USA > North Carolina > History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume IV > Part 47
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 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106
While never attracted to the political field, Mr. Norman's intelligence aud public spirit have brought him into active co-operation with his fellow citizens in movements for the public good, and their appreciation of his trustworthiness and unblemished integrity has been evidenced by his election to the responsible office of county treasurer . for two decades. Fraternally he is a Mason and has been treasurer of the lodge. He owns many acres of farming land near Hertford, much of it finely improved.
DAVID KING CECIL. Occupying a position of note among the worthy and highly esteemed citizens of Lexington, David King Cecil has spent his entire life within the boundaries of Davidson County, and since attaining manhood has been ac- tively identified with its industrial interests, as a builder and contractor having contributed his full share toward the upbuilding of city and coun- ty. A native of Davidson County, as was his father, Richard Ijams Cecil, and his grandfather, Samuel Cecil, he was born, February 23, 1851, in Arcadia Township, coming from substantial pio- neer stock.
Mr. Cecil's great-grandfather on the paternal side migrated from Maryland, his native state, to North Carolina in early pioneer days, locating in Davidson County, which at that time was still a part of Rowan County. Purchasing land in what is now Abbotts Creek Township, he cleared and improved a farm, and there resided until his death, an active and respected citizen. He was always interested in public affairs, aud it is said that he fought as a brave soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Born on the parental homestead in Abbotts Creek Township, Samuel Cecil became familiar with farm- ing when young, and when ready to settle in life bought land in Clemmonsville Township, not far. from his early home. Going from there to Ar- cadia Township, he continued his agricultural la- bors in that locality during the remainder of his active life, passing away on his farm at the age of seventy-six years. During the War of 1812, he served as a soldier. He married a Miss Ijams, who was born in Abbotts Creek Township, and died, at the age of three score and ten years, on the home farm, in Arcadia Township. Eleven chil- dren were born of their union, a typical family as regarded numbers in those early days.
Born in 1818, in Clemmonsville Township, Da- vidson County, Richard Ijams Cecil grew to man- hood on the home farm, and as a young man learned the wheelwright's trade. Locating in Arca- dia Township, Davidson County, he there conducted a good business as a wheelwright for nearly a quarter of a century, from 1851 until 1875, during the Civil war being a member of the Home Guards. He was also engaged in agricultural pur- suits while there, owning and occupying a farm
of 212 acres, located near the center of the town- ship. In 1873 he bought, in Lexington Town- ship, 197 acres of land, twenty acres of which is now within the city limits, and in 1875 assumed its possession, continuing to occupy it until his death, in 1889. His wife, whose maiden name was Seberly Magdalina Evans, was born in Reddy Creek Township, and spent her seventy-six years of life in Davidson County. She was the mother of nine children, three sons and six daughters.
Attending first the rural schools of his native township, and later the public schools of Lexing- ton, David King Cecil was subsequently variously employed until twenty-four years old. He then served an apprenticeship of three years at the bricklayer's trade, and afterwards followed that occupation as a journeyman for two years. Since that time, Mr. Cecil has built up an extensive and profitable business as a contractor and builder, being busily employed. He has always taken great interest in agricultural pursuits, and in addition to his building operations superintends the manage- ment of his farm of 130 acres, a part of which he inherited from his father, and a part of which he purchased. It all lies within a mile of Lexington, thirty-eight acres of it adjoining the city, and ten' acres being within the city limits.
Mr. Cecil married, January 26, 1877, Crissie Jane Miller, who was born in Tyro Township, Davidson County, a daughter of Felix and Elizabeth Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil have six children living, name- ly : Robert Edgar, Mary Wilson, Mattie Cleve- land, David Richard, Sadie Octa, and Joseph King. Robert E. married Maude Lofton, and has three children, Richard R., Helen E., and David King. Mary W., wife of Fred O. Sink, has six children, Daphne Maria, John David, Robert F., Charles Varner, Joe Stanford, and Rachel. Mattie C. married Charles Young. David R. married Mary Mitchell, and they have three children, Mary Louise, David R., Jr., and Charles Mitchell. James King married Lillie Tysinger, and they have two children, Margaret Jane and James King, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, and have reared their chil- dren in the same religious faith.
