Lenoir County, NC - Industrial Issue - 1906

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Allen Barwick <Abarwick@aol.com>


This Industrial Issue of the Kinston Free Press was published in 1906
although there was an earlier Industrial Issue published in 1899. The issue
is composed of both text and numerous pictures of places and people. This
will be a slow project so please be patient.

The text is presented on the Lenoir County USGenWeb Archives and the pictures
on Old Dobbers reached through the Lenoir County GenWeb site -
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nclenoir/

We are grateful to the Free Press for permission to post anything of
historical or genealogical in nature published prior to 1939.


GRIFTON

Surrounded by one of the best farming sections of Eastern North Carolina, eleven miles 
from Kinston on the Atlantic Coast Line live a thriving people in the town of Grifton, 
N. C., where the seven hundred and more inhabitants live in a healthful climate and 
enjoy an atmosphere of happiness and morality. The town is supplied with eight public 
wells driven to an average depth of 192 feet.

Several years ago Grifton was accounted an unhealthy location. The citizens lived down
on the low-grounds of Contentnea Creek, and drank surface water. The result was chills
and fever. Now they have placed their town upon a hill, built nice new houses, and dug 
deep wells. The result is that Dr. Dawson, the only resident physician, finds it 
necessary-so it is said to cultivate a -farm in order to relieve himself of "that tired 
feeling," and to replenish his depleted exchequer, since his most arduous professional
duties in Grifton seem to consist in making it easy for the stork to alight. 

Everybody in the town takes a pride in the Grifton graded school. The school has an 
enrollment of 125 pupils. The teachers are, W. G. Amick, principal; Misses Olivia Cox, 
Mary Edwards, and Ruth R. Matthews. The Board of Trustees comprises J. L. Keen, Jr., 
and R. E. Pittman, of Lenoir county; and Dr. W. W. Dawson, J. Z. Brooks, and C. J. 
Tucker, of Pitt county.

The people of the town support two churches. These are a Disciple church, with an 
enrollment of about 200, and the Methodist Episcopal church, with about the same 
membership. The pastor of the Disciple church is Rev. R H. Jones, and the Sunday-school 
superintendent is W. J. Allen. The Methodist pastor is Rev. L. S. Ethridge, and the 
Sunday school superintendent is Albert G. Coward. The Sunday-school is a large one, 
and is doing excellent work.

Grifton is a town of pretty cottage homes and nice business houses, principally of 
brick. It is situated on Contentnea Creek and has water navigation at nearly all seasons 
of the year.

The A. C. L. railroad station does a business of at least $1,500 a month. It ships on 
an average 4,000 bales of cotton, 50,000 pounds of tobacco, and 2,000 barrels of Irish 
potatoes in the course of a year, besides various other lines of freight C. H. Gardner 
is the genial and courteous agent.

One of the promising enterprises of the town is the Grifton Manufacturing Co., for 
making and repairing buggies, wagons and various kinds of farm implements. At present, 
the establishment employs ten men, on an average. Dr. W. W. Dawson is president of the 
Company, and J. R. Harvey secretary and treasurer; S. W. Speak, L. J. Chapman, L. 0. 
Cox and A. L. Jackson are other members of the board of directors. Another manufacturing 
plant that does a flourishing business is the lumber mill of Keene & Kittrell, of which 
there is a sketch on another page.

The town has over two dozen business houses, including two millinery establishments, two 
meat markets, two barber shops, six general merchandise and farm supply stores, two 
livery stables and a drug store.

The mayor of the town is R. F. Jenkins, and the Board of Aldermen includes C. E. Gardner, 
I. E. Jenkins, and W. H. McCotter The town Marshal is D. G. Beddard. The Masons have a 
nicely fitted up lodge in Grifton. The present officers are: W. W Dawson, W. M.; J. L. 
Keene, Jr., S W.; C. H. Gaskins, J. W.; C. J. Tucker, S. D.; R. F. Jenkins, J. D.; S. K. 
Jackson, Tyler; H. E. Rice, Secretary; G. T. Gardner, Treasurer.

Grifton was originally known as Bell's Ferry, from the fact that Warren Bell conducted a 
ferry at his chair factory there on Contentnea Creek. This was more than fifty years ago, 
and Bell was the only man there. Later--early in the '80's the town was incorporated and 
Dr. S. B. Wood was the first mayor. The town was then called Grifton after a Mr. Griffin, 
who was the first merchant and the biggest property holder of the town.

