History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume V, Part 10

Author: Connor, R. D. W. (Robert Digges Wimberly), 1878-1950; Boyd, William Kenneth, 1879-1938. dn; Hamilton, Joseph Gregoire de Roulhac, 1878-
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Chicago : New York : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 730

USA > North Carolina > History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume V > Part 10

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About the year 1813 Michael Schenck, third, erected the first cotton factory south of the Potomac River. It ran by water power and was on a small creek, one and a half miles east of the Village of Lincolnton. Some of the ma- chinery was purchased in Rhode Island, but por- tions were made by his wife's brother, an inge- nious and skilled worker in iron. The factory though small and unpretentious proved a practical venture, and in 1819 Michael Schenck was joined by John Hoke and Dr. James Bivings, and with increased capital they erected the Lincoln cotton factory, which was also one of the pioneer cotton factories of the state and was continued in oper- ation until war times, when it was burned.

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Michael Schenck, third, on coming south became a member of the Dutch Lutheran Church at Lin- colnton, there being no Mennonite Church there. Later he joined the Methodist Church, whose discipline and faith were more congenial to his mind and habits. He was much opposed to the use of intoxicating drinks and the breach of the Sabbath. His wife, Barbara Warlick, died Au- gust 23, 1815. They had seven children: Henry, Elizabeth, John, David W., Catherine, Lavinia and Barbara.

Dr. David Warlick Schenck was born at Lin- colnton February 3, 1809, and died at the home of his son David in that town December 26, 1861. He received a classical ducation in the Academy at Lincolnton, a school in those days widely known and drawing students from two states. He became a student of medicine under Dr. James Bivings, who for a long time was the leading physician in that section. In October, 1828, he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, one of the first students of that

great institution. After completing his course of lectures he practiced at Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and in 1832 became a resident of the town of Lincolnton. He was a close student and became learned in his profession and was a surgeon of fine reputation. His reading was extensive in politics and theology and he was fond of discussing both of these subjects. He was an ardent and zealous whig, carrying the proverbial bandana handkerchief, and was second to no one in his devotion to Henry Clay and his principles. He never voted anything but the whig ticket until 1860, when he voted for the candidates of the constitutional party. Doctor Schenck is described as a man singularly free from vices, abhorring intoxicating drinks, using no profane language ,and scrupulously lonest in all his dealings. He was a Methodist. After a critical siege of typhoid fever in 1852 he was practically an invalid until his death.

Doctor Schenck married Rebecca Susan Bevens November 8, 1832. She died October 21, 1837, and of her four children the last two died in infancy. The other two were Barbara Elizabeth and David Schenck. Rebecca Susan Bevens, mo- ther of David Schenck, was born in Chester County, South Carolina, May 7, 1811, daughter of Simeon and Eliza (Folker) Bevens. Eliza Folker was a daughter of James C. Folker, who was a captain in the English navy and after- wards settled at Charleston, South Carolina. The mother of David Schenck is described as a woman of delicate physique, possessing fine musical talent and often led the tunes in the Methodist Church. Her temperament was sweet and unselfish and she had many warm friends.

The life and character of David Schenck can best be told by some extracts from the memorial address delivered by Hon. James E. Shepherd, late chief justice of North Carolina, in 1904, at the unveiling of the monument on Guilford battle ground above referred to:

"Descended from Swiss ancestors who were exiled because of their undaunted adherence to the principles of religious freedom, David Schenck was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, March 24, 1835. He was educated at the High School of Silas C. Lindsay, an eminent scholar, studied law with Hon. Haywood C. Guion, and graduated at the law school of Chief Justice Pearson. He began the practice of law in 1857 and his prom- ising abilities were almost immediately recognized

by the County of Gaston, where he had settled, which made him its solicitor in the following year. Returning to Lincoln County in 186?, he was made its solicitor and in 1861 was elected to the State Convention to fill the vacancy oc- casioned by the election of Hon. William Landor to Congress. This, considering his years (he was the youngest member of that body), was a great honor and indicates the high esteem in which he was held by the people of his native county. So distinguished were his abilities that in 1874 he was nominated and elected Superior Court Judge of the Ninth Judicial District. In 1875 the Constitution was amended so as to re- quire the judges to rotate, and in this way the whole state became familiar with his high judicial qualities. He was universally regarded as a man of massive intellect and judicial attainments. The demands of a large family compelled him to resign, and in 1881 he became general counsel of the Richmond & Danville Railroad system. While in this position he was tendered the ap- pointment of associate justice of the Supreme Court of this state by Governor Jarvis, which he declined. These honors, together with the degree of LL. D. conferred by the State University in 1878, and honorary membership in various his- torical societies throughout the Union, were most richly deserved. As a lawyer I will say that it is to be regretted that our judicial reports are not en- riched by his learning and remarkable powers of clear exposition and vigorous, logical reasoning.

