davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. A. b. Bryan.

The subject of this sketch, the Hon.
A. r. BRYAN, is one of the hardest and
most earnest workers in the House. lie
is n man who believes in pushing North
Carolina to the front and is always found
advocating such measures. Mr.. Bryan
was born on Madison county. the county
he now represents in the Legislature.
He has ii mind well trained for any
pursuit or profession to which he may
turn his attention. Desiring a broader
education than the academic schools OF
his county could give and with purpose
to prepare himself well for the duties
of life. he entered Wake Forest College
and graduated from that institution as
recent as May, 1898. In connection with
his college duties he took up the study
OF law and he prosecuted this study so
vigorously that he was able TO secure
license to practice in February, lS9S,
three months before graduating from
Wake Forest College. Mr.. Bryan's sterl-
ing qualities and strict application to
business is well known in Madison
county. Is it any wonder, then. that
this young man fresh from the walls Of
college. and with a license to practice
law. should be called upon by the peo-
PIE of his party to represent them IN
the legislative halls of his native State.
He was hardly from college before he
began and ended one of the most active
campaigns ever waged in his county.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

ing his license to practice law he removed
to his present place of residence, Ashe-
vile. Here the young man, by his own
efforts. soon began to rise in his profess
sion. until today he is considered an able
lawyer. high up among the distinguished
attorneys Of the State In 1892 he was
one of the National electors Of his dis
trict on the Democratic ticket. In 1896
he was an elector ut large. From 1897
to 1899 was city attorney Of Asheyille.
I'm 1898 he was nominated as i candidate
for the House of Representatives. His
campaign extending up to the eve OF the
election, was the most brilliant, the
cleanest and best sustained that has
marked a political canvass in that part
of the State for many years. 1T IS SAID
that his splendid eloqnence was
powerful factor in swinging Buncoinbe
county so strongly into the Democratic
column. He was elected by majority
of 6tj4. overcoming an adverse ma
iority Of 500. his opponent being Colonel
Lusk Mr.. Craig took a very active
part both Oh the floor of the House ana
in the committee room. Among 9TH
ers. he introduced the follow
ing bills: To prevent removal
of cases to the Federal court; the
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

narrows Scattered along its sides are
the men who have achieved something
more than unusual prominence in the
worlds affairs. At the top are the few
men who have grandly succeeded, their
forms lit up by the sunshine of their
well-earned prosperity Among those
who have achieved success by reason of
their individual worth and merit is the
Hon II. Il. LeatherWood. a member of
the Legislature from Swain county.
Although young Mr.. Leatherw9od is
n man who has won honor and distinc-
ton, whose devotion to duty is un-
swerving and whose friends are legion.
He was born in Cherokee county. n. c.,
and is only thirty-six years old. He was
educated in the common schools and in
the High School of Hayesville n. G. He
afterwards engaged in teaching and
while thus employed he read law and
was admitted to the bar in 1884 and
located at Charleston, now Bryson City,
Swain county, to practice his chosen
profession. The prominence already at-
tanned enabled him to secure from Presi-
dent Cleveland the appointment as
agent and attorney for the eastern band
of the Cherokee Indians, which position
he held for four years In 1890 Mr.
Leatherwood was President Of the Com
gressional convention which nominated
Hon. w. Il. Crawford for Congress. SO
it viii be seen that thus early in life
MIR. Leatherwood had proved himself to
be most valuable man to the Demo-
cratic party in North Carolina. and in
1892 he was again called ON TO serve his
party and this time in the State Senate.
Here an opportunity was offered to make
State reputation and it was well taken
advantage of FOR his sound views ON
all public questions and his forcible eX-
preston made him Il favorite in that
body. He served with distinction as
chairman Of the Committee on Election
and of Justices of the Peace and also
ON the judiciary Committee. Committee
ON Education, Railroads and Railroad
Commissions, Engrossed Bills, Soldiers
Pensions and Homes and was active
in all important legislation in the ses-
sion of 1893 and always present and
answered every roll call. Swain county
like a great many other counties in the
State has had fusionism in its strongest
form to contend with and at times the
future of the Democratic party seemed
anything but bright, SO in 1898, when
the Democrats Of Swain county were on
the lookout for a man to lead them to
victory the party naturally turned to
Leatherwood and he was nominated and
elected over a fusion candidate who was
considered a strong man.
Mr.. Leatherwood is a lawyer Of prom
inence and has been employed as leading
counsel in number of capital cases. His
practice is large both in the State and
in the United States courts, and it is
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HENDERSON COUNTY.

