** PRESIDENT & TREASURER OF THE RALEIGH & GASTON RAILROAD **
William Worrell Vass was born 1821 near Oxford, Granville County, NC the youngest of 6 known surviving children (3 boys/3 girls) born to successful planters Thomas Vass Jr. and his wife, Lucy Bennett Hester.
He was the paternal grandson of Rev. Thomas Vass Sr. of King & Queen County, VA, an early Baptist minister who removed to Granville Co. NC ca. 1790 to preach at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. At the time when Grassy Creek Church was founded, by far the larger portion of the county was still a wilderness, with here and there a settlement, interspersed with log cabins, and small cleared fields. William was a descended from a long line of Vass men in Virginia and a direct descendant of this family's patriarch, Robert Vass, who left London at age 19 in August of 1635 for the Virginia Colonies. On his mother's side, he was the maternal grandson of Bennett Hester & Constant Iverson Parham of Granville County.
William received a good education in the common schools of Granville County, and wished to pursue a business career and not follow in his father's footsteps to cultivate the land. While still in his teens, he was allowed to accept a clerkship in the mercantile establishment of Major John S. Eaton, a friend of his father, in Henderson. His industry and application, united to character and ability, resulted in William being rapidly promoted from one position of trust to another, until, at the age of 22, he was admitted into the firm as a partner.
It it believed that about this time, William married Amanda Freeman of Granville County, of whom little is known. The marriage was short-lived as she died shortly into the marriage.
In 1845, Major Eaton retired, and William would have become the head of the Henderson mercantile business had not fate at this time directed his energies into a broader and more important field -- working for the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad.
The Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, one of only 3 major railroads in the state, had been chartered by the Legislature in 1835 and finished in 1840; but was insolvent by the time of completion. The company was subsequently reorganized and additional capital stock secured, later passing into the hands of the private stockholders. During the earlier period, at the instance of influential friends, and especially of Major Eaton, who was one of the directors, the Office of Treasurer was tendered to his young business associate, William W. Vass. On January 1 1845, William accepted; and, moving his residence to Raleigh, and at age 24, he entered upon his life work.
From that time until his death he was connected with the management of this railroad and the great system of which it has become the parent. For 48 years he was its Treasurer, with the exception of the three years between 1848 and 1851, when, the company having fallen into desperate straits for the want of sufficient patronage to maintain its operations, the road passed into the hands of the State, and was managed by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the governor, during which time he served as its President. Throughout this trying period of State ownership his remarkable executive ability was most strikingly displayed.
Repeated compliments were paid to the energetic and indefatigable President, Major W. W. Vass, in being able to keep the road in operation at all; for, to use the language of the venerable chairman, Honorable Duncan Cameron, "the idea of a railroad without wood or iron making $70.000 a year is certainly one of the miracles of the age."
On September 18, 1851, the State disposed of its interest in the railroad to a reorganized corporation of the same name; and at the first meeting of the directors of the new company Major Vass was unanimously re-elected treasurer. So thoroughly did he continue to enjoy the confidence of the management, that when, in October, 1862, the Chatham Railroad Company was chartered to connect with the coal fields, he was also elected treasurer of that company. Ten years later the Chatham Railroad was rechartered as the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railway Company, and was eventually completed, Major Vass being re-elected Treasurer. He continued to discharge the duties of these two offices with zeal and fidelity throughout the dark days of Civil War, the troubled period of reconstruction, and the succeeding years of returning prosperity, until the consolidation, in 1893, of these roads and their connections into the Seaboard Air Line System.
On October 11, 1865, the 44-year old took as his 2nd bride, 28-year old Lillias Margaret McDaniel, the second daughter of Reverend James McDaniel, a distinguished Baptist minister, and Ann Eliza Smith, his wife, of Fayetteville, NC.
William & Lillias would become parents to 3 known children: William Worrell Vass Jr. (1874-1941), Eleanor Margaret Vass (1875-1971), and Lilla May Vass (1885-1953).
