davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Forrest City times., 1891-12-25
Wreck on the Atehison.

ARpMoRE, I. T., Dec 23 "A pae- senger train on the Atchison, Topeka and santa Fe railroad was wrecked five miles north of here and the en- gineer and fireman were seriously in> iured.
The Forrest City times., 1891-12-25
SENATE IN MOURNING
oBsEouiEs OVER THE LATE
 sENAToR PLUMB
The Friends and Adsnirers oe ske no1o Ksnsss statesman Pay Their xAee
 Tribute of Respect.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23. Yesterday the United States house of representative
The Forrest City times., 1891-12-25
Gold in the Treasnry.

WAsHISsToN, Dec. e3. 1.-The net gold in the treasury amounts to $ls9. 75o. Soo, a decrease of nearly se,o0o. .ooo since the 10th inst. The cash balance is 91o1,- 200. 900, the lowest figure it has reached this month. The receipts from custouns at New York during the first twenty days of this month were s5, ,362, ,76e, . decrease of Sl,764.6 .667 compared With the receipts during the correspondfng period of last year.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

| 1868. He worked upon his fathers
farm until 1852, when he came to Roa-
nokc and secured n situation as clerk
in store. Realizing that he could not
reasonably expect TO secure com
potency by working for other people at
moderate wages he engaged in business
for himself, and worry soon judicious adj
vertising made the firm of Waller Poca-
hontaS Huff II Co., dealers in coal,
lumber and builders material, we'll
and favorably known all over Virginia,
North Carolina. Tennessee and West
Virginia. In 1890 Mr.. Huff decided to
abandon the retail trade and formed Il
copartnership with Il. y. Angel, under
the firm name of HUFF Il Angel. They
enjoy a large trade and rank high in
commercial circles
Mr.. Huff was elected q member OF the
City Council from the First ward in
May. 1890. Although the youngest man
ever honored with Il seat in that body
he is chairman of the health committee
and member of the sewerage and public
property committees. He rarely misses
attending session, and takes a deep
interest in all that pertains to the well
fare of the city.
In 1890 Mr.. HUFF established humor-
GUS weekly magazine in Roanoke and
christened it the "Cosmocrat." 1t soon
attained great popularity and wide
circulation. It's local hits were brill
liant success and its editorials bright
and crispy. 1t attacked abuses in official
circles, but while it was severe, it was
always fair The pressure of other
business matters prevented Mr.. HUFF
from giving tho Cosmocrat the atten-
ton its growth mcrited and he reluct-
antly abandoned it to tho regret Of its
hundreds of admirers.
Mr.. Huff is liberal and publc-spir-
tied. He is an officer or stakeholder in
nearly every manufacturing enterprise
in the city, and to his energy and fore
sight the success Of some of them are
largely due. He never hcsitatcs to sub
scribe to the stock of AIRY enterprise
that will provide work for the people
mcrcial Importance OF Roanoke. lie has
succeeded we'll in business and possesses
valuable property.
For Il number of years Mr.. Huff was
exclusive agent Of the ocahontas Coal
Company for this city, and always TAX
ing advantage of opportunities for
humorous adverting, he signed his
name Waller Pocahontas Huff, and has
since been known among his friends as
"Pocahontas." The i. in his name
stands for Preston, however.
In politics Mr.. HUFF is Democ at.
but liberal in his views. He is an ar
dent and successful worker for the can
didatc of his choice. and has the salts
faction generally Of seeing him succeed.
In politics, as in business. his Judgment
is sound and his methods above re-
prOach
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Mr. Coon is one OF tho most success
ful men OF Roanoke city and county In
addition to the management of several
fine farms and the affairs Of the Com
mcrcial National Bank, he is vice
president OF the Traders Loan and
Trust Company. treasurer OF the Mel
rose Land and the international CHAR
cite Machine and several other com
panles. and president of tho Geneva
building and Loan Association. He is
besides officially connected with various
other institutions.
AS a business man Mr.. Coon has no
superior and few equals. lie has not
lost dollar in speculations and is
worth several hundred thousand dollars
lie owns stock in several banks and
land and other companies, several farms
and some very valuable city property
lie has been favorably III sntioncd in
connection with political honors, but
invariably declined because he could
not spare the timo from other business
matters that required his constant IT.
tcntion and supervision.
In the management of the CONNER
cial National Bank. President Coon has
an able assistant in j. c. Davenport. tho
cashier, and formerly teller of the First.
National Bank.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

