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


recognition as manufacturing center
stands out conSpicuously the enterprise
mentioned above. Founded upon The
sturdy principles of honor and integrity
it is rapidly assuming n deserved rank
in the manufacturing arena of western
North Carolina.
The company was Incorporated III Inc
Spring of 1896. with a capital stock OF
$4,000 This has since been increased
to $4,000 Simultaneous with its lneep-
ton came gratifying volume of trade
which has steadily increased since that
period. The officers of the company
are
w. 4. Conley. .......... President.
J. r. Morgan Vice President.
Il. b. Price Secretary and Treasurer.
These gentlemen are leaders in their
various capacities. The plant is situated
in the western part of the town, con
tiguous to the Southern railroad tracks.
a switch of which runs through their
yards and thus gives them excellent
freight facilities. The company owns
three acres of land, thus affording them
ample room for operations.
They have three buildings. The main
building. called the machine building, is
GUxlI0 feet in dimensions, and contains
all the woodworking machinery neces-
sary TO the business This machinery
is of the celebrated Fay and Egan make,
of Cincinnati, Ohio. and is thoroughly
modern.
The finishing building is a large two
story building and is also thoroughly
equipped for turning out perfect work.
The third building is devoted to the
hacking and storage of furniture and IS
a large two and one-half story building.
They manufacture bed room suites.
These goods are principally made of oak
which owing to their location they can
obtain at Il small cost and hence their
patrons are given the advantage OF low
prices. This is one Of the best located
factories in the State. because it IS sit
uated right in the midst of the hardwood
section and has competing lines for the
shipment of their goods.
Their products have a wide scope in
their demand, being sold throughout
North and South Carolina. Georgia, Ala
bama, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee. and
in fact throughout the entire South.
Wherever they have been sold a demand
has been created for them. The plant
gives employment to thirty-five people
and disburses annually many thousand
dollars in wages, thus il may readily
be seen of what an immense advantage
the concern is to Marion. One feature
of this company worthy of special COM
ment, is the fact that employment IS
given only TO white men, the manage
ment deeming that this is the true solu
ton to the muchly mooted race prob
lem.
The plant has a capacity of enc hun
dred beds per diem. This is an average
working capacity Everything in and
about the factory is in flourishing con-
lition and bears the stamp of wide
awake and np-to-date management. The
concern has but recently been over
hauled and put into an excellent shape.
1t may here be stated that this plant Is
the pioneer manufactory of the kind
erected and operated in Mcdowell coun-
ty. Its success is certainly gratifying
10 the people as it must be to the man
agement
The personnel Of the Gfticiate is as
follows: Mr. w. A. Conley was born III
Catawba county in 1912. He has been
prominent in militia affairs of the State
and was a member of the Legislature
in 1896. He is IN ardent Democrat and
has always worked hard for his party
interests He has done much to build
up this section and is President of the
Commercial Bank. is Il stakeholder in the
Granite Falls Cotton Mill Manufacturing
Company, is President Of the Marion
Furniture Company and is a man. hon
cred and esteemed by his legions Of
friends.
]. l.. Morgan. Vice President, is a
progressive gentleman and is interested
in number of enterprises throughout
this section, and stands well in the
community.
Hon b. b. Price, is a gentleman uni
versaly esteemed and admired, for his
many excellent qualities. He is a North
Carolnian by birth and has been a res
ident of Marion for period of twenty
two years. He has filled several posi-
tions of trust and honor.
For a period of eight years he was
Register Of Deeds of Mcdowell county,
and made an excellent record in that po-
sition. For period Of twelve years he
was Clerk Of the Superior Court, and
Made an equally cnviable record in that
position.
Mr.. Price has also served as chairman
of the Democratic executive committee
Of Mcdowell county, and under his lead
ership. Democracy was ever in the lead.
He filled that position up to two years
ago. His services were highly appre-
ciated by the Democracy.
Aside from his interests in the Marion
Manufacturing Company, Mr.. Price is
interested in the Commercial Bank, be-
ing one Of its organizers and its first
President, having filled that position
until 1898. when he resigned. He owns
n half interest in the local telephone ex
change 1T may be said that no man
in this section is more heartily in favor
Of the upbulding of Marion. or has CON
tributed more literally for that purpose
than Mr.. b. Il. Price. who is certainly
one of Marion's most solid and substan-
tial citizens.
He is practically self-made man. who
has come to the front by reason Of his
energy and determination to succeed. In
concluding the sketch Of the Marion
Furniture Company. it may be said that
its future is indeed Of r0seate hue
Operating with ample capital, under an
able and conservative management, its