The age-herald., 1901-09-25
SYLACAUGA SEES
 A GREAT FUTURE
with goods, give assurances that Syla- caugans are here to stay.
Amonq Business Men.

with goods, give assurances that Syla- caugans are here to stay.
 Among Business Men.
 It may not be generally known 10 the readers of the Age-Herald, yet it is true, that while Sylacauga Is a city of less than 1500 inhabitants, she has several of the largest and tfongest mercantile houses in the State. Among these is the house of Lane Br os., well known through out this entire section of country and en- toying a trade from people in Talladega, Clay, Coosa, Shelby and Tallapoosa counties Two large brick stores, front ing the principal business thoroughfare, warehouses and platforms are necessary for the business of the house, and Mir. J. H. Lane, the senior membe' of the firm is in immediate charge of the busi- ness He Is ably assisted by a number of polite and attentive clerks, and the house deals at wholesale and retail. making a speciality of plantation, mill and mine supplies. The senior member of this firm is one of Sylacauga's most public-spirited citizens, is a live member of the city council and expresses faith and confidence in the future of his town
 A Banking Town.
 Sylacauga has two banks, the Bank of Sylacauga being the older. This four ishing financial institution was opened for business in January, 1899, and since that time it has doubled its business and its capital. Dr. James E. Pearson, well and favorably known throughout this section, is president, Capt. J. B. McDon- aid of the United States army vice presi- dent and MT. D. W. Ledbetter is cashier. These names are enough to give confi- dence to any institution. Captain Me l.. 4I,a I1o ot o1rxr aIaY- I,n came so near losing his life on the bat tie field of the Philippines, and is an Ala bamian who Is known and loved by all our people. MT. Ledbetter has been close ly Identified with the banking business ever since he graduated at the Southern University at Greensboro. He was a member of the late constitutional con- vention, and stands high among the peo- pie with whom he has cast his lot. This bank owns its building, which Is modern in construction and furnishings.
 A. L. Porter.
 Another progressive business man of Sylacauga is A. l.. Porter, a member of the City Council, a large real estate owner and a distiler and dealer in liquors, tobaccos, etc. MT. Porter owns a handsome brick corner building of two stories and cont aiming three well-ar- ranged stores and hotel apartments up- stairs. This building was purchased by him last spring, and since that time the growth of business and consequent en- hancement of values in Sylacauga have proven that he found an excellent bar gain. MT. Porter's trade extends through out this section. Several miles from town he operates the "Wire Grass Distillery,' which has proved quite a successful en- terprise. He ships it's products to many towns and cities and is just now increas- ing it's capacity.
 A Live Stock Market.
 Sylacauga is an important live stock and livery stable point, and Messrs. Hightower Bros. lead in this line. They have splendid brick stables, and keep on hand at all times horses and vehicles for the public, for both sale and hire. The prospector who desires to see the sur rounding country the pleasure-seeker who wishes to drive over the beautiful roads, or the drummer, who Is seeking the trade of country merchants, find Hightower Bros. ever ready to accommo- date them, and they do not charge ex- orbitant prices; yet their horses and ve- hicles would do credit to any city. They supply farmers, mills and mines with mules at prices as low as any stock mar ket in the State. These young men were born and reared here. They know every place and everybody within many miles of Sylacauga, and enjoy the confidence of this community as energetic business men and progressive citizens Their busi- ness Is prosperous, and they merit the success which is crowning their efforts.
 As to Farm Lands.
 Very little of the farming lands around Sylacauga Is purchasable, as the farm CTS all seem prosperous Your corres- pondent Is informed that only one place l., account of a desire on the part of the owner to change investment, he offers it at a bargain. This is known as the Oden place-at Odina, on the Central of Geor- gia Railway, just three miles north of Sylacauga. This Is one body of 440 acres, Is fresh. lies well and Is nicely improved. Four hundred acres cleared, has sixteen dwellings for employees newly built. This is said to be an excellent location for mercantile business and a ginnery, as a patronage of about 800 bales of cotton can be secured. The same man has a body of 200 acres. well improved within two miles of Sylacauga, with six good dwellings, two wells of water and two cold water springs. One hundred and eighty acres of this body Is improved, and it is near enough the town for an enjoyment of al advantages of town life. MT. A. J. Oden, whose postoffice Is at Sylacauga, will be glad to correspond with parties interested in this line.
 The University.
 Sylacauga has an contemplating and progressive city administration, and It's work is in evidence on the streets and sidewalks which are undergoing vast improvement just now Hon. T. P. Johnston Is the mayor of the city, a young man of sterling business qualities and public spirit He Is ably assisted by the following councilmen: Messrs. A. L. Pearson, J. w. Langley, B. w. Averett E. A. Hammett Dr. J. E. Pearson, J. H. Lane, A. l.. Porter and E. A. Ledbetter This board has under cont emplation some valuable Improvements and the prediction is that before their term of office expires they will greatly enhance values here, and give a city-like appear ance to the place.
 Water and Light.
 The last General Assembly of Ala bama granted the right to Sylacauga to issue bonds to the amount of S25, 900 for the purpose of establishing water works and an electric light plant; subject, however, to the endorsement by elec- ton, of sixty-fve per cent of the tax payers of the town. This election will