. Up to the time he took hold of the house the busi- ness had somewhat languished but under the new management it has since commenced a fresh existence. Mr. Boyd is without invidi- ous comparisons one of the men most suited to his calling in our State; young, live, ac- tive, energetic and progressive, endowed with an easy and interested manner, he has al-
ready made himself and his warehouse the compeer in popularity with the oldest in the country. The floor is 40x185 feet in extent, the premises are arranged in the best known manner, provided with every facility for handling the large quantities of leaf brought here with expedition and least breakage and with first-class accommodations and every hotel comfort for farmers. Sales are con- ducted here once at least every day in the sea- son, about 2,000,000 pounds of leaf is sold by them annually, the very highest price is ob- tained for each pile and sellers as well as buy- ers are invariably pleased with their transac- tions. Mr. Boyd is also one of the largest dealers in the weed and buys yearly some 300,000 pounds.
This gentleman who is ably assisted by his three partners, Wm. H., Win. L. and Richard B. Boyd, is a native of Warren co., was there in the mercantile line and came to this county five years ago entering into the handling of the now famous golden leaf, a step he has not by any means regretted. He is also prominent apart from business, is a Commis- sioner of the town, is a great favorite among the farmers, his tobacco confreres and the general public.
H. T. JENKINS, LEAF TOBACCO BROKER,
This gentleman one of Henderson's most pushing and successful tobacco buyers, started in business in 1880 and in four years has built up a large and still rapidly increasing custom the extent of which places him in the front rank of tobacco men of this market. Mr. Jen- kins now handles annually about half a mil- lion pounds of all grades of the bright golden leaf sold here, and can at any time fill the largest orders for wrappers, fillers, cutters and smokers. His two prize houses, one 3 stories, 20x60 feet, other 2 stories, 30x80 feet, afford him every convenience for handling and ship- ping tobacco with expedition, and his facilities for re-ordering the leaf in any quantity with great rapidity are unsurpassed. Mr. Jenkins is a quick buyer and has had a varied experi- ence in tobacco.
He was born in this county, gained his first
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
knowledge around his father's plug factory, and was several years engaged in raising the product, which all gives him great advantages in knowing exactly how to suit wants of manufacturers. Live, young and progressive Mr. J. is a general favorite among his tobacco confreres, and buyers consult their best inter- ests when placing orders in his hands.
JAS. A. O'NEIL,
CARRIAGE MANUFACTURER, DEALER IN WAGON MAKERS' SUPPLIES, AND BLACKSMITH AND HORSE-SHOER.
The carriage and wagon business one that has taken enormous strides in advancement is prominently represented in this section of the State by the above gentleman, who has for now six years been established in this town. Mr. O'Neil is a blacksmith by trade. and for 8 years eonducted business in this line at a point some 43 miles east from here, where he also ran a 100 acre farm. In Hen- derson he has an establishment which would do eredit to a larger city. His premises cover 80x185 feet. In his store he carries a general line of hardware carriage and wagon maker's supplies, wheels, hnbs, spokes, rims, shafts, bolts, tifth wheels, wagon skeins, horse shoes, nails, iron and steel, cte., etc. His goods are in great demand, a constant erowd of cus- tomers always coming and going, and in the blacksmith shop horses are being shod from morning till night. His wagons and buggies have gained a standard reputation. Mr. O'Neil having carefully studied the requirements of this country and his repairing work is unsur- passed. Recently he has built a spacious 3- story brick building, 24x40 feet in extent, in which he carries a large lot of fine vehicles, and in adjoining sheds are usually trom 40 to 50 wagons. Besides his own he handles the Webster wagon and Watertown buggy, and other well known makes.
He employes about six skilled hands in the shop who are all under his immediate direc- tion. Mr. O'Neil has an experience in this line of trade second to none. He is a native of Middlesex county, New Jersey, served his apprenticeship and worked several years in his native State, eame south in Februray, 1870, bought a farm in this county, and as before said conducted it till he came to Hen- derson, to which thriving town he has proven an acquisition without which it could now hardly get along.
