Abstract:
William R. \"Bill\" Long, the founder of Long Manufacturing Company, grew up in Lawrence, N.C. (approximately 10 miles from Tarboro) and is one of the most colorful business personalities ever to appear on the North Carolina scene. After starting out in the farm equipment repair business, Long went on to design and build his own machines, including hay balers, automatic tobacco harvesters, and the first peanut combine, which he produced in 1957.