USA > North Carolina > Historical and descriptive review of North Carolina, volume 1 > Part 24
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The members of this trustworthy and relia- ble old firm are naturally, in keeping with their transactions, men of experience, origi- nality and enterprise. The family has long been resident in this county .. The senior member has for a life time held the confidence and esteem of the people, and was for eight years chairman of the county commissioners. His son with many year's training is well suited to carry to still greater eminence a business that has always stood first among its compeers. He is endowed with that genius for successfully prosecuting large undertak- ings ; has a detailed knowledge of what is essential in a first-class four-wheel vehicle, and has a manner which exactly snits him to his customers. In the war he served in the 51 N. C., Clingman's Brig., as lieutenant, his brother Hector being Col. of the regiment, and was some time in Fort Wagner. He is on the board of town commissioners.
Dr. N. C. MCDUFFIE,
A Distinguished Physician of North Carolina.
And a prominent citizen of Fayetteville, was born in this county on the 10th day of Febru- ary, 1829. He received his scholastic educa- tion at the Donaldson Academy in this town; also at Summerville and leaving school during the year 1850 he studied law with Jas. C. Dobin afterwards the celebrated Secretary of the Navy. The dry theories of the law did not, however, suit young McDuffe's turn of mind; he studied 2 years with Mallett & McSwain. of Fayetteville, and then entered himself as a medical student at the University of N. Y., and after three years of laborious work and practical experience in the hospitals, he graduated from it in 1855. Returning home he succeeded one of his preceptors, Dr. W. P. Mallett, in the firm of Mallett & McSwain, the name becoming McSwain & McDuffie, who
did the largest practice for some years in the county. The senior partner retiring from business left a large field for Dr. McDuffie. This he has not failed to take full advantage of and to-day enjoying the peoples' confidence. does from Fayetteville as a centre a yearly in- creasing practice over this whole section. As a
skilful surgeon and experienced physician, hav- ing also attained an important reputation on nervous diseases, Dr. MeDuffie is known over the State and is very popular among his pro- fessional confreres. He is at present president of the N. C. Medical Society. At home he is equally so and was 6 years chairman of the county magistrates, is county physician and superintendent of the Board of Health, mem- ber of the board of county commissioners and formerly chairman of the same. Socially he is also active and belongs to tlie K. of P. and Legion of H. He is of the same family as the famous Geo. Duffie, his father and the orator being first cousins. He married in 1858 Miss Cath. E. Dodd, of Fayetteville, and has a family of 2 daughters and 3 sons, 2 of whom are druggists. The doctor has a large circle of friends in this county, he is one of the pleasantest of men, is a most attractive conversationalist and a great wit, is well suited by manner and ability to his responsi- ble calling and justly merits the high stand- ing he generally holds.
R. M. NIMOCKS, GROCER AND COMMISSION MERCHANT.
Perhaps we can cite no better indication of the renewed progress and prosperity of this time honored center of trade than by refer- ence to the increasing business being done in staple necessaries, and as the gentleman whose career in this line has been perhaps unparalleled in growth and increase, Mr R. M. Nimocks commands eminent mention.
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TOWN OF FAYETTEVILLE.
Mr. Nimocks started business five years ago, having formerly had a thorough training with his uncle, Robert Mitchell, to whose business he succeeded. and from the commencement has continued to increase his transactions with such rapidity that he stands to-day the wonder and admiration of the public and the envy of his competitors. His premises pre- sent the appearance of constant movement and bustle. To-day his house is filled with pork and meats, to-morrow it is empty, ready to receive a fresh supply of corn and grain which is as quickly disposed of to the many consumers. The main store has two floors 22×80 feet the lot running back 120 feet besides which he has five large brick ware- houses used for storage purposes. Mr. Ni- mocks' stock never averaging less than $15,- 000 in value is most comprehensive and com- plete and is bought direct from the best pro- (Incers and manufacturers. He caters exclu- sively for a jobbing trade and does a large business in staple groceries: of the Tennessee wagon he sells about 200 annually; in fertili- zers he handles about 1,000 tons of the far- famed Navassa, Chesapeake & Zell as well as Royster's Acid Phosphate. Of agricultural implements and tools he has always plenty on hand of the best makes. His business ex- tends over a large territory in North and South Carolina, ran up last year $150,000 and this year will amount to a good deal more.
He also handles 3,000 or 4,000 bales of cot- ton both on lien and purchase; about 25,000 barrels of turpentine spirits, and some 20,000 of rosin. He is assisted by seven competent hands and has four drays constantly em- ployed.
