USA > North Carolina > History of North Carolina: North Carolina biography, Volume VI > Part 16
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James Lawson Fleming was born in Pitt County, on November 1, 1867, a son of Leonidas and Harriet Fleming, and had just passed his forty-second birthday when he met a sudden and tragic death in an automobile accident, in which was also killed a fellow attorney, Mr. Harry Skinner, Jr.
Senator Fleming was the epitome of the old southern aristocracy-a man of genial manners, fearless initiative, and keen intellectual powers. He knew but one criterion and that was the voice of the people, whom he so ably served. His earlier days were spent on the farm, where in the great out of doors of American life he became imbued with the spirit and the traditions of his fathers, and learned, while in youth, that tlie qualities of self-reliance, integrity and of an unimpeachable character were the indispensable requisites of greatness that would yield permanent confidence and leadership among his people. These admirable qualities he possessed in no small measure, as was so forcibly illustrated by his career of public service.
As a boy he attended the schools of his com- munity and was soon confronted with the prob- lems and disadvantages that the rural schools of his state then presented. The desire and ambitiou that he acquired while attending these schools to eliminate the difficulties confronting those who were eager to secure a liberal education later caused him, while a member of the Senate, to in- troduce a bill to establish the Eastern Carolina Teachers Training School, of which he was the father. He was prepared for college at the Greenville Academy that was conducted by Prof.
W. H. Ragsdale, betweeu whom there grew up a lifelong friendship and affection. He en- tered Wake Forest College, from which he was graduated with honors in 1889. After teaching school for one year he read law with the firm of Skinner and Latham, and then entered the Uni- versity Law School, where he completed his legal training and was admitted to the bar in 1892.
Then began what later proved to be one of the most promising and most useful careers in the history of the state. At the time of Mr. Flem- ing's entrance upon his public life questions of very profound importance, embodying principles of suffrage, education and internal improvements, were confronting the people of the state and ab- sorbing their best energies and efforts. The stirring days of '98 recalled how vigorously the citizenship of the state was aroused. It was the beginning of a renaissance of political, educa- tional, and industrial activity that ushered in a new era in the life of the people. At such a momentous time as this, the keenest intellect, ablest statesmanship and the most efficient leader- ship that the state possessed were called into play. By his deliberate judgment, ability to read the rapidly transpiriug events and translate them into the needs of the future, and his un- tiring devotion and patriotism to the principles he avowed, James L. Fleming rose to heights of prominence in his party and to a place of honor and distinction in the affairs of his state. This position he held with increasing confidence and esteem on the part of the people until the day of his death.
For seventeen years his professional duties kept him very closely confined to his work. He enjoyed a very extensive practice in the Superior, Supreme and Federal courts of the land. At the time of liis death he was being prominently men- tioned for very high political honors within the gift of the people.
The crowning achievement of his career was the establishment of the Eastern Carolina Teachers Training School, which was a long cherished drean on his part. He was the author of the bill that created it and was its strongest exponent and de. fender in the Legislature. On more than one occasion Senator Fleming could be seen standing upon the floor of the Senate-at first all alone --- defending the bill that he had introduced and pleading the cause of those who aspired to be- come teachers in the commonwealth of North Carolina. His first attempt to establish the school in 1905 was unsuccessful, but with renewed energy, enthusiasm and a purpose fully pledged to the accomplishment of his task, he launched a campaign in its behalf during the following two years that was typical of his characteristic inten- sity and zeal. By the time the Legislature met in 1907, to the Upper House of which he was returned, he had rallied to his aid the support of many of the most influential citizens of the state.
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The passage of the bill, however, was by no means yet assured. Long committee meetings, that lasted far into the hours of the early morn- ing, followed. Here again was afforded him the opportunity of demonstrating his exceptional qualities of leadership and ability to deal with the affairs of his people. The result of his efforts bear eloquent testimony to his ability, fidelity, and patriotism, for the closing days of the ses- sion, which will long be remembered by those who participated in it, registered the passage of his bill by a safe majority. The school was then a reality.
