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KING, ALLIE (VINES), daughter of Colonel Samuel and Polly (May) Vines, was born in Pitt County (now Falkland Township), April, 1803. Colonel Vines was a large planter and slave-owner, a man of prominence and influence. He was a captain in the war of 1812-15, and afterwards long colonel of militia. He was born in 1781 and died in January, 1863, aged over 82 years. Her mother was a daughter of Major Benjamin May.

Allie Vines' education was that afforded by the best schools of her times and community. She was the oldest of a family of thirteen daughters and two sons. Thus her early life and training was such as to greatly fit her for the duties and cares that were later to fall upon her. February 13th, 1823, she married John King, the only child of Thomas and Polly (Truss) King. Thomas King was a planter, succeeding to his father's estates. His father, Abram King, was one of the early settlers on Tyson's creek, a large planter and a man of prominence. John King died June 15th, 1845, leaving his widow with nine children, the only one grown dying the following January. He was studying medicine at Cincinnati and filled an unknown grave. The task of rearing and educating the others was no small responsibility. Another sorrow was added to her already great burden, when in 1853, Warren, her fourth son, died too from home. After years of cares, sorrows and trials, she saw her other children grown, and prospects for a bright future. But war now was over the land and in October, 1864, claimed another son, Thomas, as one of its prey. And again in less than two short years (June, 1866), death claimed Mary, one of her married daughters. The next few succeeding years that cast the blight of reconstruction over the South were years of anxiety for her, for she yet had three sons and they were prominent actors in the drama of those times. But her years of cares and sacrifices were partially rewarded in seeing these sons honored by their fellow-men. That was glory for her. Few mothers have been rewarded more in the lives they built, and in their fruits. (See sketches of Thomas King, Captain John King, Colonel William M. King and Dr. Robert W. King.) Her daughters were Mary (married G. W. Parker), Nancy W. (married B. F. Moore), and Allie V. (married Colonel Walter Newton).

In 187.., when attempting to get into her buggy, she had a fall and suffered a fracture of the thigh. She had stopped on the roadside to gather some shrubs and, being by herself, it was some little while before help came. The fracture never healed and after much suffering she

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died February, 1883, and was buried in the family cemetery beside her husband.

Early in life she became a member of the Christian (Disciple) church and ever lived a consistent and consecrated Christian. Her virtues were many--a ministering angel to the suffering, a helping hand to the needy, obedient to every call of duty. Of a strong cultured mind, tender heart and great goodness, hers was a life of duty--of duty performed, of cares not unmixed with sorrow and suffering--rewarded with children, and children's children, to rise up and call her blessed, and with the great promise of life eternal.

KING, COLONEL WILLIAM MAY, the sixth child of John and Allie (V.) King, was born at the old King homestead, November 18th, 1833. He received a good common school education and began life as an overseer. After marrying he settled down as a farmer. In the war of 1861-5 he was assigned to home duty but for a short while was at Camp Mangum at Raleigh. He was afterwards colonel of the militia. In 1866 Governor Holden appointed him a Justice of the Peace and by appointment and election he held this position many years. In 1870 he was elected a County Commissioner and was reelected in 1872. In 1874 he was elected one of Pitt's representatives in the Constitutional Convention, which met the next year. As an independent candidate for sheriff he was defeated in 1880, but was elected in 1882 and again in 1884 and again in 1886. In 1892 he was voted for for the State Senate, but was not an active candidate. In 1894 he was elected on the populist ticket register of deeds for the county and in 1896 was elected a county commissioner. Since then he has not been active in politics. Until elected sheriff he had always lived on his farm and devoted his time to farming, with the addition of merchandising a few years at home. After being elected sheriff he moved to Greenville and has since lived there. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and those pertaining to farmers. He was a prominent Granger, and later an Allianceman. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Universalist church.

November 18th, 1856, he married Almeta, daughter of Howell and Delphia (Newton) Peebles. November 17th, 1906, they celebrated their Golden Wedding, with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren present. They have had eight children, four of whom are living.

Colonel King is a very large man, weighing near 275 pounds. Mrs. King is also large and has weighed over 200. Their children are all of large stature and the family would average 200 pounds each. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall and so well proportioned that he does not appear to be a big man, unless at close distance.

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WHITE, SAMUEL TILDEN, ex-treasurer of Pitt County, was born near Greenville, December 30th, 1873. He comes of old English and Revolutionary stock. His great-great-grandfather was a resident of Craven county long before the Revolution and fought for Independence; his great-grandfather, James A. White, was a soldier of the war of 1812-15 and for a time did duty at Beacon Island; his grandfather was James S. White, and his father, Captain Charles A. White, of Company E, Sixty-seventh Regiment, North Carolina Confederate troops. Captain White was a Craven county man, but came to Pitt county after the war. He married Miss Louisa A. Corey. On his farm near Greenville, Samuel was born, being the third son.

Mr. White's educational advantages were limited, and at the age of fourteen he entered his father's store, in Greenville, where he clerked until he succeeded to the business. This business he conducted with marked sucecss until he sold out and devoted his time to his other interests.

After a hard fight in 1904, the democratic county convention nominated him for treasurer. At the following election he was elected, and has been twice re-elected--in 1906 and 1908. At each convention he won his nomination over some of the best and most popular men in the county.

As a member of fraternal orders, he is prominent and has been highly honored. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Red Men. He now occupies the exalted position of Great Sachem of the State Council of Red Men of North Carolina.

In 1900 he married Miss Annie W. Sheppard, daughter of the late Henry Sheppard. She died in 1906, leaving two children.

KING, DR. ROBERT WILLIAMS, the seventh child of John and Allie (V.) King, was born at the old King homestead, November 15th, 1835. He read medicine and graduated from the best colleges of the times. He located at Wilson, North Carolina, and was a surgeon in the war of 1861-5. He took much interest in public affairs, was very popular and a good speaker. He was twice chairman of the county democratic executive committee and was later twice elected to the State Senate. In 1890 he was prominently mentioned for the democratic nomination for Representative in Congress, from the second district. He enjoyed a large practice, and while visiting one of his patients in 1890 he suffered a fall and fractured his collarbone. From this injury, and complications, he died, January 19th, 1891. He was buried in the Wilson cemetery. He was a member of the Christian (Disciple) church and took great interest in its progress. He was a prominent Mason.