Mr. Nimocks, who seems to have been specially born for the express purpose of mak- ing his mark as a business man, is a native of and was raised in Mississippi. He came to this county in 1872. He also owns about 6,000 acres of farming lands which are rented, is personally a quiet, genteel and cool-headed gentleman and his success has been no less rapid and solid than it is well merited and justly maintained.
HENRY R. HORNE,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGIST.
As a gentleman of experience in the pharmaceutical cireles of this State Dr. Henry R. Horne, of Fayetteville, commands eminent mention at our hands.
In the year 1857 or 1858 he engaged as clerk in the drug store of Dr. S. J. Hinsdale, from whom he received his first lessons in phar- macy. At the beginning of 1860 he was al- lowed a junior partnership, which expired by limitation in 1863, at which time he was in the Confederate Army. He again engaged in the drug business in in 1865,
in co-partnership with Mr. J. H. Robinson. the firm name being Horne & Robinson. In 1867 Mr. Horne purchased the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone. In 1879 he associated with Mr. W. N. Wil-
liams, when the name become Horne & Wil- liams. In 1883 this firm also dissolved and now he conducts his steadily increasing trade without any partner. . His premises well located on the main street are 25x60 feet in extent and are divided into store proper and laboratory department. The former is neatly
fitted the varicd stock being well displayed in the numerous show cases and shelves. The latter is provided with modern facilities for manufacture. In this department Dr. Horne has gained important distinction and his emulsions are celebrated: he got the di- ploma of the North Carolina Pharmceutical Association for the best collection of chemi- cals and preparations, all of his own make, at the annual meeting in 1882. The doctor car- ries always a large stock, obtained from the leading manufacturers, and enjoying the con- fidence of the community does an extensive trade through the surrounding country, plac- ing many of his goods at wholesale.
Dr. Horne was born in Chatham but has been 30 years in this county. In the war he faithfully served the Confederacy four years, first six months in the 1st North Caro- lina, then as Lieutenant in Webb's Light Ar- tillery. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, K. of P., K. & L. of H. He is 1st Vice President of the State Pharmaceutical Society.
McNEILL & CO., INSURANCE AND MUSICAL INSTRU- MENTS.
It is ever a pleasure on the part of the in- dustral historian to note the growth in mer- cantile circles of prosperous and rising young houses, especially those conducted on the healthy principles of energy and probity. Mr. McNeill started in September 1883, and being already well known soon built up a large custom. In fire insurance he repre- sents the North British and Mercantile, teh Insurance Company of North America, Ger- man American Fire Association of London, the Crescent of New Orleans, and the North North Carolina Home, all of which names
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
speak for their own reliability, strength and high standing ; they take all classes of risks; their agent who has been some eight years in business here, has worked up a patronage of some $120,000, which increases monthly. Mr. McNeill also kceps in stock a fine lot of some six or seven pianos and twenty organs and a correspondingly large variety of vio- lins. concertinas, accordeons, flutes, whistles and other musical instruments as well as musical books and stationery.
We need hardly say he does a large and steadily increasing trade in these goods sell- ing both for cash, on time and by installment. Mr. McNeill is one of the most enterprising of Fayetteville's men. He was born in Pitts- boro and came to this county in 1861. His grand parents were of Cumberland, his father was an eminent Presbyterian divine. was secretary of the American Bible Society; he was Confederate Colonel of the 5th North Carolina Cavalry and was killed during the last days of the war. His son chose to follow a banking life, one to which he has proven himself well suited. In 1867 he entered the house of A. W. Steele & Co., who were suc- ceeded by the Merchants' Bank of which he was made teller; in 1874 this bank wound up. and for six years he engaged in insurance business. In 1880 he was appointed cashier of the Peoples' National in the welfare of which institution he has since been an active and important motor. Apart from business he is a contributing member of the Fayette- ville Independent Light Infantry, is a deacon in the Presbyterian body, is past master of the Fayetteville Masonic Lodge No. 29, is an Odd Fellow and K. ot P. He married in 1872 and has a family of four children.
George P. McNeill is one of the men in Fayetteville who are universally esteemed. for apart from having an excellent head, he is most sociable and agreeable and is always to the front where the general material pros- perity and social welfare of the community is in question.
PEOPLES NATIONAL BANK.
