The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1916-01-05
DIR. w. A. STANDS
HAS PASSED AWAY
Died At His Home in Clinton Last Fri.
day Night. One of Clint0n's Most
Prominent Citizens.

Prominent Citizens.
Clinton, Jan. 2.--Dr. W. A. Stands,
an old and highly esteemed citizen
of this place, died here Friday night
at the Lcsh infirmary after q linger-
ing illness covering several months.
The end came shortly before midnight.
The funeral services were held Satur-
day afternoon at 4 o'clock at the First
Presbyterian church, being conducted
by the pastor, Dr.. Dudley Jones, as
sisted by the Rev. e. NJ. Lightfoot of
the First Baptist church. At the Gem
etery, In the presence Of large as
semblage Of sorrowing relatives and
friends, the final sad rites were said,
the service being in charge Of the Ma
sonic lodge Of which he was q faithful
and long standing member.
DR.. Stands was born in 1889 in
Spartanburg county near Glenn
Springs. AT the age Of 16 he had Sc
cured common school education
and had decided to study medicine.
He moved to Cross Anchor and made
his home with his uncle, DR.. A. C.
Stands. In 1853 he entered the
Charleston Medical college to pursue
his study in his chosen profession.
lie was in college at the time that
South Carolina scccded, and in 1860
after his graduation he volunteered
and along with other comrades he
was sent to Richmond, where he en-
listed in Company l., Fourteenth
South Carolina division, McGowan's
brigade. In 1864 he was elected
lieutenant and in the battle Of the
Wilderness, ho was wounded twice.
In 1866 he was married to Miss Evie
Pitts, daughter Of Robert Pitts. At
this time he was enjoying large
practice and was kept busy from
early morning until late night He
took an active interest in politics and
In 1876 was elected one Of the execu-
tive committeeman from his county
and at the county convention follow
Ing shortly thereafter. he was named
delegate to tho State convention In
which Wade Hampton was nom
mated for governor. In 1879 he
moved to Clinton and soon after mar
ried his second wife, Miss Rebecca
Copeland of this place. Later he was
elected to the legislature by large
vote and In this capacity he served
for two terms until he was forced
to give UP the work on account of i'll
health. Later he ,~rrs elected mayor
OF Clinton in which position he served
tho city we'll for 18 years. He was the
hrst man to aSitate. the building
through this section OF the Seaboard
Air Limo railroad and made surveys
and secured capital stock with which
to begin tho operation of Ese road. In
1908 no gave up his then ksrge prac-
tice and retired to private N'fe. He
was elected member of the board OF
trrstees OF the Thornwell orphanage,
position he hold up to the time of his
death, and he was a loyal friend Of
the inatituton. He was a deacon in
the Presbyterian church and always
manifested o deep interest in all
church work.
DR.. Stands was a man Of decided
character, firm convictions and high
sense Of honor. Those who camo in
close contact with him were deeply
impressed by his personality and
splendid qualities Of heart His love
for others had no sclf-consciousncss
about 1t, but was impulsive and spon-
taneous and flowed from a sincerity Of
nature as deep as his heart He was
always true and loyal to his friends
and family. He was we'll known
throughout the State and held In high
esteem. He was brave soldier un-
der the South's great generals, and in
his passing he leaves the record OF
loving, honorable and useful life. He
Is survived by his second wife and
three children, Mrs. NJ. u. Middleton
Of Clemson College, w. Fl. Stands OF
this city and Claude Stands OF Whit
mire.