In 1855 he married Carrie M. Buyum, who died a few years since. They had two children--daughters, both living.

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KING, THOMAS, the third child of John and Allie (V.) King, was born at the old King homestead, April 28th, 1828. He received a good common school education and began life as a farmer, a few years later adding merchandising. Taking great interest in all affairs of his country he never sought office, but was content to serve his people in humble capacities, and among such was that of school committeeman. He was a whig and strong Union man, but when the inevitable came, he readily volunteered, May 15th, 1862, as a private in Company D, Forty-fourth Regiment. After a short stay at Camp Mangum, Raleigh, his regiment went to Tarboro, and while doing duty in that section was at Tranters creek, when Colonel George B. Singletary was killed. The regiment soon went to Virginia and did duty about Richmond and vicinity, being in many of the hard-fought and bloody battles of the war. On the death of General Stonewall Jackson, Company D, Forty-fourth Regiment was the Guard of Honor while his body lay in state in the Capitol at Richmond. In a skirmish on Squirrel Level road, near Petersburg, October 8th, 1864, he was mortally wounded, dying October 24th, 1864. Though that was his first wound, he had many narrow escapes, shots through his clothes and once a ball pierced a Testament in his upper left vest pocket and lodged against his flesh. Enlisting as a private he soon became lieutenant and later often commanded the company. While in the army he came within a few votes of the whig nomination for sheriff of his county, by his friends at home. He was a Mason and a member of the Christian (Disciple) Church.

May 11th, 1848, he married Martha A., daughter of Moses and Martha A. (Briley) Turnage. Moses Turnage was a planter, of Welsh descent and a soldier in the war of 1812-15 (in Captain Samuel Vines' Company). They had four children, all sons.

MOORING, GUILFORD MORTIMER, son of William L. and Catherine Mooring, was born February 1st, 1847. His father and his grandfather, John Mooring, were large and prosperous farmers.

Mr. Mooring received a common school education, working on the farm until the spring of 1864, when seventeen years old he enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Regiment. He went through the last year of the war and was never wounded, though while on picket duty a ball so closely grazed his face that he felt its force. He was in twenty-two battles and one of the color-bearers of his regiment. The regiment had ten color-bearers, only two of whom lived to surrender with General Johnston. Of Company G, there were only three men present. He then returned home and went back to farming. He soon thereafter began his public career as a justice of the peace, which position he held several years. He was elected a county commissioner in 1876 and in September, 1877, he was appointed sheriff to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff E. A. Wilson. In the democratic convention that year there was

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some trouble over the nomination for sheriff, and he refused to let his name go before the second convention. He was not long out of the sheriff's office before he was again elected a county commissioner, which position he held many years. In 1898 he was elected sheriff, but declined a renomination in 1900. He then returned to his farm where he remained out of politics until 1910, when he was elected a representative in the Legislature. For a number of years he has been a member of the Pension Board of the county, which board passes upon the eligibility of Confederate soldiers for pensions from the State.

In 1873 he married Josephine Moore, daughter of the late Samuel Moore, a farmer. She died in December, 1907. They had eight children, all of whom are living.

KING, JOHN, third son of John and Allie V. King, was born February 6th, 1830. He received a common school education and after a short experience as clerk in a store at Falkland began business for himself. After a few years he sold out that business to devote his time to his farming interests. He was Captain of militia in 1860, and during the war, 1861-5, he was assessor of taxes "in kind." For several years after the war he was in the mercantile business, moving to Tarboro about 1867. On the death of his wife he returned to his farm near Falkland. He was Associate Justice of the Pitt County Inferior Court several years. In 1882 he was elected to the State Senate as an independent, serving one term, after which he did not take an active interest in political affairs. During his life he performed many minor public duties, and was many years a Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Christian (Disciple) church and a Mason. He took great interest in the Grange and its work, was Master of his local and also of the County Grange and was for some time County Lecturer. He was primarily a farmer and loved his farm, and often interested in other business, practically lived and died a farmer. His was an ideal farm life. Never considered wealthy, his life was one of comfort and plenty and the respect and esteem of all.

He was thrice married. His first wife was Martha Joyner, daughter of Abram Joyner, his second was Bettie Cobb, of Edgecombe, and his third was Fannie Bynum, daughter of Allen Bynum, all of whom preceded him to the grave. He died June 25th, 1910, leaving one daughter by his first wife, two sons and a daughter by his second and three sons by his last.

One of his sons, George B. King, is a lawyer, was County Superintendent of Schools, member of the legislature (House) of 1899, Private Secretary to W. A. B. Branch in Congress from 1891 to 1895, postmaster at Greenville from 1895 to 1899 and now holds a government position at Washington, D. C.

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FLEMING, JAMES LEONIDAS, son of Leonidas and Harriet E. Fleming, was born November 1st, 1867. His father was a farmer, a Confederate soldier, in Company H, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and a county commissioner several years. His mother was a daughter of Major Jones, a farmer. Mr. Fleming was raised on the farm and attended school at Greenville. He graduated from Wake Forest College and then taught school a year. He then studied law at the University of North Carolina and was licensed in 1892. He located at Greenville, and was soon elected mayor. He served more than one term. When the Inferior Court was practically re-established, he was elected solicitor, but the court never sat. He was twice a member of the Board of Education. In 1904, he was the democratic nominee for the State Senate and elected. He was re-elected in 1906, but declined a renomination in 1908. After being elected to the Senate in 1906, he began the work of getting the bill for the establishment of a State school in the east. He prepared the bill, fought for it in season and out of season, before the committees and in the Senate. The result was a bill providing for the establishment of The East Carolina Teachers' Training School. His next work was to get it for Greenville. In this he was ably seconded and zealously supported and it was won. The East Carolina Teachers' Training School was built at Greenville. It was his crowning achievement and he saw the fulfillment of his faith and works. But only for a short while. In the prime of life and usefulness his life went out. He was killed in an automobile accident, November 5th, 1909, about a mile from Greenville, on the old plank road. He died instantly, being thrown some distance, breaking his neck. Two other deaths resulted from that accident, and the fourth escaped almost miraculously.

