The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-06-01
Local News.
Dtat!i Of Col. James A. !Ieyt.

Col. James A. Hoyt died at his home
In Greenville Friday afternoon, at $3.50
O'Clock, after brief illness. The news
of his death will bring sorrow to the
people of this city in which he once
lived, and to the Confederate veterans
with whom he did gallant service in
the war
Col. Hoyt was born Oct. II, 1887, in
WaynesbOro, Va. His father moved to
E1aurens. in this State, and for time
edited the Laurensville Herald. The
son entered this newspaper office lis in
apprentice, but four years later, at tho
age OF eighteen. he came to Anderson
Gazette. One year later ile was editor
of the paper and in 1860 he began the
publication of the Anderson lntelli-
gencer.
In 1860 young Hoyt was Leading
spirit in the organization of militia
company in Anderson, known as the
Palmetto Riiiemen, and when the com
pany volunteered the next year, he was
Its orderly sergeant The Palmetto
Rilemen entered the States service in
April, 1851 III the Fourth South Caro-
lima regiment, under Col. j. Is. l..
Sloan, and in about six weeks was
mustered into the Confederate service.
no IcSlHicHI pufllClphtcu III an thc
principle battles of the war. AT the
reorganization in 1862, the company
became part of the Palmetto Sharp
shooters under the gallant Jenkins.
During the second year Of his service
HOyt was promoted to lieutenancy
for gallant and meritOriOus conduct on
the Geld. and afterwards served as ad-
.jutant of his regiment. He was slight
ly wounded at Williamsburg, and more
seriously at Frazier's Farm. During
this tine he also contracted Il severe
case OF smallpox and came very near
dying. In 1864, while in command OF
detachment sent out from Danville
to check Gen. Wilson's federal cavalry
at Staunton bridge, he was badly
wound was in his left leg, and for the
rest of his life he had to use crutch.
AftJr the surrender of Gen. Lee at
AppomattOX he came to Anderson,
resurrected the Intelligencer and be-
gan the more peaceful duties OF life
where they had been Interrupted. In
January, 1866. he was married to Miss
Rebecca w. Webb, daughter of Elijah
Webb.
During the ten years following the
close of the war Col. Hoyt did faithful
',ervice in redeeming the State from
scarpetbag rule. In 1876 he did strenu-
ous work for Gen. Hampton, and en-
JOyCu LILO COullucuCc VI & Cdt
leader throughout his campaign and
administration. His bold stand at
this time caused him to be heartily
hated by the Radicals, who frequently
threatened his life. His service upon
the State Executive Committee was
equally vigilant and active.
beoame me- editor sn of Ati the 81 comSe T % Ress Gse
ter, which he left after two years to
purchase the Christian Workman,
transformed later into the Baptist
Courier During his editorship he
held many important positions and was
given many h0nOrs in the Church.
For more than 90 years he was trus-
tee of Furman University.
In January, 1892. he assumed control
of the Greenviiie Enterprise and Noun
taineer a. editor and proprietor. The
name of the paper was changed to it's
original form, and Col. Hoyt continued
as it's editor and proprietor until his
death.
Col. Hoyt consented to become q
candidate for governor in 1900 on n
prohibition platform. He had always
been an outspoken advocate Of profit.
bitiOn against every other method of
controlling the liquor traffic. He was
defeated by close vote in the second
primary. He was Mason of high
degree. and was elected grand master
of the Ancient Freemasons in 1874,
succeeding Gen. LIB. Kershaw. He
has also held memberships in the
Grange and Odd Fellows. He was
prominent in organizing the South
Carolina State Press Association in
1875. OF which he was elected president.
The surviving members of Col.
Hoyt's family are his wife, three
daughters, Mira. A. G.. Furman, Misses
Gertrude and Lucy Hoyt, of Green
vile, and James A. Hoyt, Jr., of The
Columbia State. His widow is sister
Of Mrs. G. f. Jones, and K. &. and c.
w. Webb, of this city.
The funeral obsequles were held in
Greenville Sunday afternoon. The
burial wac after the rites of the Ma
e0nio order, Col. Hoyt having been
prominent in Masonic circles for many
years aud, being at the time of his de-
mise, one Of the oldest past grand mas
tiers in South Carolina. A dele5ation
from Hiram Lodge of this city was
present.