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 CONTAINING 
 
 A Brief Summary of Her Past; Some Tacts 
 
 and rigures about Her Present, with 
 
 a Glance at Her Prospects 
 
 for the Future. 
 
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 A Lively Little City of Upper South Carolina. 
 
 Vv, 
 
 1895. 
 
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 QUEEN CITY PRINTING CO. 
 
 205 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, N. C. 
 
 1895. 
 
PREFATORY 
 
 Life is too short and time too long for engaging in wordy expla- 
 nations. This manual is not intended for an advertisement, though 
 such should become one of its incidents. It is written because there 
 is something to write about which stirs the heart of every citizen of 
 Rock Hill with pardonable pride, and because of the desire to perma- 
 nently record facts and figures which tell of an enterprising and 
 progressive people, and which will act as a stimulus for the future. 
 It is synoptical and summary. Finally, it is written from a standpoint 
 of Truth ; and, while it is desired to present its subject matter in as 
 neat a garb as possible, nothing will be stated which cannot be 
 readily verified. 
 
Zo Ibon- MtUiam C. Ibutcbieon, 
 
 mayor of the city of rock hili,. 
 
 My Dear Sir : 
 
 This little sketch is dedicated to you, as a tribute to your public- 
 spirited liberality; in acknowledgment of your generous assistance in 
 bringing this work to a successful issue ; and as an expression of 
 personal esteem and friendship. 
 
 WILLIAM J. CHERRY. 
 October, 1895. 
 

*j(^ocft *(|3iH an& |[)icin(t?. 
 
 The wonderful story of Rock Hill's progress has many times been 
 attempted, but all of the truth about this wide-awake, thrifty and pro- 
 gressive little city has never been told. The limited compass of this 
 sketch forbids the writer to do more than touch upon salient features. 
 Passing undaunted through the thick darkness of financial distress 
 that settled as a pall over all this country for the last few years, Rock 
 Hill turns now to the promises of the morning and greets with joy the 
 gray streak which betokens the coming sunshine of a cloudless day. 
 She is prepared to make good her claim that she is the ideal city of 
 South Carolina. Situated among the foot-hills and fertile valleys of 
 upper Carolina, in the great Piedmont Belt ; with a climate that is 
 salubrious in summer and bracing in winter ; with water that is pure 
 freestone, limpid and cold; with good health, good schools and elegant 
 church edifices ; with macadamized streets, sidewalks paved with 
 granite, street cars, electric lights, and all of the other conveniences 
 of a first-class modern town; with her industries and enterprises, 
 wonderful in their number and variety for a city so young ; with her 
 highly favored location in the midst of a productive farming section, 
 owned by an intelligent and prosperous agricultural class ; and, not 
 the least of all, with a population of cultured, refined, home loving 
 and hospitable people, ever ready to bid the visitor and the stranger 
 welcome ; with all of these attractions and numerous others which 
 need not be particularized, she stands squarely in the lead among her 
 sister cities and towns of the State, and presents claims to all who are 
 seeking an ideal home which are scarcely equalled and not excelled. 
 
 5 
 
Ibietorical anb fiDunicipaL 
 
 Rock Hill's natal star twinkled into sight in the 3'ear 1870, the 
 town then becoming a corporate existence. Its first executive head 
 consisted of the following officers : John R. Allen, Intendant ; J. M. 
 Ivy, Dr. T. L. Johnson, M. W. Russell and John Ratterree, Wardens. 
 The last named warden is the only member of the original town 
 council now living. 
 
 The original charter was a crude and simple affair, and was soon 
 found inadequate to the demands of a thriving and growing town. It 
 was amended and enlarged b}- the State Legislature from time to time 
 to meet the exigencies of the changing conditions. It became thus of 
 a fragmentary and patch-work character, and was not long to be tol- 
 erated in this condition. In the year 1892, the young town, having 
 grown into a stalwart municipality of several thousand souls, decided 
 to put aside the ways of childhood and to apply for sisterhood into 
 the galaxy of South Carolina cities. So that, in December of that 
 year, the Legislature of the State granted to Rock Hill a full and com- 
 plete city charter, conferring the most liVjeral and ample governmental 
 privileges, powers and functions, and changing the name of the 
 corporation to that of "The City of Rock Hill." 
 
 The first City Council elected under the City Charter was composed 
 of the following persons : Dr. John W. Fewell, Mayor ; Ed. E. Poag, 
 Edward R. Avery, A. J. Thompson, John J. Waters, W. J. Irby and 
 W. H. Wylie, Aldermen. 
 
 The present City Council is composed of W. C. Hutchison, Mayor; 
 W. G. Reid, John J. Waters, R. Lee Kerr, E. R. Avery, L. M. Davis 
 and J. A. Green, Aldermen. 
 
 The Police Department is at present officered as follows : F. W. 
 Culp, Chief; J. F. Doby, L. D. Wilkinson, A. L. Wallace and J. M. 
 Devinney, Assistants. 
 
 These gentlemen who administer the affairs of the city government 
 
 6 
 
are young men of sterling iDUsiness qualities, who are always alive to 
 the interests of the corporation. 
 
 The sanitary laws of the State affecting cities and incorporated 
 towns are rigidly enforced, and the following efficient Board of Health 
 is in charge of the Health Department : Dr. W, J. White, President ; 
 Dr. T. L. Cornwell, Health Officer ; W. A. Fewell, Secretary and 
 Treasurer; the other members being T. L. Johnson and W. L. Hall. 
 
 Rock Hill has always been fortunate in having good men at the 
 head of public affairs, and this has been an important factor in her 
 progress. In politics, as in everything else affecting the city's wel- 
 fare, the people have never been divided, and in all elections, it is 
 merely a choice between men and the selecting of the best men 
 for office. 
 
 But affairs of local government have not absorbed the attention of 
 the citizen of Rock Hill, and a few facts will serve to show that he 
 has been active along other lines. Could the men who christened 
 "Rock Hill" when an infant cross-roads village a few years ago, have 
 foreseen the Rock Hill of to-day, they might have thought the name 
 too insignificant. 
 
 NAME. 
 
 The little incident to which this city owes its name will probably 
 not be devoid of interest. About the time the Charlotte and South 
 Carolina Railway had been completed through this section, in or near 
 the year 1852, a party of gentlemen, residing in the vicinity of the 
 station to be here located, had met and were discussing the matter of 
 a name. There was at that time an immense quantity of flint rock 
 imbedded on the hill which is the present site of Mr. John Ratterree's 
 residence. The hint was caught from this circumstance ; some one of 
 the party proposed that the station be called "Rock Hill," and the 
 name was adopted. 
 
 The name is an illustration of the philosophy of 'that which we 
 call a rose by another name.* A name is only valuable for what it 
 represents, and Rock Hill stands for all that is set down on these 
 
 7 
 
pages, and more. It is the naine ty wliicli an enterprising corporatioti 
 has become known — a name now much used on all sides— and no Rock 
 Hillian could be induced to give it up. It is his talisman. 
 
 LOCATION. 
 
 Rock Hill is situated in the northern part of the State of South 
 Carolina, in York County ; eighty- four miles from Columbia, and 
 twenty-five miles from Charlotte, N. C, with which points it is con- 
 nected by rail. The city stands 6b8 feet above tide water, and is the 
 highest point on the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Railroad 
 between Augusta and Charlotte It possesses excellent advantages in 
 its railroad facilities; the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta, and Ohio 
 River and Charleston Railroads intersecting in the heart of the city. 
 The great Seaboard System is discussing the project of connecting 
 with Rock Hill by the Georgia, Carolina and Northern, and no doubt 
 such a connection will be effected at no distant day. This last named 
 road, extending from Atlanta, Ga.. to Portsmouth, Va., is already near 
 enough to materially affect freight rates and to become an important 
 connection for travelling. 
 
 Here is what was said of Rock Hill's advantages of location by a 
 disinterested writer seven 3'ears ago : "With direct communication 
 north, east, south and west, contiguous to inexhaustable timber and 
 mineral wealth, and located in the heart of a farming country capable 
 of growing the greatest diversity of crops known in any one climate, 
 this favored town offers all that could be desired for manufacturing 
 purposes. Already, independent of all other considerations, only a 
 little time is asked to make it a great distributing point." 
 
 RAPID PROGRESS. 
 
 Captain W. L. Roddey, one of Rock Hill's leading citizens, is the 
 owner of the first plat of the territory which is the present site of Rock 
 Hill. This original plat is neatly framed and well preserved, and is an 
 interesting relic. It was made in November, 1851, by Deputy Surveyor 
 John Roddey, father of Captain Roddey, and was in anticipation of the 
 
coming of the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad, which had been 
 previously projected. It provided for twenty-three lots along what is 
 now Main Street, the whole of the district then surveyed being a 
 woodland where birds chattered and built their nests unmolested. 
 
 When the Charlotte and South Carolina (now the Charlotte, 
 Columbia and Augusta) Railroad was completed through this section, 
 in 1852, not a single business house marked the present site of Rock 
 Hill. Up to 1870 Rock Hill amounted to only an insignificant village, 
 with the advantage of a railroad station and other slight conveniences. 
 When incorporated in 1870, its population was 273; in 1880, its popu- 
 lation had increased to 809 ; at the end of the next decade it had 
 reached 2,781; and in 189T, by the town census, it was 3,804. The 
 assessed valuation of property for taxation in 1887 was $451,119; in 
 1890 it was 1959,401 ; in 1891 it was $1,222,276, an increase of over 171 
 per cent, in four years. 
 
 ROCK HILL OF TO=DAY. 
 
 Ihe present population of Rock Hill is 5,500; the present taxable 
 value of Rock Hill property is $1,255,460; her yearly business amounts 
 to $3,500,000 ; she handles annually, on an average, 18,000 bales of 
 cotton ; she has in operation three cotton factories (spinning and 
 weaving) representing a capital of $435,000.00, and two more in process 
 of erection, which will employ a capital of $325,000.00, aggregating in 
 cotton manufacturing, a capital of $760,000.00; a buggy, carriage and 
 wagon factory, with authorized capital of $75,000.00; a tobacco factory 
 with an authorized capital of $40,000.00; a door, sash and blind factory; 
 a canning factory; an electric light plant, with arc and incandescent 
 lights; a town site company; a street railway and water works com- 
 pany; machine shops, etc. 
 
 The weekly pay-roll from Rock Hill's manufactories amounts to 
 more than $6,000. 
 