He was a Mason, a Pythian and an Odd Fellow. He was a good lawyer, a forceful and pleasant speaker and a staunch friend.

In 1899 he married Lula White, daughter of Captain C. A. White. They had three children, two girls and a boy.

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SMITH, MARY, daughter of Edward and Sarah Nelson, was born in Craven County, North Carolina, October 27, 1825. Her father was a descendant of the Nelsons, of Kent, England, and her mother was a daughter of Charles Reach. Though her education was limited she began the work of teaching in 1845. The next year, 1846, she married William H. Smith, of Pitt county, and of course became a Pitt county woman. She continued to teach and having never studied grammar, mastered it by teaching it. Family duties made her give up teaching herself, but she employed a teacher and continued the school until 1869, when circumstances forced the school to discontinue. Three children had married, but there were still seven at home, four of whom had never attended school. Determined they should know something, in 1870, she fitted up an upstairs room for school purposes, but with room for her spinning wheel. With no servant and all the household work, including preparing the three meals each day, she found time for three hours in the forenoon and three in the afternoon for teaching and carding and spinning when not hearing recitations. The secret that she was teaching a school was soon out and neighbors' children began to come. Soon she had no time for carding and spinning nor place for her wheel, for the room was full of children. She had to occupy the old schoolhouse and on the first day the attendance was over forty. About this time an old gentleman, John G. Elliot, a good Latin scholar and fine mathematician, too old for active work, visited her and made it his home. Under him, she studied Latin, algebra, geometry and surveying. She was soon able to teach them and prepared her children for college. For eighteen years she taught, and six of her children and two of her grandchildren were teachers. At some time afterwards she again taught her last school being in 1891, she then being sixty-six years old.

In her late years she conceived the idea of building a church at Winterville. A strong and earnest church woman and worker, she saw that church completed and dedicated, an enduring monument to her zeal and energy. Monday, October 2d, 1905, she saw the dedication and consecration of that church. One of her sons, Reverend Claudius Smith, of Washington, D. C., and one of her grandsons, Reverend William E. Cox, whose ordination to the priesthood, her son preaching the sermon, she had witnessed the day before at Greenville, and Bishop Strange, took part in these services. After these services, a family reunion dinner, with a number of friends and relatives was had on the grounds. Her work on earth was nearing its close. Many a great life had accomplished less. A more than fourscore life, filled with usefulness, service and blessings was ending. Ready to meet the Master, she obeyed his call, Monday, February, 18th, 1907.

She builded better than she knew.

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JOYNER, OLTHUS LEELAND, son of Jacob and Mary Joyner, was born near Farmville, N. C., February 12th, 1869. His father, as was his grandfather, Aaron Joyner, was a planter. When the civil war came he was one of the early volunteers, joining the Tar River Boys, who went to Hatteras, were later captured and sent to Governor's Island then to Fort Warren near Boston. Being exchanged, he again volunteered and served throughout the war. His mother was a daughter of Benjamin H. and Nancy (Cunningham) Sugg, of Greene county.

Receiving a good common school education he early embarked into the tobacco business, being one of the pioneer tobacco men and warehousemen of Greenville, and the only man then connected with the market who is so connected today. In 1891 he with R. J. Coble and others organized a company for establishing a tobacco market, the old Greenville Warehouse being built. He was one of the first warehousemen. After many years on the market as a warehouseman, in 1903 he planned the organization of The Farmers Consolidated Tobacco Co., and that season it began business with one warehouse. The business has continued to grow and expand until it operates three warehouses in Greenville, one in Wilson, two in Kinston, one in Robersonville and one in Washington, and last season its total sales were 14 million pounds. From the beginning, he has been President and General Manager. He has also found time to engage in other enterprises. He is also a large farmer and stock raiser. One secret of his success has been advertising. He well knows and understands its value, and is a liberal, persistent and judicious advertiser. In June, 1892, he married Annie Lyon, daughter of A. A. and Anastia Forbes. Mrs. Joyner's father is a noted musician and served throughout the civil war.

CLARKE HENRY S., was born in Beaufort county, 18--. He received a fine college education, was a large farmer and a lawyer. He represented Beaufort county in the legislature (House) in 1832-4-5 and was solicitor for the State in 1842. He was a member of Congress (representative) 1845-7. He married A. M. Perkins, of Pitt county, and lived in Greenville many years. He died in Greenville.......... 187.., and was taken to Beaufort county for burial. He was an able man and also wealthy. He was one man whom office did not flatter and one term in Congress gave him enough of politics. He would not accept a second term.

BLACKLEDGE, WILLIAM S., of Craven county, who was in Congress 1821-3, was a native of Pitt county. He was also a member of the legislature from Craven in 1820. His father, William Blackledge, was long a member of the legislature from Craven in 1797-8-9 and in Congress from 1803-9 and again 1811-13. He was for a while a resident of Pitt county. He died October 19th, 1828. His son died March 21st, 1857.

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JAMES, COLONEL FERNANDO GODFREY, son of John G. and Mary R. James, was born at Hertford, Perquimans county, February 23d, 1857. His father was a native of Pitt county and a dentist. In those days dentists spent some time in each town of his circuit, and it was while at Hertford that this son was born. Later he (his father) made Greenville his home and in addition to his dentistry, long kept the old Hotel Macon and sales stables.

His grandfather, William James, came to Pitt county from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and was a Revolutionary soldier. His mother was a daughter of Godfrey Langley, who was a very prominent farmer and business man.

