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' Vj-iV ' ' . ^ ^ _ ." """ " ~ ^ _ ^ | lewis >i. (tRist, proprietor, j %\ |nbcjjcitbcnt Jamilg fjetospapcr: Jfor fbf promotion of % |oihiraI, Social, ?,|riai!fural anb Commercial Interests of % Sou% J terms--*2.oo a year, IN ADVANCE. VOL. 34. YORKYILLE, S. C., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1888. NO. 43. mmmmmmmfmmmmmmtammmammmtaammmmem m ?e? fjfltfe ?0Utttg's fcoirns. PROGRESSIVE ROCK HILL. What She Has Accomplished In Thirs ty-Six Years i WITH HER BRAINS AND HER BRAWN. A Brilliant Example of What Can Be Done k By an Enterprising People Who Do Not Neglect Their Opportunities. EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL ADVANCEMENT. t " In the year 18f>2, when the Charlotte and' South Carolina Railroad was completed through the eastern side of York county, there was not a single business house to mark the site of the present town of Bock Hill. To-day this miniature city citizens, and chalten^ the to ROCK HILL COTTON point out another town within her borders that has accomplished as much within the same length of time under like conditions. - Although the history of the town dates back only thirty-six years, its population is now rapidly approaching to two thou- j sand souls. . Drawing its increase mostly from the i surrounding country, and different points j in North and South Carolina, its growth has been steady and substantial. It has never been necessary to resort to the "booming" process to stimulate the energies of her people. Always keenly alive to the best interests of the town, they j have never been slow to improve any opportunity looking to the advancement of their general welfare. Old fogyism has never been a potential factor* Life and energy seem to characterize the management of whatever work that may be in hand to such an extent that assurance of success seems to be foreshadowed from the outset. Whether the projected enterprise be the building of a school-house, cotton fnpfnrv. railroad or church, the only rule | governing its successful completion is a realization of its necessity. The ltock Hill idea of a citizen's duty seems to be to keep the supply up with the demand, the demand up with the supply, and themselves united in order that the more may he accomplished. We cannot call to mind the failure of a single enterprise that has been undertaken here in the past ten years, and during that period the most significant achievements have followed each other in ; such rapid succession as to be truly remarkable. Although Rock Hill owes its progress so far entirely to Southern enterprise and energy, its people are not at all narrowminded or illiberal. Desirable citizens, from whatever section, will here find a most cordial welcome. They are offered the highest and purest moral, social, educational and religious, as well as firstclass business advantages. The courteous hospitality with which the Rock Hill people nave ever treated her guests has become Sroverbial, and not a single blot is on er fair name. While there is little encouragement held out to those of different political faith to make proselytes, such difference in politics does not mean business or social ostracism4 Gentlemen, Jj'hatever their politics, are always met on lalf-way ground. These facts are so generally understood, however, that there is no need for their further discussion here. Below will be found a review, which, so far as it goes, is a most gratifying showing of Rock Hill's progress and present condition. LOCATION AN1) PLAN. NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL ADVANTAGES OF POSITION THE MOST FAVOUAHLK. Rock Hill is situated in the northern part of the State, and in the eastern portion of York county; is distant eightyfour miles from Columbia, twenty-five miles from Charlotte, fifteen miles from Yorkville, the county seat, and is directly connected with these points by rail. Standing on an elevation of GUS feet above tide water, it is the highest point on the C., C. it A. Railroad between Augusta and Charlotte. Its high location, excellent drainage and pure air, coupled with its' lUK'K JI H.I. (iUAI)KI incomparable climatic advantages, preclude the possibility of malarial or epidem-; ical troubles. Deliriously pure free-stone water is found at a depth of from twenty j to thirty feet, and surrounding streams, : in close proximity, are waiting to furnish an abundant supply when the rapid; growth of the town demands the use of; water in larger quantities. The numerous natural advantages of l the town are further augmented by its j haviiur become the intersecting point of two great trunk lines of railroad, and isap-1 proached within competing distance by a third. Its transportation facilities already ! good, are now unsurpassed by any inland town in the State. The Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago road crosses the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta line al-j most in the heart of town, and the Geor-, gia, Carolina and Northern, intersecting j with both, is close enough to materially j