 9 
 
fiDinerale- 
 
 Mining in this section has received little attention ; but to this 
 wonderful story of growth and prosperity a new phase will be added 
 when the mineral wealth of this section is begun to be developed. 
 Immense quantities of iron ore are imbedded in the earth in this 
 vicinity, containing not a trace of sulphur or phosphorus, and assay- 
 ing 62 to 69 per cent, of magnetic iron; and nine miles away, near the 
 Ohio River and Charleston Railroad, are large deposits of hematite 
 ore in fine condition for smelting, which yields 60 per cent, of mag- 
 netic iron. 
 
 There are several gold mines in the neighborhood, which have, at 
 various times, been worked, the ore from two extensive veins near 
 here yielding from $16 to I350 per ton. 
 
 When it is considered that our increasing railroad facilities will 
 before long bring the coal fields of Tennessee to our doors, it will thus 
 be seen that the mineral wealth of this section is not to be discounted 
 as a factor in making of Rock Hill a great city. 
 
 IfinanctaL 
 
 Rock Hill has a banking and loaning capital of $400,000.00; divided 
 between the First National Bank, the Savings Bank, the Rock Hill 
 Real P^state and Loan Company, the Southern Loan and Investment 
 Company and the Mutual Home Building and Loan Association. 
 
 BANKING. 
 
 Every live town and every prosperous business community must 
 have good banking facilities, and this important fact was not to escape 
 the foresight of Rock Hill's sagacious business men. Hence we find 
 two banks springing into existence almost simultaneously in 1886-87. 
 There were private banking concerns prior to that time, but it was felt 
 that the time for more extended operations along this line had come. 
 
 10 
 
The banks and the people are interdependent, and it would be difficult 
 to conceive how one could get along without the other. The Rock 
 Hill banks have always had the fullest confidence of those having 
 business relations with them; and the remembrance of many favors 
 bestowed by the banks, gives them a place in the hearts of the people 
 of this city and community. 
 
 Not a breath of suspicion has ever tarnished the fair fame of Rock 
 Hill's banks; and they have passed unscathed and without a shadow 
 of alarm through the late financial panic which swept over the country. 
 This fact alone is abundantly significant of the substantial nature of 
 Rock Hill's prosperity. 
 
 FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 
 
 The First National Bank was organized January 15, 18S7, with a 
 capital of $50,000. The officers first elected were : W. h. Roddey, 
 President; John R. London, Vice-President; W.J. Roddey, Cashier; 
 J. H. Miller, Teller. 
 
 The present capital is $75,000, with a surplus and profits of 129,000 
 and deposits amounting to |;i2i,ooo. 
 
 The following gentlemen compose the present Board of Directors: 
 \V. L. Roddey, John R. London, J. E. Roddey, A. F. Ruff, W. A. 
 Watson, W. J. Roddey and J. H. Miller. 
 
 Present Officers: W. L. Roddey, President; W. J. Roddey, Vice- 
 President; J. H, Miller, Cashier; R. Lee Kerr, Teller. 
 
 THE SAVINGS BANK. 
 
 This bank was organized in 1886, with a capital of $22, 000. It now 
 has a capital of $50,000, with surplus and profits of $28,250, and 
 deposits of $111,000. 
 
 The Board of Directors of the Savings Bank are : D. Hutchison, 
 Jno. R. London, T. L. Johnson, W. J. Rawlinson, W. C. Hutchison, 
 R. T. Fewell and Dr. T. A. Crawford. 
 
 Officers: D. Hutchison, President; Jno. R. London, Vice-President; 
 J. M. Cherry, Cashier. 
 
The foregoing figures show that both of these banks are in a 
 flourishing condition. The apartments of the First National, on the 
 first floor of the Roddey building, are tastily finished and decorated, 
 and provided with costly and elegant ofiice fixtures and furniture. 
 The Savings Bank building, on Main Street, has an iron and plate glass 
 front, and is one of the prettiest business houses in the city. Its 
 interior design, finish and furnishings are in keeping with the outside 
 appearance. 
 
 ROCK HILL REAL ESTATE AND LOAN COMPANY. 
 
 This institution was organized in 1890. Its authorized capital is 
 $100,000. Of this, 176,200 was subscribed. The par value of the shares 
 is fioo each, made payable in monthly instalments of one dollar per 
 share. The history of this company, which is but a repetition of the 
 history of the Savings Bank, shows how salaried men, and others of 
 small income, with nothing to invest, may become capitalists. It is a 
 short story, and means simply the putting aside of part of one's wages 
 or earnings, whatever can be conveniently spared, monthly, and per- 
 mitting it to accumulate and become, with other funds built up in the 
 same way, organized and efficient capital. He is thus, scarcely know- 
 ing how or why, a stockholder in a financial institution, receiving 
 dividends and at the same time building up his city. 
 
 The amount paid in by the subscribers to this company, together 
 with the earnings of the company, is now sufficient to make the stock 
 worth |ioo per share. The fully paid capital is therefore $76,200. 
 
 After thus seeing that this company has matured its stock in 
 seventy-nine months, nothing need be said about the success of the 
 plan. 
 
 The Board of Directors of this company is composed of the follow- 
 ing gentlemen : D. Hutchison, J. R. London, A. Friedheim, R. T. 
 Fewell, T. L. Johnson, W. J. Rawlinson, J. M. Cherry, M. H. Sandifer 
 and J. B. Johnson. 
 
 The Officers are: D. Hutchison, President; W. J. Rawlinson, Vice- 
 President, and J. M. Cherry, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
SOUTHERN LOAN AND INVESTMENT COMPANY. 
 
 This company was organized in 1888, and has a paid up capital of 
 175,000. Its business is buying, selling and improving real estate. 
 
 The Officers of this company are: W. L- Roddey, President; W. J. 
 Roddey, Manager. 
 
 This organization is prospering, and doing its part in building up 
 city and country. 
 
 MUTUAL HOME BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This is what its name implies, a building and loan association, and 
 is run entirely by home capital and home men. Its capital stock is 
 142,000, which is paid in instalments and loaned out to the members 
 on first mortgage real estate securities. It is doing a good business, 
 and has several comfortable and attractive little homes to its credit in 
 the city. 
 
 It was organized in May, 1892, with the following Officers : John 
 R. London, President ; J. B. Johnson, Vice-President ; R.Lee Kerr, 
 Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 • • 
 
 llneurance. 
 
 Most of the standard life insurance companies are represented by 
 live agents in Rock Hill. Life insurance has gained a prominence at 
 this point, and this field has engaged some of the best talent of the 
 city. 
 
 THE EQUITABLE IN THE CAROLINAS. 
 
 The General Agency of the Equitable for the Carolinas is located 
 at Rock Hill, and Mr. W. J. Roddey, a young man of large experience 
 and fine executive ability, is at the head. Mr. Roddey's quick rise 
 from the ranks to the head of his calling shows his worth as an 
 insurance man. In 1888, he was the local agent for the Equitable; in 
 January, 1889, he accepted the State Agency in connection with A. J. 
 Clark, of Lancaster, S. C. ; in July, 1889, he bought Clark out and 
 
 13 
 
became the General Agent for the State; in January, 1890, the State of 
 North Carolina was added to his territory, making him General Agent 
 for the Carolinas, under Geo. T. G. White, Southern Manager; in 1891, 
 the office of General Southern Manager was abolished and Mr. Roddey 
 was appointed by the home office for the Carolinas. 
 
 When Mr. Roddey went into the insurance business a new impetus 
 was given to it in this section. He has always pushed his business, 
 and is now travelling a large number of agents in his territory. He 
 has large and commodious offices in the Roddey building, which are 
 elegantly furnished, and he employs a large number of clerks, stenog- 
 raphers and assistants. 
 
 Mr. Roddey is a progresive citizen and has been prominently 
 identified with Rock Hill's history in the last decade. 
 
 NEW YORK LIFE. 
 
 This strong company is ably represented by Mr. David Hutchison, 
 and does a good business. Mr. Hutchison employs several sul)-ajjents 
 in the life insurance business. He can tell you all about life insurance 
 and can furnish a policy to suit the most fastidious. 
 
 Mr. Hutchison and Mr. W. J. Roddey each represent strong and 
 popular fire insurance companies, and do an extensive fire insurance 
 business. There are other fire insurance agents who do business in 
 the city. 
 
 je&ucationaL 
 
 THE ROCK HILL GRADED SCHOOL. 
 
 The first step in the direction of public education taken by the 
 municipal authorities of Rock Hill was the establishment of the Rock 
 Hill Graded School. The citizens, several years ago, felt that it was 
 not only important, but actually necessary that better educational 
 advantages should be provided for their children, and this feeling soon 
 crystallized in the shape of a large two-story, brick, school building, 
 with handsome superintendent's residence appurtenant. The school 
 
 14 
 
building is conveniently located on a pretty site in the southeastern 
 portion of the city, and presents a neat and attractive appearance. It 
 is commodious, well arranged and well ventilated, its construction 
 being on late improved plans; and it is suitably equipped with modern 
 school furniture and proper teaching appliances. It contains seven 
 large class rooms, with a large auditorium in the second story, capable 
 of seating several hundred people. The superintendent's residence is 
 an eight room, frame building, conveniently located on the school 
 grounds. 
 
 The first bonded indebtedness of the town was incurred for the 
 purpose of this school, it being built with the proceeds of seven thou- 
 sand dollars of town bonds, issued in 1888, supplemented by a fund of 
 fifteen hundred dollars, which was a private donation. 
 
 This school opened September 3, 1888, with one hundred and 
 twenty-five pupils. It now has a yearly enrolment of more than four 
 hundred. It teaches primary and high school branches, and confers 
 certificates. It is at present under the efficient superintendence of 
 Professor J. W. Thomson, an experienced educator, who is assisted by 
 an able complement of teachers for the different grades. 
 
 The Board of Trustees is composed of the following gentlemen : 
 Iredell Jones, Chairman ; A. E. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer; Capt. 
 W. L. Roddey, W. B. Wilson, W. S. Creighton, J. M. Cherry and Col. 
 J. J. Waters. 
 
 There are several private schools where the primary branches are 
 taught, and there is a separate graded school for colored children. It 
 is proposed also to conduct another graded school in connection with 
 the Winthrop Normal and Industrial College. 
 
 HIGH SCHOOL. 
 
