by the resignation of H. G. Burton, elected Governor. He was the first Moderator of the Chowan Baptist Association, established in 1806.
His fine personal appearance, his kind, genial manners, and his generous, charitable temper, rendered him universally popular. His son, George B. Outlaw, succeeded him in the State Senate, in 1823 and 1824, whose widow (nee Jordan) married Governor John Branch.
Thomas Miles Garret was a resident of this county, and lived near Colerain. His education was good. He was prepared for college by John Kimberly, and graduated in 1851, in same class with David M. Carter, Bartholomew Fuller, Francis E. Shober and others. He read law, and by his diligence and capacity attained renown. But the war broke out, and he joined the army. He was brave and devoted to the cause, and fell in battle as colonel, at the head of his regiment, amid the horrors of that fearful conflict. He remarked on the eve of the engagement that the day would end with a general's wreath or with his life. Both were verified. A commission arrived next day as brigadier, but too late!
There are but few persons in North Carolina who did not know David Outlaw (born about 1805 and died 1868,) and appreciate his estimable character. He was born, lived and died in Bertie County. He was endowed by nature with a clear and penetrating mind, which was highly improved by a liberal education. He graduated in 1824 at the University of the State, at the head of his class. When it is recollected who composed this class, and their mental material, this high honor will be appreciated. Among them were Daniel B. Baker, Benjamin B. Blume, John Bragg, member of the Legislature, member of Congress, and Judge in Alabama; James W. Bryan, distinguished lawyer, Senator 1836 from Jones County; Thomas Dews, of Lincolnton; William A. Graham, Governor of North Carolina, Senator in Congress, Secretary of the Navy; Matthias E. Manly, Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts; Augustus Moore, Judge of Superior Courts; Edward D. Simms, member of Congress, 1824, from South Carolina. In even this galaxy of merit and talent Mr. Outlaw was conspicuous.
He studied law with that able and accomplished jurist, William Gaston, and by his assiduity, ability and labor did credit to his accomplished preceptor. He was admitted to the bar in 1827, and soon rose to the front rank of his profession. For years he was the Solicitor of the Edenton Circuit, in which responsible position he won the respect, confidence and admiration of the bench, bar and juries. When to his discriminating judgment, oppression or persecution was attempted, he was mild and yielding, but when the law was violated, no matter by whom, high or low, indigent or wealthy, it was firmly vindicated.
Naturally generous and just, though resolute, he was universally popular. His warm and enthusiastic temper was often roused when duplicity or artifice was attempted; and he would assail his victim with resistless power and matchless eloquence. This trait in his character was well known to his associates at the bar, as also to the community at large. Often has the trembling offender of justice, when on trial, whispered to counsel, "Don't make Outlaw mad, for if you do, I shall not have any chance to escape." He was truly "a terror unto evil-doers, and a praise to them who do well." "To the just, he was mild and gentle; but to the froward he was as fierce as fire."
Such a man could not fail to secure regard and respect. He was frequently elected a member of the Legislature, and was elected member of the 30th (1847,) 31st (1849,) and 32d (1851) Congresses. Here his unbending integrity, his unselfish patriotism, his unquestioned
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