Historian's Report:
The Dialectic and
Philanthropic Societies Burial Grounds
(Minutes and Resolutions
Providing for and honoring Their Deceased Members)
Fall Session, 1990
29 October, 1990
5 November 1990
Edward L.
"Tex" Harrelson (Phi)
It has become a tradition for the societies to honor their pasts members on the evening of October 31. We usually walk reverently with lighted candles of Blue and White to the University Burial Grounds wherein lie the private plots of the Dialetic and Philanthropic Societies. The members of our Societies buried there serve on this night as a symbol of all our past senators, which rest in these plots. I begin with the Dialectic Society.
There are four marked graves in the Dialectic Society's cemetery. The oldest belongs to Mr. Zenas Johnston who joined the Di 28 August 1822, and died in August 1824, probably of Typhoid Fever. Johnston hailed from Rowan County, North Carolina and was born in 1805. He was 19 years and eight months old when he died. On [30] August 1824., "On motion of Mr. H [enry Toole] Clark, it was resolved to wear crape the time prescribed by law for our former member and deceased friend Mr. Zenas Johnson (sic)."
Mr. James T. Smith from Anson County, North Carolina, joined the Di in 1832. He was born in 1813, and he died 29 September 1833 at the age of twenty years, eleven months and twenty-nine days. Two special meetings were called on 30 September 1833. 'On motion of Mr. Webb [William Peter Webb?] it was resolved, that the members of society wear crape, on the left arm for thirty days in testimony of our regret for the bereavement, and respect for the memory of Mr. James T. Smith, who expired yesterday." The philanthropic Society was also notified and asked to wear crape. The expenses for Mr. Smith's burial were absorbed by the Dialectic Society.
On 14 October 1843, Lewis Bowen holt of Orange County, North Carolina, died. Mr. Holt was born in 1821 and joined the Di in 1841. He was twenty-two years, one month and five days old when he died. On 16 October 1843, a special meeting was called to make the "necessary arrangements for the burial of our fellow member." Committee were formed "to draft some resolutions relative to the dec[ease]d, . . . to prepare a suitable epitaph and . . . send immediately to New York for a monument." The Society appointed Pall Bearers and paid the burial expenses.
John Alexander Smith, born 30 September 1836 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, died 30 May 1855. Mr. Smith was a freshman and had joined the Di in 1854. In two special meetings 31 May and 1 June 1855, the Society resolved to "wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days,' and it notified the phi of its resolutions. Senator [William Allison?] Owens eulogized Smith saying, "When the aged pilgrim, weary of life, yearns for rest--and dies, we think it but a behest of nature that should be obeyed, and as we carry him to his resting place, we feel we are but performing those functions, which the ordinary course of nature demands. But when youth with its bright anticipations and buoyant hopes is suddenly called to obey that dread summons, philosophy is put to the blush, speculations are idle, and we can but exclaim, "Truly the ways of Providence are mysterious and past finding out." In addition the society passed resolutions attesting to Smith's service to the Di and provided for his burial expenses.
So far as I know, these are all of the Di's buried in the Dialectic Society's private Cemetery. I will amend the typed minutes of the special meetings to this report, and hopefully report on the members of the Phi next week.
5 November 1990
As those senators who participated in the traditional Halloween ceremonies at the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies' Burial Grounds realize, there are several of our past embers interred in Chapel Hill. I reported last week on some of the history surrounding the Di's and this week I will briefly report on the six Phi's here buried.
The oldest grave is that of George Clarke of Bertie County, North Carolina. Mr. Clarke joined the newly formed Philanthropic Society in 1796, but he passed away at the age of nineteen on 28 September 1898. During his months at the University, Clarke served the Phi as one of its two Correctors, this was the eighteenth century version of the Critic. He was apparently a good Corrector, because he was repeatedly reelected to hold this office. The meeting before his death was 11 September 1798; this is the last meeting before 15 January 1799. I have yet to find the explanation for this interruption in the Philanthropic Society's meetings. Motions to honor George Clarke were made by George Long of Halifax County, North Carolina, in February and March of 1799.
