The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-04-04
JUDGE WITHERSPOON DEAD.
Brief Sketch of His Life and Public
Services.

Yorkville, Special.-Judge Isaac
DonnCm Withersroon passed pelce-
fully away at o'clock Sunday morn
ing after an illness OF twelve days
with pleuIisy. His death was as calm
as the slumbering OF a babe upon the
breast OF its mother. His age waS IS
years. Judge Witherspoon was an
elder Of the First Presbyterian Church
a. this place, Christian gentleman
and true, noble man. No worthy OBJ
ject of charity or benevole1ce wA3
curned away by him and in his legal
practice he never refused to give ad-
vice on account of the poverty OF the
applicant. During the dark days Of
'76 he was the leader or this county in
the redemption OF the State from Rad
ical rule. He was beloved by this
community and his decease falls heavy
upon us. He leaves a widow and TWO
children. Miss Lessie and Or. William
!. WiSherspoon OF Sheffield. Ala. with
large circle OF relatives and many
friends to mourn his departure.
Isaac Donnom Witherspoon was
born in York and was one Of the sons
of the Hon. Isaac Don2om Wither-
spoon. who was for many years sena-
tor from York district and one of he
leaders in State politics. His mother
was Miss Reid Of North Carolina. He
belonged to the historic family CT
WitherspoonS, OF which the kev. Ichn
Witherspoon OF Princeton college,
sigaer of the Declaration OF 1nde%en-
dance was one OF the most cons nic-
uous members, and Robert Wirner-
spoon. congressman from South Care
lima another. The young Dor on
Wftherspcon entered the South caro-
lima college and graduated in 1854
along with James Lcwndes, Benjamin
R. Stuart. J. H. Brooks, Hayne Nc
Meekin. Rev ]. R. Riley, former
Judge c. P. Townsend. J. H. Whitner
ald others. Then he pursued the
study of law, and on his admission to
the bar entered into partnership with
the late VIM. B. Wilson, and tie firm
praciced with great success.
At the beginning Of the war. Judge
Witherspoon enlisted in the Twelfth
regiment and seHed until delicate
health caused transfer to the branch
OF the treasury department o. the Con-
federacy stationed in Columbia.
York county was spared by the fed
eral armies, but suffered worse de-
vastation, II possible, in 1871 and 1872
because Of the brutal Ku XIX raids
OF the federal troops, when Majo- Mer-
rill an officer in the United States
army, received 5000 reward for the
arrest of every alleged Ku Klux. inno-
cert or guilty. Judge Witherspoon
had his hands full assisting his friends
and clients. Not for years did the
county recover from this dragon
made.
In 1875 a determined effort was
made to throw off the Radical yoke in
York. Judge Witherspoon was nomi-
mated for senator by the Democrats
and after a stirring canvass was elect-
ed with the Legislative and county
tickets. He came to Columbia and
was of great service as one Of the
Democratic leaders in the senate in
which the Republicans had Is mem
bers and the Democrats y. and were
trying to seat Senators Gary. Todd
and Maxwell, besides placing Lieu
tenant Governor Simpson over the
sensHe. The struggle was long. but
was attended with success at last Az
ter Senator Jeter became acting gov
erncr. Judge Witherspoon was chosen
president pro tenn Of the senate and
served as such until he was elected
Judge OF the Sixth circuuit in place OF
the unique Thomas j. Mackay. He
had previously formed a partnership
with Charles Z. Spencer which was
now dissolved. After serving several
terms, Judge Witherspocl volun-
tarily retired to private life and re-
suned the practice OF law. He was
actively engaged at the bar at the
time OF his death.
Judge Witherspooa married Miss
Wright. daughter of COL William
Wright who was the president and
chief builder and owner Of the Kings
Mountain railroad. He hal two GILL
dren. DR.. William I. Witherspcon ana
Miss Leslie Witherspoon. both OF
whom. with their mother, survive hin.
He has two brothers living. Dr. }.
Iiarvey Witherspocn and Mr.. Joseph
R. Wtherspoon.
Judge Withevsroon was a conserya
tive man. a coed citizen and safe
counsellor. He had many friends
Throughout. the State who will b"
dcubly grieved that he has so soon
followed his friend and colleague,
Judge w. H. Wallace. Judge Fraser,
another contemporary in the recon-