A History of Mount Airy, N.C. Commisioners' Meetings 1903 to 1907

By Dean W. Brown

Read about the installation of water and sewer lines. Follow the development of the police and fire departments. Learn about the installation of the new power and telephone lines in the city. Read about the new electric train that ran from the depot to White Sulphur Springs Hotel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503535053

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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Copyright © 2015 by Dean Brown.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015900722

ISBN:      Hardcover     978-1-5035-3503-9

                Softcover      978-1-5035-3504-6

                eBook            978-1-5035-3505-3

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Rev. date: 02/10/2015

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Contents

Introduction

Genealogical Facts about the Mayors and Commissioners From 1903 to 1906

About the Author

Other books by Dean W. Brown

A special thanks for the assistance of Nicki Brame Venable, Mount Airy City Clerk for helping me find the old original records.

Dean W. Brown

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 formal and some rather informal 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.

The early 1900’s was a busy time in Mount Airy, tourist business flourished at the Beamer House, the Blue Ridge Inn, and at the Brown House. The Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley Railroad Company had brought its railroad to town in 1888, and was continuing to be successful. The Mount Airy Furniture Company started in 1895 and feeling its success by 1903. The City now had a variety of churches, and tax supported public schools.

The city streets still had stepping stones, hitching posts, and water troughs, but pavement was in the near future. The telephone started us on a journey of communication in 1906 and has not ended as of this date. The Town Commissioners were busy adjusting to the many changes and encouraging new business as they continue to do so in modern time.

No facts have been changed; the manuscript is just as it was handwritten in 1903-1907. A few verbs and some articles have been added to make the sentences more readable abbreviations have been spelled out in most cases Some spelling has been corrected but not to the point of changing the flavor of the notes of the 1900’s

All of the original notes were written in long hand and each writer puts 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 whenever possible.

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 and in some cases translate our city’s history.

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Mayor S. G. Pace

Commissioners:

J. H. Prather

A. G. Trotter

J. L. Banner

G. C. Welch

J. C. Hollingsworth

Mount Airy, NC               January 6, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met in a regular session at 9:30 o’clock A.M. with Mayor S. G. Pace presiding; Commissioners J. H. Prather, A. G. Trotter and J. L. Banner were present. Absent were Commissioners G. C. Welch and J. C. Hollingsworth. It being Election Day recess was taken until tomorrow, January 7, 1903 at 12 o’clock A.M.

Mount Airy, NC               January 7, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met at 12 o’clock A.M. in conformity to the recess taken. Mayor S. G. Pace presiding and all Commissioners were present.

The Registrars and Judges of the Election held January 6, 1903 in the town of Mount Airy on the question of issuing Bonds to the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars as authorized by the act of the Legislation Session 1901, Chapter 216, Section one and following Private Laws of North Carolina presented the returns of said Election for the 2 wards respectively as follows: It appearing from such returns and examination of Registration and poll books that there were one hundred and fifty seven Registered Voters in the 1st Ward and one hundred and seventy four Registered Voters in the 2nd Ward and that in the 1st Ward one hundred and thirty one votes were cast for Bonds and in the 2nd Ward one hundred and nine votes were cast for Bonds. Those in the 1st ward two votes were cast against Bonds and in the 2nd Ward twelve votes were cast against Bonds. The result of the Election is one hundred and forty nine, a majority for Bonds on the Registered Vote.

Commissioner J. H. Prather moved that the returns of the election as totaled by the Judges and Registrars of the two Wards be received as stated and that the result be declared For Bonds as shown by the majorities set forth in said returns. The following Commissioners voted in the affirmation: G. C. Welch, A. G. Trotter, J. H. Prather, J.L. Beamer and J. C. Hollingsworth. Where upon, the results of the Election were duly announced For Bonds. Recess was taken until Tomorrow at 2:30 PM.

