Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-31
From the Tarboro' Press.

The Wilson Monument--LayingO of the Corner Stone
Wednesday last, the 22nd, by previous notice had
been set apart the day for laying the Corner Stone
of the Wilson Monument. At an early hour our
usually quiet village dotted with groups of
anxious spectators, who had come together to do
honor to the memory of the Beneactor of Edgecombe
The Committee of Arrangements had every thing in
order around the mound, for the accommodation of
the Masonic Fraternity. About half past IL o'clock
the Marshal, Jno s Dancy Esq, with his Assistants,
Jno. Norfeet, Esq. and Capt +. NJ Parker, appear
ed on Main street, finding with few exceptions the
stores closed The citizens invited to assemble
near the head of Main street, fronting the Female
Academy, and the following was announced as the
PROGRAMME THE DAY.
l. Frank Johnson's Brass Band.
2. Members of the Masonic Fraternity
3. Building Committee
4. Orator of the Day
s. Citizens of the town and county.
6. Members of the Fire Company, in uniform.
7. Magistrate of Police and Town Commissioners.
8. Magistrates of the County and County Officers.
8. Pupils of the Male Academy with their Teach
10. Pupils of the Female Academy, with their
Teachers
IL. Soldiers of the War of 1912.
IL. Soldiers of the Mexican War.
Is. Reverend Clergy
IA. Strangers.
A little after l o'clock the Procession was put in
motion and turned into the first street east of Main
Main at Pitts cOrner-thence up Main to the Court
House Square, where the Monument is to be erected
and the ceremonies were to take place. Here most
agreeable spectacle was presented Besides large
platform densely covered with ladies' every window
of the Court House in view of the mound the upper
and lower windows of Mr.. Bowditch's store ad DIN
ing the Square, and some private carriages, were
jammed with the beautiful faces of the Ladies; and
the house tops hard by were covered with the rough
lords of creation. The Fraternity were marshaled
;pfo he 10 NV
triumphal ARCH of roses and evergreens prepar-
ed by of Tar boros fairest daughters and when
they had taken up their position place was assign
ed to the Building Committee, and the Pupils of the
Female Academy with their Teachers within the
circle
The proceedings opened by prayer from the
Grand Chaplain, Rev. Jno. F. Speight. The Grand
Master Maj. VIM. F. Collins, made some appropri-
ate and we-timed remarks upon the character of
their deceased brother and closed the ceremonies by
depositng under the Corner Stone the following
ticles, handed to him by the Grand Treasurer P T.,
Dr. J. A. Drake -
Holy Bible.
Constitution and Bye-Laws of Concord Lodge.
Proceedings of the last Grand Lodge of North Car
Copy of Col Wilson's Will
List of subscribers to the Wilson Monument.
Copy of the Eulogy on Col. Wilson, delivered by
VIM. F. Dancy, Esq.
Single copies of various newspapers of North Caro-
lima
The proceedings around the mound over, the Fra
ternity were conducted into the Bar of the Court
House-the Ladies given the most eligible seats
and the whole space below the bar; running back
to the door, was covered with the citizens the town
and county. w. F. Dancy. Esq rose and pronoun-
ced an Eulogium upon the life, character, and pub
lie services of the late Col Wilson. We pleas
ed with the speech, have heard it highly compliment
ted and hope he may furnish copy for publication:
The procession the proceedings at the mound, and
the scene in the Court House, were enlivened by
spirit-string airs from Frank Johnson's brass music
The company dispersed about o'clock-the Masons
in procession returning to their Lodge. So closed
day that will long live green in the memory of the
citizens of Edgecombe.