USA > North Carolina > North Carolina historical and genealogical record > Part 3
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Remains of Old Fort.
Remains of the old fort. built during an Indian massacre in the early part of the eighteenth century. was may still be seen near the southern Mary end of Front street in Bath. There
b hind the building. Mrs. Evans is amorz those interred was also another fort on Pamlico
there her tombstone bearing a river medallion of the lady herself. sur- The first road and the first ferry in rounded by scroll work. In addition the province were said to be on the to her name and dates, a poum tells way from Bath to New Bern. of her youthful grac s She is sail residents of the section say to have died of a broken heart after that they have seen old sign boards her husband had been lost in o on the road directing the way to Cre Point, on the south side of wreck at sea.
The epitaph on the soapstone Pamlico river. opposite Bath . Tra-
-
closets
Family Burial Ground.
The family burial ground
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
dition says that the Core Point are just beginning to receive their road was originally an Indian trail due share of attention from the leading from Bath to the Swansboro section, through New Bern. Core Point took its name from the Core Indians.
Test of the state. Its historic inter- est, its relics and reminders of past happenings and its present beauties of situation and waterfront are at- tracting increasingly large numbers
Bath and the surrounding section of visitors.
SOME DIFFICULTIES OF TRAVEL IN 1816
It is hard to realize in this day of April instant: Be assured that when distances have been unbe- the contemplated visit lievably shortened by trains, auto- mobiles and airplanes. that just a little more than a hundred years ago a journey of five or six hun- dred miles was a long and arduous under:aking. of your -- self and your good Sisters to Burke County hath raised the Hopes and wishes of all my Fam- ily here that you may p.rsevere and that we may have the plea- sure to see you and have your Company in this County
Mr. Isaac T. Avery, a Morgan- ton attorney. has in his posses- sion a very interesting letter writ-
"I have yesterday conversed ten in 1816 by his great-grandfath- with Marcus Erwin on the Subject er, Col. Waightstill Avery, of Swans of Stages-he spent the last Win.
his nephew, James ter in Philadelphia attending Lec- Avery, in Philadelphia, giving him tures on Anatomy. etc, etc.
dir ctions for a proposed journey from Philadelphia to Morganton. to Petersburg a Stage runs every
a distance of approximately 850 Day. and that from Petersburg to niles. The letter, now 115 years Raleigh a Stage runs, and starts old has been carefully preserved. either three times a Week or Col. Avery, its author. was the every Day. Raleigh is the Seat of first attorney-general of North Car- Government in North Carolina.
olina, a signer of the Mecklenburg abut 220 Miles Declaration of Independence and a which is only forr noted lawyer of his day.
he sigh to Saleni. And another and
The journey about which wrote consumed more than 20 a better stage runs from Raleigh
days. required 20 overnight stops to Salisbury on a different road,
at "houses of entertainment." with about 80 miles from
many changes of conveyance dur- which I would recommend in ing the days and tiring out of more ference to Salem. This stage
pre- than 100 horses. starts from Raleigh every Satur- The letter follows: day morning and arrives at Salis- "Swans Pond Near Morganton, bury on Tuesday Evening. Houses
.N. C., "April 20, 1816.
of Entertainment on this route at Chapel Hill, Deep River, and a. Lexington are .deemed good. No
"Dear Nephew: "Your highly esteemied favour stage runs from Salisbury to Mor- of the 27th, ult. I rec. on the 14en ganton, distance of 80 miles. This
Pond, to
"He says that from Richmond
from Morganton. miles from home. One stage runs from Ral-
my home.
:
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
may be divided into three Days a sufficient time to have washing Traveling ---- done, you might write to me ana "1st Day to Captain James give me Notice that you were 60 Houston, Merchant at the Brick- the Road, and I suppose I could House, or Parson McCree's, both send one Horse forward for you. in and a Gig for your two sisters, to
near Center Meeting House Iredell County.
meet you at Salisbury which my
"2nd Day cross the Catawba Son says he would be very willing River at Beaty's Ford and reach to do, as you might not be able General Joseph Graham's in Lin- readily to find a Hackney Coach coln County or Lincolnton, a smart to be hired.
thriving Village at the Courthouse.
