R&R HISTORY LINK: R.T. Fewell and Company
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on June 28, 1895 – “Mr. R.T. Fewell has contracted for a seven room dwelling to be built on his very desirable lot in Oakland.”
City Directories and History: 1908 – R.T. Fewell, 1917 – UN, 1936 – Julia B. Poe (Mrs. Frank C. Poe – Widow), 1946 – Julia B. Poe, 1963 – William B. Simpson
The McElwee Store ledger of 1915 states that Frank C. Poe and wife Julia B. Poe have an account at the store. (Manager with Roddey – Poe Co.) they are listed as living at that time at 525 Marion Street but it is an unidentified location.
“Mr. R. T. Fewell, senior member of the firm of R. T. Fewell it Co., is a prominent young business man with a progressive record. In 1870, when sixteen years of age, Mr. Fewell began clerking in the store of J. M. Ivy & Co. Six years later he was admitted as a partner, and the firm name was changed to Ivy & Fewell. By reason of the failure and death of his partner, in 1885, upon Mr. Fewell devolved the task of extricating his affairs from under the distrustful cloud of assignment. Proving equal to the emergency, however, in three years the business has been cleared of all liabilities and almost doubled in volume. Not only a successful merchant, he finds time to contribute liberally to the enterprising spirit of his community.” Men of Their Time, YCPL Manuscript
An early postcard view of Oakland Ave., near Winthrop University.
The Charleston News and Courier ran a special on business development in Rock Hill, S.C., 1890. Mr. R.T. Fewell’s etched images was featured.
The Herald reported on July 18, 1895 – “That a contract had been let for a residence for R.T. Fewell to be erected on Oakland Avenue. The builder is A.D. Holler. The house will be of modern design, two stories with eight room.” Mr. Fewell was an important businessman associated with the R.T. Fewell Mercantile Company as well as a banker in Rock Hill, the Pres. of the Bank of Rock Hill and also served as the V.P. of the Rock Hill Water, Lights and Power Company.
The RH Record reported on Nov. 16, 1908 – “The entire business of the Bank of Rock Hill has been merged with the National Union Bank of Rock Hill. Mr. B.C. Barnes has been cashier of the Bank of Rock Hill and will be working for the National Union Bank. The Pres. of the Bank of Rock Hill, Mr. R.T. Fewell, found his interests outside so large that he could not devote enough time to the bank. He occupies a prominent position in the textile business.”
The R.T. Fewell Co., located on Main Street in downtown Rock Hill.
Frank C. Poe and his wife, Julia B. Poe resided here for many years. He was the President and Treasurer of Rock Hill highly successful Roddey – Poe Mercantile Company, and it appears died shortly after moving into the former Fewell family home. His family continues operating the A.B. Poe and Company or Farmer’s Exchange in Rock Hill which is one of Rock Hill’s oldest concerns.
The Herald reported on Aug. 10, 1901 – “That Mrs. Ed Fewell is sick at the home of R.T. Fewell at at the home of R.T. Fewell. Mr. Ed Fewell expected to move into his elegant new residence on Oakland Ave., within a week, but owing to the sickness of his wife will not move for several week.”
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R&R HISTORY LINK: OAKLAND DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
R&R HISTORY LINK: Roddey-Poe Mercantile
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