USA > North Carolina > History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume IV > Part 98
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His grandfather, Joseph Prevette, owned a plantation in Iredell County and spent his active career there. John G. Prevette father of the Wilkesboro lawyer, was born in Iredell County in August, 1849. He attended the district schools, and on leaving the farm clerked a while for his brother near Hunting Creek, and subsequently he and his brother engaged in the mercantile business at Wilkesboro. For several years after they established their store, Wilkesboro had no direct railway communication and goods were hauled by wagons from Salisbury. They gradually broadened their trade and kept a large stock of general merchandise. John G. Prevette continued a busi- ness man at Wilkesboro until his death. He was also interested in farming. He passed away August 29, 1889. He was then forty years of age. He had married in 1887 Sarah Jane McNeill, who was born in Beaver Creek township of Wilkes County, a daughter of Rev. Milton and Martha (Barlow) McNeill. At the death of her husband she was left a widow with two sons, whom she reared and carefully educated and with whom she now lives on their farm. These sons are Joseph Milton and John Green Prevette.
The MeNeills are a family of long and honorable standing in Western North Carolina. It was founded here by a native of Ireland of Scotch ancestry, who with three brothers came to America in colonial times and after living in Virginia a few years moved to Wilkes County, where the direct ancestor engaged in farming. He was also a pioneer Baptist preacher and he attained a good old age. Joseph McNeill, his son, grand- father of Rev. Milton McNeill, was born in Wilkes County and acquired land near Purlear in Ready River township, where he spent his active years. He reared three sons named Larkin, James and William, and two daughters, one of whom was named Fanny.
Larkin McNeill, who was born in what is now Ready River township, grew up on a farm and learned the cooper's trade. Later he bought land in Beaver Creek Township and lived there until late in life, when he removed to Moravian Falls Township and died at the home of a son. He lived to be sixty-seven and for a number of years had been afflicted with rheumatism. The maiden name of his wife was Nellie Ferguson, who was born in Beaver Creek Township, a daughter of Richard Ferguson, a farmer and probably a lifelong resi- dent of Wilkes County. Mrs. Larkin MeNeill died at the age of seventy. Her children were named Franklin, John, Louisa and Milton.
Rev. Milton McNeill was born on a farm in Beaver Creek Township, January 8, 1846. He
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attended the rural schools, assisted on the farm, and began his active career as a renter. Several years later he bought a farm in Bushy Creek Township. In early life he was converted, joining the Baptist church, and in 1875 was ordained a minister. He has served as pastor of different churches in Wilkes County.
Milton McNeill has also played a prominent part in public affairs. He has served as post- master of Wilkesboro, as sheriff of the county, as clerk of the United States District Court and since 1912 has been deputy clerk of the United States District Court. He was married in 1862 to Martha A. Barlow, who was born in Wilkes County, a daughter of Braxton and Charlotte (Carlton) Barlow. Rev. Mr. McNeill and wife have reared nine children, named America, Sarah J., James W., Julia, Martha, Jesse M., Robert H., Rosa V. and Nellie.
John Green Prevette, brother of Hon. Joseph M., was graduated from the Wilkesboro High School and subsequently took his degree B. A. from Wake Forest College in 1910. He has been actively associated with his brother both in the practice of law and in farming and fruit growing. Joseph M. Prevette, who was born at Wilkes- boro, attended the high school there, then entered Wake Forest College, where he finished the classi- cal course in 1909, and in 1910 was graduated from the law department LL. B. He immediately began active practice at Wilkesboro, and has steadily pursued a dignified and influential course in the law and public affairs. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in 1917. The Governor recently appointed him a member of the State Building Commission and he is the youngest member of that board. Politically he is a republican, and has served as a member of the Town Board of Wilkesboro.
In 1913 Mr. Prevette bought hundred, twelve and half acres near Wilkesboro and part of this is rich bottom land. This tract has been devoted to general farming and fruit growing. Mr. Prevette erected a commodious frame house on a hill commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country, and there he and his family reside with his mother. Mr. Prevette also has seventy-five acres on Brushy Mountain, and a part of this is cultivated as an apple orchard. His brother has another tract adjoining, which is also in an apple orchard.