In 1882, the 61-year old Vass commissioned architect Constantine Vrettos to design and built a home for the family at 3 Edenton Street in Raleigh. A splendid child of the Victorian era, this 2nd Empire design dwelling was conceived by Major William Worrell Vass as a showpiece and was for almost 90 years a landmark example of Victorian splendor in Raleigh. The photograph shown here, taken just before demolition, does not fully show the enormity of this dwelling, as much of the living quarters of the home extended from the rear. The Vass House remained in the family until 1971 when it was sold to the State. Ironically, on the very day that the bulldozer showed up to demolish the house, the last owner of the estate, daughter Eleanor Vass, died on December 21, 1971. The Vass House was one of the last two residences on Capitol Square. The State History Museum occupies the site today.
Vass retired from the railroad in 1893 at age 72 when the offices of the company were moved from Raleigh to Norfolk. Taking into account his failing health, advancing years, and an indisposition to change his residence, Major Vass tendered his resignation as treasurer and accepted the honorary office of secretary of the system, which position he continued to hold until the date of his death.
Upon his retirement the Raleigh News & Observer noted "In looking back over his career, Major Vass can recall pleasant intercourse with the leading railroad men of the State for half a century, men who have done a great share of the work of constructing the internal improvements of the State, and of building up the great industries of North Carolina. . . . Among our citizens no one stands higher for excellence of character, or for kindness of disposition, or for personal integrity and worth, than this veteran railroad officer."
Major Vass occupied many positions of trust and responsibility outside of his railroad connection. For many years he was a director of the Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, established by the State in the city of Raleigh. He was also a trustee of Wake Forest College. In business affairs he was noted for his prudence and sound judgment. For half a century he was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Always an assiduous reader, he had acquired from a study of the best authors a critical literary taste and a fine command of language. He possessed a very logical mind, a keen sense of humor, and a winning gift of repartee that made his companionship exceedingly enjoyable. And withal he was so endowed with kindly qualities as to have been greatly beloved in the community.
William was widowed in 1895 when his wife of of almost 29 years died at age 57. He survived her a little over a year, passing on December 6, 1896 at just 2 months shy of his 75th birthday.
Perhaps not remembered today, but Major William Worrell Vass was a prominent figure in his time and instrumental in the industrial development North Carolina. Among the men of his generation his name was a synonym for integrity and fair dealing. As another has said: "His ability was great, his honesty crystal."
Of note, the little town of Vass, located in the Sandhills of Moore County, NC is named for William Worrell Vass. In the late 1800's with the laying of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, this little town became one of the area's heaviest shipping points for lumber, cotton products and farm produce. Originally called Bynum, then Winder, the little settlement was finally designated Vass in 1892 in honor of Major William W. Vass, who was the railroad's Treasurer and paymaster. Today Vass is home to around 850 residents, and is still mainly a rural area; but if you are in that area of the State, you need to travel through Vass to reach all points north (Raleigh and Cary), east (Fort Bragg and Fayetteville), south (Pinehurst and Southern Pines), and west (Carthage); so in many ways, it is still the hub of transportation it once was.
William Worrell Vass was born 1821 near Oxford, Granville County, NC the youngest of 6 known surviving children (3 boys/3 girls) born to successful planters Thomas Vass Jr. and his wife, Lucy Bennett Hester.
He was the paternal grandson of Rev. Thomas Vass Sr. of King & Queen County, VA, an early Baptist minister who removed to Granville Co. NC ca. 1790 to preach at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. At the time when Grassy Creek Church was founded, by far the larger portion of the county was still a wilderness, with here and there a settlement, interspersed with log cabins, and small cleared fields. William was a descended from a long line of Vass men in Virginia and a direct descendant of this family's patriarch, Robert Vass, who left London at age 19 in August of 1635 for the Virginia Colonies. On his mother's side, he was the maternal grandson of Bennett Hester & Constant Iverson Parham of Granville County.
