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

prosperous concern Is directly aJtflDu-
fed to the acumen and keen business
perception of
MIR. j. A. LONG,
the man to whom Roxboro owes most
for her present status and advance
ment-one Of natures noblemen, all
heart and soul-a man who by his own
courage, industry and thrift has come,
unaided and alone, to the front-to him
all credit is due-for such men are the
life and backbone of North Cardinals
leading cities.
He is a North Caroinian by BIRTH
having been born in Person county (the
scene Of his triumphs) just five miles
north Of Roxboro. His youth was pass
ed in hard labor and obtaining an edu-
cation at the schools of his natal coun-
ty. When but a mere youth, IN 1862,
true to his native Southland, he enlisted
in the Confederate army as private
and participated in many Of the heavy
engagements of the war. March p,
1863, he was captured by the Yankees
in front of Petersburg After the sur
render he was released and returned
home This period Of his life was
undoubtedly the most trying and gall
ing, Eenniless and ruined by the war.
10 further increase he burden he found
that his father had died just ten days
Before he arrived home. In the face Of
all these trials and sorrows he never
tinched, but with 4 determination born
Of the very nature Of the man he be-
gan a career which was to lead him
to the pinnacle Of success. He began
this career at the bottom of the ladder
On salary Of 500 per annum He
learned the business rapidly. worked
hard and 50 pleased his employer that at
the end of twelve months he gave him
an interest in the profits Of the business
Ibis continued for a period, when be
finally purchased his partners interest
Aside from his mammoth mercantile
interests Mr. Long is either stockhold-
or or part owner of nearly every large
enterprise in this section. He was one
Of the main factors in the organization
and building Of the new cotton mill, and
occupies the position Of President to
that organization. He is ono Of the
principal stockholders Of the Peoples
Bank and also its President. He is the
main factor and owner Of the large gro
Gerry business done under the firm name
of johnson & Co. He is largely inter-
cstea IN the
ROERORO PLANNING MILLS,
conducted by j. a Long and w A.
Carver. This plant is a modernly equip
ned blaming mill and is located near the
Norfol. and Western railroad depot.
They have two acres Of ground. The
main building OF the plant is 30Xl00
lcet in dimensions They manufacture
lumber and building material. These
gentlemen have a portable saw mill
connected with this plant. which Is taken
from place 70 place and supplies the
plant with lumber They also run Il
hoeshedd factory in connection Ten
nands are given employment. The pro-
duet is mainly consumed locally.
In addition Mr.. Long possesses Il half
interest in the famous Loeb Lilly Roller
FIGURING Mills, so named on account
of the beautiful lake covered with pond
lilies. He also owns an interest in the
Winstead Flour Mills. situated six mSes
from here.
In the matter of land. he is a large
owner of city rs well as farm property
His farming interests embrace some
thousands Of acres of ground Upon this
property he has some thirty odd tenants,
who run from one to four horse farms.
He is member Of the well-knoWn
firm Of Woodson, Long & Co, stemmers
and exporters OF leaf tobacco to foreign
markets. He. personally owns the large
brick house known MS the pioneer In
addition he owns three prize houses. AS
can be seen these interests are many
and varied.
His work on behalf of Roxboro is GER
tainly commendable and as stated above
the town owes much to his generosity
and enterprise. To him must be given
the credit for securing the railroad fol-
RoXboro.
The Academy of Roxboro was BULL
by him and is a handsome place OF
learning.
Mr.. Long is leading member Of thu
town commissioners and is the treasurer
of the city, as well as being one OF thu