proud career is suddenly thrown on hidden and perilous rocks, quivers under the disaster, and finally sinks under the overwhelming waves to darkness and to death. He died soon after the war, [1866,] paralyzed in body and enfeebled in intellect.
The ruins of the noblest man
That ever lived in tide of times.
Richard Spaight Donnell, born 1820, died 1865, represented this county in the Senate in 1858, and in the Commons in 1860, '62 and '64; and in the latter two sessions he was elected Speaker. In 1847 he was elected a member of the 30th Congress, at the early age of twenty-seven.
He was educated partly at Yale, and graduated at the University of North Carolina in 1839.
He studied law and arose to high distinction in the profession. He wrote in 1863 a letter on "the rebellion," which gave him much reputation as a statesman.
Blest with a competency, if not a superfluity of estate, he pursued his profession and politics more as an amusement than for profit or promotion.
He was much loved by all who knew him for his genial and gentle manners, his modest, unassuming temper, and high-toned principles. As a man, he was just and faithful; as a lawyer, of learning and probity, and as a statesman, above all intrigue or reproach.
He died unmarried, and his memory is enbalmed in the affections of all who knew him.
William Blount Rodman, born 29th January 1817, represented Beaufort County in the Convention of 1868. He was elected one of the Justice of the Supreme Court, the term of which expired in 1878.
He was educated at the University of North Carolina, and graduated in 1836 with the first honors.
His mother was the daughter of General John Gray Blount, and the sister of General Wm. A. Blount, whose biography we have just presented.
He studied law and has attained the highest rank in his profession. His opinions as a Judge of the Supreme Court are considered by many as models of research and learning. To some, however, "that glorious uncertainty" so proverbial to the law, is apparent in his rulings. Yet he is much esteemed by the profession as a just and learned jurist. He has never mingled much in politics, for, like Michael Angelo of his profession, he thinks the law too jealous a mistress to allow any rival in his affections. Like Hooker in his Ecclesiastical Polity, he believes "of law there can be no less acknowledged than that her seat is the bosom of God; her voice the harmony of the world. All things in heaven and earth do her homage; the very least, as feeling her care; and the greatest, as not exempt from her power. Both angels and men and creatures of what condition soever, though each in different sort and manner, yet all with uniform consent admiring her as the mother of their peace and joy."
Edward J. Warren lived and died in Beaufort County. He was a native of the State of Vermont. Came to North Carolina and settled in Washington, as a teacher.
He read law and attained great eminence in the profession. He represented the county in the Senate in 1862 and 1864, and was Speaker of the Senate. He was appointed by Governor Worth one of the Judges of the Superior Court.
He married Deborah, daughter of Richard Bonnor. He died in 1878, much esteemed and regretted, leaving Charles F. Warren, now at the bar, and Lucy, who married William Rodman Myers.
James Cook, late a captain in the Confederate Navy, says Dalton, was a native of Beaufort, Carteret County, N. C. His name should be preserved among "the men of North Carolina."
| Index - Contents |
 |
|
| ||
|
||