William received a good education in the common schools of Granville County, and wished to pursue a business career and not follow in his father's footsteps to cultivate the land. While still in his teens, he was allowed to accept a clerkship in the mercantile establishment of Major John S. Eaton, a friend of his father, in Henderson. His industry and application, united to character and ability, resulted in William being rapidly promoted from one position of trust to another, until, at the age of 22, he was admitted into the firm as a partner.
It it believed that about this time, William married Amanda Freeman of Granville County, of whom little is known. The marriage was short-lived as she died shortly into the marriage.
In 1845, Major Eaton retired, and William would have become the head of the Henderson mercantile business had not fate at this time directed his energies into a broader and more important field -- working for the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad.
The Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, one of only 3 major railroads in the state, had been chartered by the Legislature in 1835 and finished in 1840; but was insolvent by the time of completion. The company was subsequently reorganized and additional capital stock secured, later passing into the hands of the private stockholders. During the earlier period, at the instance of influential friends, and especially of Major Eaton, who was one of the directors, the Office of Treasurer was tendered to his young business associate, William W. Vass. On January 1 1845, William accepted; and, moving his residence to Raleigh, and at age 24, he entered upon his life work.
From that time until his death he was connected with the management of this railroad and the great system of which it has become the parent. For 48 years he was its Treasurer, with the exception of the three years between 1848 and 1851, when, the company having fallen into desperate straits for the want of sufficient patronage to maintain its operations, the road passed into the hands of the State, and was managed by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the governor, during which time he served as its President. Throughout this trying period of State ownership his remarkable executive ability was most strikingly displayed.
Repeated compliments were paid to the energetic and indefatigable President, Major W. W. Vass, in being able to keep the road in operation at all; for, to use the language of the venerable chairman, Honorable Duncan Cameron, "the idea of a railroad without wood or iron making $70.000 a year is certainly one of the miracles of the age."
On September 18, 1851, the State disposed of its interest in the railroad to a reorganized corporation of the same name; and at the first meeting of the directors of the new company Major Vass was unanimously re-elected treasurer. So thoroughly did he continue to enjoy the confidence of the management, that when, in October, 1862, the Chatham Railroad Company was chartered to connect with the coal fields, he was also elected treasurer of that company. Ten years later the Chatham Railroad was rechartered as the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railway Company, and was eventually completed, Major Vass being re-elected Treasurer. He continued to discharge the duties of these two offices with zeal and fidelity throughout the dark days of Civil War, the troubled period of reconstruction, and the succeeding years of returning prosperity, until the consolidation, in 1893, of these roads and their connections into the Seaboard Air Line System.
On October 11, 1865, the 44-year old took as his 2nd bride, 28-year old Lillias Margaret McDaniel, the second daughter of Reverend James McDaniel, a distinguished Baptist minister, and Ann Eliza Smith, his wife, of Fayetteville, NC.
William & Lillias would become parents to 3 known children: William Worrell Vass Jr. (1874-1941), Eleanor Margaret Vass (1875-1971), and Lilla May Vass (1885-1953).
In 1882, the 61-year old Vass commissioned architect Constantine Vrettos to design and built a home for the family at 3 Edenton Street in Raleigh. A splendid child of the Victorian era, this 2nd Empire design dwelling was conceived by Major William Worrell Vass as a showpiece and was for almost 90 years a landmark example of Victorian splendor in Raleigh. The photograph shown here, taken just before demolition, does not fully show the enormity of this dwelling, as much of the living quarters of the home extended from the rear. The Vass House remained in the family until 1971 when it was sold to the State. Ironically, on the very day that the bulldozer showed up to demolish the house, the last owner of the estate, daughter Eleanor Vass, died on December 21, 1971. The Vass House was one of the last two residences on Capitol Square. The State History Museum occupies the site today.
Vass retired from the railroad in 1893 at age 72 when the offices of the company were moved from Raleigh to Norfolk. Taking into account his failing health, advancing years, and an indisposition to change his residence, Major Vass tendered his resignation as treasurer and accepted the honorary office of secretary of the system, which position he continued to hold until the date of his death.