The selection of a site for the school was left in the hands of a State Council, who decided that it should be located in the community that offered the strongest inducements to secure it. Senator Fleming immediately organized a cam- paign in its behalf in his own town and county. He and his co-laborers spared no effort in cre- ating active support and sentiment in its favor. With one hundred thousand dollars pledged for the purchase of a site and erection of buildings by the citizens of the county and township, the State Council awarded the decision to Pitt County and Greenville was selected for its site. A few weeks before the lamented death of Sen- ator Fleming the buildings were completed and the school was formally opened. It was indeed significant that he was allowed to witness the full realization of his ideal before he was called away. This noble institution stands today as a fitting climax to a life of illustrious service and a memorial appropriate of the matchless energy, foresight and leadership of Pitt County's beloved senator in his efforts to serve the generation of his day and those who in the years to come would fall heir to the achievements of their fathers.
Mr. Fleming held many positions of public trust. He was senator from Pitt County for two successive terms and was also mayor of Green- ville. In all his positions of public honor he left behind him an enviable record.
From his home he gathered the inspiration that made his career so brilliant and so successful. On June 21, 1899, he married Miss Lula White, daughter of Captain and Mrs. C. A. White. Three happy children completed the home ties of his family circle.
Hosts of friends throughout the state, a large community in which he lived, and a home that suffered an irreparable loss mourned his lamented departure. A genial man, a statesman of the old school, an eloquent orator-North Carolina lost one of her most devoted and most illustrious sons.
In the resolutions recorded in the archives of his district court, his fellow attorneys said :
"As citizen, lawyer, and legislator James L. Fleming acted well and honorably his part; and in each and all of these relations he steadily grew in favor with his fellow men."'
HON. FRED JACKSON COXE. In the county where he was born only forty years ago Fred Jackson Coxe has made a sterling reputation as an able lawyer and as a citizen who served his community well while a member of the State Senate. Mr. Coxe is a man of action, one who does large things in a large way, and is looked upon as one of the public leaders in his section of the state.
He was born at Lilesville in Anson County, North Carolina, in 1877, a son of William Jackson and Martha Jane (Barringer) Coxe. His father,
now deceased, was a farmer and merchant and was of English descent. William J. Coxe was born in Anson County about four miles south of Lilesville, and after the war lived in the Town of Lilesville until his death in 1896.
Senator Coxe's mother, who is still living, is descended from the historic Barringer family of North Carolina. The Barringers were of German origin, and the family was founded in America by John Paul Barringer, a native of Germany who came to Pennsylvania in 1743, and in 1746 located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He died in 1807. Both he and his descendants have been distinguished characters in North Carolina history. The pioneer was one of North Carolina's Revolu- tionary soldiers. His son, General Paul Barringer, was an American general in the War of 1812. Gen. Paul Barringer had two sons, David Moreau Barringer and Gen. Rufus Barringer, both dis- tinguished in the life and service of the state. David Moreau Barringer represented North Caro- lina in Congress and was an ambassador to Spain, going to that country in 1849. Gen. Rufus Bar- ringer was a brilliant soldier and attained the rank of Brigadier General in the Confederate army. Edward Greene Lee Barringer, father of Mrs. William J. Coxe, was a member of the General Assembly for several terms and was a cousin of Rufus and David Moreau Barringer.
Fred Jackson Coxe grew up at Lilesville, at- tended the public schools there, and took his higher education in the University of North Caro- lina. He was graduated in the literary department with the class of 1899, and in 1900 took his degree Bachelor of Laws from the law school of the University. On his admission to the bar Mr. Coxe began practice at Wadesboro, county seat of his native county, and has played a worthy part in his profession and in local affairs there for the past seventeen years.
In 1904 he was elected state senator from his district embracing Anson County, and in the ses- sion of 1905, though a new member, he impressed his ability and judgment upon many of the im- portant decisions and measures of the State As- sembly. Since his term as senator he has given almost undivided attention to his large practice as a lawyer. He is now serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina.
Senator Coxe is a brother of Thomas C. Coxe of Wadesboro, prominent in business affairs and in- terested in the lumber industry. Thomas Coxe has been a member of the State Legislature twice and is now a member of the Board of County Comis- sioners of Anson County. The brothers are both leaders in the democratic party in North Carolina.