He is a member of the K. of H. and being a man of great push and energy justly merits the strong position he holds in business circles. This year he will erect when the spring opens, handsome brick premises which will further add to ihe importance of his establishment.
C. S. BOYD, DENTIST.
The above, one of North Carolina's most. successful members of the dental profession. was born in Bluestone district, Mecklenburg
i connty, Va. ; when only 35 years he moved to Warren county, in this State. He got most ot his education at W. J. Bingham's school in Orange county, and leaving here was 2 years in A. T. Stewart's establishment in New York City. He then turned his mind towards that science he has since been a good prac- tioner of and graduated from Baltimore Den- tal College. the oldest institution of its kind in existence, in 1860. Returning home he farm- ed in Warren county, praetising his profession somewhat at the same time, and in 1876 locat- ed in the county town. From Warrenton as a centre he enjoyed a large practiee till January 1884, when he moved to Henderson as a more favorite point, from which while holding all his old patients he might inerease his custom among the new. His surmises have been realized and his hands have been crowded with work every day.
His rooms located upstairs over Parker & Closs' store are furnished in a manner that would do eredit to a large city. and his operat- ing room and laboratory are provided with best instruments and every convenience. Dr. Boyd as an operator bears an envied reputa- tion and his patients often come back to him from wherever they may have moved to in various portions of the State. He also runs an office in Jackson, which he visits for a few weeks twice a year.
He is a member of the State Dental Asso- ciation, is a Master Mason, he joined the Odd Fellows at 21 years of age, is a K. of H. He has been twice married, both times to Virginia ladies, residents of Warren county, has 2 children by each marriage.
W. H. SMOOT & CO.,
LEAF TOBACCO BROKERS
Experience of all human attributes is the one which, in the varied phases of life where so many aceomplishments wield their eon- junet power, may be said to fail least. As many men make a world, so many buyers with each his different ideas and methods make a market, and among those engaged in bnying leaf tobecco in this State we doubt if there are any who possess more experience therein than the subject of onr sketch. Mr. Smoot commenced business in Lynchburg, Va., where he was eight years engaged as a merchant. In Big Island, where he was 10 years in business, he first commenced buying tobacco. After the war he confined his at- tention wholly to tobacco, was again 2 years in Lynchburg, and then moved to Richmond, where he resided 10 years. when he moved to Henderson 4 years ago. He is one of the two largest buyers here, and handles this year nearly a million pounds entirely on order. He buys for large manufacturers and dealers in Chicago, Richmond, St. Louis, New York, Louisiana, and other States, shipping them all grades of N. C. and Va. bright yellow and mahogany leaf tobacco, which is rapidly out- stripping all others in the esteem of chewers and smokers everywhere. At the sales his
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TOWN OF HENDERSON.
judgement is often followed by the younger buyers. He re-orders a portion of his tobacco, has two large prize houses, one 32x110 feet 24 stories, convenient to the warehouses, the other 24 stories, 60x140. is newer, and is near the railroad track. He employs about 23 hands, and has ample facilities for handling the leaf, and his patrons find it to their ad- vantage to leave the re-ordering and selecting to him. He has been often chosen President of the Tobacco Board, but declines to serve as he has no time, and accepts positions on the freight ond sales committees instead. Mr. Smoot was born in Amherst county, Va .. and in the war served in the Commissary Dept. on Big Island. He is a most pleasant gentle- man, is a general favoriie in the town both with his tobacco confrercs and the outside world, and well merits the high standing he holds.