EDWIN R. OVERMAN. One of the more pros- perous business men of Rowan County, Edwin R. Overman, of Salisbury, president aud treasurer of the well-known firm of Overman & Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Boyden-Over- man Company, has been a commanding figure in the mercantile life of the city for nearly a quarter of a century, having by means of industry, wise management, and well directed endeavor attained a noteworthy success in his undertakings. A native of Salisbury, he was boru July 27, 1858, being a son of William and Mary (Slater) Over- man, honored and esteemed residents of the city.
Having been fitted for college in the schools of Salisbury, Edwin R. Overman entered the Uni- versity of North Carolina, intending to complete the course, but was forced to give up his studies at the end of two years on account of deafness. He then taught school a year iu Litaker Township, and the following two years was clerk in a gen- eral store. Resigning his position, Mr. Overman entered the service of the Western North Caro- lina Railroad, which at that time was owned by the state, becoming a clerk in the auditor's office. Continuing with the road after it was sold, it be- coming first the Danville and Richmond Railroad, and later the Southern Railroad, he was trans-
174
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
ferred to the superintendent's office, with which he was associated a number of years. Giving up the position in 1891, Mr. Overman was for three years engaged in the clothing business at Dan- ville, Virginia. Returning to Salisbury, his na- tive city, in 1894, he embarked in the wholesale grocery business, with which he has since been permanently and successfully identified, being one of the leading merchants of this section of Rowan County. Mr. Overman is also actively interested in agriculture and stock raising, having a well- equipped farm in Steele Township.
Mr. Overman married, in Asheville, North Caro- lina, in 1888, Jennie Weldon Williamson. She was born in Danville, Virginia, a daughter of Col. Weldon and Mary (Bethell) Williamson, and grand- daughter on the maternal side of Major Bethell, of Rockingham County, Virginia. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Overman, Mary Mildred Overman, married, in 1917, Owen Norwell, cashier of the Asheville branch of the Wachovia Bank and Trust Company. Religiously Mrs. Overman is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Overman is a member, and a trustee, of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he belongs to Phoenix Lodge No. 24, Knights of Pythias; and to Salisbury Lodge No. 699, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks.
JOHN FREDERICK WEBB, superintendent of pub- lic instruction in Granville County, was a teacher even before he graduated from college, and for twenty years the best energies of his life, directed by high educational ideals and purposes, have gone into the task he chose as his life vocation.
Mr. Webb was born in Granville County, North . Carolina, March 28, 1873, a son of James H. and Kate (Russell) Webb. His father was for many years both a merchant and farmer in Granville County. John F. Webb was started on the road to learning through the medium of private schools, and later he attended a well known preparatory school at Bellbuckle, Tennessee. With this equip- ment he taught some of his first terms of school, and largely from his own earnings entered and paid his way through the University of North Caro- lina, where he graduated in 1898. Since then he has been in active school work, and since 1907 has been superintendent of public instruction of Gran- ville County. As superintendent he has under his supervision fifty-six white schools and forty-eight colored schools. His staff of instructors comprise 104 white teachers and fifty colored teachers, and it is the consensus of opinion in Granville County that more has been accomplished for progress, more adequate equipment and general raising of the standards of instruction in the county schools during the past ten years than in a similar period in the history of the county.
Mr. Webb is widely known among North Caro- lina educators, is a member of the State Teachers' Assembly, is a Presbyterian and is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. December 30, 1902, he married Miss Sarah Gorham of Battleboro, North Carolina. They have four children, Olive, James Edwin, Edith and John Frederick, Jr.
MILES GILBERT BROWN. In every community the manufacturing interests are recognized as be- ing of such great importance that enterprising and progressive business men will always be found to invest their capital and dedicate their energies to carrying on such enterprises. Thus commerce is
built up, comfortable living is assured many in- dustrious workers, and through the variety and volume of the products the town, city or section largely becomes known to the world. In Eastern North Carolina the manufacture of lumber has long been a leading industry and it has been the foundation of many a fortune. One of the fore- most lumber manufacturers at Edenton is Miles Gilbert Brown, a representative citizen both in business and public affairs.