affect different classes of freight rates, With direct communication north, east, south and west, contiguous to inexhaus-1 tible timber and mineral wealth, and located in the heart of a farming country j capable of growing the greatest diversity } of crops known in any one climate, this favored town offers all that could be desired for manufacturing' purposes. Already, independent of all other considerations, only a little time is asked to make it a great distributing point. PLAN. The location was platted in 1853 by John Roddey, father of Captain W. L. Roddey, who was then deputy surveyor for that section. The plat provided for only twentv-three lots, ranged on both sides of what was then the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad. This plan, however, has long since become inadequate to the growth of the town, which, though still compact, leaves the railroad for a considerable distance on each side. Although no more extensive plan has since been agreed upon, mucn system mis ucm preserved in the laying off of streets, and the town is building up in convenient shape. The original plat is an interesting relic, and shows that the early builders had little conception of the beautiful town that was to occupy the spot they had jwtoctock The plat is po u im pmmimnof Captain W. L. Roaaey, who has had chants ar FACTORY. . This p< it neatly framed, and takes great pleasure in showing it to the curious. GOVERNMENT. 1 i-J ai 1 Kock inil Wiia not incorporate^! uiuii February, 1870, when the town was granted a charter by the Legislature, which vested the government in an intendant and four wardens, and prescribed that the incorporate limits should radiate one-half mile each way from the "Gordon," now Central, hotel. The first council elected was composed of the following well known gentlemen: John K. Allen, intendant; J. M. Ivy, Dr. T. L. Johnson, M. "NV. Russell and John Ratterree, wardens. With the exception of the two first named wardens, all of the members of the original council are now living and sharing a prosperity which was brought about in considerable measure by their own earnest efforts. For a number of years past the municipal affairs have been left almost solely to the management of the younger citizens. Whether as a result of this policy or no, a prudent and efficient government has always been the good fortune of the community. The present council consists of Messrs. A. K. Smith, intendant; J. W. Fewell, W. C. Hutchison, J. M. Cherry and W. J. Itawlinson, wardens. ' At the request of citizens of the town, the licensed sale of liquor within the incorporate limits was prohibited by an act of the Legislature several years ago. Since that time the pernicious traffic has been restricted to such an extent that the peace of the town is no longer disturbed bv it. Except on special occasions, the police duties are discharged by a single official. There is little or no vagrancy, and no rowdyism. HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. COMFORTABLE ROOMS, NICE FURNITURE, WELL KEPT TABLES. A good hotel is an important institution to any town. So much so that it is the j first matter upon which the traveler seeks to inform himself when contemplating a visit thereto. Recognizing this fact, Rock Hill seeks to furnish her guests with the liest possible accommodations. Located in the centre of a food producing country, there is no difficulty in setting before them a table laden with the choicest meats and vegetables. York county furnishes the most delicious beef, pork and mutton, and such indispensables as milk, butter, eggs and fat chickens, can be had at a cost very trifling when their price is compared with other parts of the country. TICK CENTRAL HOTEL has long been under the successful management of Mr. David Gordon, a veteran in the business. The Central devotes its attention mostly to regular boarders, and does not cater particularly for the transient trade. Its guests, however, are made comfortable, and thediotel has an extensive i and favorable reputation. THE CAROLINA, a large and imposing three story brick hotel building, has just risen out of the ashes of what was formerly known as the (iIol>f, destroyed by tire last year. Acsurplus an > KCIIOCII.. president,* tution ha? cording to the statements of a number of traveling men, whom the writer particularly interviewed upon the subject, the Carolina compares most favorably with ?mv hotel in the State, outside of Clmrlcs ton. The hotel proper contains thirty-two rooms, all of which are elegantly and comfortably furnished throughout, and ate provided with all practicable modern conveniences, such as electric call bells, speaking tubes, baths, etc. The comfort of the guests is looked after by a competent corps of trained porters, waiters, and other servants. Experienced cooks are in charge of the culinary department, and the most fastidious traveler will find little that is suggestive of the "painfully rural." The proprietor is Mr. Howell Cobb. "The first floor of the building is occupied by the hotel office, post office. Enterprise telephone