born at Brooke Station, Stafford county.
Va, November .. ls4i. and educated at
the Virginia Military Institute and the
University of Virginia. The war com
ing on he enlisted in the heavy artillery
in 1851, but was subsequently transfer
red to the 47th Virginia Infantry,
Fields Brigade y. +. Hills Divi ion.
with which he served with conspicuous
gall4ntry to the end of the war. having
been wounded and promoted TO the com.
mand OF Company in recognition of his
bravery and fidelity to duty.
Colonel Brooke Is an old newspapcr
man. Prior To the war he was idcnti .
he'd with the Star and the News at
Fredericksburg. Va. He established the
Leader, an excellent weekly journal. in
this city. an conducted 1T with ability
and success until his appointment, in
June. 1856, to his present position. In
May, 1857, he was elected To fill an un-
expired term, and in May, 1890, was re-
elected for the full term Of six years by
both Democrats and Republicans re-
ceiving Il larger vote than all the candi-
dates for any other oilicc.
He organized the Roanoke Light In.
fantrv and served as captain until his
unanimous election last year to the lieu
tenant colonelcy Of the Second Virginia
Regiment. His manners are pleasant
his conversation pleasant and agreeable,
his public spirit liberal and acknowl.
edged Of all men and his popularity at
tested ty lcgions of admiring and de-
voted friends
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Mine Run, in Orange county. on Novem-
Der 21th. wht re he received severe
wound which ncce ssh tatcd the amputa-
tio1 OF his l"ftarm. When he had re.
covered sufficiently to report for duty
he W., a>signcd To tho quarter masters
department. where he served to the
end of he war.
In 1879 Mr.. Turner was elected com
missioner Of the revenue for the tDwn
of Big Lick, and in 1854 To the same
position for the city OF Roanoke lie
was reelected in 1857 and in 1890. hav-
ing no opposition the last time. lie has
discharged the duties of Il citizen and a
pnblic servant without fear, favor or
affection. winning commentator from
all classes OF citizens.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
j. IL. Skinkcr.

Mr.. Skinkcr was born in Alexandria,
Va, January IS, 1886. lie adopted
civil engineering as profession, and
was connected with the construction OF
the Shenandoah Valley railroad for
two years. AS assistant to Frank Mad
dock he laid OFF the lands of the Roam
oke Land and Improvement Company
and located the Roanoke Machine
Works, having settled in this city in
October. 1881.
In September, of the following year
he was elected city engineer by the City
Council, and was re elected seven years,
leaving the Office in 1859. In May,
1890. he was elected by the people OF
the first ward to represent them in City
Council, where his knowledge of engi-
necring has proven invaluable to the
street and sewerage committees. He is
a member of several important commit
tees of this body, and the junior mem
ber Of the firm Of Sims &: Skinkcr, con-
tractors, who are now engaged in mac
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

tered the Fifteenth North Carolina in.
fantry and served on the rcUimcntal
stall until its close. In 1881 he removed
to Roanoke county, and the following
year came To Roanoke city and erected
the Palace Hotel. In 1887 he was
elected member OF the City Council
and appointed chairman of the street
committee. in which position he cid
excellent work.
He yielded TO the earnest solicitations
oil citiHcns OF the Second Ward in lS>S
aud became candidate for Justice of
the pcacc. He was elected. and re.
elected in 1870 by a handsome vote.
lie makes an admirable Justice His
decisions, embracing about 200 cases
MONTH " are rarely appealed from and
reversed.
Judge llowcrton. as his friends
call him, WAS twice married Ills first
wife was Miss Alice Lambeth, of
brownsville. North Carolina. who died
IN 1874, bearing him one child. In 1852
lie was married TO Mrs. Mollic Bon
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
j. Il, IIOckadny.