W. S. CLARY & CO., LEAF TOBACCO DEALERS.
The above house, a no less recent than val- uable adjunet to Henderson's tobacco market, commenced operations in September last, and with large experience, opening their transactions on a wide and solid basis, have come prominently to the front as one of the principal handlers of the leaf here. They ex- pect to buy this season about half a million pounds largely for export through Richmond commission houses, though they also buy on their own account. They occupy a fine 3 story prize house, the only brick one in town, and the only one heated by steam, which latter accompaniment gives them unequalled facilities for re ordering and shipping with great expedition. The members of this pros- perous firmi, Messrs. W. S. & Paul Clary are both native Virginians, from Charlotte Co. The former was several years in Danville, the largest leaf tobacco market of the country, with the well known house of Williamson & Friend. He attends to the buying of the tobacco, and is one of the livest and quickest men who go on the warehouse floors, paying the farmer always full prices. He is on the arbitration and other committees, and is thoroughly at home in all that pertains to dealing and handling of the golden leaf. His brother Paul was a successful farmer in Charlotte county, enjoyed the distinction of having been the occupant of Patrick Henry's residence several years. These gentlemen are both Presbyterians, they have already made themselves popular in the community, and polite in their business relations, their marked success is but a consequence of their applied enterprise and ability.
ADOLPH W. SCHAUM, LEAF TOBACCO DEALER.
As the light colored and mild weed has be- come the favorite of smokers and chewers throughout the world, the demand for yellow tobacco has greatly increased. As handling
this favorite leaf, and more especially that raised in this county and vicinity, generally acknowledged to be the finest grade of the product, the above gentleman deserves worthy mention on these pages. Mr. Schaum was employed several years with Marburg Bros., whose brands of smoking tobacco and cigar- ettes are among the best known to lovers of the fragrant weed. He has been on this mar- ket as a buyer now eight years. He handles annually about half a million pounds, entirely on order. His prize house is 2 stories 30x60 ft., is well arranged and has ample conveni- ences for re-ordering, bulking and prizing the large quantities of fine leaf passed through his hands without damage or breakage. Hc buys largely for Marburg Bros., as well as for Western and Canada houses, gives his care- ful attention to business, employs from 8 to 12 hands, and holds the confidence of his patrons. Mr. Schaum is a native of Balti- more, came South in 1877, and has won a first- class reputation for his reliable manner of doing business. He is prudent in buying and is an authority on statistics. He ably filled the post of President of the Tobacco Trade of this town from 3d December, 1883 to 1st Jan- uary, 1885.
CLAUDIUS HUNTER, LEAF TOBACCO DEALER.
Henderson it is well known puts on the floors of her warehouses all grades of yellow tobacco. and as one of the largest dealers in the State in the finer grades of this famous golden leaf, the above gentleman is deserving of prominent mention. Mr. Hunter started in 1876 on a few dollars, but by applying en- ergy and good judgment his trade steadily increased and the rapidity with which he has raised himself to the front rank of dealers is a subject of favorable remark. He handles tobacco entirely on speculation, and makes a specialty of fine wrappers. His prize house is conveniently located on the railroad track, is 23 stories 40x80. His stock is most care- fully selected. re-ordered and bulked ready for sale, and the quality of the stock shipped from this establishment for uniformity, color and body is unsurpassed. Mr. Hunter will buy this season about quarter of a million pounds. He handles also cotton both on or- der and speculation, and ships about 1000 bales annually. He is a native of Granville county. is an influential member of the To- bacco Board, and is on the freight committee. A born financier he is cool and collected in his business affairs, and of a quiet and pol- ished disposition, is one of those men who think and act while others talk.
JOHN B. WATKINS, LEAF TOBACCO DEALER AND BROKER.
Mr. Watkins is one of the principal tobacco men in this market, and handles in the season several hundred thousand pounds of the leaf,
CAROLINA WAREHOUSE,
BURWELLIBROS & CO
CAROLINA WAREHOUSE
Largest Brick Warehouse in the State,
For the Sale of Leaf Tobacco,
HENDERSON, N. C. Messrs. BURWELL BROS. & CO., Proprietors.
[OVER.]
