State

"The Old North State Forever," a song that will live as long as the Old North State itself, is cherished even by those who find it a difficult tunc to carry. Few of the younger generation know about William Gaston, who should be remembered not only as the author of our state song but who can also be held up as a model of talent and virtue. William Gaston began life in a tragic way. His father. Dr. Alexander Gas¬ ton. 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 Revolution. As New Bern was the scene of many British atrocities and mur¬ ders. feeling naturally ran high be¬ tween the Whigs and Tories. The death of Dr. Gaston is an example of the strife. When the Tories gathered to attack New Bern, in August. 1791. Dr. Gas¬ ton lied, with his wife and two chil¬ dren, 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 hus¬ band. Thus. William was fatherless at the age of three, but grew up to be as brilliant a man of letters as his father had been. With the exception of Dr. Mitchell. William Gaston was probably one of the most learned men who ever lived in the state, and filled many positions of trust. One of the fondest moments of his life was when he graduated with first honors from Princeton. Even as a child, he was unusually quick and brilliant, 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 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 wis¬ dom, let him ask God," William at¬ tributed not only his success in school, but all the later successes in life. After graduating from Princeton, he 104 State Song Few Лог th Carolinians can sing more than one verse of it? its author was a brilliant man. studied law and rose to the head of his profession. After holding many prominent positions, his success was climaxed by his being elected a judge of the Supreme Court of North Caro¬ lina. making a most capable and con¬ scientious 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 faint¬ ness while performing his duties as judge in the courthouse 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 him¬ self 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 forever. It is said that Judge Gaston wrote the song, "The Old North State Forever," because of some sneering remark made by an outsider relative to North Carolina, her people and her resources. It met with enthusiastic reception in all sections of North Carolina, 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 writ¬ ten. Despite this fact, however, there arc comparatively few citizens who know the words of one or more verses. THK OLI) NORTH STATE FOREVER! Carolina! Carolina! Heaven's blessings attend her! While we live we will cherish, protect and defend her; Though the scorner may sneer at and witlings defame her. Our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her. Hurrah! Hurrah! the Old North State forever! Hurrah! Hurrah! the good Old North State! Though she envies not others their merited glory. Say. 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? Plain and artless her sons, but whose doors open faster At the knock of the stranger or the talc of disaster? 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 match 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 as on this side of Heaven), When Plenty and Freedom, Love and Peace, smile before us. Raise aloud, raise together, the heart-thrilling chorus! — William Gaston THE STATE. Au □ U ST 9. 1958