Mr.. Hockaday, the pioneer real estate
agent Of Roanoke, was born in New
Kent county. Va. March 8. 1880 The
war coming on. he entered Company Is
(the Barhamsvillc Grays). SD Virginia
Infantry, Arnisteads Br:t ade. Pickett s
Division, serving as orderly sergeant
through the war, twice refusing promo
ton TO captaincy, and winning enco-
mlnms from his superiors.
Being transferred to the navy, he
served awhile on the Gunboat. Raleigh.
and in the navy yard at Whining.
ton until 1868, when no was capture d .
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

This gentleman is leader of tho Roa-
nokc Machine Works Band conceded to
be one of tho finest musical organiza-
tions in Virginia. He is % years of
age, camc to Roanoke in 1883, and last
spring was placed in charge of tho band,
which, owing to dissensions, was in
condition bordering on decentralization.
lie brought order out OF chaos speedily
and to-day can we'll afford to challenge
comparison with any similar organiza-
ton for discipline and high order OF
music.
This band was organized eight years
ago. Nearly every State in the Union
has been represented in its roll Of mem
bership since. Its members are all CON-
nectcd with the Roanoke Machine
Works and are in tho mechanical de-
partmcnts. 1t has filled engagements
all along the lines OF tho Norfolk and
Western railroad. in Richmod and at
other places. The officials OF this great
corporation are proud of tho band, and
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
DUPUI ~ TALIAFERRO,

Real Estate, Rental and Insurance Agents.
The members of this we'll known and
popular firm came from Prince Edward
county, Virginia, to Roanoke in March,
1850, to engage in the real estate, rem tai
and insurance business. Mr.. Dupuy has
represented his county in tho Virginia
House of Delegates for three consecu-
tive terms Of two years each. is presi-
dent of several investment companies,
and secretary and treasurer Of several
companies. while his partner, Mr.. Tai
iaferro, is agent for the Roanoke Land
and Improvement Company, which has
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

contributed so much to make Roanoke
the foremost city in the New South. He
also carries with becoming dignity the
honor of being the courier selected to
bear the flag OF truce that eliminated
in the surrender of General Leo to Gen
eral Grant, at Appomattox.
The firm transactS a large real estate
business, and represents tho best Fire
Insurance Companies in the land, in
Guiding the Penn Mutual, of Pennsyl.
vania. They are careful and successful
rental agents, and in this depar tment
employ several clerks. To sum up,
Dupuy IL Taliaferro are in the first
rank OF Roanokc's successful business
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
Wai. II. HORTON.
Sketch of IL Successful Real Estate Agent
of Roanoke.

MIR. Horton was born in Nelson
county, Va, May II, 1869. When only
three weeks old his father, DR.. w. H.
Horton, died and his mother removed
10 Lexington, Va, where chcy resided
until september, 1856. when they re-
moved to Roanoke, and he opened n
livery, sale and feed stable, which he
conducted successfully until he ac-
quircd means to operate in real estate
circles.
Mr.. Horton was the sole support OF
bis widowed mother from the time he
was able to labor for her. Nobly did he
fulfill his duty in this respect. She
was proud Of him and his trinmphs over
adverse circumstances. On the 9th Of
July, 1890, she died, leaving him the
precious legacy OF a good mothers APP
prevail and blessing. On the 23d OF the
same month he was united in marriage
To Miss Susie G.. Roberts.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

urer, and was opposed by a. s. Asbcrry
one OF the ablest and most popular Re
publlcans OF the city, and w. c. Reich
ard, knight OF Labor Democrat. 1t
was in this contest that MIR. Thomas
demonstrated that he was a political
strategist with no superiors and lew
equals in Virginia. His defeat was pre-
dicted by his best friends and most ar
dent admirers, but he did not faltcr.
lie fought to win and when the votes
were counted it was fond that he had a
majority OF 50 over both of his oppo-
npnts.
In 1890 Mr.. Thomas refused on ac.
count Of declining health to stand for
reelection. In May, 1891, he was pcti-
toned by large number OF the most
Influential citizens of the First ward to
permit them to run him for the City
Council. He consented and with no
effort on his part he was elected. run
ming far ahead Of ony other candidate
on tho ticket. He is now chairman of
the finance committee, tho most import
ant of this body, and il member of sey-
eral other committees.
Mr.. Thomas was importuncd TO be-
come candidate to represent Roanoke
and Craig equities and the city Of
Roanoke in the next house of dele
BatcS. 1c consented, ana on WcdncS
day, the 10th in tant, was nominated
by the Democratic convention at Salem,
tho name of his opponent Mr. c. ID.
DENT, editor of the Salem Times
Register, having been Withdrawn be-
fore the first ballot closed That he
will be triumphantlY elected is CON
coded on every hand.
In business, as well as in politics. Mr..
Thomas has been successful He owns
some of the most valuable property in
the city and is identified with a number
of its most important industries. He is
n Mason, odd Fellow and Pythian, and
nring tho last year or two served as
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
NJ. &. THOMAS.
a Successful business Man the People
Delight to Honor.