On 10 September 1832, James N. Neal of Chatham County, North Carolina, died. He had joined the Phi in 1831, and had served on the Supervisor's Committee under Julian E. Sawyer, Supervisor. (The Supervisor was the Phi's equivalent of the Censor Morum, who observed senators' conduct and fined them when they breached Society decorum.) James Neal was also appointed to the Arrangements and Books committees on 10 August 1831.
John W. Burton from Halifax County, North Carolina, joined the Phi in 1844, and he died on 17 October 1845. On this night the Society suspended business "in consequence of Mr. Burton's illness," and also because so many members were absent, presumably tending the dying senator. The following morning was Saturday, and the President appointed a committee morning to make necessary arrangements for Mr. Burton's funeral and "to report suitable resolutions upon the melancholy occasion." (James Johnston Pettigrew, later the Confederate Brigadier General who led Pickett/Pettigrew's Charge at Gettysburg, was a member of this committee.)
In 1848, a young boy from Haynesville, Alabama, joined the Phi. This senator, David White Fisher, later passed away on 21 August 1850, shortly after he had returned to the Old North State. The Phi Society made the appropriate resolutions regarding the wearing of crape for thirty days and expressions of sympathy for the family of the deceased. They sent the resolutions to be published in "the Raleigh Register, Standard, Haynesville Chronicle, and Montgomery Advertiser."
On 12 November 1851, the Phi called a special meeting to provide for the burial of Mark Bennett of Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Mr. Bennett had joined in 1851, and died that same year on 11 November. The Society made the appropriate motions to honor the deceased senator, and then provided for his burial and obituary.
Joshua P. Perry of Marshall, Texas, entered the Society in 1855. Mr. Perry died on 17 April 1856, and on 18 April, a committee consisting of Joseph Buckner Killebrew, William Pinckney McLean, and Hiram Powell Harrell was formed to make arrangements for the burial and obituary. It is somewhat ironic that Joshua Perry served on a similar committee exactly two months before "to draft a resolutions expressive of the sentiments of Society concerning the death of their fellow member, David Hilliard." (David Hilliard was not buried in Chapel hill but taken to his father's residence which was probably in Nash County, North Carolina.)
There is only one other marked grave in the Philanthropic Society's private Burial Ground. It belongs to Dr. Greenhough, who was a surgeon in the Confederate States Navy. I have been unable to find anything else out about him other than what is on his stone. I do not think he was a student or a Phi.
APPENDIX
Minutes of
Meetings Concerning Burial Arrangements of Deceased Di Members
These are minutes from meetings devoted to honoring deceased members. I have included the names of the President and the Secretary, but I have deleted the other officers' names. I have used the 1890, Catalogue of the Members of the Dialectic Society, edited by William James Battle, for the spellings of names. Where there are two possibilities for the correct first name, I have included both
ELH (Phi)
In re. Zenas
Johnson:
Dialectic Hall August 25th 1824
Society convened . . .
[This was a regular meeting, except for one motion concerning the deceased.]
On motion of Mr. H[enry T.] Clark it was resolved to wear crape the time prescribed by law for our former member, and deceased friend Mr. Zenas Johnson . . .
James Martin President
Franklin E. Polk, Sect.
Dialectic Hall September 1st 1824
Society Convened . . .
[Also a regular meeting with a motion regarding the deceased.]
Resolved that a committee of two be appointed to examine into the expediency of erecting a Tombstone to the memory of Mr. Zenas Johnson deceased; and that said committee report as to the time when--& the price of the same; and also that the said tombstone. Messrs. [Walter] Alves and [Silas Milton] Andrews were elected for the purpose of attending to the said resolution. . . .Society adjourned
James Martin Pres.
Franklin E. Polk Sec.
In re. James T.