Upon his retirement the Raleigh News & Observer noted "In looking back over his career, Major Vass can recall pleasant intercourse with the leading railroad men of the State for half a century, men who have done a great share of the work of constructing the internal improvements of the State, and of building up the great industries of North Carolina. . . . Among our citizens no one stands higher for excellence of character, or for kindness of disposition, or for personal integrity and worth, than this veteran railroad officer."
Major Vass occupied many positions of trust and responsibility outside of his railroad connection. For many years he was a director of the Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, established by the State in the city of Raleigh. He was also a trustee of Wake Forest College. In business affairs he was noted for his prudence and sound judgment. For half a century he was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Always an assiduous reader, he had acquired from a study of the best authors a critical literary taste and a fine command of language. He possessed a very logical mind, a keen sense of humor, and a winning gift of repartee that made his companionship exceedingly enjoyable. And withal he was so endowed with kindly qualities as to have been greatly beloved in the community.
William was widowed in 1895 when his wife of of almost 29 years died at age 57. He survived her a little over a year, passing on December 6, 1896 at just 2 months shy of his 75th birthday.
Perhaps not remembered today, but Major William Worrell Vass was a prominent figure in his time and instrumental in the industrial development North Carolina. Among the men of his generation his name was a synonym for integrity and fair dealing. As another has said: "His ability was great, his honesty crystal."
Of note, the little town of Vass, located in the Sandhills of Moore County, NC is named for William Worrell Vass. In the late 1800's with the laying of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, this little town became one of the area's heaviest shipping points for lumber, cotton products and farm produce. Originally called Bynum, then Winder, the little settlement was finally designated Vass in 1892 in honor of Major William W. Vass, who was the railroad's Treasurer and paymaster. Today Vass is home to around 850 residents, and is still mainly a rural area; but if you are in that area of the State, you need to travel through Vass to reach all points north (Raleigh and Cary), east (Fort Bragg and Fayetteville), south (Pinehurst and Southern Pines), and west (Carthage); so in many ways, it is still the hub of transportation it once was.
** PRESIDENT & TREASURER OF THE RALEIGH & GASTON RAILROAD **
William Worrell Vass was born 1821 near Oxford, Granville County, NC the youngest of 6 known surviving children (3 boys/3 girls) born to successful planters Thomas Vass Jr. and his wife, Lucy Bennett Hester.
He was the paternal grandson of Rev. Thomas Vass Sr. of King & Queen County, VA, an early Baptist minister who removed to Granville Co. NC ca. 1790 to preach at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. At the time when Grassy Creek Church was founded, by far the larger portion of the county was still a wilderness, with here and there a settlement, interspersed with log cabins, and small cleared fields. William was a descended from a long line of Vass men in Virginia and a direct descendant of this family's patriarch, Robert Vass, who left London at age 19 in August of 1635 for the Virginia Colonies. On his mother's side, he was the maternal grandson of Bennett Hester & Constant Iverson Parham of Granville County.
William received a good education in the common schools of Granville County, and wished to pursue a business career and not follow in his father's footsteps to cultivate the land. While still in his teens, he was allowed to accept a clerkship in the mercantile establishment of Major John S. Eaton, a friend of his father, in Henderson. His industry and application, united to character and ability, resulted in William being rapidly promoted from one position of trust to another, until, at the age of 22, he was admitted into the firm as a partner.
It it believed that about this time, William married Amanda Freeman of Granville County, of whom little is known. The marriage was short-lived as she died shortly into the marriage.
In 1845, Major Eaton retired, and William would have become the head of the Henderson mercantile business had not fate at this time directed his energies into a broader and more important field -- working for the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad.
The Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, one of only 3 major railroads in the state, had been chartered by the Legislature in 1835 and finished in 1840; but was insolvent by the time of completion. The company was subsequently reorganized and additional capital stock secured, later passing into the hands of the private stockholders. During the earlier period, at the instance of influential friends, and especially of Major Eaton, who was one of the directors, the Office of Treasurer was tendered to his young business associate, William W. Vass. On January 1 1845, William accepted; and, moving his residence to Raleigh, and at age 24, he entered upon his life work.