Nothing is more essential to the commercial growth of a community than the existence in it of a reliable and progressive banking in- stitution and as such the above commands prominent mention on these pages, as it has helped in a great measure the industrial pro- gress of Fayetteville. It was founded in 1872, Mr. Kyle being its first president. He was however succeeded a few months later on the 1st January of the following year by Mr. E. F. Moore, who has ever since filled that place most ably and creditably. The capital origi- nally $75,000, is now $125,000 ; surplus and undivided profits $37,000 ; deposits $100,000, figures which show the high standing and prosperity of the institution. The bank has lately moved into its new building in the heart of the business portion of the town, its managers being determined to have the most attractive and conspicuous structure on the main street. This they have succeeded in
obtaining, and it is generally considered a standing ornament to the town. It is 2-story, 22×60 feet, 18 teet pitch, iron front, sur- mounted by a handsome dome, and is inte- riorly conveniently arranged and elegantly furnished. The walls of the vault are 3} feet thick, and the safe and doors are of Herring's make. The cashier of the bank, Mr. G. P. McNeil is too well known to require com- ment here ; he is ably assisted by John B. Broadfoot, whose politeness and accommo- dating manner form a marked feature of the establishment. This gentleman has been with the bank since 1880, he is partner in the firm of F. H. Broadfoot & Bro., of Wake county. He is a captain of the Independent Light In- fantry company, and is one of the champion shots of the State : is also Vestryman in St. John's Episcopal church. The other officials. J. C. Stedman and C. L. Campbell, are well suited to their respective posts of book keeper and clerk. Under the guidance of these officers and a board of directors composed of some of the community's best men, the in- stitution must continue its successful career, and in its future prosperity we shall read the commercial progress and financial solidity in the new era that is beginning to dawn on this timè honored centre of trade.
B. E. SEDBERRY, PHARMACIST.
After visiting this establishment one can with safety say that Fayetteville is repre- sented in the drug business in a manner and style which would do credit to large and met- ropolitan cities. Mr. Sedberry started busi- ness for himself in 1881, and having been for 25 years engaged as a druggist in this town, he naturally very soon built up an extensive and we might add yearly increasing cnstom. He occupies 2 floors 21x80 feet of the man- sard building on the S. E. corner of market square. The store is spacious, the ceiling has a 15 feet pitch, and the premises are fitted with all the modern conveniences, arranged so as as to give the whole an inviting and at- tractive appearance, forming one of the handsomest drug establishments in the State. The stock averaging in value some $7000, in-
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TOWN OF FAYETTEVILLE.
cludes everything usually kept in a first class drug establishment, a full line of standard proprietary medicines, paints and oils, toilet and fancy articles, etc. He is agent for Lucas celebrated ready mixed paints. Three com- petent clerks are employed whose politeness is in keeping with the reliability of the goods and the general high tone of the institution. Mr. Sedberry, the owner of this popular estab- lishment, was born and raised in and has always been a prominent citizen of Fayette- ville. In the war he served the Confederacy 4 years in the 1st N. C. Reg., later in Star's Batt. He has been town commissioner, is a Mason, K. P., and belongs to the K. and L. of H. and Am. Leg. of H., and to the Methodist denomination. He is a member of the American and State Pharm. Assoc. and is one of the best known members of the profession in the State. He married a Fayetteville lady, has 5 children, and with a large and steadily increasing trade over the adjoining counties, well merits the important position he holds.
CEO. A. THOMSON, HEADQUARTERS. 54 PERSON ST.
As one of the most enterprising of Fayette- ville's merchants, the above gentleman de- serves more than passing, mention. Mr. Thomson started business in 1869, and by energy and industry has built up an estab- lishment which does honor to the town. He was originally located on the opposite side of the street, but 2 years ago entered the spacious premises he now occupies, which he has arranged and adapted so as to carry out his transactions with expedition. The store covers 2 floors 23x80 feet in extent, and pre- sents at all times a busy and animated ap- pearance, 6 experienced assistants being constantly employed to attend to callers. It is filled with a stock averaging according to the season, from $5,000 to $10,000 in value, which comprises a most full and comprehen- sive line of fancy and staple groceries and provisions, as well as hardware, woodenware, &c. It is unnecessary for us to enter into a detailed description of these, for there is noth-
ing produced or grown in the known world, used at the festive board of all classes of a civilized people that cannot be found here. Mr. Thompson visits every year the markets of the north and west and publishes annually a list of the principal articles he sells, with prices, which defy competition and which will be sent free on application to any address. The trade, retail and jobbing, annually runs up about from $50,000 to $75.000, and steadily increases. Mr. Thomson, whose energy is a favorable theme of comment among the people, was born in New York in 1842, and a year later his father's family moved to Fay- etteville, where young Thompson has since passed his life. He served the Confederate cause 4 years in the field, at the beginning with the first troops which left N. C., latterly in the 5th N. C. cavalry, and was wounded at Culpepper. He is a K. of P., and belongs to the methodist denomination. He married in 1866 Miss Walker, of Franklin county, has a family of six, and is withal, an active factor in the progress of this time honored centre of trade.
