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This Week's Story

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BERTIE'S GRAND OLD MAN ~ JUDGE F. D. WINSTON

The following news articles from the Bertie Ledger-Advance were researched
by Neil Baker, courtesy of Lawrence Memorial Library, Windsor NC

Tribute Paid to Judge Winston
on His 83rd Birthday

October 11, 1940

The Bertie County Bar Association Monday morning during a recess of the court paid tribute to Judge Francis D. Winston for having reached his 83rd birthday and commemorated the 11th anniversary of the creation of the Bertie General County Court, of which he is judge.

A resolution read by President M. B. Gillam was unanimously adopted and half a dozen members of the association paid tribute to the veteran judge.

The resolution is as follows:

Resolved ~ That on this the eleventh anniversary of the beginning of the General County Court for Bertie County, and the eighty-third birthday of its illustrious presiding judge since its organization on the first Monday in October 1929, we, the members of the Bertie County Bar, in recognition of the able, conscientious and valuable services rendered to his county and state by the Honorable Francis Donnell Winston, the distinguished Judge of this court, take this opportunity to place upon permanent record our sincere appreciation of his fair, impartial and courteous consideration of the members of the Bar, and of his humane and judicious disposition of justice.

Resolved ~ That we rejoice with him on this his natal day and congratulate him on the attainment of his eighty-third birthday still enjoying reasonable health and strength and wish for him many more years of useful service to his county and state.

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Judge Winston Still Nimble

January 10, 1941

Judge Francis D. Winston is proud of every one of his 80-odd years, but he still contends a man is as young as he feels.

The Judge is an habitual early riser and usually has finished his morning walk before many of the people of Windsor have eaten their breakfast. But Tuesday morning, he got to the courthouse earlier than usual and found the door locked.

Rather than wait around for the janitor, Judge Winston raised a window and crawled into the courtroom.

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Death Overtakes Bertie's Grand Old Man
Tuesday Night Following a Series
of Heart Attacks

January 31, 1941

Windsor's business houses closed unanimously Wednesday afternoon and the largest funeral crowd in the town's history crowded the church and yards of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and even flowed over into the street for the funeral of Judge Francis Donnell Winston, 83, "Bertie's Grand Old Man." Death had come to Bertie's first citizen Tuesday night at 6:40 following the beginning last Thursday of a series of heart attacks.

A crowd, estimated at well over one thousand, witnessed the burial under a huge magnolia tree in the yard near the front door of the church after services had been conducted in the auditorium of the little church by Bishop Thomas C. Darst of Wilmington and the Rev. Lewis F. Schenck, pastor of St. Thomas. Masonic services were conducted at the grave by John H. Anderson of Raleigh, a past grand master of North Carolina Masonry and present grand secretary of the grand lodge, and members of Charity Lodge No. 5 of Windsor.

Present in the throng were scores of North Carolina notables, including a two-car delegation from the N. C. General Assembly, headed by J. A. Pritchett of Windsor, Bertie representative, and Archie C. Gay, of Jackson, Bertie-Northampton senator, and another delegation from the University of North Carolina, headed by Marion Saunders, secretary of the alumni association, and R. B. House, dean of students.

Included in the bevy of notables were H. S. Ward, former congressman; Superior Court Judge R. Hunt Parker of Roanoke Rapids, Judge W. Dare Boone of Winton, and Judge Eric Norfleet of Jackson.

Following brief services in the church, the casket was carried to the grave by L. S. Mizelle, Bertie register of deeds; George C. Spoolman, Bertie clerk of court; J. B. Cherry, Bertie County treasurer; J. B. Davenport, chairman of the Bertie Democratic executive committee; Henry Spruill, Windsor attorney; and F. M. Dunstan, sheriff of Bertie County. Members of the Windsor Masonic Lodge formed a guard of honor.

