A History of Mount Airy, N. C. Commissioners' Meetings 1896 to 1903: Commissioners' Meetings 1896 to 1903

By Dean W. Brown

One can read these ancient minutes, some quite informal and sprinkled with legal terms of that day. All of the original notes were written in long hand and each writer put his personality into the shapes of letters, spelling, and use of English grammar. Names of citizens were often spelled by sound, or the way the person himself chose to spell his name, not necessarily correct. When transcribing these documents, I used the original spellings from the handwritten transcripts. Some of the additions of financial reports are not correct; I cannot explain that, unless some items were omitted.

In addition to the age of the hundred year old papers, some were damaged by a hundred year flood in 1979 that left the pages ragged and crumbly. I have tried to indicate with an author's note those damages. In all but a few cases, no facts or stories have been lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477146743

Dean W. Brown

Dean W. Brown has been a historian and collector of oral local histories of the Blue Ridge Mountains for most of his life and uses the material for his writings. He is the author of eight children’s books built around his recorded stories and mountain wisdoms. In addition, he has spent much time involved in historical projects in and around Mount Airy, North Carolina, and the foothills of the mountains of southern Virginia. Brown has been an active member of the Surry County Historical Society, a charter member of the Mount Airy Historical Commission, Horne Creek Historical Farm, and president of the board of directors of the General JEB Stuart Preservation Trust The author is a watercolor artist, painting folk art of the mountains. He uses some of his interpretations as illustrations in the writings of original folk tales of the mountains. He is also known as a writer of humorous poems and historical articles in magazines and newspapers. Brown states that his children’s stories teach virtues and morals and are suitable for children as well as adults. Brown is a retired teacher of forty-one years; most of his time was spent as a librarian in maximum security prisons for youthful offenders and alternative schools throughout the South. He attended Mount Airy Schools. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University of North Carolina. He successfully completed graduate work in criminal psychology at the University of South Florida and later completed additional graduate work in Library Science at Appalachian State University. He is married and the proud grandfather of three grandchildren. Brown is active in local affairs. He serves as commissioner for the City of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is a member of the executive committee of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership Inc., and a member of the SCEDP Marketing Committee. He has spent many years researching city history, going through the original hand written documents and transforming them into books.

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A History of Mount Airy, N. C. Commissioners’ Meetings

1896 to 1903

By

Dean W. Brown

Mount Airy City Commissioner

Copyright © 2012 by Dean W. Brown.

Library of Congress Control Number:            2012912972

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

Book summary

About the Author

Introduction

In the year 1896

Special Thanks

Other books by Dean W. Brown

Book summary

One can read these ancient minutes, some quite informal and sprinkled with legal terms of that day. All of the original notes were written in long hand and each writer put his personality into the shapes of letters, spelling, and use of English grammar. Names of citizens were often spelled by sound, or the way the person himself chose to spell his name, not necessarily correct. When transcribing these documents, I used the original spellings from the handwritten transcripts. Some of the additions of financial reports are not correct; I cannot explain that, unless some items were omitted.

In addition to the age of the hundred year old papers, some were damaged by a hundred year flood in 1979 that left the pages ragged and crumbly. I have tried to indicate with an author’s note those damages.

In all but a few cases, no facts or stories have been lost.

About the Author

Dean W. Brown has been a historian and collector of oral local histories of the Blue Ridge Mountains for most of his life and uses the material for his writings. His is the author of nine childrens’ books built around his recorded stories and mountain wisdoms. In addition, he has spent much time involved in historical projects in and round Mount Airy, North Carolina and the foothills of the mountains of southern Virginia. Brown has been an active member of the Surry County Historical Society, a charter member of the Mount Airy City Historical Commission, Horne Creek Historical Farm, and President of the Board of Directors of the General JEB Stuart Preservation Trust.

Brown is active in local affairs. He serves as a Commissioner for the City of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Inc., and a member of the SCEDP Marketing Committee. He is the author of A History of Mount Airy, NC Commissioners’ Meetings 1885-1895 which was published in 2010.

The author is a watercolor artist, painting folk art of the mountains. He uses some of his interpretations as illustrations in the writings of original folk tales of the mountains. He is also known as a writer of humorous poems and historical articles in magazines and newspapers. Brown states that his childrens’ stories teach virtues and morals and are suitable for children as well as adults.

Brown is a retired teacher of forty-one years; most of his time was spent as a librarian in maximum security prisons for youthful offenders and alternative schools throughout the South. He attended Mount Airy Schools. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University of North Carolina. He successfully completed graduate work in Criminal Psychology at the University of South Florida and later completed additional graduate work in Library Science at Appalachian State University. He is married and the proud grandfather of four grandchildren.