Henderson county is a continuation
southward of the French Broad valley
formed in Buncombe county, and ITS
torographical features are very similar
EXCEPT that there are broader areas OF
comparatively level and umdulatlng
lands. the soils being predominantly light
gray gravelly loans. and its forests being
mixed growths of oak and pine, with
henlock and chestnut near the water
courses i'm the mountain covers are found
walnut. cherry. maple. and occasionally
white pine.
1t has 21S, 400 acres of land, valued at
81 .199,02S. a.,
Town lots, 2.273, valued at S354,SS2.
Total value of property, S2,066,S06
One hosiery mill; canneries.
Vote in 1893 Democratic, l,04S; tu-
sion, 1873.
County seat, Hendersonyille.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

soners Of his county. In 1898 he was
nominated for the State Senate, made the
race upon the platform Of white SUI
premacy and was elected by majority
of 907 votes, overcoming an adverse ma
jrity of 500. He lead the fight in the
Senate upon the issue Of bonding Mad'-
son county. After hard fight in The Jul
dietary Committee AMI the Sen
ate he achieved success. He
has made an able record and
is Chairman of the Committee Oh
Mines and Mining and a member of the
committees OH Agriculture, Insane Asy-
lums, Corporations, Claims, Public
Buildings and Grounds, Engrossed Bills,
Justices of the Peace and Internal Inn
The Senator is the author
Of several local bills. He il a Master
Mason and a member of the Royal Arch.
Senator Murray has made numerous
warm friends by his courteous and & nile
manly manners.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. NJ. S. JUsTUs.
representative from Henderson County.

Representatiye from Henderson County.
No man in the Legislature more care
fully guards the interests of his county
than NJ. S. Justus. He is "a man well
trained and equipped for Legislator. lie
is one of the best known and most popu-
lar men in his county and among ms
fellow legislators he has made great
many friends, owing to his strong per-
sonality and courteous manners 1t Is
n well known fact that most legislating
is done in the committee rooms. Here
hills are presented and discussed pro
and con, and the fate of the bills in the
House usually depends upon the recon-
mendations of the committee. So it may
be seen that the committee room is the
place to influence legislation. 1t rs to
this committee work that Mr.. Justus has
devoted his energies during this session
of the Legislature He is a hard and
persistent worker, always alive to the
interests Of his county. Mr.. Justus was
born in Henderson county, n. c., in
1876. When the war broke out he yolun-
tee9ed and enlisted in Company q, Fist
North Carolina cavalry, on March 3,
1862. He remained with this company
until the close of the war. He was tax
en- prisoned en- the 9th of June. 1873,
and exchanged August LIST. 1868. The
war over he returned to his natlye coun-
ty. In 1882 he was elected Sheriff of
his county. He has been elected to this
important office three times and was
chairman of the board of education
when elected TO the Legislature. In
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

man might we'll be proud. He was a
hard and earnest worker and looked af-
ter the peoples interest with close
scrutiny. Mr.. Davis was born in Hay
wood county December 9th. 1852. and
comes from an old and distinguished
family of that section. his father. Hon.
j.. NJ Davis, represented his county four
terms IN the State Legislature. Our sub
lect attended the common schools and
then engaged in farming being located
IN Iron Duff township. Haywood county.
In 1880 he entered the political arena
ana was elected member of the State
Senate from what was then known as
the Fortieth Senatorial District. by a
majority of 800 votes. Again in 1892
he was re-nomnated and reelected by
an increased majority of G5S. He refused
4 denomination, but was in 1896 re-
nominated against his wishes, but was
defeated by the Populistic landslide that
swept the State. In 1898 he was nomi-
mated as Il candidate for the House and
after a hot an exciting race was elected
by a majority Of $40. His long legisla-
tive experience pre-eminently fitted him
for the position. He is chairman of the
Committee on Congressional Districts,
and a member of the following commit
tees: Military Affairs, Claims, Salaries
and Fees, Election Laws and several
others. He has introduced number OF
bills Mr. Davis is a dyed-in-the-wool
Democrat. and member Of the Method
list Episcopal church, South. lie Is mar
ried and has three children.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

