Civic Leaders

James Platt Allen was former editor of The Shelby Star, served as the southeast regional director communications and public affairs for Hoechst Celanese Corporation, and community leader in numerous capacities.

Lewis Josiah “Bill” Baley was the beloved founder of the Shelby Teen Club. He always wore that signature bow tie and teenagers loved him dearly. He chaperoned the teen club Saturday night dances for many years.

(1952 photo shared by John McGraw.)

Ray E. Brown was born in Union, SC but came to Shelby, NC where he became a hospital administrator for Cleveland Memorial Hospital. He advanced in his hospital career to become hospital administrator at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC, as well as for six hospitals in Chicago, IL.

Joseph Sibley Dorton was known as “Mr. Fair,” having organized the first Cleveland County Fair in 1924. He was its manager for many years before becoming the manager of the NC State Fair. The arena there is named in his honor. He was also known as “Doc” Dorton, having been a veterinarian prior to his work in the operation of fairs. Read more. . .

Dr. Clyde Atkinson Erwin was born in Waco. He became the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction, serving from 1934-1952.

Photo from the collection of John E. Barrett.

Joe Goforth served as Cleveland County Fair Manager from 1977-2005. His wife Sophie Kendrick Goforth was always faithfully by his side as his right hand. Together, their commitment to the Cleveland County Fair was marked by extraordinary dedication and lasting impact.

Born in Double Shoals, John William Harrelson went on to become the sixth chief executive of North Carolina State College (now NC State University) from 1934 to 1953. He was the first N.C. State alumnus to lead the institution and the first leader of the university to hold the title of Chancellor.

Kevin Howell, a native of Shelby, became the 15th Chancellor of NC State University in May 2025.

Dr. E. B. Lattimore was a physician serving Cleveland County patients in the early part of the 20th century.

John Wesley Roberts was an elder in the CME Zion Church and founded Roberts Tabernacle CME Church in Shelby, N.C. He become presiding elder, and would then become the first principal of Cleveland High School.

Henry Franklin Schenck, known as “Major Schenck” was a pioneer cotton manufacturer, legislator, financier, and supporter of Piedmont High School in Lawndale, NC.

John William Suttle. Rev. Suttle was known as the “Little Minister” serving Baptist congregations for over 65 years. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Gardner-Webb College for over 40 years.

Henry Lee Weathers, Sr. was a long time publisher of the Shelby Daily Star. He received the Shelby Mayoral Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2000 for his contributions to the people of Shelby.

Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905 in Chicago by attorney Paul P. Harris, who envisioned a professional club for exchanging ideas and fostering fellowship. Originally called “Rotary” because members rotated meetings among their offices, it grew into a global humanitarian network.