Introduction

Local history has been a passion of mine since I was a small child. Holding in my hands the original copies of the Commissioners’ meetings from the beginning in 1885 to present time is an exciting experience. One can read the ancient minutes, some quite informal and some rather formal sprinkled with legal terms of that day. One can place themselves mentally in the meetings and as you read along imagine yourself as part of the meeting and even take on the character of one of the commissioners or pretend you are just a citizen observing the meeting as a drama of hundred year old city business unfolds on a stage.

All of the original notes were written in long hand and each writer put his personality and character into the shapes of letters, spelling, and use of English grammar. Names of citizens were often spelled the way they sounded, or the way the person himself chose to spell his name, not necessarily correct or formal. When transcribing these documents, I used the original spellings from the handwritten transcripts. Some names were compared to the 1st voting list of Surry County Board of Elections, and names on the directories from other sources of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to get correct spelling. Some of the addition of financial reports is not correct; I cannot explain that, unless some items were omitted.

In addition to the age of the hundred year old papers, some were damaged by a hundred year flood in 1979 that left the pages ragged and crumbly. This has made some of the pages and words unreadable. I have tried to indicate with an author’s note those damages. In all but a few cases, no facts or stories have been lost.

These historical minutes are a vital part of Mount Airy’s History and our local heritage. We should be honored and proud of our ancestors that worked to save these documents for our future generations. I am honored to be one that has taken the opportunity to preserve our city’s history.

In the year 1896

1896 was a busy time in the Town of Mount Airy, the commissioners discussed the town barrowing money, installing a city water works, new streets, specific assignments, and requiring a liquor license.

The board consisted of Mayor W. F. Carter and J. I. Belton, W. E. Merritt, G. C. Welch and S. W. Gentry were Commissioners.

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Assistant Police Chief appointed May 7th, 1895

At a salary of $ 30.00 per month

N. S. Allred

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Area map made during the 1880’s of the Mount Airy and Surry County Area

Mount Airy, NC January 7, 1896

The full Board of Town Commissioners met at 9 o’clock at the Town Hall, Mayor presiding. Minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Finance Committee reported that M. L. Patterson, former tax collector, offers to discontinue his suit against the town for damages on Rockford Street provided the town will receive the tax due and the amount collected releasing him from further obligations in the matter. The board upon the recommendations of the finance committee accepts the offer and they, the finance committee, were instructed to make the above settlement at once.

Wilson Street was condemned and received according to the plot with the understanding that the town will receive the few feet extending into the street at W. A. Bolt’s when there will be no damages to hear. The boundaries of Church Street were established and the same ordered worked out at once.

The Chief of Police reported as follows:

Cost and fines collected in Dec. $ 48.50

Real and Polls tax collected in Dec. 135.56

Special Licenses collected in Dec. 7.67

Due Gregg—Police $ 50.00

Due Allred—Police 32.77

Due Mule Board 10.00

Due Dalton—Garbage 14.90

Due John Bolin—Board Prisoners 1.87

The following was ordered, there must be provided instructions for all who wish to vote on the issues of bonds, together with a description of when the proposed water hikes are to be decided upon by the board.

Mount Airy, N. C. February 4, 1896

The Board of Town Commissioners met at 9:00 o’clock AM at the Town Hall and was promptly called to order by the chairman. The full board was present. The minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Street Committee had no report. The Finance Committee was allowed until the next regular meeting to report on the final settlement with M. S. Patterson, tax collector.

The Chief of Police made the following approved report:

The Treasurer reported full receipts of $192.70 and disbursements of $ 193.20.

It was moved and corrected that J.F. Allred be offered $150.00 as a compromise in full payment of all claims and damages on Pine Street. The $150.00 being the amount the jury awarded him when the street was opened. Interest from this date until it is paid. Dr. E. F. Hollingsworth asked to be allowed to repair and add to some wooden building in the city limits. This petition, with that of a like character, from Mrs. Ida Banner was not allowed. Mr. Peoples asked for pay for extra work done in moving Miss Mary Vernon’s home was not allowed. The Tax Collector was ordered to see Mr. Ashby in regard to the municipal tax of C.F and Y.V. RR for 1895.

The Street Committee was instructed to call the attention of R.R. Co. to the bad condition of the bridge across track in the north of town on Main Street. E. F. Hollingsworth was allowed rebates on taxes for 1893 and 1894 for overcharge.