Contentnea Creek, or Moccasin River, flows through the town of Grifton. During the high 
water season, this is navigable up to the Grifton dock and up to a point seven miles 
from town at all seasons of the year. This is a big savings to the merchants and farmers 
generally on all farm supplies, such as fertilizers, etc. Captain Tillman makes two trips 
a week with his passenger and freight boat between New Berne and Grifton. 

The town is coming to the front rapidly, and there is a general tone of prosperity about 
the place that appeals at once to the casual observer.

J. R. HARVEY & CO

This concern is one of the leading mercantile firms of Grifton, doing a business 
amounting to $80,000 a year. Besides selling everything needed on the farm and in the 
household, the firm does an extensive business in fertilizers and in the buying of 
cotton.

They carry an excellent line of shoes, dry goods, buggies, furniture, etc. The business 
reaches out into Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Craven counties. The clerks and other employees 
number eight, including a competent stenographer.  The members of the firm are J. R. 
Harvey and L. J Chapman.

Mr. R. J. Harvey was born at Kinston, April 9, 1870. His parents were Matthew and 
Elizabeth Harvey, his mother being the daughter of Church and Julia Chapman.

When but fifteen years of age J. R. started in life as a clerk for Gardner and Chapman, 
at Maple Cypress, after, having attended the Kinston High School under Dr. Lewis. He 
remained with that firm three years. After this, he entered the employ of L. J. Chapman 
& Co., at Centerville, where he remained for four years. Then, in 1895, he was made a 
member of the firm and went into business in Grifton-the style of the firm being J. R. 
Harvey & Co.

Mr. Harvey has been a member of the Board of Aldermen of Grifton is a member of the 
Christian Church, and takes a decided interest in the educational progress of his town 
and community. He married Miss Emilee, daughter of Captain W. J., and Emily Pope (nee 
Edwards). There is one bright little baby girl in the family Miss Edna Pope Harvey.

L. J. CHAPMAN

The senior member of the firm of J. R. Harvey & Co. is L. J. Chapman, who lives at 
Quinerly, N. C., and in Pitt County. Mr. Chapman was born in Craven County, June 20, 
1859. His parents were John and Lovey Chapman. Ben Soon, a Negro outlaw, who was being 
pursued by a posse, killed his father before the Civil War. The subject of this sketch 
was then only six months old.

Ever since he was twenty years of age, Mr. Chapman has been employed in the mercantile 
business and farming. He now owns a farm of 250 acres for which he has been offered 
$10,000. But he says it is worth more, located, as it is four miles east of Grifton.

For two years, Mr. Chapman served on the board of county commissioners for Pitt County. 
He married Miss Fannie Brooks, a daughter of Spencer and Eliza Brooks, of Pitt County. 
The children are: Miss Gladys, attending Peace Institute at Raleigh; and Helen, Ruth, 
Jack, Lillian, and Marie, who are at home.

THE Grifton Drug Co

THE Grifton Drug Co. is owned and controlled by Dr. W. W. Dawson and G. T. Gardner. 
They have a very attractive store, and handle everything usually carried by a first-
class drug store. Their onyx fountain is an attractive feature, and here delicious and 
refreshing drinks are dispensed. Here is to be found Harrison's town and country paint, 
in large or small quantities; also a line of oils, stationery, farm and garden seed, 
etc. They are also the ice dealers of the town.  Dr. W.W. Dawson came from Lenoir 
County, having been born in Contentnea Neck, June 28, 1874. His father, Council Dawson, 
was for twenty-five years chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Pitt County. He was
a large planter, cultivating about 1,000 acres of land.

Dr. Dawson was educated at the University of North Carolina and at the University of 
Maryland, from which latter institution he graduated in 1897. Since that time he has 
practiced in Grifton, and his practice extends throughout Pitt and adjoining counties. 
He cultivates a farm of 1,000 acres five miles from Grifton, and raised a bale of 
cotton to the acre this past season when the crop was short.

Dr. Dawson is Worshipful Master of the Grifton lodge of Masons, president of the 
Grifton Manufacturing Company, and a member of the board of trustees of the graded 
school. He married Miss Annie, daughter of Spencer and Eliza Brooks, of Quinerly.   
They have one child-little Miss Rae, aged five years.