office, First National bank, and W. L. Roddey & Co's elegant store room. The building was erected by Captain W. L. Roddey at a cost of ?18,000, and although the outlay was made more from a determination tlmt the town should have a creditable hotel than from any hope of imme diate returns, lie has had no cause to regret the venture as a business investment. HOARDING HtirSES. There are a number of first-class boardj ing houses in the town that are prepared 1 to furnish the best accommodations at a | very low rate. The terms do not generally i exceed ten or twelve dollars per month, j A better community or a more desirable j climate in which to spend either a sunij mer or winter vacation is not to be found. MERCANTILE PROGRESS^^ PROSPEROUS MERCHANTS, PROSPEROUS FARMERS.?1"YOU FEED ME AND I'LL FEED YOU." Induced to locate here 011 account of the peculiar advantages offered in that pursuit, the first comers engaged in merchandis1 1 ./*? ia. | mg. WlUlgUOU irtMglll Jitt-liuicn, iwvncu I by energy and judgment, and surrounded by the most upright, intelligent and I progressive class of farmers to be found in any country, these merchants were not long in concentrating the trade of a considerable area at that point. x Ttwurh it is still necessary to use the! credit system quite ^emiively, the mer-e e, by reason of the well known character customers, enabled to offer such terms as e mutual benefit of all concerned, building of the country that feeds them is ant study of Rock Hill's business men, and cess in this direction is at once made appacomparison with other portions of the State. Id up the country and depend upon the to build up the town," is tin* striking ?gy in which one of the bank presidents he idea. Conversation with other business rinces us that this principle is more than ent. Large quantities of goods are sold ry season with no other security than the egrity of the purchasers. This indulgence inned to those who can be made to pay. ;rchants have ample means and stand well ial circles. The history of the town shows ewest number of failures, and not one that dishonorable. Tjie store houses are nearly ent erection and are models of taste, neat1 convenience. Several have plate glass n back more than a hundred feet, and are h goods from cellar to garret, ide of the town is mostly of the retail class, le jobbing business is growing year by year, g to a careful estimate, the sales of al l kinds andise for the vear ending June 30, 1888, ,000. A FINE COTTON MARKET. )int has been recognized for the past six years as one of the most important cotton markets on the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Railroad, and in tnc price it pays yields to neither terminus. During the time above-mentioned, Rock 31 ill lias shipped to New York and other markets about 85,000 bales of cotton. For the year ending September 1, 1888, her receipts from the country, by wagons, amount to 14,100 bales, against 13,744 the year before. The price has been known to run one-half cent per pound higher here than was being paid at the same time inAugusta. The factory now in operation consumes something over 2,500 bales of annually, and the completion of the other mill will run the amount up to between five and six thousand bales. The consumption of these two mills cannot fail to nave a healthy influence on the market. BANKING FACT LIT! ES. TWO BANKS ESTABLISHED IN ONE YEA 11? EACH PAYING OVER TEN PER CENT. Perhaps there is no surer index to the prosperity of a town than the number and condition of its banks. Up to less than two years ago, the necessary banking facilities of Hock Hill were supplied by private individuals and the banks of other towns. In January, 1887, however, two banking institutions began operations almost simultaneously. One is a national bank; the other is operating under a charter granted by the State Legislature. The success of both of these institutions has been remarkable, and is unprecedented in this locality. The not more than ample capital is manipulated with such ability as to be equal to the most exacting demands. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, \V. L. Roddey, president; John II. London, vice-president; \V. J. ltoddey, cashier; J. H. Miller, teller, was organized January 15, 1887, with a capita! of ?50,000. It is now nearing the close of its second year, and its profits have never fallen below twelve per cent. The deposits at times run up as high as ?100,000. This nanK is paironizeu not oiuy u,\ me unvu, but by the surrounding country, and has already developed many interests that have hitherto been Iving dormant. There is, at the present writing, a handsome net surplus and undivided profit on hand, and, as the president expresses it, "the bank has never lost a niekle since it begun operations." THE SAVINGS RANK OF HOCK HI LI,. This institution has grown out of the Young Men's Loan and Trust Company, organized in 188:1 with 228 shares, representing $10(1 each, to be paid on the installment plan at one dollar per share per month. Beginning operations with the first installment of $22s, the