Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, October 24, 1888, Image 1
'
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