THE Old North State Forever.”
a song that will live as long
as the Old North State itself,
will ever be cherished by those
who like to sing the song begin¬
ning:
‘‘Carolina! Carolina! Heaven’s
blessings attend her."
Few of the younger generation
know anything about William Gas¬
ton, who should be remembered
not only as the author of our state
song but who should also be held
up as a model of talent and virtue.
William Gaston began life in a
sad way, as his father. Dr. Alex¬
ander Gaston, a native of Ireland
and a man of letters, was killed
when William was only three years
of age. Dr. Gaston came to this
country and settled in New Bern
several years before the Revolu¬
tion. As New Bern was the scene
of many British atrocities and
bloody murders, feeling naturally
ran high between the Whigs and
Tories. The death of Dr. Gaston
is an example of one of the worst
horrors of the strife.
When the Tories gathered to at¬
tack New Bern, in August, 1791,
Dr. Gaston fled, with his wife and
two children, knowing that he
would lose his life if he fell into
their hands. As he stepped into the
boat to go down the river in search
of a place of safety, the Tories
came up. One of them
raised his rifle and,
leveling it over Mrs.
Gaston’s shoulder, shot
her husband. Thus.
William was fatherless
at the age of three,
but he grew up to be
as brilliant a man of
letters as his father
had been. With the
exception of Dr.
Mitchell, William Gas¬
ton was probably one
of the most learned
men who ever lived in
the state, having filled
many positions of
trust.
One of the fondest
moments of his life
was when he grad¬
uated with first honors
from Princeton. Even
as a child, he was un¬
usually quick and bril¬
liant, always standing
at the head of his class.
When he was seven
years of age, one of his
classmates said to him,
“William, why is it
that you are always at
William
Gaston
He was one of IX'orlli Car¬
olina's truly great citi¬
zens. Thousands sing our
state song without know¬
ing that he was the author
of it.
By MAJEL IVEY SEAY
the head of your class and I am
always at the foot?" to which he
replied. ‘‘There is a reason, and if
I tell you, you must keep it a
secret and do as I do. Whenever
I take up a book to study. I first
pray a little prayer my mother
taught me, that I may be able to
learn my lessons."
To this lesson: "If anyone lack
wisdom, let him ask God," William
attributed not only his success in
school, but all the later successes
in life.
After graduating from Prince¬
ton. he studied law and arose to
the head of his profession. After
holding many prominent positions,
his success was climaxed by his
being elected a judge of the Su¬
preme Court of North Carolina,
making a most capable and consci¬
entious judge. Judge Ruffin, chief
justice of the Supreme Court at
the time, described him with a
most fitting phrase, "he was a good
judge and a good man," a simple
but expressive tribute.
Judge Gaston died as he had
lived. One morning he suffered
from faintness while performing
his duties as judge in the court¬
house at Raleigh and was carried
to his room. That evening a few
friends gathered around him. He
seemed unusually cheerful and the
conversation touched many themes.
The question of whether or not
there is a God was brought up.
Raising himself in bed so as to
speak with greater force, he said.
"We must believe and feel that
there is a God. all-wise and al¬
mighty." He fell back dead as the
last word was uttered.
Though the man has died, his
song and his memory will live for¬
ever.
It is said that Judge Gaston
wrote the song, "The Old North
State Forever,” because of some
sneering remark made by an out¬
sider relative to North Carolina,
her people and her resources. It
met with enthusiastic
reception in all sec¬
tions of North Caro¬
lina, and it wasn’t
long before adults and
children were singing
it on all suitable and
appropriate occasions.
The melody has oft
been declared by noted
musicians to be one of
the most inspiring that
ever has been written.
Every North Caro¬
linian should be proud
of it: and also of the
words. Despite this
fact, however there are
comparatively few citi¬
zens who know the
words of one or more
verses. One of the
things that the schools
of the state should do
by all means is to
make every pupil learn
the words and the
music. There is noth¬
ing more inspiring
than to hear a group
of North Carolinians
sing their state song
and sing it correctly.
3
THE OLD NORTH STATE FOREVER!
Corolina! Carolina! Heaven's blessings attend her!
While we live we will cherish, protect ond defend her;
Though the scorner may sneer at and witlings defome her.
Our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her.
Hurrah! Hurrah! the Old North Stole forever!
Hurrah! Hurrah! the good Old North State!
Though she envies not others their merited glory,
Soy, whose name stands the foremost in Liberty's story?
Though too true to herself e'er to crouch to oppression
Who can yield to just rule more loyal submission?
Ploin ond artless her sons, but whose doors open faster
At the knock of the stranger or the tale of disoster?
How like to the rudeness of their dear native mountains.
With rich ore in their bosoms and life in their fountains!
And her daughters, the queen of the forest resembling.
So graceful, so constant, yet to gentlest breath trembling,
And true lightwood at heart; let the motch be applied them.
How they kindle and flame! Oh, none know but who'vc tried
them.
Then let all who love us, love the land that we live in
(As happy a region os on this side of Heaven),
Where Plenty and Freedom, Love ond Peace, smile before us.
Raise aloud, raise together, the hcort-thrilling chorus!
— Williom Gaston.
THE STATE. F EBRUARY 16. 1946