Smith:
Call Meeting Septr. 30th 1833
The President being absent the Vice President took the chair & called the house, when on motion of Mr. [William Peter] Webb it was resolved, that the members of Society wear crape, on the left arm, for thirty days in testimony of our regret for the bereavement, and respect for the memory of Mr. James T. Smith, who expired yesterday. On the motion of Mr. [William D.] Bethell the members of the Philanthropic Society were requested to wear crape in memory of the deceased. Mr. [Henry F.] Bond, a committee of three were elected to wait on Mr. Smith, the father of the deceased, & request that the body of his son might be buried here. Messrs [Henry F.] Bond, [Benjamin W.] Covington, & [Henry Watkins] Miller were elected. Mr. [Alexander W.] Hogan, that said committees prepare an obituary motion of the deceased for publication. On motion of Mr. [William Alexander] Rose Society adjourned.
Augustus J. Foster V.P.
James E, Hamlett Sec.
Call meeting Sept. 30th 1833
The Vice President took the chair and called the house to order. Mr. [Benjamin W.] Covington rose & stated the object of the meeting, and moved that the committee of arrangements appointed at the preceding meeting be directed to inform Mr. Smith the father of Mr. J[ames] T. Smith dec[ease]d that society will pay all expenses incurred by burial of his son.
On Motion Society adjourned.
A[ugustus] J. Foster V. Pres.
J[ames] E. Hamlett Sec.
In re. Lewis
B[owen] Holt:
A Called meeting
Oct. 16th 1843
The President took his seat and stated the object of the meeting, which was to the necessary arrangements for the burial of our fellow member Lewis B[owen] Holt, who died on the night of the 14th.
The President then read the order of procession. Mr. John W. Long moved that the President appoint six Pall Bearers from the senior class. The following gentlemen were appointed: John W[esley] Long, W[illiam Franklin[] Barbee, R[obert] H. Cowan, Samuel F[ield] Phillips, John Ballanfant and James A[lexander] Wimbish. Mr. Long moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft some Resolutions relating to the dec[ease]d. Messers. John B[eck] Borden, Jesse [Potts] Smith and William Hill were appointed. Mr. [Samuel Field] Phillips moved that a committee of of [sic] three be appointed to prepare a suitable epitaph & that we send immediately to New York for a monument. Carried. Messrs. W[alter L[eak] Steele, Peter K[ing] Rounsaville and John Cowan were appointed.
Mr. Rounsaville moved that the burial expenses be aid by the society. R[obert] H. Cowan moved that we adjourn; Carried
E[dmund D[eBerry] Covington Prest
John Ballanfant Sec Pro Tem
In re John
Alexander Smith:
Dialectic Hall May 31st 1855
Called Meeting
The President took the chair and called the house to order. The secretary read the proceedings of the previous meeting. Mr. [James Hooper] Colton then offered the following resolution; resolved "that in view of the decease of our fellow member, John A[lexander] Smith the members of this society wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days." Mr. [James Hooper] Colton then moved that a committee be appointed to select a spot for the grave, and to draft resolutions concerning his death by next meeting of Society. Carried. Messrs. [William hunt] Hall, [William Allison] Owens, and [James Turner] Morehead were appointed. Mr. Hall moved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Philanthropic Society and that be requested to join us in our testimony of respect to the dead. There being no further business the Society adjourned.
James Park President
J[ohn] W[ashington] Graham Sec Pro Tem
Dialectic Society June 1st 1855
Called meeting. The Society convened: The president taking the chair called the house to order. Mr. [William Allison] Owens then offered the following Resolutions concerning the death of John Alexander Smith.
When the aged pilgrim, weary with life, yearns for rest and dies, we think it but a behest of nature that should be obeyed, and as we carry him to his resting place, we feel we are but performing those functions, which the ordinary course of nature demands. But when youth with its bright anticipations, and buoyant hopes, is suddenly called to obey that dread summons, philosophy is put to the blush, speculations are idle, and we can but exclaim, "Truly the ways of Providence are mysterious and past finding out."
Death has again intruded himself into our midst and folded in his icy embrace one of our Brothers. Wherefore be it resolved--
That we, the members of the Dialectic Society, do recognize, in the removal of John Alexander Smith, from our body, the hand of Providence.