In 1913 Joseph M. Prevette married Elizabeth Alton Gill, daughter of George E. and Lizzie (Hunter) Gill of Wake Forest. They have one daughter, Sarah E., and a son, Joseph Milton Prevette, Jr.
WILLIAM FREDERICK CARR. From the time he left the scholastic environment of the University of North Carolina, William Frederick Carr has been a progressive leader in business affairs and has made his mark among the textile industries of the state. He is now secretary and assistant treasurer of the Durham Hosiery Mill, and is one of the leading factors in the commercial life of that city.
Mr. Carr is a native of Durham, where he was born January 3, 1881, a son of Dr. Albert Gallatin and Anna (Parrish) Carr. His education was be- gun in public schools, continued in Horner's Military Institute at Oxford, and was finished with his graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1903. He then took up hosiery manu-
facturing, and by hard work and good natural ability has won his way to his present position.
He is also president of the Durham Morris Plan Bank, a director of the Home Savings Bank and of the Durham Loan and Trust Company, and in social affairs is member of the Rotary, Country and Commonwealth clubs and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On November 26, 1913, Mr. Carr married Clara Louise Carr of Baltimore, Maryland. They have one son, William Frederick, Jr., born September 19, 1914.
JOHN ALLAN TAYLOR. No citizen of Wilmington has been a more aggressive factor in every for- ward movement for the upbuilding of that com- munity in recent years than John Allan Taylor, long prominent as a wholesale merchant.
In 1898 he was one of the committee of safety, comprising twenty-five citizens in whom the people placed absolute confidence, and who took charge of the administration of civic affairs during the days of the Wilmington riot. This was known as the riot commission. Mr. Taylor was author of the resolutions to the Chamber of Commerce pro- claiming to the world "The Wilmington Resolve," a notable document which Governor Aycock incor- porated into his personal platform during the cam- paign.
Mr. Taylor was also a member of the "Revolu- tionary Board of Aldermen," who took up the paving and general betterment of the city and more than any other one factor laid the permanent foundation of the Wilmington of today.
Mr. Taylor organized the first Freight Traffic Association in North Carolina, known as the Wilmington Tariff Association. He carried its con- tentions before the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion, and aggressively represented his home city in the movement to make Wilmington "a gate- way"' for North Carolina. This association was organized in 1898, and from that time forward Mr. Taylor has been very active in all traffic mat- ters and was president of the association during its existence and was a leader in the fight for better traffic rates which culminated in 1912.
For ten years Mr. Taylor served as chairman of the Joint School Committee of Wilmington. Be- sides his service as alderman during the riot he served another term at a later date. For eight years he was president of the Chamber of Com- merce, and as chairman of its traffic committee again and again appeared before Congress in be- half of Wilmington in its claims for recognition in river and harbor bills and in various tariff regulations.
John Allan Taylor is a native of North Caro- lina and has spent nearly all his life in and near Wilmington. He was born August 15, 1862, and lived on the plantation of his father until he was fifteen. His parents were John Douglas and Sarah Elizabeth (Walker) Taylor. He received his early education under a private tutor at Oaks Planta- tion, and afterwards attended a private normal school. His first business experience was as book- keeper in a wholesale house and at the age of twenty-two he was admitted to partnership, and remained with that firm in Wilmington for eight- een years. In January, 1899, Mr. Taylor orga- nized the present wholesale grocery business of which he is the head. He is a vestryman in St. James Episcopal Church. There is probably not
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a better posted man on various economic ques- tions affecting the country and his native state than Mr. Taylor.
On November 5, 1890, he married Miss May Baker French, daughter of Judge Robert Strange French. They lost one son, Robert French, at the age of seventeen. Two children are now liv- ing. John Douglas Taylor, Jr., attended Wash- ington and Lee University and is now with the United States Army in France, with rank of sec- ond lieutenant. The daughter, Mary Reid, is a student in Hollis College at Roanoke, Virginia.
BENNETT WILLIAMSON MOSELEY is a Virginia man by birth and early training but for many years has been prominent in business circles at Greenville, North Carolina, and his name is as- sociated with some of the most substantial in- dustries and commercial affairs of that part of the state.
