The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-19
DEATH OF COL. McILHENNY
This Chivalrous Gentleman was Found
Dead In His Room Yesterday Morn
ing-Appoplexy Assigned as h
Cause of His Death.

The people of Wilmington were great
was announced that Colonel Thomas G.
McIlhenny had died suddenly some time
early during the night.
Colonel McIlhenny spent Tuesday ev-
ening at the residence of his daughter,
Mrs. Washington Catlett. on Fifth and
Chestnut streets and left there about
10 o'clock that night to retire to his
room in his brick building on Market
and Second streets. His servan went
to his room yesterday morning as US
ual to awake him. but he found the
door fastened n upon knocking sew
eral times received no answer. Inquiry
was made at the CAPE Fear Club and
other places where Colonel McIlhenny
was accustomed to spend his time, and
as he had not been seen during the
morning, his family was notified. His
daughter, Mrs. Sarah Lockhart, o
reached the residence of her father and
at her suggestion the door was broken
open.
The apprehensions which had been
felt as to him were realized. He was
found cold in death reclining on the
foot of his bed with one arm thrown
over h foot board and his body lean
ing backwards. He had not re-
moved his clothing and had on his
overcoat and hat. so it was presumed
that upon reaching his room after go
ing from his daughters that he sat
down or the bed to rest after going UP
a long flight of tairs to his room.
While sitting there he passed away
without a struggle. as his face bore a
peaceful look n he seemed as. if
asleep. DIR. G. D. Bell the coroner, was
notified n upon viewing h body he
pronounced appoplexy as the u Of
death.
Colonel McIlhenny was a son of the
late Captain John McIlhenny and he
was born in Wilmington June 21st, 1925.
His mother was Sarah Cowan. who be-
longed to the prominent Wilmington
family Of that name. He was descend
ed from the early settlers Of the Cape
Fear, and his father was one of the
leading men of Wilmington in his day.
Colonel McIlhenny married Miss
Margaret Dudley, youngest daughter
Of h late Governor Dudley. who pass
ed away many years ago. His wife
died some years ago. and they have
" son and two daughters surviving.
His ons are Messrs. John K. McIlhenny
of Greensboro. N. c.. Thomas G. Nc
Ilhenny, Jr.. Edward D. McIlhenny,
Henry H. McIlhenny. of Wilmington,
and Whiting McIlhenny. of New York.
The daughters are Mrs. Washington
Catlett and Mrs. s. G. Lockhart, both
Of Wilmington.
Colonel McIlhenny received his ear
ly education at Fayetteville and subse-
Quently graduated from h state Uni
versity. at Chapel Hill. N. G. For
many years he engaged in rice planting
on the Cape Fear and owned several
plantations in Brunswick county. He
was a large slave owner. n previous
to the civil war was the largest rice
planter in the state. His favorite place
was that on the Cape Fear. now owned
by Colonel John Wilder Atkinson and
during the winters he resided there.
He was a chivalrous gentleman and his
hospitable home was without
guests. He had q royal welcome for
his friends. n was a most admirable
host in the days when the old Cape
Fear families entertained in a princely
way.
During the civil war Colonel Nell
benny was an aid on General Whit
ing's staff. with the rank of colonel,
but his services were always around
| Wilmington. After the war. with his
slaves all freed. he resumed rice plant
ing. He also had a say mill on his
Cape Fear place. and for many years
manufactured cars for the railroads
| running to Wilmington. His plant was
finally destroyed by fire. and some
| years ago he retired from business and
| made his home in the city.
He was a prominent member Of the
Cape Fear Club and at a meeting of
the board OF managers yesterday af-
ternoon it was decided to close the /
on the occasion Of the funeral The
family extended a special invitation to
the members Of the club to attend the
| ~obsequies and they will do so today.
The services for the burial Of the
| dead will be said at IL o'clock this
| morning at ST. Johns Episcopal church
| The interment will be made at Oakdale
cemetery