Resolved 2d
That without wishing to intrude into the privacy of the family circle, still we would in common with them mingle our grief for the deceased, who while he was connected with the Dialectic Society, proved himself a consistent member of it, and so far as it was possible, acted up to its laws and requirements and apart from that, in a social capacity, he endeared himself to his many friends (sic) by his kindness, urbanity and correct deportment.
Resolved 3d
That while we weep for the dead, we rejoice in the manifestations he gave in his last hours, of his hope of immortality and of that light which should guide him through "the dark valley of the shadow of death" and that he so completely conquered by calmness and Christian resignation that dreadful hour, which to so many is so replete with terror. "O Death where is they sting, Oh Grave where is thy victory."?
Resolved 4th
That the usual badge of mourning be worn by the members of the Dialectic Society, and that a similar request with a copy of these resolutions be sent over to the Philanthropic Hall: also that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased, and to the University Magazine, Fayetteville and Wilmington papers with the request to publish them. On motion of Mr. [James Hooper] Colton they were accepted. Mr. [William Allison] Owens then moved that a committee be appointed to attend to the erection of a suitable monument over his grave. Carried. Messrs. [James Hooper] Colton, [Abram Haywood] Merritt, and [William Allison] Owens were appointed. After which Society adjourned
James Park President
John W[ashington] Graham Sec Pro Tem
APPENDIX
Minutes of Meetings
Concerning Burial Arrangements of Deceased Phi Members
These are minutes from meetings devoted to honoring deceased members. Most of the deceased are buried in the University Burial Grounds. (David Hilliard's remains were conveyed to his father's residence for burial.) I have included the names of presiding officers and the Scriba or Secretary; I have deleted the lists of other officers as they do not pertain to the proceedings. I have tried to correctly identify members from their last names and have adopted the spellings of Stephen B. Weeks, ed., Register of Members of the Philanthropic Society, 1887. Where there are two possibilities for the correct name, I have included both.
ELH (Phi)
In re. George Clarke:
[The minutes on George Clarke are portions of minutes from 1799 which deal specifically with burial procedures. Most were initiated by George Long, one of the founding members of the Phi (and Concord Society). He was from Halifax County whole George Clarke was from Bertie County. I do not know if the two were close friends, but both served several terms as Correctors.]
[February 12, 1799]
Mr. George Long moved that Society should claim it as a privilege of their body to pay the following duties of respect and esteem to the remains of such of their fellow members as shall be deposited at this place: 1st Their remains shall be enclosed and the name or names of the person or persons shall be inscribed upon some lasting wood together with dates, and this to be done as a committee appointed for that purpose shall direct. 2nd Each member of Society shall after the life of a fellow member, wear some badge of distinction as the above mentioned committee shall ordain. [The motion was laid over until the next week. George Washington Long was Corrector.]
[February 19, 1799]
The motion of Mr. George Long laid over last meeting was read and sanctioned. Messrs. William [Hardy] Murfree, George Long, William Cherry, George Marr and Fleming Sanders were appointed a committee on the same.
[This committee next reported on March 5, 1799]
1st The Grave to be enclosed and the form as followeth. The railings to be erected in the form of a parallelogram nine feet in length and four feet in breadth. The railings of the usual length and breadth to be plained [sic] and painted black except three inches at the upper ends to be white. The pieces to be placed at each end of the Grave shall be also plained [sic] and painted black. They shall be a foot in breadth, three inches on thickness and of such a length that the one at the head of the Grave shall appear two and a half feet above the surface of the earth, and at the foot, only two. The wood of the pieces shall be of the heart of oak or yellow poplar. The name of the person departed shall be painted in white letters on the piece at the head of the Grave as well as the date of his decease and the name of the Philanthropic Society.
2nd The Grave shall be covered with turf.
3rd Each member of the Philanthropic Society shall after the loss of a fellow member, wear for three months on his left arm above the elbow one yard of black ribbon [sic] 3/4 of an inch wide, the ribbon [sic] to be purchased by Society but charged to each members account.
[end report]
[March 12, 1799] [Society reconvened after supper]
Mr. George Long motions that Mr. George Clark should be comprehended under the law respecting the duties of respect to except that of the Societies wearing black ribbon on the arm, on the account of the time that has elapsed. The votes were taken and the motion sanctioned.
In re. John W. Taylor:
[The following are the minutes concerning the death of John W. Taylor, who is not buried in the Society's cemetery.]
Philanthropic Hall
Saturday 13th, Nov.r 1830
Society met with the attendance of all the members, when the following motion was introduced and passed. I move that the members of the Philanthropic Society wear crape on their arms thirty days, as a testimonial of their respect for their late fellow member Mr. John W. Taylor, and that the treasurer be directed to procure a sufficient quantity. Calvin Jones, author. There being no other business before the house, Society adjourned.
Sam[uel] S. Biddle, Scriba
[During the next meeting 14 or 17 November, 1830, the Society resolved to erect a monument to the memory of John W. Taylor, but at present I do not know where it is. One possibility is that the Society placed the stone n Taylor's hometown of Hillsboro.]
In re. James N. Neal
Philanthropic Hall September 10th 1832
Society convened with the attendance of all the members except Messrs. [Samuel R.] Blake, [Cadwallader, Jr.; or Thomas F.] Jones, J[ames N.] Lea and [Julian E.] Sawyer. On account of the absence of the President and Secretary, the Supervisor took the chair and proceeded to the election of officers pro tempore, when Mr. [Solomon] Lea was chosen President, and Mr. [Thomas p. Burgwin] Burgwyn [sic?] Secretary, the following motions were then read and passed, viz, "I move that the members of the P. Society wear crape on their left arms for the space of 30 days in testimony of their respect for their fellow member James [N.] Neal," Burgwyn, Aut. "I move that a committee of three be appointed to request Mr. Neal's permission to allow the remains of his son our late fellow member to be interred in this place, and that the manangement [sic] of the burial be in the hands of the aforesaid committee," Burgwyn, aut. Messrs. Burgwyn, [John L.] Gay and [James M.] Snead were appointed on the committee. There being no farther [sic] business before the Society adjourned.
Pride Jones, Scriba
[The relevant portions of the next meeting are as follows:]
Philanthropic Hall Sept. 12,m 1832
. . . "I move a committee of three be appointed t write to Mr. Neal and obtain his permission to erect a monument over his son, and that the said committee, upon obtaining his consent, be authorized to carry the business into execution, by subscription, J[ames M.] Snead, aut. Messrs. [Weldon] Hall, Snead, and [Julian E.] Sawyer were the committee appointed to attend to the business indicated in the preceding motion . . .
In re. John W. Burton
[The "duties of Society" for the meeting of Friday, October 17, 1845, were "suspended, in consequence of Mr. [John W.] Burton's illness' on motion by [Leonidas C.] Ferell.]
Philanthropic Hall
Saturday Morning Oct 18/45
The Society convened with attendance of all its members except Messrs. [Alfred] Alston, [Jacob F.] Browne, [William Hyth] Davis, [James J.] Iredell, S[amuel T.] Iredell, [James] Johnson, [James L. Mosel[e]y, [Edward A.] Thorne, [George] Washington, [John H.] Whitaker and [Edward] Watson. The Supervisor having read his unanswered charges, the following motions were introduced and passed: viz:
"I move that Society suspend duties for this meeting."
[John J.] King (aut)
"I move that the President appoint a committee to report suitable resolutions upon the melancholy occasion of the death of Mr. [John W.] Burton, and to make the necessary arrangements for the funeral."
[James Johnston] Pettigrew (aut)
The President then appointed Messrs. [Matt W.] Ransom, Pettigrew and [David T.] Taylor to compose said committee. The Supervisor then read his charges, and there being no further business to transact, the roll was called and Society adjourned at 13 minutes before 10 o'clock A.M.
J[ames] Gallier, Jr. Sec.