He was born at Bedford Springs, Virginia, Jan- uary 3, 1874, son of Rev. Bennett Williamson and Louisa (Venable) Moseley. His father gave his active life to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Virginia, where he died in 1886.
Bennett W. Moseley, twelve years old when his father died, was educated in the New London Academy and the Fishburne Military Academy at Waynesboro, Virginia, where he completed the course in 1892. He then began a career in busi- ness that he has steadily pursued from an unim- portant and humble role as an employe until he now directs affairs of large importance and has been the creator of his own success. For a time he was employed as a clerk in a bank at Lynch- burg, Virginia, worked three years there with a general merchandise establishment, and in 1900 came to Greenville as a cotton factor. In 1905 he and his brother Alfred formed a copartnership under the name Moseley Brothers, establishing an agency for general insurance, fire insurance, life insurance, bonding, and in 1907 they entered the real estate field. At the present time they have the largest agency of the kind in Eastern North Carolina.
Mr. Moseley is also sales manager of the Green- ville Oil & Fertilizer Company is a director of the National Bank of Greenville, of the Home Building and Loan Association, the Greenville Cooperage and Lumber Company and is vice pres- ident and director of the Proctor Hotel Company. He is a member of the Carolina Club and an elder in the Presbyterian Church. July 7, 1905, he married Mrs. George B. Hughes, her maiden name being Miss Willie Fletcher Ficklen of Buckingham County, Virginia. Their three chil- dren are: Francis Venable, Bennett Williamson, Jr., fourth of the name, and Bancroft Ficklen.
Alfred McDowell Moseley brother and business partner of B. W. Moseley, was born in Virginia, was educated in the graded schools of Lynchburg and Cluster Springs High School, and his first business experience was gained as a clerk with a wholesale notion and hat firm. Later hc worked as clerk in a tobacco factory and for seven years was connected with the cotton exporting firm of Alexander Sprunt & Son. At first he was in the office, and later his abilities brought him promo- tion as a cotton buyer. In 1903 he came to Greenville, North Carolina, as cotton buyer for Rodgers, McCabe & Company, cotton exporters of Norfolk, Virginia. Then in 1905 he joined his brother in the firm of Moscley Brothers. He is also general manager of the Greenville Oil &
Fertilizer Company a director of the Greenville Banking & Trust Company and of the Greenville Cotton Mills. He is a member of the Carolina Club. On December 9, 1909, occurred his mar- riage to Nell M. Skinner, of Greenville.
JOHN L. WOLTZ, M. D. Member of one of the old and prominent families of Surry County, Dr. Woltz was born at Dobson in that county, and since completing his medical education has been busily engaged in an enlarging scope of practice. Since 1903 his home and office have been in Mount Airy.
Dr. Woltz is a son of John R. and Lou (Kings- bury) Woltz. He grew up in a home of sub- stantial comforts, was educated in the public schools at Dobson and graduated from the East Bend High School. His father being a prominent physician, he began his medical studies under his direction, and subsequently entered the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons at Atlanta, Georgia, where he completed the course and was granted his M. D. degree in 1897. The early years of his experience Dr. Woltz had in Mountain City, Tennessee, where he practiced two years and then removed to Pilot Mountain in Surry County of his native state. In 1903 he came to Mount Airy and has found a liberal patronage for his ability and efforts in this community. Dr. Woltz is a member of the Surry County and North Carolina Medical societies and also belongs to the State Medical societies of Georgia and Tennessee.
He was married in 1896, the year before com- pleting his medical course, to Issie Mildred Richards. Mrs. Woltz was born at Haystack, Surry County, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Lane) Richards. Dr. and Mrs. Woltz have a daughter and two sons: Lola Vivian and Howard Osler and Grier Cornelius. With his wife Dr. Woltz is an active member of the Central Methodist Episco- pal Church, South, He is affiliated with Mount Airy Lodge No. 107, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Blue Ridge Council No. 73, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and with Mount Airy Camp No. 16770 of the Modern Woodmen of America.
JAMES FRANKLIN SPRUIL. An attorney by pro- fession, James Franklin Spruil, of Lexington, being possessed of great tact, good judgment, and a splendid knowledge of the law, has won a note- worthy position among his colleagues of the David- son County bar. A son of James Spruil, he was born, September 29, 1882, on a farm in township No. 5, Pamlico County, North Carolina.
