Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-09-22
DEATH OF WIN. B. McCAW.

William B. McCaw, Esq, died at his
home in Yorkville last Sunday after
noon at 5 o'clock, after a critical i'll
ness extending over a period Of nearly
three weeks, since September 8.
Mr.. McCaw was first stricken with a
disorder that evidenced all the symp-
toms Of gastritis, in a dangerously
acute form. There was every reason
to fear fatal termination within a
few hours; but later there was a
change for the better, and family and
friends were encouraged to hope fol
his recovery. AS the days wore on
however, the patient grew steadily
weaker, and on Saturday the attend
ing physicians were brought to 6
realization Of the fact that there was
no possible chance, except through ar
operation. They could promise little
even for this The operation was at
tempted early Sunday morning. II
disclosed an abscess Of the liver as the
fatal complication, but because Of the
exhausted condition Of the patient lit
tie could be done. The end came
within about ten hours
William Bratton McCaw was born
in Yorkville on August %, 1857. His
father was the late Robert G.. McCaw
in his day leading, wealthy and in
1uential citizen Of York, and at one
time lieutenant governor Of the state
His mother was Miss Belle Bratton, q
sister Of the late General John Brat
ton Of Fairfield county. He was edu-
Gated in the local primary schools OF
his day, spent several years at the
Kings Mountain Military school un-
der Colonel Coward, and afterward
completed a course in the University
Of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee
being graduated from that institution
In 1876. After leaving Sewanee, he
devoted three years to the study OF
law, was admitted to the bar in 1879
and continued to practice his profes-
sion in Yorkville up to the time of his
death. He was chosen in 1888 as a
member of the house of representa-
tives; but after serving one term de-
clined to stand for re- election. q.
Mr.. McCaw was a close student. He
pursued his work persistently and sys-
tematically and 1t was commonly con-
ceded among his fellow-practitioners
that he was a lawyer Of rare attain
ments. His knowledge covered not
only the ordinary lines necessary for
the country lawyer, but fields that are
seldom entered except by more ambi-
tious specialists. During the past
dozen years he has figured in a num-
ber of unusually important cases, in
Guiding several Of those growing out
Of the Fishing Creek wreck, and in
one Of which, the Brickman case, was
rendered the largest personal damage
verdict on record. He was generally
ho, o,.1 oh
was rarely the case that he ever gave
up so long as his client stood a rea-
sonable chance Of eventual success
His practice was confined almost ex-
clusively to the civil side Of the court
Mr.. McCaw was married on Novem-
Der "a, 1885 to Miss Emma lie Sas-
sier Of New Orleans, who with three
children, two daughters and a son.
Misses Agalice and Belle and Master
Henry, survive him. His surviving
brothers and sisters are Messrs. r. G
and H. I. McCaw Mrs. L. w. Perrin
and Mrs. j. K. Alston.
The funeral services were held this
morning at II o'clock in the First
Presbyterian church, Of which the de-
ceased was a member, and was con-
Quoted by Rev. E. E. Gillespie, the
pastor. The church was crowded with
SIltl-SlIlChcH IcldllNSS dllu SyIiPd-
thizing friends of the deceased and of
the family. Most of the families of
Yorkville were represented, and there
were many people from the surround
ing country and adjoining towns. The
service was in accordance with that
commonly used by the Presbyterian
church on such occasions, and in con-
nection with it Mr. Gillespie paid a
feeling tribute to the life and charac-
ter of the deceased.
Two brothers, two nephews and
three cousins of the deceased served
as active pail bearers. These were
Messrs. R. G. and H. l. McCaw, Messrs.
Lewis and Robert Perrin, DR.. R. A.
Bratton and Messrs. R. M. and Mason
Bratton. Among the honorary pail
bearers were members of the York,
Chester and Fairfield bars, and mem
bers of the board Of trustees Of the
Yorkville Graded school. After them
came carriages in which were men,
bers of the family and intimate
friends. A large number Of people
went to the cemetery on foot.
The interment took place in the
Yorkville cemetery and at the conclu-
sion of the service after the filling Of
the grave, the mound was covered
with floral tributes, representing the
offerings of this and surrounding
communities.