Union County, NC – BOOKS - Sketches of Monroe and Union County, 1902 pt. 1 ===================================================================== USGenWeb Archives Notice: This document has been contributed to the USGenWeb Archives so that it can be shared with others. It remains the property of the contributor, but permanent publication rights have been given to the USGenWeb Archives, who will insure that this information will remain freely available to the public. No person or organization outside of the USGenWeb may use this document without the expressed written consent of the contributor. The document may be used by any activity or project within the USGenWeb so long as it contains the following statement: "Contributed to the USGenWeb Archives by: Valerie Crook vfcrook@trellis.net" ======================================================================= NORTH MONROE. As an illustration of the material growth of the city, we would call attention to the suburb known as North Monroe. In 1890, six gentlemen, J. M. Fairley and J. W. Townsend, of Mon- roc; O. W. Carr and S. S. Brown, of Greensboro; Fred C. Beard and Major L. A. Burke, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, purchased of the late Thos. D. Winchester one hundred acres of land, ad- joining the northern corporate limits of the city, platted about 40 acres, graded streets, set out shade trees, and in October of that year had an auction sale at which time one hundred and ten building lots were sold, and the work of erecting residences was begun. At the present time there are upwards of one hun- dred comfortable homes with a population of five hundred or six hundred people, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist, and a contented, happy and prosperous citizenship. Thus the inarch of civilization advances, and where only a few short years ago was an old pine field with naught but wild flowers and grasses and no sounds but the sighing of the wind- among the pines, and at night the hooting of owls and croak of frogs and chirping of crickets, arc now heard the happy voices of childhood and the drowsy hum of contented householders as they enjoy the hours of rest beneath their own "vine and fig- tree" after a day of labor in the cotton mill or railroad yard, or on the neighboring farms. In this healthy suburb persons can obtain building lots on reasonable and easy terms and build homes, thus becoming permanent citizens, freed from the bur- den of rent paying, and more prosperous and self-respecting on account of the proprietorship of their own modest cottage. MONROE GRADED SCHOOL. BY PROF. E. C. BROOKS. The Monroe Graded Schools were organized in June, 1900. This was the third attempt and the interest manifested in the opening of the schools showed that all, even those who were opposed to the extra tax, were prepared to give the new institu- tion the good will of the town and to go to any reasonable ex- pense that every feature might be as strong as possible. The men who have served as members of the Board—Messrs. H. B. Adams R. A. Morrow, W. S. Lee, S. J. Welsh, S. W. Parham. J. C. Fletcher, A. M. Crowell and S. O. Blair are all strong bus- iness men, and they have administered the affairs of the graded school with the same intelligence that they would have given the business of a private cor- poration. At the end of the first year they realized that the salaries paid the teachers were not suffici- cut to retain or secure the best teachers in the State and with their characteristic liberality they imme- diately raised the salaries of all the teachers, and at the same time passed an accompanying resolution that for the future no teacher would be selected who has not had normal training or who has not had at least two years experience in graded school work. This was a frank admission that the board of trustees believed there is science in teaching, that teaching is a profession requiring skill and previous training. Such a resolution as this immediately placed the schools on a higher plane, for the profession naturally received a higher consideration in the estimation of the public mind. At the end of the first year it was observed that several students, ranging from the first to the tenth grades, who for various reasons failed to complete the entire work of their re- spective grades must either spend the whole of next year in the same grade, or pass over the work that was left unfinished. It was seen that with two assistant teachers a bridge-work from one grade to another could be secured, giving the delinquent stu- dents an opportunity of advancing as their ability demanded and giving the quicker students an opportunity of passing from one grade to another without being held back with the whole grade until the end of the year. The board, after considering the merits of such a plan, selected two assistant teachers. The result of this work has been most gratifying. The first two years has been spent in building and equipping the school. Recently the last instalment of furniture was placed in the new building. The entire property is now valued at about $20,000: $15,000 in buildings and equipment. The enrollment in the white school for the year is 491, with 11 teachers. In the colored school, 220, with three teachers. This school is doing work of an industrial nature. THE BAR OF MONROE. The bar of Monroe is among the best in the State. For many years it could boast of lawyers who wore the peers of any in North Carolina. The present members rank high in the pro- fession and have a wide reputation for trying cases well. They practice law on a high plane and observe the most rigid ethics of the profession. They are on the most cordial relations with each other and are free from that petty spirit of envy and rivalry which mars the practice in so many counties. Robt. L. Stevens was born in Union county on the llth of July, 1864. After receiving his education, he studied law under the late Geo. N. Falk, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1885. He has a natural fondness for politics, and has always been an active worker for his party. He bore the brunt of the fights in the days when the Populists were so strong and was elected, as a Democrat, to represent Union in the General Assembly of 1895 and again represented the county in 1899. At the latter session he introduced and fought through the Legislature the "Stevens Anti-Trust Law," over the fierce opposition of the hirelings and agents of monopoly. In May, 1901, he was elected Mayor of the city of Monroe. He is just now in the prime of life and an active practitioner at the Monroe bar. Reuben W. Lemmond was born in Mecklenburg county, N. C . May 20th, 1872. After leaving school he taught and farmed from 1893 to 1899. In June, 1899, he was elected cotton weigher for the city of Monroe and also engaged in merchandis- ing. He studied law under Frank Armfield, Esq., and at the University of North Carolina. He applied for and obtained license in September, 1901. He immediately began the prac- tice in Monroe, forming a partnership with Iredell Hilliard. Mr. Lemmond is a self-made man and is rapidly forging to the- front. He is a good debater and has an easy flow of language. Messrs. Hilliard & Lemmond are energetic, careful and reliable lawyers. H. B. Adams, senior member of the firm of Adams & Jerome, was educated at Trinity College, North Carolina. graduating in 1870. He began the practice of law in Monroe in 1873. For thirty years he has enjoyed a good practice in Union and adjoining counties and in the Federal courts. He is quick and accurate, and has a genius for the law. He has served in both branches of the General Assembly and was a leader in that body. In 1894 he received a very flattering vote in the Democratic Congressional Convention, held at Lumberton. Mr. Adams is a Mason, Pythian, Woodman of the World, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is a steward in the Methodist church, and a teacher in the Sunday school. He is also a trustee of the Monroe Graded School. Mr. Adams is a gentleman of affable manners and a man of great personal poularity. Thomas J. Jerome was born in Union county, N. C., on Octo- ber 2nd, 1859. He was educated at the Monroe High School and attended the law school of the late Geo. N. Folk. In Octo- ber, 1884, he received license to practice law and located in Albe- marle, North Carolina. In 1889 he moved to Monroe. Mr. Jerome is a splendid lawyer and a fine speaker. In 1894 the Democrats of Cabarrus and Stanly ran him for the Senate, but the Fusionists defeated him by a small majority. In 1898 he was elected to the Senate from Union, Anson, Richmond, Scotland and Montgomery counties, by a majority of 3,280. In 1900 he received a very large vote in the Democratic convention for Attorney-General of the State. Aside from his professional duties, he has written a Criminal Digest, which is used by almost the entire profession in the State. He has also written a political novel, "Ku Klux Klan, No. 40," which is a presentation of affairs in North Carolina just after the war. He is a prominent Mason and Pythian. Adams & Jerome do a very large and successful business. E. C. Williams is a native of Union county, born Feb. 4, 1868. He studied law at the University of North Carolina. After completing the law course there, he was licensed by the Supreme Court in September, 1890, and at once located in Monroe for the practice of his profession, forming a partnership with the late T. D. McCauley. Mr. Williams has always commanded a lucrative prac- tice and makes money as easily as he makes friends. He possesses great native ability and is a strong speaker. He argues facts well and is a very effective jurv lawyer. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and serves on one of its very important committees. He lakes an active interest in politics. In the progress and development of his State he is always on the right side of public questions. He is a liberal, frank, big-hearted lawyer, of noble nature and fine appearance. Frank Armfield was born in Union county, May 24, 1870. Ho graduated at Trinity College. At Trinity he won the de- bater's medal of his society and the orator's medal in a general contest. He attended Neff College of Oratory at Philadelphia and later went to Yale, where he received special mention by President Hadley. He took the law course at the University of North Carolina and was admitted to the bar in February, 1894. He located in Monroe and succeeded from the very first. Mr. Armfield is a well-equipped. all-round lawyer and the firm of Armfield & Williams enjoy a large practice. As a lawyer he is the soul of honor and courtesy; manly in defeat and modest in victory. He served one year as mayor of Monroe, but declined re-election. He is a member of the North Carolina Literary and Historical Society and writes excellent poetry. Some of his poems have appeared in the New York- World, Atlanta Constitution, Charlotte Observer and other papers. He is now engaged in the preparation of a volume of poems for publication. Mr. R. B. Redwine, of the law firm of Redwine & Stack, was reared on a Union county farm, and began life as a farmer and merchant. He attended school at the celebrated Bingham School. He studied law under the late Dr. John Manning and Judge Shepherd and obtained license in 1889, returning to the University and taking an optional literary and law course ami receiving the degree of B. L. In 1891 he began practice in Monroe and at once began to win the success which has come so abundantly to him. He has given good public service as chairman of the board of county commissioners and as a member of the board of education. In the former position he was largely instrumental in establishing the chain gang and inaugurating road improvement in the county. He was secretary of the Democratic executive comimittee in 1894, and did fine work. In 1895 he formed a patnership with the late D. A. Covington, which continued until the latter's death. His present partnership was formed in 1900. He has always been a gold standard man and was a Palmer and Buckner elector in 1898, contending that the party leaders had no right to force fusion with the Populists. He was endorsed by the county committee for judge in 1901. Mr. Redwine has always enjoyed a large practice, both civil and criminal. He has the absolute confidence of his clients and makes their interests his own. He is, both in and out of the court house, the personification of honor and integrity. He stands unflinchingly by principle and truth as he sees them. Mr. Redwine was married in 1895 to Miss Sallie Wall McAlister, of Walltown, Anson county. He devotes what time he can get from his law duties to farming, at which he has made a considerable success. A. M. Stack, Esq., was born in Union county, February 13th, 1863, but most of his boyhood was spent in the West. He graduated at Trinity College in 1884 and obtained license to practice law in October, 1885, moving the same fall to Winston- Salem and becoming editor of a daily paper there. In 1886 he formed a law partnership with Hon. R. B. Glenn and located in Stokes county, where he enjoyed a good practice. For several years he was superintendent of public schools and county attor- ney. In 1893 he represented Stokes and Surry counties in the State Senate, the only time that district has ever been represented by a Democrat. In July, 1899, he returned to Union county and January 1st, 1900, became a partner of E. B. Redwine, Esq., Mr. Stack is a fine advocate, and is at his best in the court house and before a jury. He is quick to see the salient points of a case and pushes them. During the spring and summer of 1901 Mr. Stack took an extensive trip abroad, visiting Egypt and the Holy Land as well as England and several European countries. While on the trip he wrote a series of articles for the Monroe Journal that attracted wide attention. Since returning his ser- vices as a lecturer are eagerly sought after. THE M0NROE ENQUIRER. The Monroe Enquirer, B. C. and Eugene Ashcraft, proprietors, is the oldest paper in the county, and its long career has been one of extreme usefulness to its town and county. Messrs. Ashcraft Brothers bought the paper in August, 1893, and have since conducted it with conspicuous success. The paper owns its own building, which is elegantly fitted for the purposes of the paper. This office is well equipped and they have a large circulation and a fine advertising patronage. The paper was established in 1872 by W. C. Wolfe and W. J. Boylin. Mr. Wolfe conducted it for a long time alone, and was succeeded by Mr. Boylin, who continued to run the business till 1893. Mr. B. C. Ashcraft, the editor, is a man of wide reading, and each week "gets up" an interesting paper. He is of liberal education, and was the first student of the A. & M. College of the State, he has been chairman of the county board of education and is now treasurer of the city of Monroe. Mr. Eugene Ashcraft is a very fine practical printer and business manager. Messrs. Ashcraft Brothers are admirably fitted for their work and are making a notable success. THE MONROE JOURNAL. The Monroe Journal was established in 1894 by Messrs. G. M. Beasley & Bro. It has steadily grown in business and influence till it is now one of the best established weekly papers in the State. Every year its circulation is larger than on the preceding one. It owns its own building, located near the public square. It has always been Democratic -in principle and outspoken in its views on public questions. It has labored unceasingly for the material, moral and educational advancement of the county, and has maintained a constant agitation for better schools. Its advertising columns are always filled with good contracts. In addition to the paper, Messrs. Beasley Bros. conduct a large job printing business, drawn from Monroe and surrounding towns. They do work equal to that furnished by city establishments. Mr. G. M. Beasley is a prac- tical man of fine business judgment. He has been in the busi- ness since a boy and is thoroughly at home in a printing office. Mr. R. F. Beasley has won considerable reputation as a news- paper man and has done work for other journals. He is a graduate of Wake Forest College and has been superintendent of education of the county. Mr. J. E. Clark is the local editor of the Journal. He is a native of the county and a young man of talent, and enjoys a large popularity. Dr. John Wm. Neal was born June 25th, 1859, in Stokes county, N. C. Graduated at the University of North Carolina in 1881 with the degree of A. B. In 1884 he graduated at the University Medical College of New York City and at once began practice in his native coun- ty. Granted license by the State Board of Medical Exam- iners in 1887 and again returned to New York, where he took a post-graduate course in general medicine and a special course in diseases of women and children, com- pleting the prescribed course in 1889. In 1890 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and served for 6 years—four years as chairman of the board. Also served three years on the board of education, resigning when he moved to Monroe. Dr. Neal is a cultivated gentleman and has always stood in the front ranks of his profession. He has been re- markably successful. He came to Monroe in March, 1901, and his success was immediate. DR. S. A. STEVENS. Dr. Samuel A. Stevens, son of the late A. F. Stevens, is thirty - one years old and in the enjoyment of a fine medical practice. He received his education at Trinity College, N. C., and gradu- ated at