Fred J. Coxe married Miss Elizabeth Dunlap. Hers is one of the prominent old time families of Anson County. Three children have been born to their marriage: Fred Jackson, Jr., Elizabeth Sheffield and John Barringer.
JOHN MCKAY BYRD. One of the most pros- perous and rapidly growing little cities of Cen- tral North Carolina is the community of Coats, located in Harnett County. This thriving local- ity has taken on added activity recently, dating from the advent of the firm of J. M. Byrd & Company, which has infused new spirit into the people, contributed to the community's prestige as a manufacturing center, and in other ways given intentions of endeavoring to make the pres- ent prosperity permanent. At the head of this
acties
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concern is found John McKay Byrd, ex-sheriff of Harnett County, formerly a well known busi- ness man and public figure of Lillington, but since January, 1918, a resident of Coats.
J. Mckay Byrd was born June 25, 1867, on a farm near Buie's Creek, Harnett County, North Carolina, being a son of Reddin and Elizabeth (Surles) Byrd, natives of Harnett County. This family came originally from Virginia to North Carolina and its members have lived in what is now the County for Harnett for more than 100 years. Mr. Byrd was well born and grew up with an intelligent mind, a healthy body and a strong character, and even when a boy showed a fund of energy which, coupled with his ambition and determination, enabled him to lay a firm and substantial foundation upon which to build his structure of success. He was reared to agricul- tural pursuits and continued to be engaged therein practically without. interruption
in Hartnett County until 1909, when he went to Cashion, Ok- lahoma, and there interested himself extensively in the farming and livestock industries. In 1913 he returned to Harnett County, where he began to give his entire attention to the livestock business at Lillington, but in 1914 was elected sheriff of the county and found that his duties needed all of his attention, so that he sold out his interests, which, even in that short time, had under his ex- cellent managership developed into large propor- tions. He remained as a resident of Lillington after the expiration of his term of office until January, 1918, at which time he removed with his family to Coats. Here, in partnership with N. T. Patterson, cashier of the Bank of Coats, he formed a business connection under the firm name of J. M. Byrd & Company and purchased several business industries at Coats, which is one of the wealthiest and most rapidly growing communi- ties of the county. These include the Coats Hos- iery Mill, the Coats Flour Mill, lumber mill and planing mill, and the cotton gin, As president of this firm Mr. Byrd is in active management of the important and growing industries. The hosiery manufactures half hose and is sharing in the general prosperity enjoyed by plants of this kind throughout the South, and it is the purpose of Mr. Byrd and his associate to make Coats a per- manently prosperous and thrifty industrial cen- ter, furnishing remunerative employment to many people and keeping active money in circulation. In connection with their manufacturing enter- prises, the partners cultivate about 100 acres of rich Harnett County soil, producing cotton and corn, thus adding further to their usefulness and benefit to the community, where their industries are commended and highly appreciated.
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In 1888 Mr. Byrd was married to Miss Anna Matthews, of Harnett, and to this union there have been born the following children: Ivan; Mrs. Elsa Garton; Fred, who is in the United States Army; Ethel, Grace, Pauline and John M., Jr. While at Lillington Mr. Byrd was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and he now belongs to the church of that denomination at Coats. He has long been one of his county's most influen- tial republicans, and on a number of occasions has been chosen by his fellow-citizens to repre- sent them in office of public importance. In 1894 he came prominently before the people when he was elected county register of deeds, an office which he filled so satisfactorily that he was re- elected for a second term. It has always been a source of pride to Mr. Byrd that during his
incumbency the county's credit was rehabilitated. During the early '90s, and at the time when he first took office, Harnett County was deeply in debt, its script being hardly worth more than scraps of paper, but in the four years that he officiated much of the county 's indebtedness was paid off and the script rose to par in lieu. In 1900 Mr. Byrd was the candidate of his party for the office of member of the State Legislature from his district, and although he ran against one of the strongest men in the opposing party, he was defeated for the office by but seventy-five votes. In 1914 he was elected sheriff of Harnett County, when his party returned to power in this local- ity, and his work in that office was of exceptional character, the new sheriff establishing a record that made this part of the state shunned by the law-breakers. He was particularly active in his campaign against the illicit whiskey men, and at the completion of his two-year term, which closed in 1916, it was found that he had closed in the neighborhood of forty unlawful distilleries. Although a man who is strict in business affairs and unwavering in his stand for what he be- lieves to be right, sternly upholding his contracts and expecting others to do likewise, he is a man of pleasing personality and one who makes friend- ships easily and retains them indefinitely. A con- temporary writer says: "The same personal char- acteristics which bring him friends in political and private life attract to his business a large patronage. He has the respect, regard and con- fidence of his fellows, and easily ranks with the foremost of those men who are working for Hart- nett's progress-moral and material."