Tully Spruil, Mr. Spruil's paternal grandfather, was born in Columbia, Tyrrell County, North Caro- lina, where his father, Jonathan Spruil, a farmer, settled on coming from England to America. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and about 1861 removed to Pamlico County, and having bought a tract of land in township No. 2, managed it with slave labor. During the Civil war, the section of the country in which he lived was visited by both armies, and he suffered heavy losses in stock and supplies, as well as having thirteen of his negroes set free. He continued his residence there, however, until his death. He ber 27, 1856, and has always followed the and his good wife reared nine children, five daughters and four sons, Albert, Jonathan, Daniel, and James. The three older sons served in the Con- federate Army.
James Spruil was born on the parental home-
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stead, in township No. 2, Pamlico County, Decem- ber 27, 1856, and has always followed the occupation of his father and grandfather. When ready to establish a home of his own, he bought land in township No. 5, Pamlico County, where he has since been profitably engaged in agricultural pursuits, his fine farm being well improved, and highly productive. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza Cahoon. She was born in Dare County, North Carolina, a daughter of Clifford and Eliza- beth (Midgett) Cahoon, coming from French ancestry, her paternal grandfather having been a native of France. Nine children were born into their home, namely: Cora, Annie, James Frank- lin, Carrie, Bertie, Alice A., Clifford, Rosa, and Sadie. Cora is the wife of Herman Ritch. Bertie married J. B. Bryan. Alice is the wife of Curtis Willey ; and Sadie married Frank Summers.
Acquiring his early education in the rural schools, James Franklin Spruil continued his studies at the Vandemere High School, and at the Pamlico Educational Institute, at Bayboro. In 1903, he was graduated from the Allenton Colleg- iate Institute, and four years later he was grad- uated from the University of North Carolina with the degree of A. B. Mr. Spruil then entered the law department of that university, and was there graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1910. In August, 1910, he was licensed to practice, and a month later, in September, 1910, located in Lex- ington, where he has since built up a large and eminently successful practice. Mr. Spruil cast his first presidential vote for William J. Bryan, and has been a firm adherent of the democratic party since. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MCLEAN, a lawyer of un- usual talents and long and varied experience, is a member of the bar of Robeson County and has practiced at Maxton for many years. He is one of the youngest surviving veterans of those South- ern youths who took their places in the ranks be- fore the close of the war between the states and withstood the shock of battle with all the calmness and bravery of veterans.
Mr. McLean was born near Floral College in Robeson County in 1847, and represents some of the sterling Scotch family stock of this section of North Carolina. He is a son of Daniel W. and Sarah (Campbell) McLean. His father was also born in Robeson County. The grandfather, Neill McLean, came from Argyleshire, Scotland, to North Carolina about 1795. He located near Al- fordsville in what is now the southeastern corner of Robeson County. Subsequently he removed to the vicinity of Red Springs and established the place known as "Cross Roads." He had a large plantation and his son Daniel followed him in that vocation. Daniel W. McLean manifested un- usual interest in educational affairs and was him- self a teacher of more than ordinary prominence. He was one of the founders of Floral College, es- tablished about 1845, and a member of its first board of trustees, and continued that relationship with the college for a number of years. Floral College was a noted school for young women, and maintained under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. Its modern successor is the well known Flora McDonald College at Red Springs. Daniel W. McLean died in 1862.
Benjamin F. McLean was between sixteen and seventeen years of age when in 1864 he joined Company D of the First North Carolina Battalion
of Heavy Artillery. This battalion was stationed during his service therein at Fort Caswell, below Wilmington. Mr. McLean did his part in the gallant defense of Fort Fisher against an immense fleet of Federal forces which for days trained a terrible fire against the inadequate but brave and determined Confederate garrison. This was one of the fiercest battles between the land and naval forces in the Civil war. At the fall of Fort Fisher Mr. McLean was made a prisoner and during the rest of the war, until June, 1865, was confined at Point Lookout, Maryland.
