The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-04-07

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The people Of Wilmington heard
with profound sorrow o n Friday OF the
extreme illness of Col. William Jefer-
son Croswell, district superintendent
OF the Southern Express Company: n
Yesterday at 11:45 a. M, when he
breathed his last our entire community
was wrapped in gloom. He died at his
home, GA Market street. et"ee
Ninth and Tenth streets. from Brights
disease.
Col. Crosswell had been confined to
his home only about a week. out mad
been in failing health for SOM time
About the first of March he went to
Lincolnton Lithia Springs, Lincoln
ton Y. c., with the hope OF beng
benefited, but as the water nauseated
him, he had to leave. After BENG
away a couple of weeks in North ana
South Carolina he came HON to end
his life.
Col. Crosswelrs death was a great
shock to his devoted family and hun
dreds of warm friends in Wilmington.
He was greatly esteemed by all VINO
knew him, and in his death Winning
ton has lost a useful and universally
esteemed citizen. He was born III
Sumter county, S. c.. April b 1S4o. and
died the day after his Sth plrthoaS.
Though a native of another state, he
was thoroughly identified with Will
mington and all that pertained to her
progress and prosperity. He nlShIy
esteemed our people and in turn there
was no one that did not hold him III
the highest esteem. No man in our
city was more highly respected and
esteemed than was this gentleman.
Col. Crosswell came to Wilmington
in 1889 from G~reenville, s., c., and has
since resided in our city, making it
headquarters for his superintend"ncy
Of the Atlantic Division of the South
ern Express Company. He entered
the service OF that company when
quite a young man and for a number
of years ran as a messenger between
Wilmington and Florence on that
branch of the Atlantic Coast Line
formerly known as the Wilmington &
Manchester railroad. He was promo
ted to route agent and before he came
to Wilmington had resided in Column
bia. S. c., and at Greenville, S. G.. He
made his home for fifteen years in the
later city. and when he was again
promoted and made district Superln-
tendent of the Atlantic division he
removed his family to Wilmington.
The career of Col. Crosswell indi-
Gates what fidelity to duty VIII ID.
He has been connected with the South
ern Express Company for 40 Years,
having risen from the bottom to one
of the company's principal offices. He
was always faithful and conscientious
In the discharge of his duties, and his
record in every position that he held
was without a flaw He was greatly
1- r-npr- n
cial of the company and his uniform
courtesy and kindness to all who
were his subordinates, however hum
BILE the position, gained their respect
and love. He was always pleasant to
employees, and by his kind words and
worthy example encouraged them III
their duties and aspirations at all
times. None will miss him more and
will more deplore his death those who
worked under him. Indeed, the de-
ceased was natures nObleman. He
was the soul of honor, was a man of
the strictest integrity, and was the
possessor of a character hat was ir-
~reproachable. Besides his devotion to
duty, he was a man of fine business
qualifications, and was a systematic
and methodical Official of the company
which he served so efficiently and
faithfully. He was a member of the
Independent Order Of Odd Fellows,
and for many years mas Deen 4 MEM
Der of the First Presbyterian church.
having been a deacon for several
years and up to the time of his death.
His death would be a great loss to
any community and Wilmington will
always honor and cherish his menOry
Col. Crosswell married Miss Mary E.
Cover, of G~reenville, S. c., November
Il. 1871, and she survives him with
seven children. all of whom with but
one exception, were with him when
the end came. His children are Mr..
Cover Crosswell, of Norfolk, Va, Mr..
William J. C~rosswell, Of his city. Mr..
Harry NJ. Crosswell, Of Clio, S. c.. and
Mr.. H. Markley Crosswell, Miss Sarah
L NJ. Crosswell, Miss Mary S. CrOsswell,
and Master j. Earle Crosswell, Of this
] city. Mr.. Markiey Crosswell is a
J student at Davidson College and was
te~legraphed the sad news Of his
, fathers death.
The deceased also leaves a brother,
Mr.. j.. J.. Crosswell, of Fayetteville.
route agent Of the Southern Express
Company, and five sisters, Mrs. J. 4.
$ Bowen, of Laurens, S. c., Mrs. S.
] Dinkins and Mrs. W. c. Broughton,
I of Sumter, S. c., Mrs. r. B. Mckay,
S Of Columbia, S. c., and Mrs. ]. j.
Ragin, of Augusta. Ga
The profound sympathy which Is
felt for the bereaved family was in
? dicated yesterday by the numerous
callers at the residence, and over q
> hundred kilograms of ~condoler"e that
came from several states north md