The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-12-04

Penn sumter LunlUer 90.
Sumter, Nov. 20, 1918.
Captain Theodore DuBose Ravenei, Jr
To the Editor Daily Item:
A chivalrous gentleman, worthy
friend, and brave soldier has fall
en- in the cause advocated by his
country, and beg the indulgence OF
a mourning friend for this brief trib-
ute to MS memory. The news has
Just come that on November 10Th
the very day the armitsice was sign:
ed-Captain Theodore D. Ravenels
Jr., was killed in battle IN France.
Captain Ravenel, the eldest son Of Mr..
T. D. Ravenel and Mrs. Elizabeth
Fishbourne Ravenel Of Colleton coun-
ty, was born in Charleston county
about 81 years ago. He was educated
Fat Sewanee University in Tennessee.
and came to Sumter about or IL
years ago, where ne married Miss Alice
Fishbourne Chi1ds, by whom he is
| survived, together with two small
children. He is also survived by two
brothers in the service, Corporal VIZ
liam Ravenel OF the goth Division.
now on service in France, and Lieut.
s F. Isavenel.
At the time Of America sent II
the great war he was living in ii:
city, and holding a responsible po-
sition with the Penn-Su,nter Lumbe'
company. Being an enthusiastic sup.
, porter Of the cause Of the allies, par
ticularly of France, the land OF his
| ancestors, who came to this country
upon the revocation Of the Edict Of
Nantz about the year 1855, he was
among the first to volunteer upon oui
entry in the war. Without intending
any injustice to any other officer.
think l am safe in asserting that he
was the first man from Sumter TO re-
ceive q commission. His military
training at Sewanee his natural adap-
| liability to the military science, his
ready wit, and charming manner. soon
attracted notice from his instructors
| at Fort Oglethorpe, and he returned
| to Sumter a first lieutenant. Those
who were present at the ceremonie
! held on the school square in the sum
mer Of 1917 honoring the departure
of the officers from Sumter will pleas
antly recall his manly, frank, ans
democratic speech made on that oc-
casion.
He was stationed at Camp Jackson
! for about a year, and sailed for Eu-
rope this spring. The particulars .
his death are, Of course, unknown a.
yet, except that he had just received
his commission as captain; but those
who knew him need not be told tina,
he died in manner most becoming ts
a soldier and hero.
He was brave almost beyond tht
bounds of prudence; generous alnos,
to fault; chivalric to women; cour-
teous to men; and frank md open i!
countenance and conduct. His dispo-
sition had a radiance that was con-
tagious, and won for him the love and
admiration Of all who really knew
him, this being shared, we are in
formed, by all men Of his company.
heard one of the boys from Sumter
who graduated with him at the train
ing camp, and who got to know him
more intimately there than he had a
Sumter, truly describe his character ii
these few words: 'He was price o.
fellcw!"
He sleeps in the land Of his ances-
tors-Anerica returned to France il
the hour of her peril:
"Clime Of the unforsotten brave.
Whose land from plain to mountain
cave
Was Freedoms home for Glory
grave.
* Z:
They fell devoted, but undying;
The Very gale their names seemet
signing:
The waters murmurcd Of their name:
The woods were peopled with theil
fame;
The silent pillar. lone and gray,
Claimed kindred with their sacred
Their spirits wrapped the dushy
mountain,
Their memory spar.;ed DER the foun-
The lnean"st riil. the mightiest river,
l.oileel minglin% with their fame for
ever
Marion ". Seabrook.