Miles Gilbert Brown was born March 19, 1875, in Gates County, North Carolina. His parents. were William Henry and Sarah (Harrell) Brown,. who were natives of Gates County, North Caro- lina, and later became residents of Chowan and came to Edenton in 1887. Here the father built. up a lumber manufacturing business which he con- ducted advantageously until his death in 1893. He was a man of sterling character and upright life and both he aud his wife were members of the. Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Miles G. Brown was twelve years old when his parents moved to Edenton and he completed his educational training in the public schools in this city. Upon the death of his father he succeeded. to his lumber interests and has continued in the business ever since. In his planing mill he utilizes the best machinery that is on the market and manufactures sash, doors and blinds, together with other building material. Sixty skilled workmen are employed in his plant, good wages are paid and under Mr. Brown's management all labor troubles. have been avoided. In addition to his important lumber interests Mr. Brown is concerned finan- cially and officially with other important enter- prises here. He is a member of the directing board of the Bank of Edenton, and is also a director of the Edenton Cotton Mill Company, of the Edenton Peanut Company and of the Eden- ton Building and Loan Association, displaying a. loyalty to local enterprises that may be considered. most commendable.
Mr. Brown was united in marriage on March 8, 1916, to Miss Pattie Chappell, who was born at Edenton, North Carolina. Her parents were Rufus E. and Sarah (Bond) Chappell, the former of" whom has farm interests in Chowan County. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are active members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, South, at Edenton, Mr. Brown being superintendent of the Sunday School.
Although Mr. Brown has never been absorbed in politics, nevertheless he has always been an active. citizen and public matters in the way of substan- tial improvements for the city have had his care- ful attention. He was a member of the board that secured the waterworks utility, serving at the time of installation and for a period of eight years.
EDWARD JOHN HILL. Admitted to the bar more- than thirty-five years ago, Edward John Hill has had many influential relations both with the law and business and public affairs, and is now en- joying a large and successful practice at Durham. Mr. Hill in his time has filled public office in North Carolina, has been in the diplomatic service, and for a number of years lived in the Far West. He is a native of North Carolina and now regards this- state as his permanent home.
Mr. Hill was born in Duplin County in Septem- ber, 1857, a son of William E. and Frances (Faison) Hill. His father was in his time a prom- inent man of Duplin County, planter and land owner, and prior to the war had also practiced !
Edwaroffice
175
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
law. Edward J. Hill acquired his education largely at the hands of private tutors, including J. J. Hug- gins. He attended Davidson College and the Uni- versity of North Carolina, and studied law in the noted Dick and Dillard Law School, at Greens- boro. He was admitted to practice in June, 1881, and until 1887, had his home and offices in Keenas- ville, Duplin County. During 1883-85, he served as a member of the State Senate. In June, 1887, Mr. Hill left North Carolina to take his diplomatic post as United States consul at Montevideo, South America. He lived there three years and the last year had charge of the United States Lega- tion. On returning to the United States in 1890, Mr. Hill went to the far Northwest, and in the new State of Washington practiced law at Bellingham from 1890 to 1896. While there he took an active part in the democratic party, which was the minority party, and was once candidate on that ticket for the office of county attorney. In 1895 he was chairman of the State Democratic Convention, From 1897 until 1906 Mr. Hill prac- ticed law at San Francisco, California, and on re- turning to North Carolina, located at Durham, where he has since enjoyed a large and profitable general practice. Among other interests he is attorney and chairman of the Finance Committee of the Home Savings Bank, is attorney for the Durham Investment Company and the Durham Loan and Trust Company. He owns extensive farm- ing interests in Duplin County.
December 26, 1913, Mr. Hill married Beatrice Raynen, of Kinston, North Carolina.
JOSEPH CALVIN KESLER. Scrupulously honest, painstaking and efficient, Joseph C. Kesler, county treasurer of Rowan County, is proving himself a very able public official, administering the affairs of his position with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of the tax payer and the citizen. A native of Rowan County, he was born, March 14, 1869, on a farm in Providence Township, which was likewise the birthplace of both his father, Henry Roland Kesler, and his grandfather, Jesse Kesler. His great grandfather, George Kesler, married a Miss Christena Eller, and both spent their last years on the home farm in Providence Township.