G.T.  Gardner was born in Pitt county two miles east of Grifton October 19, 1872. His 
parents are George W., and Eliza Gardner. His father was a large planter, a deacon in 
the Christian Church and superintendent of the Sunday school.

Mr. Gardner was educated at the Grifton High School, and for four years has been 
conducting a business in Grifton. He represents fire and life insurance companies, is 
treasurer of the local Masonic lodge and is a deacon in the Christian Church.

JOHN Z. BROOKS

One of the representative businessmen of Grifton is John Z. Brooks.  He buys and sells 
cotton and all kinds of farm produce.  He has a general merchandise store, with a full 
line of farm supplies, and deals in fertilizers.

The subject of this sketch was born in Swift Creek Township, Pitt County, January 9, 
1866.  His preparatory education was received under Professor Bell, at Kings Mountain 
Military Academy.  Later he graduated from the University of North Carolina.  After 
graduation, Mr. Brooks returned to the farm.  and ever since then, he has been engaged 
in farming, merchandising and in the lumber business.  He owns and controls a farm of 
600 acres.  He raises from 1500 to 2,000 barrels of Irish potatoes a year; from 300 to 
400 hogs a year, averaging about 40,000 pounds of pork; and 250 bales of cotton a year 
- making as much as one and a quarter bales to the acre.

CAPT. W. J. POPE

Captain W. J. Pope was born in Green County, March 6, 1830.  His father's name was 
William Pope and his mother's maiden name was Rosa Harper.  Captain Pope's father was 
a major in the war of 1812, and served at Beacon Island, in the state.  

Until recently, Captain Pope lived on his farm in Contentnea Neck, where he owns 500 
acres of fine farming land.  Before the breaking out of the war, he was a strong Whig, 
and since that time he has been an ardent Republican.  He never served in the War, 
having always been a Union man.

Captain Pope has been active in politics, having represented Lenoir County in the 
legislature and having served as deputy revenue collector of the eastern district.  
He is a Mason, belonging to the St. John's and Caswell chapters at Kinston.

In 1856, Captain Pope married Miss Emily Edwards, daughter of Charles and Charity 
Edwards, of Greene County.  The children were Mrs. Mosco Wilson, of Goldsboro who died 
leaving three sons; Mrs. John Fields, Jr., of LaGrange; Mrs. John R. Harvey, and two 
other children, who are now dead.

G. BLAND &.CO.
 
This is a millinery establishment, the proprietors of which are Miss G. Bland and 
Mrs. W. J. Kittrell. The business has been established for ten years. Their stock is 
complete and up-to-date. Twice a year they visit the large cities of the north for 
the purpose of buying a stock, and to keep up with the styles, trimmings, etc., so as 
to cater to the wants of their customers. Regular customers reside at Pollocksville, 
Kinston, Quinerly, Goldsboro and other places besides Grifton. These ladles make a 
specialty of millenary and dressmaking. They carry a complete line of embroideries,
ribbons, etc., and all that is needed in the make-up of ladies' suits. 

GARDNER & DAWSON 

This enterprising millinery firm has not been in the field long, but has already 
received a large patronage. Their specialties are millinery notions, while they carry 
dry goods and shirt waist suitings. 

A milliner from Baltimore looks after the millinery interests of the customers of this 
firm; and an expert dressmaker is in charge of the dressmaking department. 

Ribbons of the latest shades, trimmings, plumes, etc., including millinery ornaments 
are displayed for sale. 

Besides a regular patronage from Grifton, this firm numbers customers at Quinerly, 
Vanceboro, Richlands, Fort Barnwell, Goldsboro and Greensboro. 

S. V. LAUGHINGHOUSE 

The postmaster at Grifton is Mr. S. V. Laughlnghouse, born March 10, 1847 and reared on 
a farm. He moved to Edgecombe County and enlisted in the army from Tarboro, N. C. He 
was mustered into service at Goldsboro, in 1864, becoming a member of Co. B., 2nd 
battalion Junior Reserves, J. W. Grainger, Capt, S. V. Laughlnghouse 2nd lieu, and 
John F. Humphrey 3rd. lieut. 

