USA > North Carolina > History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume V > Part 19
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When he died at his home at Pate's in Robeson County in April, 1914, the sentiment was widely expressed and was undoubtedly true that he was Robeson's most useful citizen. A complete ac- count of all that he did and the influences that radiated from him can only be suggested in the following paragraphs:
Mr. Livermore was of New England birth and of the rugged inheritance of that section of coun- try. He was born in New Hampshire in 1850, and was only sixty-four when he died. His par- ents were Rev. Aaron and Mary (Wolcott) Liver- more. Two of the noted New England names are Wolcott and Livermore. His father was a Congregational minister.
The early life of R. W. Livermore was spent at New Haven, Connecticut. He was educated in what is now the Massachusetts Agricultural Col-
lege, then known as Swathmore College. He pre- pared for the law at Yale Law School, and after graduating went west to Toledo, where he took up the practice of his profession. At Toledo he married Miss Lillie Hayes. The brothers of Mrs. Livermore had some extensive land and timber interests in Robeson County, North Carolina, and in 1884 Mr. Livermore came here to look after that property. He was greatly impressed with the prospects of the country and eventually de- cided to make it his permanent home. His first active enterprise was in the turpentine business, later he became a railroad tie contractor, and within a comparatively short time had built up an immense business in lumber manufacture, mer- chandise and as a land owner, all of which were centered at Pate's, a station on the Seaboard Air Line two miles west of Pembroke. All his busi- ness affairs were prosecuted with an energy char- acteristic of a typical New England man.
Nothing in all his history perhaps reflects more credit upon his name and is more worthy to be recalled in this connection than the interest he took in the Cherokee Indians, who have been set- tled in the vicinity of Pembroke for several gen- erations. Mr. Livermore instead of disregarding these descendants of the aboriginal tribes, as have been. the tendency of most Americans at all times and places, lent them every encouragement and assistance to improve their condition in life. He was glad to teach and encourage them to carry on farm operations, and especially to acquire their own land and homes and develop thrift, industry and other habits that would make them substantial citizens. Wisely enough he sought this end largely by beginning with the younger generation, and by securing proper school facilities saw to it that the coming generation was educated. More than anyone else Mr. Livermore was the primary fac- tor in having established at Pembroke the Chero- kee Normal School, a state institution for these Indians. It is said that when Mr. Livermore came to Robeson County there were not to be found altogether more than three head of mules among the Cherokee Indians. Today it is esti- mated that they own from eight to ten thousand head of livestock, while their progress and ad- vancement in living conditions, ownership of homes, industry and education may be judged ac- cordingly. All of these results are largely due to the impetus and encouragement given them by Mr. Livermore, whom they always looked upon as their best friend and counsellor, and who in turn received their highest esteem and affection. Mr. Livermore never formally practiced law in North Carolina, but his legal ability enabled him to perform a great deal of gratuitous service for the Indians, for whom he drew up papers and was their constant adviser as to the proper care and disposition of their property.
For many years Mr. Livermore gave employ- ment to large numbers of people, carried on ex- tensive timbering and lumber manufacturing en- terprises, and cleared and developed great acre- ages of land. And the significant thing is that with all these opportunities for acquiring wealth, and for all that he did to create wealth in this section, most of it was done for the sake and benefit of others rather than for himself, since he was by no means a rich man when he died. His riches largely consisted of the love and esteem of his people. Personally Mr. Livermore was dis- tinguished by a largeness of mind, breadth and liberality of vision, characteristics which kept him
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above the petty affairs of party or factional poli- tics. He was a scholarly man, widely read and cultured, and had great ability as a public speaker, and to his intimates was a most interesting com- panion and friend.
Mr. Livermore's children were born at Pate's, where he always maintained a home, but for sev- eral years he lived at Red Springs, primarily to educate his children. Mrs. Livermore died several years before his own death. Three children sur- vive, Russell Hayes, Henry and Miss Mary. Henry is now in the United States Army. He and his brother Russell Hayes were associated with their father in business until the latter's death.