"Bertie's Grand Old Man" was a former state legislator, Superior Court judge, and lieutenant governor, and was the oldest trustee of the University of North Carolina in point of age and service. For 12 years he had been judge of Bertie County General Court, and he presided at its last session, on January 6th.

Survivors are his wife, the former Rosa Mary Kenney of Portsmouth, Va., whom he married in 1899; a brother, Robert Watson Winston of Chapel Hill; and a sister, Mrs. Robert Winston Spruill of Rocky Mount and New York.

Francis Donnell Winston was born in Windsor on October 1, 1857, a son of Patrick Henry and Martha Elizabeth Byrd Winston. He attended Fetter School, Henderson, and Horner and Graves School, Oxford. He left Horner's in May 1873, and went to Cornell University, where he studied journalism and literature.

Judge Winston was the first student to enter the University of North Carolina when it reopened after the Civil War. He gained that distinction by beating his brother in a foot-race up Strowds Hill. He was graduated from the University in 1879 with an A.B. degree.

For two years, he was clerk of court for Bertie County, and during that time read law with his father. He entered Dick and Dillard's Law School, Greensboro, and in January 1881 was licensed to practice. He at once took over a large part of the practice of his father, whose health had failed, and also assumed management of the thousands of acres of his father's estate.

In 1887 he represented Bertie and Northampton counties in the State Senate. It was at that time that he was elected a University trustee. He represented Bertie in the State House in 1898, 1900 and 1927.

He served as judge of the Second Judicial District, by appointment of Governor Aycock; as lieutenant governor under Governor Glenn, 1905-09; as United States district attorney for the Eastern District, by appointment of President Wilson, 1914-16; and as emergency judge of Superior Court, appointed by Governor McLean.

Judge Winston was a popular after-dinner speaker, and he gave talks and addresses in North Carolina's 100 counties. For nearly 70 years he was a member of his church choir.

Active in Masonic circles for many years, Judge Winston was North Carolina Grand Master of Masons in 1907-08, and was chiefly responsible for erection of the Masonic Temple in Raleigh. He was a member of the North Carolina and American Bar associations, and was president of the state association in 1911-12.

Judge Winston was a member of the Democratic Second Congressional District Committee for 15 years, and of the Democratic State Executive Committee for the same length of time. He presided at the state convention in 1912.

One of Judge Winston's brothers, the late George Taylor Winston, was president of the University of North Carolina, the University of Texas, and North Carolina State College. Another brother, the late Patrick Henry Winston, was prominent as an editor.

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A Tribute

By M. B. Gillam, President, Bertie Bar Association

At his home, Windsor Castle, Windsor, North Carolina, where he had lived practically all of his life, Francis Donnell Winston went to sleep on Tuesday, January 28, 1941, at 6:40 p.m. to awaken no more until the final call comes to those who have been faithful to the trusts committed to them is sounded.

It becomes my pleasure, and I feel my duty, as one who has known him for all my life, and whose family ties, while not those of blood kin, have been very close, to give this evidence as to his value as a citizen and worth to his community.

The Judge, as we all like to call him, was born on October 2, 1857, at his home, Windsor Castle, and has lived in Bertie County all of his life with the exception of the days spent in college and a short time in Franklin County.

As a young man approaching his maturity, he lived in the home of my father and mother, he then being on the force of the Albemarle Times, a paper published in Windsor and of which his brother, Patrick H. Winston Jr., and my father, Moses Gillam, were the owners and editors. He was one of my mother's closest friends, and I have often heard her talk of the time he spent in her home and of delivering notes for him to his boyhood sweetheart.

I also recall that he was the only man of her acquaintance that she called by a given name, Frank, which he seemed to greatly appreciate.

The Judge had a wide and full life, having been a leader in the practice of law in this section, an able and efficient legislator, and a wise counsellor in matters of business. As a host, and for many years his home was the center of the social life of the county, he was lovable and hospitable, and many of us now approaching maturity remember with much pleasure the pleasant hours spent with him and his good wife.