He was educated at the Pitt Academy and the University of North Carolina. He was studying law under Chief Justice R. M. Pearson when that able jurist died, and his law course was completed under Smith and Strong. He was licensed in 1880. He returned to Greenville and entered upon the practice of law as a partner with the late Colonel I. A. Sugg, whose former partner, T. J. Jarvis, had been elected governor. Later the firm became that of Rodman, Sugg & James, by the addition of Judge W. B. Rodman, of Washington. Judge Rodman having died some years before, the firm of Sugg & James dissolved in 1889, and he practiced alone. In 1882 he was elected mayor of Greenville and held the office continuously by reelection until 1892, then resigned, having been elected to the State Senate. He was defeated for the same office in 1894 but elected again in 1898 and 1900, thus serving three terms. In 1900 he was elected a member of the democratic State executive committee, which position he still occupies. That year he was also a delegate to the national democratic convention at Kansas City that nominated Bryan and Stevenson. In 1905, Governor Glenn appointed him an officer of his staff with the title of Colonel, and on the resignation of Solicitor Moore of his (third) judicial district Governor Glenn tendered him the appointment of solicitor, which he declined. He is both a Master and a Royal Arch Mason.

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In 1882 he married Mangie Cherry, daughter of the late J. B. Cherry, one of Greenville's leading merchants and long county treasurer. Her mother was Pattie Sherrod, a granddaughter of John Simpson. They have six children. One son, James B. James, educated at Horner's and the University of North Carolina, and licensed to practice law in 1908, is now associated with him in his practice of law. Another son, Charlie James, is teller in the Greenville National Bank.

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BARNHILL, MABEL, daughter of Julius H. and Melissa A. Barnhill, was born in Bethel township on the farm. Her father was a young Confederate in Company H, Tenth Regiment and when the war was over returned to the farm. Her mother was a daughter of the late B. L. T. Barnhill, an ordnance officer in the Confederate army. His grandfather (her great-grandfather) was an officer in the Revolutionary war.

After receiving a good high school education, she decided to study pharmacy and entered the drug store of Dr. F. C. James, in Bethel, March 19th, 1901.

Dr. James, being a graduate in pharmacy as well as medicine, took great care to instruct her in her chosen profession. She later took a course at Page's School of Pharmacy, Greensboro, North Carolina. She was the only woman in the class 1906. She was one of the ten of that class who passed a successful examination before the North Carolina State Board of Pharmacy in Raleigh, November 2d, 1906, and was granted license to practice pharmacy. She was the third licensed female pharmacist in North Carolina. She returned to Bethel after receiving her license and became a partner with Dr. F. C. James. She is still with him and a most valuable asset in his business and practice. She is business manager of the Matinee Drug Co.

She now ranks among the most skilled, efficient and popular in the profession. She became a member of the North Carolina Pharmaceutical Association on July the 8th, 1908.

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HARDING, MAJOR HENRY, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Harding, was born at Chocowinity, Beaufort county, May 8th, 1836. His father was a farmer, captain of militia in 1812-15 and a Justice of the Peace near all his life. His grandfather was a major under General Greene in the Revolution. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New England. His mother was a daughter of Cornelius Patrick, a soldier of the Revolution, who was with Arnold on his expedition to Quebec in 1775.

Major Harding was raised on the farm, working and attending school, finishing from Trinity Parochial School, at Chocowinity, with a good academic education. He then began teaching and had been teaching five years, when he left the schoolhouse for the field of war, volunteering in Captain Swindell's company, which went to Hatteras, and at the expiration of twelve months, for which it had enlisted, disbanded. Governor Vance then commissioned him Captain to raise a company. This company went into the Sixty-first Regiment as Company B. He was later promoted Major of the regiment. The regiment saw much service in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. In 1863 it was encamped on James Island, near Charleston. On another part of the island were a lot of negro soldiers. The United States gunboat Chippewa was lying in Stono river to protect them. Major Harding conceived a plan to capture it. Early one morning in July, 1863, his regiment made the charge, succeeding in getting to the boat but could not scale its sides. The guns of the boat could not be lowered enough to reach the Confederates and any appearance over the sides of the boat was an invitation for a ball. So the boat could do nothing but weigh anchor and float down the river. But not before several on the boat had been killed and the boat damaged. As the boat swung around the regiment had to seek shelter, as grape and canister were flying thick. However, only one Confederate, B. A. Davis, private in Company F, was wounded. He died in a few minutes. The regiment then charged on the negro soldiers, drove them from the island with great loss. Those negroes who did not run may be there yet. All their camp and supplies were captured without the loss of a man. Returning from the war, he went to work on the farm and in 1866 was elected to the legislature (House). In 1876 he was elected a county commissioner and was twice reelected. In 1885 he moved to Greenville. He had served four years on the Board of Education, when in 1889, on the death of Superintendent Josephus Latham, he was elected county superintendent to fill the vacancy. He held this position four years. In 1892 he was elected register of deeds, and since the expiration of that term, with the exception of two years, he has been a Justice of the Peace. He is senior warden of the Episcopal church, was long a lay reader, teacher and superintendent of the Sunday School. He is a Past Master Mason and a democrat.

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In 1867 he married Susan Sugg, daughter of Benjamin H. and Nancy Sugg, of Greene county. They have six children, four sons and two daughters. Their sons are F. C. Harding, a lawyer of Greenville; W. F. Harding, a lawyer of Charlotte; H P. Harding, superintendent of Charlotte graded schools, and J. B. Harding, engaged in railroad work in Mexico.

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CHERRY, JAMES BURTON, son of William and........ Cherry, was born January, 1840. His father was a farmer and he was raised on the farm. He was educated at Pitt Academy, Asheville, and Horner's, and was merchandising before he was twenty-one years old. He was clerk of the County Court and Master in Equity during the war of 1861-5. In 1864 he was elected clerk of the Superior Court and held it four years. All this time he had continued his mercantile business. He had been associated with his brother, J. J. Cherry, but bought his interest and a few years thereafter, 1868, took T. R. Cherry as a partner, the firm being T. R. Cherry & Company. This partnership lasted until 1888, when T. R. Cherry retired. A few years later he associated with him in the business J. R. and J. G. Moye, the firm then being J. B. Cherry and Company. This partnership continued to his death. In 1874 he was elected treasurer of Pitt county and held the office continuously by re-election until 1890, when he declined a reelection. But in 1898 he was again elected treasurer and twice thereafter reelected, when he positively declined to be a candidate for reelection. Altogether he was clerk of the court eight years and treasurer twenty-two years, with a record of efficiency and popularity to be justly proud of.