From that time until his death he was connected with the management of this railroad and the great system of which it has become the parent. For 48 years he was its Treasurer, with the exception of the three years between 1848 and 1851, when, the company having fallen into desperate straits for the want of sufficient patronage to maintain its operations, the road passed into the hands of the State, and was managed by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the governor, during which time he served as its President. Throughout this trying period of State ownership his remarkable executive ability was most strikingly displayed.
Repeated compliments were paid to the energetic and indefatigable President, Major W. W. Vass, in being able to keep the road in operation at all; for, to use the language of the venerable chairman, Honorable Duncan Cameron, "the idea of a railroad without wood or iron making $70.000 a year is certainly one of the miracles of the age."
On September 18, 1851, the State disposed of its interest in the railroad to a reorganized corporation of the same name; and at the first meeting of the directors of the new company Major Vass was unanimously re-elected treasurer. So thoroughly did he continue to enjoy the confidence of the management, that when, in October, 1862, the Chatham Railroad Company was chartered to connect with the coal fields, he was also elected treasurer of that company. Ten years later the Chatham Railroad was rechartered as the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railway Company, and was eventually completed, Major Vass being re-elected Treasurer. He continued to discharge the duties of these two offices with zeal and fidelity throughout the dark days of Civil War, the troubled period of reconstruction, and the succeeding years of returning prosperity, until the consolidation, in 1893, of these roads and their connections into the Seaboard Air Line System.
On October 11, 1865, the 44-year old took as his 2nd bride, 28-year old Lillias Margaret McDaniel, the second daughter of Reverend James McDaniel, a distinguished Baptist minister, and Ann Eliza Smith, his wife, of Fayetteville, NC.
William & Lillias would become parents to 3 known children: William Worrell Vass Jr. (1874-1941), Eleanor Margaret Vass (1875-1971), and Lilla May Vass (1885-1953).
In 1882, the 61-year old Vass commissioned architect Constantine Vrettos to design and built a home for the family at 3 Edenton Street in Raleigh. A splendid child of the Victorian era, this 2nd Empire design dwelling was conceived by Major William Worrell Vass as a showpiece and was for almost 90 years a landmark example of Victorian splendor in Raleigh. The photograph shown here, taken just before demolition, does not fully show the enormity of this dwelling, as much of the living quarters of the home extended from the rear. The Vass House remained in the family until 1971 when it was sold to the State. Ironically, on the very day that the bulldozer showed up to demolish the house, the last owner of the estate, daughter Eleanor Vass, died on December 21, 1971. The Vass House was one of the last two residences on Capitol Square. The State History Museum occupies the site today.
Vass retired from the railroad in 1893 at age 72 when the offices of the company were moved from Raleigh to Norfolk. Taking into account his failing health, advancing years, and an indisposition to change his residence, Major Vass tendered his resignation as treasurer and accepted the honorary office of secretary of the system, which position he continued to hold until the date of his death.
Upon his retirement the Raleigh News & Observer noted "In looking back over his career, Major Vass can recall pleasant intercourse with the leading railroad men of the State for half a century, men who have done a great share of the work of constructing the internal improvements of the State, and of building up the great industries of North Carolina. . . . Among our citizens no one stands higher for excellence of character, or for kindness of disposition, or for personal integrity and worth, than this veteran railroad officer."
Major Vass occupied many positions of trust and responsibility outside of his railroad connection. For many years he was a director of the Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, established by the State in the city of Raleigh. He was also a trustee of Wake Forest College. In business affairs he was noted for his prudence and sound judgment. For half a century he was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Always an assiduous reader, he had acquired from a study of the best authors a critical literary taste and a fine command of language. He possessed a very logical mind, a keen sense of humor, and a winning gift of repartee that made his companionship exceedingly enjoyable. And withal he was so endowed with kindly qualities as to have been greatly beloved in the community.