Jesse Kesler, a successful planter, was a life- long resident of Providence Township, dying there in middle life. He married Anna Lentz, whose father, Henry Lentz, and grandfather, Bostain Lentz, were wealthy planters in Providence Town- ship, and slave owners. They reared one son, Henry Roland, and a daughter, Eliza, who married David Emery, and settled in Wynne, Arkansas. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Anna (Lentz) Kesler married for her second husband Caleb Goodman. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman subse- quently removed to Union County, Illinois, and there spent the remainder of their lives. They reared one son, Charles Goodman.
Born on the home farm in Providence Township, in August, 1841, Henry Roland Kesler was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Tenth Rowan Artillery, and was with his command in all of its campaigns and battles until captured, a short time before the final surrender. Taken then to Point Lookout, Maryland, he was confined as a prisoner of war until June 26, 1865, when he was released. Re- turning home, he assumed possession of the half of his father's estate which he had inherited and at once began the improvement of its sixty-nine
acres. Successful in his agricultural labors, he bought adjoining land, and that added to his wife's inheritance increased the area of his origi- nal farm by 181 acres. A man of vigorous mental and physical powers, he continued active until his death, in January, 1914.
The maiden name of the wife of Henry Roland Kesler was Julia Elizabeth Lentz. She was born in Providence Township, Rowan County, and since the death of her husband makes her home with her children. She is a daughter of Peter and Polly (Kesler) Lentz, and a grand-daughter of Bostain Lentz. To her and her husband two chil- dren were born and reared, namely :- Joseph Cal- vin, the special subject of this brief review; and Mary J., wife of Lewis A. Kesler, a farmer in Providence Township.
Obtaining the rudiments of his education in the rural schools of his native township, .Joseph C. Kesler continued his studies at Albemarle Acad- emy, in Stanly County, after which he taught school for awhile. Going then to Carbondale, Illi- nois, Mr. Kesler there attended the Southern Illinois Normal College, fitting himself for a pro- fessional career. He subsequently taught in Providence Township, and later was a teacher in Illinois, teaching in Pulaski County several winter terms, and in Jackson County in the winter of 1897-1898. In April, 1898, Mr. Kesler returned to Rowan County to accept the position of clerk in the establishment of the Smithdeal Hardware Com- pany, in Salisbury. After the death of Mr. Smith- deal, in 1901, Joseph W. Kesler succeeded to the business, and Mr. Kesler, of this sketch, continued with him as clerk until 1912. In November of that year, he was elected county treasurer, and proved himself so useful in that capacity that he has been continued in the office by re-election ever since.
Mr. Kesler married, September 27, 1897, Mary E. Kesler. She was born in Morgan Township, Rowan County, a daughter of Joseph W. and Caro- line (Kirk) Kesler. Three children have been born into their household, namely: Viola Juanita Sophronia, Bernie Barton Calhoun, and Roland Lincoln. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Kesler are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally Mr. Kesler belongs to the Royal Arcanum; to Salisbury Council No. 26, Junior Order of United American Mechanics; to the Pa- triotic Sons of America; and to the Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
WILLIAM HENRY HUNT. It is the exceptional man who can carry the responsibilities of a success- ful business career along with an energetic per- formance of public duties. It is that type of citizen whom the people of Oxford recognize in Wil- liam Henry Hunt, who has been one of the lead- ing bankers of that city for a long period of years and at the same time has worked diligently and effectively for the upbuilding and improvement of the city, and always in offices and capacities which mean a tremendous amount of sacrificing work without corresponding compensation.
Mr. Hunt was born at Oxford, North Carolina, October 12, 1867, a son of David Alexander and Elizabeth (Herndon) Hunt. His father was an old time merchant at Oxford. The son attended private schools and also the Horner Military School at Oxford, and more than thirty years ago when a youth went to work as a runner or messenger in the private bank of his uncle, H. C. Herndon. He learned a great deal of banking there and subse-
176
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
quently was with the Bank of Oxford and with growing experience and capability became one of the group of local citizens who in June, 1901, or- ganized the First National Bank of Oxford. Mr. Hunt was cashier of this substantial institution until 1913, since which time he has been its presi- dent.