appreciated for his many excellent quail
tiles than Hon. Jacob Franklin Alex
ander. the popular gentleman represent
inc Rutherford county. He was born in
that county. January 18th, 1858, and
comes from AN old and distinguished
family. his grandfather being a descfn-
dant of the famous Mecklenburg Alex
anders. Our subject was reared On a
farm and educated at the schools of bis
native section. He has at present large
farming interests in that section He
married November 1st, 1883 Miss Vir-
ginia daughter of DIR. r. ~ Smith, of
Spartanburg. South Carolina. Mr.. AL
txander is not politician in the sense
OF holding office. In '9S he was nominut-
ed as a candidate for the Legislature in
his county-a county that has never ab-
solutely gone Democratic since the war
After hot campaign, he was elected
by majority of GA votes. overcoming
a previous fusion majority. His career
in the House, was am active one He
interested himself in the economical adj
ADMINISTRATION Of the affairs of the State
and in fact all legislation beneficial to
himself, HIS party and his people. He
introduced Il number of local bills. Mr.
Alexander was a hard committee work
er, being a member Of the important
committees on Finance and Education.
lie took an active part ON the floor ard
must be commended for his work III gem
eral. Representative Alexander is an
ardent Democrat, Il man who stood TO
the party through thick and thin. He is
Il Master Mason, a member of the
Baptist church and a licensed praachcr,
in that church. He is a wide-awake.
progressive gentleman whose future is
indie q rosaate.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

Mr.. Curtis the Rev. J. c. Troy. who
used to be his neighbor, writes:
..He is a Democrat. farmer, a mem
Ter Of the Methodist church and a
Christian. In the church, quarterly,
district or annual conference. III a pun
lie convention or the Legislature his in
fiuence is felt. He has managed well
his own affairs therefore is competent
to look after the affairs OF the State.
Mr. Curtis certainly justified the es-
innate by his actions in the recent Gen-
eral Assembly. He kept close watch
on all measures effecting his county. ms
section and the State at large lie was
member Of the Committees on Military
Affairs. Agriculture and others.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

education, graduating with the highest
llonors from Woiford College, June
1892. Entering Harvard University he
took post graduate course, leaving
there in 1894. May LIST. 1895, he was
elected cashier of the National Bank of
Asheville. His career has been one of
steady progress and advancement.
'Ah, who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep, where flames proud temples
shine affair?
Energy and close application may pos
sibly answer the question and IN these
necessary requisites Senator Cooke IS
not deficient. He was elected Mayor o.
Asheville May 9TH, 1896, defeating H.
S. Hoskins, present collector of the Fifth
internal Revenue District. November,
1898, he was elected Il member OF the
State Senate. making Il gain of over l2OO
votes in the Thirty-Ihird District His
career in the Senate has been character
istic of the man. He is an eloquent
speaker. has ready flow of choice Eng
fish and holds and sways his audience.
Every measure that had for its basis the
welfare of the State. the people and the
Democratic party received his arnest
support. lie is chairman ct the Commit
tee on Counties. Cities anu Towns and a
member of the Committees on Railroads
and Railroad Commission, Banks and
Currency, Federal Relations. Mines and
Mining. etc. etc. Among the more inn
portant bills and resolutions introduced
by the Senator we mention the follow
ing: The joint resolution to elect Unit
ed States Senators by popular vote; the
Joint resolution to have Congress pay
the claims of the State on account Of the
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
MADISON COUNTY.