S. G. Pace, Mayor

J. C. Hollingsworth,

Secretary and Treasurer

Mount Airy, NC               January 8, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met at 2:30 P.M. in conformity to recess taken. Mayor S. G. Pace was presiding and all commissioners were present. Sec. J. C. Hollingsworth was instructed to issue a voucher to V. Montgomery for 87 cents for error charged him on taxes for 1901. A motion provided that F. L. Smith and Co. Be allowed twenty dollars rent of Town Clock and Fire Alarm for the Calendar year dating from January 1st, 1903. A motion prevailed that the Town allow the two Attys. F. Carter and S. P. Graves fifty dollars each for their services in proceeding in the Leick and Gunnel Cases. The Secretary was ordered to issue vouchers for the same.

The expense accounts and per diem account totaled to thirteen dollars and ten cents of Mayor S. G. Pace and Commissioner G. C. Welch to a convention in Greensboro were allowed and the Secretary was instructed to issue each a voucher for the same.

A motion by Commissioner J. C. Banner and seconded by A. G. Trotter prevailed that Town Attorney, S. P. Graves prepare an amendment to the town charter authorizing and directing the submitting of a question of licenses or no license for retailing spirituous drinks and malt liquors by the Town of Mount Airy. A special election is to be held under the provision of such amendment at the earliest time possible. Those favoring the motion were A. G. Trotter, J. H. Prather, G. C. Welch, J. L. Banner and J. C. Hollingsworth.

The Town Treasurer report was read and approved as follows:

The following expenses were allowed:

A Motion prevailed to adjourn.

Samuel G. Pace, Mayor

J. C. Hollingsworth,

Secretary and Treasurer

88F21204

(Photo part of the Walter Leonard Collection)

Jesse H. Prather House, North Main Street and Raleigh Avenue, 1899;

Mr. Prather was City Commissioner in 1903

Mount Airy, NC               February 3, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met in a regular session at 9:30 A.M. Mayor S. G. Pace was presiding and Commissioners G. C. Welch, A.G. Trotter, J. L. Banner and J. C. Hollingsworth were present; Commissioner J. H. Prather was absent. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The Light Committee reported that lamp lighter Hawks services were not giving satisfaction and after a discussion of the entire Board it was decided it was best to employ a new lamp lighter. The Finance Committee reported that A. F. Mesick was erroneously taxed on one thousand dollars valuation of property. The Secretary was ordered to issue a voucher for the same. A motion and second prevailed that all special tax licenses be made now transferrable. Commissioner J. H. Prather now appears in the meeting.

Mr. A. G. Trotter moved that the secretary of the Board be instructed to advertise the Fifty Thousand Dollars bonds for the water works, electric lights and street improvements in the News and Observer and in some New York paper wherein such types of advertisements that usually appeals for certain number of investors as he may think proper. It should be not less than five, in such advertisement designating time and place of receiving and opening bids, specifying account of deposit as guaranteed and explicitly reserving the right on the part of the Town of Mount Airy to reject any and all bids.

Dr. J. M. Hollingsworth with P. Allred now appears in the meeting and informs the Board that there is a case of Small Pox in the town and a number of persons have been exposed to the disease. After a long discussion of the situation A. G. Trotter made a motion that the entire matter of employing a physician be left with the Health Committee to act in conjunction with Mayor Pace. The motion prevailed by a unanimous vote.

The Treasurer’s Report was adapted as follows:

The following expenses were allowed:

A motion prevailed to adjourn.

S. G. Pace, Mayor

J. C. Hollingsworth,

Sec. and Treasurer

Mount Airy, NC               March 3, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met in a regular session at 9:30 A.M. Mayor S. G. Pace was presiding. Commissioners J. C. Welch, A. G. Trotter, J. L. Banner, J. C. Hollingsworth were present. Commissioner J. H. Prather was absent. Minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted.

The Street Committee Reported that very little work is being done. The street near Hamburg Bridge is in bad condition and liable to be washed away. After a discussion of the situation by the entire Board, the matter was referred to the Street Committee. Commissioner G. C. Welch is to act with the Committee in the absence of J. H. Prather.

