The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-09-02
Hon. David L. Swain.

We learn that Gov. Swain died at his res
idence in Chapel Hill on yesterday morning
at about nine O'Clock, from the effects of in
juries received some ten days ago, by being
thrown from a carriage. ioa,sa.f.f
DAVID LOWRY SWAIN was born in Bun
combe county in the year 1901. He receiv-
ed his first education at Newton Academy,
in the town of Asheville, and subsequently
studied at Chapel Hill. He afterwards read
law in this city with Judge Taylor, who
predicted, from his habits Of perseverance
and close application, the eminence which
he subsequently attained. He was admitted
to the bar in Buncombe county in 1928. In
1924, Is and g, he represented the county in
the Legislature. In 1897 he was elected Soil
citor in the Edenton District, which he resign
ed after riding one circuit In 1928 and '29 he
was again elected to the Legislature, and in
1880 he was elected member of the board of
Internal Improvements. In the same year
he was elected Judge of the Superior Courts
In 1882 he was elected Governor of the State,
and in 1885, while still Governor, he was
elected member of the Convention to re-
wise the Constitution, and in December of
the same year he was elected President of
the University, which position he held until
the adoption of the new Constitution and
the reorganization of that Institution.
In 1926, he married Eleanor, daughter of
William White and granddaughter of Gov.
Caswell. -...e
As public man, Gov. Swain was never
radical or aggressive. He was fair repre-
sentation of the best form of Conservatism.
He had profound respect and reverence
for old established institutions and for the
illustrious men who have adorned the earli-
er history of the State. With many, if not
/ with most of these, he was intimately &C
quainted personally, and the history of every
one of them was as familiar to him as a
household world. He knew more of the
history of North Carolina and of her pub
lie men than any living man. Perhaps
it is not going too far to say that his
knowledge upon these two points was more
extensive than the combined knowledge of
every man in the State. His death is an ir.
reparabe loss to the future historian.
His administration as President of the
University was eminently successful. When
he was elected President, more than thirty
years ago, the number of students was eighty.
In 1859, the catalogue contained the names
of more than four hundred and fifty, more
than five fold increase No instructor
ever succeeded better in winning the respect
and esteem ofhis pupils; few have ever re-
tanned through life so strong hold on their
affections. a
But it was, after all, in the social relations O,
life that his excellencies were most conspicu.
Gus. He was possessed Of vast fund of infor.
nation and anecdote derived from more thar
forty years experience in public life and associa
ton with public men. His mind was active
his observation accurate and his memory re-
markably re entive. Few things escaped hin
that were worthy of being recollected. He had
too, keen sense for the ridiculous and non,
have ever enjoyed the pleasure of his acquain
lance for any length of time, who have not NOR,
than once had occasion to smile at the flashe
of his wit. His manners were easy ant
agreeable, and though there seemed to be ;
stiffness about his address at first acquain
lance, it was soon lost sight Of and for
gotten as he would grow interested in the sub
ject of conversation. More than a THOUSAND
men have listened to his instruction and there
not one of these who does not experience
heart felt sorrow at his loss and sympathize wit
his bereaved family. ....f -.....
One by one the men of the former generation
are passing away. Mitchell-PhiIlips- Swain
all are gone. May those who have profit
ed by their instruction prove worthy of their il
lustrious teachers.