that institution in 1890. After leaving college, ho taught school for five years, first at Union Institute, in Union county, and later at Bain Academy, in Mecklenburg. He attended lectures at the Univer&ity of Maryland and took a three years' course in medicine there. He went before the State Board of Medical Examiners in 1899 and obtained license to practice. He located at China Grove, in Rowan county, and practiced there for one year. He then returned to Baltimore and, after graduating there in 1900, he came to Monroe and formed a partnership with Dr. W. D. Pemberton in May, 1900. Dr. Stevens has a very fine education and is a polished gentle- man. As a physician he is very successful. He is devoted to his profession and keeps himself abreast of the times. He is popular with his professional brethren and enjoys their respect and confidence. THE GLOUCESTER. In 1898, just after the American naval victory at Santiago. Messrs. Gresham & Jamison, the well known hotelists and cater- ers, completed their preparations for the opening of their new hotel in Monroe. No name for the house had been selected, and while the names of commanders and warships were on every tongue, some one suggested that the new hotel be named for the Gloucester, one of the American ships which bore a conspicuous part in the battle of Santiago. Mr. Gresham adopted the sug- gestion and the splendid little hotel became the Gloucester, and under the skillful hands of Messrs. Gresham & Jamison it soon became famous. It was elegantly furnished throughout and its guests sat down to a table unequaled in this section, and little surpassed by the large hotels of the city. When other enterprises took the ownors away, Mr. J. J. Lindsey leased the building and furniture and continued the business for a year. On the first of last January Mrs. Mamie F. Gaddy, of Wades- boro, an experienced hotelist, assumed charge of the Gloucester. Under her management the high standard first set has been fully maintained, and the house is now enjoying a large patronage, and everywhere receives the warmest appreciation from the traveling public. Beside the regular business, many travelers make it a matter of convenience to spend the night there rather than at adjoining towns. The two things so dear to the trav- eling man's heart the Gloucester gives—a good bed and a good table. Persons wishing to come to Monroe for the benefit of the fine water will find pleasant living at the Gloucester. A rate of $10.50 per week is given with a special rate per month. Mr. Robt. B. Flake, an experienced young hotelist, is assistant manager. MONROE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. There are, perhaps, a larger percentage of telephone sub- scribers in Monroe than in any other town in N. C. This is due to the fine service this system gives and the moderate rates which they charge, $1 per month for residence, $1.50 for offices and $2 for business houses. The company was incorpo- rated in 1898, and began business with only 28 'phones. It now has 234 city subscribers, with connections with Charlotte, Wades- boro, Waxhaw, Marshville, Wingate, Polkton, Peachland, Liles- ville, Rockingham, Morven, Matthews, Mt. Holly, Lincolnton, Gastonia, Concord, Osceola, Catawba, Edgemore, Chester, Rock Hill, Fort Mills, Lancaster and Kershaw, and with hundreds of places in the county. The company adopts all the latest and improved apparatus, and its office is open all day and all night. In the office is a regulator and subscribers are furnished Wash- ington time when they want it, and the office will call subscribers at any hour of the night to meet trains or for other purposes. The officers are: R. A. Morrow, president and general manager. J. D. McRae, vice-president; C. W. Bruner, secretary and treas- urer; W.H.Norwood, superintendent; directors, Dr. J. M.Blair, R. A. Morrow, C. W. Bruner, J. R. English, Jas. H. Lee and J. D. McRae; operators, Miss Leola McColl, Miss Claire Ramsey, Miss Dora Aldridge; city collector, Miss Ola Bruner. The central office is located in the new Belk building, in quarters especially constructed for it. T. P. DILLON. T. P. Dillon, the reliable and clever furniture man, was born in Union county in December, 1862, and was educated in the schools of Monroe. He first embarked in cotton buying with J. M. Fairley and followed that for nine years. In 1893 he and the late D. McKenzie engaged in the furniture business. In 1897 Mr. McKenzie sold out to Mr. Dillon, who has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Dillon carries in stock all kinds of furniture, musical instruments and undertakers' sup- plies. He also does funeral directing and embalming. The writer has known Mr. Dillon from boyhood and knows him to be an honorable, upright Christian and a gentleman. His pocket-book can always be counted on in any enterprise of public utility. Any one wanting anything in his line can be assured of courtesies and proper treatment. LEE AND LEE. When a stranger drops into the handsome building opposite the southwest corner of the public square, he will receive all the favorable impressions usually conveyed by an up-to-date city store. This handsome new structure is the "Lee building," just erected by Mr. Jas. H. Lee. and occupied by Lee & Lee with their big stock of dry goods, millinery, clothing, shoes and hats. The building is three stories, and one of the prettiest to be found anywhere. Over five thousand square feet of floor are in use by Messrs. Lee & Lee, with double that amount available. There arc more than sixty electric lights in the store room. The co- partnership of Lee & Lee was formed in 1892, by Mr. Geo. S. Lee, who was in business here, and Mr. Jas. H. Lee, who came from Marshville that year and bought the Heath & Williamson stock. Before the end of the year these gentlemen moved to the Bickett building on Lafayette street, where they continued till their recent removal to the Lee building. Mr. J. H. Lee is the manager, owing to the fact that Mr. G. S. Lee's health necessitates his spending much of the time out of doors. Mr. Lee employs a force of ten clerks even during the dull seasons. Beside the active work of his own business, Mr. Lee is connected with other business enterprises. He has rendered invaluable service in the construction of the handsome new Methodist church. He is a most public-spirited and progressive citizen, always in the lead when work for his town is to be done. Twenty years ago, come this fall, a young man of 22 years landed in Monroe. He was from the huckleberry state of Sampson, coming by way of Wilmington, where he had lived some time. His total wealth in cash on hands and in bank, stocks and bonds and real estate, would probably, by a liberal ap- praisement, guaranteed a month's board at the modest rates then in vogue —no more. Today that young man is a thriving merchant, has land inter- ests, and is altogether one of the most solid citizens of Monroe, not alone in the success of his business, but in the possession of those elements of character which give a man weight in a community. A pic- ture of this gentleman—A. C. Johnson, Esq.—accompanies this sketch. In 1882 Mr. Johnson began a little grocery store, oper- ating for several years in the old Wolfe building on Lafayette street. In 1886 he moved to his present stand on East Franklin street. The character, push and ability which he has put in his business has told well. He now carries on a large cash and credit trade, deals in fertilizers and is an independent cotton buyer. He is a zealous member of the Methodist church, a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. He has been elected a justice of the peace, and possesses to the utmost the confidence and re- spect of his fellows. He is never afraid to express an opinion when one is needed, which is a quality always to be admired. DR. S. J. WELSH. Dr. S. J. Welsh has not only the oldest drug store in Monroe, but his is the first one ever established in Union county. Dr. Welsh became a partner in the business in 1882; some time thereafter he bought out the interests of his partners and took his brother, W. B. Welsh, in as a partner. Fifteen years ago Dr. Welsh became sole owner of the business and has since conducted it with much success. Dr. Welsh is a son of the late John R. Welsh, in his day one of the best known men of Lancas- ter county. He is a graduate of the North Carolina College, and received his medical education at the University of New York, where he graduated in 1881. He came to Monroe in the same year and practiced a year in copartnership with the late Dr. I. H. Blair. He then began his long career as a druggist. He is one of the most public spirited citizens of the town, and ha.s taken a conspicuous part in the work of public education, and was a leading spirit in the