After the war, he came back home and worked on the farm. In 1870, he married Miss 
Sarah L. Pugh, daughter of Bryant and Margaret Pugh, of Pitt County. He soon moved from 
his old home at Grimesland to a farm near Grifton, where he remained until 1883, when 
he removed to Kinston. He lived in Kinston for two years, was in the government service 
on river and harbor works for two years, and then went to Quinerly and entered the 
United States revenue service, where he remained for four years, during the Cleveland 
administration. Mr. Laughlnghouse has been much in politics-a Democrat a populist and 
a Republican, to which latter party he now belongs. He has studied medicine and law as 
well as other useful branches of learning. He is a ready writer and speaker and a man 
full of original observations. He now corresponds for the Free Press from Grifton and 
has been a correspondent at various times. 

R. C. MCCOTTER & BROS. 

The members of the above named firm are R. C. Jacob, and W. H. McCotter. They conduct a 
general merchandise business. All are natives of Grifton. W. H. McCotter is a member of 
the town Board of Aldermen, and all three of the brothers own farms near town. 

W. H. McCotter went to merchandising, first at Red Springs, then at Ayden and later 
at Grifton; R. A. McCotter was for a time in the employ of the Government as gauge; 
Jacob has always been a farmer, and latterly a merchant. 

The McCotter Bros. general merchandise store in Grifton carries a stock of dry goods, 
quilts, rugs, stoves, trunks, matting, guns, and in fact everything that is usually 
needed for the household. The firm has been established two years. Jacob McCotter 
represents the Free Press, at Grifton, and any business entrusted to him will receive 
prompt attention.

C. H. GASKINS

One of the young business men of Grifton, is C. H. Gaskins, who keeps a select stock of 
heavy and fancy, groceries, cigars, and tobacco, fine stationery of all kinds, choice 
canned goods, etc.  He makes a specialty of fancy groceries, perfumes, novelties, soda 
fountain drinks and fine chocolate candies.

Mr. Gaskins was born in Swift Creek Township, Pitt County, June 7, 1876.  He was educated 
at the Grifton High School, has conducted a flourishing business in Grifton for five 
years, and is a member of the Christian Church and Sunday school.

QUINERLY High School

Twenty years ago, the citizens in and around Centerville, realizing the importance of 
proper educational advantages, united in erecting an academy building on the grounds 
adjoining St. John's church.  This was conducted as a private school, while from time 
to time the public school funds of the district in which the school was located, were 
used in connection with its private income.  The trustees found it advisable to 
incorporate their school with the public school movement.  So about two years ago, the 
board of education and the trustees cooperated and the Quinerly School was established.

As trustees of the proposed school were selected Messrs. Jesse Quinerly, L. J. Chapman, 
and E. A. Johnson.

With the joint efforts of the county board and the community, a handsome, up to date 
school building was erected.  Since then, in 1895, a music room has been added, thus 
giving the best facilities to students desirous of musical training.

At Quinerly High School, one will find a well-stocked library, excellent maps, helpful 
pictures, globes and other helps to the educational development of the pupil.  

Of its graduates, three have entered college, passing entrance examinations with credit.  
The full nine grades are taught in the school, and full preparation for college is given.

The school has made a special feature of its boarding department, a number of students 
having been attracted from other counties by the superior advantages offered.

The first year's work after consolidation was under the management of Misses Eugenia 
Harris and Rosa Quinerly, of the State Normal.

For the opening of the past session, on September 4, 1905, the trustees had secured 
as principal, Miss Mary E. Johnson, of Virginia, an A. B. graduate of the Baptist 
University of North Carolina, and Miss Melville Gibson, of the Presbyterian College, 
and Conservatory of Music, Charlotte, N.C., as assistant and music teacher.  Their 
work and influence have been of a nature calculated to place the school at the head of 
all schools in the county, and among the best institutions of secondary education in 
this State.

The people of Centerville have been loyal to this, their home enterprise, supporting 
it from the first by their money, their praise, and their good will.  Not only this, 
but also County Superintendent Ragsdale and the board of education deserve much 
commendation of the School's success.

__________________________________________________________________________

USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information 
on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as 
this message remains on all copied material. The electronic pages may NOT 
be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons 
or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material 
for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the 
file contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of 
this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives 
to store the file permanently for free access.
__________________________________________________________________________