COL. J. A. PEMBERTON, COMMISSION MERCHANT, FIRE INSU- RANCE AND REAL ESTATE AGENT.
Col. Pemberton started in the dry goods business here before he was of age, and con- tinued 37 years. This year he has drawn entirely out, and will in future confine his attention to insurance and real estate. He represents a long list of the best companies, and can take any form of risk to any amount. This includes the following : The Commercial Union of England, London Association, Sun Fire Office of London, Queen and Phomx of England, Lancashire of Manchester, Phoenix of Brooklyn, Fire Association of Philadelphia, Virginia Fire and Marine, and Rochester German. The Sun and Fire Association of London, are the oldest in the world. These companies are backed by enormous capital, most of them are existing over half a century, they pay losses on demand without dispute, and their agent at this point, one of the best qualified underwriters in the State, enjoys an extensive and rapidly increasing business over a wide section of country. The Colonel is a native of Montgomery county, his mother being of the Lilly family, and he married a Miss Macrae of Fayetteville. He was one of the organizers in 1856 of the LaFayette Light Infantry, of which he is now an honorary member. He went as Lieutenant of this company into the war, it forming Co. F., 1st N. C., Reg., who were celebrating their an- niversary in Richmond, Va., when they received the news of N. C's. secession. He was present at the battle of Bethel ; he after- wards returned home, from where, though he was anxious to get away. the people would not let him stir, and placed him at the head of the State troops in Fayetteville. The Col- onel is personally a gentleman of fascinating address, and is a Mason, and trustee of the graded schools.
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
A. E. RANKIN & CO., WHOLESALE GROCERS. A. H. SLOCOMB, COTTON AND NAVAL STORES.
A.E.RANKIN & GO
ANKIN & CO
In a history of the advance and prosperity of any city the grocery trade occupies a first and very important place, and consequently must we accord to the above house as one of the leaders in its line comprehensive and ex- tended remarks. Founded in 1872, it at once took a place in the front rank of Fayetteville's mercantile concerns. They occupy on the corner of the market square large premises. Their stock includes everything in the line of staple and fancy groceries, finest China teas, Mocha coffees, East India spices and produce, all grades New Orleans sugars and molasses, best Western meats at bottom prices, corn, grain, feed stuffs of all kinds, fresh butter. cheese and country produce, canned goods in all their variety, and in fact there is nothing used for feeding man or beast that cannot be got here in any quantity at lowest market figures. The trade extends over several counties and runs up $100,000 annually. Four competent hands assist the members of this firm, who are all men well known in the financial world of this State. Mr. A. E. Rankin is a native of Guilford county, and for business capacity is equaled by few of his age. Col. S. C., his uncle, is also of Guilford. At the outbreak of the war he entered the 45th N. C. as Lieutenant, later promoted to Captaincy of Company B .; he was wounded and captured at Gettysburg, and was 21 months in prison on David and afterwards on
Johnson Island. He represented Guilford in the Legislature of '70 and '71 ; he married a Guilford lady, since dead, has a family of 3 boys.
MR. A. H. SLOCOMB,
the third partner, is also engaged on his own account in cotton and naval stores. He is a native of Massachusetts, settled here after the war in 1866. and went into handling the great products of the southern soil, since when he has steadily increased his transactions and is considered one of the leading men of the State in this line He handles annually some 2500 bales of the fleecy staple, 20,000 barrels of rosin and 2500 of spirits. He sells mostly in the Eastern and Middle States, and has a strong trade with the N. E. cotton mills. for whom he buys on order when required. His specialty in naval stores, "Batting Strained E. and F. Rosin" has gained a great reputa- tion among paper makers. Mr. Slocomb runs three distilleries in this section, owns about 5000 acres of turpentine, cotton and forest land, on which he employs from 60 to 175 hands. according to the season. He advances to growers, is progressive and able in busi- ness, in this country is authority on financial matters generally. He belongs to the Masons. K. of P., Legion of Honor, to the Episcopal church.