"He removed to Greensboro in 1882, where he continued to reside until the end of his useful life. Although as general counsel of a great railway system there were imposed upon him the most weighty responsibilities, he neither for- got nor neglected his duties as a citizen of his adopted city or as a citizen of North Carolina. In his new home he became a leader in all that tended to its moral elevation and material prog- ress. He consented to serve as a city commissioner, and it is said that his untiring zeal and good judgment laid the foundation of the splendid school system of the now rising City of Greens- boro and its many improvements. Upon the con- clusion of his service as commissioner the leading paper in the city, voicing the - sentiments of its people, said:

" 'The beautiful City of Greensboro of to- day-the paved streets and sidewalks, the fine public schools, the superb fire department, the beautiful cemetery, the waterworks and electric lights, and the progressive spirit and public energy of our citizens are as much the fruit of the men- tal and physical labors of Judge Schenck and the result of his tireless energy and force of char- acter as are all the evidences of industry and devotion shown by the restoration of the Guilford battle ground. Before these things came under his controlling influence we had a town noted for inertness and lack of public improvements, and Guilford Battleground and its illustrious dead had about passed out of tradition and local recol- lection. The unselfishness and public pride thus exhibited are so rarely seen that our people should be reminded of them, if for no other reason than to attempt to arouse the spirit of emulation.'

"What a proud summary is this of the mod- est and unselfish labors of one great public spir- ited citizen. His public spirit was not confined to the limits of his adopted home. It was as broad as the state itself, and was devoted also to the vindication of North Carolina and her

HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA

soldiers in the Revolutionary war. His book 'North Carolina-1780-'81' is the result of long, patient self-sacrificing labor and research. 'The neglected though admitted war time glory of North Carolina in her achievements at Cowpens and King's Mountain is luminous from the touch of his pen. Guilford is transferred from an ob- scure disgrace to its rightful rank as a splen- did victory in result,' the conduct of the militia vindicated, and the claim established that North Carolina riflemen from Wilkes, Surry, Stokes, Forsyth and Guilford 'were the very last sol- diers to leave this field of battle.' * * * Is it too much to say that but for the labors of Judge Schenck this battle would have been considered by many a reproach, instead of a pride to North Carolina? A man who by untiring labor and unselfish devotion has reversed such an errone- ous but common verdict so deeply affecting the honor of his state in what is regarded as the great pivotal event in one of the greatest of the world's struggles for independence, is a patriot deserving not only this monument but a lofty and enduring place in the history of North Car- olina."

During the early months of the Civil war Da- vid Schenck was commissioned a captain in the commissary department, C. S. A., and was later appointed Confederate States Receiver, in which capacity he collected large sums of money for the Confederate Government.

After the death of Judge Schenck the Battle- ground Company adopted resolutions commemo- rating "its distinguished and beloved president who was its originator and creator, to whose ac- tive brain, tireless energy and ardent patriotism this company is largely indebted for the grand work already accomplished in vindicating the truth of history and the fair name of North Car- olina, and in reclaiming and perpetuating the historic spot on which was fought the pivotal bat- tle of the great revolution." And it was in pur- suance of its resolution "to proclaim itself the crowning work of his busy life and an enduring monument to his memory" that the monument to Judge Schenck was erected on the battle- ground. The Legislature of 1911 passed a reso- lution to the effect that "the State of North Car- olina, through its General Assembly, give public acknowledgment of its debt of gratitude for the public services" of the late David Schenck in connection with the preservation of the Guilford Court House Battle Ground.

After many years of declining health Judge Schenck, on the 26th day of August, 1902, passed through the dark and silent valley to the shining heights beyond. The whole state mourned his loss, and many were the eulogies pronounced upon his life and character by the press and the bar. In these he is declared to be an eminent lawyer, an able jurist, a patriotic citizen, a de- voted husband and parent and, more than all, a sincere Christian. He was a close and constant student of the Scriptures, a man of deep religious convictions, and a member of the Protestant Epis- copal Church. His funeral was conducted by his friend of many years, the Right Rev. Joseph B. Cheshire, bishop of North Carolina.