move for good schools in Monroe. He is now chairman of the board of trustees of the Graded School and chief of the fire department. He is a Mason, a K. of P., a Heptasoph, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He has been a Grand Lodge officer, and several times representative to the Grand Lodge of Pythians. THE MONROE FURNITURE CO. The Monroe Furniture Company was established in March, 1901. Its business has since been growing, and is very satis- factory to the proprietors. The company carries a full line of furniture, and coffins and caskets. They do a large cash and instalment business. Mr. H. E. Copple is manager. He is a native of Davidson county. He graduated at Wake Forest College in 1887, and came to this county to teach at Rock Rest. He spent ten years in high school work in the county and came to Monroe five years ago, buying property and establishing a permanent home. He was for many years moderator of the Union Baptist Association, and is a prominent Heptasoph. As manager of the Monroe Furniture Company he is making a fine success. W. H. BELK AND BROTHER. Andrew Jackson was not the only man born in the Waxhaw settlement who achieved great success in life. In war and pol- itics Jackson was a decided success, but in the great world of business Belk Brothers, born in the Waxhaw settlement, have been equally as successful. W. H. Belk was born June 2nd, 1862, and J. M. Belk was born on July 12th, 1864, just across the line in South Carolina. They came to Monroe when boys and W. H. Belk clerked several years for B. D. Heath & Com- pany. In 1888 he purchased a small stock of goods and opened a racket store in the building now occupied by Belk Brothers in Monroe, a cut of which appears in this article. Mr. Belk had plenty of experience, but little money. He had friends and he made more. His business grew rapidly, and in 1889 he estab- lished a racket store in Chester, South Carolina, in partnership with A. W. Kluttz. In 1890 Dr. J. M. Belk bought an inter- est in the store at Monroe and moved here the same year. Pre- vious to this he had been practicing his profession at Morven, N. C., and was a successful physician. He, too, possessed very limited means, but both the Belk boys had what was rather to be chosen than great riches. They had good names and their credit was good. In 1891 they opened a store at Union, S. C.. with R. P. Harry, under the firm name of Harry & Belk. In 1895 they went into Charlotte with a department store, occupying a building with four large rooms. Their success was immediate in that thriving city and they continued to branch out. In 1899 they opened up a department store in the hustling city of Greensboro, as Harry-Belk Brothers. During the same year they established another store, at Gastonia, as Kindly Belk Bros. Company, Mr. W. E. Kindly in charge. At all points their affairs prospered and during this year (1902) they started up another large store at Salisbury as Belk-Harry Company, and another store at Waxhaw, incorporated as R. J. Belk Company, Mr. R. J. Belk in charge. Belk Brothers arc also partners in the large grocery business of J. E. Simpson & Company, on LaFayette street, Monroe. Besides the various stores named above, they are stockholders in the Monroe Hardware Company, The Monroe Telephone Company, The W. J. Rudge Company's book store, the Monroe Roller Mill, The Piedmont Fire Insu- rance Company (W. H. Belk being a director), The Piedmont Clothing Company (W. H. Belk, president), and Cole Cotton Planter Manufactory, the last three at Charlotte; The Union Cotton Mill and the Union Hosiery Mills, at Union, S. C.; The Cliffside Cotton Mill, and also stock in a large New York hat house. They buy hats, hosiery, clothing, etc., from the mills and houses that they are interested in and thereby get them cheaper, as the profits of the middle men are eliminated. They own their own store buildings in Monroe, the beautiful new brick building occupied by the book store and telephone ex- change, and other valuable real estate in this city. Mr. W. H. Belk owns individually an elegant orange grove in Florida, and some fine farm lands near Waxhaw. Dr. J. M. Belk will soon have completed the most elegant and costly residence in Monroe. The success of these two brothers is without a precedent. >From an humble beginning their business has grown as if by magic. They are born merchants. Affable, obliging, unselfish, public spirited, fair and honest, they make and hold friends without an effort. They are consistent members of the church and enjoy the esteem and confidence of all who know them. H. M. BROOM. H. M. Broom, dealer in staple and fancy groceries, began merchandising in Monroe in May, 1882, where the express office now is. In 1890 he moved to his present large store in the Houston block and took into partnership with him Moses Cone, of Baltimore. Mr. Cone continued his connection with the business until he married, when he presented to Mrs. Cone his interest in the store as a bridal present. Mrs. Cone remained a partner for about a year and then sold out to Mr. Broom. He has been sole owner ever since. Mr. Broom started out with a very limited capital, but by industry, close attention to business, and by quick sales and small profits, he has built up a big trade and accumulated considerable property. Besides his beautiful residence on Jefferson street, he owns several nice houses and lots in Monroe and in North Monroe. Henry Broom, as his friends familiarly call him, firmly believes in the maxim that "honesty is the best policy." If you have any dealings with him he will surely treat you right, as his legion of friends and patrons will testify. THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL. The Commercial is a new house of twenty-three rooms, all of which are newly furnished. Mr. N. G. Russell is the pro- prietor, and under his management the house has been very suc- cessful, both as regards regular boarders and transient busi- ness. The house is centrally located, one block from the depot, near the business portion of the town and within easy reach of the artesian well. The Commercial offers visitors a weekly rate of $6, with special monthly rates. THE W. J. RUDGE COMPANY. The accompanying picture shows the pretty interior of the book, stationery, fancy goods and jewelry store of the W. J. Rudge Company, and a visit to this store will verify the impres- sion made by the picture that this is one of the prettiest stores of its kind to be found in North Carolina. Not only is it pretty, but it is likewise commodious, having a floor space of 31x90 feet. That handsome building was recently erected by Belk Bros. and was constructed especially for this firm. The interior is finely finished, which, with the many large floor show cases, and other up-to-date furnishings, accounts for the fine effect upon a visitor as he enters the door. The company is incorpo- rated and has the following officers: R. A. Morrow, presi- dent; Dr. J. M. Belk, vice-president; W. J. Rudge, secretary and treasurer and general manager. Papers of incorporation were granted in October, 1900, and the company has since been doing a thriving business. Mr. Rudge, the manager, is assisted by his sister, Miss Kate Rudge, both of whom are exceedingly popular. Mr. Rudge is yet a very young man, and a bright future lies before him. The company has a large trade in school books, books of a general nature, magazines, jewelry and fancy goods. THE MONROE HARDWARE COMPANY. The Monroe Hardware Company began business in February, 1901. It was incorporated with the following officers: D. E. Allen, of Charlotte, president; Dr. J. M. Belk, vice-president; M. C. Sims, Charlotte, secretary; R. Redfearn, treasurer and general manager. The business is both wholesale and retail. It occupies the large new store of Shute Bros., pictured else- where, and is rapidly growing. The floor space occupied is 16,200 square feet, in a building constructed especially for the purpose. The business and financial ability behind this company guarantee that it will be one of the biggest concerns of its kind in this section. Mr. Randolph Redfearn, the manager, is one of Monroe's best citizens. He studied at Wake Forest College and came to Monroe in 1883. He is of good business judgment and fine integrity. Within recent years he has put much money in real estate, having constructed more than fifteen houses at a cost of from $2,500 down, for rent in the town. Mr. Redfearn is a prominent member of the Baptist church and enjoys the confidence of all. THE HEATH-MORROW COMPANY. The Heath-Morrow Company, at this place, is a kindred cor- poration, owned by the same people who also have stores at Al- bemarle and Waxhaw, and at Pickens, S. C. The company in its present shape was incorporated under the laws of