William was widowed in 1895 when his wife of of almost 29 years died at age 57. He survived her a little over a year, passing on December 6, 1896 at just 2 months shy of his 75th birthday.
Perhaps not remembered today, but Major William Worrell Vass was a prominent figure in his time and instrumental in the industrial development North Carolina. Among the men of his generation his name was a synonym for integrity and fair dealing. As another has said: "His ability was great, his honesty crystal."
Of note, the little town of Vass, located in the Sandhills of Moore County, NC is named for William Worrell Vass. In the late 1800's with the laying of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, this little town became one of the area's heaviest shipping points for lumber, cotton products and farm produce. Originally called Bynum, then Winder, the little settlement was finally designated Vass in 1892 in honor of Major William W. Vass, who was the railroad's Treasurer and paymaster. Today Vass is home to around 850 residents, and is still mainly a rural area; but if you are in that area of the State, you need to travel through Vass to reach all points north (Raleigh and Cary), east (Fort Bragg and Fayetteville), south (Pinehurst and Southern Pines), and west (Carthage); so in many ways, it is still the hub of transportation it once was.
William Worrell Vass was born 1821 near Oxford, Granville County, NC the youngest of 6 known surviving children (3 boys/3 girls) born to successful planters Thomas Vass Jr. and his wife, Lucy Bennett Hester.
He was the paternal grandson of Rev. Thomas Vass Sr. of King & Queen County, VA, an early Baptist minister who removed to Granville Co. NC ca. 1790 to preach at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. At the time when Grassy Creek Church was founded, by far the larger portion of the county was still a wilderness, with here and there a settlement, interspersed with log cabins, and small cleared fields. William was a descended from a long line of Vass men in Virginia and a direct descendant of this family's patriarch, Robert Vass, who left London at age 19 in August of 1635 for the Virginia Colonies. On his mother's side, he was the maternal grandson of Bennett Hester & Constant Iverson Parham of Granville County.
William received a good education in the common schools of Granville County, and wished to pursue a business career and not follow in his father's footsteps to cultivate the land. While still in his teens, he was allowed to accept a clerkship in the mercantile establishment of Major John S. Eaton, a friend of his father, in Henderson. His industry and application, united to character and ability, resulted in William being rapidly promoted from one position of trust to another, until, at the age of 22, he was admitted into the firm as a partner.
It it believed that about this time, William married Amanda Freeman of Granville County, of whom little is known. The marriage was short-lived as she died shortly into the marriage.
In 1845, Major Eaton retired, and William would have become the head of the Henderson mercantile business had not fate at this time directed his energies into a broader and more important field -- working for the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad.
The Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, one of only 3 major railroads in the state, had been chartered by the Legislature in 1835 and finished in 1840; but was insolvent by the time of completion. The company was subsequently reorganized and additional capital stock secured, later passing into the hands of the private stockholders. During the earlier period, at the instance of influential friends, and especially of Major Eaton, who was one of the directors, the Office of Treasurer was tendered to his young business associate, William W. Vass. On January 1 1845, William accepted; and, moving his residence to Raleigh, and at age 24, he entered upon his life work.
From that time until his death he was connected with the management of this railroad and the great system of which it has become the parent. For 48 years he was its Treasurer, with the exception of the three years between 1848 and 1851, when, the company having fallen into desperate straits for the want of sufficient patronage to maintain its operations, the road passed into the hands of the State, and was managed by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the governor, during which time he served as its President. Throughout this trying period of State ownership his remarkable executive ability was most strikingly displayed.
Repeated compliments were paid to the energetic and indefatigable President, Major W. W. Vass, in being able to keep the road in operation at all; for, to use the language of the venerable chairman, Honorable Duncan Cameron, "the idea of a railroad without wood or iron making $70.000 a year is certainly one of the miracles of the age."