The Health Committee reported that immediately after our last regular meeting they in conjunction with Mayor Pace, had employed Dr. E. M. Hollingsworth at $ 7.50 per day to take charge of the Small Pox patients in the town. That Dr. Hollingsworth was to give the town his entire time so long as it was deemed by the Health Committee; that his services were needed. Vaccines had been prescribed and free vaccinations ordered where physicians deemed necessary. J. H. Prather now appears in the meeting.

At the add designated in the advertisement for the opening of bids for the $50,000 bonds for water works, electric lights, and street improvement, the Commissioners and Mayor being present, the bids were duly opened, passed upon and a motion of J. H. Prather and seconded by J. L. Banner. The bids tendered were rejected. Those voting for the motion were J. H. Prather, A. G. Trotter, G. C. Welch, J. L. Banner and J. C. Hollingsworth. Whereupon, John D. Evrett and Co. came through representation before the Board and increased their bid on the $50,000 bonds to $90,000.00 which included processing and cost of printing the bonds. This was duly accepted, being in advance of any and all bids therefore offered. Those voting for the acceptance of the bid of John D. Evrett and Co. were J. H. Prather, A. G. Trotter, G. W. Welch, J. L. Banner and J. C. Hollingsworth.

The Treasurer’s report was read and approved as follows:

The following expenses were allowed:

The Meeting was adjourned, subject to the call of the Mayor.

S G. Pace, Mayor

J. C. Hollingsworth

Sec. & Treasurer

Mount Airy, NC               April 8, 1903

The Board of Town Commissioners met in conformity to recess taken. Mayor Saml G. Pace was presiding and Commissioners J. H. Prather, A. G. Trotter, G. C. Welch, J. L. Banner and J. C. Hollingsworth were present.

A. G. Trotter moved that the following ordnances be adopted, and motion was seconded by J. L. Banner. Those voting in the affirmation were J. H. Prather, G. C. Welch, J. L. Banner, A. G. Trotter and J. C. Hollingsworth. The motion prevailed unanimous. An ordinance authorizing the issue of Fifty Thousand Dollars for waterworks, electric lights, power plant and street improvements bonds for the Town of Mount Airy, North Carolina.

"Whereas, pursuant to the act of the General Assembly of North Carolina entitled Air Act to authorize the Commissioners of the Town of Mount Airy to issue Bonds to supply the Town with water and for the purposes ratified March 4, 1901 and pursuant to the charter of the said town and its amendments, and statutes of said state and the constitution of said state; the Board of Commissioners of the said town at a meeting duly and legally held on the 2nd day of December 1902; passed an ordinance calling for an election of the qualified voters in said town to vote on the question of contacting a debt by the issuance of Fifty Thousand Dollars of bonds and levying and collecting a tax to provide for the payment of the principal and interest of said bonds; Said bonds to be issued for the purposes provided in said ordinance and in the said act ratified March 4th, 1901; and in the Charter of said town and its amendments; such election being called for the 6th day of January 1903. The said Election was duly and legally held on the said 6th day of January 1903. Notices thereof having been duly given by publication and posting as required by law, and all other requirements of the constitution and laws of North Carolina in that behalf having been duly complied with; and the returns of said Election having been duly made and canvassed and the result thereof duly and legally declared and it approved that at said election there was a vote of a majority of the qualified voters in said Town of Mount Airy in favor of the issuance of the said $ 50,000.00 of Bonds and of the levy and collection of taxes to provide for the payment of the principal and intent there of; and all other acts conditions and things required to be done, happen and by performed precedent to the issuance of the said bonds have been done, happened and been performed in a due and regular manner as required by law.

And whereas, said $50,000.00 of Bonds dated April 1st, 1903 and payable April 1st, 1933, bearing interest at the rate of five percent per year, payable semi-annually, have been by the mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Mount Airy sold to J. D. Everett and Company of the City and State of New York at the price of par; that is, par and accrued interest if any to date of delivery of the Bonds and a premium of $900.00 and the said purchases to furnish the bland Bonds, they being the highest and best bidders for the said Bonds:

Now, therefore, be ordained by the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Mt. Airy, N. C. Section 1, that $50,000.00 Bonds of the Town of Mt. Airy, N.C. are issued for the following purposes:

