Peter A. Wilson
1860 - 1861
1882 - 1883
Winston’s second Mayor was
one of the town’s first settlers.
He was a tailor by trade. Wilson
also owned a hotel and “house
of entertainment” at Liberty
and Third Streets. In addition to
two terms as Mayor, Wilson
served nine terms as a Town
Commissioner, was State
Representative from Forsyth
County and State Senator for
Stokes and Forsyth.
1860 - 1861
1882 - 1883
Winston’s second Mayor was
one of the town’s first settlers.
He was a tailor by trade. Wilson
also owned a hotel and “house
of entertainment” at Liberty
and Third Streets. In addition to
two terms as Mayor, Wilson
served nine terms as a Town
Commissioner, was State
Representative from Forsyth
County and State Senator for
Stokes and Forsyth.
Robert Gray
April 1861 - April 1862
Gray was a pioneer businessman
and father of the Gray family that
shaped the future of this
community for several
generations. He bought the first
lot sold in the new town of
Winston, on the corner of Third
and Main, for $465. He built his
home and one of the first stores.
In subsequent years he expanded
his businesses into cotton and
paper manufacturing and was
regarded as the leading merchant
of the city. Photo from the
collection of the Forsyth County
Public Library.
April 1861 - April 1862
Gray was a pioneer businessman
and father of the Gray family that
shaped the future of this
community for several
generations. He bought the first
lot sold in the new town of
Winston, on the corner of Third
and Main, for $465. He built his
home and one of the first stores.
In subsequent years he expanded
his businesses into cotton and
paper manufacturing and was
regarded as the leading merchant
of the city. Photo from the
collection of the Forsyth County
Public Library.
Thomas J. Wilson
1865 - 1866
1886 - 1887
Judge Thomas Wilson owned the
only house when the limits of the
new town of Winston were laid out.
He had bought the land from the
Moravians in 1847 because he
wanted to live in the country. Prior
to the Civil War, he was County
Solicitor of Stokes and Davidson
Counties. Wilson was Forsyth
County’s first attorney. Between
his terms as Mayor he, was elected
judge and was a State Senator
1876-1877. He also served as
financial agent for the county and
was the founder of First
Presbyterian Church which was
organized at his home.
1865 - 1866
1886 - 1887
Judge Thomas Wilson owned the
only house when the limits of the
new town of Winston were laid out.
He had bought the land from the
Moravians in 1847 because he
wanted to live in the country. Prior
to the Civil War, he was County
Solicitor of Stokes and Davidson
Counties. Wilson was Forsyth
County’s first attorney. Between
his terms as Mayor he, was elected
judge and was a State Senator
1876-1877. He also served as
financial agent for the county and
was the founder of First
Presbyterian Church which was
organized at his home.
Jacob Tise
1868 - 1871
A native of Davidson County, he was a
blacksmith in Waughtown when he came
here in 1843. He became a wagon maker and
manufactured wagons for the Confederacy.
After the war he was engaged in the
mercantile business owning the largest
store in this area. There were only 43 votes
cast to elect him as Mayor. The Board held
eight or nine meetings per year, all were
held in the County Courthouse. When he
died in 1904. He was the oldest citizen of
Winston.
1868 - 1871
A native of Davidson County, he was a
blacksmith in Waughtown when he came
here in 1843. He became a wagon maker and
manufactured wagons for the Confederacy.
After the war he was engaged in the
mercantile business owning the largest
store in this area. There were only 43 votes
cast to elect him as Mayor. The Board held
eight or nine meetings per year, all were
held in the County Courthouse. When he
died in 1904. He was the oldest citizen of
Winston.
J.W. Alspaugh
1871-1872
1873-1874
1875-1876
A pioneer citizen of the town of Winston,
Alspaugh organized Winston’s first financial
institution the First National Bank. He was
editor of the Western Sentinel newspaper
before and during the Civil War. For many
years he practiced law with J.C. Buxton who
would also serve as mayor. Since he was not
paid, the Board exempted him from city taxes
for his work as mayor. He set up a fire
inspection committee for the town and worked
with the Town of Salem to improve streets that
connected the two towns. He was active in
getting the first railroad built to this city from
Greensboro
1871-1872
1873-1874
1875-1876
A pioneer citizen of the town of Winston,
Alspaugh organized Winston’s first financial
institution the First National Bank. He was
editor of the Western Sentinel newspaper
before and during the Civil War. For many
years he practiced law with J.C. Buxton who
would also serve as mayor. Since he was not
paid, the Board exempted him from city taxes
for his work as mayor. He set up a fire
inspection committee for the town and worked
with the Town of Salem to improve streets that
connected the two towns. He was active in
getting the first railroad built to this city from
Greensboro
A. B. Gorrell
1876-1877
1878-1882
1898
A native of Greensboro, Gorrell
grew up in Winston and was one of
the town’s most influential
citizens. He owned the largest
tobacco warehouse in town in the
city. He also served as Aldermen
on 4 different occasions. During
his second term, Winston began
operating under a revised town
charter that allowed the town to lay
out streets, create bond
indebtedness, provide for the
support of graded schools, and
expand the town boundaries
through annexation. The first
steps toward the creation of a
sanitary sewer system were taken.
