Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-07-11
Yf1isfellameons &eadiug.
From the Grccnvlllc Enterprise
SKETCH OF TH0S. N. DAWKINS,
BY EX-GOVERNOR B. F. PERRY.


SKETCH OF TH0s. N. DAWKINs.
BY EX-GOVERNOR B. F. PERRY.
Judge Dawkins died few years since, sud-
denly, in the prime of his life, and amidst his
usefulness and we'll merited popularity. His
death was great shock to his friends all over
the State. All who knew him we'll, loved and
admired him for his high character, social
virtues, talents and amiability. He had the
confidence of all, and the enmity Of no one.
In times of highest political excitement, he
was elected to office, and had honors conferred
on him by his political opponents. They ap-
preciated his talents; had confidence in his
integrity, and admired his gentle, unassum-
ing department. He maintained his own
principles firmly, and permitted others to do
the same without censure or denunciation from
him. Hence, he had no political or personal
enemies. He was recognized by all, to whom
he was known, as pure and noble-hearted
gentleman. In his own, his native District,
he was especially endeared to the people by a
life times intercourse with them, socially and
professionally. He was indeed a most amia.
BILE gentleman, courtly in his manners, and
cordial in his friendship. He was dignifed
in appearance and department., and at the
same time, as affable to the humblest citizen
who approached him, as if they were equals
in rank and station.
Judge Dawkins was born in Union District.
General Dawkins, his father, was a man of
fortune, great personal popularity, and exten.
sve influence in his section of the State. He
was a successful planter and merchant-Ma-
ior General and member of the Legislature.
He left, as an inheritance to his son, a name
without blemish, and those sterling qualities
of heart and head which characterized him
through life. Judge Dawkins graduated in
the South Carolina College with distinction ;
read law at Union Court House, and after his
admission to the bar, formed partnership
with Andrew Wallace Thomson, Esq. They
had very extensive and lucrative practice,
but sooE discovered that it was to the interest
of both they should dissolve their partnership
and practiceseparately. The storm of nulli-
fcation came on shortly after Judge Daw-
kins' admission to the bar; and although the
State, and his own district by an overwhelm-
ing majority, espoused almost madly this new
doctrine Of State rights, he never swerved from
the faith that was in him as a Union man, or
ceased to oppose, in every proper way, the in
culcation Of such political heresies. He was
elected member of the Legislature, whilst
he differed IN toto coelo with his constituents
on this subject. Whilst member of the
Legislature, he was elected solicitor of the
middle circuit by those who were opposed to
him in politics. He was reelected solicitor
several times, and finally resigned the Office,
or declined reelection. 1t was admitted by
all, that he made most admirable prosecu-
ting officer. He discharged the duties with
ability, fidelity and impartiality. For many
years he was an active member of the Board
of Trustees of his alma mater. During the
war, he espoused the cause of his native State,
thoug Union man. When South Carolina
seeded, he admitted the sacred right, solemn.
ly proclaimed in our Declaration of Indepen.
dence-"The right Of seL.gouernment."
After the close Of the war, Judge Dawkins
was elected member of the State Convention
under the proclamation of the President for
re-organizing the State government. He was
an active member of that body, and partici
pated largely in its discussions. Whilst Pro.
visional Governor of South Carolina, I was re.
quested by President johnson, to nominate a
suitable person for District Judge of this State
I rendered the appointment to Judge Daw'
kins He hesitated, and said he would decide
when he returned home. Shortly afterwards
he wrote me declining the Office, as it would
necessarily compel him to reside permanently
in Charleston. | then nominated Judge Bry
an, who accepted the nomination, and received
the appointment.
The people of Union District, in 1866, cleo
ted him again to the Legislature, and he was
appointed Chairman of the Judiciary Com
mittee. This was most important position
at that time, when our laws were undergoing
the most important changes. With great as
siduity, ability and learning, he discharged the
duties of the position. Soon after this, there
were two vacancies on the law bench, and
Dawkins was elected to fill one of them. ]
rode the circuit with him whilst on the bench
and was very much pleased with him as 9
Judge. He was prompt in dispatching and
deciding all matters before him, and at the
same time he was pleasant and courteous
Had he remained on the bench any length Of
time, he would have acquired reputation as
a Judge But Congress required South Caro-
lima to be reconstructed over again, and a new
Constitution was adopted by the carpet-bag
GERS negroes and scalawags, which vacated
all offices in the State. Judge Dawkins had tc
give place to those who had succeeded in
gaining the confidence Of the Radical party
He returned to the bar and resumed his prac
tice short time before his death.
Whilst Judge Dawkins was on the western
Circuit, insisted that he should stay with me
whilst holding Court at Greenville. I had
spenta week at his house whilst was attend
ing Union Court the summer preceding. He
said, no, most emphatically, and assigned as
a reason, that Judge should not only be
honest and impartial, but that he should new
er subject himself to a position in which
base mind might suspect his fairness and i'm
partiality. He said if Judge was staying
with practicing lawyer, and decided case
in his favor, the opposite party, unless pure
and honorable themselves, would think he had
been Influenced in his decision by something
said in private. The same sentiment had beer
expressed by Judge David johnson, and acted
on through life. e..
Judge Dawkins was twice married, but left
no children by either marriage. His frs
wife was the belle of Greenville for several
years, and greatly admired by all who knew
her, for her beauty, amiability and pleasant
manners. His second wife was young Eng
lish lady, handsome, intellectual, accomplish
ed and learned, cordial in her manners, anc
devoted in her friendship. Judge Dawkin'
met me once at Spartanburg, and said Mrs
Dawkins had understood that was to be a
Union Court, and insisted that I should stay
with them, and consider myself her guest.
did so, and was charmed with hers and the
Judges elegant hospitality The Judge at