Davidson College - Quips and Cranks Yearbook (Davidson, NC)

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Hon. William Preston Bynum e ' ) ONORABLE WILLIAM PRESTON BYNUM was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, June K 20th, 1 820. Sketches of the lives of his ancestors would be a good history of Revolutionary days. He entered Davidson College in 1837, the year it was founded. In 1 842 he graduated the first man of his class. Having been prepared by Chief Justice Richmond Pearson, he secured his law license and began the practice of his pro- fession in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Judge Bynum soon became prominent in legal and polit- ical circles. When the Civil War was agitated he was, as were so many of our best citizens, opposed to secession and often lifted his voice for the preservation of the Union. But, like Lee, when his own State withdrew and began to take up arms, Judge Bynum made her cause his cause. For two years he served his country as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second North Carolina Regiment. After the battle of Sharps- burg he was made Colonel. From 1863 to 1874 Colonel Bynum was Solicitor of the Sixth Judicial District. This office at this time was a most difficult one, and the masterly, impartial manner in which Colonel Bynum conducted his prosecutions won for him the honored name he bears throughout our State. Among the offices performed for his coun- trymen are: membership in the Constitutional Convention, Representa- tive in the State Senate, and as member of the Supreme Court bench for five years. The court reports which contain the opinions written by him show his great legal ability, and power to use the same in wise adminis- tration of justice. In opposition to much solicitation. Judge Bynum refused re-election and retired to private life, from which in vain his countrymen have tried to take him with offers of many positions, even including the can- didacy for Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1873 his Alma Mater gave him the degree of LL. D., which has never been more worthily bestowed. Since 1878 and up to very recently. Judge Bynum has practiced law in Charlotte. Not content with giving his whole life to his fellowmen. Judge Bynum, through hiS wise liberality, will continue to bless yet unborn generations. Today Davidson ' s oldest living Alumnus, and one of the noblest men of our Southland, we are glad to pay this poor tribute to The last o f the Romans.

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THE LAST OF THE ROMANS. The last of the Romans says few words to any man. and is seen oftenasl as he bends hi s whited head and waters his roses. He has finished with the long fray — has seen all there is lo see in life; euid now. in the evening, he leaves the haunts of men and leans tenderly over the smallest rosebud that blossoms in the tangled hedge. He IS the most striking figure thai comes on these streets; and he walks alone and unheeding save when he is stopped now and then by one who would ask a kindness. He. who ha3 seen all his generation pass into dust, has found solitude without courting it. but since it has come he takes it as a philosopher unafraid— clear-syed, strong, straight, not stooping except where the roses grow. If he has always cared for flowers, that is not known. He has been in the great, tumultuous struggles and has done his part therein. Maybe he had no time for flowers then, but he loves them now. and makes them supreme in the interest of his living. They keep the last of the Romans from being too severe; and he is very human and approachable as he — distinguished jurist and gentleman — stands by the rosebush, still touched with the glories of the dymg sun. ( Idle Comments. by I. E. Avery.)

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Editorial T one time in the course of Davidson events the students decided to get out an an- nual volume which was to present a complete picture of college life as it is en cur campus. Suffice it to say, we have kept up the practice certainly a AAise one, we believe and consequently Quips and Cranks, 1909 is before you. To those, both oft and on the Staff, who have helped in the making of this book we ex- tend the heartiest thanks; and finally, to the reader, we would say, that should he find pleasure or profit in the perusal of this volume we will consider ourselves excellently rewarded for our work.