Cleveland County Early Days Newspaper Column

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  1948, August 10 - Cleveland County Early Days

  Mamie Jones

  This article highlights notable residents of South Washington Street in Shelby, NC, emphasizing their contributions to politics, religion, business, and culture. It focuses on the historic McAfee (later Webb-Gardner) house and individuals such as Augustus Burton, Clyde Hoey, O. Max Gardner, Edwin Y. Webb, and Tom Dixon. The piece illustrates how this small neighborhood produced governors, judges, preachers, authors, and civic leaders, shaping local and national history.

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  1948 - Cleveland County Early Days

  Mamie Jones

  This article shares excerpts from Harry Fulenwider’s memoir, "Thirty-one Years of Genteel Vagabonding," recalling post-Civil War Shelby. He describes his schoolboy years, Union soldiers stationed in town, and merchants' wares in town. He references notable individuals in his life including, Marite Jennings, Mary McBrayer, Fanny Clower, and the Froneberger family.

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  1947, April 18 - Cleveland County Early Days Column

  Mamie Jones

  This article, based on an interview with Benjamin Baxter Suttle, recounts life in Cleveland County, NC during the 1880s. It highlights the construction of key buildings, early infrastructure like public wells and tobacco factories, and the growth of Shelby as a commercial hub. The arrival of the Carolina Central Railroad in 1875 further spurred economic activity, making Shelby a center of trade and transportation.

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  1947, April 22 - Cleveland County Early Days

  Mamie Jones

  This article explores liquor production in early Cleveland County, highlighting homemade beverages, early licensing laws, and taxation. It details resistance to federal excise taxes and the rise of moonshining. Notably, it profiles Amos Owens, a colorful moonshiner from Cherry Mountain who defied tax laws, crafted “cherry bounce,” and outwitted authorities.

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  1947, February 28 - Cleveland County Early Days

  Mamie Jones

  The article recounts the contributions of Cleveland County pioneers to early American military and civic life. Figures like Martin Roberts served under George Washington, while others, such as James Cook, Willis Weathers, and David Dickey, played key roles in Revolutionary War battles and local governance. The piece also notes early settlers’ migrations, land claims, and burial sites, reflecting the area's foundational history through its notable individuals.

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  1947, March 14 - Cleveland County Early Days

  Mamie Jones

  The article recounts the role of Cleveland County in key Revolutionary War battles—Ramsour's Mill, Kings Mountain, and Cowpens. It highlights local patriots, especially Col. Frederick Hambright, who was wounded at Kings Mountain but continued leading. Other notable figures include Capt. John Lattimore, Col. Joseph Hardin, and Captains Magness and Espey. It emphasizes the region’s contribution to independence and notes settlers who later fought or settled in the area.