My Genealogy Hound

N. G. Cartwright, saddler and harness-maker of Osceola, and one of the public-spirited citizens of that city, is a native of North Carolina, his birth occurring in 1841. His scholastic advantages were rather limited, as he only attended the common schools until twelve years of age, after which he was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker’s trade, and served three years. He then began working at his trade, which occupation he continued for about four years, and during that time became convinced that a better education was necessary, and attended school one year. In 1861, when the late Civil War broke out, Mr. Cartwright enlisted in Company F, First North Carolina Infantry, and was in Lee’s army from its organization to the surrender. He was in the battles of Roanoke Island, where he was captured, but soon paroled; was at the battle of Chancellorsville, also the battle of the Wilderness, and was in a great many minor engagements. He surrendered at Appomattox with Gen. Lee’s army, April 9, 1865. Mr. Cartwright was then in North Carolina for about a year, and in the spring of 1866 moved to Memphis, but in August of the same year he came to Osceola, where he taught the public school for two years. He married Miss Sallie E. Williams, daughter of James H. Williams, of that place, and one of the old and much respected citizens of the county. After his marriage Mr. Cartwright rented land and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Soon after he purchased 160 acres about twelve miles up the river, and on this he made many improvements. This very pleasant home he sold at the end of three years, but continued farming for a number of years after that. In 1879 he started the first saddlery and harness-making shop in Osceola. He purchased a lot in that city, erected a store, and in 1882 built the fine residence in which he now resides. In 1888 he put up his present store room on Main Street, and now has a good and rapidly increasing business. In 1883 he was elected mayor of Osceola, and in 1888 he was elected justice. By his union with Miss Williams Mr. Cartwright became the father of these children: Charley W., who died at the age of two years; Mary Frances, died in infancy; Foster, also died in infancy; Katie, James W., Vance, Leland and Henry (twins, and both deceased), and Finley. Mr. Cartwright is a representative business man, is careful and painstaking in all matters relating to the saddlery business, and carries a full and complete stock of goods. His parents, Noah G. and Cassandra (Bailey) Cartwright, were both natives of North Carolina, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits.