CAPT. R. B. GADDY

The death of Risden B. Gaddy, at his home in Polkton, on the 13th day of March, 1899, after a protracted illness removes a kind-hearted, polite gentleman from our midst.

The son of Joel Gaddy and his wife, Mary Bennett, he was born near Poplar Hill, Anson County, August 19th, 1838. His father was a successful farmer of mild disposition, sound sense and many virtues. His mother was a sincere Christian woman.

He grew up with farm-life surroundings such as existed in close order all over Anson in those days. Every influence tending to mould a truthful, manly and self-reliant youth existed in the very order and economy of that life.

At an early age he was put to school. The best schools were sure of a good clientage in them times. He studied at Rockingham under the Reverend George Badger Wetmore, boarding much of the time at the home of Honorable Walter L. Steele, for whom he formed, as a youth, and sustained until the end, an admiration bordering on affection. He was much impressed with the character of Mrs. Steele. I have heard talk these latter years in most grateful terms of these good people, who may too soon be forgotten.

It is one of the most melancholy reflections about death that it consigns to quick oblivion, certainly immediate forgetfulness, many men, and more women, who have lived patient, virtuous and useful lives. It is a serious thing to be forgotten.

He studied at the Anson Institute under A. McIver and his cousin, who assisted in the teaching. He lodged from Mondays until Fridays at the comfortable home of Judge Alexander Little (God bless his dear memory). He was in the class with our mayor, Julius A. Little, James C. Marshall, Dr. J. A. McRae and a numerous company besides who have gone before him.

He maintained his stand in the class with ease, and from this school he joined the Freshman class at Davidson College in 1855. Here his capacity for long and arduous study was completely established. He was an intellectual man. Set him a task to do in text books and he did it as quickly and as well, or better, than any of his class-mates at college. In his Sophomore year Armstead Burwell, of Charlotte, joined the college. Thenceforward these two contested for first honors. It was head to head all the way through. Mr. Gaddy joined the Presbyterian church while in college. At the graduation the honors fell to Mr. Gaddy. They were not begrudged.

He decided to study law and began to read with Messrs. Ashe & Hargrave. He was halting in his law studies - read out at the farm and came to town to recite. The outbreak of the war startled all our peaceful pursuits.

Mr. Gaddy joined the troop of horse raised by the Rev. Mr. Johnson and served in this arm of the service until the war closed. He was promoted to be Commissary of Subsistence and as such acted with his regiment until the immense calamity at Appomattox. He came home and went to work energetically on the farm.

He married Fannie, daughter of Rev. A. E. Bennett, January 29, 1874. She survives him with two daughters and one son. He joined the Missionary Baptist church more than twenty years ago and has been active in the duties of a member ever since. He was very active in Sunday School work and in the discussion of questions involved in the work of the church. He was imbued with a religious feeling.

As a business man Mr. Gaddy did not prove a success. If he had hit his specialty, as we often said to him, he would have taken a professor's place in a college and worked out his true mission. Reflection is at fault when expended on what might have been the culmination of this or that life, directed in other channels of learning than the channel followed.

Mr. Gaddy contributed to the entertainment of newspaper readers by his writings, which were devoted in the main to the social life of our people before the war, and to sports, customs and diversions, which amused and relieved the strain of constant seriousness. These contributions will prove more interesting - it may be very precious - after some time be passed.

After all the man is best remembered after death whose heart has been tenderest, whose countenance has been kindliest, whose cheerfulness has been constant, and whose end has been just.

B.

Risden B Gaddy