company soon met with such success as to encourage its conversion into a savings bank. Accordingly, in December, 1880, the name of the corporation was changed by the Legislature to the Savings Bank of Bock Hill, i The company was also granted a liberal charter and authorized to engage in a general banking business. Over $21,Odd of the capital stock, which has been increased to 20U shares, has been paid in. The statement for the six months ending June 00, shows an admirable record. The net el profits on hand indicate a clear gain slve per cent., and the stockholders refuse 2-"> per share, where they have only paid in sits are received in amounts from one Iding used by this bank is a line two j k structure, and was erected by the com-1 banking purposes. The outside presents a ron and plate glass front, while the inside y fitted up with expensive and convenifurniture. Inside of a spacious lire proof vhat is guaranteed to lie an absolutely | oof safe, constructed with alternate layers d case-hardened steel. The manufacturers t the introduction of powder is impossible^ he steel is as hard as any cutting instrucould be applied. k is under the immediate management of young business man, Mr. .1. M. Cherry, flte president, Mr. David Hutchinson, i- alii in his private oll'tcc during banking hours. I IK K X LOAX AND INVESTMENT COMPANY lie direction of Captain Win. L. Roddey, and W. J. Roddey, manager. This insti* a paid in capital of $7">,onu, and although it has as yet hardly begun operations, must must eventually assume an importance in keeping with the purposes of its promoters. M A X U FACT lTR IN<1. RAPID STRIDES IN THIS INDUSTRY 1)1"it IX(J THE I'A ST KlCillT YEARS. Rock 11 ill was anions the first of the towns in tii(! State to recognize the fact that cotton could lie profitably manufactured by steam power. During the latter part of 1879, Captain A. K. H^rtison, \Y. L. Roddey, J. M. Ivy, aiuflRiers, after giving the matter a thorough investigation, began agitating the subject of building a cotton factory. A meeting of the citizens resulted in the assurance of their enthusiastic support, and the scheme was at once developed into the organization of -the HOCK 111 LI. COTTON* FACTORY Company, with a capital of $120,01 HI. A mill was soon erected and put in operaation in 1881?the fourth cotton mill in the State whose machinery was moved entirely by steam power. The enterprise was a success from the beginning. At first the profits were applied to an increase of the* capital stock, which has been run up to $128,900, but a handsome dividend is now being paid. There is little or no stock on the market; and when it does change hands it is at a considerable advance on par value. The affairs of the mill are under the management of Captain A. E. Hutchison, president; David Hutchison, secretary and treasurer; J. It. Neisler, superintendent, .and an efficient board of directors. The factory gives employment to about one hundred operatives, runs 7,904 spindles, consumes something over 2,500 bales of cot I - ">_ 1,1 ItltA KY BUILDING. ton, and manufactures &">(),000 pounds of yarn annually. .A two hundred horsepower engine moves the machinery, Nearly all of the operatives are housed hy the company, which has erected some twenty-five neat and comfortable cottages for the purpose. The increase of population directly attributable to the factory is about 4">0>, During the nearly eight years that the mill has been in operation, it has had no trouble whatever with its labor. On the contrary, the superintendent has been gratified by numerous and unanimous expressions of the satisfaction of his employes. This labor is somewhat cosmopolitan in its character, which fact adds still more to the significance of the above desirable state of affairs. The building is of brick, two stories high and 255 feet long by 75 feet wide. It has been well constructed, and is located in the most desirable position that could he thought of?in an angle formed by the intersection of two railroads, and not more than forty yards from either. The Three C's has further contributed to the general convenience by laying side a track up to the doors of the building, and promises to furnish the necessary coal at prices that will greatly reduce fuel expenses. The drayage expenses will also be considerably curtailed^ TJLRSTAXDAUD fOTTOX MILL. In testimony of the success of the Rock Hill Cotton Factory Company, we now find a number of its stockholders, associated with other citizens of the town, constructing another mill on a larger scale, which pro]loses to manufacture its yarn into fine ginghams. The project was set on foot this year, and the operations of the company are based upon the following admirable plan,, which owes its origin to Messrs John It. London and W. J. lioddey. The plan is so simple, FUKW uinrjjixfs. so perfect, and at the same time its requirement^ are so easy, that we think it might he made available in any community : "A weekly assessment of fifty cents per share is to he paid for each share of stock subscribed. Any subscriber wishing to pay the