Russell Hayes Livermore was educated in the University of North Carolina. He is now cashier of the Bank of Pembroke, and is in every way a worthy successor of his honored father. He mar- ried Miss Gretchen McCullers, daughter of Henry A. and Ella (Nowell) McCullers. When a child she was adopted into the family of Mr. R. W. Livermore and thus she and her husband grew up as companions in childhood and are now linked together for the journey through life. They have two interesting daughters, Mary Hoyland and Jean.
BURKE HAYWOOD BRIDGERS since his graduation from the law department of the State Univer- sity in 1905 has divided his time between a grow- ing general practice as a lawyer and the real estate business at Wilmington. He is manager of the Carolina Heights Real Estate Company, and though only thirty-one years of age has al- ready secured a substantial place in the profes- sional and business life of his city.
He was born at Raleigh November 14, 1885, a son of Preston L. and Elizabeth Eagles (Hay- wood) Bridgers. His father was a wholesale lumber merchant. Preparatory to his course at the University Mr. Bridgers attended the Raleigh Male Academy and the Horner Military School at Oxford, and then took the full literary course in the University of North Carolina, where he was graduated in 1903, two years before his grad- uation from the law department.
He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Cape Fear Club, the Carolina Yacht Club, and the Cape Fear Country Club. April 10, 1913, he was happily married to Helen Strange, of Wilmington. They have one child, Elizabeth Haywood.
EDWARD BAXTER NEAVE. Possessing in a marked degree the ability, judgment, enterprise and tact that invariably command success in the business world, Edward Baxter Neave is promi- nently and officially associated with one of the leading industrial organizations of Salisbury, be- ing secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Vance Mill Company, one of the leading indus- trial organizations of Salisbury, and these respon- sible positions he is filling to the acceptation of all concerned. A native of Scotland, he was born in Arbroath, a seaport and manufacturing town of Forfarshire, which was also the native place of his father, James B. Neave.
Born and bred in Scotland, James B. Neave spent his earlier life in the country of his birth, living there long after his first marriage. Lured to the New World by the glowing reports of for- tunes waiting for the brave immigrant, he came with his family to the United States, settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later removing to West
Jefferson, Madison County, that state, where he continued a resident until his death, at the age of fifty-six years. He was twice married. His first wife died in Scotland, leaving three sons, Robert, William H. and David. William H. came with the family to America, and in 1857 located in Salisbury. At the breaking out of the Civil war he was commissioned band master in the Confed- erate Army. James B. Neave married for his second wife Agnes Jamison, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, came with him and the children to America, and died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. She was the mother of three children, as follows: Edward Baxter, the special subject of this sketch; Eleanor; and Charles, who died at the age of twelve years.
Having acquired a practical education in the public schools of Ohio, Edward Baxter Neave came from that state- to Rowan County, North Carolina, locating in Salisbury, where on May 30, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Rowan Rifles, which was later attached to the Fourth Regiment, North Carolina Troops. Like his half-brother, he was a talented musician, and was made leader of the Fourth Regimental Band. A brave and cour- ageous soldier, he continued with his command until the surrender at Appomattox. Returning to Salisbury, Mr. Neave formed a partnership with Charles F. Baker, and for upwards of thirty years was engaged in mercantile pursuits, dealing extensively in house furnishings. Since retiring from that business Mr. Neave has filled his pres- ent position as secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Vance Mill Company.
Mr. Neave married for his first wife Ellen Baker, a daughter of Charles F. and Ann (Owen) Baker, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Davidson County, North Caro- lina. She died in 1874, and her only child, Agnes, who became the wife of Thomas B. Marsh, died in early life, leaving five children, 'Thomas B., Jr., Edward B., Frank, Ellen and Rebekah. Mr. Neave married second Carrie McNeeley, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of William G. and Louisa (Marvin) MeNeeley. Four children have been born of this union, namely: James William, who married Lila Bernhardt and has two children, Mary L. and Caroline; Louise; Anne; and Edward.
A prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Neave joined Fulton Lodge No. 9 when young, and for fourteen years served as its worshipful master; he was a charter member and the first wor- shipful master of Andrew Jackson Lodge; he is a member of Salisbury Chapter No. 20, Royal Arch Masons; of Adoniram Council No. 2, Royal and Select Masters; of Salisbury Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar; and of Oasis Temple at Char- lotte. Mr. Neave also belongs to Salisbury Lodge No. 24, Knights of Pythias.
JAMES THOMAS BROADWAY entered the cotton mill industry as a boy, and has steadily worked his way up to a point where he now enjoys many of the responsibilities and the honors of executive office, having been connected with the Pearl Cotton Mills at Durham for nearly twenty years.
Mr. Broadway was born in Stanley County, North Carolina, March 6, 1868, a son of Hartwell M. and Lavinia (Ewing) Broadway. His father was both a merchant and farmer, was in moderate circum- stances and James Thomas found it desirable and in accord with his own ambition to begin his career when only fifteen years of age. He had
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in the meantime made the best of his advantages in the public schools, and he first took his place in the cotton mill industry as a picker boy. He worked up steadily, and in 1899 on removing to Durham he was made overseer of weaving in the Pearl Cotton Mills. Since 1900 he has been super- intendent of that large and important industrial institution of Durham.
Mr. Broadway is a Chapter Mason, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a deacon in the Second Presbyterian Church. January 3, 1898, he married Miss Lydia Robertson of Union County, North Carolina. Their six children are Jessie, Hazeline, Blandina, Blanch, James, Thomas Jr., and Hartwell Edgeworth.
IREDELL MEARES. To live up to the traditions associated with his family name would have been in itself a worthy achievement for Mr. Iredell Meares, of Wilmington. But he has done more than that. He has added distinction to a name which has been honorably identified with North Carolina's history since the establishment of the American Union.
His position as a lawyer is well reflected in an endorsement signed by many of the most promi- nent members of the North Carolina bar urging President Taft to appoint Mr. Meares to a vacan- cy on the bench of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Caro- lina. His fellow lawyers urged his appointment because "he is a well trained lawyer, a laborious student, accustomed to habits of legal research, and writes clearly and cogently upon propositions of law. In the enjoyment of splendid physical and mental activity at the age of fifty-two, and of a reputation both personal and professional, well sustained for many years, he has by close applica- tion and patient study attained a liberal and broad knowledge of the law and familiarity with the pro- cedure in all the courts both State and Federal."
The story of his career indicates the powers which have brought him to his honorable position, and it is also a source of encouragement to other men who have to struggle through difficulties to attain the goal of their ambitions.
He was born at Raleigh, December 15, 1856. His parents were Thomas D. and Jane Moore (Iredell) Meares. Through his mother he is a great-grandson of James Iredell, Sr., who was one of North Carolina's most eminent men in the early days of our nation's history. President Washington recognized his learning and ability in appointing him to the bench of the United States Supreme Court, and he was a member of that tribunal during the critical period of Amer- ican history. Mr. Meares' maternal grandfather was James Iredell, Jr., one of the ablest lawyers and public men of his day, and his name is indeli- bly impressed upon the annals of North Carolina by his service as governor of the state and as a United States senator. In the paternal line Mr. Meares' grandfather, William B. Meares, attained distinction in the law and in public life, and was one of the prominent North Carolina whigs in ante- bellum days. Thomas D. Meares, who practiced law in Wilmington for many years, was regarded as one of the most finished orators in the Cape Fear district, and was an active whig until the dissolution of that party.
Few men begin life with more incentive to the success of an honorable ambition set close before them in the careers of their immediate family than Iredell Meares. But for the misfortunes that came
to nearly every Southern family in the train of the war Iredell Meares would have had an easy course in preparation for any career he might have chosen. His first years were spent at his father's summer home at Southport, old Smith- ville. In 1861 the family removed to a plantation near the present site of Cleveland, North Carolina. The fortunes of Thomas D. Meares were com- pletely wrecked by the Civil war, and in 1867 he returned to Wilmington and had hardly begun the task of rehabilitating his fortunes when death came to him in the fall of 1871. He left eight children.
