The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-05-12
CAME FROM FINE STOCK
his Course at the University Marked
Him For High HOnors
in Life.
A LEADER AT THE BAR Of HIS STATE
How He Came Into Politics and the influences
That Have Made Triumphant the Great
Principles For Which Heis
Standing.
Standing.

The current issue Of the University
Magazine contains an appreciative and
true sketch Of the life of the new Gov
ernors. graduate of the University. 1t
is written by ex-senator Frank A. Dan
iels. Esq. of Goldsboro, who is peculiarly
fitted to write the life Of the Chief Mag
istrate. They were prepared for college
in the same school, were together at the
University. received license in the same
class, and began to practise law as part
ners in Goldsboro upon obtaining license
and the partnership lasted until Mr..
Aycock was elected Governor. The
sketch is as follows;
CHARLES BRANTLEY AYCocK.
Charles Brantley Aycock, son OF Benia-
min and Serena Aycock, was born in
Nahunta township, Wayne county, North
Carolina, November LIST, 1859, the young
est of a family of eight sons and two
daughters, ali of whom, except one daugh-
ter reached maturity. The father a
farmer, as were all his ancestors, was
a man whose high character, good sense
ana practical wisdom won and retained
the esteem and confidence of the people
. of Wayne, whom he served for years as
county clerk and afterwards as State
Senator during the sessions of 1864 65
and 1865 66. He was distinguished by
great dignity of character, stern integri-
ty and devout attachment to the Christian
religion. He was member of the Print
tive Baptist church, and stood in the first
rank Of the leaders of a denomination
. uybia hnc uiU TO 10 70 Of e
best citizens He died suddenly in church
while engaged in the worship of God.
leaving to his children the memory of
well spent life and an example they could
not fail to emulate Serena Aycock, the
mother of the subject of this sketch, was
the daughter of Robert Hooks, Of Wayne
county, and inherited from her mother
the strain of Quaker blood which gave
her the grave bengnant manner, brevity
of speech, gentleness of touch and ten
derness of affection which could never
be forgotten by those who enjoyed her
friendship, and from both her parents
that fidelity to duty and vigor of mind
and body which carried her through
long life of toll and sacrifice, patiently
and faithfully borne, and tenderly and
lovingly requited, until having accom-
plished the full measure of her days, she
went peacefully to her rest.
Her children rise UP and call her
blessed"
The names, Aycock and Hooks, have
stood for century in Wayne as synonyms
for industry, courage and integrity.
Piety NJ, the only daughter OF the
family who grew up, married Captain
James b. Edgerton, of GoldsbOro, and
Ivr 10 "a
leaving two children.
son, Frank M. Aycock, served in the
Confederate army, was a merchant and
farmer, represented the county in the low
er house in 1851 and again in 1885,
and died in 1888, universally loved and re-
speeted.
J. Robert, another son, a Confederate
soldier, was engaged in business in South
Carolina where his health became i'm
paired and he returned to North Caro-
lima to die. His resemblance to his faith
err both in physical and mental traits
was quite marked, and the gentleness OF
his manner and the amiability Of his dis
position greatly endeared him to all his
associates.
Jesse, another son, soldier in the Con-
feaerate army, spent his life on his farm,
illustrating in private life the best quail
ties of citizenship, active and interested
in all that made for the welfare of the
State
William, another son, is engaged in the
turpentine business in the State of Flor
ida, where he has won the success which
comes to industry, Coupled with intelli-
gence and integrity.
John w, another son, lives on the old
homestead, engaged in the management
of his farm, rejoicing in the largeness
Of his crops, and intent on the improve
mept of his lands, but not unmindful of
his duties as a citizen, high type Of
the men who give strength and stability
to the commonwealth.
Bardin, another son, a talented youth
of singular purity and strength OF char
acter, died in early manhood.
Benjamin F., another son, a business
man and farmer, represented his Sena-
toFial district in the State Senate in the
sessions Of 1889, 1891 and 1893. and Is a
member of the present Senate.
He was the candidate of the Democratic
Confined on Tenth Page.l