1st- For constructing and operating a system of waterworks for the said Town of Mt. Airy, NC

2nd- For constructing, installing and maintaining an Electric Light and Power Plant for said Town

3rd- For the improvement of the Streets in said Town-

The said Bonds to be issued in series and of the denominations as follows:

Series A- $25,000 as follows, twenty Bonds of $1,000 each and ten Bonds of $500 each, said Bonds to be numbered from 1 to 30 both inclusive-

Series B- $ 10,000 as follows, eight bonds of $1,000 each and four Bonds of $500 each, said Bonds to be numbered from 1 to 12 both inclusive

Series C- $ 10,000 as follows, eight Bonds of $1,000 each and four Bonds of $500 each- said bonds being numbered from 1 to 12 both included

Series D- $5,000 as follows, four Bonds of $ 1,000 each and two Bonds of $500 each- said Bonds being numbered from 1 to 6 both inclusive.

All of said Bonds shall bear interest at the rate of five per centum per annum; and payable semiannually, said Bonds shall be dated April 1st, 1933 and said Bonds shall be substantially in the following form, to wit:"

United States of America

State of North Carolina

County of Surry

Town of Mount Airy

"Know all men by those present that the Town of Mount Airy, in the County of Surry in the State of North Carolina for value received, hereby acknowledges itself indebted and promises to pay to barrier on the first day of April 1933 dollars with interest therein at the rate of five percent per annum, payable semi-annually on the first day of April and the first day of October, on the presentation and surrender of the annexed interest coupon as they become due. Both interest and principal of this Bond are payable at the Banking House of Harris Company in the City and State of New York.

This Bond is issued under and pursuant to and in strict conformity with an act of the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina entitled "AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MOUNT AIRY to issue bonds to supply the town with water and for other purposes ratified March 4th, 1901; and the Charter of the Town of Mount Airy and the Amendments thereto, and other statutes of said state and the constitution of said state, and under pursuant to a vote in said Town of Mount airy in favor of the issue of said Bonds and of the levying and collecting of a tax to provide for the payment of the principal and interest thereof; such vote being held at an election duly and legally called and held as provided in said act ratified March 4th, 1901 and in the charter of said Town and its Amendments and the other statutes of said State and the consideration of said State; and is issued under and pursuant to ordinances, resolutions and proceedings of said Town duly and legally adopted and had as provided by law.

It is herby certified, recited and declared that all acts conditions and things required by the constitution and laws of North Carolina precedent to and in the issuing of this Bond have been property done, happened and performed in regular and due time as required by the constitution and laws of said state; and that the account of this Bond together with all the other indebtedness of said Town does not exceed any limit prescribed by the Constitution or Statutes of said State; for the procedural payment of this Bond and the interest thereon the full faith and credit of said Town are hereby irrevocably pledged. Witness thereof the said Town of Mount Airy has caused this Bond to be signed by its Mayor and countersigned by the Clerk of its Board of Commissioners and sealed with the seal of said Town; and has caused the interest coupons hereto attached to bear the lithographed signature of its said Mayor and Clerk, and this Bond to be dated April 1st, 1903.

Form of Coupon

On the first day of April, 1903, the Town of Mount Airy, North Carolina will pay to the holder of the Banking House of the N. W. Harris & Company in the City and State of New York, the sum of __________________ (Author’s note: this sum was left blank in the original minutes) Dollars, baring six months interest then due on its bond dated April 1st, 1903".

Section 2-That for the purpose of paying the interest which may accrue on said bonds and for accumulating a fund for the principal of the said Bonds as they shall mature and for the payment of the same at maturity. The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Mount Airy or the said Town of Mount Airy acting through it other lawful corporate authorities share levy and collect in the manner and at the time prescribed for the collection of the general town taxes, as ad valium special tax on all real and personal property in said town and also a tax on all taxable polls; said taxes to be sufficient for said purposes and not to be used for any other purpose signed and sealed; the same shall be delivered to said J. D. Everett & Company, the purchasers thereof on the payment of the purchase price there of; and the receipt of the Treasurer