BRYANT B. NEWKIRK.


On the morning of Feb. 22nd, 1913, God in his infinite wisdom, called to his
eternal reward. Bryan Benjamin Newkirk,of Sampson Co. He was the son of Joseph
and Catherine Newkirk, and the only surviving grandson of Abraham and Rachel
Rhodes Newkirk. He was born Feb 5, 1834. His mother dying when he was only
three years old, he with his little sisters and brothers were reared by his
grandmother, Rachel Rhodes, at the old Newkirk homstead, which place he owned,
lived at and where he died.
He was married Thursday before Christmas, Dec 1852, to Miss Mary Ann Gafford
Bonham, by Rev. Colon Shaw. Thirteen children were born to complete the
happiness of his married life. As a husband he was devoted, tender and gentle
in every way that pertained to his home life. He was heard to say a few days
before he died, " I love Mary better every day I live." He was never happier
than when she was seated by his side. He was an affectionate and indulgent
father and of such a bright, happy, sunny dispositioneverkept his family and
many friends amused by his anecdotes of ante-bellum days.
He was a Condederate soldier in Company E, with E. J. Ward, Captain, under
command of Ceneral Whiting. He was present and looking on the scend when Fort
Fisher fell. His comrades say that he was brave and ever ready to defend the
cause he deemed just. He was the only surviing grandson of Abraham Newkirk, who
dired the fataal shot at the battle of Moore's Creek bridge, and grand-nephew of
Colonel Rhodes, who fought so valiantly in the same battle.
Mr. Newkirk was converted at a revival held by Rev. David Wells and Rev. W. D.
Kennedy. He with his wife and 73 others, were baptized on Sunday morning.
August 14th, 1863. He joined the Baptist church at Wells Chapel, where he
remaineda constant memberuntil his death.
His traits of Christian character which made his life an exemplary one, had
been a benediction, and an inspiration to his friends and the community in which
he was born and reared. In his declining years he was often heard humming his
favorite hymn, " I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord". The passing away of this good man
brings us into a keen realiztion of our loss, and what his life meant to his
family and host of friends. We can only say, as the poet:

"Let us be patient;
These severe afflictions
Not from the gound arise;
But oftentimes Celestial benedictions
Assume this dark disquise."
We should remember, however, that " God's plans, like lillies, white and pure
unfold. We must not tear the close shut leaves apart. Time will reveal the
calyxes of gold."
Mr. Newkirk was a Mason. His funeral was conducted by Rev. Matt Alderman, and
his remains were laid to rest in the old Newkirk burying ground near his home,
among a concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Marianne Boney, a devoted wife, thirteen
affectionate children and more than a score of grandchildren. His children are:
Mr. Joseph H. Newkirk,Watha, NC: Messrs. James B and Benjamin and Timothy Rhodes
Newkirk, of Wilmington; Mr. Henry Newkirk, Willard; Mr. David Harvy Newirk, Rose
Hill: Mrs. Sarah E. Herring, Burgaw: Mrs. Attella Mason and Miss Mollie Bryant
Newkirk of Wilmington; Misses Catherine, Susan Hill, Hetty Carey and Harriet
Gufford Newkirk, who were with their father when he died.

( written by Virgina Powers, a daughter of Capt. K. B. Powers, who was the
congenial, sincere and life-long friend of the lamented Mr. Newkirk)

- The Wilmington Morning Star Wilmington, North Carolina Sunday, May 25, 1913.


-------------------------