full amount in cash will be allowed an interest of seven per cent, upon all stock whose payment is in this way anticipated. Those who"pay in advance will be given three notes of the company, payable in lid, 134 and 200 weeks respectively, and bearing seven per cent, interest from date. Each note, at its maturity, will be taken up by the company, and a certificate of stock for principal and interest given, thus securing a safe and immediately paying investment for cash subscribers at a liberal rate of interest. Subscribers who prefer not to pay all cash may give three notes, each for one third of the stock subscribed, payable in 00, 134 and 200 weeks respectively. Whenever theamountof each note has been received by the weekly in-1 stallments, the nflte will be given up and acertified certificate of stock in the company issu| ed. This gives the subscriber a paid up certificate of stock at once available as a collateral security of high class. By this plan of taking the notes of subscribers, secured by the payment of weekly installments, the directors will be able to place them as collateral security on the notes of the company, and with the money thus borrowed, (should it be deemed desirable to do so), and with the full cash payment of those who elect to pay cash, can at once begin the work of erecting" the buildings, and before the end of the year, place the machinery and begin the operation of the mill. Subscriptions to the capital stock are solicited in any sums from five shares and upwards of $101) each." Ate John It. l.oiulnn. nresident of the prosperous Red Hank factory, near Colum-1 bin, "was made president of the company, and the" names of the following hoard of directors is signed to the circular setting forth the plan and soliciting subscriptions: \Y. E. lloddev, A. Freidheim, A. E.Smith, SAVINGS HANK OF UOt'K HILL. \V. M. Frew, It. T. Fewell, W. J. Roddey, T. A. Crawford, \V. .J. llawlinson. The construction of the buildings, which j are now Hearing completion, is under the' immediate supervision of President L011I don. Their plan and arrangement is suggestive of a thorough knowledge of what is required. Every conceivable precaution has been used to guard against tire and other dangers. The safety and convenience of the operatives have been provided for with equal care. The main building is of brick, three stories high, and measures 2:>0 by 70 feet. The first, or ground floor, is devoted ex clusively to the shafting, which will be so placed for reasons of convenience and safety. Strong pillars are ranged in alleys along the whole length of the building, practically forming a solid foundation, and at the same time contributing to a more jjerfect arrangement of belts and pulleys. The second floor is to be occupied by looms, and the spindles will take up the third. The picker house, dye-house, and boiler and engine house are separate from the main building. Their dimensions are 50x40, 100x45 and 00x40 respectively. It is believed that the mill will be able to declare a dividend of ten per cent, within two years from the time it begins operations. MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES. For the past few years the smaller manufactuies nave been receiving more and more attention. As yet no manufacturing e iterprise, consuming raw material from the surrounding country, has ever yet failed to make a success in this locality. The business men of thd town recognize the great opportunities presented in different branches of manufacture, and it is a question of only a very short time when 1 be producing a number of articles at much than the ?nme can he furnished from thi Among the manufactures that have receh attention, we will mention the following: The manufacture of carriages, buggies, a ture is carried on quite extensively. Most r ccssary timber is drawn from different pai county, and costs little more than transp The entire output of two establishments is ed by the surrounding country. The qi their productions is so far superior, as regar bility, etc., to the same class of goods mam at the North, that neither factory is able supply the local demand. This business is lv growing one, and the field is inviting fo The manufacture of shuttle blocks, rims I handles, is being carried on in a small w cedent returns are realized from the capita ed. All of the timbers necessary for these are found in the greatest abundance in th diate locality, and are placed at the faet< almost us cheaply as cord wood. Saddles and harness are also manufactu in competition with Northern makes. T made goods are superior in quality and'co market as to price. Large orders from parts of the State are constantly being til the manufacturer finds ready sale for all tl he can furnish. All the bricks that have been used in the manufactured almost within the incorpora The clay is inexhaustible and produces a 1 sirable both for its beauty and superior Suitable wood for burning costs, deliver $1.26 to $l.">0 per cord. The bricks are produced in as small quantities as hundred thousand lots at $4.")0 per thousand, with a handsome margin