 The Rock Hill High School embraces the idea of a connecting 
 link between the graded school and the college or university. It com- 
 mences where the graded school ends, and prepares students for 
 entering the higher college or university classes. It also equips them 
 
 *5 
 
for the ordinary pursuits of life. The High School building is an 
 imposing brick structure situated on Oakland Heights, commanding a 
 splendid view of the city and of the community around. It was built 
 at a cost of |22,ooo. It is equipped with a large two-story brick dor- 
 mitory, and suitable educational appliances. 
 
 This school was built by the Presbyterians of Rock Hill, assisted 
 by Bethel Presbytery. While it is thus under the special care of the 
 Presbyterian Denomination, it is not sectarian in character, and it is 
 patronized by students of other religious denominations. 
 
 This school opened with bright prospects in 1892, under the 
 Principalship of Prof. A. R. Banks, an educator of large experience. 
 It will doubtless become an important factor in the educational 
 advancement of the city. 
 
 THE WINTHROP NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE. 
 
 It will not do to say that up to this time South Carolinians have 
 neglected the higher education of women. There have for many 
 years been a number of well equipped private colleges and higher 
 institutions of learning where their daughters could be educated; but 
 it is true, nevertheless, that the State, in its corporate capacity, has, 
 until recently, completely ignored this matter. 
 
 Nothing was heard of a separate State institution for girls until 
 Hon. W. S. Hall, a member of the State Legislature from Chester 
 County, introduced a bill, in 1883, to provide for State aid in the 
 education of white women. The matter was indefinitely postponed 
 by the Legislature. 
 
 Again, in 1885, a concurrent resolution was adopted, " instructing 
 the committee on education of the two houses to prepare a plan 
 whereby suitable provision shall be made for the education of the 
 white female children of the State." This resolution resulted in 
 nothing except to expand the growing sentiment for a college for girls. 
 
 In 1886, Prof. D. B. Johnson, Superintendent of the Columbia 
 Graded Schools, being imbued with the idea of a training school for 
 
 16 
 
teachers in these schools, went North and secured from the Peabody 
 Fund an appropriation of about $2,000 for this normal school. In 
 this, he had the hearty cooperation of Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, 
 Chairman of the Trustees of the Peabody Fund, and of Dr. J. L. M. 
 Curry, the General Agent of this fund. 
 
 On November 15, 1886, the Training School for young white 
 women of South Carolina was organized at Columbia, and it was named 
 in honor of the illustrious President of the Board of the Peabody 
 Educational Fund, who was always a friend to the cause of education 
 in the South. 
 
 The first Board of Trustees of this school consisted of F. W. 
 McMaster, Chairman ; R. L. Bryan, Wm. H. Lyles, W. C. Swaffield, 
 Jno. P. Thomas, Jr., Edward S. Joynes, W. J. Duffie and D. B. Johnson. 
 
 The first Faculty was: D. B. Johnson, President; Miss M. H. 
 Leonard, Principal; Miss A. E. Bonham, Practice Teacher; Mrs. T. C. 
 Robertson, Teacher of Drawing. 
 
 Seventeen young ladies entered this school at the opening, and 
 this number grew to twenty-one, fourteen of whom finished the course 
 and received diplomas the first year. 
 
 The Winthrop Training School was chartered by the Legislature 
 in December, 1887 ; its sole declared purpose being the training of 
 teachers; and about |5,ioo was appropriated for its use by the State. 
 This, with the |2,ooo derived from the Peabody Fund, represented the 
 inadequate sum with which this institution began its work. 
 
 In July, 1890, Dr. Edward S. Joynes, of the South Carolina College, 
 in a speech at Florence, S. C, spoke of the importance of a college 
 for women, combining industrial and normal features, and said that 
 honor awaited the Governor who first recommended it, and the Legis- 
 lature by which it was created. 
 
 Hon. John Peter Richardson, while Governor, favored it in his 
 messages to the Legislature; and, when retiring from office in 1890, 
 spoke of it as a necessity, and of the neglect of proper female educa- 
 tion as a reproach to the State. 
 
Governor B. R. Tillman, in his inaugural address, delivered 
 December 4, 1890, made a strong plea for industrial education for the 
 girls of the State, and offered some very practical suggestions looking 
 to definite action. The result was that, through the aid of the Legis- 
 lature, a Commission composed of Prof. D. B. Johnson, of Columbia, 
 Miss Hannah Hemphill, of Abbeville, and Miss May L. Yeargin, of 
 Laurens, was appointed to visit the leading institutions of the North, 
 to ascertain if normal and industrial education could be profitably 
 carried on together. This Commission reported favorably, and the 
 Act of the Legislature of December, 1891, followed, creating "The 
 Winthrop Normal and Industrial College of South Carolina." Under 
 this Act the Winthrop Training School was accepted by the State and 
 merged into the College. 
 
 The Act provides for the management of the College by a Board 
 of Trustees composed of the Governor, State Superintendent of Educa- 
 tion, the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Senate and 
 House, and nine other members, seven to be elected by the Legislature, 
 and two more residing where the College is located, to be elected by 
 the Trustees. 
 
 Pursuant to the terms of the Act, the Trustees advertised for bids, 
 to be made by counties and municipalities in the vState and paid in 
 money or bonds, and were required to locate the College at the place 
 offering the greatest advantages. 
 
 Rock Hill held an election on March 27j 1893; voted a subscription 
 of |6o,ooo in bonds, guaranteed at par; donated a splendid site of 
 thirty and one-fourth acres of the best property in the corporate 
 limits ; contributed $700 in cash, and 375,000 brick, delivered, and 
 secured the prize. 
 
 No stronger testimonial of the enterprise and pluck of Rock Hill 
 can be given than to state the fact that she secured this important 
 institution in the face of the most formidable opposition, wrenching 
 it from the grasp of all her competitors among the most enterprising, 
 populous and wealthy cities of the State. 
 
The College building, just completed, is the finest of its kind in 
 the South, and would be a credit to any city. It is situated in Oakland, 
 one of Rock Hill's most delightful suburbs, on an eminence overlook- 
 ing the city; and in the beauty of its architectural design, as well as in 
 the convenience of its arrangement in matters of detail, cannot be 
 excelled. It fronts on Oakland Avenue, an elegant driveway, and on 
 either wing the plan is for a large brick dormitory, though only one 
 of these has been completed. The dormitory that has been finished is 
 fitted up with all modern conveniences, and the comfort of the young 
 ladies has received most careful consideration in its arrangements and 
 appliances. The College has a complete system of water works of its 
 own. Macadamized driveways extend all around the College grounds. 
 The cost of the buildings and equipments will, completed, approxi- 
 mate a quarter of a million dollars. 
 
 As the name of the College indicates, it is an institution where 
 South Carolina girls may be educated, while trained at the same time 
 in the industrial arts, and where they may be fitted for the noble 
 profession of teaching. In the language of its efficient President, D. 
 B. Johnson, "The institution will aim to join the 'cultured mind' with 
 the 'skilful hand,' and have both dominated by the 'good heart.' " 
 
 A system of scholarships has been provided for the College, and it 
 will be liberally supported by the State. The expenses of board, 
 tuition and incidentals will be small; and no tuition will be required 
 from pupils who are unable to pay. 
 
 When the second dormitory shall have been finished, between five 
 and six hundred young ladies can be accommodated. 
 
 The College opened October 15, of the present year, and more than 
 three hundred applications for admission have been made. 
 
 This article will show that President D. B. Johnson has always 
 been identified with the history of the College. He is a scholarly and 
 polished gentleman, with the cause of higher female education 
 thoroughly at heart, and the Board has acted wisely in placing him at 
 
 '9 
 
the head of the faculty. The entire faculty is an able one, made up 
 of the best talent in the country. 
 
 The following gentlemen constitute the present Board of Trustees: 
 John Gary Evans, Governor; W. D. Mayfield, Superintendent of Edu- 
 cation ; W. A. Brown, Chairman of Senate Committee on Education ; 
 J. E. Ellerbee, Chairman of House Committee on Education; J. E. 
 Brazeale, E. S. Joynes, W. N. Elder, D. W. McLaurin, A. C. Fuller, 
 A. H. Patterson, H. B. Buist, B. R. Tillman, W. J. Roddey and T. A. 
 Crawford. 
 
 Such is a brief outline sketch of this noble institution, which is 
 the pride of the State. Further comment is unnecessary. It marks a 
 new era for South Carolina womanhood. The State has gloriously 
 redeemed herself, and Rock Hill is delighted with the honor of having 
 contributed to the result. 
 
 fiDoral an& IRcUgtoue* 
 
 Rock Hill is a well-behaved place. The people are sober and 
 peaceable, and society is high-toned and moral. The rum traffic was 
 forever blotted from Rock Hill's history in the year i88t, when by a 
 special act of the Legislature, the sale of intoxicating liquors was 
 prohibited. The young men of the city are thus removed from 
 temptation, and are usually employed in some honorable business. 
 They have higher ideals of living than such as the cup of pleasure 
 affords, and are mostly young men of affairs. 
 
 Rock Hill people go to church; and there are, among the white 
 people, churches for four denominations : Presbyterian, Methodist, 
 Baptist and Episcopalian. Two factory chapels have been erected 
 under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, known respectively as 
 "White Memorial " and "Jennings " Chapels. There are about an 
 equal number of churches for colored people. 
 
 Members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church worship 
 in one of the city halls. This denomination will erect an attractive 
 house of worship in the city at an early day. 
 
The Presbyterians, only a few months ago, finished a handsome 
 new church on Main Street. It is beautiful in design, convenient and 
 comfortable, and is an ornament to the city. It was built at a cost of 
 1 1 2,000. The Presbyterian denomination is the strongest in the city, 
 having a membership of over four hundred and eighty. 
 
 The Baptists have also recently built a pretty and inviting little 
 church, which is pleasantly situated on Hampton Street. 
 
 The Methodist congregation will enlarge and improve its present 
 house of worship. 
 
 A spirit of harmony prevails in all the churches, and they are in a 
 prosperous condition, keeping pace with the city's general advance- 
 ment. 
 
 • • 
 
 Ibcaltb. 
 
 Rock Hill is situated near the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains 
 on the highest elevation between Columbia and Charlotte, being 668 
 feet above tide water. The water is pure free-stone, and there are no 
 malarial troubles. The city is kept scrupulously clean, and the best 
 sanitary regulations are rigidly enforced. 
 
 Hence the health of the city has always been good, and no epi- 
 demics or diseases of an endemic character have ever been known. 
 
 MINERAL SPRINGS. 
 