On August 25, 1859, David Schenck married Sallie Wilfong Ramseur, who survives him. She was born at Lincolnton April 11, 1841, and is a daughter of Jacob A. and Lucy Mayfield (Dodson) Ramseur. Her grandfather, David Ramseur, a prominent early day merchant of Lincolnton, was

born August 4, 1775, and died February 23, 1842. David Ramseur married July 19, 1805, Sallie Wilfong, who was born June 30, 1788, daughter of John Wilfong, a historic character of North Carolina. John Wilfong was born April 8, 1762, and died June 18, 1838. He was a soldier in the Revolution and fought with the North Car- olina troops in the battle of Eutaw Springs and was wounded at King's Mountain. Jacob A. Ram- seur, father of Mrs. David Schenck, was born at Lincolnton January 1, 1808, and was a merchant and cotton manufacturer at Lincolnton. He died January 7, 1880. Among his children was Major- General Stephen Dodson Ramseur, C. S. A., who graduated from the West Point Military Acad- emy in 1860, became a distinguished officer of the Confederate Army, and finally gave his life for his native Southland at the battle of Cedar Creek October 19, 1864.

The children of David and Sallie Wilfong (Ram- seur) Schenck were: Dodson Ramseur, Lucy, Wel- don Edwards, Rebecca Bevens, David, Jr., John Richardson, James Simpson, Michael and Paul Wilfong.

MICHAEL SCHENCK. Now barely in the full tide of his activities, Michael Schenck has yet achieved a dignity and success in the law and in affairs which justifies his inheritance of one of the most honored names in North Carolina.

Mr. Schenck was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, December 11, 1876, and is a son of David and Sallie Wilfong (Ramseur) Schenck. A separate article is reserved for an account of his distinguished father and the family relation- ship. Michael Schenck was educated in the high school of Greensboro, was a member of the class of 1897 of the University of North Carolina, and had several years of interesting business and clerical experience before he took up the law. He was a clerk at the headquarters of the Atlantic Coast Line Railway in Wilmington, North Car- olina, during which time he was a member of the Wilmington Light Infantry and participated with that organization in the famous riot in that city in 1898. He spent three years in the Insular Civil Service of the United States on the Island of Cuba during the American occupation. Re- turning to North Carolina he entered the law department of the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in August, 1903.

In 1905 Mr. Schenck moved to Hendersonville, where he has since been accorded a gratifying clientage as a general practitioner. In 1913 Gov- ernor Locke Craig appointed him solicitor of the Eighteenth Judicial District and he was elected to that office in November, 1914. Actuated by a desire to serve his country in the time of crisis, he resigned his office as state solicitor on the 21st of September, 1918, and gave up his practice, to accept a commission in the United States Army as major in the judge advocate general's depart- ment and is now acting in that capacity.

Mr. Schenck is chairman of the membership committee of the North Carolina Bar Associa- tion. He served as mayor of Hendersonville two years, 1907-09, and was city attorney 1909-10. He is junior warden of St. James Episcopal Church at Hendersonville.

November 15, 1909, Mr. Schenck married Miss Rose Few, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a daughter of Dr. Columbus Few, and a lineal de- scendant of William and James Few distinguished in North Carolina and Georgia in America's strug-

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gle for independence. They have a son, Michael, Jr., born November 8, 1910, and an infant daugh- ter, Rosemary Ramseur, born June 15, 1918.

RICHARD SMITH BUSBEE. On leaving North Carolina University in 1898 with the well earned degree A. B., Richard Smith Busbee took up the first insurance business, and soon earned a note- worthy position in that field. Since 1910 he has been secretary of the Atlantic Fire Insurance Com- pany, and has his headquarters in the city of Raleigh.

Mr. Busbee was born in Raleigh April 18, 1878, a son of Fabius Haywood and Sallie (Smith) Bus- bee. His father for many years was actively con- nected with the Raleigh bar.

Mr. Busbee is a live and public spirited citizen as well as a successful young business man, and is president of the Raleigh Rotary Club, a mem- ber of the Country Club, the Capital Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Masonic Order.

On November 19, 1902, he married Miss Mar- garet Simons Clarkson, of Charlotte, North Caro- lina. They are the parents of two children: Simons Clarkson and Sarah Hall:

PAUL R. GWYN. Distinguished not only for his high standing as a man and a citizen, but for the honored ancestry from which he traces his descent, Paul R. Gwyn, of Elkin, Surry County, is eminently deserving of representation in a work of this char- acter. A native of Elkin, he comes of pioneer stock, being a descendant in the fifth generation from James Gwyn, the founder of the Gwyn family of North Carolina, his record being thus traced: James, Richard, Richard Rand, Charles Hunt, and Paul R.