As a result of these conditions Iredell Meares had only eighteen months of schooling up to the age of twelve. The family fortunes were then so reduced that he had to earn his own way and aid in the support of others. His first employment was as office boy in a local firm, and he clerked in Wilmington until 1878, and then removed to New York City and for a time was traveling sales- man for a wholesale coffee house, introducing their goods to southern trade.
During all this time his ambition was steadfastly set upon those larger accomplishments which were regarded as almost traditional in his family his- tory. In 1881 he returned to Wilmington, clerked for a time in the freight office of the Seaboard Air Line and later was bookkeeper for an estab- . lished concern. His earnestness and the traits of character which he inherited from his ancestors gained him recognition from such prominent men as Col. Robert Strange, Col. Duncan K. McRae, Hon. George Davis and Judge Risden Bennett. It was through the influence of Colonel Bennett that in 1885 he was appointed special deputy col- lector of the Port of Wilmington, and he held that position until his admission to the bar in 1889. He sought this position in order to have more leisure for study, and though unable to attend college he bought and borrowed books and lost no opportunity to enrich and improve his mind with the best in literature and also with that branch of knowledge which would fit him for the legal pro- fession. It is recalled that during his service as deputy collector Mr. Meares investigated certain rebates on cotton ties that were being collected by exporters of cotton from the Government, and as a result of his investigation the payment of these rebates was stopped.
While in the collector's office Mr. Meares studied law under the direction of the late Col. Thomas W. Strange and Mr. Eugene S. Martin, both prom- inent lawyers of the Wilmington bar. The goal to which all his efforts had been directed for so many years was reached in 1889 with his admis- sion to the bar, and since then he has practiced steadily at Wilmington and has gained state-wide prominence as a lawyer, which has been above in- dicated in the words of men who are intimately acquainted with his work as counsel and attorney in both the State and Federal courts. It is said that Mr, Meares for the second time in the history of the Supreme Court of this state was given a specific commendation upon one of his briefs sub- mitted in the trial of an important case before that tribunal. Mr. Meares has long been prom- inent in the North Carolina Bar Association, and has served as vice president of the organization.
The independence of his character and the value of his public leadership are well known to all who have followed his career in public life. Before the war his family were chiefly aligned with the whig party. During his own career Mr. Meares
chedellilleare
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
was a democrat until the adoption of the constitu- tional amendment which took the negro out of politics in North Carolina and enabled the voters to make their choice of political allegiance de- pendent upon economic and purely political ques- tions. Since then he has been an independent, and has been a republican candidate for Congress, and in 1913 was progressive candidate for governor of the state, polling the second highest vote.
He was a leader in the campaign of 1898, and during that year was one of the special com- mittee of twenty-five citizens of Wilmington ap- pointed by mass meeting during the eventful Wilmington revolution. Mr. Meares subsequently wrote a history of the movement, in which he maintained that it was a social and not a political revolution and that it was the assertion of the Anglo-Saxon's determination to govern themselves. During the campaign for the constitutional amend- ment in 1900 he advocated the adoption of the amendment on the grounds that it would give op- portunity for the full discussion of economic ques- tions and the division of parties upon lines of intellectual conviction. In 1904 a number of Wilmington citizens presented his name for nom- ination as candidate for Congress from the Sixth District, but Mr. Meares declined to become a can- didate, since his views were not in accord with the policies of the national democratic party. In 1904 he supported Roosevelt and in 1908 was active in behalf of Mr. Taft for president. Thus he has felt free to support and advocate many of those policies which strike deeply at the roots of modern economic and social evils, and any state is the bet- ter for a citizen of such independence of thought, and of such practical idealisms. He has delivered many notable addresses on political matters, and as an orator and speaker has been in great demand on numerous occasions. One of his notable ad- dresses was delivered in 1902 at the laying of the cornerstone of the courthouse of New Hanover County on the subject "The Administration of Law." In 1907 several articles on "North Caro- lina Rate Legislation and Agitation, and the Con- stitutional Relation of the State and Federal Courts, " were published under his name in the Charlotte Observer. These articles were published in pamphlet and attracted wide attention and dis- cussion all over the state. He has given time to the study of problems of internal development and improvement, and his address before the North Carolina Retail Merchants' Association in 1908 on "Deep Water Ways for the South" was one of the best timed articles and most forceful presenta- tions of the general subject of water ways in North Carolina.