 There are several mineral springs in the vicinity of Rock Hill, but 
 the most noted is the one known as "Steele's Spring," owned by John 
 G. Steele, of Rock Hill, and situated a short distance beyond the 
 corporate limits. It has been analyzed, and contains valuable medici- 
 nal ingredients, among which are magnesium, sodium, sulphates, 
 silica, alumina, calcium and potassium. 
 
 Mr. Steele has the spring neatly fitted up, and daily supplies a 
 large number of the citizens with water. This water is most beneficial 
 in cases of dyspepsia and kidney diseases, and its curative qualities 
 have made for it a reputation abroad, orders for shipments being often 
 received by the owner. 
 
^be people- 
 
 The people of Rock Hill are unique, and the only way to know 
 them thoroughly is to come and mingle with them. Their predomi- 
 nant characteristic is, perhaps, the belief that nothing is too good for 
 them, and nothing unattainable. They are not disciples of the school 
 whose maxim is, " Blessed are those who expect nothing." Theirs is, 
 " Blessed are those who expect the best of all that is good," and the 
 truth of this dogma of theirs is in the fact that they have had many 
 good things and are sure of "more." What they do get is obtained 
 fairly, and as a consequence of labor and a laudable ambition. They 
 are not wanting in any of the valuable traits which are peculiar to a 
 refined and cultured people. 
 
 Here is what has been said of the people by an outsider: "Although 
 Rock Hill owes its progress so far entirely to Southern enterprise and 
 energy, its people are not at all narrow-minded or illiberal. Desirable 
 citizens, from whatever section, will here find a most cordial welcome. 
 They are offered the highest and purest moral, social, educational and 
 religious, as well as first-class business advantages. The courteous 
 hospitality with which the Rock Hill people have ever treated her 
 guests has become proverbial, and not a single blot is on her fair name." 
 
 RESIDENCES AND BUSINESS HOUSES. 
 
 The people of Rock Hill do not all live in gilded palaces, or even 
 in mansions. There are nevertheless many costly and handsome 
 residences, and the people generally are comfortably and attractively 
 housed. More attention is being paid to fine residences than ever 
 before, and many splendid homes are now building in the new site of 
 Oakland, spoken of elsewhere. 
 
 The business houses are all of brick, large, comely and convenient; 
 and some of the store-rooms of Rock Hill are as large and present as 
 attractive an interior as those of any city in the State. 
 
 22 
 
*lLo&0e0. 
 
 There are lodges of different orders in Rock Hill as follows: 
 Masonic, Knights of Honor, Legion of Honor, Knights of Pythias, 
 Order of the Golden Chain, and Woodmen of the World. All of these 
 lodges have good memberships. 
 
 Catawba Club. 
 
 This is the leading social organization of the city. It is regularly 
 chartered, has apartments elegantly fitted up and furnished, with 
 reading and sitting rooms and a billiard and pool room. It is supplied 
 with periodicals and the leading daily papers. It is governed by a 
 rigid code of laws, and the strictest decorum is required on its premises. 
 
 There are Chautauquan and other literary societies in the city. 
 
 • • 
 
 Ibotele. 
 
 Very often an object is good, bad or indifferent, according to the 
 point of view from which it is considered ; and doubtless that large 
 class of travelling men who have to do with hotels will be disposed to 
 base their estimate of a place, to some extent, upon its hotel accom- 
 modations. And doubtless, too, a hotel is often a correct index to the 
 character of a town or city. There is an inspiration of progressiveness 
 about a live town, and a hotel must catch it or be lost in the race of 
 life. Rock Hill has never suffered because of her hotel accommodations. 
 
 Located in a section where the most delicious beef, pork and 
 mutton can be had for "a song," and where milk and butter and eggs 
 and fat chickens are cheap and plentiful, and where every wagon from 
 the country is a portable market in itself for supplying the wants of 
 the city, no difficulty is had in procuring and preparing edible and 
 palatable dishes for the table. Hence Rock Hill has always had the 
 reputation of feeding guests. 
 
 23 
 
THE CAROLINA. 
 
 While the cuisine of this hotel is always of a high standard, its 
 management realizes that "man does not live by bread alone," and 
 that there are many other matters necessary to the make-up of a first- 
 class hotel. Mr. A. H. Greene, of the Carolina, is a master of the art, 
 and knows exactly what is required in the business. The hotel build- 
 ing is of brick, three stories high, situated on Main Street within a 
 stone's throw of the passenger depot of the Southern Railway. It is 
 an imposing structure, and contains forty elegantly and comfortably 
 furnished rooms. It is equipped with electric call bells, speaking tubes, 
 telephone, baths, etc. Competent servants administer to the comfort 
 of the guests, and experienced cooks are in charge of the culinary 
 department. 
 
 The hunting privileges of the Carolina are worthy of more than a 
 passing notice. This section offers peculiar and special advantages 
 for sportsmen, and these advantages are improved by many Northern 
 gentlemen, who visit Rock Hill during the winter months. The 
 Carolina Hotel posesses shooting privileges for its guests over 12,000 
 acres of land; and for persons fond of quail and snipe shooting, a 
 veritable paradise is here found. It is not unusual for two good shots 
 to bag from 60 to 75 quail in a day. Woodcock is also found here; and 
 thousands of geese and ducks have their haunts, in winter, along the 
 Catawba River, within a convenient distance of the city. 
 
 The first floor of the hotel building is occupied by the hotel office, 
 
 the First National Bank, and the large and pretty store of the Roddey 
 
 Mercantile Company. This building was erected by Captain W. L. 
 
 Roddey, in 1888, at a cost of $18,000. It is known as the "Roddey 
 
 Building." 
 
 THE CENTRAL. 
 
 This is a two-story hotel conveniently located on Main Street, and 
 
 is conducted by Mrs. M. Sadler. This hotel is well kept, but does not 
 
 cater for the transient trade, being principally devoted to regular 
 
 boarders. 
 
 24 
 

 ' — ' — '^ 'li—.ji^jBj^^^^Mr 
 
 ^^r— — 
 
 ^^HIN^H^I^^^^^^^^^^,' ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 ■^^1 
 
 _^jj^g 
 
 . ^MB^Mw' 
 
 "~" ;fP^ 
 
 1 
 
 ■ '^'S^r 1 
 
Besides these, there are a number of private boarding houses in 
 the city where good board can be had at low rates, and Rock Hill can 
 always take care of her guests. When necessary for their accommo- 
 dation, the hospitable homes of the citizens are thrown open to 
 strangers and a welcome given. 
 
 fIDarftet- 
 
 Rock Hill has always held high rank as a cotton market, and yields 
 not to Charlotte, Augusta, or any other point on the Charlotte, Colum- 
 bia and Augusta Railroad, in the price paid. On account of her cotton 
 factories consuming a large proportion of the cotton raised in this 
 section, the price is often greater than can be realized on shipments, 
 giving an advantage both to the city and the cotton growers around. 
 
 A lively market is also afforded for the sale of all kinds of produce; 
 and truck farming in this section, still in its incipiency, presents an 
 inviting field to such as have tastes leading them in that direction. 
 
 • • 
 
 flDanufacturlng* 
 
 COTTON. 
 
 "Cotton mills among the cotton fields" used to be a theory, but is 
 now become a condition. As to the manufacture of the coarser grades 
 of cotton fabrics, New England's occupation is gone, and the business 
 now belongs to " Dixie-land." More capital and skilled labor are all 
 that are needed to place the South on the topmost round of cotton 
 manufacturing of every grade and quality. 
 
 Rock Hill, a number of years ago, believed that the conditions for 
 cotton spinning and weaving in the Piedmont Belt were favorable; 
 thought that the business could be done by steam power, made the 
 experiment and proved the wisdom of her speculations. 
 
 This was among the first towns in the State to build a cotton mill, 
 and the success of Rock Hill's first mill— the Rock Hill Cotton Fac- 
 
tory — was such that others followed and are still following in rapid 
 succession. 
 
 All of Rock Hill's factories have made money; two of the three in 
 operation have paid dividends, and the third could have done so had 
 not its earnings been applied to improving its machinery and enlarging 
 the plant. Besides these benefits to the stockholders, the indirect 
 advantages accruing to the city in the large amount of money thrown 
 into the channels of trade, and to planters of the country around in 
 having a better market for their cotton and other products, are not to 
 be passed unnoticed. 
 
 Rock Hill has profited in the various ways suggested, and she is 
 still pushing forward on the lines begun, feeling assured that her 
 conquests are not yet complete in this field. 
 
 THE ROCK HILL COTTON FACTORY. 
 
 This mill was incorporated in the year 1880, and began operations 
 the year following. The capital stock is |ioo,ooo, divided into shares 
 of the par value of |ioo. The factory building is a large and attractive 
 two-story brick structure, conveniently located near the intersection 
 of the Southern and Ohio River and Charleston Railroads, with each 
 of which roads it has rail connections for the purposes of receiving 
 and delivering freight. It was devoted exclusively to spinning up to 
 1894, when the Directors decided to put in looms, and it now has 8,000 
 spindles and 200 looms. The value of this plant at present is 1175,000. 
 It consumes about 2,500 bales of cotton per annum, and its products 
 are yarns and white goods— shirtings, sheetings and drills. Its 
 products find a ready market at the North. It employs 175 hands, and 
 its weekly pay-roll is about I625. 
 
 This mill is running regularly, and it pays its stockholders an 
 annual dividend of seven per cent. 
 
 Its Board of Directors are: A. E. Hutchison, A. H. White, W. L. 
 Roddey, J. R. London, W. B. Fewell, F. J. Pelzer, of Charleston, and 
 Jno. Gill, of Baltimore. 
 
 Officers: A. E. Hutchison, President; D. Hutchison, Secretary, 
 
 26 
 
STANDARD COTTON MILL. 
 
 This factory furnishes an object lesson on what can be done in 
 factory building by the instalment plan. The authorized capital is 
 1150,000 ; made payable by the stockholders in instalments of fifty 
 cents per week on each share. The mill was organized in March, 1888, 
 and $71,000 of the capital stock was immediately subscribed. Funds 
 were secured by the directors, and the building of the mill was com- 
 menced shortly after the organization. The plant was ready and 
 operations were commenced February 29, 1889, with 200 looms, weav- 
 ing alone being the business of this factory. In 1891, the number of 
 looms was increased to 300 ; and this number was again increased, in 
 1892 and 1893, to 486, The present value of the plant is $150,000. The 
 products of this mill are fine gingham goods, shirtings, towels, etc., 
 and the value of the yearly output is $300,000. It employs 280 hands, 
 and has a weekly pay-roll of j^i,ioo. 
 
