The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1901-06-27
PASSED BY HALIFAX BAR.

While pursuing his studles at tnat III
stitution, the war between the States
broke out, and the young man quit hle
studies, left the college and volunteered
as a private, and enlisted in the Gran
vile Grays. He was afterwards pro
NOTED to the rank of captain OF COM
pany of North Carolina troops and
served faithfully until the end OF the
war. During his service as soldier
he participated in many Of the blood
lest battles of the war. He was wound
ed at the battle of Spottsylyan1a Court
House, and made prisoner, and was
imprisoned for several months in an
army prison.
He was elected and served as mem
Der of the House of Representatives OF
the United States from the Second
Congressional District in 1878.
He was elected to and served in the
House Of Representatives of North
Carolina at its session in 1893.
He was a member OF the Board OF
Education of Halifax county for many
years, and he served ably and faithfully
his people in every public position to
which he was called.
He was conspicuous figure in the
politics of the State for many years,
being considered one OF the ablest and
most effective campaign speakers of
his day.
He died on the second day of Febru-
airy, 1901, at his home in Scotland
Neck, Halifax county, surrounded by
his wife, children and friends, and
deeply regretted by all who knew bIm.
For considerable period before his
death, Mr.. Kitchin paid but little at
tention to the practice of the law. his
time being occupied with business OF
other character, he being large land
owner and planter. But during the
period of his practice, there was not
more effective advocate then he. He
had the unbounded confidence and res
pect of his associates.
Therefore be it resolved:
I. That in the death of Captain
William III. Kitchin, the State has
lost one of it's truest, and Halifax
county one of its most influential citi.
zens, and the Bar member who COM
manded the respect and esteem OF all.
II. That this tribute of respect be
presented to the present term OF the
Superior Court OF Halifax county, with
request that the same be spread upon
the minutes of said court, and that the
clerk Of this court send copy of these
resolutions to the family of the deceas-
ed.
ROBERT o. BURTON, ESQ.
Robert 0. Burton vas born January
9th, 1852, near the town of Weldon,
HALIFAX county, State OF North Carroll
ma, and was the third son of Reverend
Robert 0. Burton, whose name he
bore, and his vile, Elizabeth Joyner, a
daughter OF Andrew Joyner, who was
prominent in the public affairs of his
county, and who represented his peo-
pie for many years In the legislative
bodies of the State.
He blended in his person family dis
tsnction and dignity, and he always
lived SO as to uphold the pride of his
family record. His early years were
spent like those of other boys of his
nelghborhood, but the result of the
war and accompanying devastation
threw shadow over the fortunes of
his family, and the advantages which
| the son of such parentage would haye
had under other circumstances, were
to great degree the work of his own
lands.
Necessity, however, did not daunt
his efforts 10 fit himself for the PROBES
sion to which he felt himself called
and which he filled with such great
distinction, and his struggles to that
end gave him a preparation and
brought out qualities which admirably
fitted him for his chosen life work.
After attending the neighborhood
schools, and teaching to SECURE the
means to finish his education, he enter
ed in 1872, Randolph Macon Colleg,
at Ashland, Virginia. The young me1
who attended about that period Thu
institution, will recall Robert O. Bur
ton as dlligent student, performing
then as always thereafter faithfully ant
we'll, every duty devolving upon him
| He left college, taught school again
in the meantime studying law, and i,
1874, was admitted to the Bar, an,
located in Halifax town, the count,
seat of his native county. His hlstor,
from that time until his death, is large
~ the history OF this court.
He soon drew to himself clients, an,
If sutton once employed Mr.. Burton
| he always emnloyed him Ha hocov..