As a citizen he was worthwhile, taking a deep interest in all that was for the best of his community. As a churchman he was loyal and useful. As a family man, I know of no man more loyal than he. For years he remained single on account of the need he felt that his mother had for his care, but when he met Miss Rosa Mary Kenney, he felt that even the need of his mother could not interfere with his need of this young and charming woman in his life and as his help-meet, which she has truly been, fitting well into the family life.

I could say much more relative to the life of the Judge and recall many incidents in his life, both private and public, but time forbids at this time. It does give me pleasure to say that he presented me to the bar, signed my certificate of character, when I applied for my license, and was present and participated in the swearing in of my son as a member of the Bertie County bar.

A lovable and worthwhile man has gone from us; let us in the days yet ours, remember his virtues, forget his follies if he had any, and who does not; and ever strive to make of ourselves, citizens as useful and worthwhile as he.

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Governor Eulogizes
late Judge Winston

Raleigh ~ The death of Judge Francis D. Winston Tuesday occasioned a statement of tribute by Governor Broughton, and both presiding officers in the General Assembly prepared to name committees to attend his funeral.

"In the more than four-score years of his unique career, Judge Francis D. Winston served his community and state with fidelity and distinction," Governor Broughton stated. "He had a notable part in many important undertakings, and was one of the most distinguished and useful alumni of the University of North Carolina. The entire state will mourn his passing."

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(UNC) President Graham Pays
tribute to Judge Winston

President Frank P. Graham and other University officials today paid high tribute to Judge Francis D. Winston of Windsor, oldest trustee in point of service, who died last night.

The first student to reach the University for the reopening following the War Between the States, Judge Winston had served continuously on the board of trustees for 54 years and last June he attended his 61st consecutive commencement.

Dr. R. B. House, dean of administration, and Alumni Secretary J. Maryon Saunders were among University representatives who went to Windsor today for the funeral.

President Graham, who was up today for the first time following an attack of influenza, was ordered by his physician not to make the trip to Windsor, but his first official act was to send a telegram to Mrs. Winston, who with full, happy devotion blessed Judge Winston's long life to the end.

"As first student of the reopened University, as oldest trustee in unbroken service, as appreciative champion of all three institutions of the consolidated University, Judge Winston represented a University epoch," President Graham said.

"His eloquence, charm, wit and insights made him for decades the alumni reunion toastmaster nonpareil."

President Graham, who recently was with Judge Winston in his Windsor home, observed that his "fine zest for life was victorious over his more than four-score years. His death is a great loss to us all, deeply personal to trustees, administration, faculty and alumni of the University which he loved as part of his own life. We will sorely miss him and warmly treasure his loyalty, friendship, and high public service always."

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Resolution of Respect

WHEREAS, Francis Donnell Winston was born in Bertie County on October 2, 1857, and died on January 28, 1941, at the advanced age of eighty-three; and

WHEREAS, he spent a long and active life in the service of his county and state; and

WHEREAS, he was physically fit, intellectually strong, and morally and spiritually clean and upright, and measured by every standard was a great man and a useful citizen; and

WHEREAS, he was influential in legislative halls, upright and impartial as a Judge, strong and convincing as a lawyer, persuasive as a public speaker, Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of County Commissioners and other public officials of Bertie County to publicly express to the widow and relatives their sorrow at his passing;

Now, Therefore, be it resolved:

That in the death of Francis Donnell Winston, the people of Bertie County have lost one of its best known and most useful citizens;

That we extend our deep sympathy and express our sense of loss to his widow and relatives, and deeply mourn with them his passing;

That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Rosa K. Winston, his widow; a copy spread upon the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners, and a copy furnished the press.