 The subscribed capital was fully paid several years ago; additional 
 stock has since been subscribed and paid, and the value of the plant 
 largely increased, as appears above. It is now paying to its stock- 
 holders a ten per cent, annual dividend. This factory occupies a large 
 two-story brick building in the eastern suburbs of the city, near the 
 Ohio River and Charleston Railroad, with which it has a rail connection. 
 
 The Board of Directors are : W. L. Roddey, A. Friedheim, J. R. 
 London, R. T. Fewell, J. B. Johnson, W. J. Roddey, W. J. Rawlinson, 
 T. A. Crawford, A. E. Smith. 
 
 OflScers : Jno. R. London, President and Treasurer; P. C. Poag, 
 Secretary. 
 
 Only one change has been made among the ofiicers of this mill 
 •ince its organization, and that has been on account of death. 
 
 GLOBE MILL. 
 
 The Globe is a spinning and weaving mill, and has 7,380 spindles 
 and 320 looms. It occupies a one-story brick building, 375 feet long 
 
 27 
 
and I20 feet wide, situated on the Southern Railway, in the south- 
 eastern portion of the city. 
 
 This mill was chartered in 1889, its authorized capital being |ioo,- 
 000. Of this amount, 195,000 was immediately subscribed and paid, 
 and the factory commenced operations in 1890. The plant is now 
 valued at |i 10,000. Its products are yarns and fine dress ginghams. 
 It consumes 1,800 bales of cotton per annum, 325 operatives are 
 employed, and the weekly pay-roll amounts to |i,200. 
 
 This factory has been profitably operated, but its earnings have 
 been applied to improvements and new machinery, and not to paying 
 dividends. The products of both the Globe and Standard Mills find a 
 ready sale in the Northern markets. 
 
 The Directors of the Globe are : W. L. Roddey, A. Friedheim, J. 
 R. London, A. E. Smith, A. F. Ruff, R. T. Fewell and J. N. Trainer. 
 
 Ofiicers : John R. London, President and Treasurer ; P. C. Poag, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 THE ARCADE MILL. 
 
 Here again is an object lesson, showing what one live, energetic, 
 ambitious citizen can accomplish in a community ; for it cannot be 
 gainsaid that Mr. R. T. Fewell is the leading spirit in this enterprise, 
 and that its assured success is due largely to his indomitable pluck and 
 perseverance. In fact, it is known as the " Fewell Mill," and the 
 honor is well merited. 
 
 The authorized capital of this mill is $200,000, and |ioo,ooo has 
 already been subscribed and paid. The building of the mill and 
 houses for the hands has already commenced, and it is estimated that 
 the plant will be finished and ready for operations by the first of Feb- 
 ruary, 1896. The factory building will be of brick, two stories, and 
 will be 226 feet long and 79 feet wide. The mill will begin work with 
 6,500 spindles and 180 looms. It is estimated that it will consume 
 between 1,800 and 2,000 bales of cotton per annum, employ about 200 
 hands, and have a weekly pay-roll of between |8oo and ^1,000. This 
 mill will manufacture gray goods of the kind used for converters. 
 
 28 
 
These goods will be shipped to the Northern markets, where there is 
 always a demand for them. 
 
 The Board of Directors are: R. T. Fewell, J. M. Cherry, T. L. 
 Johnson, W. J. Roddey, W. J. Rawlinson, T. A. Crawford, Julius 
 Friedheim. Mr. R. T. Fewell is President and Treasurer. 
 
 THE MANCHESTER MILL. 
 
 Here is another achievement of a plucky man with brains in his 
 head. It is Mr. J. R. Barron's handsome tribute to a live city. That 
 Mr. Fewell and Mr. Barron, each of whom are still on the sunny side 
 of life's meridian, should have had the hardihood to set out to build 
 two cotton factories, in the same municipality, in sight of each other, 
 and this on the heels of a panic that has seriously damaged the cotton 
 milling interests all over the country, is a straw to show how the wind 
 blows. It shows that there is life in this old land yet, that there is 
 faith in Rock Hill, and that cotton manufacturing properly belongs to 
 the land "where the cotton whitens beneath the stars." 
 
 The Manchester will be a three-story building, and will present a 
 handsome appearance when completed. Work has already been 
 begun, and the plant will be ready for operations in the Spring of 1896. 
 
 The capital invested is $125,000, and it will begin with 7,000 
 spindles and 200 looms. It will consume between 1,800 and 2,000 bales 
 of cotton yearly, will employ about 200 hands, and the weekly pay-roll 
 will be between $750 and |i,ooo. The products will be yarns and 
 white goods. 
 
 The Board of Directors are: J. R. Barron, W. L. Roddey, J. Freid- 
 heim, J. B. Johnson, W. J. Roddey, R. L. Campbell, of Clover, S. C, 
 E. Milheiser, of Richmond, Va., and Robert H. Wylie, of New York. 
 
 Mr. J. R. Barron is President and Treasurer, 
 
 THE ROCK HILL BUGGY COHPANY. 
 
 This corporation was chartered in 1886, and has a capital stock of 
 |75,ooo. It does a yearly business of from sixty to seventy-five 
 thousand dollars; employs 65 men ; travels two men on the road all 
 
 2l^ 
 
the time, and sells vehicles all through the South and West. It 
 employs the latest improved modern machinery. Its immense plant 
 covers four acres. This is one of the gigantic institutions of Rock 
 Hill, and its vehicles have made for it an enviable reputation wherever 
 they have been introduced. 
 
 The Directors are: A. R. Smith, J. M. Cherry, D. Hutchison, A. 
 D. Holler, Sam Friedheim, W. J. Roddey, T. A. Crawford, Frel Mobley 
 and Jno. G. Anderson. 
 
 Officers: A. R. Smith, President ; D. Hutchison, Vice-President ; 
 J. M. Cherry, Treasurer; John G. Anderson, Manager. 
 
 DOOR, SASH AND BLIND. 
 
 The L. Iv. Clyburn Door, Sash and Blind Factory is not to be over- 
 looked. The name of this factory sufficiently indicates its object. 
 Captain L. Iv. Clyburn is sole proprietor, and the capital invested is 
 $20,000. About 25 hands are employed, and the weekly pay-roll is 
 something like a hundred dollars. This factory contracts also to 
 build houses. 
 
 PIEDMONT TOBACCO WORKS. 
 
 This factory was chartered the present year, and is in operation at 
 present with a full force of hands. It is authorized under its charter 
 to engage in the manufacture of tobacco in every conceivable form. 
 Its authorized capital is $40,000, the greater part of which has been 
 subscribed and paid. This factory is at present engaged exclusively 
 in the manufacture of plug and twist tobacco, and it turns out several 
 grades, its products comparing favorably with those of experienced 
 manufacturers of the tobacco states. It will consume 250,000 pounds 
 of crude tobacco yearly, and the proceeds from its annual products 
 will not fall short of 130,000. It employs 100 hands, and has a weekly 
 pay-roll of $300. It employs both skilled and unskilled labor, hence 
 there is much difference in the wages paid. Expert rollers are paid 
 from $10 to $15 per week. 
 
 30 
 
This factory is located in Rock Hill because of the recent extensive 
 operations in tobacco culture in this section; of which something will 
 be hereafter stated. It has bright promises of success. Mr. Philip 
 Taylor, an experienced tobacconist, formerly of North Carolina, is in 
 charge as President. 
 
 The Board of Directors are : Philip Taylor, Dr. T. A. Crawford, 
 John R. London, W. J. Roddey, J. B. Johnson, D. Hutchison and Frel 
 
 Mobley. MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING. 
 
 In addition to the manufacturing industries thus briefly described, 
 there are others worthy of mention. There are machine shops which 
 are doing a prosperous business, in connection with which is an iron 
 foundry. 
 
 The Egypt Canning Company cans vegetables and fruits, and its 
 products are of a high grade and find ready sale in the home market 
 as well as abroad. 
 
 There are tile and brick factories, which make most of the brick 
 used in Rock Hill and are kept busily employed. 
 
 There are flouring mills which produce a fine quality of flour from 
 wheat raised in this section, the products being sold in competition 
 with those of Western mills. 
 
 Superior saddles and harness are manufactured, and orders for 
 these articles from different parts of the State are filled. 
 
 A movement is on foot for the establishment of a cotton seed oil 
 mill, which is a possibility of the near future. Rock Hill has already 
 had an oil mill, but the plant was recently destroyed by fire. Its 
 success when in operation was sufficient to induce the building of 
 another, which will soon be accomplished. 
 
 LANDS=FORD ELECTRIC POWER PLANT. 
 
 One of the mammoth enterprises which promises much for Rock 
 Hill is the certain early development of the water-power at the Lands- 
 Ford P'alls of the Catawba River, than which there is probably no 
 greater in the Union. These falls cover a wide space of ground, and 
 
onsequently the rise in freshets is never great. The drainage area 
 above Lands-Ford is about 3,425 square miles, hence these ample water 
 powers are continuous. 
 
 In 1820, the State of South Carolina built a canal nearly two miles 
 long, covering the distance around these falls, for boating purposes. 
 This canal was built at a large expense, and still shows evidences of 
 superior masonry in its construction. It is still standing, and with a 
 little repairing, can be made to render good service in carrying water 
 for turning mills. It was built of granite obtained from quarries near 
 by, and plenty of granite is still there to serve its part in factory 
 building. At the head of this canal a curved dam of loose rock, 4^ 
 feet high, now extends across to an island, a distance of about 1,500 
 feet. This dam raises the water only about 2^ feet. The fall in 
 this canal, exclusive of the guard-lock, is about 35 feet; with a tight 
 dam six or eight feet high at the head of the canal, a fall of 40 feet 
 can be obtained. 
 
 A responsible engineer, after a thorough examination, estimates 
 that 15,000 horse-power can be developed at this place at a compara- 
 tively small cost. In addition to this, there are many natural advantges 
 to be considered, such as freedom from ice stoppage in winter; splendid 
 factory sites, with rock foundations for buildings and machinery; the 
 best building materials immediately at hand; no reservoir to watch, etc. 
 