He was a member of the Methodist church, and a Pythian. He was twice married. His first wife was Pattie Sherrod, a granddaughter of John Simpson; his second was Ada Pearce, daughter of B. C. Pearce. There is one child by the first wife, Mrs. F. G. James, and one by the second, J. B. Cherry, Jr.

He died March 13th, 1905.

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SMITH, JOHN RICHARD, born May 18th, 1868, Brothers.

SMITH, ROBERT WILLIAMS, born November 11th, 1869

The lives and work of these two brothers have been so closely blended that a sketch of one is almost a sketch of the other, therefore, it is best to give them together. From infancy to manhood and on, their career, their interests have been as one. Their father, Theophilus Smith, was a farmer, as was also their grandfather, William Smith. Their father was a Confederate soldier and died when they were quite young. In 1878 they went to Oxford, North Carolina, where they remained two years at the asylum, then under Dr. Mills. Ill health of their mother called them home and they again took up the work of her farm. She died in 1888 and the next year they went to Winterville, as clerks for A. G. Cox, who took more than a business interest in them and their future. He aided and encouraged them in the opening of a store in 1891, John having charge of that business, Robert remaining with Mr. Cox until 1893, when the business demanded the services of both, Robert also went to Ayden. Their business has had a phenomenal growth and they are interested in many of the most successful enterprises of their town. The Bank of Ayden, with $10,000 capital, was organized in 1903. They were the largest stockholders and John was elected cashier, which position he still holds. The business of the bank has grown and the capital stock is now $25,000. In May, 1902, a disastrous fire destroyed much of the business section of Ayden and their losses were very heavy. Again in January, 1906, they were severe losers by fire. This year they incorporated their business, under the firm name of The J. R. Smith Company, with a paid in capital of $25,000, the authorized capital being $100,000. Of the new firm, John is President and Robert is Vice-President. Their business is very extensive, reaching out to at least four counties. In 1908 this firm bought out the Ayden Milling and Manufacturing Company, a company with $15,000 capital stock. They had been interested in this concern since its organization. John is also president of the Ayden Loan and Insurance Company, another enterprise that is doing much for the up-building of the town and vicinity. They have recently bought out the East Carolina Land and Development Company, and will develop much property in and around Ayden. They own much real estate in Pitt, Craven and Greene counties. Both are members of the Christian (Disciple) church and prominent in church work. They are both Masons and Odd Fellows.

John married Mary, daughter of Elder Fred McGlohon, a Free Will Baptist minister and a farmer, who was a representative in the Legislature of 1893. They have two children, daughters, living. Robert married Cora, daughter of W. F. Hart, a farmer. They have four children, sons, living.

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BLOW, ALEXANDER LILLINGTON, son of William J. and Dorcas S. Blow, was born in Greenville, June 29th, 1851. His father was a well-known physician and a representative in the legislature (House) from Pitt county ten years, from 1848 to 1858. In the war of 1861-5 he was a surgeon in the Twenty-seventh Regiment. His grandfather, James Blow, was a large farmer, in the western part of the county. His mother was a daughter of Joseph Masters, of Hyde county, who was a representative in the legislature (Senate) from Hyde in 1800.

Mr. Blow was attending the common schools when in the latter part of March, 1865, he enlisted in the Eighth Texas Regiment, then in General Johnston's army. After General Johnston's surrender near Durham, he returned home and entered Pitt Academy where he finished his education. He then became a clerk in a store. Later he studied law under Colonel Yellowly and was licensed in January, 1874. Shortly he became associated with J. T. Lyon, in the publication of The Register, a weekly paper, published in Greenville. In September of that year, he was elected register of deeds for the county and withdrew from the paper business. He held that office by reelection until 1881, when he was appointed clerk of the Superior court to succeed Henry Sheppard, deceased. He held that office to the end of that term, one year. He was solicitor of the Inferior court two years. He was a town alderman in 1881 and again in 1900, serving the two terms of two years each. In 1902 he was elected State Senator and again in 1908. He was elected a member of the democratic county executive committee in 1874 and held that position until 1904. From 1874 to 1883 he was secretary to the committee and from 1883 to 1904 he was chairman. For many years he was attorney for the Board of County Commissioners. He first began the practice of law in 1874.

He is a member of the Methodist church and is chairman of the Board of Trustees. He is a Master Mason and has been prominent in Masonic circles and work.

In 1874 he married Alice M. Monteiro, of Virginia. They have seven children, all living.

GRIMES, JOHN BRYAN, son of General Bryan Grimes and Charlotte Emily Bryan, daughter of the late Hon. John H. Bryan, was born at Raleigh, N. C., June 3, 1868, but he has lived since his infancy at Grimesland, Pitt County. Educated at private schools, Raleigh Male Academy, Trinity School (Chocowinity, N. C.), Lynch's High School (High Point, N. C.), University of North Carolina, Bryant & Stratton's Business College (Baltimore, Md.), Farmer and business man; member State Farmers' Alliance; aide-de-camp on staff Governor Elias Carr with rank of colonel; member State Board of Agriculture 1899 and 1900; President North Carolina Tobacco Growers Association 1900; Chairman North Carolina Historical Commission; member Executive Committee State Literary and Historical Association; Vice-President

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and member Board of Managers North Carolina Society Sons of the Revolution; member Executive Committee Trustees of University of North Carolina; Chairman Democratic Executive Committee Chicod Township 1890 to 1900. Always active in politics. Endorsed by Pitt County and several parts of the First Congressional District for Democratic nomination for Congress in 1898, but declined to become a candidate. Elected Secretary of State in 1900, again in 1904 and again in 1908. In 1908 leading the State ticket both in the majority and in the number of votes received. Belongs to following fraternal orders: A. F. & A. M.; Knights of Pythias; J. O. U. A. M. and Royal Arcanum.

Married November 14, 1904, Mary Octavia Laughinghouse, who died December 2, 1909, and on February 3, 1904, to Elizabeth Forrest Laughinghouse. Children by first wife, Helen Elise Grimes, and by last marriage, John Bryan Grimes, Jr., and Charles O'Hagan Grimes.