Gorrell died in 1898 near the
beginning of his third term.
1876-1877
1878-1882
1898
A native of Greensboro, Gorrell
grew up in Winston and was one of
the town’s most influential
citizens. He owned the largest
tobacco warehouse in town in the
city. He also served as Aldermen
on 4 different occasions. During
his second term, Winston began
operating under a revised town
charter that allowed the town to lay
out streets, create bond
indebtedness, provide for the
support of graded schools, and
expand the town boundaries
through annexation. The first
steps toward the creation of a
sanitary sewer system were taken.
Gorrell died in 1898 near the
beginning of his third term.
Robah B. Kerner
1892-1893
Kerner has the dubious distinction
of having served the shortest time
as Mayor, a mere seventeen
months before his death from
typhoid fever at the age of 34. He
was a teacher at the Salem Boys
School before he began practicing
law under former mayor Thomas
Wilson. Kerner was County
Solicitor before being elected
Alderman in 1885. As Alderman, he
also served as Secretary at the
Board meetings. The minutes he
took were written in red. While
Mayor, the city bought the first City
Yard, and land to build the first city
stables located on Chestnut St.
between 5th and 6th streets.
1892-1893
Kerner has the dubious distinction
of having served the shortest time
as Mayor, a mere seventeen
months before his death from
typhoid fever at the age of 34. He
was a teacher at the Salem Boys
School before he began practicing
law under former mayor Thomas
Wilson. Kerner was County
Solicitor before being elected
Alderman in 1885. As Alderman, he
also served as Secretary at the
Board meetings. The minutes he
took were written in red. While
Mayor, the city bought the first City
Yard, and land to build the first city
stables located on Chestnut St.
between 5th and 6th streets.
Garland E. Webb
Sept 1893 - Feb 1894
A renowned tobacco auctioneer
and warehouse owner, Webb was
an Alderman and Mayor Pro
Tempore, who became Mayor
following the death of Mayor R. B.
Kerner. A contract for telephone
service for the town was approved
while he was mayor. He was also a
member of the school board and
general manager of the Piedmont
Fair Association.
As a 7 year old, he was the
drummer boy in his father’s Civil
War regiment although he never
saw active service. Photo from the
collection of the Forsyth County
Public Library.
Sept 1893 - Feb 1894
A renowned tobacco auctioneer
and warehouse owner, Webb was
an Alderman and Mayor Pro
Tempore, who became Mayor
following the death of Mayor R. B.
Kerner. A contract for telephone
service for the town was approved
while he was mayor. He was also a
member of the school board and
general manager of the Piedmont
Fair Association.
As a 7 year old, he was the
drummer boy in his father’s Civil
War regiment although he never
saw active service. Photo from the
collection of the Forsyth County
Public Library.
Eugene E. Gray
1894 - 1896
A successful lawyer and insurance
business owner, he was a native
of Salem where his father, Robert
Gray had served as Mayor. Gray
was also active in a number of
civic associations most notably the
Salvation Army. Gray was elected
by the Board, not by popular vote.
During his administration the city
bought the privately owned
Winston Water Works and began
an expansion program of water
and sewer lines throughout
Winston.
1894 - 1896
A successful lawyer and insurance
business owner, he was a native
of Salem where his father, Robert
Gray had served as Mayor. Gray
was also active in a number of
civic associations most notably the
Salvation Army. Gray was elected
by the Board, not by popular vote.
During his administration the city
bought the privately owned
Winston Water Works and began
an expansion program of water
and sewer lines throughout
Winston.