of profit for the manufacturer. The increased railroad facilities will probably develop this industry to much larger proportions. The erection of a steam flouring mill has proved a profitable enterprise. A fine quality of flour is produced from [ home made wheat and sold in competii tion with Western mills. A company has recently been capitalized for the purpose of manufacturing sashes, blinds, spokes and handles. The success of factories of this kind in neighboring towns, not so well favored as Hock Hill, assures even greater success here. LABOR AXI) WAGES. Ordinary unskilled labor is performed by the colored people, who receive from 76 cents to $1 per day. Where skill is required, white men are employed and are paid from $1.50 to $3.00 per day of ten hours. There is sufficient employment for all who are willing to work. The weekly pay roll of three manufacturing establishments, including two con tracting and building nrins, amounts u> $1,2(10. This amount can he fairly reckoned as "all trade," and is supplemented with considerable cash from other sources. EDUCATION. A GRADED SCHOOL WITH A FIXE BUILDING AND COMPETENT TEACHERS. In nothing has the intelligent and liberal public spirit of Rock Hill's people shown forth so brilliantly as in the manner in which they have recently provided themselves with the most desirable educational facilities. The great importance of providing their children with suitable and convenient educational advantages, has long been a matter of the deepest concern. Little more than a year ago the indomitable unanimity of the town took the matter in hand. Having previously become satisfied of the adaptability of the graded system to the community, that plan was agreed upon. A meeting of the citizens was held, and the little opposition that was offered was speedily explained away. Seven thousand dollars was decided upon as the amount necessary for the erection of suitable buildings. 'The town made an appropriation of that sum and then obtained authority from the Legislature for the levy of an additional two mill school tax upon the district, embracing an area three miles square, of which Rock Hill is the centre. The* seven thousand dollars thus raised, supplemented with fifteen hundred dollars derived from a private donation, and the sale of school property already on hand, was turned over to Rev. J. S. White, and the nlan and erection of the necessary buildings left to his judgment. As the result, there is now standing in the southeastern portion of town a large two story brick school building. It is symmetrical in appearance, convenient in arrangement, well lighted, well ventilated, and seems to be the very embodiment of the most advanced idea of modern schoolhouse architecture. By its side is a handsome | eight room frame building for the prinnAjiilan#?o llnHl 1 >111lfliIIITS JirO Well I uijicii n iwiuvuv-v. ? 0 constructed, and admirably calculated to subserve the purposes for which they are intended. The former cost something o1 and the latter $2,000. Thcschool building contains seven large cl furnished with "Triumph" desks. On tl floor is an auditorium ninety feet long wide, at one end of which is a roomy st; hall is capable of accommodating several people.^-^ This institution proposes not only to primary branches, but will also rank as a hij it being intended that a student may trout until he has obtained a proficient knowlet cient and modern languages, as well as ol sciences. The school is under thesupcrinte one of the most successful educators in th of the State, and he is assisted by some t ally tine talent. Since the completion of these arrangemei al families have moved into the town to a\ selves of the educational advantages thu Resident families board students at reasons and the school receives a liberal patronage surrounding country. The school was open* tember J, with 125 pupils. At present there are 175?nearly twice as many as have ever attended school at one time in the district before. The following named gentlemen constitute the board of trustees: Rev. J. S. White, president; W. L. Koddey, W. B. Wilson, .Jr., A. K. Smith, J. C. Sharp, W. S. Creighton, Iredell Jones. "T1IE PEOPLE'S PET." i-v-rn . ?v ITIlfl' 'I'M TUV. A > AAlh i Jim ... . lMSOI'LK AND TDK INSTITUTION. Anion# the institutions found in Rock Ilill, not common in towns of double its size, is a public library. On June 1.'5, 18K4, a Library Association was organized with thirty-three members. Three months afterward the corner stone of a three thousand dollar building was laid, and the citizens take such a pride in the maintenance of the institution, that its honored president has designated it the "People's Pet." The membership of the Association sometimes numbers a hundred and fifty. Besides a membership fee of $1, and $2 per year dues, it has an inex haustible revenue in donations of money and books from the citizens. The ladies have made this institution a special object of their attention. The library is in charge of a salaried librarian, who is found at his post every afternoon except Sunday. The circulating