In re. David White Fisher
Philanthropic Hall
Friday Evening Aug 23rd 1850
Society convened this evening with he attendance of all its members except Mr. [M. William] Wise. The Secretary having called the roll, the regular duties were dispensed with an the following motion was offered and passed. "I move that in consideration of the affliction with which we have been visited by the decease of our much lamented fellow member, Mr. David W[hite] Fisher, the regular duties of the hall for this evening and tomorrow morning be dispensed with, and that the President appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions respecting his death." C[laudius] B. Sanders. The president then appointed Messrs. [David Miller] Carter, [Claudius B.] Saunders [sic] and [Thomas J.] Norcum as the committee. The Secretary called the roll and Society adjourned about 10 minutes past 7 o'clock.
G[eorge] A. Taylor Pres.
J[ames] B. Hughes Secr.
Philanthropic Hall
Saturday Evening Aug 24th 1850
A called meeting of Society was held this evening with the attendance of all its members except Messrs. [George A.] Brett, [Hutchins G.] Burton, [John M.] Dennis, [Eugene] Ferrand, [Thomas H. Gilliam, [Robert G.] Lewis, [James A.] McNeil[l], [William H.] Powell, [Stephen Chester] Roberts, [William H. or Peter E.] Smith and [M. William] Wise. The following resolutions were then submitted and passed unanimously.
Whereas by an inscrutable dispensation of Divine Providence, our beloved fellow-maker, David W[hite] Fisher of Alabama has been taken from our midst; and whereas the mournful duty devolves upon us, as members of that society to which he was attached, to enter upon our records some suitable testimony of our grief at the loss which we together with his family have sustained in the death of one so young and so universally esteemed; Therefore be it unanimously resolved, that we deeply sympathize with the family of the deceased, who by this melancholy bereavement have been deprived of a relative as dutiful and affectionate, and that we o sincerely tender to them that consolation which one afflicted heart can offer to another. Resolved, that as members of of [sic] the same body, and as fellow-students with whom he was connected by the strongest ties of a prolonged friendship, we deeply lament the irreparable loss which our society has sustained in the death of one of its most beloved members, whose early life gave bright promise of a career alike praiseworthy to himself, and honorable to his family. Resolved, that in token of our esteem for the memory of the deceased, the society adjourn immediately upon the adoption of these resolutions, and that we do wear crape on the left arm for thirty days, and that the members of the Dialectic Society be requested to join us in this last mark of our respect to our departed brother. Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the relatives of the deceased; and also to the Raleigh Register, Standard, Haynesville Chronicle, and Montgomery Advertiser with request for publication.
D[avid] M[iller] Carter
C[laudius] B. Saunders [sic] Committee
T[homas] J. Norcom
In re. Mark Bennett:
Philanthropic Hall
Wednesday 12, November 1851
A Called meeting of Society was held this morning with the attendance of all its members, except Messrs. R[ichard T.] Arrington, [Henry L. or James P.] Battle, [John R., Edward or Richard] Bradford, [David C.] Clark, [Henry F., John P. or Needham B.] Cobb, [James H.] Fitts, [George S. ] Hatch, [Nathaniel C.] Jones, [Robert G., Ivey F. or John W.] Lewis, [Richard B.] Henderson, [Nicholas M.] Long, [John C.] McKethan, [Albert G.] Neville, [Spencer] O'Daniel, [William W.] Peebles, [Theophilus] Perry, [William H.] Powell, W[illiam L.] Saunders, [Peter Evans] Spruill, [William H.] Spencer, [Enoch Jasper] Vann, [James H., Cary, Richard H. or Charles] Whitaker, [George M.] Wite, N[icholas] Williams and [Richard F.] Yarborough. The following motions were then offered and passed--
I move, a committee of three be appointed to draw up suitable resolutions respecting the death of our esteemed fellow member mark Bennett.
[Thomas H.] Gilliam
I move, a committee of three be appointed to draft suitable resolutions concerning of our late member Jesse [R.] Clanton [Clanton joined in 1846]
[Thomas B.] Burton
After which, Society adjourned at 1/4 past 12 o'clock
J[oseph] A[lonzo] manning Pres.