J.F. Griffith
1898 - 1900
No Bio Written Yet
1898 - 1900
No Bio Written Yet
Oscar Eaton
1900 - 1911
1913 - 1917
Eaton became the city’s first popularly elected mayor in 1909. Before that, mayors were
elected by vote of the Aldermen. He was initially opposed to consolidation but was
elected by residents of both Winston and Salem as the first mayor of the combined
cities and guided the city through the early years of the 20th Century. During his
tenure, First Street was paved; the Salem Water Plant was opened. The first sewage
disposal plant was built in 1915 and the first solid waste incinerator constructed. A
department of Public Works was established to be responsible for streets, the water
system, public parks and street lighting. The first Police cars were purchased in 1915.
Eaton was very much a hands-on mayor who oversaw details of city government much
like the City Manager does today.
1900 - 1911
1913 - 1917
Eaton became the city’s first popularly elected mayor in 1909. Before that, mayors were
elected by vote of the Aldermen. He was initially opposed to consolidation but was
elected by residents of both Winston and Salem as the first mayor of the combined
cities and guided the city through the early years of the 20th Century. During his
tenure, First Street was paved; the Salem Water Plant was opened. The first sewage
disposal plant was built in 1915 and the first solid waste incinerator constructed. A
department of Public Works was established to be responsible for streets, the water
system, public parks and street lighting. The first Police cars were purchased in 1915.
Eaton was very much a hands-on mayor who oversaw details of city government much
like the City Manager does today.
Rufus I. Dalton
1911 - 1913
Dalton was a prominent tobacco
warehouseman and manufacturer of
tobacco. He was also connected with a
large furniture and wholesale grocery
concern. Dalton also served on the Board
of Aldermen and was a former Sheriff of
Stokes County. During his tenure a bond
issue provided Mayor Dalton with
considerable funds for a major street
paving project. Property for City Hospital
was purchased. The city agreed to
purchase 100 garbage cans at $2.25 each
to be sold to citizens of Winston at cost.
As Mayor his salary was $1,500 per year
1911 - 1913
Dalton was a prominent tobacco
warehouseman and manufacturer of
tobacco. He was also connected with a
large furniture and wholesale grocery
concern. Dalton also served on the Board
of Aldermen and was a former Sheriff of
Stokes County. During his tenure a bond
issue provided Mayor Dalton with
considerable funds for a major street
paving project. Property for City Hospital
was purchased. The city agreed to
purchase 100 garbage cans at $2.25 each
to be sold to citizens of Winston at cost.
As Mayor his salary was $1,500 per year
|
Robert W. Gorrell
1917 - 1921
Mayor of Winston-Salem
Gorrell was mayor for two terms. His
father had been mayor of Winston.
Gorrell had been an Alderman for
the town of Winston from 1907-1909.
While he was mayor, city services
were greatly expanded. The Board
adopted an ordinance establishing
three main city departments: Public
Accounts and Finance, Public Works,
and Public Safety. Construction of
new hospitals for both blacks and
whites were begun. The Salem Lake
reservoir was constructed as was
one of the finest water treatment
plants in the South at that time and
the site for a new city hall was
purchased.
1917 - 1921
Mayor of Winston-Salem
Gorrell was mayor for two terms. His
father had been mayor of Winston.
Gorrell had been an Alderman for
the town of Winston from 1907-1909.
While he was mayor, city services
were greatly expanded. The Board
adopted an ordinance establishing
three main city departments: Public
Accounts and Finance, Public Works,
and Public Safety. Construction of
new hospitals for both blacks and
whites were begun. The Salem Lake
reservoir was constructed as was
one of the finest water treatment
plants in the South at that time and
the site for a new city hall was
purchased.
Mayor James G. Hanes
1921 - 1925
Mayor of Winston-Salem
Hanes was already a two-term
Alderman when he was elected
Mayor. He was mayor during one of
the city’s periods of rapid growth.
The city built five high schools and
several fire stations. Construction
began on a new city hall. The City
Market was built at 6th and Cherry,
major additions were made to City
Hospital and a Department of
Health was created. Successful
bond referendums allowed for the
paving of numerous streets and
the extension of water and sewer
lines during his tenure. An
annexation program made Winston-
Salem for a time the largest city in
the state. In his two terms, the city
spent $150,000 for parks and
playgrounds. Hanes went on to
spend two decades as chairman of
the Forsyth County Board of
Commissioners. He retired in 1954
as chairman of the board of Hanes
Hosiery Mills Co.
The community center bearing his
name was built in 1957.
1921 - 1925
Mayor of Winston-Salem
Hanes was already a two-term
Alderman when he was elected
Mayor. He was mayor during one of
the city’s periods of rapid growth.