"3rd Day reach Morganton or my Sisters be stored in a Hair-trunk House four miles farther.
"If you are not only Serious but also resolute in your intentions to come to Burke or try to come, brood am desirous to know it, and write to some of my acquaintances requesting them to show you and your dear Sisters the Courtesy they will be anxious to show you when they may be informed that you are related to me.
"In particular Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, who keep a Boarding House for the members of Assem- bly at Raleigh with whom my son boarded for two or three sessions and Mr. John Haywood, Treasurer of the State: Mr. Dusenberry in Lexington on the Way to Salis- bury : Captain James Houston. Merchant and Parson McCree, both near Center Meeting House
in Iredell County : Gen. Joseph Graham in Lincoln County, Christ- "My Dear Nephew, Believe me ian Rhinehardt, Merchant, Lincoln- to be with Respect, your Affec- ton.
"If you should tarry at Raleigh
"Can the baggage for your two
and your own in one or two pair of Saddle Bags? If they could, the ar- rangement for bringing the Travel- ing Baggage from Salisbury, to this place may be made easy.
"My son is now gone with our Cattle to the Mountains for their Summer Range; if ne was at Home, he would probably write you by this Mail which will leave Morganton tomorrow morning.
"I pray that Providence may shower down upon you and your dear Sisters the best of Heaven's Blessings.
"Mrs. Avery, my Son, Isaac T. Avery, and his wife, Harriot, de- sire me to present their best re- spects and affectionate Love to you and your dear Sisters; and to wish you a safe and pleasant jour- ney in your intended visit.
tionate Uncle, "WAIGHTSTILL AVERY."
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
GOVERNOR SMITH BURIED AT NIGHT TO FOIL CREDITORS
By LOUIS T. MOORE
In all history which surrounds out- end of Governor Smith's life and standing characters in the various career, it may not be amiss to detail states of the Union, there is prob- the facts of his really . deplorable ably no better example of how one end. When one remembers that the may be reduced from affluence and circumstances relate to the termina- wealth to direst poverty than is rep- tion of the career of a great governor resented by Benjamin Smith, gov- it can easily be seen how the irony ernor in 1810 of the great state of of fate entered. It doesn't seem pos- North Carolina. At the time of his sible that a man who had accumu- death tradition says he was in pris- lated great wealth in life, who had on bounds for debt. Hurried burial won for himself honor and distinc- the night of his demise alone pre- tion, who had been elected fifteen vented creditors from taking posses- times to the senate of the state, sion of the body until claims were and finally had been chosen governor satisfied. He was so well known and of the commonwealth in which he influential that a town. an island lived, could suffer mishaps of for- and a hall at the state university tune to the point where he would were named in his honor. Governor die in a debtor's prison. Such was Smith was born and lived in Brune- the case, however, as will now be wick county. He spent the greater related. part of his life there. In addition he also had a comfortable home in Wi !- mington. After his sad and unfortu- nate end, several of his sisters con- tinued to occupy the house which he had built there.
After finishing his term, Governor Smith met with reverse after re - verse. Each loss rendered him less able to care for necessary obligations as contracted from time to time In the enlightened period of today, it
The regrettable death which came doesn't seem possible that public to Governor Smith is certainly illus- sentiment or discretion ever could trative of the axiom that "riches have have allowed a former governor to wings." At one time, he was so weal- be placed in prison for ordinary debts thy he donated to the state university or obligations. However. the latter at Chapel Hill 20.000 acres of land part of the eighteenth and early per- in Tennessee. He indicated that the iod of the nineteenth centuries, the property could be sold and the pro- law as then written upon the statuce ceeds used for educational develop- book's was most severe. in many as- ment. Governor Smith was known as
pects. It is stated now by members the first real benefactor of the Chan- of the legal profession that the state el Hill institution. His donation was allowed a person to be imprisoned of no mean proportions. With a upon complaint of a debtor. When minimum valuation of several dollars a claim was satisfied, the party who per acre it can easily be seen that had incurred the obligation was re- his gift, in money, amounted to ap- leased from custody. proximately $100,000.