This house is one of the bulwarks of Fay- etteville's new growth and prosperity, is con- ducted in an energetic and honorable manner, and merits its influence and standing.
J. A. PEMBERTON, JR., DRY GOODS. SHOES, &C.
The above young and rising merchant started business on the 1st January of this year, and has fitted up a nice and pretty store. It is centrally located on the main thoroughfare on which it has a frontage of 34 feet, and runs back 90. It is beautifully arranged with the view of carrying on busi- ness expeditiously and displaying the large stock so that callers can readily select what they want. This running some $6000 or $7000 in value includes nothing but the latest and most fashionable goods. These consist of all kinds of foreign and domestic dry goods, white dress and fancy goods, ladies dolmans and cloaks. a large assortment of American and French notions ; boots and shoes to fit every shape of ladies, gents and childrens foot. The trade is almost entirely cash, and the low prices are surprising. Three polite assistants attend to the customers. and Mr. Pemberton is rapidly building up a solid rep- utation. This gentleman is a native of Fay- etteville. He belongs to the A. M. Leg. of H., to the K. of P., and to the Episcopal church. He married in Wytheville. Va., has 3 chil- dren, and is one of those young men who will make a proud future for this time- honored and wealthy community.
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TOWN OF FAYETTEVILLE.
PETERSON'S ART PARLORS.
The branch of photography in the person of Mr. R. F. Peterson, possesses an artist who in knowledge and skill ranks with any. Mr. Peterson has been about seven years in busi- ness for himself ; during three of those he travelled over the Atlantic and Gulf States, visiting at the same time all the principal galleries of the country, learning a little everywhere, thus gaining a degree of perfec- tion in his art he could not have otherwise attained. For four years he has now been located in Fayetteville, where he has estab- lished his reputation as a first class operator, and now enjoys an extensive custom over the adjoining country. His gallery is situated on the Main street. He takes photographs en- tirely by the instantaneous process, the best and in fact the only method by which work can be properly done. His pictures show a blending of shade and color and an easy grace and delicate tone which makes us all wish to sit before his camera and become transfixed and embellished so flatteringly on paper. Mr. Peterson also does copying work, and his framed enlargements are a standing adver- tisement of his skill. He is a native of Duplin county, and parties visiting his parlors will find him well up in the art he happily follows.
C. ROSENTHAL, DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, SHOES, &C;
As a mercantile establishment whose ex- tent and completeness makes it conspicuous among its competitors in this town, that of the above enterprising gentleman deserves mention. Mr. Rosenthal started in this town 12 years ago on nothing but a good credit and plenty of energy and experience, all of which attributes being judiciously applied, he worked himself forward and now holds one of the largest patronages ever enjoyed by a Fayetteville merchant. He occupies on one of the market corners a spacious 2-story store 25x85 feet in extent, which is arranged and specially fitted up for carrying on business expeditiously and displaying stock to ad- vantage. He formerly occupied two stores
adjoining one another, but this summer he had the one built back to its present extent. The stock, running up $25,000 in value, is well selected, Mr. R. being an excellent judge of goods. It contains foreign and domestic dry goods, white, dress and fancy goods, a line of men's, youth's and boy's clothing sel- doni equaled outside of metropolitan cities, boots, shoes and gaiters to fit all shapes of gents, ladies and children's feet at any price, also groceries. The goods are bought in large . quantities and retailed at bottom figures. Mr. Rosenthal is ably assisted in attending to customers who come from all over the ad- joining counties, knowing well where they can buy the best goods for the least money, by 4 polite clerks. He is a native of Konigs- berg, in Prussia, and came to the U. S. in. 1860. He commenced trading in Northern Michigan, and in 7 or 8 years amassed a sum sufficient to enable him to start a wholesale notion and fancy goods business in Chicago, but two years later the great fire swept liim out. Saving $6000 or $8000 out of the wreck, he entered into partnership in the jewelry business. but not understanding this line lost money, but withdrew in time to save his friends. He then moved South, and as luck would have it settled in Fayetteville ; with what he had left he built and furnished a house and started business on credit, for though he had lost his money he still held his friends. His career is since well known to all in this section, and to-day he is looked upon as one of the best merchants in Fay- etteville. He is a Chapter Mason and belongs to the Legion of Honor. He married just before coming South, in New York, and las 4 children.
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