 This water-power is situated at a distance of fifteen miles from 
 Rock Hill, southeast, and is controlled by Rock Hill capitalists. A 
 company has been organized and operations will be commenced at an 
 early day, and it is expected that the plant will be completed and 
 ready for business in the Spring of 1896. Ihe plan of its promoters 
 is to establish a large electric power plant at Lands-Ford and transmit 
 electricity to Rock Hill for the supply of the various factories and 
 machinery here located. It is estimated that 2,500 horse-power can be 
 delivered at Rock Hill from a plant built at a cost of $250,000, and the 
 company has already a guaranty of having to supply 2,000 horse-power 
 to Rock Hill manufacturers at the price of |30,ooo per annum. 
 
 32 
 
\ 
 
 u 
 
 Mf- 
 
 m^ 
 
In addition to the enterprise already outlined, this company will 
 build cotton and other factories on the river, and will sell factory sites 
 to persons or companies who wish to avail themselves of the many 
 fine advantages offered. 
 
 A writer, in speaking of this subject, shows the superior advan- 
 tages of Lands-Ford by comparison with other places, and particularly 
 with Augusta, Ga. He says: 
 
 "The canal at Augusta is seven miles long, and has cost $822,000. 
 The price paid for the use of the power, undeveloped, is $5-50 per 
 annum, for each horse power. There are about 160,000 spindles and 
 about 4,000 looms in operation up to this date in that enterprising and 
 attractive city. This grand canal and power is the source of Augusta's 
 growth and industrial prosperity; from the point of view of an invest- 
 ment, it is proper to state that the canal's annual rentals show an 
 income of 10 per cent, on its total cost. 
 
 "A manufacturing and power company will be able to locate, along 
 one and one-fourth miles of this proposed canal at Lands-Ford, six 
 separate mills and mill villages, with a total of 200,000 spindles and 
 5,000 looms, and furnish water to turn their wheels, on an outlay of 
 about |8o,ooo, which is less than one-tenth the outlay at Augusta, and 
 can furnish additional power for electrical purposes." 
 
 O O 
 
 ^Tobacco Culture* 
 
 In the year 1893, tobacco growing was attempted on a small scale 
 in this section as an experiment. Several farmers of the community 
 joined together, each planting small areas, and the services of T. S. 
 Groome, an experienced tobacco raiser of North Carolina, were secured. 
 The test was sufficient to insure more extensive planting the second 
 year, and Mr. Frel Mobley, a live and energetic young Rock Hillian, 
 who knows a good thing when he sees it, took Mr. Groome into 
 co-partnership and planted a large area in tobacco. These young men 
 were successful, and realized a neat profit from their crop of 1894. There 
 
 33 
 
was no longer a doubt as to the advantages of tobacco raising in this 
 section; and Messrs. Mobley and Groome this year manage and control 
 two hundred acres of land planted in tobacco, distributed between 
 Catawba and Bethsda Townships. Their crop is a good average one, 
 and will yield about 700 pounds per acre, of fine texture and good 
 color. They have employed four expert curers for the present crop, 
 and have arranged for fifteen experienced graders to grade the crop 
 before it is placed on the market. They will have between thirty-five 
 and forty thousand pounds ready for market b}^ the first day of Novem- 
 ber, and are assured of a very handsome profit from the present crop. 
 Messrs. Mobley and Groome are well provided with barns, flues, ware- 
 houses, stripping rooms and cellars. 
 
 Besides the acreage cultiv&ted by these gentlemen, there are about 
 one hundred acres cultivated by others, making about three hundred 
 acres employed in tobacco culture. The success of this experiment 
 has been so great, and the proceeds to be realized from the present 
 crop will be so large, that the tobacco acreage of 1896 will probably be 
 double that of this year. 
 
 The loamy, sandy soil of this section is specially adapted to the 
 production of wrappers, and the leaves are lemon and bright yellow in 
 color. Experts who have examined the tobacco, say that the quality 
 cannot be excelled anywhere. The best grade sells for $75.00 per 
 hundred pounds, and the average price realized from a crop is from 10 
 to 12}4. cents per pound. 
 
 A comparison of the foregoing figures with those presented in 
 cotton raising makes the importance of this industry apparent. Expe- 
 rienced tobacco planters, who have also engaged in raising cotton, say 
 that the cost per acre of raising a tobacco crop is only four dollars 
 more than the cost per acre of raising a cotton crop. The profits from 
 a tobacco farm, where properly managed, are easily double and some- 
 times triple what the profits of the same farm would be in cotton. So 
 that the kingship of cotton is in peril; and this other product, which 
 may now be regarded as staple in this section, is bidding for the 
 supremacy with every indication in its favor. 
 
 34 
 
Xat>or an^ Magee- 
 
 Some idea of the amount of wages paid to the laborer will doubtless 
 be gathered from the preceding pages. Unskilled labor is practically 
 represented by colored people, and skilled labor by white. Unskilled 
 labor receives from 75 cents to |i.oo per day, while skilled labor is 
 paid from I1.50 to $4.00 per day. Laborers all find plenty of work, 
 and none are idle from necessity. 
 
 IReal leetate. 
 
 ROCK HILL LAND AND TOWN SITE COMPANY. 
 
 The increasing demand for dwelling houses and building sites in 
 Rock Hill a few years ago impressed some of her enterprising citizens 
 with the imperative necessity of providing for these exigencies of a 
 growing municipality. Hence the Rock Hill Land and Town Site 
 Company was organized in 1891, with the following Directors : W. B. 
 Wilson, President; R. T. Fewell, Vice-President; W. L. Roddey, 
 Treasurer; J. M. Cherry, Secretary; Jno. J. Hemphill. 
 
 This company purchased a large body of land adjacent to that 
 part of the city which was already built up and improved, most of 
 which was within, but some without the corporate limits. This prop- 
 erty is situated north of the business portion of the city, on a high 
 elevation, and could not have been better selected for the purpose 
 intended. The Town Site Company has a capital of |ioo,ooo, and they 
 have spared no expense necessary to the improvement of this property. 
 Broad streets and drive-ways have been graded through the property 
 and named ; lots have been surveyed and numbered ; and descriptive 
 maps have been published, showing outlines, streets, measurements, 
 lots, sites, etc. A public park, intersected with drive-ways and con- 
 taining a pleasure pavilion, is one of the attractions, and it all goes to 
 make up the pleasing little village of Oakland. 
 
 35 
 
OAKLAND. 
 
 "Going out to Oakland" is a popular expression in Rock Hill, and 
 the city is becoming so fond of drifting in that direction that the City- 
 Street Railway, which extends through and connects Oakland with the 
 business section, is destined before long to reap a rich harvest. In 
 fact, the Street Railway is a product of Oakland and has had the same 
 promoters. The Industrial College and the High School are situated 
 in Oakland, in sight of each other, and large and beautiful residences 
 are springing up all over this lovely suburban village. 
 
 Oakland is the work of the Town Site Company, and the success 
 of this venture proves the wisdom of its promoters. 
 
 This company held a public auction of city lots on the 3d and 4th 
 days of July, 1891, when a number of lots were sold. It has still many 
 valuable building lots, which are offered at, reasonable rates. This 
 property is certain to enhance in value ; and there can be no doubt 
 about the growth of Oakland as a part of Rock Hill, and on account 
 of the special educational advantages afforded. 
 
 IREDELL LAND COMPANY. 
 
 This company was organized in 1893, with a capital of |;io,ooo. It 
 owns fifty-four acres of the most desirable residential property in Rock 
 Hill, situated in the eastern portion of the city and commanding a 
 splendid view of the city and the country around. Its property has 
 been laid off into lots and streets, is now on the market, and lots can 
 be purchased at reasonable rates. This company was a competitor 
 with the Town Site Company for the location of the Normal and 
 Industrial College, and gave its rival a close race for this institution. 
 
 Its property is beautifully situated, is undulating and well-drained, 
 and has good water. High-toned and substantial gentlemen are the 
 promoters of this organization, and they take pleasure in showing 
 their properties to visitors to the city. 
 
 The Officers are : Iredell Jones, President ; Frel Mobley, Vice- 
 President ; D. Hutchison, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 36 
 
CITY LOTS. 
 
 It is but natural that real estate should have advanced in prices in 
 
 Rock Hill in view of the rapid growth of the place ; but taking into 
 
 consideration all of the advantages accruing to the citizen residing 
 
 here, the prices are still quite reasonable. Good residence property 
 
 in a desirable location, wdth a depth of from i8o to 200 feet can be 
 
 purchased at from three to five dollars per front foot; of course, the 
 
 best residence property sells at a much higher rate. Lots of the same 
 
 depth in the business portion of the city sell at from $50 to ^100 per 
 
 front foot. There is never a period when the sale of lots is not going 
 
 on, steadily and oftentimes rapidly, as the city is building up and 
 
 expanding. 
 
 FARfl LANDS. 
 
 The farm lands in this section are various in character, and always 
 fertile and productive. To the north and west of Rock Hill the lands 
 have mostly clay and mulatto sub-soils, and their fertility is capable 
 of being greatly increased. These lands are adapted to the raising of 
 cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, oats, rye, clover and the grasses. To the 
 south and east, the lands are sandy and black-jack. While a few 
 years ago these black-jack lands were regarded as of little value, on 
 account of their liability to produce "rust" on growing cotton, the use 
 of potash has fully redeemed and reclaimed the greater part of them, 
 and they are now regarded as the best farming lands in the country. 
 Some of these black-jack lands produce corn equal to that which 
 grows on the richest alluvial bottoms. 
 
 The sandy lands in this section are productive of cotton; and are 
 specially adapted to the raising of tobacco, as is shown elsewhere in 
 this manual. 
 
 Little attention has been paid to the cultivation of the grasses 
 here, but large quantities of hay are gathered from the volunteer 
 growth of numerous meadow lands. Stock, cattle and sheep raising 
 has received some attention ; and the raising of hogs has come to be 
 regarded as an indispensable part of farm operations. 
 
 37 
 
IReal jeetate Broherage. 
 
 The Rock Hill Real Estate Agency was established in 1894. Prior 
 to this time, such a business as a real estate brokerage was unknown 
 in the city. There were land companies and renting agents, and 
 agents who represented others on a small scale in the sale of real 
 estate; but the brokerage feature was entirely new, and in most cases 
 each individual or company acted for himself or itself in the purchase 
 and sale of real estate. 
 
