The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-02-08
Ghe Messenger.
A MOST GALLANT CONFEDERATE
GONE.

It was with sincere SORROW that we
learned of the death Of Captain Will
liam H. Kitchin. OF Halifax county.
We knew he was most dangerously III,
but while there is life there is hope.
But alasi the strong man is made weak,
and the brave life has gone out, and
the home is made vacant. and the
mourners weep and are sorrowful and
h true people who knew the departed
have regrets and sympathy for
the bereaved ones. Then shall the
dust return to the earth as it was; and
the spirit shall return unto God who
who gave it."
North Carolina has many worthy, no.
BILE sons. men of honor. men Of truth,
men Of q high sense of Justice and right,
men of ~self-sacrifice and an impressive
patriotism but it is doubtful IL it has a
Drawer soul. a more esolut man of &C
ton, a truer citizen in his convictions,
in his aspirations, in his willingness to
serve at any cost his people and his ma
tive state. He was a kingly man in the
boldness, fearlessness. heroism and
bravery of his opinions. The late great
Zebulon 3. Vance, was
greatly impressed with the tremendous
courage of William II. Kitcnin. So
were other men. Whatever opinions he
espoused, whatever convictions he
held, were openly advocated and de-
Tended. His ability was u~nmistakable,
his devotion to principles conspicuous
and consistent. He was not a fence-rid-
er in remotest sense He did not attempt
in the political arena the Wo-horS act.
He could be found at any time at the
front ready to talk to the people of their
duty and responsibilities. and eager to
enforce his own high convictions of
what was best and truest to be done.
w. II. Kitchin was a confederate of
cOnfederates. He was a democrat of
democrats. and never faltered in his
devotion save when he found his lead
ers b%etraying the party and seeking to
lead it by compromises or surrender to
n republican side. He was felt
wherever he ~canvasSe to be a figure of
singular force and vehemence and pluck
neither afraid OF men nor devils. Hav-
ing known him for so many years we
have been impressed as few men ever
impressed us with his opinions, his per-
pendicuIarity, his straightforward
movement, his ecellent sense his thor
ough manhood. We are of those who
lament his death for we feel that a real
hero has fallen in the trenches.
He was born in Halifax. He served
in the war with the rank of Captain.
He was in the United States house for
one congress. He "a up an office he
held under Cleveland in disgust. He
wa also a member of the legislature.
Wherever found he was a man. a faith
ful friend of the people and their I'M
faultering public ervan and not their
boss. He was both lawyer and farmer,
and was equal to all obligations and OPP
portunities. He has two Sons-a most
uncommon occurrence-now elected to
the federal house. both worthy, promis-
ing young men of good parts. North
Carolina is truly bereaved. We must
hope that his end was peace-that when
he came to press around the graves
dark rim it was all bright and hopeful
in his soul. While in itself death may
be "a fearful thing yet to the believer
in Jesus Christ it is not good night"
but rather good morning"
More are mems ends mark'd, than
their lives before
The setting sun, and music at the
close
Writ in remembrance more than things
long past"