North Car- olina in 1900. Its president is Mr. A. W. Heath; vice-president. O. P. Heath; general manager, R. A. Morrow. The beginning of this business runs back perhaps twenty-five or thirty years and was made by B. D. Heath, now of Charlotte. In the year 1890 B. D. Heath, whose firm was one of the old landmarks, sold out to Heath, Morrow & Co., the firm being composed of B. D, and A. W. Heath and E. A. and J. M. Morrow. In 1893 B. D. Heath sold out entirely. In 1896 Mr. O. P. Heath bought an interest in the business, and also in that of Morrow, Heath & Company. Mr. E. A. Morrow, the general manager, came to this county in 1888 and began business with his brother at Waxhaw. He came from Charlotte, resigning the position there as head of the retail credit department of Wittkowsky & Baruch. He is a man of much business enterprise, is an exceedingly public- spirited man, and takes great, interest in all public questions is well as in business. The company is wholly a wholesale concern, having discon- tinued all retail business January 1st. They have two travel- ing salesmen, and cover large portions of North and South Carolina. Their trade is extending rapidly and they will no doubt be one of the largest wholesale concerns in the State. They have large warehouses at Norfolk, and ship goods direct from that port, hence are on terms of equality with the mer- chants of that city and Richmond. They have two warehouses in Monroe, one for meats and lards and one for grain and kin- dred articles. Possessed of ample capital, a good territory to develop, and their shipping facilities, it is no wonder that their business is rapidly increasing. THE PEOPLE'S BANK OF MONROE. The People's Bank of Monroe began its long and successful career in 1874, with the late H. M. Houston as president, and Mr. E. A. Armfield cashier. Two years later Mr. Armfield re- signed, and the late Col. W. H. Fitzgerald was elected cashier and served with great fidelity till April, 1896. Mr. F. H. Wolfe, who was bookkeeper, was succeeded in 1885 by Mr. W. C. Wolfe, who since that year has been steadily with the bank. This gentleman was elected cashier in 1896 when ill health compelled Col. Fitzgerald to retire. When ad- vancing age and infirmities compelled Mr. Houston to terminate his long and useful connection with the bank as its president, Mr. O. P. Heath, a well-known busi- ness man and financier, was elected president. The present officers and directors are: O. P. Heath, J. R. English, F. B. Ashcraft, J. H. Lee, A. H. Crowell W. H. Phifer, E. W. Morrow, directors; O. P. Heath, president; W. C. Wolfe, cashier; W. H. Phifer, teller; Howard Wolfe, clerk. The bank does a safe business, but is ready always to accom- modate persons entitled to credit. It enjoys to the highest de- gree the confidence of the public, as shown by the large deposits. The deposits subject to check average $100,000, and time de- posits $65,000. The capital stock is $41,000, with a surplus and undivided profits amounting to $18,000. D. A. HOUSTON AND BROTHER. D. A. Houston, senior member of the firm of D. A. Houston & Brother, was born November 19, 1871, and was educated at Trinity College, North Carolina. After graduating with the degree of A. B. in June, 1891, he was elected assistant instruc- tor and Treasurer of the College, and served for two years. He then went to Mt. Airy, N. C., and engaged in the drug business. He remained there three and one-half years. In 1895 he was granted license to practice pharmacy by the State Board. In 1897 he returned to Monroe, his "native heath," and open- ed up a large and select line of drugs in the Hous- ton block. Since his return to Monroe he has been a factor in the progress of the city. He has served as director in the Monroe Oil & Fertilizer Company, the Henderson Roller Mill, and the Per- petual Building & Loan Association. He has served one term as alderman of the city. In Sep- tember, 1900, he admitted into partnership with him his brother, Clarence E. Houston. The junior member is also a native of this city, and was born November 23, 1874. He was educated at Trinity College, North Carolina, and afterwards entered the Maryland College of Pharmacy in July, 1900. He is a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association, and is an up-to-date Pharmacist. He is an unmarried, man of pleasing address, and adds much to the popular favor of Houston's Drug Store. D. A. Houston & Brother deal in everything usually kept in a first-class drug store, and pay especial attention to filling pro- scriptions day or night. These gentlemen are grandsons of the late H. M. Houston and arc devisees of very valuable prop- erty interests under his will, D A. Houston being one of the- executors. In every particular this firm is a strong one. Their large and growing trade is not the result of chance, but of their methods of doing business. They study their trade and strive to please their patrons. Mr. Carl Blakeney is connected with this popular store, and his urbane and mag- netic manners so impress customers that they always come again when wanting anything in the drug line. J. R. ENGLISH AND CO. The old and reliable firm of J. R. English & Co., on South Lafayette street, is composed of John R. English and F. B. Ashcraft. They began business at their present stand in 1884. Both of them, however, had had considerable experience in sell- ing goods before that. The active management of the business is in the hands of Mr. Ashcraft, Mr. English giving his personal attention to the drug store. The large two-story brick building occupied by J. R. English & Co. belongs to the firm and is filled with a complete stock of general merchandise. They carry dry goods, shoes, hats, heavy groceries and farm supplies generally. This firm is one of the strongest in Monroe, both members of it being men of large means. They are thoroughly identified with the growth and best interests of Monroe and at all times are willing to give of their means and influence to promote the city's welfare. Mr. Ashcraft is chairman of the Board of Education of the county and is a great church worker. His influence is always on the side of right and in his business dealings, as in all his conduct, he is a most exemplary gentleman. THE MONROE COTTON MILL. The Monroe Cotton Mill was built on the co-operative plan. On account of inadequate capital the mill was not prosperous until it was bought by the present owners in August, 1895. The product is 20—1 and 22—1 hosiery on cones; 24—2 and 26-2 skeins and 30—2 chain all ball warps. It is now owned solely by home people. O. P. Heath is president, J. R. English vice- president, and W. C. Heath secretary and treasurer and manager. When the mill was bought by the present owners there were 4,100 spindles; now there are more than double that number, consum- ing annually 3,500 bales of cotton. The Messrs. Heath, who own a controlling amount of stock in this mill, are interested in sev- eral other mills. Since January, 1897, Capt. W. C. Heath has been in active management of the mill, and its success is in a great measure due to his fine executive ability and splendid business methods. The management of help is a very important part of a mill manager's business. In this Capt. Heath has been. very successful, so that today he has 300 operatives who are con- tented, because they have implicit confidence in their employer. He knows every one of the operatives by name, and if one has a grievance he knows that he can get a patient hearing by Capt. Heath personally. By fair treatment and a square administra- tion of justice, no matter who was the loser thereby, all labor troubles have been avoided. The employees come from the ad- jacent country and are people of native common sense and have a personal regard for the manager of the mill, and one of Capt. Heath's firmest rules is that children should not be mistreated. In this way he always secures the best of help. Capt. Heath is a man of business, both by education and by instinct. Edu- cated at the Citadel, the famous school at Charleston, he won much reputation as an officer of the State guard, in which he rose to the rank of major. While he was captain of the Monroe company that organization was the best drilled one in the State. He is a recognized leader among the mill men of the State, and his reputation extends beyond the State in mill circles. He now holds the responsible position of chairman of the board of gov- ernors of the Southern Cotton Spinners' Association. THE HENDERSON ROLLER MILLS. The Henderson Roller Mill began work in July, 1901, the building having been erected and equipped at a cost of $10,000. The rapacity of the mill is 100 barrels of flour, 250 bushels of meal and 250 bushels of corn per day. The mills do a large exchange and merchant work. It