The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-04-29
Er- Coz. Psrrys "reminiscences Of Pubic &Zes.
BENJAMIN Faneuil Dunkin.

BENJAMIN Faneuil Dunkin.
Chancellor Dunkin, who has just departed
this life "full of years and full of honors, y
was one of the last high functionaries of the
old reqims in South Carolina. Though New
Englander by family, and a Philadelphian by
birth, he was true Carolinian in feeling and
character, ever loyal to the State, and possess.
ing all the honor, pride and dignity of the old
cestry, as his christian name would indicate
were amongst the first families of Massachu-
setts. He graduated at Harvard College, and
ssoon after came to Charleston to pursue his
profession, where he volunteered his services
Sn the war of 1872, and was appointed the Ad-
-i,ltant of regiment which was stationed at
Georgetown. He married South Carolina
aady, and purchased large plantation near
@seorgetown. His rise at the Bar was rapid
,and most successful, which was at that time
sone of the abless ia she United States, number
ing amongst its members, Judge Cheves, Lewis
Keating Simons, General Hayne, Col. Drayton,
Judge Richardson, James l.. Petigru and
Judge Huger.
had the pleasure of making the acquaint-
:anceof Chancellor Dunkin in 1927. He was
then aleading member of the Legislature, and
7 was constant spectator of its proceedings,
that in all their discussions in the House of
Representatiyes, the Chancellor seldom spoke
still towards the close of the debate, and he
then generally carried the House with him.
His manner of speaking was fine, with all the
animation, earnestness and fire of a Southern
man. He was logical in his argument, and
always spoke to the true points of the question
under discussion. At the Bar his manner was
the same, and he always argued his cases with
great ability and learning.
= was member of the Legislature when he
was elected Chancellor to fill the vacancy caus-
ed by the resignation of Chancellor. DeSaus-
sure At that time there was no Chancellor,
or Law Judge, residing in Charleston. 1
Thought it was due the city, and important to
the interests of the people that they should
have a,resident Judge in the city. AS soon as
Chancellor DeSaussnre's resignation was read
BY the Speaker, I went to Colonel Memminger
and expressed my willingness to vote for him
as Chancellor. He said to me that he did not
wish the honor, but thought that Chancellor
Dunkin did desire it. told him that I would
support Mr. Dunkin with great pleasure. This
conversation was repeated to the Chancellor,
who met me in the evening, and said he was
much gratiied at it. Judge Wardlaw was run
ming against him, and if I had consulted my
own interest, I should certainly have supported
him, for he was in full practice at Greenville
at the time, and our relations were most friend
sy aud cordial.
Chancellor Dunkin proved himself the mod
el of Chancellor. He had been candidate
for seat on the Eaw Bench, and was beaten
by Judge Butler. I always thought it was
fortunate for Chancellor Dunkin that he be-
came a Chancellor instead of q Law Judge.
He was afterwards elected Chief Justice of
South Carolina, and continued in this high
office till the reconstruction and downfall of
the State He then resumed his practice at
the Bar, after being deprived of his office and
the loss of his property.
Twas on terms Of great intimacy with Chan
cellor Dunkin for nearly the half of a century,
from the time of our first acquaintance up to
his death. And I admired him as Judge,
and esteemed him as man throughout the
whole of this period. / remember consulting
him, when I was very young man, IN regard
to an affair of honor in which l was then en-
gagged, and had his entire approval Of the course
I intended to pursue. Judge Earle had re-
4ouested me to consult with him, and get his
Judgment in regard to the matter.
chancellor Dunkin, on the Bench and off
the Bench, was the representative of two very
different persons. In tho one position, he was
gravity aud dignity persoaifed, punctilious in
Che enforcement of every propriety on the part
of the Bar and officers of Court. In social in
4ercourse he was always pleasant affable and
cordial. He had the tact of drawing from all
whom he met in conversation great deal of
news. without communicating much in return.
He was very kind-hearted gentleman. When
he first came to Greenville TO hold Court, he
enquired of me the circumstances of lady re-
siding here, and finding that she was straitened
in her means Of living, he gave me annually
ior many years q small SUM OF money to pur-
chase necessaries for her, but with the injunc-
tian that should not communicate to the lady
herself or any one else, who her besetactor
was =.
Chancellor Dunkin was very pious and de-
vout member of the Episcopal Church, and
strict in the observance of all his religious du-
ties. I once met him in the Court of Appeals,
and he inquired of me how he should get to
Spartanburg Court I suggested to him that
be had better come to Greenville, and I would
carry him down on Sunday in my barouch.
He raised up his head and said, n will not do
st. sir: and if you will ask Mrs. Perry, I am
sure she will tell you I am right in refusing
your offer" BE was very abstemious in all
things. On several occasions, in riding the
circuit, when we stopped on the roadside to
take lunch, have invited him to take q
drink of brandy, and he invariably refused,
saving the weather was too hot to drink spirits.
He came with me once in my carriage from
.Pickens Court to Greenville, when I happened
to have bottle of elaret and some sugar with
me. The weather was extremely hot, the roads
very dusty, and we were both a good deal ia
tigued. Coming to nice spring on the road
side in shady place, proposed that we should
son and take snack. He readily consented.
We mixed the claret and sugar with water, and
finished the bottle before we started. After
resting an hour or two in the shade, enjoying
our lunch and claret, the Chancellor got up
and said with great gravity: II do'not know,
Mr.. Perry, that am better man than l was
when we first came 70 this spring, but feel a
great deal better"
he was very feticent in his views and express
sions and averse to making himself prominent