Adjourned:

W. F. Carter, Chairman

W. E. Merritt, Secretary

Notice of Town of Mount Airy—Election to be held

March 2—1896

It is ordered by the board of town Commissioners that an election be held in the four wards of the Town of Mount Airy on the first Monday in March 1896, the same being the 2nd day of March for the purpose of ascertaining the will of the qualified voter of the town on the question of issuing $20,000.00 of the bonds of the town to raise money to be expended in supplying the town with water, that those favoring the issuing bonds shall vote on a written or printed ballot with the words For Bonds, thereon."

That the bonds shall run for thirty years from dates of issue and shall bear a note of intent not to exceed 6% annually and shall not be sold for less than their value.

That the bonds shall be issued in the following denominations: 20 bonds $1,000.00 each; ten $100.00 each; and 8 $500.00 each.

The last legislature enacted laws requiring:

That the town be divided into four wards and this has been done and the following voting places established.

1st Ward—Belton’s Saw Mill

2nd Ward—Town Hall

3rd Ward—Graves Warehouse

4th Ward—The Glove Warehouse

That there shall be an entirely new registration, so to vote, you must register.

"That the registration books will be opened in the various words at the voting precincts on the 25th day of January 1896 from nine o’clock AM to 4 o’clock PM and on each Saturday thereafter until the 29th of February when all persons qualified can register. The registration books will be opened on no days except Saturday. There being greater or longer petition forwarded to the board for the repeal of the ordinance, this matter was left open until 2 o’clock PM.

At two o’clock PM the matter of Mrs. W. F. Banner’s building was continued until she could furnish proof that the insurance would not be raised on any adjoining property. It was moved and carried that the special license on Milk, Livery Stables, Butchers and Lemonade venders be reconsidered. After much discussion from 2 commissioners the matter was continued until 9 o’clock AM, March 8th, 1896.

Mount Airy, NC March 4 1896

The Board of Town Commissioners met in regular session at the Town Hall at nine o’clock AM and was called to order by the chairman, all were present. Minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Finance Committee made the following report—

Signed, G. C. Welch

J. J. Belton

Finance Committee

On the advice of the finance committee the board decided that the town attorney shall proceed at once to have this matter settled. The Street Committee reported that the RR bridge complained of at the last meeting had been temporary replaced and permanent repairs are promised by the RR officials in the near future.

Mount Airy, NC March 4, 1896

The Board of Town Commissioners met in regular session at the town hall at nine o’clock AM and was called to order by the chairman, all were present.

The Minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Finance Committee made the following report. The tax collector reported the following:

On the advice of the finance committee, the board unanimously decided that the town attorney shall find at once as to have this matter settled up. The street committee reported that the RR Bridge is completed of last meeting and had been temporary reopened and permanent repairs have been promised by RR officials in the near future.

The Chief of Police made the followed approved report:

J. F. Allred refused to accept the $150 offered last meeting and the offer was unanimously rescinded.

Mr. B. F. Sparger, G. C. Welch, and W. E. Merritt were appointed a committee with powers to employ an engineer for making specifications for the water lines.

A petition was presented the town to receive and work Haymore Street; the said street is thirty feet wide and extends from Rockford to Worth Street. It is shown that there are no damages to pave the above street. It was received and the police ordered to work the same.

The following accounts were allowed:

Appropriated for suspension bridge at Worth; Ford Tros ordered to pay Tom Armfield $10.00; D. C. Patterson & Co. work on street $ 6.37; Mount Airy News $10.75; T. M. Eventt & Co.—repair lock $ . 25.

An election was ordered to be held the first Monday in May for the election of a Mayor and a Commissioner at large, and the election of a Commissioner in each ward. The board will recess until March 9th at two o’clock PM when the official vote for water works will be placed on this record.

Mount Airy, NC March 8, 1896

The full Board was present and the Mayor was presiding. It being shown that there is no authority for having special license tax on any thing except what is set fourth in the town charter, and there being no favoritism in said charter for a special tax on lemonade vendors. A new contract was made with Mount Airy Granite Co., whereby they are to pay $1.00 per day for the use of the rock crushing outfit when used.

Adjourned—W. F. Carter Chairman

W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, NC March 9, 1896

Bond Issue, First Ward

The boards of town commissioners met at 2 o’clock PM and were called together by the Chairman S. W. Gentry. Pursuant to order hereto and after due notice an election was held in the four wards of the town of Mount Airy on the 2nd day of March 1889 to ascertain the will of the people upon the issuing of $25,000 in bonds of the town to supply the town with water. The following reports from the chairmen of the respective wards was received and ordered first on this record.

