The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
A Prominent Member of the State Senate /
i89i--The First Democratic Senator From
That District Since the War.
PROMINENT IN SECRET SOCIETIES
As the Congressman Elect From the Sixth
Congressional District, He is Des-
tined to Make National
Reputation.

The subject of this sketch is descen-
dant of John Bellamy, one of the orig
inal colonists OF Sir John Ieamans who,
we are told by historians with colony
of men from the Barbados, sailed into
Cane Fear river in 1860 in search OF Il
settlement He landed on the west side
Of the river about eight miles below the
present site of Wilmington and found
ed Charleston. Colonization meant
great deal in those days. Great pre-
cautions had to be taken not only against
the Indians but also against the pirates,
who infested the coast. These colonists
were empowered to fortify the mouth
of the river, and were presented by the
King with twelve pieces or cannon and
considerable amount of annrhunltion for
that purple. These incidents are men
toned to show the character of these
early settlers their indomitable viii and
great determination. to succeed in the
face of almost insurmountable obstacles.
From such a people sprang the subject
of this sketch who was born in Will
mington March "a 1854. His early ed
ucational advantages We're OF the best.
He was prepared for college at the Cape
Fear Military Academy. ut that time one
of the best schools of its kind in the
United States The institution was pre-
sided over by that remarkable man and
celebrated instructor. General X. IL.
Colston who afterwards went to Egypt
and became commander of the khediye )
forces. Under such masterfui and infiu-
entail instruction young Bellamys mind
naturally grew methodical and habits OF
study, industry and diligence grew into
his very being and laid broad and deep
the foundation for what has already
proven to be an almost phenomenally
successful career. After finishing this
school he entered the famed Davidson
College. which has the distinction of ed
ueating so many Of North Carolina S
favorite sons, and graduated from it
with the degree Of A. b. IN 1878. In
college he was A close student and soon
became conspicuous by reason Of his own
ability. In his habits he was plain, mod
est and democratic and therefore pop
ular. He was justly entitled to all the
prominence obtained as he slowly but
surely began to make his way UP the
ladder of fame. He was one of the
most popular of his classmates and noted
for that push and persistency which
characterize a leader.
After graduating from Davidson he at
once matriculated in the University Of
Virginia, and graduated in several spe.
cial schools or courses in 1874 and in the
following year. 1875, graduated from
the law department with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. At the University
OF Virginia Mr.. Bellamy made the best
of his uneXcelled opportunities and took
hold Of his work with as much enthusi-
asm and determination to excel as a
Eg- u. .al,a .,Al
lev to promote Thus early in life he
eyinced qualities OF leadership that We're
destined to make him a leader of men.
This instinct Of leadership he inherited
from his noble and worthy ancestors who
rather than be followers always, braved
the dangers and hardships or pioneer
life to plant colony in the Willis of
America in which could DE seen with
prophetic eye the germ Of nation thai
would some day be leader. The world
is full Of followers, people who are will
ing to have their thinking done for them,
but it has comparatively few leaders. A
leader is a man who does not fear to be
himself. who believes In himself, VINO
lives his own creed; a man who cannot
be wheedled hither and tlither by every
new argument presented, but who knows
his goal and goes straight to it. A sue.
cessful man is one who studies his own
adaptations who follows the leadings
of mis- own nature, who believes hrmly
in himself. who holds inflexibly to his
choice and who will not turn to the
right or the left, though a paradise
tempt him. These characteristics show
ed themselves in a marked degree in the
make mp Of John ID. Bellamy long be-
fore finishing his college career He
saw that men with original force, as
rule get credit for much more than they
deserve, because so few people are capa-
BILE or originating. Thousands of acorns