This county lies north of Buncombe,
which is its southern boundary The
smoky mountains separate it on north
from Tennessee. Yancey county houHds
it on the east. and Haywood on the west
The county is essentially mountain ter
ritory. There is but little of valley lands,
nearly the whole surface being traYnrsed
by ranges of mountains. ranging from -
500 to 1850 feet above sea level. norr
of them rise 10 the Stupendous height
they attain in the adjoining counties.
1t has 266,153 acres of land valued at
S1.121 906.
Town lots, 49,, valued at $50 43S.
Total value of property, $1,573,S6o.
Vote i'm 1898: Democratic, LIZ; Fu-
sion. 2,154.
County seat, Marshal.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HAYWOOD COUNTY.

This large and beautiful county@is as
remarkable for the extent of it's mountain
ranges and the height of it's numerous
peaks, as it is for the extent of its val
ley system and the fertility Of its soil.
The Pisgah range skirts it partly ON the
east, eliminating in the pyramidcal cone
of Pisgah mountain, rising to height
of 1850 feet
1t has 32G,027 acres of land, valued
at S1,G4T,70S
Town lots. 49, valued at S1S2,932.
Total value of property S1,715,21l.
Saddle, stove and wagon factories.
Vote in 1898: Democratic, 1853, Flu
sion, 1.041
County seat. Waynesville.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

Spanish-American war; bills TO extend
the jurisdiction of magistrates; to abol-
ish the Western Criminal Court: to es-
tablish the Western Criminal Circuit
Court for the better protection of la
borers and mechanics and the divorce
law. Senator Cooke enjoys the distinc-
ton of being the youngest man in the
upper house. An ardent Democrat,
cultured and polished gentleman, highly
respected and admired by legions of
friends, Senator Cookies future is one of
exceeding brilliancy and promise.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
BUNcOMBE COUNTY.

Runcombe county, once so ample in its
area as to receive, and almost merit the
title Of the State of Buucombe, Is now
much reduced in extent. and is no larger
than many of the counties of which it is
the parent.
1t contains 369,552 acres of land valued
at So 107 ,466.
Town lots 3.944 valued nj $3,900.I41.
Total value of property, S9,1SO.411.
Cotton mills, one with S,44S spindles
and 420 looms; furniture wagon. sash
and marble works.
Vote in 1893: Democratic, ABS; Flu
sion. 3,S6S.
County seat, Asheyille.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
j. w. MIA RLAND.

The representative of Polk county in
the lower House of the General Assem-
bly, Of 1899, was born in Rutherford
county, Oct. IA. 1913, and spent the ear
ly part of his life in attendance at the
public schools of that county. He enter
ed the Confederate army as sergeant in
the 9th North Carolina regiment. where
he remained until stricken with the
typhoid fever. After the close of the
long struggle for lost cause he began
farming in Polk county. In 1893 he
was elected as a Republican to repre-
4 ut the people of that county in the
lower house, and while there served on
the committees of Salaries and Fees and
Emigration.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
POLK COUNTY.

Polk is the southernmost of the noun
tain counties. lying upon the border Of
South Carolina. and of the cotton belt,
which barely enters its southeastern cor
ner One half of the territory of the
county is mountainous.
1t has 1885 acres of land, valued at
S646,2S4.
Town lots. 333. valued at 1916, 792.
Total value Of property, $1,0SS,51T.
One hosiery mill, iron and wood
works.
Vote in 1898: Democratic. 800: Flu
sion. 657.
County seat, Columbus.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. WALTER e. MOORE.
A Prominent and Popular Gentleman
From Jackson County.

1t is striking feature of humanity to
feel certain admiration for the man
who has attained success by virtue of
personal effort, and coming in the cate
logue Of successful men is Hon. Walter
Il. Moore, the popular and progressive
gentleman who represented Jackson coun-
ty in the recent Legislative body. Mr..
Moore is Il North Carolinian by birth
and first saw the light of day in Bun
connie county, near Asheyille, at White
Sulphur Springs. He comes from an
old and we'll known family, being the
son of Colonel w. Fl. and Mary c..
Moore lie received an education at the
schools of Sand Hill and Gamblers in his
native county. Subsequently, he worked
ON farm until about eighteen years of
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
TRANSATLANTIC COUNTY.