James Gwyn was lineally descended from the immigrant ancestor, who came from Wales to this country as early as 1610, settling in Virginia, which was the home of his descendants for several generations. Born in Brunswick County, Virginia, he married Martha Lenoir, whose father, Thomas Lenoir, fought with the Colonists in their struggle for liberty, and later came to North Carolina, be- coming a pioneer of Wilkes County.

Richard Gwyn was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and during his years of activity was prominently associated with the agricultural and manufacturing interests of the county, owning large tracts of land, and not only carried on general farming on an extensive scale, but operated a grist mill and a cotton mill. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Hunt.

Richard Rand Gwyn, the second child of the parental household iu succession of birth, assisted his father when young both in the mill and on the home farm, being reared to habits of industry. He developed an aptitude for business when young and for a number of years, in company with his brother, Thomas L. Gwyn, and his brother-in-law, Alexander Chatham, he owned and operated the Elkin Cotton Mill. He married Mary Dickenson, a daughter of James and Julia (Thurman) Dick- enson, of Grayson County, Virginia, and grand- daughter of Martin and Mary (Bourne) Dicken- son, life-long residents of Virginia.

Charles Hunt Gwyn received excellent educa- tional advantages, completing his studies at Trin- ity College. Not caring to adopt a profession, he was for several years engaged in mercantile pur- suits. Subsequently entering the hotel business, he

continued in it until his death, in 1914. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of the sub- ject of this brief sketch, was Elizabeth Perkins. She was born in Ashe County, North Carolina, a daughter of Johnson Perkins. Her paternal grand- father, Stephen Perkins, migrated from Tennessee to Ashe County, North Carolina, where he bought land and engaged in farming and stock raising. There both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Susan Smith, spent the remainder of their days. Johnson Perkins, a native of Johnson County, Tennessee, inherited the home farm in Ashe County, this state, and became one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers of Western North Carolina, operating his land with the as- sistance of slaves, and raising only high grade cattle and fine horses. He died on his farm at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Johnson, survived him, attain- ing the venerable age of four score years. She was the mother of seven children, namely: James, Mary, William, Martha, Winfield, Jennie, and Elizabeth, who married Charles Hunt Gwyn.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Perkins) Gwyn was educated at Sullins College, in Bristol, Tennessee, and soon after her graduation from that institution married Mr. C. H. Gwyn. A woman of culture and much ability, she has presided for the past thirty-five years at Elk Inn, the leading hotel of Elkin, Surry County, and is known to the traveling pub- lic as a most popular and hospitable hostess. She has reared four children, namely: Grace, Susie, Paul R., and Nell. Grace, wife of Alexander Chatham, Jr., has three children, Charles Gwyn, Frances Gwyn, and Hugh Alexander. Susie mar- ried Raymond Chatham, and has two children, Raymond Hunt and Richard Gwyn.

Paul R. Gwyn attended first the Elkin schools, later continuing his studies at Bingham Academy, in Bebane, North Carolina. As a young man he became a clerk in the office of the Chatham Manufacturing Company, but at the end of a year was forced to resign the position on account of ill health. Subsequently Mr. Gwyn accepted a position with the Elkin and Alleghany Railroad Company, with which he has since been associated, at the present time occupying the responsible posi- tion of general passenger and freight agent.

HON. ISAAC MELSON MEEKINS. Unquestionably in every prosperous community there are to be found men of natural force who, by reason of their inherent abilities, by the use of their brains and the soundness of their judgment, attain dis- tinction and acquire authority. They are men who industriously work for an end and in helping themselves add to the sum of comfort and happi- ness of those about them. They are the dependence of the whole social fabric. They may be men of versatile gifts in many directions, but it is in their soundness, their vitality, their steadiness, that they are such important factors in the world's work. Of the men of Pasquotank County who have at- tained eminence and influence few are better known to the public than Col. Isaac Melson Meek- ins. He is one of the leading members of the state bar, a business mau with important and substantial interests, a farmer whose broad acres respond prosperously and bountifully to his skilled agri- cultural operations, and an orator whose fame reaches all over the country. Being all these things, he is also a man whose soundness and steadiness have been used not only to his own

HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA

advantage, but to the betterment and progress of his home county of Pasquotank and his home com- munity of Elizabeth City.