Mr. Meares was married in 1885, to Miss Jo- sephine Folger, of Cortland, New York. He has a son, George Folger, who, after practicing law with his father a short while, obtained his diploma as an ocean navigator. Became an officer in the merchant marine of ocean steamers, and, upon the outbreak of the European war in 1914 volun- teered in the Naval Reserves, where he now serves as lieutenant aboard an ocean transport. His daughter, Miss Jane Iredell Meares, is at present in the Government employ in an important posi- tion at Washington. He has no other living chil- dren. Mrs. Meares is still living.
CYRUS DUNLAP HOGUE after completing his legal education came to Wilmington in 1913 and for a year and a half served as deputy clerk to the Superior Court. Since 1915 he has been in
active practice and already has a promising clientage and is rapidly rising to the heights which, distinguish the leading lawyers of the state.
He was born at Marion, Alabama, November 27, 1888, a son of Cyrus Dunlap and Mary (Brown) Hogue. His father was a prominent lawyer and at one time served as state auditor of Alabama. He died in 1891. The son received his college education in the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, where he graduated A. B. For two years he was assistant instructor in German at the University of North Carolina, and while there pursued his studies in the law department, graduating LL. B. in 1912. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the Cape Fear Country Club, the Carolina Yacht Club, and belongs to St. James Episcopal Church.
GEORGE CALVIN WELCH. When he was twenty- three years of age, George Calvin Welch gave up his work as a country school teacher and, having by strict economy saved a couple of hundred dol- lars, sought an opportunity to enter merchandising on the basis of that meager capital and practically without experience.
He had enterprise, which was a more valuable asset, and he secured a little building in the coun- try about four miles east of Mount Airy. Going to Winston-Salem, he judiciously expended his capital in a small stock of general merchandise, loaded it on wagons, and transported it to his country store. That was the manner of stocking his business for a number of years. He soon made the location a favorable point of trade, had a steady patronage and rapid additions had to be made to his stock and his facilities for serving the public. With increased prosperity he felt justified in seeking a larger center for business, and in 1890 removed to Mount Airy, where he erected a con- modious brick structure in which he now conducts a regular department store. His stock of goods comprises practically everything needed for use in the home and on the farm. Among successful North Carolina merchants Mr. Welch deserves mention. Besides his large business he is also vice president of the Bank of Mount Airy.
Mr. Welch was born on a farm in Quaker Gap Township of Stokes County, North Carolina. The family on both sides were pioneers in this section of the state. His father, Noah Welch, was born near Germanton in Stokes County, July 12, 1819. His mother's maiden name was Fulton. Noah Welch bought land in Quaker Gap Township and was a prosperous general farmer until late in life, when he removed to Mount Airy and lived retired. His death occurred in 1896, at the age of seventy- six. He married Delilah Pearce, who was born near Westfield in Quaker Gap Township October 5, 1822. Her father, William Pearce, was born in the same location and on the same farm. Wil- liam Pearce married Susan George, whose father, Presly George, was a very extensive land owner and slave holder in that section, and spent his last years on his farm near Westfield. William Pearce and wife were life-long residents of Stokes County. Mrs. Noah Welch died at the age of eighty-seven. Noah Welch was exempt from :1c- tive service in the Confederate Army on account of physical disability, but toward the close of the war he took his place in the ranks of the Home Guard and did what he could to defend the coun- try. He and his wife reared four children: Wil- liam Francis, Susan, George Calvin and Amanda.
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George C. Welch grew up on his father's farm, was educated primarily in the rural schools and also attended the Friends School at Westfield. On leaving school he became a teacher and followed that vocation until he assumed the new role of merchant.
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