The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-03-27
DEATH OF COL. JAMES
GRAHAM.
cool Graham is dead

s'Col. Graham is dead -
Such were the tidings that passedfr from lipto
liz Thursday morning as our citizens met QUE
another along the treets. The hushed quiet
,ha, had brooded over his residence and
neichborhood for the last week has gi7en
place 10 the more solemn silence that be-
tokens the presence Of Death. He had come
dnring the midnight watch and summoned
the sick man away.
stHp saw n hand Won canoot see
That beckoned him away
He heard a voice you cannot hear
That would not lei him stay"
The anxiety that had possessed the com
muni,v all during his illness, had heen
MERGED into the grief that filed all hearts
when the certainty was assured that their
friend had fallen on sleep-the last long
seep that knows no waking here.
Col. Graham, as he has been Familiarity
known ever since the Civil War, was the sou
of the late Rev. Noah Graham, whose name
and character are still green iu the memory
of many of our older citizens. He was born
in this county February 23rd. 1888, and was
therefore hnt a little more than 6fty-six years
ofage at the time Of his decease. When the
tocsin of war sounded throughout the land,
Col. Graham promptly responded, volunteer
ing in the company raised by the late John
S. Richardson. which was incorporated with
other companies into The famous Second
Regiment s. G V. r, OF which the late
General J. B. Kershaw was the first Colonel.
His gallantry and skill won for him deserved
promotion, and after passing through the
Offices Of lieutenant ard captain of The CON-
pany, b. was finally elevated to the Office of
Lieut-Colonel, which be filled with con
s~picuous courage and unfaltering devotion
10 duty. He bore in his body the marks. of
honorable wounds Inflicted on bard fought
battle fields, and when the star of the Con-
federacy set IN the gloom Of eternal night,
Col. Graham returned home to take up the
unequal battle of daily life, and there, as on
other fields, his intelligence, energy and
enthusiasm commanded success and showed
him the sam uudaunted hero in the piping
times of peacs that he had proved himself on
the tented fields.
In 1868 he married Miss Georgianna San
ders OF this county, who bore him several
children. seven of whom, with bis widow,
survive him. During portions Of the years
1912. Col Graham held the Office of Trial
Justice for the Statehurg neighborbood where
he then resided The Tenure Of such Offices at
that period in our history subjected those
who held them 70 odium in certain quarters
hut 70 one doubts that Col. Graham acted
from purely patriotic motives in conserving
TO serve his people, who, many of them,
united in requesting him 70 serve, and it WAS
owing 10 this solicitation that he threw him.
self into the breach at a critical lime in our
history, and did much 70 promote the peace
and harmony and best interests Cf the people
Of this vicinity. He held no other public
Office until 1886, when, upon the death Of the
lamen,ed W. H Cuttino, aud despite strong
personal opposition, he was appointed Clerk
of Court for this County, which Office be has
since held in unbroken continuity of service,
and discharged its duties to the satisfaction
OF all concerned.
Col. Graham wns in many respects a re.
markahle mai He possessed the gift of
personal magnetism in emiaeut degree, and
his warmth of heart was such az to win for
him the love o many. 1t is doubtful if any
one in the county had as many friends or as
devoted, and it is certain that the recipients
Of his bounty and hospitality are 10 be
numbered by the hundreds No one ever
appealed TO him for aid in vain and in his
efforts 20 befriend others he allowed no OBJ
stacle to deter him, and no personal sacrifice
of time or means was counted AS against his
desire to help.
His Influence over men was most marked,
and his knowledge of human nature and
character was unusually extensive and accu-
rate. His judgment and opinion OF men and
matters were quick, acute and reliable, and
while generally tinged with laughing satire,
his remarks showed a profound acquaintance
with motive and a comprehensive grasp upon
the situation. whatever it might chance 10 be.
Public spirited in large degree, he took a
deep interest in every scheme that was made
for the welfare Of this city and county, and
in the larger interests of the State, his
counsel was sought for and valued, especially
in times Of crisis when wisdom aud GOODNESS
and courage were at a premium.
Into the more private relations of his life
we do not seek to intrude, but as husband
and father Col. Graham was beloved acd es-
teemed far beyond the ommon lndulgent,
afectionate and cheerful, he drew the hearts
of wife and children to him with cords Of
steel.
And now after life's 6tful fever, be sleeps
well. Storms shall no more disturb him,
trials never again distress him. He shall
sleep among those whom in. life be loved and
served, and by whom be will be greatly
missed. A conspicuous figure has been re-
moved, a prominent factor dropped from
among US. We commit him to the mercy Of
The All Merciful in humble hope. We ex-
tend cur most sincere sympathy to those that
are specially bereaved. Peace to his ashes