The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-22
Judge O'NeRll.

COL Thomas w. Holloway Of Pomaria is
credited with writing "Recollections OF Judge
O'Neall' for the Baptist Courier. AS far as
the Colonel went II was all right. He spoke
generally, and not specifically, OF Judge
O'Neall's virtures, and of his connection Win
the building Of the Greenville and Columbia
Railroad he barely referred.
AS a Characterization of Judge O'Nealls
life and work, the Colonel's piece is all right
but as regards specific acts, the account falls
short of this editors Impressions and recol-
lection OF the Judge. The Judge was not only
good man himself but he possessed IN
wonderful degree the power Of impressing
others with the desire to suppress their natur-
al or Unborn waywardness, while inspiring
them with the will to reach out and upward
for the higher and nobler achievements in
purer and better life.
At home he reared in tenderness and care
an adopted daughter, who became the wife Of
as good a man as Newberry ever had. Years
ago the husband Of the adopted daughter, his
wife and their family went to Texas, where
high honors were conferred upon him.
In the halls of the Sons of Temperance
Judge O'Neall's influence Tor good was great
and his teaching and his example IN the
walks OF sobriety made an impression which
will last at least as long as the youths With
whom he met, shall live. He and Colonel
John r. Level were friends and associates,
and in their labors were q unit IN efforts 10
instil purity OF life and sobriety OF habit.
AS tho president of the Greenville and Co.
lumbia Railroad he had many trials and
vexations. Scarcity OF mony, consequent de-
nd
caused dissatisfaction. At one approaching
meeting of the stock holders, or directors
mutterings of discomfort were heard. and
threats of his removal were made. When
the meeting was held, he recited some OF the
troubles which he had encountered, and
among other things said that he had pledged
his personal credit, or estate, to raise funds
with which to prosecute the work. He SAID
that he had heard threats Of his removal
from office. To this, he replied that no man
could 60 home and say that Judge O'Neall
had been turned out Of office; he said that he
declined to stand for reelection, and then
laid down the arduous and perplexing work
with pleasure. He would not any longer con-
tinue his labors as president of the road.
Others were welcome to the honor OF finish.
much time and for which he had pledged his
money. The effect Of his speech made every
man in the meeting his friend. AS one man
they urged him to continue, and without his
consent, the vote for his reelection was
unanimous.
The story about the drowning OF Superin-
tendent William Spencer Brown was SAD
ono. In August, 1852. the road was oadly
wrecked in many places by the unprecedent-
ed flood. The bridge at Aston was gone, ana
many breaks in the road occurred between
that point and Columbia. Colonel Brown
and three others determined 10 make the trip
from Alston to Columbia in batteau. The
river was still a raging torrent. Pushlng
from the land, the little boat and It's adyen-
turous crew, went TO the middle Of the stream.
Waving their hats. they bid CHEEKY good
bye to the spectators who lined The banks OF
the stream, and watched their departure.
Disappearing in the distance down the
stream, this was the last that was ever seen OF
Col. Brown and two Of his associates. The
little craft had not gone far until 1t was cap
sized. McCollum, caught in the branches OF
q tree and was rescued the next day. The
story is, that q son OF one OF the party, we
don't know which, clung to his father. The
father fearing the loss Of his own life, pushed
the son from him when the son sank TO rise
no more. OF this. no man can certainly
vouch, but such is the story as we recollect 1t.
Aswe remember Judge O'Neall, he was an
active worker for good long after his hair had
been whitened by the frosts of many years.
He stood for morality and sobriety, and was
the friend of those who needed friend to
lift him up, and tell him to become again a
child Of the heavenly father"