 The time, however, had come for a change; and necessity became 
 the mother of the land brokerage business. Extensive operations in 
 real estate demanded that there must be an intelligence bureau where 
 people could go to learn of it. A live and growing city must have real 
 estate to sell, and there must be some one whose business it is to sell 
 it. It was on this economical principle of a proper distribution of 
 labor that this agency was founded and is succeeding. It serves its 
 patrons as vendor or purchaser; and buys options on real estate when 
 desired. In a word, it is engaged in everything pertaining to the real 
 estate business in all of its ramifications. 
 
 This agency is the affair of W. J. Cherry, and is under his sole 
 management. 
 
 HOMES FOR IMMIGRANTS. 
 
 The Rock Hill Real Estate Agency is not limited in its operations 
 to the City of Rock Hill, but controls the sale of large quantities of 
 land in York County, and the adjacent Counties of Lancaster and 
 Chester. These lands embrace many distinct tracts,- some of which 
 are contiguous to each other, and special inducements are offered to 
 colonies of immigrants who are desirous of settling in the same neigh- 
 borhood. A large area of fine farming lands in the Waxhaw section 
 of Lancaster County, and along the east bank of the Catawba River, 
 in the Counties of Lancaster and York, can be bought on easy terms 
 at prices ranging from five dollars per acre upwards. These lands are 
 in a healthy section of country, some of them finely timbered, and all 
 
 38 
 
conveniently located near the Ohio River and Charleston, and Georgia, 
 Carolina and Northern Railroads. The low prices at which these lands 
 can be bought are due to the sparse population of their locality, and 
 the scarcity of money which has tied up all interests all over the coun- 
 try for the past few years. They would be cheap at double the prices 
 asked, and are certain to enhance in value as population increases 
 and farming interests are improved. They compare favorably in 
 fertility with the best lands in Lancaster County, and are adapted to 
 the growing of cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, oats, clover and other 
 crops. While some of these lands are in Lancaster County, they are 
 nearer to Rock Hill than to the town of Lancaster, and Rock Hill is 
 the market for produce raised in that vicinity. 
 
 Farmers of the Northwest, who have failed on account of adverse 
 conditions, and who desire homes where their labors will be crowned 
 with a proper reward, will do well to turn their footsteps in this direc- 
 tion. The Piedmont Section is sure to become the garden spot of the 
 American Continent, and those who cast their lots here, under these 
 auspicious Southern skies, will bless the day that decided their choice. 
 
 Factory sites and valuable water-powers are for sale by this agency, 
 and its manager is always delighted to correspond with manufacturers 
 who desire a location. 
 
 REAL ESTATE.— RENTING. 
 
 Col. John J. Waters is the pioneer in this business, and now does 
 the renting and collecting of rents for the city. He is an intelligent, 
 courteous and affable gentleman, and if renting be your business, you 
 cannot do better than to cultivate an acquaintance with him and his 
 properties. 
 
 ^elepbonc, poetal an& ©tbcr facilitice* 
 
 The city has a Telephone Company, and a first-class system of 
 telephonic intercommunication is one of its conveniences. It connects 
 all of the business houses, shops, offices, depots and factories, and 
 
 39 
 
includes a large number of the private residences. This company has 
 the franchise for connecting with other towns in the County. 
 
 Rock Hill has also a long distance telephone connection with 
 Charlotte, Salisbury, Concord and other towns in North Carolina. Its 
 postal, telegraph and express facilities are first-class. 
 
 3flre Department* 
 
 Rock Hill has a well-equipped and efficient Fire Department, 
 which is in charge of the young men of the town. Their services are 
 principally voluntary, though certain privileges and exemptions are 
 granted to them. They are sufficiently patriotic to be always counted 
 on, and large pay is not a necessary incentive. There is also a colored 
 fire company, which can be depended on to render effective services 
 at a fire. 
 
 The facilities for extinguishing fire are: A Silsby steamer managed 
 by the Rock Hill Steam Fire Company and a hook and ladder truck, 
 controlled by the colored fire company. Large cisterns judiciously 
 located furnish an ample supply of water. 
 
 The Silsby is a noble fire extinguisher, and has many times paid 
 for itself in property saved. 
 
 O • 
 
 1Rew6paper< 
 
 Rock Hill has one newspaper, the Herald, which is published 
 twice a week. The corporation has always had a live paper, which 
 has done its part in building up the city. The Herald was established 
 in 1876, by the late James M. Ivy. Mr. J. J. Hull bought the paper in 
 1886, and has owned it continuously since. Mr. Hull is editor as well 
 as proprietor. Besides being an able writer, he is an experienced and 
 practical printer, and the appearance of his paper bears evidence of 
 his fitness for his callin«:. 
 
public Xibiar^* 
 
 One of the valued institutions of the city is its Public Library. It 
 is well supplied with books and current literaturej and is quite attrac- 
 tive to visitors, who are always welcomed and politely received by the 
 I/ibrarian in charge. It has also been made the depository of the 
 records of the Fifth Congressional District. It is maintained by an 
 association composed of the citizens of the city; and the city govern- 
 ment exercises a fostering care, and has provided for its welfare in its 
 organic law. 
 
 3fc&eval BiulMne In proepect 
 
 The next good thing in store for Rock Hill is most likely a Federal 
 building. There is a movement now being made for the establishment 
 of a United States Court House in this section, and as there is a large 
 amount of mail business at this place, which is daily increasing, it is 
 highly probable that Congress will provide for the erection of a build- 
 ing at Rock Hill, combining a postofBce and court room. A bill has 
 already been introduced in Congress to establish a court house here, 
 and its chances for becoming a law are reported to be favorable. 
 
 Qtvccte. 
 
 Rock Hill has now about ten miles of macadamized streets, smooth 
 and in fine condition. Main and Railroad Streets have granite side- 
 walks, laid with granite obtained from quarries just outside of the 
 corporate limits. The important work of grading and macadamizing 
 the streets, and constructing granite sidewalks, was begun in 1889, in 
 which year town bonds to the amount of $5,000 were issued for the 
 purpose. It was found that this amount would fall far short of what 
 was necessary for the work begun ; and so, in 1891, additional bonds 
 to the amount of |iio,ooo were issued. With the funds derived from 
 
these bonds, a good and substantial work has been done, and Rock 
 Hill now has first-class streets that will be as enduring as the city 
 itself. 
 
 The following gentlemen composed the Council under which this 
 important work was begun, and to them is largely due the credit for 
 its accomplishment: J. M. Cherry, Intendant ; R. T. Fewell, A. D. 
 Holler, J. J. Hagins and D. C. Williams, Wardens. 
 
 flDaca&ami3e5 lRoa&e* 
 
 Good roads in a community are as important as good streets in a 
 town or city; and, other things being equal, that town or city which 
 has smooth, substantial highways leading into it will far outstrip the 
 one which is difficult to reach because of rough and neglected roads. 
 The facilities being alike, people will go to do their marketing to the 
 place which is easiest of access. The saving from properly constructed 
 roads is not only one of comfort and convenience, but also one of 
 dollars and cents; for no argument is needed to show that vehicles 
 will last longest and horses will have to be shod the least number of 
 times where the roads are the best. All of these matters have been 
 considered in Rock Hill, and she is solving the question of good 
 country highways for herself. If her sister cities and towns in the 
 State would follow her example in this respect, the road question 
 would be solved in South Carolina. If all the municipal corporations 
 in the State would build good roads from their limits as far into the 
 country as their resources would permit, the people in the country 
 would soon emulate their example in extending the work, and there 
 would soon be no bad roads in the State. 
 
 The plan of macadamizing the roads around Rock Hill was con- 
 ceived by Dr. T. A. Crawford, a prominent citizen of the city, and its 
 successful execution is the result of his efficient head work and 
 unconquerable energy. 
 
 In the Spring of 1891, Dr. Crawford proposed to the corporate 
 authorities that if they would macadamize Elm Avenue to the city 
 
 42 
 
limits, and contribute one-fourth of the cost of extending it for a 
 distance of two miles beyond, he would undertake to procure the 
 people in the country who used the road, to contribute the other three- 
 fourths of the expenses. The Council accepted the proposition and, 
 with this as a lever. Dr. Crawford succeeded in getting the people of 
 the neighborhood using the road to undertake their part of the work. 
 Subscriptions were permitted to be paid in labor and by the use of 
 wagons and teams, and for every three dollars thus subscribed the 
 City Council subscribed and paid one dollar. The County Commis- 
 sioners were induced to have stumps and rocks removed, and to 
 furnish an engine and rock crusher. 
 
 The road, thirty feet wide, was laid off by a civil engineer, and 
 the water-ways marked. The surface of the road-way was then made 
 loose by ploughing, and the earth was thrown to the middle of the 
 road with a street plough, making it twelve inches higher in the mid- 
 dle than at the sides. It was then rolled with a two ton iron roller, 
 and the crushed rock laid on to a depth of from five to eight inches 
 and covering a width of nine feet. The rock was then rolled by the 
 same roller and packed. This was the complete process; and a road 
 leading through marshy lands, which sometimes through the winter 
 months could scarcely be travelled, was thus transformed into one of 
 the finest roads in the country, and is now become a favorite drive-way 
 for inhabitants of the city. It is a lasting memorial of the progressive- 
 ness of a worthy citizen, and in his honor it bears the name of the 
 "Crawford Road." 
 
 This road enters Rock Hill from the South. It was such a suc- 
 cessful experiment that another road was built on the same plan three 
 miles long, entering Rock Hill from the Southeast. The entire cost 
 of the two roads was about $3,000; so that the city has only expended 
 about $750 in the work. 
 
 Other Rock Hill roads are soon to receive similar treatment, and 
 Rock Hill is thus gradually becoming the center of a ststem of first- 
 class roads. 
 
Ibow tbe Citi? (e XiQbteb* 
 
 The city has an efficient system of electric lighting, embracing 
 arc lights for the streets and incandescent for buildings and residences. 
 The plant is the property of a private corporation, which was organized 
 in 1890, by residents of the city. This company has a contract with 
 the city for lighting the streets, embracing a period of six years, and 
 by which it is permitted to light residences and to furnish lights for 
 all private purposes. The plant is conveniently located for its purpose, 
 and electricity is generated by two engines aggregating two hundred 
 and twenty-five horse-power. 
 
 This company now lights most of the residences of the city, fur- 
 nishes lights for the Rock Hill Cotton Factory, and does the lighting 
 for the Winthrop Normal College. 
 
 J. M. Cherry is President of the- company. The Directors are: 
 J. M. Cherry, Jno. R. London, D. Hutchison, A. H. White, Julius 
 Friedheim, J. F. Reid and R. T. Fewell. 
 