His most important public services have been rendered through the office of alderman, which he has held consecutively for fourteen years. Much of that time he has been chairman of the finance committee. Material improvement and civic bet- terment have been the watchword and keynote of his leadership in local affairs. While he has been a member of the board of aldermen many of the streets have been paved, electric lighting system has been installed, and an adequate sewerage sys- tem constructed. For the construction of the sewers an appropriation of $35,000 was allowed and so economically was the work done that $5,000 was returned to the treasury and this fund was used in the construction of the fire house. Mr. Hunt is also for many years a member of the school board and was on the board when the graded schools were organized. He is affiliated with the Masonic Order, is past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a member of the First Baptist Church.
December 23, 1889, he married Miss Janie Out- law of Bertie County, North Carolina. She is a daughter of Edward R. and Lucy (Roscoe) Out- law. Her father is a large landowner and planter in Bertie County. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have . four children: Edward Outlaw, who is now in the to- bacco business; Janie Outlaw, William Henry, Jr., and Roscoe Bond.
JOHN GILLIAM WOOD. Among the men of busi- ness prominence who have done much to promote and solidify the commercial importance of Eastern North Carolina is John Gilliam Wood, one of Eden- ton's substantial and representative citizens. He belongs to one of the oldest families of Chowan County, and his interests have always been more or less centered here.
John Gilliam Wood was born at Edenton, North Carolina, November 20, 1853. His parents were Edward and Caroline (Gilliam) Wood. During his active years his father carried on extensive agricultural operations and owned important fish- ing rights.
John G. Wood enjoyed excellent educational training, passing through his academic course at Edenton, attending the well known Horner's School at Oxford, North Carolina, and subsequently spending two years, 1872-1874, in the University of Virginia. Upon his return to Chowan County he became interested in the industries which had formed the basis of the family fortunes, agricul- ture' and fishing, and now is numbered with the extensive planters in this section of the state. As a solid business man he has been welcomed on the directing boards of many companies and corporations, and in this relation is highly valued by the Bank of Edenton, the Edenton Peanut Company, the Edenton Cotton Mill Company, and the Chowan Cotton Oil & Fruit Company, all of these enterprises having profited through his per- sonal influence and public spirit.
Mr. Wood was married June 13, 1882, to Miss Bessie Martin, daughter of the late Col. William Martin, of Elizabeth City, North Caro- lina, long one of Pasquotank County's eminent
lawyers. The mother of Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Eliza- beth (MeMorine) Martin, a lady of great beauty and charm of manner, was long a leader in Eliza- beth City's social life and church activities. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three children, two daughters and one son: Sophia Martin, John Gilliam and Annie Caroline. The family belongs to the Episco- pal Church.
During his college days Mr. Wood was a mem- ber of the Chi Phi Fraternity, University of Vir- ginia, and ever since has maintained an interest in the organization. Otherwise he is not identified with secret organizations or clubs. Many of the latter are formed for recreation purposes and busi- ness men often travel far in order to take advan- tage of the hunting and fishing privileges thus provided, but in Mr. Wood's case, such recrea- tion is found in abundance on his own property. He has always been willing to give encourage- ment to worthy enterprises when they appeal to his sound and sensible judgment, an evidence of which is his interest in the Roanoke Colony Asso- ciation, of which he is one of the directors.
JOHN MOORE MANNING, M. D. In the profession of medicine and surgery and as a public leader in the health movement, Dr. John Moore Manning has achieved a name and prominence hardly less than is associated with other members of his fam- ily in the bench and bar.
Doctor Manning is a son of the late John Man- ning, founder and for many years dean of the law school of the University of North Carolina, and is a brother of Judge J. S. Manning, of Raleigh, both of whom are given some particular atten- tion in sketches elsewhere in these pages.
John Moore Manning was born at Pittsboro, North Carolina, April 8, 1857. His early education was privately instructed, and in 1879 he gradu- ated from the University of North Carolina. He was a student in the medical department of the University of Virginia and in 1882 graduated from the Bellview Hospital Medical College of New York City. After five years of private practice at Pittsboro, his native town, Doctor Manning re- moved to Durham in 1888, and here for thirty years has been steadily engaged in a large and varied usefulness as a general practitioner.
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.