WILLIAMS, WILLIS ROBERT, was born near Falkland September 3d, 1826, in the house in which he lived and died. His father was Robert Williams, a son of John Williams, prominent in Revolutionary history of Pitt county. John was a son of Robert Williams, a Welshman, who first settled in Pennsylvania, but came to North Carolina in 1727, settling near Falkland where he bought several thousand acres of land.

Left an orphan when young, Mr. Williams was reared and educated by an uncle, who gave him a fine college education. As a young man, he was prominent in public affairs, serving as school committee, member of the County Board of Education and examiner of teachers. Some time in the latter 60's he was made a Justice of the Peace and at different periods held this office more than twenty years. He was prominent in the Grange movement, was master of the local and later of the State Grange. He was often a delegate to the National Grange. He served long on the State Board of Agriculture and director of State institutions. His legislative career began in 1866 when he was elected a member of the House. At that session he introduced a bill to pension the Confederate soldiers, it being the first effort of the kind in the South. However the bill failed to become a law. He was elected to the State Senate in 1884 and reelected in 1886, 1888 and 1890. He was a candidate for Superior Court Clerk in 1894. He was a member of the Greenville Lodge of Masons and a member of the Christian (Disciple) church.

Early in life he married Harriet P., daughter of Colonel Thomas H. Leary, of Edenton, who preceded him to the grave. They were the parents of eight children, five boys and three girls. After her death he led a retired life on his farm, where he died September 7th, 1910, being eighty-three years and four days old.

Though always feeble, he was an active man and interested in public

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affairs. He was one of the fathers of the Agricultural and Mechanical College at Raleigh. He always championed the cause of the farmer and was really the father of the six per cent interest law, though he did not secure its enactment. He was a member of the Christian church sixty or more years and perhaps attended more State conferences than any other layman; he was a Mason more than fifty years. He was a man of thorough education, extensive information, wide travel and broad views.

WOOTEN, FRANCIS MARION, son of Robert L. and Julia A. Wooten, was born at LaGrange, N. C., August 4th, 1875. His father was a farmer. His mother was a daughter of M. R. C. Loftin and Julia Parker Loftin.

He was educated at Columbia College, New York, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Taking up pharmacy, he was licensed in 1897 and in 1904 he located at Greenville, where he had lived several years prior to 1897. While a pharmacist and engaged in the business he took up the study of law, was licensed to practice in 1905 and began practice at Greenville. In 190.. he was elected Mayor, which office he then held two terms. In 1910 he was again elected Mayor to fill an unexpired term. Thus he now combines pharmacy, law and executive duties. He is a member of the Episcopal church and a "lay reader." He is a Mason, with his membership with Unanimity Lodge at Edenton, North Carolina. He is also a member of Tar River Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Greenville, North Carolina. He is an active business man, a good lawyer and popular Mayor.

July 7th, 1909, he married Elizabeth Hampton Wade, a daughter of...... Wade, of Farmville, Virginia.

JARVIS, THOMAS JORDAN, was born in Currituck county, North Carolina, January 18th, 1836. He began life as a school teacher, graduating from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia, in 1860. In 1861 he closed his school and enlisted in Company B, Eighth regiment, and was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain. At Drewry's Bluff in 1864 he was severely wounded, his right arm having been useless since. Returning home after the war he moved to Tyrrell county and was elected to the Andrew Johnson State Convention of 1865. He was licensed to practice law in 1866. In 1868 he was a Seymour and Blair candidate for elector as well as a candidate for the legislature, being elected to the latter. He was reelected in 1870 and elected Speaker of the House. In 1872 he moved to Pitt county and was a Greely and Brown candidate for elector. With W. M. King he was elected to Represent Pitt county in the Constitutional convention of 1875. In 1876 he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Z. B. Vance, and on the election

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of Governor Vance to the United States Senate he became Governor February 5th, 1879. In 1880 he was elected Governor for the full term, thus serving six years. In March, 1885, President Cleveland appointed him Minister to Brazil, where he remained four years. On the death of Senator Vance Governor Carr appointed him United States Senator, April 19th, 1895, to fill the unexpired term. Since then he has devoted himself to his profession, though taking an active interest in public matters.

LATHAM, REVEREND JOSEPHUS, son of Thomas J. and Nancy C. Latham, was born at Pantego, Beaufort County, North Carolina, June 6th, 1828. His father was one of the pioneer ministers of the Christian (Disciple) church in North Carolina and was also a large landowner, with many slaves. He received a good common school education. At fifteen years of age he became a member of the Christian church at Pantego, being baptized by his father. Three years later, when he was only eighteen, he became a minister of that church and made that his life work, though he was also a farmer and gave much attention to educational work, teaching at various times and places. He taught the Farmville High School many years and many of the successful men of that section, and others, received their training under him. He was a member of the Pitt County Board of Education and County Superintendent from 1883 to 1889.

After many years itinerary, during which he served the Kinston church several years, he made his home on his farm near Greenville and was for many years pastor of Mount Pleasant. During his ministry, only sickness, the performance of some other sacred duty or unavoidable circumstances, made him miss preaching every Sunday in the year. And besides, he held many revival meetings and preached at other times. During his ministry he baptized about 3,000 persons and married near 500 couples. He died April 27th, 1889, aged 60 years, 10 months and 21 days, and was buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery near his home. A marble tomb marks his grave.

For many years he was a member of Covenant Lodge of Odd Fellows at Greenville and was also a Knight of Honor. He was a strong prohibitionist and all his life a total abstainer. He was utterly unselfish, and spent his life in the service of his Master and for his fellow man.

One cold day he met a Confederate soldier, who was barefooted and not too well clothed. After a short conversation with the soldier, he pulled off his shoes and socks and gave them to the soldier.

May 31st, 1852, he married Martha Brown, daughter of Alfred L. and Nancy E. Brown, Reverend John P. Dunn officiating. At the age of 81 years his widow, with two of their children, survive him.

(She died September, 1910.)