will have a fine effect on local grain growing. Mr. J. E. Henderson, a mill man of long expe- rience, is the manager and largest holder of stock; Mr. J. R. English is president and Mr. T. C. Lee secretary and treasurer. CROW BROTHERS. The well-known firm of Crow Brothers is composed of J. J. and R. D. Crow. They began business at their present stand in 1891 in co-partnership with Mr. J. M. Fairley. In 1893 Mr. Fairley sold his interest to Crow Brothers, whose success has been phenomenal. They buy cotton, handle commercial fertilizers and deal in farm supplies on a large scale. They do an immense time business. Both members of the firm are young men of energy and excellent business capacity. Besides their large mercantile trade, they are the principal stockholders in the Monroe Warehouse Company and other cor- porations and are wide-awake, public-spirited citi- zens, who join in every enterprise looking to the bet- terment and upbuilding of their city. Fair dealing and liberality have secured for these gentlemen troops of friends. R. V. HOUSTON, ESQ. Mr. R. V. Houston enjoys the distinction of being the oldest original citizen of Monroe. He is 56 years of age, and no one has lived in Monroe so long as he. Though very young at the time, he volunteered in Company C, 10th N. C. Artillery, under Capt. C. M. T. McCauley. He has ever been an enthusiastic Confederate. He has sub- scribed $50 to the proposed Confederate monu- ment for the county, and has in. other ways shown his love for the cause. After the war he engaged in merchandising under the firm name of Houston & Co. He has since been engaged in farming, and is now one of the largest planters in the county. He now operates more than twenty plows. Mr. Hous- ton, though enjoying wide popularity, has never sought office, though if he had turned his attention to politics there is no doubt he would have achieved large success in that field. He spends his time quietly in look- ing after his large property interests and in directing his farms. He has fine conversational powers, is a natural wit and never fails to entertain and amuse any crowd in which he may fall. J. SHUTE AND SONS. The firm of J. Shute & Sons is composed of H. A. Shute, J. E. Shute and J. T. Shute, sons of the late John Shute. During the year 1856 Mr. John Shute moved to Monroe from South Car- olina and engaged in farming on a limited scale on the land where Shutes' brick yard now stands, near the cotton mill, and at the Darling Broom place near the city. In 1866 he began merchandising in Monroe. In 1870 Mr. Shute started a gin, run by horse power, where the passenger depot now stands. By the industry and economy of himself and his boys, the business soon began to enlarge and expand. In 1875 they added another gin and a wool carding machine, run by a small steam engine. About the same time they started a flouring mill in connection with their gin. In 1880 they purchased the Winchester & Mor- gan gin, on Lafayette street, where their present gins are situ- ated, and added four more gins to the plant. During the year 1898 they added a planing machine and began to manufacture doors, blinds, sash and all kinds of building material. Their present large brick-making plant had its genesis in a small mud mill, started up in 1885 and run by a horse. Their present mill is run by a 50-horse power boiler and engine and has a capacity of 30,000 brick per day. In the year 1896 the father, Mr. John Shute, died and the business passed into the hands of his three sons, H. A., J. R. and J. T. Shute. In order to better manage their varied interests and enterprises, they have allotted to each a particular branch of the business. Mr. J. R. Shute has control of the mercan- tile department, keeps the books and settles with their numerous employes. Mr. J. T. Shute superin- tends the ginning, planing and brick-making plants. Mr. H. A. Shute looks after their fanning, stock- raising, etc. In addition to the fore-going, this firm owns in Monroe about sixty dwelling houses, shops and stores, which they rent to other people besides a large brick ware house for storing cotton and the splen- did livery stable building-now occupied by Shannon & Co. They also own theCentral Hotel, the Opera House and the elegant new structure at present occupied by the Monroe Hardware Co., photographs of which are herein printed. Messrs. J. Shute & Sons pay more taxes than any other person, firm or corporation in Union county. Every dollar they own is an honest dollar and earned by there own labor. What they buy they pay cash for and what they own is all paid for. These gentlemen have done much for Monroe. For years they have furnished employment to a very large number of laborers and they have given to Monroe many of its most substantial and beau- tiful buildings. In their business transactions they are "as straight as a shingle," dealing justly and honestly with every one and expecting the same sort of treat- ment. They are regarded as among the city's finest business men and richly deserve the success which they have achieved. THE PERPETUAL BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. In the spring of 1885 Monroe was favored with a visit from Sam'1 Wittkowsky, of Charlotte, a well-known building and loan association man. A public meeting was held and Mr. Wittkowsky made a speech on homes and home building, bringing to the attention of the large audience present the advantages of a build- ing and loan association organized on the perpetual system, that is, a system that allows new stock to be sold at stated periods. As a result of this meeting the Perpetual Building & Loan Asso- ciation of Monroe was organized. The late H. M. Houston was elected president and served faithfully for several years until the election of Mr. J. R. English, one of our best business men. T. D. Winchester, Esq., was the first secretary and treasurer and served for three years, being succeeded by Mr. W. C. Wolfe, who yet fills file position with great satisfaction. Since the organi- zation three hundred loans have been made to those desirous of buying or building homes, and at this time the Association has loaned out the sum of $37,165.00, which has been expended in buying, building and improving the homes of the stockholders. The great usefulness of the Association cannot be put too strongly. The stockholder who borrows money to build pays six per cent. on his loan and gets four and three-quarter per cent on his investment, this being the amount of profit made for him by the Association, there being practically no expense of opera- tion except taxes. The present officers are J. R. English, presi- dent; W. C. Wolfe, secretary and treasurer; Adams & Jerome, attorneys; J. R. English, J. H. Lee, C. W. Bruner, F. B. Ash- craft, D. A. Houston, W. C. Wolfe, R. A. Morrow, directors. The Association has never lost a dollar by bad investment, nor closed but two or three mortgages. THE MCRAE MERCANTILE COMPANY. For a large number of years Colonel A. H. Crowell and son, A. M. Crowell ran a large and successful mercantile business in Monroe. In 1894 they retired, disposing of their stock of goods to J. D. McRae and T. C. Collins. These gentlemen kept up the high reputation of their predecessors. In Septem- ber, 1901, Messrs. McRae & Collins dissolved, Mr. McRae con- tinuing until January, 1902, when the "McRae Mercantile Company" was organized with a paid-up capital of $12,000, with privilege of increasing to $25,000. W. C. Heath is pres- ident, W. S. Lee is vice-president and J. D. McRae secretary; treasurer and general manager. This company carries a large and varied stock of general merchandise, handles fertilizers and farmers' supplies. All of the officers of the corporation are most excellent men and it is pleasant to trade with them. Their fair dealing is shown by their large patronage. THE ENGLISH DRUG COMPANY. In 1874, Mr. J. R. English, then a young man just 21 years old, came from the Quaker settlement of Guilford and pitched his tent in Monroe. Today no man in the county stands ahead of him in the public's confidence in his integrity of character, thrift and business enterprise. Since the beginning, with slight intermissions, he has continued in the drug business, beginning as clerk for Blair, Walsh & Flow, druggists. With H. C. Ashcraft he soon bought out the old firm, and as English & Ashcraft moved to his present stand in 1883. In 1885 he bought his partner's interest. In 1888 he, with Mr. S. O. Blair, bought out I. H. Blair & Co., and a year later the two stocks were united, Mr. English and Mr. S. O. Blair forming the present English Drug Company. The firm has a branch store in Raleigh. C. B. Crowell & Co. and has at different times established branch stores at other points, and af- terwards disposing of them. The firm enjoys a