The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-10-28
W. A. LEE.
The RectOr's Tribute to The Depart
ed Brother.

1t is doubtless an eXaggeTation 10 allrln hs
as has been done so often, that true ~nrtn oi
character Is rarely, II ever, appreciated. until
the solemn lesson of the death anger mas
forced its realization upon us. But there are
instances, where native modesty, stunning
to obtrude itself, has with true noollity OF
purpose wrought and strugsied a. ana rf,niai 1u,.eI
and half.seping world. True greatness can
never-for its very selaessncss-reveal itself
unbidden to our gaze-but must ever stana
aside for others-speak ing only when the d.
vine voice of conscience urges 1t for dutys
sake to manifest itRelf.
Ills because OF this that men are forced to
realize-alas, too late In many instances la S,e
may be had for the selfseeking. worth II
only for the few who seek for God alone we
can but remember even that
Ocean depths are mute
The shadows roar
Worth Is the ocean, .,
Fame the bruit along the shore'
WA. Lee was man admired and beloved
of I'll knew him. A godly man. a lnouest,
upretentious christian-and for these very
traits we know but half the man; Ine S HsIe, ,'s
half-the greater half hath not 9eeh .olu ,l.ss Ss
We only know that from our mlost nas pasa nr
Ell q man of learning and culture-a nau VI
intellect and refinement, a man oI iIuesI
worth and dignity-a man whose klnaiy ln
tiuence we have felt, but whose lnniost soui .ul
we never knew-nor may we know until tne
The general facts of his life may be briefly
ummarZed. ,o,o
Born on Johns Island, March end, 1896 he
came to Abbeville in early childhood, enter
ing the school at Due west In the fall OF 1887
from where he was graduated In 1913. InISi6
he commenced the study OF Law in the office
of Col. Thompson, of Abbeville. Was ad-
mitted to practice In May, 1S4I, practiced for
two years, and went West in the winter OF
lS47, and taught one year In Alabama, and
one year in North louisiana, returned in
the winter of 1851. Resuming the practice OF
law in ls43, and has since been engaged as
lawyer and editor, until recently he gave up
the latter employment.
ION the secession of South Carolina from
the Union, he Joined the State Troops, and
remained until they were disbanded TO enter
the Confederate Service, when he enllsteu IN
the End S. G. Rifles, Moore's Regiment and
passed through the war, returning nome on
He was elected a member Of the Leglsiature re
In 1868, OF the State Convention In 1862 anu
afterwards of the succeeding State legislature.
In 1870 be married Miss Victoria y. Cade, OF
Abbeville and he remained In this city
throughout the remainder OF his lie.
Although for some years past, Mr. Lee mas
exhibited the inflrmity Of approaching, age,
il has only been within the past three
months that his health has perceptibly and
rapidly declined, and that he has been un-
able to carry on his work. During this short
period, however, he has seldom gone beyond u
the limits OF his home, and on Friday last,
weary with the burden Of his three score
struggle to his eternal Inheritance on High.
Not dead, but worn and spent with life's ion
toil-he sleeps the deep sleep of all the bless
ed ones of Paradise-only to awake the more
refreshed and strong for Heavens unending
joys.