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KING, RICHARD WARREN, third son of Thomas and Martha A. (Turnage) King, was born near what is now Farmville, September 11th, 1858. Receiving a common school education, he began clerking in a country store before he was grown. Later in other business he canvassed much of the eastern counties. In 1882 he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff King, which position he held for the three terms of his uncle. In 1888 J. A. K. Tucker was elected sheriff and he was continued in office of deputy sheriff for the two terms of Sheriff Tucker. So acceptably and efficiently had he performed the duties of deputy for ten years that in 1892 he was nominated by the Democrats for the office of sheriff and elected at the following election. In 1894 the county commissioners refused to accept the bond of sheriff-elect, W. H. Harrington, and appointed him sheriff for the ensuing two years. Having served altogether fourteen years in the office he was not a candidate for renomination in 1896. In 1906 he was elected a county commissioner and under that administration, the steel bridges at Greenville and Grifton were built. He has always taken an active interest in politics and served on many committees, having been a member of the county, district and many other committees. He is a member of the Christian (Disciple) church and a Mason.

September 28th, 1891, he married Mattie E., daughter of W. B. and Mattie E. (Edwards) Moye. They have seven children living.

SKINNER, COLONEL HARRY, son of James C. and Elmira W. Skinner, was born in Perquimans county, May 25th, 1855. His father was a member of the legislature (House) several times from Chowan county and also clerk of the Court of Perquimans county near forty years. His grandfather, Henry Skinner, represented Chowan county a number of times in the legislature in both Houses and later represented Perquimans many terms in both houses of the legislature. He was also a member of the Governor's Council. His great-grandfather, William Skinner, represented Perquimans at the Halifax Convention of 1776,

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and on the organization of troops in 1776 was elected Lieutenant Colonel. He was later promoted Brigadier General. The Skinners were from England and among the early settlers of Albemarle, where they became large planters and slave owners and very influential. His mother was a daughter of Allen Ward, a large planter.

Colonel Skinner was prepared for college at Hertford Academy and graduated from Kentucky University at Lexington with degree of L. B in 1875. He had studied law and was sworn in as an attorney at Lexington, but coming to Greenville, he continued its study under Major L. C. Latham and was licensed in North Carolina in 1876. He at once formed a partnership with Major Latham. In 1878 he was elected a member of the democratic congressional committee. From 1880 to 1884 he was chairman of the Pitt county democratic executive committee and in 1883 also chairman of the congressional committee. In 1888 he was elected to the legislature (House), and being a strong Allianceman took a prominent part in matters pertaining to its cause. When it resulted in the formation of the populist party, he was one of its organizers and an active participant in its proceedings. He canvassed the State in 1892, and was the populist candidate for Congress in the first district in 1894. He was elected and reelected in 1896, but was defeated in 1898. He is now the only living ex-representative of the first district.

In 1901 he was appointed United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina by President McKinley, and reappointed in 1905 by President Roosevelt. Since the expiration of his second term he has devoted himself to his large law practice in both the State and Federal Courts. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He is public spirited and enterprising and principally through his efforts a building and really the public school for Greenville resulted, which grew into the graded school.

Colonel Skinner has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Monteiro, of Richmond, Virginia, by whom he had four children, one of whom, Harry Skinner, Jr., an able and bright young lawyer, with great promise of a useful and brilliant career, lost his life in an automobile accident near Greenville, November 3d, 1909. His second wife was Ella Montiero, of Greenville9, by whom he has one son.

LAUGHINGHOUSE, CAPTAIN JOSEPH JOHN, son of Joseph H. and J. A. Laughinghouse, was born in Pitt county, October 4th, 1847. When Thomas Laughinghouse came to America about 1750 he left his brothers engaged in the wholesale grain business in Liverpool. Their descendants have continued the business to the present time. Thomas settled in Pitt (then Beaufort) county. John, a son of Thomas, was an officer in the Revolution, serving under General Washington and was with him at Yorktown. John had three sons, Thomas, who went

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to Arkansas: (Judge George Laughinghouse of that State was one of his descendants;) Joseph, who went to Alabama; and Edward L., who remained in Pitt and became a large planter. Edward L. had three children, William J., John H. and Annie. Annie married F. B. Satterthwaite. John H., who, like his father, was a large planter, was the father of Joseph J., the subject of this sketch.

Captain Laughinghouse's father died in November, 1862, and left him practically in charge of his mother's business. She died in March, 1863. He then went to Horner's Military school, where he remained until April, 1864, leaving school to join the Junior Reserves, composed of seventeen-year-old boys, Company H, Seventy-first Regiment, of which company he was elected First Lieutenant, and the following October (1st) four days before he was seventeen years old, he was promoted Captain. He is said to have been the youngest Captain of any North Carolina troops. The first four months after his enlistment he served as Adjutant of his regiment. The regiment was in General Hoke's Division of General Joseph E. Johnston's army the last four months of the war.

After the war Captain Laughinghouse taught school a year, clerked a year and at the age of twenty was engaged in the shingle business, making some money. His father's estate, somewhat encumbered, had suffered heavily by the war, necessitating the sale of the land in 1869. He became the purchaser, and went to work with a will to redeem it, and in time was successful. He has always been an active democrat and has served many years as committeeman, both of his township, county and State. He was almost a lifelong Justice of the Peace. He was four years an Associate Justice of the County Inferior Court.

In 1904 he was elected a member of the legislature (House) and reelected in 1906. In 1909 Governor Kitchin appointed him Superintendent of the State prison and farms. Under his management the earnings of the first year were more than doubled. He has been one of the county's largest and most successful farmers and at one time was said to be the largest tobacco grower in the State. He is a prominent Mason.

In 1870 he married Eliza, daughter of the late Dr. C. J. O'Hagan. They have three children living: Dr. C. O'H. Laughinghouse of Greenville, Mrs. J. Bryan Grimes of Raleigh, and Ned Laughinghouse of Greenville.

LATHAM, MAJOR LOUIS CHARLES, son of Charles Latham, was born at Plymouth, N. C., September 11th, 1840. His father was a prominent lawyer of Plymouth.

Major Latham was prepared for college in the Plymouth schools and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1859. He read law under Judge Asa Biggs and then attended Harvard Law School.

