The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

his work that in 1872 he was elected
President d the Eastern division, thus
making him President of the entire road.
Major Rollins was well suited for his
responsible task and his appointment
soon made material change in the
road. He gave his unnvided time to the
road, Strengthening out its affairs and
putting il ON an economic basis, and at
the same time increased its usefulness
and efficiency. He received his commits
sion as director of the road for four
years from Governor Vance after he be-
came Governor of North Carolina in
1876.
Col Samuel Tate was superintendent
and James j.. Wilson was chief engi-
neer of the road during the time that
Major Rollins was President and Gen
eral Manager. These gentlemen adj
ministered and conducted the affairs Of
the road in a most praiseworthy manner.
their work and efforts being highly COM
mended. Major Rollins was one of the
first men of the State to embark in
the cultivation and raising of tobacco.
inis was a great opportunity, one which
men of smaller foresight and less rugged
yigor of mind had allowed to pass I'M
needed. Approaching the vast possibili-
ties of the State in this line he became
one of the largest tobacco planters in
the United States, owning what is now
known as the celebrated David Vance
Farm in Madison county.
In 1891 Major Rollins was appointed
Collector of Internal Revenue for the
Fifth District and held the place until
July, 1893. In 1896 he was State Sena-
tor from the Thirty third district, COM
prising the counties of Haywood. Bun
combe and Madison. In May, 1896, he
was appointed postmaster at Asheyille
and his administration of the affairs Of
the postoffice have been so successful
that it has been noted by the government.
The revenue of the office has largely in
creased during the last year and the of
flee is now fitted up in first class shape
1t has a letter stamping machine with a
capacity of over three hundred letters
per minute, and is. the only letter stamp
ing machine in the State He has de
voted himself assiduously to his duties
as postmaster and there is never a rea-
sonable request from a patron that does
not receive his prompt attention. Major
Rollins has been successful in every
thing he has undertaken on account OF
qualities which insure success in every
position of life. He has always made
it rule to let the experience gained in
any business be OF value to him in after
life. His success in politics, though he
is not skilled in the arts of the polite
ian, is largely due to geniality of ma.
ture rarely met with, and to a large
heartedness and generosity, which have
given him a following perhaps equaled
by no public man in the State. His
strong points are his executive ability
his power to see to the bottom of intri-
cate affairs and his fertility and prac.
ticality of resource. His facility in the
management of a number of important
matters at one time has often been a
cause of wonder to his friends. In 1865
he was married to Miss Eliza j. Gudger
Of a very prominent North Carolina fam
lily. Seven children have blessed this
union, five daughters and two sons. One
of the sons, w. IL. Rollins. Us a prom
nent Episcopal minister and the Other
Thomas Scott Rollins is lawyer ant
a partner of Senator Pritchard.