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TOWN OF HENDERSON.
a successful practice in Farmville, from where he moved last November 8 years ago to this town where he has always held the confidence of the people.
His rooms are well located upstairs in Bur- well building. and are fitted up with all the best conveniences and instruments for busi- ness, which, combined with his experience and skill both as an operator and mechanical worker make his establishment a good one to visit when we are in want of any work in this line. He is also socially active, is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, in the war served with company K. 18th Va. Volunteers, and justly merits the respect and esteem of the large number of friends he has.
The doctor married on the 8th March, 1870 Miss Nannie W. Hamlet, and has 2 children. Mrs. Garden has for the last 5 years conducted a select school, with now 25 pupils, and teaches primary and higher English branches, Mathe- matics, French, Latin and Music. She gradua- ted at the Oxford Female College where she afterwards taught several terms. Her success has been flattering, and the efficiency of the pupils speaks for the excellency of the institu- tion which compares favorably with any in the county of its grade.
W. H. YOUNG, LAWYER,
There are in all the varied avocations of our advanced modern civilization leading repre- sentative men in their several pursuits, and as the man who holds the position of the leading lawyer at the Henderson bar, it de- volves upon ns to include in our catagory the above familiar name. Mr. Young was born in the county of Granville 12 miles west of Oxford, was educated at Dr. Horner's school, and later attended the State University where he graduated in 1859. He read law under Judge Pearson at the far-famed and historic Log Town, and was licensed before he was of age. At the outbreak of the civil war he en- tered as private in the Granville Grays, and with the exception of 3 months served in the field till he was captured on 17th Nov. 1863 at Rappahanock, while serving as Lieut. in the 54th N. C. He was confined on Johnson's Island, and at the cessation of hostilities re- turned home, where he arrived in June, 1865. He then tried to make a livelihood by some other means than the practice of law, but early in 1864 settled in Henderson, where he has since continued the practice of his pro- fession. Mr. Young is a man of keen dis- vernment, cool and correct. judgment, has always been a hard student, is said to be the best judge of law of his age in the State. He was assistant U. S. Solicitor from 1872 to 76. He is one of the best known men in the county, served as Mayor of Henderson in 1882, and has been often spoken of for the post of Judge of 4th Judicial District. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Odd Fellows; he married in Nov., 1869, Miss Lillie G. Bryan of Raleigh, and has a family of 3.
His office is located in the county court house, where he receives callers in a manner becom- ing a gentleman of education and intelligence, and is regarded as one of the purest speakers of the English language in our country
WALTER R. HENRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW.
The above one of the best known younger members of the North Carolina bar was born in Bertie county 15th Nov., 1857, and at the age of twelve moved to Granville to reside, with his uncle Dr. P. T. Henry in whose household he acquired his love of learning and the fine arts. He was educated at Fet- ters and at T. J. & W. D. Horner's schools, studied medicine 2 years under his uncle, and was at Chapel Hill 3 years. He was one of Dick & Dillard's most diligent students ac- quiring the fundemental principles of that science, the practice of which he has since successfully pursued, and was licensed in June, 1880. He practised 3 years in Raleigh, and in January of last year moved to this point as partner of W. H. Young. Mr. Henry has always devoted much of his time to read- ing law; he is an idomitable worker, prepares his cases most assiduously, extensively and thoroughly, and has often confronted and as- tonished older heads who have been opposed to him by his detailed knowledge of all the points bearing on his side of the case. Well up in medical jurisprudence he is one of the best lawyers in a case where much hangs on the physician's evidence, and some of his victories in this line have been remarkable. He has also gained notice in the province of philosophy of wealth and material progress ; his pamphlet entitled Cotton and the Com- mission Merchants, published years ago, be- ing enthusiastically received. and is worthy the perusal of every Southerner. Mr. Henry is an accomplished violinist; is one of the strongest men in North Carolina, and is a ge- nial favorite with his professional confreres.
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