Served as mayor: December 1, 1920–November 30, 1921

William Alexander Ware (“W.A.”) was born in Cleveland County, to William and Mary Anne McGill Ware. In 1880, W.A. moved to Kings Mountain with his family. His father opened the Merchant Mill, the first steam-operated grist and saw mill in the area, in 1882. W.A. was always associated with this business. He started out as the steam plant operator. The business eventually became Ware & Sons. He became the active head of the firm in 1898 and that year, they added a cotton gin to the operations. In 1930 Ware & Sons entered the wholesale grocery business.

W.A. was closely identified with his civic and religious activity throughout the community. He was a founding member of the Boyce Memorial ARP church and served as an elder for many years.

W.A. was married to his first wife, Lenora Falls Ware, for 8 years until she passed away in 1893. The couple had three children together. He then married Mary Anthony Ware in 1895. The couple was married for 45 years, until she passed away in 1941. They had five children together.

William Alexander Ware passed away at the age of 87 from a heart attack.

Served as mayor:

• December 1, 1917–November 30, 1920
• December 1, 1921–November 30, 1923
• December 1, 1925–November 30, 1931

Wiley Henkle McGinnis was born in Gaston County, North Carolina, to J.M. and Margaret Rudisill McGinnis. He moved to Kings Mountain at the age of 26. He was in banking for most of his adult life, specifically as a bank clerk and trustee for the Kings Mountain Building and Loan Association. Wiley also operated R & M Motors of Kings Mountain, with J.B. Rowland until 1947.

One of the highlights of Wiley McGinnis’ six terms as mayor came in 1930 during the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Battle of Kings Mountain. President Herbert Hoover and his wife visited the town to participate in the celebration.

Wiley was married to his wife, Minnie Carpenter McGinnis, for 44 years. The couple had six children.

Wiley Henkle McGinnis passed away at the age of 69, from a heart attack.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1905–November 30, 1907

George W. Kendrick was born in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to Thomas and Susan Stames Kendrick. He lived in Cleveland County his entire life. He was a prominent citizen in Kings Mountain for much of his adult life. George served as Chief of police for several years, as well as a trial justice for 10 years. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and a member of the Masons.

George W. was married to his wife, Willie Borders Kendrick, for 41 years before he passed away. The couple had two children.

George W. Kendrick passed away at the age of 64.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1913–November 30, 1917

Austin Elias Cline was born in Iredell County, North Carolina, to Reuben and Susan Linebarger Cline.

A.E. Cline was a successful business man and politician in Cleveland County. He primarily worked in the textile manufacturing business, but also served as President of the Kings Mountain Building and Loan for many years. He also served as chairman of the Cleveland County board of commissioners.

A.E. was married to his wife, Sarah Isenhower Cline, for 54 years until her death in 1949. He then married Edith Queen Cline in 1953. He had no children with either wife.

Austin Elias Cline passed away at the age of 80.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1909–November 30, 1913

Charles Alexander Dilling was born in North Carolina to Freno and Nancy McNair Dilling. He was an active and popular businessman in the Kings Mountain area. He was the secretary and treasurer of the Dilling Cotton Mill for many years. He was a member of the city council for many years as well. He was serving his second term as mayor when he passed away.

Charles A. Dilling was married to his wife, Annie Garrett Dilling, for 21 years before he passed away. The couple had four children.

Charles Alexander Dilling passed away at the age of 45, from a cerebral hemorrhage.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1907–November 30, 1909

John Christopher Patrick was born in York County, South Carolina, to Robert and Mary Blair Patrick. He became a well-known dentist in the Kings Mountain area. He served as alderman for the town for four years. He suffered with cancer on his face for four years, which eventually led to his having to stay confined to his home for nearly a year prior to his death.

Dr. J.C. Patrick was married to his wife, Nellie Brown Patrick, for only eight years, before he passed away. The couple had no children.

Dr. John Christopher Patrick passed away at the age of 42.

Served as mayor: January 1, 1912–November 30, 1905

Edward Lee, “E.L.” Campbell, was born in Charleston, Missouri, to Duncan and Mary Patterson Campbell. Both of his parents had been born in North Carolina, and the family moved back by 1880.

He attended local schools and then went on to Wake Forrest College to complete his law course. Following the completion of his course, he was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice law. He practiced law in Kings Mountain for his entire active professional life. He was also a surveyor for many years. For many years he spent his winters in Palm Harbor, Florida. He was an active member in his church and enjoyed writing poetry.

E.L. was married to his wife, Mollie Ware Campbell, for 46 years. The couple had one son.

Edward Lee Campbell passed away at the age of 71 from a sudden heart attack.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1898–November 30, 1899

Served as mayor: December 1, 1896–November 30, 1898

William Theodore Bradford was born in Caldwell County, North Carolina, to Tipton and Nancy Baird Bradford. When he was a young man, he moved to Cowpens, South Carolina, where he learned agency work for the Southern Railway. He then moved to Kings Mountain to work in the same type of position for the Southern Railway. He stayed in this position for many years. After serving his term as mayor, he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Enterprise Mills. He left Kings Mountain for a few years and worked as a farmer. He eventually moved back and became the bookkeeper for the Cora Mills and then on to Phoenix Mill, where he was working at the time of his death.

William was married to his wife, Eliza Black Bradford, for 19 years before his death. The couple had eight children, seven of which were still alive at the time of his death.

William Theodore Bradford passed away at the age of 57.

Served as mayor: December 1, 1891–November 30, 1893

Caleb Maxwell Nolen was born in Gaston County, North Carolina, to Lemuel and Almina Bradley Nolen. He lived most of his life in Gaston County. He lived in Crowders Mountain in the early 1880’s where he worked in merchandising, selling Singer Sewing machines. He worked for nearly 50 years for the Southern Railway and the Sothern Express Company as an agent in Kings Mountain, Gastonia and Lowell. He also owned and operated Nolen’s News Agency. He was an active member in the Methodist church, as well as being on the official board of two churches.

Caleb was married to his wife, Mary Frances Jenkins Nolen, for 21 years until she passed away in 1902. The couple had nine children together. Caleb never remarried.

Caleb Maxwell Nolen passed away at the age of 76.