large retail, jobbing and country store supply trade. Beside this business, Mr. English is thor- oughly identified with all the various interests of the town. Mr. Blair has been been in the drug business since boyhood. He graduated at the Maryland College of Pharmacy in 1888, and immediately began business in Monroe. Mr. Frank English, another pharmacist of the company, graduated at the Maryland College of Pharmacy in the class of 1900. THE HEATH-LEE HARDWARE COMPANY. This is not only the largest single mercantile establishment in Union county, but one of the largest of its kind in the State. The present business was begun in 1887 as the Heath Hardware Company, this company buying the small hardware stock of J. M. Stewart, situated on Lafayette street in the frame building now occupied by J. R. Simpson & Co. Here the business was carried on till 1891 when the present large building on Franklin street was erected. The business was managed and greatly ex- tended by Capt. W. C. Heath until January, 1896, when he gave up the management to take charge of the Monroe Cotton Mill. Mr. B. D. Heath retired and Messrs. W. S. Lee and C. F. Lowe at that time bought interests in the business and Mr.W. S. Lee became manager. His success has been as marked as was that of Capt. Heath. In December, 1900, the firm was incor- porated as the Heath-Lee Hardware Company, at which time Mr. A. W. Heath retired. The incorporators were W. C. Heath, W. S. Lee, C. F. Lowe and J. A. Stewart. Capt. W. C. Heath is president; Mr. W. S. Lee general manager, and Mr. C. F. Lowe secretary and treasurer. The paid up capital is $60,000. The company does an extensive wholesale business, be- side their great retail trade. They travel men in North and- South Carolina, and their volume of business is ever on the in- crease. Their main store room is 180 feet long, and beside this they have in the rear a mammoth, warehouse. Mr. Lee, with the assistance of Mr. Lowe, gives his whole time to the manage- ment. He is one of the most public-spirited citizens of the town, and is always a leader in any movement for the general welfare. A. M. CROWELL. A. M. Crowell, one of the largest property owners and most public-spirited men of Monroe, first saw the light in Union county, N. C., February 20th, 1841. He came to Monroe in 1874, and with Col. A. H. Crowell, his father, began merchan- dising. After running with great success for twenty years they retired from business on account of the advanced age of Col. Crowell. Since 1894, Mr. A. M. Crowell has been principally engaged in the management of his large private interests, al- though he has often been called to serve the public in different capacities. He has been city alderman two terms, a justice of the peace, city tax collector and treasurer and trustee of Mon- roe's excellent graded school. Mr. Crowell is a public spirited gentleman and a model citizen, enjoying the esteem and friend- ship of all who know him. E. A. ARMFIELD AND SONS. This firm is composed of E. A. Armfield, Davis Armfield and Rufus Armfield. The senior member began dealing in horses and mules in 1870. Later on he and N. S. Ogburn became asso- ciated together, and continued for several years in the stock business. Mr. Ogburn finally became sole owner and Mr. Arm- field gave his entire attention to his other business. In 1890 he opened up again at the present stand, corner of Church and Jefferson streets. In 1897 he took in Mr. Davis Armfield, and in 1899 took in Mr. Rufus Armfield. The two latter now have the active management, of the business. They are both clever young men, and treat the patrons of the firm right. By select- ing stock suitable to this section they have built up a fine trade in Union and surrounding counties. Their fairness is shown by the fact that neither member of the firm has ever had any litigation over a trade in stock. Besides their sales stable, these gentlemen own a large gin, saw and grist mill six miles south of Monroe and also run a large farm. The amount of business they do demonstrates that square dealing is the surest way to success. A. LEVY. A. Levy, the well-known dry goods man, is a Frenchman by birth, and came to Monroe in the spring of 1878 and began selling dry goods under the firm name of Lichtenstein & Levy. This firm continued until 1897, since which time Mr. Levy has been alone. During these twenty-four years Mr. Levy has built up a reputation for low prices and good goods. He carries a big line of dry goods, notions, shoes, hats, clothing, etc. Mrs. Levy conducts a first-class millinery in connection with her husband's business and knows just how to please the ladies. T. J. SHANNON AND COMPANY. This firm is composed of T. J. Shannon and F. M. Welsh. Mr. Welsh resides in South Carolina and is the father-in-law of Mr. Shannon. The latter first began selling goods at Jef- ferson, S. C., but moved to Monroe in 1894. Shannon & Co. do a wholesale and retail mercantile business in hardware, dry goods, shoes, notions, etc., and also deal largely in wagons, bug- gies and farming implements. Their principal stores are in the Shute building, at the corner of Franklin and Hayne streets. They run a livery stable on Franklin street and a grocery store at corner of Church and Franklin streets. They also have a retail store at Jefferson, S. C. Mr. Shannon, aside from his other enterprises, deals largely in stock and cattle and farms con- siderably. He is a very busy man and a splendid business man. CAPT. W. E. CASON. When the G. C. & N. Railway came from Atlanta to Monroe it brought with it a number of young men who married in Monroe. One of these young men was Captain W. E. Cason, who married Miss Mattie Austin. Capt. Cason is a native of Georgia, and has been with the Seaboard a long time. He was, for a number of years, road master of the G. C. & N. He is now one of the popular conductors on the vestibule from Monroe to Atlanta. Capt. Cason has saved his money and is the owner of valuable real estate in Monroe. He also has a very fine farn; in Buford township. He is a man of splendid ap- pearance, excellent habits and is a model citizen. M. L. FLOW. M. L. Flow, dealer in fancy groceries, has long been connected with the public life of Monroe. For a long time he was deputy clerk of the Superior court and a most efficient one he was. He has served many years as a justice of the peace, notary public, commissioner of affidavits, etc., and always does his business with tact and skill. Mr. Flow conducts a fancy grocery and carries in stock a large assortment of candies, fruits, canned goods, tobacco, confectioneries and any and every thing usually kept in a first-class grocery store. He has occupied his present stand since he began business and has established trade which constantly expands and increases. Mr. Flow has a keen eye to business and long since learned that popular prices are the key to success. J. W. BIVENS. Mr. J. W. Bivens, of Wingate, represented the county in the last General Assembly of the State. He stands high in the estimation of the people of his county. In 1890 he was elected Register of Deeds and after serving most acceptably for three terms voluntarily retired to engage in farming and merchandising. He was leader in establishinging the fine educational institution in his place and has from the begin- ning been the president of its board of trustees. He is a citizen always ready to engage in any work for the welfare of his county and section. C. C. SIKES. Culpepper C. Sikes, the up-to-date livery man, is a native of Union county, born November 1st, 1871. He lived on the farm until January 17th, 1900, when he moved to Monroe and opened a livery stable on Jefferson street. He remained there until he built his own large and well-equipped stables on La- fayette street. Mr. Sikes has a splendidly arranged building, with elevator, artesian water and electric lights. He conducts a feed, livery and sales stable and gives special attention to his livery department. He keeps a full line of fancy turnouts and his low prices have been the subject of general comment. Besides his livery business, Mr. Sikes deals in reapers, binders, mowing machines, disc harrows, buggies, wagons, etc. He is a man of considerable means and discounts good paper, lends money and does some furnishing of supplies. Those who deal with him once will do so again if they ever want anything in his line. AUSTIN AND HENDERSON. Austin & Henderson, dealers in staple and fancy groceries, do a nice business. V. C. Austin and F. G. Henderson consti- tute the firm and they are young men of energy, honesty and popularity. They are on Franklin street, in the Enquirer build- ing, where bargains in their line can be had. Their goods are fresh and cheap and Messrs. Austin and Henderson are the soul of politeness to their