a Successful business Man the People
Delight to Honor.
The subject of this sketch needs no
introduction to the people Of this sec
ton Of Virginia, but many of them are,
perhaps, not familiar with his earlier
history, struggles and triumphs lie is
the son Of c. NJ. Thomas and Mrs. Jane
Thomas, nee Crawford, who were born
near this place and married in 1852
Mr.. Thomas settled on farm in Mont
gomery, near the Roanoke county line.
where NJ c., their eldest child, was
born in 1851.
At the outbreak OF the late civil war
Mr.. Thomas removed his family to Big
Lick, now Roanoke. AT that day this
sleepy village numbered Il popula-
ton of about fifty. In 1866 Mr.. Thomas
died, leaving six children, and his
widow returned to the farm in Mont
only twelve years old, and two years
later, having naught but his own re-
sources to rely upon, he began the
battle of life. Relying upon the coun-
sells OF his loving mother and his own
1ndomitable will he laborcd to succeed
and achieved success because he desired
it. OF his earnings he contributed to
the support and education of the
younger children.
In 1875 and 1876 Mr.. Thomas attended
Roanoke College, and later Eastman's
business College. at Poughkeepsie, n:
Y, where he graduated with the high
est honors of his class. In 1879 he came
to Big Lick and engaged in the leaf to-
bacco business, and year later estab-
1ishcd tobacco box factory, which he
managed successfully until 1854, when
he was induced to become candidate
for city treasurer of Roanoke. His OPP
ponent was James w. Neal. an old and
highly respected citizen. Mr.. Thomas
was elected by a majority of one, ana
Mr.. Neal contested the election. Tho
court ordered Il new election within
thirty days to determine the matter
This contest was spirited. both candi-
dates summoning every Legitimate re-
source To their aid. Mr.. Thomas won
by handsome majority.
In 1887 Mr. Thomas was a candidate
for reelection to the Office OF city treas
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

institution, no entered upon the work
assigned him, determined to make tho
Commercial success. l. has a paid nm
capital OF 100000, and after paying
semi-annual dividends of per cent. has
500 900 III undivided profits It's patrons
are found in the counties OF Franklin
Rockbridgc. Allegheny, Craig and Bed
ford counties, the city of Lynchburg,
the counties and towns of Southwest
Virginia and Southern West Virginia.
and no bank ranks higher in public con
hdcncc, as under the able management
OF Mr.. Coon it has not lost dollar.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

opened real estate agency, and soon
succeeded in establishing splendid
business, having made a number of largo
sales. He is agent for the Peoples
Building and Loan Association, of
Geneva. n. y; tho Guarantee Fund, OF
Nashville, Tenn, the Georgia State
Building and Loan Association and the
United States BUILDING and Loan Asso-
citation, of St Paul. and by his wcll-di-
rectcd energy and fair dealing has
secured good clientagc in the city. for
each. They have made number of
loans in the city. and accepted others
to Tie amount of Sl25,000 which will
be made in short time.
Mr.. Groves is liberal, progressive and
prompt. BY his aiTablc manners, close
attention to business and promptncss
he has won hosts OF friends and estab-
lishcd Il ine business in the Magic City
and is justly regarded as one of its most
valuable citizens. His Office is at No
81 Campbell street southwest. where 4
cordial welcome awaits all who call.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Walter =. Camp Tas born in Nelson
county in 1886. In 1870 he went to
Lynchburg and became senior member
OF the mercantile firm of w. =. Camp IL
Co. In 1882 he came to Roanoke and
established the first new store. the firm
being Camp & Williams. He built up a
fine trade rapidly and began speculat-
ing in real estate. lie retired from the
grocery business in 1889, but retained
his interest in the firm of Hughes II
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Camp, dealers in carriages. buggies.
harness, saddles and ETC.
In May. 1891. Mr.. Camp was elected
member Of the City Council for the
Second ward. He is genial, kind
hearted and deservedly popular, and
richly deserves the competency he has.
secured by close attention to business.
ana fair dealing. lie was married in
1881 TO Miss Georgia Reynolds, OF this
city.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

