The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-29

c. j. Meetze. member of the house
from Prince William county, was
born in Fauouier county September
%, 1871. Mr.. Meetze's family moved
to Prince William county when he
was eight years old, so TO all intents
and purposes he has lived all his life
among the people whom he repre-
sents.
At an early age Mr.. Meetze at
tended the old Ceoveton free school.
which is situate on the battlefield
of Bull Run. There surrounded by
historic scenes filled with the best
traditions, the boy grew and learned
the history of his people. After his
course at the Groveton school Mr.,
Meetze Went Immediately into the
school of business. in which he has
taken a leading part since.
The first work away from home
done by Mr. Meeze was that of clerk
ing in a county store. where he came
into contact with the people Of his
section in a way impossible in other
work. The country store is the
school Of politics. according to the
authorities and young Meetze learned
his lessons well from the rural solons
who aired their views. He there de-
cided to take part In the political life
cessful in the carrying out of his de-
cision.
Young Meetze left the store in 1890,
and took up the study of teIegraphy
The lure of the key called loudly TO
him. and he took position with the
Western Union company as day Ia
borer and operator for a construction.
company. After six months, so well
was his work done, he was promoted to
the position OF assistant foreman of
the construction gang in which he
worked. He served in that capacity
until 1895. Then he resigned his po-
siuon to take a partnership in his
father-in- laws planning mill business
at Bristol. Virginia Tie continued in
this business until 1899, when he pur-
chased a farm and went back to the
occupation of his boyhood. The fas-
cinaion of biography again called
him one year later, and he got a man
he took a position with the Western
/ Union Telegraph company. After
three months work he was made
foreman in that company, which po-
|, sltion he held for three and one4haif
years. when he was made assistant
general foreman. which position he
held for a year and one-haif. AT the
end of that time ne resigned TO again
take up farming
AIR. Meetze has been most success
ful as a dairy farmer. He believes
in profiting by the latest scientific
developments and his dairy is one
of the most interesting in the State.
He is active in the work of oreaniza-
ton for farmers and dairymen, and
has for the past three years repre-
scented the dairymen of his county in
the sessions Of the Maryland, Nir-
gfnia and District of Columbia Milk
Producers association. -------
In the campaign of 1911. Mr..
Meetze decided that he could further
the work of the farmer and dairyman
To a large extent by becoming a naeH4-
the race under the handicap of hav-
ing as opponents two able lawyers,
He won his election handily, how
ever. and SO excellent was his service
during his first term. that he was
sent back to represent the citizens of
Prince William IN the present ses-
sion
Mr.. Meetze has been one of the
leaders I'M all movements pertaining
to the agriculture. and has worked
INCREASINGLY for the passage OF meas
ures of benefit to the farmer. He Is
an ardent advocate of good roads,
and by careful and intelligent study
has made himself an authority on
that subject. The betterment of rural
crhnn1S 90 annthar nf hfg ST
schemes, and his aid can be enlisted
for any measure which has the real
good of the agricultural citizen of
Virginia at heart. He is the ac-
knowledged leader In his county in the
campaigns for good roads and the
work of the farmers institute. His
good judgment coupled with his ex-
perience as q practical farmer and
user of good roads have made him Of
real service to his county. In school
matters his voice has always been
for progress. and he has furthered
many measures which have tended TO
help the cause of education since he
has been member OF the general
assembly.
Mr.. Meetze's parents are of German
extraction, and lived for many years
In Lexington county, South Carolina,
before moving to Virginia at the close
tof the Civil war. An uncil Of the
present member of the general as
sembly, n. A. Meetze, was In the
South Carolina senate for twelve
years and was considered one of the
leaders of that body. Mr.. Meetze's
! father served through the Confed-
crate war, and at the close of that
conflict bore the rank of captain.
Mr.. Meetze is one of seven brothers.
all of whom are living.
The member from Prince William
islands for all temperance measures,
and has opposed all laws which tend
to aid anything which he considers to
be detrimental to the welfare Of the
State. He Is great admirer and
strong supporter of William Jennings
Bryan and President Wilson, and by
his work has shown himself to be
lone of the most progressive members
OF the general assembly.
| Mr.. Meetze by his geniality and
humor has made himself one OF the
most popular members OF the house
OF delegates and wherever he hap
pens to be there laughter sits. tn
derneath his joviality. however, there
lis well-determined vein of deter
mination and shrewdness. and his
colleagues look up to him a. one of
mo strong men Ok that body.
T NO. III NH xa