At practically. the same time. it 50 With no purpose of starting at the happened that several creditors of
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
Governor Smith commenced to press crated by further action of creditors. for payments of amounts due. On They felt they were within their account of his embarrassed financial rights in taking action appropriate condition it was impossible to make and necessary to protect the mem- payment. Tradition says that he told ory of the deceased statesman. his creditors definitely and positive-
Appreciating the necessity for ly that he knew the obligations were quick action, they made plans to
honest debts. If given sufficient time bury Governor Smith at once. With- he said he would make every effort in two or three hours after death to settle to the satisfaction of the they had prepared the body for bur- debtors. This, however, did not satis- ial. At midnight his friends are said fy those he owed. They started legal to have secretly moved the remains action against Governor Smith. As from the house. They then carried a result he was placed in prison the body into the woods a few miles bounds at Smithville. This town had from Smithville (now Southport). been named for him. Some years ago Here interment was made with only the citizens of the present fine town the flickering gleam from the pine- petitioned the legislature for per- wood torches to furnish sufficient mission to change the name from light to dig the grave. When burial Smithville to Southport. This was was completed friends of Governor readily granted. At the time he was Smith feit better satisfied. They were incarcerated for debt Governor much relieved in mind since they Smith. it is said. was a prisoner in were now assured that there could the town which an appreciative citi- be no further interference by credi- zenry had named in his honor, be. tors, who had harrassed andtorment- cause of his signal service to the state ed their dead friend in life.
A short time after he was placed Some years later local tradition in prison bounds, Governor Smith states that a relative of Governor was taken with a violent and fatal Smith came to Brunswick county from il'n.ss. Within an hour or two he Charleston. In a short time he male passed away. If legal trad'tion is to arrangements to remove the body be believed, it is stated that even from its lonely and deserted grave in death claimants against one im- in the woods of Brunswick to the
prisoned for debt had a right to take burial ground of Old St. Phillips possession of the remains, until an church some miles distant. Here re- executor or administrator had settled interm nt was made of the former obligations of the person who had statesman. It is said that no stone died. However, if burial could be or marker was ever placed over the carried out immediately, when the grave which now, in all probability. body was interred the assumption it would be impossible to locate. was that the corpse had returned to
Another interesting and debatable earth and could not be molested by point relates to the exact location former debtors.
of Governor Smith's home in Wil- Tradition says that as soon as Gov- mington. Several years ago the New ernor Smith had died, a few of his Hanover Historical Commission plac- close friends in Smithville were noti- ed at the northwest intersection of find. They had a hasty consultation. Second and Dock Streets in Wilming- They then determined not to permit ton. a granite marker. The stone the body of their friend-a former bears the following inscription: governor of the state --- to be dese-
"Here stood the Wilmington Re-
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
sidence of General Benjamin Smith, or less intimate traditional details Elected Governor of North Carolina which served as sad conclusions to ín 1810." the life of a distinguished son of
Technically, the present position North Carolina, who had suffered of the stone may be approximately undeserved buffeting's at the hand of correct, although it is said that the an unkind world, the questions now records of New Hanover county show arise: What type of man was Gen. it to be slightly in error. Accord- Benjamin Smith, how did he serve ing to the documents referred to, it the state, what did he do constructive- is stated there is an agreement be- ly for posterity, and in what light tween Ann Claypoole and Governor do historians regard his career?
Smith. This indicates that the lot on In a sentence it can be said that which the Smith house was built was writers of history seem to be in on Dock between Front and Second thorough agreement that Smith left streets, about 100 feet west of the an impress upon the commonwealth
corner where the monument
now which reflects itself today in our stands. This second reported location modern and splendid state university, a short distance from the street in- and in our common school system. tersection, in all probability, is cor- He also offered recommendations 2- rect. Several member of a present bout legal reform. Unfortunately for prominent Wilmington family were him his recommendations did not sof . born in the Governor Smith home. ten the harsh laws which deprived the r. sidence having been purchased him of his liberty for debt, and which probably caused his death prema- by their parents.