In the real estate business, being the
pioneer agent in this line. BY close
attention to business, fair dealing with
us patrons and judicious advertising he
established tremendous trade and
secured handsome estate. He is now
located at the corner of Commerce street
and Fifth avenue. where he can be
found by visitors and fri nds desiring
his services
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Mrs. Gen. jackson has presented to,
the Virginia Military Instituto tho
bronze mural tablet which has occunind
place in Gen. Jackson's square of tho
cemetery since 1883, when il was ,l,cnd
there by veterans OF the MARYLAND line,
The institute authorities bnvr Mad ~
placed IN the wall in Gen. .Jackson's
section room, immediately behind where
his chair usually stood.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
G. NJ. Turner

was born in Franklin county, Virginia
July 10, 1899. In May, 1870. he re
moved to Big Lick, now Roanoke. and
engaged in tho tobacco and mercantile
business The war came on. and in
June, 1861, he entered the 42nd Vir-
ginia Infantry, serving with credit to
himself and his State until the battle Of
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
$. w. fIOwerton

Was born at Black Walnut. Halifax
county. June 10, 1894. He removed to
Tnomasyillc, North Carolina, where he
taught school and served as Justice OF
the peace for about twenty years. At
the breaking out OF the late war he en-.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Tho officials of the Scah lard and
Roanoke railroad hayc a ~, at manv
complaints about cattle being killed bv
their teams. An investigating has been
made, ANA IL was founl that some ono
put iodGcr on thu track To draw cattle
To H. and by THAT means caused a rood
many to be Killed.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Judgment and confidence in his ability
to win. Tho people of Roanoke arc
proud of his victories and feel that
they. as we'll as tho people of this
Legislative district. will have wise.
Industrious and faithful representative
in NJ G.. Thomas
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

The following collection of sketches
and portraits by no means covers en-
tirely the leading citizens of Roanoke
They are reckoned by hundreds. The
present picture gallery is, however, re-
preventative in the best sense of the
word
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

Mr.. Horton is liberal and progressive
and has contributed largely to the pho
nomenal growth of Roanoke. In addi-
ton to buying and selling real estate
for himself and an army of customers
he has probably erected more houses
than any man CT his age in Southwest
Virginia. Ills opinion and advice is
much sought after by investors and he
makes IL Il point never to deceive. TO
this rule ne is largely indebted for tho
success which has crowned his work
for himself and others.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
WALLER Il. HUFF.

- Successful Merchant and Youngest
Member of the City Council.
Mr.. HUFF, the wcll-known merchant
and Councilman, was born in Floyd
county. this State, on September f.,
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

thoroughly acquainted with Roanoke
and real estate values, hence tho large
patronage bestowed upon him by in
vestorS. lie began life here with
scarcclya dollar. but by tho exercise of
sound judgement in making invest
ments he has accumulated Il handsome
property and is regarded as ono of the
most substantial citizens OF tho Magic
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

men. They arc Christian gentlemen
and possess the confidence of the en-
tire community. Orders extended to
them will receive prompt and satisfac-
tory attention. y
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

sack, of Roanoke county, and in 1883
death again robbed him of tho light of
his home.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
JAMES =. GROVES,

Real Estnte and Building: and Loan Asso-
ciations Agent.
Mr.. Groves WAS born in Fayetteville,
n. c., in 1850. For several years he was
ness in Shelby, that State. In Scptcm-
her, 1890, he camo to Roanoke and
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

give special rates of transpoctation
which enables it TO answer calls at az
reasonable rates AS organiza tons with
far less merit.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29

adamizing streets for the Roanoke Gas
& Water company. Mr.. Skinker is
skillful engineer, very popular and one
OF the most cnterp-ising citizens of Roa-
noke.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
THE COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK

->otos OF Ihterest About the Ilnnk and it's
President.
Tho Commercial National Bank was
established in May, 1889, with J. w.
Coon a successful and popular farmer,
rs president. Without previous expert
cncc in tho management of a banking
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-29
Some Of Roanoke's
Leading Citizens.
CITY C0UNCILMEN and OTHERS.
Portraits Of Officials Who Help
to Run the City.

"A Fine Looking ROdy of Mcn-NIost all
Young and Nearly all Married Most
all HustIcrs and Nearly all Handsome.
Pictures and Sketches.