ALEXANDER MARTIN RANKIN, The initial point of activity in Mr. Rankin's career was as a rail- way brakeman with the Southern Railway Com- pany. The years have brought him increasing responsibilities and a broadening scope of affairs, and he is one of the men of High Point looked to for leadership and the energy necessary to carry forward great undertakings to success.
After one year as a brakeman he was made conductor, and continued in that capacity with the railway company until 1902. In the meantime he had become interested in furniture manufactur- ing at High Point. High Point is one of the greatest furniture centers of the South. In 1902 Mr. Rankin resigned his position with the rail- road and organized the Rankin Coffin and Casket Company, of which he has since been one of the executive officers. He is also president of the Kearns Furniture Company, one of the largest of the many furniture factories at High Point and one of the most completely equipped factories of its kind in the South. Mr. Rankin is also a stockholder in the Highland Cotton Mills Com- pany, the High Point Hosiery Mill, the Crown Hosiery Mill, is vice president of the Bank of Commerce, and a director of the Morris Plan Bank of High Point. He was born on a planta- tion in Madison Township of Guilford County. In that locality the family have lived for about a century and a half. His great-grandparents, William and Jane (Chambers) Rankin, came from Pennsylvania to North Carolina about 1768, where William joined his brother John, who had previously located in Guilford County in 1764. Robert Rankin, father of William W., was born in Madison Township of Guilford County, and became an extensive land owner and planter. He was a lifelong resident of the county. He mar-
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
ried Sarah Lee, a cousin of Gen. Robert E. Lee and a daughter of Joshua Lee of the well known family of that name in Virginia. Robert Rankiu died at the age of sixty-five and was survived several years by his wife. They had six children: John Calvin, William W., Albert, Greene, Jane and Emily. Greene died at the age of twenty-one. Jane became the wife of Archibald Bevill and Emily married W. D. Whar- ton.
William W. Rankin, who was born in Guilford County in 1819, inherited land and slaves and was a successful and prosperous planter when the war broke upon the country. He entered the Confed- erate service in 1864 and though then well past the age of military capacity was with the army until the close of the struggle. The freeing of his slaves swept away most of his capital, but with stubborn determination he faced the future, adapted himself to new conditions, and stayed with his farm and managed it until his death at the age of ninety years. He married Louisa Elizabeth Roach, who was born on a plantation near Reidsville in Rockingham County, daughter of Alexander Martin and Mrs. (Young) Roach. She died at the age of seventy-five, having reared five sons: Thomas Franklin; John Roach, who died at the age of thirty-five; Alexander Martin; William Rufus, and James Albert.
Alexander Martin Rankin had a district school education and also attended old Yadkin College. From school he entered upon his independent carcer at the age of nineteen in the role already mentioned. Iu 1894 Mr. Rankin married Miss Belle Reece, of Jamestown. She died three years later and her only child died in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Rankin married Lena May Blair, who was born in Asheboro, daughter of J. Addison and Martha (White) Blair. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have four children: Margaret, Alex- ander Martin, Jr., Dorothy Lee and Robert Blair. Mr. Rankin's parents were active members of the Methodist Protestant Church and he has con- tinued loyal to the same faith. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and with Guilford Council No. 23 Junior Order United American Mechanics.