Grandparents of these Wilmington- turely.
He was also interested in the
ians lived across the street from the Governor's house. An interesting promotion of manufacturing. North tradition has come down through this Carolina now being recognized as family that Governor Smith had sev- one of the leading states in indus- eral sisters who lived in the Wilming- try and productivity.
ton home for a number of years af- Governor Smith fought valiantly ter his death. While practically pov- in the Revolutionary War. Following erty-stricken by the exigencies of that great conflict which brought fate, nevertheless they were proud independence to a determined peo- as could be. The story is that they ple, he was sent to the senate for retained possession of some of the fifteen successive terms. His career family plate and silverware and did as a legislator is said to have been not hesitate to invite their friends to sane and stable. When the General meals. The sisters would grace the Assembly met in November, 1810, table with the handsome silver. They Smith was chosen governor over would preside with elegant grace and Stone. At this time existing friction dignity over a table which provid- and dissatisfaction over relations ed for sustenance little else than with France and England seemed to bread and water. However, the scar- indicate a disruption of friendly re- city and sparsity of food stuffs was lations.
completely forgotten in the flow of
When he was elected Governor, conversation and the queenly atti- General Smith centered all his at- tude of these gentle ladies of a cen- tention upon state affairs. He made tury and more ago. it his purpose to bring forward mat-
With the outline of the above more ters of a remedial and progressive
25
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
nature for consideration. One of the idea of the donor was that the real forward thoughts which he advanced estate could be converted into cash during his service as governor was if deemed necessary, to provide ad- the adoption of a penitentiary sys- ditional funds for maintenance. This tem. His object was to accord con- remarkably generous gift made Gen- sideration to persons convicted of eral Smith the first real benefactor crime and to give them the protec- of an institution which has gone tion to which they were entitled as steadily forward since the early days. wards of the state. He also offered It is interesting to note that the gift suggestions which were designed to was made after Dr. Joseph Caldwell, lighten and to soften the too drastic a graduate of Princeton, had been legal code.
called to the University in 1796.
Even at that early period Governor Smith recognized
"A certain degree of education the should be placed within the reach of advantages to be gained from manu- every child in the state," was the facturing and productivity. He dis- cryptic and truthful observance of played marked interest in every sug- General Smith after he became gov- gestion designed to increase the not ernor. Concluding he said, "I am per- too numerous manufactories in ex- suaded that a plan may be formed istence at that early period. Last, upon economic principles which will but not not least, was the attitude extend this boon to the poor of and thought which be devoted to every neighborhood, and at an ex- education and to improvement of pense trifling beyond expectation the mental side of the state's child- when compared with the incalcul- ren. He recognized that education able benefits from such a philanthro- was an important and necessary ad- pic system." From public considera- junct if the state desired to progress tions, Governor Smith continued to and expand. He d'd not hesitate to urge the establishment of public lend the power of his office to every schools. It is a matter of regret that movement which had for its objec- the citizenship of that period was tive the advancement of education. not enlightened to the point where He had evidenced some years prior to his progressive ideas were accepted. his election as governor that he had no Public education was somewhat of intention of failing to practice what a novelty, and continued to be for . he preached. He had been much in- many years following the completion terested in the establishment of the of his service as the head of the university. He had evidenced in many state. ways his faith in that center of
Moore's history says rather point- learning. He realized that the Uni- edly that "Smith was a member of versity could not advance and pros- the legislature of 1783; there were per without material aid from in- a number of members who were to dividual donors. The financial cou- achieve at least respectability as leg- dition of the state just then was islators."
not such as to admit of extended aid.
One finds also in the work just General Smith therefore voluntarily quoted the statements that "The offered the university a gift of 20,- legislature met on the 22nd day of 000 acres of land which he owned November, 1796, and made Benja- in Tennessee. This was given with min Smith speaker of the Senate." no stipulation or conditions. The and "Benjamin Smith was chosen
26
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
governor in 1810 to succeed David present fine town of Southport was Stone."