W[illia]m Badham [Jr.] Scriba
The committees appointed were as follows, Messrs. [Thomas H.] Gilliam, [William D.] Barnes & [John W.] Moore on the first, and Messrs. [Thomas B.] Burton, [John M.] Mickle and [john W.] Johnston on the second.
A second meeting of Society was held this evening, with the attendance of all its members, save Messrs. [Richard T.] Arrington, [Edward] Graham, [Richard B.] Henderson, [Nicholas M.] Long, [John C. McKethan, [William W.] Peebles, [William H.] Powell, G[ilbert Mottier] Robinson, [Richard B.] Saunders, W[illiam L.] Saunders, & C[ary or Charles] Whitaker. The following resolutions were then submitted and passed unanimously--
Whereas it hath entered into the wisdom and purposes of God to recall unto himself the life of our beloved member, Mark Bennett of Edgecombe County, North Carolina; the sad but willing duty devolves upon us of expressing this tribute to his memory.
Therefore be it resolved
That we the members of the Philanthropic Society, while submitting with all due reverence to the power, which ordained the event, regret in it the loss of one who honored our principles and adorned our pursuits; that we believe morality, energy, and truth to have been the guides of his actions virtue, wisdom, and proper greatness the objects of his life and the exercise of these qualities during his brief presence amongst us, gave a promise of the fulfillment of all his hopes.
2nd That we deeply deplore the severe affliction and irreparable bereavement, which his parents and relatives have sustained, that we tender to them our true sympathy and the consolation of our belief, that he will receive n a future life the high rewards of human merit,
Resolved 3dly that we in testimony of regard to the character and memory of the deceased, will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and we invite the members of the Dialectic Society to join us in this token of respect to one so worthy of its bestowment,
Resolved 4thly that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the parents of the deceased, and also to the Tarboro Press, Biblical recorder, & Raleigh Register, with the request that they be published in the same.
Thos. H. Gilliam
W.D. Barnes Committee
Jno. W. Moore
Since God has, in the exercise of his omniscience, seen fit, for ends known only unto himself, to cut off in the first stage of manhood, our esteemed fellow member Jesse R. Clanton of Halifax be it unanimously resolved by the Philanthropic Society:
That in the early death of one so well calculated to reflect honor on our Society and to adorn any walk of life, to which his predilection might lead him, we have sustained a loss not easily repaired.
Resolved 2ndly that we participate in the sorrow, of his bereaved parents and near relatives, on account of this mutual misfortune; that their affliction has been enhanced, in proportion as he was possessed of qualities seldom found so highly developed and so thoroughly matured,
Resolved 3dly that the philanthropic Society wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days
Resolved 4thly that a copy of these resolutions be sent to his family and also to the N.C. Patriot, Roanoke R[eport?] & Warrenton News.
T.B. Burton
J.M. Mickle Committee
J.W. Johnston
Then the following motion was offered and passed,
I move that a committee of three be appointed to draft suitable resolutions respecting the death of our late fellow member Richard Hines of Raleigh [There is only one Richard Hines listed by Weeks for this period, he was still living at the time of publication. I do not know to whom Mickle refers]
J[ohn M.] Mickle
On which the president appointed the following committee to report, Mickle, W[illiam H.] Smith & [Charles S.] Bryan. After which, the roll being called, Society adjourned at 15 Min after 6 o'clock.
J[oseph] A[lonzo] Manning, Pres.