WILLIAM MERRITT JONES, M. D. Under the modern and model legislation providing for the efficient organization of public health systems for the state and its individual counties in North Carolina, the state has not only won an enviable reputation on this score among the other states of the Union, but different communities have been able to call to the important branch of service some of the most capable and talented physicians in the profession.
The present "whole time" health officer of Guilford County is Dr. William Merritt Jones, a prominent and successful physician, with a wide range of ex- perience and a man of high attainments. In rec- ognition of these attainments the North Carolina State Medical Society has honored him with the office of treasurer.
Doctor Jones was born at Cary in Wake County, North Carolina. Some interesting items concern- ing the Jones family ancestry are furnished by Miss Evelyn Jones of Cary, daughter of Adolphus Jones and granddaughter of Henry and Ann Jones. The pioneer of this branch of the fam- ily in North Carolina was Francis Jones, who married Betsy Ridley. Frances Jones is sup- posed to have been a native of Wales or of
Welsh pareutage. He lived in Halifax County, Virginia, before coming to Wake County, North Carolina. In this colony he bought land from Earl Granville, and the deed to that land bears date of March 24, 1743. The land is located on Crab Tree Creek about twelve miles west of Raleigh. Around the old Jones home a village grew up named Morrisville. From Francis Jones the line of descent is traced through his son, Nathaniel Jones, who married Ann Snigger, and their son, Henry Jones, married Ann Jones. Ann Jones was a daughter of Nathaniel and Millicent (Blanchard ) Jones and granddaughter of Evan Jones. This was another branch of the family, and they located eight miles west of Raleigh, moving there from Yates County, North Carolina. A substantial frame house built by Nathaniel Joues prior to the Revolutionary war is still standing. The locality of that home is known as White Plains. Millicent Blanchard was the daughter of Benjamin Blanchard of Chowan County.
A son of Henry and Ann Jones was Rufus Jones, grandfather of Doctor Jones. Rufus Jones was born in Wake County and for many years conducted a plantation bordering Crab Tree Creek four miles from Cary, having slaves to operate his fields prior to the war. During the war he served in the quartermaster's department of the Confederate Army. He lived to the ad- vanced age of ninety years. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Merritt, who attained the age of eighty years. They had six children: William Merritt, Lonnie J., Sallie, Sidney, Lulu and Lillie.
William Merritt Jones, Sr., was born on the old Wake County plantation near Cary in 1851. He was educated in Horner's Military Institute, and from that entered merchandising at Cary, and at the same time conducted his operations as a farmer. Latterly he became engaged in the manufacture of sash, door and blinds at Cary, but in 1890 moved to Blacksburg, South Caro- lina, where he continued in the same line of busi- ness for two years and has since conducted a factory at Asheville, North Carolina. He mar- ried Lillie Haughton, who was born at Gulf in Chatham County, North Carolina, daughter of Lawrence and Mrs. (Harris) Haughton. Doctor Jones is the oldest of five children, the others being Lawrence Haughton, Rufus Henry, Sarah and Hortense.
Doctor Jones attended the public schools of Cary, Asheville and Ravenscroft, also the Sky- land Institute at Asheville, and had further preparation for college under private tutors. En- tering the medical department of the University of Maryland, he was graduated M. D. in 1903. After a year spent at Hopewell Junction, New York, he returned to North Carolina, practiced two years at Hendersonville, for six years had a general practice as a physician and surgeon at High Point, and was called from that practice to become health officer for Guilford County.
Doctor Jones married in 1909 Jessie Burton, daughter of Dr. J. W. and Myra (English) Bur- ton. . Mrs. Jones died in 1911. On May 20, 1913, he married Lala Mundy, who was born in Ca- tawha County, daughter of Warren and Fanny (Thompson) Mundy. Doctor and Mrs. Jones have two children, Frances and Hortense. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Daughters of the Amer- ican Revolution. Besides his official connection with the State Medical Society, Doctor Jones
Watter L. Parsons
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
is a member of the Guilford County Medical Society and is affiliated with Numa Reid Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; High Point Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and High Point Lodge No. 1155 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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