 • • 
 
 Respecting the business character and prospects of this "hustling" 
 little city, it is scarcely necessary to speak, when the facts and figures 
 already stated have been considered. It would be solecistic to write 
 about a "loafer" in Rock Hill. Such an anomalous creature is an 
 impossibility in this atmosphere. A loafer would be so solitary here 
 that he would languish and die of ennui; or else he would be hatched 
 from his chrysalis state into a useful, active and busy citizen. The 
 men of business are intelligent, industrious men of affairs, who do not 
 underrate the dignity of labor. They have always realized that they 
 must work for the "daily bread" for which they pray. In this way, 
 they have acquired an enviable reputation for business ability, and 
 have built up for themselves a large and valuable trade. While the 
 city is self-sustaining and can live on her own resources, she has 
 always been in touch with the country around; and she draws trade 
 from all parts of York County, and from adjacent counties. 
 
The secret of the wonderful success of this granite city of the 
 hills is to be found in the fact that she has always steered straight 
 between the Scylla of dissension and the Charybdis of unbelief in the 
 possibilities of her future. Faith and Unity are the magic words 
 emblazoned on her escutcheon; and she believes in no talisman except 
 Pluck. Her history from the beginning is aptly summarized as "a 
 long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together." 
 
 Caration, lln&ebte&neee anb IReeourcee. 
 
 Among the first inquiries some persons will make about a place 
 are questions about taxation and indebtedness. In fact, there are 
 some persons who seem to have a constitutional horror for taxes and 
 bonded indebtedness. Such persons are properly classified as "moss- 
 backs," and they usually live in some little shriveled up municipality 
 where the wheels of progress are hopelessly clogged. Fortunately 
 for Rock Hill, the genus has never appeared. 
 
 The citizens of Rock Hill are neither parsimonious nor extrava- 
 gant; but they have not hesitated to go in debt for a good thing that 
 is offered, if convinced that it is a prudent thing to do, in view of all 
 the circumstances. In this way the city has climbed to her vantage- 
 ground. Property has increased in amount and value as different 
 issues in bonds have been made, so that the raise in taxes has been 
 scarcely appreciable. The bonded debt of |86,ooo, compared with 
 property and resources, is reasonable, and eight and a half mills, the 
 rate of taxation is actually small in comparison with the rate in our 
 most populous and wealthy cities. So Rock Hill's taxes are reason- 
 able, she does not owe more than she can easily pay at maturity; and 
 back of it all, she has a brainy, plucky and tireless people as part of 
 her available resources. 
 
 • • 
 
 BiograpbtcaL 
 
 Some interesting biographies could be picked up in Rock Hill, 
 and it would doubtless be instructive to study the individual histories 
 and characters of the men who are engaged in building the city now 
 receiving the attention of the writer ; but such an idea is foreign to 
 the purpose of this little book, and it is preferred for those who have 
 
the inclination and the patience to read these pages to gather their 
 ideas of the individual citizens of Rock Hill from the deeds they have 
 done, and which are here set down. In this way, a sufficiently clear 
 idea of who and what the men are will be obtained. 
 
 ITinaL 
 
 The conclusion of the story of Rock Hill brings the writer back to 
 the beginning, and makes him feel like qualifying what was there 
 said by asking to make some explanations. 
 
 He realizes the many imperfections in the task which was under- 
 taken. It is illogical in arrangement, the subject-matter being set 
 down as it occurred to the writer, without regard to the relation of the 
 different topics. The apology for this is, that it had to be written 
 hastily amid the pressing demands of other duties; the writer had no 
 model for his work before him; and he had consequently to write thus 
 at random. There are doubtless important matters overlooked which 
 should have received attention ; on the other hand, in undertaking a 
 pen picture of Rock Hill (the home of the writer) he has had to avoid 
 falling into the error of an unworthy attempt at flourishes. He has 
 striven to give a faithful portrayal, and is conscientious in believing 
 that he has stated the truth in all that is written ; and if there are any 
 doubting Thomases into whose hands these lines may come, they are 
 asked to come to Rock Hill and "prove the pudding" for themselves. 
 
 It is not claimed that Rock Hill has all that an ambitious city 
 could desire, and that she is altogether self-satisfied. Such a claim 
 would involve nothing but reproach. Much more is desired for her. 
 Good, honest and deserving men and women are invited to come and 
 make Rock Hill their home. Capital is desired, and is invited, with 
 the assurance beforehand that there will always be satisfactory profits 
 for the investor in Rock Hill enterprises. A welcome is here for 
 honest brawn and brain in all of the departments of human activity. 
 Parents with children to educate are asked to come and enjoy the 
 splendid advantages here given. The latch string is "on the outside 
 to all who have an honest purpose in life, and are trying to measure 
 up to the great responsibilities of living. All such are invited to come 
 to Rock Hill and cast their lots in a live and growing city which is 
 marching with magical swiftness to a glorious destiny in the New 
 South. 
 
 46 
 
2)irector^. 
 
 General Mercantile Business— Roddey Mercantile Co., Main 
 Street; A. Friedlieim & Bro., Main Street; R. T. Fewell & Co., Main 
 Street and Railroad Avenue; A. E. Smith & Co., Main Street; C. W. 
 Frew, Main Street ; J. W. O'Neal, corner Main Street and Railroad 
 Avenue. 
 
 Family Groceries — L. M. Davis, Railroad Avenue; W. Oakraan, 
 Railroad Avenue; Bryant & Avery, Main Street; J. N. McElwee & Co., 
 Main Street; J. J. Hagins & Co., Railroad Avenue; Ausband Bros., 
 (also sell furniture,) corner Main and Church Streets; W. J. Caveny, 
 Main Street; W. S. Nicholson, Main Street. 
 
 Dry Goods, Clothing, Shoes— August Friedheini, Main Street; 
 S. Segal, Railroad Avenue. 
 
 Racket Stores — New York Racket, True & Klutz, Proprietors, 
 Main Street; The Robertson Company, Main Street. 
 
 Vehicles— Rock Hill Buggy Co., Wilson Street; Reid & Wroton, 
 Main Street. 
 
 Furniture, Stoves, Undertaking — S. T. Frew & Co., Main 
 Street; Reid & Wroton, Main Street. 
 
 Druggists— J. B. Johnson & Co., Main Street; M. H. Sandifer, 
 Main Street; A. J. Evans, Main Street; J. J. Hagins & Co., Railroad 
 Avenue. 
 
 Cotton Firms— A. E. Smith & Co.; R. T. Fewell & Co.; A. Fried- 
 heini & Bro.; Ed. Fewell ; Ruff & Morrison ; Heath, Springs & Co., 
 represented by T. L. Johnson ; Sanders, Orr & Co., represented by 
 Zeb. Johnson. 
 
 Machine Shops and Foundry— W. S. Creighton & Co., office in 
 factory building, near Main Street. 
 
 Jewelers— George Beach, Main Street; I. Blumberg, Main Street. 
 
 Millinery and Mantua Making— Ratterree & Adams, millinery; 
 Misses Erwin & Proctor, mantua makers ; Miss INlary Smith, mantua 
 maker; Mrs. Tuggle, mantua maker; Roddey Mercantile Co., millinery; 
 R. T. Fewell & Co., millinery. 
 
 Hardware— Rock Hill Hardware Co., Main Street. 
 
 Meat Market— V. B. McFadden, Main Street; Kerr & Peacock, 
 corner Main and Hampton Streets ; John Mallard, corner Main and 
 Wilson vStreets. 
 
 Livery and Sale Stables— Kerr & Heath, West Main Street; J, 
 W. Marshall, Hampton Street ; J. Harvey Neely, corner Main and 
 Church Streets. 
 
 47 
 
Saddles and Harness— McFadden & Johnson, Main Street. 
 
 Brokers — B. N, Craig, merchandise broker and commission mer- 
 chant. Main Street; W. A. Fewell, merchandise broker and commission 
 merchant, Library Building ; Watts & Wood, cotton, stock and bond 
 brokers (private leased wire connections with New York, New Orleans 
 and Chicago,) Main Street ; J. D. Scruggs, merchandise broker and 
 commission merchant. 
 
 Railroad and Express Companies— J. E. Forney, local passenger 
 and freight agent of the Southern Railway Co., and of the Southern 
 Express Co., offices in depots of Southern Railway Co.; A. C. Izard, 
 soliciting freight agent of the Southern Railway Co. T. B. Lumpkin, 
 local agent of the Ohio River and Charleston Railway Co., offices at 
 O. R. & C. Railway depot. 
 
 Life and Fire Insurance — Representatives : W. J. Roddey, D. 
 Hutchison, L. Sherfesee, P. C. Poag. Jno. R. London. 
 
 Western Union Telegraph Company— Office: Library building, 
 Main Street. 
 
 Banks— First Fational, W. L. Roddey, President; W. J. Roddey, 
 Vice-President; J. H. Miller, Cashier; R. Lee Kerr, Teller; L. C. 
 Harrison, Bookkeeper. Savings Bank, D. Hutchison, President; John 
 R. London, Vice-President; J. M. Cherry, Cashier; Paul Workman, 
 Teller; J. R. Boulware, Bookkeeper. 
 
 Professional— Ministers : H. R. Moseley, Baptist; H. B. Browne, 
 Methodist; J. W. C. Johnson, Episcopal ; Alexander Sprunt, Presby- 
 terian; O. G.Jones, Second Presbyterian; G. T. Harmon, Methodist 
 Presiding Elder, Rock Hill District. Lawyers : W. B. Wilson, J. J. 
 Waters, J. E. Fairey, W. J. Cherry. Physicians : T. A. Crawford, W. 
 F. Strait, T. L. Cornwell, W. J. White, J. M. Hunter, J. A. Meldau, J. 
 P. Crawford, J. E. Massey, J. W. Prather. Dentists : I. Simpson & 
 Son, W. A. Pressley. 
 
 United States Commissioner — Cad. J. Pride. 
 
 Trial Justice— J. J. Waters. 
 
 Photographers— Morley Brothers. 
 
 Librarian— Miss Lilian Jones. 
 
 City Clerk and Treasurer— J. D. Scruggs, 
 
 Postmaster— Cad. J. Pride. 
 
 Carolina Hotel— A. H. Greene, Proprietor. 
 
 Restaurant— J. N. McElwee & Co. 
 
 Barber— J. H. Toole. 
 
 48 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 I 
 
 014 496 546 2 • 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 496 546 2