Respectfully submitted,

GEO. C. SPOOLMAN
L. S. MIZELLE
J. B. DAVENPORT
Committee

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Judge Winston gave the oration at the placing of the cornerstone for the
Bertie County Courthouse in 1887. You can read that speech
in The Poor Town News Archives, issue No. 40

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This Week's Verse

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The King is taking a ride today;
they have hung with purple his carriage-way;
they have dressed with purple the royal track,
where the King goes forth and never comes back.

Let no man labor as he goes by
on his last appearance to mortal eye.
With heads uncovered let all men wait
for the King to pass in his regal state.

Army and Navy shall lead the way
for that wonderful coach of the King's today.
Kings and Princes and Lords of the land
shall ride behind him, an humble band.

And over the city and over the world
shall flags of all nations be half-mast furled,
for the silent gentleman of royal birth
who is riding away from the courts of earth.

(Adapted.   Ella Wheeler Wilcox.)

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This Week's Mailbox

In the interests of everyone's privacy, only the letter-writer's name
and general location will be used here ~ unless the addition
of an URL or an address is approved by the writer

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...... I enjoyed your article on baseball and our small-town legends (Poor Town News 68). I remember my grandfather, Perry Morris, was a left-handed pitcher for a Lewiston-Woodville team. He was very good, but they played on weekends as they had other jobs to hold down, and I remember going to many of his games ...... The old uniforms were very hot and heavy material, and they had to be spotless when the game started! He played with such fervor that you would think it was "the big leagues"! This was probably in the middle 1940s. ~ Elizabeth H. Wiggins, Hudson, Florida.

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...... I read something some time back to the effect that the majority of the "best" baseball players came from North Carolina, and that the little town of Whiteville has produced the majority (of them). I don't know this to be a fact, but I did find it interesting that N.C. has such great baseball players and fans. ~ Norma Scott, Florida.

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...... Readers of The Poor Town News No. 68 can check out "Dick Newsome Baseball Statistics, by Baseball Almanac" by clicking here. ~ James Burgwyn Pearce, North Carolina.

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...... Thank you for contacting Baseball Almanac ...... I finally made the time to visit (The Poor Town News Archives) today and thoroughly enjoyed your work. I even added a quote you made (from PTN No. 68) into the Dick Newsome bio on my site. Edited and uploaded at 5:10 p.m. March 26, 2003 ...... Perhaps you could share that link with your readers (for those looking for his career stats) ...... You also said on one line, "You could look it up." ...... This page will provide that service for them as well: Click DiMaggio's streak ...... An off-topic note: If you are able to support Baseball Almanac's efforts to preserve the history of our national pastime, please send a donation to the (following) address. The Almanac "family" costs more than $1,000 per month to operate and it needs your assistance. Anything you can send will be very helpful and greatly appreciated: Baseball Almanac, 11400 SW 40th Terrace, Miami FL 33165-4605 ...... Take care and thanks again. ~ Sean Holtz, Webmaster of the Baseball Almanac "Family" of Sites.

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...... Awwwww. Beautiful couple! (The Baseball Boy and the Cigarette Girl in The Poor Town News No. 68.) I love it!!! ~ Donnie Shores, North Carolina.   Click here for Donnie's web site.

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...... I was reading (The Poor Town News) No. 67 when I ran across John Karanikas' letter, and sent him a note ...... I have started writing (a book). Only two chapters so far, one on baseball. I included some remembrances of my relative, Dick Newsome. I would like to revise it and include some of the material on him that you had in (The Poor Town News) No. 68. ~ Joe Parker, North Carolina.

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...... I just read The Poor Town News, and I have passed it on to three persons to read. (They do not have e-mail) ...... I do remember Dick Newsome, and I remember a young fellow catching behind the school, (with) his back against the brick wall as a backstop ...... I am so glad that I have found you and The Poor Town News ...... I have learned a lot. I am surprised that you and I never met at the Manhattan Cafe ...... Anyway, thank you. I enjoy reading, and so do all the persons that I have passed it on to. Take care. ~ John Karanikas, Maryland.

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