Pennsylvania is n true mountain coun-
ty, having on its whole southern border
the Blue Ridge in its most massive and
imposing form, and also being the start
ing point for the Pisgah and Baisam
ridges. which stretch through the county
towards the north, the only exception to
the rugged nature of the surface is pre-
scented by the valleys along Davidsons
river. along the French Broad and it's
tributaries, all of which flow through
broad and fertile valleys.
1t has 235,S75 acres Of land, valued
at $669,S50.
Town lots. 1876, valued at S39,225.
Total value Of property, SS95.503.
Wagon and saddle factories.
Vote in 1893: Democratic COG; Flu
sion, GAG
County seat, Brevard.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. LOCKE CRAIG.

One of the Talented and Able Repre-
scntatiyes from Buncombe County.
One Of the ablest as well rs one Of the
hardest workers Of the late legislative
body was Hon. Locke Craig, the polish
ed and cultivated gentleman from Bun
combe county. He is the son of a much
beloved and eloquent Baptist minister,
having been born in BERTHE county, Au-
gust 10th. 1860 He was born to pov-
erty. but reared to an honorable life with
high ideals. To great natural gifts,
Representative Craig adds the benefits
Of a university education having grad
uated from the State University in 1880,
taking the degree of a. B. After obtain
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

school law which he revised and which
was introduced into the Senate. His re
solution passed over all Jim Crow Car
bills. He was chairman of the Commit
tee on Education and a member of the
committees Of Judiciary, Insane Asy-
lums. Courts and Court Districts. lie
is married. a member af the Baptist
church and gentleman of unimpeach-
able Democracy
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

a member of the State Senate in 1851
and has served the people OF his county
in other capacities to the entire salts
faction Of his people. He is an hon-'st,
straightforward man, with a head full
Of sense, and with the courage of mis-
convictions Mr.. Wilson is 4 safe and
wise legislator and served on Il number
of important committees.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

is generous to a fault, as legislator
North Carolina is proud to place his name
high on the roll of her distinguished
men. In brief this is summary of the
characteristics of one of the best known
men in the State Senate, Hon. William
Johnston Cooke, the brainy and polished
young Senator from the Thirty third
district. He is a North Carolinian by
birth and first saw the light of day at
Asheville, this State, January 18th, 1873.
His youth was passed in securing an
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. GEO. W. WILSON.

The Veteran Legislator From Transyl-
vania County
This gentleman, nearly seventy years
of age though he does not look more
than fifty. was one of the fathers of
thp House. lie was Il member Of the
Constitutional Convention Of 1915, was
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

the Legislature he is on the following
committees: Salaries and Fees. Health
and Immigration. He has introduced
several bills, one to incorporate the Hen
dersonyile public schools. He has been
instrumental in securing pensions for 4
great many Confederate soldiers, also
several bills to incorporate churches.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
One of the Brainiest and Most Liberal.
minded Men in the House.

Success is like pyramid-broad at the
base as the thronging millions that
crowd it. Towering upwards its form
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. THos. JEFFERSON MURRAY
A Well Known Senator Representing the
Thirty-third Senatorial District.

An honorable, upright gentleman. a
progressive legislator and Il staunch
friend, are the characteristics evinced
by this gentleman. Senator Murray was
born in Madison county, this State, June
23d, 1888 He was reared on a farm
and educated at the schools of Madison
and Buncombe county. In 1878 he was
married to Miss Hattie l.. Holcombe,
and subsequently engaged in the nercan-
tile and stock-raising business. Mr..
Murray was in the Revenue Service dur
ing Cleveland's first administration and
was subsequently one of the commits
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
.84TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
A Rich end Fertile Section

Containing the Counties OF Henderson,
Jackson and Swain.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

mo man is a hero to his valet, ana
few men are heroes TO their neighbofS'
The estimate of the neighbor is, there
fore, usually likely to be below rather
than above the merits Of the man. VI
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. ]. G. CURTIS.

The Senior Representative From Bun
combc County.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
33D SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
The Great Section of the Western Part
of the State.

$ of Buncombe,
nd is represent
he'd gentlenen
IN COOKE.
or Represent
,rial District.
r his qualities
n friend no
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
HON. r. /. LEATHERwooD.

County seat. Bryson City.