Isaac Melson Meekins was born at Gumneck, Tyrrell County, North Carolina, February 13, 1875, and is a son of Jeremiah Charles and Mahala (Melson) Meekins. His father was a merchant, farmer and banker of Tyrrell County, and the youth was granted good educational facilities, at- tending Columbia Academy, Wake Forest College, and graduating in 1896 from both the academic and law departments. In August of the same year he took up his residence at Elizabeth City and embarked upon a general practice of law, and immediately entered public life, being elected city attorney. Since that time he has steadily advanced in his profession until now he is recognized and acknowledged as one of the leading attorneys of the county and in this part of the state. He holds membership in the North Carolina Bar As- sociation and the American Bar Association.

Since the time of his arrival in Elizabeth City Colonel Meekins has been almost constantly before the public in official positions, and his record in these offices is a splendid one. In addition to serving as city attorney he was mayor of Elizabeth City for a short while, served one term as county superintendent of public instruction, was post- master six years, acted as assistant United States district attorney for four years, and from 1913 to 1917 was president of the board of trustees of the graded schools of Elizabeth, where he presided over the destinies of 1,200 children in an educa- tional way. In 1898 he was nominated on the re- publican ticket for the office of solicitor of the First Judicial District; in 1904 was candidate for lieutenant-governor of the state, and on two oc- casions was his party's candidate for a seat in Congress. Political conditions on each of these occasions, however, were such as to prevent his election. Mr. Meekins stands high in the councils of his party. He is ex-chairman of the county and congressional republican committees and a mem- ber of the state committee and during elections has done as much as any one other man to secure his party's success. It is as an orator that he has won universal commendation. He has been heard in all of the big cities of the East and Middle West and in most of the eastern states; he ac- companied Senator Burton on ex-President Taft's famous Tariff Special train which trailed Presi- dent Woodrow Wilson from Indianapolis to Denver in the campaign of 1912; and Colonel Meekins never failed to hold the crowds. Says a con- temporary review: "He is witty, he is eloquent, he is convincing and he has the punch of a Roose- velt. He is elegant without affectation; scholarly and plain spoken; forceful, even dramatic, with- out a trace of rant or bombast; and as a story teller and character delineator he is without a peer." A few extracts from the press in regard to Colonel Meekins' ability may not be inapropos at this time: Worcester (Mass.) Telegram : "Col. Isaac M. Meekins, of North Carolina, one of the greatest political orators who ever spoke on the platform of Mechanics Hall, gave the republicans of Worcester the strongest republican doctrine ever preached in Worcester at the big republican rally last night. Mechanics Hall was full, and the 2,800 people present stayed through to the finish of Colonel Meekins' speech. As a speaker he is a whirlwind and his arguments have the force of a cyclone. Colonel Meekins told the truth plainly,

he released it like a Niagara, and the audience did not get an opportunity to applaud. The stream of oratory flowed on like the rapids. As a political oration there is little question the address was the finest ever secured in Worcester since the days of William McKinley. It was free from sarcasm, simply a statement of facts." Buffalo (N. Y.) Commercial: "Mr. Meekins is clever. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson was followed by Col. Isaac M. Meekins, who proved to be an orator of the rapid-fire type. By the use of catchy sen- tences, he kept the audience in constant good humor. He was well supplied with bright and clever say- ings, full of wit and splendidly equipped with voice and mimicry to handle the crowd just right, and he had the audience cheering or laughing at will." Buffalo (N. Y.) Express: "There was a large audience which gave close heed to the thoughtful presentation of the issues of the cam- paign at Convention Hall, and which enjoyed the lively manner of Col. Isaac M. Meekins of North Carolina. Colonel Meekins is a talker to catch the popular fancy. He had the crowd alternately applauding and laughing. " Buffalo (N. Y.) Evening News: "Col. Isaac M. Meekins, of North Carolina, made one of the biggest hits at a meet- ing at Convention Hall last evening following Sec- retary of War Henry L. Stimson."

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History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume V, Part 10

Author: Connor, R. D. W. (Robert Digges Wimberly), 1878-1950; Boyd, William Kenneth, 1879-1938. dn; Hamilton, Joseph Gregoire de Roulhac, 1878- Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Chicago : New York : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 730

Author: Connor, R. D. W. (Robert Digges Wimberly), 1878-1950; Boyd, William Kenneth, 1879-1938. dn; Hamilton, Joseph Gregoire de Roulhac, 1878-
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Chicago : New York : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 730