customers. CURLEE AND LINDSEY. O. C. Curlee and J. J. Lindsey, merchandise brokers under firm name of Curlee & Lindsey, have their office in the Fitz- gerald building, on Lafayette street, opposite the Gloucester Hotel. They are wholesale brokers and commission merchants, dealing in flour, grain, meat, lard, etc. They represent several large mills and packing houses and sell goods on a very small margin. They are both men of experience in their line and have an extensive trade, which is constantly growing. They are both public spirited citizens and each enjoys much personal popu- larity. Not much has been said in these pages of an historical nature. The idea has been to give a picture of present life and activity. Were any historical sketch attempted it would deal largely with the men of the town and county, whose personalities have given direction to the activities of the people. In the history of the town the pioneers would occupy a large space. Among them are names of men well known in their day, and some of them liv- ing to ripe old ages have been known to the younger generation. All of them have passed away. Among these names are those of Joseph McLaughlin, who built the first storehouse here; T. D. Winchester, John D. Stewart, C. Austin, M. Austin, John Shute, Capt. C. M. T. McCauley, Maj. D. A. Covington, Col. S. H. Walkup. Henderson Simpson, A. F. Stevens, Col. W. H. Fitzgerald, Patterson Houston, B. F. Houston A. A. Laney, A. M. Crowell and H. M. Houston. The latter was one of the best known men who ever lived in this section. He was the largest property owner of the town at the time of his death, having spent a long time in close attention to business, in frugal habits, and the practice of a virtuous economy. He came to Monroe at the beginning of the town and till his death at the age of 84 years was active as a merchant, farmer, banker, etc. He was a member of the Seces- sion Convention, having been elected as Union county's delegate, and as a Union man. CONTROL OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. BY J. E. CLARK. The Monroe dispensary is one of the public institutions of the town, and, as such, requires a place in the town and county's write-up. It may be said at the beginning that there is to be an election on the question in September, and the people of the county are to pass finally upon the question as to whether they desire the dispensary continued or discontinued. One of the greatest of the many problems which confront this growing nation, quivering with the repressed energy of youth and meeting and answering great questions almost before more deliberate countries realize their existence, is that of the control of the liquor traffic. From the great fights in New York City, where the liquor power is felt in all its might, down to the rural community which is nominally "dry" by legislative enactment, none are free from the disturbing question. While Greater New York is struggling with the alternative of sur- rendering to the bar-keepers entirely or enforcing an inadequate and unpopular law against Sunday selling, hundreds of rural communities are invaded with impudent peddlers who operate without license and in defiance of law. From the first it has been a recognized principle that the strong arm of the law must in some form or other take cognizance of the traffic. So far the attitude of the law has been one of three forms: prohi- bition, the saloon system, or what, for want of a better name, are called dispensaries. The latter plan is the one adopted by Monroe. This one dispensary is the only place in Union county in which liquor may be legally sold. Other towns have prohi- bition and it is safe to say that saloons are permanently ban- ished from the town and county. This is a very important con- sideration to home-seekers. Our system is considered by many to be the best possible control of the liquor traffic at present obtainable. A few statements of fact in regard to this institu- tion may not be uninteresting in this connection: Up to and including the year 1897 the town of Monroe had, always three, and sometimes five saloons. In that year the Leg- islature established the dispensary, to go into effect January 1st, 1898, and Messrs. John J. Crow, O. W. Biggers and Geo. S. Lee, three of our very best citizens, were named as commis- sioners to establish and maintain a dispensary. These gentle- man did as directed by the law, and appointed Mr. W. R. Marsh manager, and Mr. W. H. Austin clerk. All of these gentlemen have given unselfish service, and only one of them, Mr. Lee, had severed his official connection, and that only because he war elected to another office. Mr. R. H. Haines, of West Monroe township, was appointed in Mr. Lee's place. The profits of this business have been distributed from year to year according to law as follows: FOR THE YEAR 1898. To the City of Monroe......................... .$1,118.10 To the Public Schools of the County.............. 1,118.10 Total .......................................$2,236.20 FOR THE YEAR 1899. To the City of Monroe.......................... .$1,355.31 To the Public Schools of the County. ............. 1,355.31 To the Chain Gang Fund. ....................... 796.65 Total .......................................$3,507.87 FOR THE YEAR 1900. To the City of Monroe............................$1,500 To the Public Schools of the County. ............... 1,500 To the Chain Gang. ............................... 1,500 Total .........................................$4,500 FOR THE YEAR 1901. To the City of Monroe. ........................ .$1,606.63 To the Public Schools of the County. ............. 1,601.63 To the Chain Gang. ............................ 1,601 63 To the Graded Schools. ......................... 1,195.11 Total ........................................$6,000.00 Total amount distributed for public purposes in four years .............................. $16,243.43 Under the old system of licensing saloons, not half of this amount could possibly have been collected in taxes for the purposes of law and order and education, while there is no ques- tion that the saloons would have sold much more liquor in a much more harmful manner. The dispensary idea rests upon the proposition that as long as liquor is made and sold in con- tiguous territory, some men will have it by either lawful or un- lawful means, and that it is best for the community that they be lawful, and that instead of letting the profits of an unavoida- ble business go into the hands of law-breakers and fugitives from justice, they should go to the educational fund and towards the maintenance of order. The two great points in favor of our way of controlling the liquor traffic are: 1st. It tends to lessen the drink habit. It does this by preventing social drinking and treating. All liquors are sold in corked vessels, which are not allowed to be opened on the premises. Thus there are no mixed drinks, no fancy drinks, and none of those blandishments which entice young men to acquire the drink habit. The dispensary says to the man who drinks liquor, "You may have your liquor, but there shall go with it none of those seductive influences which tempt other men to become drinkers." 2nd. It takes the profits of the business from private hands and devotes them to public good. It is a notorious fact that saloon men spend large parts of their profits in spreading their business, giving free drinks and fighting opposition. An officer of a liquor dealers' association said in a public address to saloon- keepers, "Nickels and dimes spent in free drinks to young men will reap a rich harvest in dollars from future customers." The dispensary sows no seed to produce drunkards. It may be noticed that the dispensary profits have increased from year to year. This is due to the fact that opposition to this method has been gradually dying away, and that illegal sales in all parts of the county have become less and less each year, and those consumers who formerly, through prejudice or for other reasons, bought no liquor from the dispensary now buy there. In spite of prejudice and the sternest opposition, the dispensary has worked its way. The results are that there is no more orderly town to be found than Monroe. An arrest for drunkeness is a comparative rarity, and where formerly crowds of half drunken loafers gathered in mobs about the bars and on the street corners, the streets are clear and as orderly as a lady's parlor. These views are expressed as those of the writer of this article and have been formed after careful and deliberate observation. Monroe can confidently offer to home- seekers a town free from the saloon danger, where their boys arc not enticed to become drunkards, and where there is the least possible danger from the great evils of the liquor traffic.