The North-Carolina standard., 1845-11-26
sketehes OF North. Garollna.l
cAsWELL CouNTY.
eNo. ~;

its northern line, about the centre ot IL ne VIII
i pass through The beautiful and salubrious county
of Caswel Even the casual observer of our map
cannot but observe the beautiful compact square
which Caswell presents, having the Virginia line
for its northern boundary, the heaihfol and fertile
county of Orange, ttahe keystone county" Of North
Carolina, on the South, Person county on the
East, and Rockingham on the West.
It's federal population is about II, 600. Its chief
products are Tobacco, Wheat Corn and Cotton.
! or The first, il raised in 1910 nearly 100000
pounds. ..-o..--s =. s,s.J5 -. = ...4s - ,aa
Being formed in 1777, as CasweI, it had
but little TO do in those preliminary scenes of our
Revolution ;'that tried mems souls;' but as part
| of Orange from which il was formed, its inhabit-
ants were early distinguished by an indomitable
love of liberty and hatred to oppression.
This beautiful region embalms the name of one
of the most devoted patriots, Richard Caswel-a
name worthy Of the county, as the county is worthy
of the name. shall render, trust al acceptable
service to my readers by hasty akech Of this dis
unguished citizen, who in NorthfCaroina led her
armies to battle and to vIciory, and who In her
councils guided her with wisdom and safety. In
the field, he proved her valiant Achiles-in coun-
| Gill; her sagacious Nestor.
| Richard Caswell was the first Governor of North
Carolina under the State Constitution. He was
born in Maryland, in August. 1929. While but
seventeen years of age he left his paternal roof,
and with spirit bold, ardent and enierprising, he
sought his fortunes in the wids Of North Carolina.
Gabriel Johnston was then the Colonial Governor
| Of North Carolina under the English Crown (l746
| Young
his talents and habits were duly appreciated, and
The was Immediately employed in one OF the pubic
Offices. He was very soon appointed Deputy Sur
veyor of the Colony, and located himself in Lenolr
(then Johnston) county. Here he married MISS
| Mary McIlwean. She lived but short time
leaving him only son, William. He subse-
quenlly married the daughter of an eminent attor-
| ney, William Heritage, by whom he had many
children. Here he commenced at this period OF
his life the study of the law under Mr.. Heritage
nd ot 4 la har ired hP a
faithful advocate and able counsellor. His career
as politician commenced in 1854 as member OF
the Colonial House Of Commons from Johnston
county, and continued until ITO, when he was
chosen Speaker of that body. AT the iH-starred
battle on the banks Of the Allemance, between
Gov. Tryon and the Regulators, on the 10Th May,
177I he commanded regiment Of the Royal
troops BY his military talents and services, he
was entrusted with many offices of honor and profit
by The Colonial Government Yet, when that
government became oppressive, he was the first to
denounce it and declare himself for his country's
freedom. Not only in the early history & their
lives but in the character of their minds there Is
strong parallel between the "father of his coun-
try" George Washington, and Richard Caswell.
Both born under Colonial government-both in
trusted with Offices of honor and profit by the Roy
al government-bo both pursued the same profession,
land surveyors-boh appointed to similar rank
In the British fGrces-both served IN actual arms
in this rank, under Braddock the other under
Tryon-both, when that Government became op-
land "-both rose BY their virtues to high rank
in the confidence and esteem Of their countrymen-|
both distinguished themselves in the field and in
the cabinet. The affair at Moore's Creek B5jdge
where body of Highlanders and Tories, in Feb
ruary, 1776, where the General of The enemy (Mc-
Donald) was taken prisoner and the Commander
(CamFbelD killed, and large number taken pris-
oners with stores and money, was effected by the
military skill and stratagem of Caswell and did
much TO repress the spirit of opposition 10 our
cause. Caswell was elected 10 the Congress of
Philadelphia which declared independence but
he resigned his seat, preierrng 10 be, like Wash
ngon. in the field fighting the battles Of his
try. The name Of Washington is, and Justly too
'pealed and chined on every tongue of Fame"
while that Of Caswell is born 10 blush unseen
and waste its fragrance" in the quiet precincts of
the good Old North Stale. Why is this ? If one
served in Virginia and the other in North Carolina
should not this inspire every son of our State 10
increased energy 10 rescue from oblivion the hiso-
ry and tradition Of chiValric dead, that ample
justice may be done 10 illustrious public SER
wants, and posterlty be taught TO admire their deeds
and emulate their glorious examples? The life of
Richard Caswell would present faithful history
of the military and civil history OF North Carolina
from the dawning of the Revolution to its glorious
consummation. From February, 1776. to Novem-
ber, 1889, he was alternately in the field or the
councils and cabinet Of the State. He was ap-
pointed, in November, l776, Brigadier General,
by the Legislature of North Carolina, and in the
April following was elected Governor Of the State
his services. Here his example was another par
alel to that Of Washington. In 1884 he was again
elected GOVernor-a circumstance not occurring
before or since in the history OF our State Of the
same individual, after serving his constitution, II
term "of three years in six successive years."
again being elected after that time had expired.
In 1882 he was chosen Comptroller Of the State
and in 1887 appointed delegate to the Federal
Convention TO form Constitution, with the extra
ordinary power, in case Of his inability 10 attend
to appoint successor. This he did, being unable
to attend and William Blount was appointed
whose name appears to the Constitution of the
United States deputy from North Carolina.
Indeed, his whole life was but continued series
of constant faithful and arduous labor in the SER
vice of the State, and he died as he had lived in
her service; for in November, 17S9 he was elect
ed as Senator from Dobbs (now Lenoir) county to
the General Assembly which sat at Fayetteville
on that year, and was elected Speaker; and on
the 10th of that month he died Of paralysis, being
seized while presiding in the chair. The value
and extent OF public service, the talent and integri-
~ OF such citizen, caused his death TO be deeply
lamented This sketch, feeble as il Is is hasty
but faithful account of the life, merits, and death Of
the hrst Governor of North Carolina under our Con-
stIutIon. The heather philosophers attempted to |
write their anthology on the Heavens by naming
the several stars and consultations after their Di-
whites, valny hoping as long as they exhibited
their RADIANT enugence that their religion would
endure. Thus has State endeavored to trans
NIT TO posterlty the name of one of her bravest
founders to one of the interesting intelligent
and patriotic counties of our territory.
The county seat of Caswe! is Ysnceyville and
this is associated too. with the name of Rarte,t