The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-07-29
NICHOLAS L. WILLIAMS.
Merited Tribute to His Memory by
Former North CaroIinfan.
For The Sentinel.

Former North CaroIinian.
For The Sentinel.
Mr.. Nicholas L. Williams, of Pan
ther Creek, Yadkin county,, n. c.. de-
parted this life July Sd, In the seven
ty-seventh year of his age.
Coeval with the century in his more
than four score years. he had witness
ed some of the most important events
in human history. The companions
and associates of his early and of his
mature manhood have long since pass
ed away. They were the men who
did much to shape the material and
political history of North Caaolina.
Among these were such men as the
Manlys, (the Governor and the
Judge0 the Moreheads, q. NJ, and
J. t. Swain, Mangum, Badger, Bat
tie, E. J. Hale, Graham and others.
Deeply interested in the welfare of
the State; decided in his political
opinions and ever ready to aid in the
advancement and success of what he
considered sound political opinions, ,,he
was not an aspirant for political office.
His taste and his elegant home de-
veloped and strengthened his love for
the quiet and ease of domestic life.
His patriotism was neither caused nor
measured by any desire for political
office. In ante bellum days he for
years served his community as mag
istrate when the functions of the office
consisted in gratuitous dispensing of
Justice and knowledge of the law to
his neighbors. During the admins
tration of Governor Manly the Legis-
lature elected him as one OF the Gov
ernor's Council, and he was again
chosen for the same position in the
Council of Governor Vance during
the war; We are under the impress
ion that for many years he was one of
the Trustees of the State University,
in which he always felt and manifest
ed very great interest. For years he
attended its commencements regularly
making the long journey in hissulkey,
before the coming of railroads render
ed the journey both short and easy.
He inherited an ample estate, and
enjoyed in youth the best advantages
of the times, for intellectual and social
culture In early manhood he mar
ried lady of great refinement and
ernest piety, who after a married life
of nearly sixty years, preceded him
to the grave two years ago.
| Panther Creek, SO many years their
home, was what their ample means
and refined taste could make it, and
for more than half of a century was
known In all sections of the State, and
beyond the State lines, a a synonyme
for all that is elegant and hearty in
genuine hospitality. Happy were
they, whether high or low, rich or
poor who found themselves guests at
Panther Creek.
| Men eminent as statesmen, iurists,
or divines, counted themselves for
tunate when they could visit Panther
Creek. Mr.. Williams seemed never
so pleased as when contributing to the
pleasure or comfort of others. In his
benefactions he seemed to ignore all
calculation of cost. l have never
known one who who SO largely and so
long contributed to the pleasure and
comfort of others. Benevolence was
one of his most strongly marked char
acteristies. Among the many and
dear friends [ found during the near
ly thirty years of my life in North
Carolina, there was none to whom I
am under greater obligations than to
Mr. N L. Williams. fain would
lay a flower on the grave of my de-
parted friend. Would that | had
language commensurate with my rs-
regards and my esteem, then / might
hope to pay tribute worthy of his
memory. RICHD III. GRIFFITH.
GreenUtLIe, S. c.