It indicated
originally called Smithville in hon-
that Governor or of Benjamin Smith. This was an Smith was a very impulsive man. honor which was not undeserved. His characteristic of generosity has Smith had displayed great gallantry already been shown through refer. under Moultrie when the latter ence to his magnanimous gift to drove the British from Port Royal. the university. He was not of
a It is only in recent years-in 1887
temperament to pass through life to be exact-that residents un- without alternations of peace and der prerogatives granted by the conflict. He was genial and kindly, state legislature decided to change but quick in his resentments. This the name of their attractive town to unfortunate side of his character Southport.
served to involve him in several While comparatively a youth duels. In all such conflicts, how- Governor Smith was an aide-de-camp ever, it was always noted that he to Washington in the dangerous but was both chivalrous and magnani- masterly retreat from Long Island mous.
after the defeat of the American It is regrettable to note that one forces. After the Revolution a of the most deplorable differences Charleston paper spoke of the serv- which Governor Smith had was with ices of Governor Smith in the fol- his own brother. James Smith. This lowing complimentary words: "He quarrel made a lasting breach be- gave on many occasions such various tween the two men. Benjamin proof of activity and distinguished Smith was the owner of Orton bravery as to merit the approba- Mansion, built about 1729 by "King tion of his impartial country."
Roger" Moore. It is still in use as
Some years later, when there was a country residence by the pres- danger of a conflict with either Eng- ent owner. The adjacent plantation land or France, Smith was made of Kendal, originally owned by the general of militia. A short time founder of Orton (from whom it after, when the attitude of Franey passed to his descendants) was la- made it appear as if war would ter the property of James Smith. It undoubtedly follow. our government was near the bank's of Orton creek, started to make active preparations which stream separated the two for the anticipated conflict.
The entire militia of Brunswick
estates, that the bitter quarrel be- tween the brothers occurred. It county were called out at one time. ended eventually by the departure Both were aroused to the highest of James Smith to South Carolina. pitch of enthusiasm and patriotism It is interesting to note that he by an address from Smith. This (James Smith) assumed his moth- speech was featured with energy er's name, Rhett. and became the and fire. After he had finished, founder of the famous Rhett family. the entire body of men present vol- Intolerant and unbending. in spite unteered to follow his lead in the of his many other admirable traits legionary corps raised for service of character, it is said that Gover- against the anticipated enemy. nor Smith never forgave his brother. It is fitting and appropriate that Efforts of friends to remedy the the State university has honored the name of this result-producing situation proved of little avail.
It has been noted above that the governor by calling one of the
27
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
buildings "Smith Hall." Surely his rear of historic St. James Episco- memory is deserving of this tribute pal church. in Wilmington. This from an institution which his finan- cial means aided so well in the evident mistake undoubtedly resulted from the fact that Governor Smith had a home in Wilmington. There early days when it was struggling is no question as to the accuracy for mere existence. Governor Smith of the record which proves beyond was a member of the board of the possibility of a doubt that Gov- trustees, who were the great leaders ernor Smith's burial place was in of that day-both war and peace. Brunswick county, the place of his
Suppose Governor Smith could nativity. His interment was made un- return to life today. If he could der the somewhat distressing cir- see the marvelous transformation of cumstances narrated above, due to the the State university since the time fact that the changes of fortune had of his generous gift 130 years ago, stricken with poverty a man who had he would undoubtedly feel that the been a power in his state for ad- highest honor now which could be vancement and progress while he . conferred upon him would be the was at the helm of the state govern- first ment.
statement that he was the benefactor, and known in his period as the leader of the small body
It should be remembered that the of particular place where Governor
educational supporters in North Smith died made no difference inso- Carolina. Everyone in the state in- far as the action of his creditors was ter sted in education and enlighten- concerned in having him apprehended ment of the people should know of for debt. Wherever he might have the generous aid given by Gover lived in the state, under the law, nor Smith in the early days and the officers of any county would have should be willing to concede him been compelled to carry out the code his proper place among those who, relative to imprisonment. The end of properly, are revered in the historic the career of Governor Smith was annals of the great institution. regrettable and distressing when it
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