On September 18, 1851, the State disposed of its interest in the railroad to a reorganized corporation of the same name; and at the first meeting of the directors of the new company Major Vass was unanimously re-elected treasurer. So thoroughly did he continue to enjoy the confidence of the management, that when, in October, 1862, the Chatham Railroad Company was chartered to connect with the coal fields, he was also elected treasurer of that company. Ten years later the Chatham Railroad was rechartered as the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railway Company, and was eventually completed, Major Vass being re-elected Treasurer. He continued to discharge the duties of these two offices with zeal and fidelity throughout the dark days of Civil War, the troubled period of reconstruction, and the succeeding years of returning prosperity, until the consolidation, in 1893, of these roads and their connections into the Seaboard Air Line System.
On October 11, 1865, the 44-year old took as his 2nd bride, 28-year old Lillias Margaret McDaniel, the second daughter of Reverend James McDaniel, a distinguished Baptist minister, and Ann Eliza Smith, his wife, of Fayetteville, NC.
William & Lillias would become parents to 3 known children: William Worrell Vass Jr. (1874-1941), Eleanor Margaret Vass (1875-1971), and Lilla May Vass (1885-1953).
In 1882, the 61-year old Vass commissioned architect Constantine Vrettos to design and built a home for the family at 3 Edenton Street in Raleigh. A splendid child of the Victorian era, this 2nd Empire design dwelling was conceived by Major William Worrell Vass as a showpiece and was for almost 90 years a landmark example of Victorian splendor in Raleigh. The photograph shown here, taken just before demolition, does not fully show the enormity of this dwelling, as much of the living quarters of the home extended from the rear. The Vass House remained in the family until 1971 when it was sold to the State. Ironically, on the very day that the bulldozer showed up to demolish the house, the last owner of the estate, daughter Eleanor Vass, died on December 21, 1971. The Vass House was one of the last two residences on Capitol Square. The State History Museum occupies the site today.
Vass retired from the railroad in 1893 at age 72 when the offices of the company were moved from Raleigh to Norfolk. Taking into account his failing health, advancing years, and an indisposition to change his residence, Major Vass tendered his resignation as treasurer and accepted the honorary office of secretary of the system, which position he continued to hold until the date of his death.
Upon his retirement the Raleigh News & Observer noted "In looking back over his career, Major Vass can recall pleasant intercourse with the leading railroad men of the State for half a century, men who have done a great share of the work of constructing the internal improvements of the State, and of building up the great industries of North Carolina. . . . Among our citizens no one stands higher for excellence of character, or for kindness of disposition, or for personal integrity and worth, than this veteran railroad officer."
Major Vass occupied many positions of trust and responsibility outside of his railroad connection. For many years he was a director of the Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, established by the State in the city of Raleigh. He was also a trustee of Wake Forest College. In business affairs he was noted for his prudence and sound judgment. For half a century he was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Always an assiduous reader, he had acquired from a study of the best authors a critical literary taste and a fine command of language. He possessed a very logical mind, a keen sense of humor, and a winning gift of repartee that made his companionship exceedingly enjoyable. And withal he was so endowed with kindly qualities as to have been greatly beloved in the community.
William was widowed in 1895 when his wife of of almost 29 years died at age 57. He survived her a little over a year, passing on December 6, 1896 at just 2 months shy of his 75th birthday.
Perhaps not remembered today, but Major William Worrell Vass was a prominent figure in his time and instrumental in the industrial development North Carolina. Among the men of his generation his name was a synonym for integrity and fair dealing. As another has said: "His ability was great, his honesty crystal."
Of note, the little town of Vass, located in the Sandhills of Moore County, NC is named for William Worrell Vass. In the late 1800's with the laying of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, this little town became one of the area's heaviest shipping points for lumber, cotton products and farm produce. Originally called Bynum, then Winder, the little settlement was finally designated Vass in 1892 in honor of Major William W. Vass, who was the railroad's Treasurer and paymaster. Today Vass is home to around 850 residents, and is still mainly a rural area; but if you are in that area of the State, you need to travel through Vass to reach all points north (Raleigh and Cary), east (Fort Bragg and Fayetteville), south (Pinehurst and Southern Pines), and west (Carthage); so in many ways, it is still the hub of transportation it once was.
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