The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-02-26

growth of his duties. as Vice President of the American Telephone and Teie. graph Company. He was elected chairman of the Board of Directors or the Southern Bell Company, and In this capacity and as vice president Of the parent company. he will continue to be actively Interested in the af- fairs of the Southern company.
 Colonel W. T. Gentry, who becomes president of the Southern Bell Com pany Is widely known throughout the South and the country. He has had active charge of the affairs of the com- pany for a numbers of years and the policy of the company and the conduct of its affairs. has been largely in- fluenced by his judgment Ills eiec- tion as president Is tribute to his ability and genius and comes as re- ward, won by long years of service during which time he has been one of the most prominent figures in the tele- phone field in America.
 Colonel Gentry Is a native Southern CT. having been born in Gordonsville. Va He began his career with the Southern Bell Company as manager of the exchange at Alexandria, Va. twenty eight years ago. He was sent to Atlanta as manager twenty-five years ago and since that time. has filled every position of importance in the company's organization with such signal success, that his series of promo tions has culminated in his election as president of the company. which has an investment of $20.000.00o: employs more than 5000 people and operates in seven states.
 In 1901 Colonel Gentry was elected general manager. in 1903 he was elect ed vice president and a member of the Board of Directors, continuing as gen. eral manager. The executive duties became so heavy. that in 1906 the of fices of vice president and general manager were separated. Colonel Gen try, continuing as vice president with enlarged executive duties.
 Colonel Gentry's friends throughout the South will be gratified to learn of his success. He has been identified with the larger affairs of this section of the country, for 6 long period of years and the remarkable development of the telephone in the South, is the result of his absolute faith in the future of his native section and his ability to impress it upon large in vestors When he entered the tele- phone business. the telephone was re- garded as little more than a toy. and few believed 1t would ever develop into its present importance as an essential agency in the business and social life Of the nation. He has played an im- portant part in every step in this re- markable development in the South.
 New Vice President.
 J. Epps Brown. who has been elect ed vice presir:nt and general man ager of the Southern Bell Company, has held the office of general man ager since April. 1906. He is a native of Newberry 8. C.. and began his career with the Southern Bell com pany in 1899 as manager of the ex- change at Americus. Ga. Since that time he has won rapid promotion and his career has been brilliant and suc- ossful. He has displayed remarkable ability in his chosen profession and his election as vice president and gen. eral manager is regarded as a deserved promotion for tireless worker.
 J. M. B. Hoxsey. who has been pro- noted from the office of auditor to be vice president. is a native of Virginia and his experience in the telephone field covers a period of thirteen years He began his career in the auditing de- partment of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company in New York His ability to handle details and at the same time grasp the broader phases of the business, won him the office of