The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-07-02

November were spent in drilling and
preparing for war i'm earnest. 1t was a
sad winter. There was great sickness
among the soldiers. An epidemic OF
| fever and measles prevailed. A hos
| pital was established at Carolina City
on the mainland Several OF the Off
GERS and many of the members died.
| During this time Capt. Rand endeared
himself 70 his men by constant kind
ness and untiring effort in their behalf.
In February. 1861, the regiment was
ordered TO the defense of New Bern.
At the battle of New Bern which took
place March IA, 1892, Capt. Rand,
with about forty of his men, was taken
prisoners by the Union Army In the
defeat, the regiment was badly scat
tered. Capt. Rand's disappearance ill
ed his friends with the graYest fears.
Those who had escaped gave conflict
ing reports. In about ten days his wife
received a letter which had come
through the lines concealed in the bot
tom of an ordinary satchel.
Capt. Rand was carried first to
Johnson's Island, New York City,
where he was we'll treated. especially
by the ladies of the city who showed
all manner Of kindness to the Southern
prisoners They were shortly removed
to Sandusky, Ohio. From there they
were sent by way OF the Mississippi
River TO Vicksburg, and there ex-
changed. Capt. Rand arrived at home
September, 1862, just about year
from the time he left.
After he battle at New Bern his
company was reorganized, electing
Lieutenant Adams Captain. Capt.
Rand did not return TO the regular
army. He became Lieutenant Colonel
in the Home Guard, and filled this po-
sition till the close of the war at which
time he found that he had a new foe
to face. For many years he struggled
with poverty, but at length by the help
of a faithful and devoted family, his
financial troubles were overcome.
In 1884 he removed from Wake
County to a large plantation in John
ston County, about seven miles south
of Smithfield Here he spent his last
days in manner most congenial to his
retiring disposition. AS long as phys
zeal strength would permit, he divided
his time between his garden and his
books and newspapers, but as increas-
ing weakness interpoSed, he was re-
duced 10 reading and meditation. He
read the Bible much, and though he
did not join the church, he loved
Christ's teachings There was one
physical disability which age imposes
Oh the HtdJoTlty Oh US, lIldl lie was HOl
called upon to bear. His eyesght was
strong and clear to the last.
He had been in failing health for
several years. but after the death of
his devoted wife, which occurred
March s. 1903. his decline was much
more rapid. He succumbed 10 an at
tack of acute pneumonia on Friday
morning, January %, 1904, being a
few days less than II years old.
Capt. Rand Joined the Masonic fra
ternity about the year 1870. and was
Master of his Lodge at the time of his
death. His funeral was conducted with
Masonic hOnors on the 9Th Sunday in
May, at Smithfield and was preached
in the Methodist church at that place
by the pastor Rev. \. f. COltrane,
from that Scripture that speaks of the
man that can swear to his own hurt.
and change not, which was indeed eS-
pecially applicable TO his character
He lies buried i'm the beautiful ceme-
cry at Smithfield, by the side of his
wife and in the same plot With his son,
John Rand, who died about seven
years ago.
He was warmly attached TO the
Wake Guards, which, because so many
of them came from the neighborhood
of Holly Springs he always spoke of
as the men from Holly Springs He
Holly Springs.
Capt. Rand possessed some heroic
traits of character. His life was one
long effort against falsehood and cor
ruption. His courage was unshakable.
and the principles of justice and honor
We're defended by him with jealous
watchfulness.
The names of his surviving children
are Mr.. O. r. Rand, Smithfield, \. c.,
Mrs. Sarah r. Wellons, of near Smith
field, Mr.. Walter Rand. near Smith
field, Mrs. w. A. Trayler and Miss
Charlotte Rand, of near Four Oaks.
and Mr. Nathaniel G.. Rand, of Four
Oaks, y. c.
Resolved 1st That in commemora-
tion of the death of our dear friend
we bow with humble submission to the
will of our Father in the dispensation
of his Providence in removing from
us our friend and conrad Capt. o. r.
Rand but our loss is his eternal gain.
Resolved End. That the members OF
the Oscar r. Rand Camp and the
Daughters of the Confederacy of Holly
Springs return their coincidence TO the
bereaved family.
Resolved Bird, That a copy of this
sketch and resolutions be spread upon
the minutes of the O. r. Rand
Camp and upon the minutes of the
of the Confederacy, and q
copy be sent to the family of the de-
ceased and some paper for publication
COL. JAS. T. ADAMS,
Chairman of Committee
MIR. p. A. NORRIS,
MRS. r. II. TEMPLETON,