To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Mount Airy:

I beg to submit the following report; those registered and on our registration books in the first word of the town of Mount Airy, ninety nine electors. At our election held at our following place on the 2nd day of March 1896 to determine the will of the people in the matter of the town issuing bonds to the amount of twenty five thousand dollars for the purpose of furnishing the town with water. Eight six of the qualified voters cast their ballots. Sixty seven voting approved and nineteen voting not approved. March 2, 1896.

Respectfully submitted

D. A. Rawley, Chairman

Board of Elections

First Ward

Bond Issue, Second Ward

To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Mount Airy:

I beg to submit the following report; those registered on our registration book in the 2nd ward of the town of Mount Airy, Ninety seven electors. At our election held at tour following place in the second day of March 1896 to determine the will of the people in the matter of the town issuing bonds to the amount of $25,000 for the purpose of furnishing the town with water. Eighty four of the qualified voters cast their ballot. Nine voting not approved, and seventy five voting approved.

Respectfully submitted,

R. T. Joyce, Chairman

Board of Election

At our election held in the town of Mount Airy on March 2nd 1896 on the question of issuing $25,000 of Town Bonds for the purpose of supplying the town with water, I as chairman of the Board of Election in Third Ward certify that there was registered at that ward 113 voters, 74 of which cast ballots for approved of said issue and 20 cast ballots for disapproved given under my hand this March 2nd 1896.

Signed,

T. B. McCargo, Chairman

Election Board

3rd Ward, Mt. Airy, NC

To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Commissioners, Town of Mount Airy, I beg to submit the following report. Those registered on our registration book in the fourth ward of the town of Mount Airy, one hundred and six voters. At our election held at our polling place on the second day of March, 1896 to determine the will of the people in the matter of the Town issuing bonds to the amount of twenty five thousand dollars for the purpose of furnishing the town with water. Eighty of those qualified voters cast their ballots. Fifty one voting not approved and thirty two voting approved.

Respectfully Submitted

Jos. W. Ashby, Chairman

Board of Election

For 4th Ward

Form the forgoing reports, it is shown that there were 415 registered voters, 356 votes were cast, 257 approved water and 99 not approved.

The following parties were allowed two dollars for carrying the return to Dobson. T. B. McCargo, W. P. Gilmer, A. L. Sparger, Als Trotter, W. A. Bolt, Els. Gilmer, J. E. Sparger and Wick Floyd. The Treasurer was also ordered to pay the register’s fee of 3 cents per name for all names registered. T. B. McCargo was paid for surveying and plotting of a street was allowed $3.75. Meeting was adjourned.

W. F. Carter, Chairman

W. E. Merritt, Sec.

P. S. Dr. J. B. Hollingsworth was allowed one dollar for professional services for sick prisoner.

Mount Airy, NC March 30, 1906

The full Board of Town Commissioners met in special session at three o’clock PM to consider the water works question in all its be comings. After discussion it was moved and carried that a committee be appointed to have the bonds printed and to furnish information to prospective buyers. Commissioners Belton and Gentry were appointed to act with the chairman on this committee. There was no other business. Meeting was adjourned.

W. F. Carter, Chairman

W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, NC April 8, 1896

The board of town commissioners met according to appointment for the regular transaction of the town’s business. The full board was present.

The Minutes of the last meeting was found correct. The treasurer reported that M. L. Patterson had turned over to him the tax books in his possession with a note secured for $106.24. This in Full settlement for the claims against him by the town for uncollected tax and his claim for damages for uncollected tax and his claim for damages in widening Rockford Street against the town.

The street committee reported that the damages at W. A. Bolt’s were under advisement and action would be taken as soon as the attorney could advise the committee.

The water committee reported that they had employed Mr. Germless to make the survey and estimates for the water plant at $85.00 per month optional with the town as to when the work stops or he will superintend construction at the same price.

The Chief of Police made the following report.

Treasurer report—received receipts of $187.77 and disbursements of $128.86

Mr. J. W. Ashby asking in behalf of the Methodist that the town donate its remainder of the Miss Mary Vernal lot to the (?) of the said church for the parsonage, said lot about 6 x 120 feet. It was decided that the lot might be used for above purpose until the town had use for it, but not to give the title as it may be necessary that Wilson Street be widened again and this property being in the hands of individuals would have to be bought again.

The Following acts were allowed

Meeting adjourned

W. F. Carter, Chair

W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, NC April 28, 1869

The board of town Commissioners met in special session at four o’clock to consider whether or