The city built five high schools and
several fire stations. Construction
began on a new city hall. The City
Market was built at 6th and Cherry,
major additions were made to City
Hospital and a Department of
Health was created. Successful
bond referendums allowed for the
paving of numerous streets and
the extension of water and sewer
lines during his tenure. An
annexation program made Winston-
Salem for a time the largest city in
the state. In his two terms, the city
spent $150,000 for parks and
playgrounds. Hanes went on to
spend two decades as chairman of
the Forsyth County Board of
Commissioners. He retired in 1954
as chairman of the board of Hanes
Hosiery Mills Co.
The community center bearing his
name was built in 1957.
Mayor Thomas Barber
1925 - 1929
Mayor of Winston-Salem
During Thomas Barber's first term,
the former site of City Hall, where
the Reynolds Building now stands,
was sold to R.J.R. Tobacco
Company, and the present City Hall
was completed in 1926. Mayor
Barber presided over the first
meeting held there on November
19. His administration also brought
a 2.5 million dollar bond issue for
schools, expansion of the water
plant, increased fire protection,
the planning of more recreation
facilities and the opening of Miller
Municipal Airport, the forerunner
of Smith Reynolds Airport. West
Fourth Street from Marshall to
Glade streets and Courthouse
Square were widened, and a new
City Yard was built on Stadium
Drive. He was manager of the
insurance department of Wachovia
Bank and Trust. Barber was the
nephew of Winston mayor Eugene
Gray.
1925 - 1929
Mayor of Winston-Salem
During Thomas Barber's first term,
the former site of City Hall, where
the Reynolds Building now stands,
was sold to R.J.R. Tobacco
Company, and the present City Hall
was completed in 1926. Mayor
Barber presided over the first
meeting held there on November
19. His administration also brought
a 2.5 million dollar bond issue for
schools, expansion of the water
plant, increased fire protection,
the planning of more recreation
facilities and the opening of Miller
Municipal Airport, the forerunner
of Smith Reynolds Airport. West
Fourth Street from Marshall to
Glade streets and Courthouse
Square were widened, and a new
City Yard was built on Stadium
Drive. He was manager of the
insurance department of Wachovia
Bank and Trust. Barber was the
nephew of Winston mayor Eugene
Gray.
Mayor George W. Coan
Mayor of Winston-Salem
1929 - 1935
1943 - 1945
George W. Coan was reelected
mayor after being out of office for
several years. His first six years as
mayor spanned the early
depression period during which
he instituted a detailed outside
audit of city accounts. He also
affected economies and refunded
the bond indebtedness. The police
and fire departments were
reorganized and the city’s first
supplemental school tax was
adopted. Between his
administrations he served as state
director for the WPA (Work
Progress Administration), a federal
anti-depression program.
Mayor of Winston-Salem
1929 - 1935
1943 - 1945
George W. Coan was reelected
mayor after being out of office for
several years. His first six years as
mayor spanned the early
depression period during which
he instituted a detailed outside
audit of city accounts. He also
affected economies and refunded
the bond indebtedness. The police
and fire departments were
reorganized and the city’s first
supplemental school tax was
adopted. Between his
administrations he served as state
director for the WPA (Work
Progress Administration), a federal
anti-depression program.
Mayor W.T. Wilson
1935 - 1939
Mayor of Winston-Salem
A former alderman and former
judge of municipal court, William T.
Wilson was mayor in 1936 when
buses replaced streetcars in
Winston-Salem. While his
grandfather Thomas J. Wilson was
mayor of Winston in 1887, the town
drew plans to install the first
streetcars. During William Wilson's
administration, a slum-clearance
program through WPA (Work
Progress Administration) was
thwarted when the board of
aldermen declared that the city
had no slums. Kate Bitting
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
opened for black citizens, Bowman
Gray Stadium was built, and the
city adopted the city seal.
1935 - 1939
Mayor of Winston-Salem
A former alderman and former
judge of municipal court, William T.
Wilson was mayor in 1936 when
buses replaced streetcars in
Winston-Salem. While his
grandfather Thomas J. Wilson was
mayor of Winston in 1887, the town
drew plans to install the first
streetcars. During William Wilson's
administration, a slum-clearance
program through WPA (Work
Progress Administration) was
thwarted when the board of
aldermen declared that the city
had no slums. Kate Bitting
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
opened for black citizens, Bowman
Gray Stadium was built, and the
city adopted the city seal.
Information found on City of Winston-Salem
website
website
| FORSYTH COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION FCHA Homepage |