A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founders of the town of denton on the town's 100th anniversary.
Whereas, the Town of Denton, located in Davidson County, was formerly known as Finch's Crossroads until the late 1870s; and
Whereas, in 1877, Branson Ivey Harrison, a local school teacher, circulated a petition to have a post office established in the area; and
Whereas, after the rejection of several names for the new post office, local resident, Samuel Moses Peacock, recommended the name of Denton after reading about a town in Texas called Denton; and
Whereas, the post office opened on July 12, 1878, and Samuel M. Peacock served as the first postmaster; and
Whereas, in 1882, J.M. Daniel and B.I. Harrison established the area's first store which offered groceries, dry goods, and hardware to area residents; and
Whereas, in 1904, Milton L. Jones began construction of a railroad from Thomasville to Denton, and in 1906, the first passenger train began running; and
Whereas, on March 11, 1907, the General Assembly ratified a bill sponsored by Senator Wade H. Phillips to incorporate the Town of Denton; and
Whereas, the Town's charter provided that its first officers include J. Earl Varner as Mayor, B.I. Harrison, Arthur Davis, J.M. Daniel, L.A. Newsom, and Jesse C. Morris as commissioners, Dr. A. Anderson as the town physician, and John F. Carrol as the Chief of Police; and
Whereas, the early success of the Town was due in part to the expansion of the railroad which aided in distributing lumber and agricultural products produced in the Town and attracting new industry and citizens; and
Whereas, the Town has continued to grow and prosper through the continued dedication, insight, and planning of its concerned leaders and citizens; and
Whereas, 2007 marks Denton's 100th anniversary, and plans have been made to celebrate the Town's centennial; and
Whereas, this occasion is worthy of celebration and should be enjoyed and supported by all North Carolinians; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the founders of the Town of Denton and joins the citizens of Denton in celebrating the Town's 100 th anniversary.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the Town of Denton.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.