W[illia]m Badham, Scriba
In re. David Hilliard
Call Meeting
Philanthropic Hall
Monday, Feb 18th 1856
The Society met by order of the President with the attendance of all its members save Messrs. [Norman, N. Macon, Philip G. or Solomon W. ] Alston, [Peter B.] Bacot and others. A motion was then made by Mr. [Joseph Woorn] Stevenson and seconded by Mr. [Benjamin Blount, Jesse Sharp or George Badger] Barnes to the effect that " the President appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of Society concerning the death of their fellow member, David and [Joshua P.] Perry were accordingly appointed. Mr. T[homas Wilson] Jones moved that 'the resolutions be [not?] submitted to the Society for adoption, before they are sent to Raleigh for publication." The motion was seconded by Mr. [Louis Meredith] Jiggitts and passed by unanimous consent of Society. Mr. C[Alvin] Jones moved that 'the members of the Philanthropic Society wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.' Mr. [James Leonidas] Averitt moved that "the expenses of the committee appointed to convey the remains of Mr. David Hilliard to his father's residence be defrayed from the treasury of the Phi Society. He motion was seconded by Mr. [Joseph Woorn] Stevenson and unanimously passed. After some remarks the president dismissed Society.
D[ougald] P[atterson] McNair Pres.
[Hiram Powell] Harrell Superv.
[William Pinckney] McLean Sec. Pro. Tem.
In re. Joshua P. Perry
Philanthropic Hall
Saturday Morning Ap'l 19th 1856
The Society met this morning in consequence of the death of Joshua P. Perry of Harrison County, Texas, one of its members, the regular business was passed over and a committee consisting of Messrs. [Joseph Buckner] Killebrew, [William Pinckney] McLean and [Hiram Powell] Harrell was appointed to draught resolutions expressive of the sorrow felt by this body for the loss of our of els--members [sic] The president having previously notified the persons comprising the committee that they would be appointed they signified their readiness to present the resolutions. The following were then read and approved:
Philanthropic Society
April 18th 1856
Another and Another! Again and almost before we laid aside the badges of mourning for one of our beloved fellow-students, and ere our grief-stricken hearts have become reconciled to the irrevocable decrees of an All-wise providence, we are startled by another sore visitation. Death has again entered our midst and taken from us our friend-companion, Joshua p. Perry, of Harrison County Texas, who in the pride and vigor of youth, with the flush of health upon his cheek, and the smile of happiness and contentment beaming upon his countenance, walked among us buoyant with hope and in the confident expectations of spending many long years of pleasure and usefulness upon the Earth. Whilst we dare not open our lips but in the praise of the acts of infinite Wisdom, we can but lament that one so youth[?] and generous, so noble in character and firm in purpose, whose life was marked by much amicability and purity, to whom the present was like sunshine, the future without a clod, should have been cut down so young, so suddenly and so far from his home and kindred. Therefore let it be unanimously
Resolved, that in this bereavement we recognize the hand of the Overruling and Omnipotent Power who worketh according to the pleasure of his own will.
Resolved that we tender to his afflicted parents and relations our most heartfelt sympathy, and remember that though our sorrow is great, their s is much greater.
Resolved, that as members of the Society to which he belonged, and as fellow students with whom he was connected by the strongest ties of friendship, we deeply deplore the loss of one from our midst who avoiding every vice preserved himself blameless and above reproach.
Resolved, that we hold in perpetual remembrance the many and excellent virtues which adorned his character--his disinterested friendship, his easiness [sic] of temper, his urbanity of manner, his ingeniousness, and his spotless integrity, and endeavor to improve our own lives by imitating his excellences.
Resolved, that as often as Springtime shall come with its bursting and blossoms and clothe the earth with fresh robes of green we shall recall the memory of him who was cut down in the spring-time of youth and put on robes of immortality while his life was but as yet a garden of flowers presaging fruit in Autumn time.
Resolved, that we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days; enter these resolutions upon our records; transmit a copy to the parents of the deceased and to the Univ. Mag. Raleigh register and Marshall Texas republican with a request to publish the same.
J.B. Killebrew
W.P. McLean Committee
H.P. Harrell
Philanthropic Hall
Sunday Morning Apl 20th 1856
The Society ha a called meeting this morning for the purpose of appointing a committee to confer with the kinsmen of the deceased in relation to the place of his burial; Messrs. [Hiram Powell] Harrell, [Benjamin Blount or Jesse Sharpe] Barnes and [Joseph Buckner] Killebrew were appointed who readily interred in the college burying ground in accordance with the wishes of the Society. There being no other business the Society adjourned at 7 o'clock a.m.