Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-04-20

Gulf States with a respectable popu-
lation. and left the mother states to
feel the loss Of many a promising son.
Civilization seems always to have a
western tendency. From the earliest
periods of history, travels Of men and
trade-currents of God, seem to move
onward to the countries Of the setting
sun. Many, think, have made fatal
mistake; others have gained naught by
tearing up the roots Of nativity and
fibres Of affection and planting them
now contemplate the rising Of the
tide of emigration ebbing to the west.
Better, far better, with most, would 1t
be ito stick to their last" put their
shoulders to the wheel of fortunes car,
and by manly shoves, raise it from the
filth and mud in which it Is mired, to
the smooth road and pleasant fields Of
prosperity South Carolina is our
mother. Would you forsake her when
cast down, trampled on and dishonor-
ed? No; stay with her, though lying
in ashes, and when her days have been
fulfilled, your hearts will be lifted up
that the time Of her visitation is ended.
Randolph Hill was the eldest son Of
Solomon Hill, Esq, Of York district.
The former, however, was born at the
Berwick Iron works, Spartanburg dis
trict, his father, at the time Of his
birth, living at these works superin-
tending them. Not long after the birth
Of this son he returned to York, and
within her boundaries he was reared.
He received a collegiate education,
studying and graduating at Litchfleld,
and began the practice in Yorkville,
about 1928 or "a. He was recognized by
the whole district as a young man Of
resented us in the legislature, soon
had a fine practice, and fame beck
oned him on apace, to laurels grown on
Carolina soil, but he determined to re-
move to Mississippi, and located in
Canton. A few years after he retired
to private life, and determined to de-
vote himself to agriculture. About
this time I met him in Charleston. He
had been on visit to this state. and
while here purchased large gang of
Negroes, to take on to his western
plantation. Pointing them out to me,
he said, There they are. I have
bought them, but I do not doubt in rs
years, they will ever one be free" At
ter this he lived the life of country
gentleman, conducting his farming op-
rations with success.
I feel that I cannot do this man JUS
tice, although I, as all who knew him
did perforce, appreciated his eminent
talents. Giving up the allurements Of
public life-not seeking the high places
he would so we'll have fitted-he en-
ments Of private life. Perhaps he
chose the better part, but could nev-
er cease regretting that he did not take
the stand in his country's councils. his
wisdom, prudence and integrity so
fully entitled him. He was man
respected and beloved wherever he
lived; his example and precept influ-
enced those with whom he was
thrown; but a reserved spirit and sem
sitive heart, made him shrink from
the worlds jostle and glare. But a
short time ago he passed to the bourne
from whence no traveller returns.
Peace to his ashesl
Other gifted men, his contempora-
ries. who remained in York, have too
recently passed away, and are too
we'll known in yOur midst for me to
attempt a tribute. Some other chron-
icler will be more competent for the
task. Long years Of separation, with
only casual meetings, have gone by
since I was among them. Mine are
"reminiscences of days growing dim in
the twilight of remembrance, which I
felt would be incomplete didI not touch,
in my theme, on so talented man,
who belonged to the history Of York,
as the late William Randolph Hill.
ITO BE CONTINUED NEXT SATURDAY.