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The events of 1860-1 interrupted his studies. He returned home, volunteered, and May 20, 1861, was made Captain of Company G, First Regiment. He was wounded at Sharpsburg and soon thereafter promoted Major of the regiment. He commanded the regiment at Chancellorsville and was wounded at the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. Recovering he again joined the army and surrendered with General Lee at Appomattox. While at home in 1864 he was elected to the legislature (House). At the close of the war he resumed his law studies and was soon licensed to practice. In 1870 he was elected to the State Senate and in the absence of Judge Warren, President of the Senate, he was always chosen to preside. He was a candidate for the democratic congressional nomination in 1872, 74 and 78, but defeated, and in 1880 was nominated by acclamation and also elected. He was again a candidate in 1882, but was defeated by W. F. Pool. He came to Greenville in 1875 and was a Tilden and Hendricks elector in 1876. In 1886 he was again a candidate and elected to Congress. After this term he devoted himself to his profession, being one of the ablest and most eloquent lawyers in the State. He died October 16th, 1895.

Major Latham was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Norcum, of Plymouth, by whom he had one child. His second wife was a Miss Montiero, of Richmond, Va., by whom he had four children, one of whom is now United States Consul.

MOORE, DAVID COLUMBUS, son of David and Arcenia Moore, was born September 18th, 1850. His father was a farmer and had two sons in the Confederate army.

Mr. Moore received a common school education and farmed a number of years. In 1877 he was elected a Justice of the Peace, which position he held twenty years. In 1878 he was elected a member of the legislature (House) and reelected in 1880. Having moved to Bethel he was first elected Mayor in 1876 and by reelection he was Mayor sixteen years. In 1885 he was elected member of the County Board of Education, serving two years. In 1891-92 he was deputy register of deeds under D. H. James, and also in 1893 under Major Harding. In 1898 he was elected clerk of the Superior Court and reelected in 1902, 1906 and 1910. He is an active democrat and has served as member of both his township and county executive committees. He is an Odd Fellow and a Red Man.

In 1875 he married Martha C. Andrews, daughter of Henry and Mary A. Andrews. They have four children: Andrew J., assistant cashier Greenville Banking and Trust Company; Thomas J., teller of the Murchison National Bank of Wilmington; A. Thurman, deputy clerk of Pitt Superior Court, and David C. Jr., attending school.

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DAVIS, ROBERT LANG, oldest son of B. A. and Mary A. Davis, was born in Pitt County, March 3d, 1856. His father was a farmer, member of Company F, Sixty-first Regiment, war of 1861-5, and was killed near Charleston, S. C., July, 1863, in an infantry attack upon a Federal gunboat. His grandfather, Benjamin Davis, was a farmer. His mother was a daughter of Robert and Mariah Lang.

Mr. Davis was reared on the farm and his educational advantages were limited. When sixteen years old he began clerking in the store of his uncle, W. G. Lang. Seven years later, 1879, he began business himself in Farmville. Soon W. R. Horne was associated with him, the firm being Davis and Horne. Mr. Horne withdrew in 1886. In 1893 his brothers, Francis M. Davis, and John R. Davis were taken into the business, the firm becoming R. L. Davis and Brothers, which it has continued since.

The first bank in Pitt County, the Bank of Greenville, was organized in 1896, and R. L. Davis, of Farmville, a large stockholder, was its president, and is now, having served continuously. He was elected a county commissioner in 1900 and reelected in 1902. He has served his town both as mayor and alderman, and his people in many other capacities. He has ever been foremost in promoting the industry and enterprises of his town and section. Among such and in which he has been a prime mover, are, the Bank of Farmville, organized in 1904, of which he has been its only president; the Farmville tobacco market, opened in the Farmville district graded school; the Farmville oil mills, now about ready to begin operations, of which he is president; and a number of other enterprises.

When Mr. Davis began business in 1879 his capital was limited and competition almost deathdealing, but by close and strict attention to his business he surmounted many difficulties and built up a business that extends to several counties. He is a merchant farmer, manufacturer and capitalist. As a merchant his firm does the largest business in Pitt County; as a farmer, he is the largest landowner in the county and is practical and successful; as a manufacturer, he is interested in

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a number of enterprises and much of their success is due to his ability as a financier; as a capitalist, he is an extensive banker and does a large business. Thus he is Pitt County's largest merchant, largest farmer, largest banker, prominent in all affairs of the county, and a bachelor.

COTTEN, ROBERT RANDOLPH, son of John L. and Nancy A. Cotten, was born in upper Edgecombe county, June 20th, 1839. His father was a farmer. His grandfather, Roderick Cotten, was a planter also. His mother was a daughter of the late Aaron Johnson, a large and wealthy planter and slaveowner.

From the common schools, Mr. Cotten went to Baltimore, where he finished his education and for a while made Baltimore his home, engaging in the mercantile business as a traveling salesman. When the war of 1861-5 began he came back to Edgecombe and enlisted in Company G, Third North Carolina Cavalry. He went through the war and surrendered with General Lee at Appomattox. After the war he began business in Tarboro and came to Falkland, Pitt county, and opened business about 1868. He soon had a branch business in Wilson, and was one of the directors of the first bank organized in that town. He has held many positions of trust and honor. He was long a director of the State Hospital at Raleigh, of the State penitentiary and has been a member of the democratic State executive committee fifteen years. For several years after coming to Pitt he was a Justice of the Peace, and on the organization of the Pitt County Inferior Court, he was elected its chairman and held that position several years. In 1908 he was nominated and elected a member of the legislature (House) and is now a State Senator, having been elected at the election on November 8th, 1910. He is a large farmer, with his farms in a high state of cultivation, and also a merchant, supplying his farms and otherwise doing business. He is a member of the Episcopal church.

March 7th, 1866, he married Miss Sallie Southall, daughter of Colonel Thomas Southall, of Murfreesboro, N. C. They have six children, three sons and three daughters. Bruce Cotten, their oldest son, is a United States army officer, and married Mrs. Edith Johns Tyson, of Baltimore. Lyman A. Cotten is a United States naval officer and married Miss Bessie Henderson, of Salisbury, N. C. Preston S. Cotten is a lawyer of Norfolk, Virginia. Their daughters, all married, are Mrs. Julian Timberlake, of Raleigh, N. C.; Mrs. Russell B. Wiggin, of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. Douglass B. Wesson, of Springfield, Mass.