feature keeps him quite busy. Including public documents, for which it has been made the repository for the Fifth Congressional district, the institution is now in possession of nearly one thousand volumes of well selected* history, science, fiction, reference, etc. Nearly a hundred dollars per year is expended on the nest newspapers, magazines and periodicals. THE CHURCHES keep pace witii the town's general prosperity. No sooner had sufficient evidence of the permanency of the settlement of the town become apparent, than did the Christian people who had selected the spot as their future home, set themselves about raising an edifice for Divine worship. In less than jrick deouality. * tiie ko eo, from four years after the appearance of the first business house, the community was pos; sessed of a creditable church. To-day the i town boasts of four fine church buildings, and the growing strength of other denomination* promises un intiuisc w number. METHODIST CIIUIICJI. The first denomination to occupy this field was the ..Methodist, in the year 1856 the South Carolina Conference sent the Rev. Landy Wood to work in this section. , Organizing the Jiandful of Methodists in ! the immediate neighborhood, they erected i a two story frame building, 50x60 feet, on ; the spot now occupied by the Baptist par; sonage. Under the powerful influence of , earnest workers, this church has grown in numbers and wealth. In 1875, during the pastorate of ltev. T. W. Munnerlyn, a fine brick edifice, costing over $4,000, was erected on Main street, in the centre of town. This church edifice presents a pleasing appearance; is of brown stone trimming and is surmounted by clock tower and belfry. It is well appointed throughout. At present the membership numbers more than one hundred and twenty-five, with a full corps of officers. A large, well trained Sunday-school is a part of the organization, and that noble institution, the I the Woman's Missionary Society, is also doing good work. The congregation is now in charge of Rev. R. Herbert Jones, who is an eloquent preacher and a Christian gentleman. EPISCOPAL CHUItCII. This congregation was organized in November, 1869, as the "Church of Our .Saviour," with four familiesand twelve communicants. It was admitted in union with ! the Uiocesan Convention in May, 1870. In 1871 a handsome church edilice was erected, and was consecrated the following i year by Bishop Howe. The late Kev. I Roberts P. Johnson was the the first Reci tor of this church, and served faithfully until his death in May, 1KS2?a period of thirteen years. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Prentiss, under whose charge the congregation grew rapidly, he presenting at one visitation of the Bishop, a class of sixteen persons for confirmation. The rectorship again became vacant in 1884,and Rev. K. N. Joyner, who is at present officiating in that capacity, was called to the charge. I Although the church has lost valuable I members by death and removal, the last 1 report to the Diocesan convention shows | a strength of nineteen families, thirty-seven communicants, and seventy-four bapj tized persons. Rev. M r. J oyner has organI izeda branch of the Woman's Auxiliary ! Society. A chapel for the colored people I has been built, and a mission school for their benefit is in successful operation. l'KESBTEKIAX CHUKC'ir. The Presbyterian is the strongest denomination in this community. The congrej gation was organized November 13, isf.p, j with 41 members,which number has grown | to nearly two hundred. Rev. R. E. Cooper served the church as pastor from the time of its organization, until his removal with his family to Texas, in the latter part of 1881. Rev. J. S. White was then called to the pastorate, and although forced to decline, on account of ill health, filled the i pulpit for a year. In 1884 Rev. W. B. i Jennings wits installed, and was the spirit! ual leader of the congregation for three rer $-i,000 by tliirtv v nge. The hundred teach the ?h school, " ! from the staxdakt> cotton fa eel on Sepj years, at the expiration of which time lie removed to Macon, (la. Since the beginning of this year the present pastor, Kev. \V. M. Anderson, of Mississippi, has been serving the congregation most acceptably. The church edifice, a fine brick structure, was erected in 1874. This congregation has distinguished itself for liberality in giving. Services are held in *he church every Sunday. Weekly prayer meetings and monthly missionary meetings constitute a part of the routine services. A large Sunday-school is maintained by the congregation. In 1884 a chapel was built for the operatives in the factory portion of town and Kev. Mr. Anderson holds services for them on Sunday afternoons. The finishing touches are now being placed on a handsome eight room manse, costing $2,000. baptist cilpiutl. The Baptist church was organized November;!, 1878, by Elders A.W. Lamar and J. Hartwell Edwards, with seventeen members. The preliminaries were perfected in the Methodist church,which building was used by the little congregation for eighteen