Barnes, Tod R. Caldwell, C. C. Graham, Lucius I. Johnston, Wm. Johnston, O. H. Prince, William M. Shipp, Calvin A. Wiley and others. He was elected to the Senate in 1852-'4-'6 and 8; was a member of the Convention 1861, (secession.) Reelected to the Senate in 1864, '66-'72 and 1876. Councillor of State under Govrs. Ellis and Clark, and member of the Convention of 1875. These manifestations of public confidence and regard evince the proper appreciation of Mr. Cunningham's integrity and ability. He married Miss Sue Somerville of Warrenton.
CHAPTER XLIV.
PITT COUNTY.
Dr. Robert Williams of Pitt County, was distinguished in the Revolutionary War, as a devoted Patriot, a skilful Surgeon and able Physician. He served as surgeon during the whole war, and after the war was over he devoted his services to his extensive practice. He was selected by the people to fill many positions of honor and trust. He was a member of the Convention that met at Hillsboro, July 21st, 1788, to consider the Federal Constitution; and was repeatedly elected to the Legislature of the State for nearly thirty years, [from 1786 to 1814.] He was also a member of the Convention of 1835, that met at Raleigh to revise the State Constitution.
He died in Pitt County on November 12, 1842, aged 83, much esteemed and much regretted.
Byran Grimes, Major-General C. S. A., born Nov. 2, 1828; died Aug. 14, 1880.
"----He was not born to shame; Upon his brow shame was ashamed to sit, For it was a throne where Honor might be crowned Sole monarch of the universal earth."
The tragic death of General Grimes, and the assassin-like mode by which it was accomplished, produced a thrill of sorrow throughout the State, and added interest to the exalted traits that adorned his character. He was born, lived, and died in Pitt County.
There are few counties in North Carolina whose early record is more distinguished by devotion to liberty than the county of Pitt Its inhabitants, as early as July, 1775, under the ties of religion, honor and regard for posterity, resolved to execute the measures of the General Congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, and to oppose the execution of the arbitrary and illegal acts of the British Parliament." These resolutions were signed by John Simpson, chairman, and ninety-two others. Among these signers was the great-grand father of General Grimes. His grand-father [William] was a leading and influential patriot, and represented Pitt County in 1793 and '94, the date of his death. His father, whose
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