The McLean family suffered the economic evils and losses that fell to the lot of so many southern families after the war. Benjamin F. McLean on his return to the South put himself in the harness and began working not only for himself but for his widowed mother and the family. He found a position as a bookkeeper and for several years was also engaged in the turpentine industry. His early ambition had been for the law, but it was many years before he was able to carry out the pro- gram of preparation required. He studied law as opportunity presented and was licensed to practice in 1895. Since then he has built up an enviable practice in Robeson County, and has looked after an increasing volume of litigation in the legal business in the county, state and federal courts. For several terms he served as mayor of Maxton, and was also formerly a United States commis- sioner. -
Mr. McLean is father of a talented and highly educated family of three children, Dr. Frank Mc- Lean, Prof. George Halbert McLean and Mrs. Sarah Morrison. All received liberal educations and Mrs. Morrison is a graduate of the New Eng- land Conservatory of Music. Dr. Frank McLean has attained an enviable position as a physician and surgeon in New York City. He received his literary and two years of his medical education in the University of North Carolina, and subsequently graduated in medicine from the University of Virginia. He then spent a year in a hospital at Waltham, Massachusetts, six months in the Belle- vue Hospital at New York, another six months in the Presbyterian Hospital, and then set up in ac- tive private practice at New York, where his name is already mentioned among the leaders of the profession. He is now a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps and at present stationed at Camp Dix in New Jersey. Prof. George Halbert McLean was educated in the North Carolina Military Academy and graduated from the Citadel Prepara- tory School at Charleston. For a year he was principal of the High School at Union, South Carolina, and then became professor of French, German and Modern languages at Staunton Mili- tary Academy at Staunton, Virginia. He is now at the officers' training school at Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina.
REV. NATHANIEL HARDING. One of the most loved of men, Rev. Nathaniel Harding spent a lifetime of devoted service to his state and county. His first and only pastorate as a min- ister of the Episcopal Church was St. Peter's Parish, Washington, North Carolina, where he served continuously for forty-three years. He resisted every tempting offer to call him from his home, the duties and people he so much loved. Undoubtedly he had the affection and confidence of a larger number of people, regardless of class or creed, than any other man who ever lived in that community.
B. J. M Lem
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He was born at Chocowinity, Beaufort County, North Carolina, March 6, 1847, the youngest son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Patrick) Harding, and his career was only part of the honorable record of this family. His oldest brother, Jar- vis Buxton, was one time sheriff of the county, afterwards losing his life in Virginia, as a Con- federate soldier. Another brother, Rev. Israel Harding, was also a prominent Episcopal min- ister. Maj. Henry Harding and Capt. Frederick Harding were officers in the Confederate service, who after the war filled many places of honor and distinction in their native and Pitt coun- ties.
As a boy Rev. N. Harding attended school at Chocowinity, where the teaching and life of Rev. N. Collin Hughes had a most powerful influence upon him. He volunteered as a private when only seventeen years old, during the last year of the Civil war, and served faithfully to the end. He was always deeply interested in his comrades of the Confederate cause, attending many reun- ions. He was also prominent in the State Na- tional Guard, being chaplain of the Second In- fantry and had the honor of holding the oldest commission in the state and was one of the oldest men of his rank in the country. At the close of the war he taught school in Beaufort County and near Wilmington, North Carolina, until 1868, when he went to Cheshire Military Academy in Con- necticut and Trinity College, Hartford, afterwards teaching at Cheshire and preparing for the minis- try. He was ordained deacon at Wilmington, North Carolina, in July, 1873, by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Atkinson, and priest in Washington, North Carolina December, 1875, by the same bishop. He was called to the rectorship of St. Peter's Parish at Washington in September, 1873, and here he found his work until he answered the call of death on June 27, 1917.
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During these years it is said that he baptized 774 persons, married 215 couples, and officiated at the funeral of 435. He conducted more than 2,000 services, and seldom missed a Sunday from his pulpit, though unable to walk without help for seven years.
The diocese of East Carolina bestowed upon him every honor in its power, even offering him the high office of bishop, which he felt himself unable to consider on account of his infirmities. He was deputy to the General Convention from 1884 to 1907, president of Standing Committee, member of the Board of Examining Chaplains, president of the Council, and dean of Convocation of Edenton.
Other duties filled up his time to overflowing. For twenty-five years he was county superintend- ent of schools and did much for the cause of local public education. His efforts were espe- cially directed to the raising of the standards of the country schools.
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