months, until they could erect a House ot worship ior inemseives. in 1879, aided by the pluck and energy char; acteristic of that denomination, and liber| al subscriptions from all the others, a lot was purchased and a handsome brick church, .T>x")<) feet, was erected, complete with baptistry and dressing rooms. The completion of the church left a debt of $800 j upon the congregation, hut that has been discharged by its own efforts, and the members are now paying their pastor as much per capita as any church in the : Chester Association. During the past year nearly two hundred dollars have been expended in repairs and improvements on the building1. A bell and organ have been provided, and the inside nicely fitted up. . Including the yard fence the property has cost something over $2,.500. In addition to these expenditures, lilieral donations j have been made to the missionary cause, j and other like work. Itev. J. Iiartwell 1 Edwards, Rev. J. A. Brown, Rev. A. P. Pugli and Rev. J. Q. Adams, the present incumbent, have successively served the church as pastor. The Women's Missionary Society and the Sunday-school are both 1)1)KY BUILDING. in n flourishing condition. This church is still one of the stations of the Baptist State Convention, but will soon be able to t^ike care of its own affairs^ ? MISCELLANEOUS. OTHER MATTERS, THE IMPORTANCE OF WHICH IS NOT MEASURED BV THE SPACE ASSIGNED. Ever since its incorporation, the town has had a first-class newspaper. The present organ, the Herald, was established in 1S70 by Col. J. M. I vy. It is a live, energetic sheet, and receives the liberal patronage it deserves. The Herald is now owned and edited by Mr. J. J. Hull, who is a practical printer of experience, and who makes the appearance and get up of his paper bear witness of his ability. A feature of the town that particularly attracts the attention of the visitor, is the large number of beautiful and comfortable homes. The taste and liberality displayed in the architecture of their dwellings and the arrangement of their grounds, are, in themselves, unmistakble evidences of culture. A 8i I shy steamer, with sufficient hose and an abundance of water, manned by the young men of the town, and a hook and ladder truck, in charge of the colored people, constitute the fire extinguishing facilities. Both companies keep themselves in excellent training, and the insurance Irsvrl 4-Ka m<AiMuinn(2 nf coin pUHICS IlilM* IVUllHtli tuc JJ1UI1D1UUO V. tlie "three-quarter clause." The postal, telegraph, telephone, and express facilities are lirst-class. Private con.veyance can he had to all points in the county not accessible by rail. The legal, dental and medical professions j are represented by gentlemen gf character and ability, who also contribute their I influence to the advancement of the en| terprises of the town. The urgent necessity f more houses is forcing itself on Hock Mill in a way that iis stirring capital and enterprise to their ; utmost exertions. Frame and brick dwellings are going up in all parts of town, but the applications of families who wish to locate here on account of educational ad| vantages alone, are far in excess of the | supply. So fears need be entertained, j however, that the plucky little city will fail to reap all the benefits to be derived i from the opportunities that are now presented. HEAL ESTATE. TOWN I.<ITS?VALUABLE LANDS IN THE . SUK ROUNDING COUNTRY. The price of town lots for the past decade j has been almost as stable its government bonds, and has been steadily tending upward. At present there is not an acre of | land within the incorporate limits that will not' readily bring one hundred and < fifty dollars. A lot fronting main street I recently sold for seventy dollars per front foot. It runs back probably two hundred ! feet. FARMING LANDS. j As the best evidence of the natural fertility of the lands in this vicinity, we offer I the historical fact that of all the territory <'TORY?IN C'OrilSK OF ERECTION. once owned by the Catawba Indians, the section of which Hock 11 ill is the centre was the last that they could be induced to part with. To the north and west of town the lands have mostly red clay and and mulatto subsoils, and though already fertile, their productiveness is capable of being increased almost indefinitely. They are adapted to the raising of cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, clover, and the grasses, Little or no attention has yet been paid to the cul tivation of this latter crop, hut a statement of the immense amount of volunteer growth that is marketed throughout the year from the numerous meadows, would he astonishing. , To the south and east, light sandy and black-jack lands are more prevalent. The former are admirably adapted to the raising of cotton, of which crop they have been known, in some instances, to yield nearly two hales to the acre. Until of late years black jack lands have been regarded as comparatively worthless* The introduction ol potash fertilisers, however, has produced such wondenul results that thev are now much sought after for agriI