Obituary of
D. C. Carmichael
The Dillon Herald, Dillon, South Carolina
May 26, 1904, Vol. 9, No. 21
A Sad Accident
While sailing in Charleston harbor last Thursday afternoon with
a party of friends Mr. D. C. Carmichael, a well-known citizen of Dillon, was
accidentally drowned. In the boat were six other gentlemen. They were rounding
a point near Fort Sumter probably a mile from shore when one of the gentleman in
the party lost his hat.
The man at the helm promptly brought the boat about and while endeavoring to
recover the lost hat the boat was overturned and the occupants precipitated into
the water. In the confusion which followed it is not known whether Mr.
Carmichael made any attempt to save himself or not. Two of the party clung to
the overturned boat while the others endeavored to swim to the beach. The
life-saving crew came to their rescue and succeeded in saving the three of the
men struggling in the water, and then it was discovered that Mr. Carmichael and
another gentleman whose home was in Fairfield county were missing. About an hour
afterward the bodies were seen floating near the shore and recovered and sent to
the city where they were prepared for burial and sent home next morning.
Mr. Carmichael moved to Dillon about four years ago from his plantation
across Little Pee Dee River and during his residence here made many friends who
were shocked beyond expression when they heard of the terrible fate which
overtook him Thursday afternoon. He lived a modest unassuming life, giving
almost entire time to his own affairs, and never speaking ill of the affairs or
habits of others. He was liked by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by
all classes.
Mr. Carmichael was twice married, his first wife being a
Miss McKinnon, of North Carolina. Two children were born of this union, Mr. N.
J. Carmichael, of the Hamer section and Mr. Douglas Carmichael, of Florida.
Later in life he was married to Miss Samantha Walters, of Fair Bluff, N.
C., who along with four children, Mr. W. H. Carmichael, of Charlotte, N. C., Mr.
D. C. Carmichael, Jr., of Dillon, Miss Fannie Carmichael, and Mrs. S. J.
Braswell, of Fork survive him.
He was an honored member of Mackey Lodge
A. F. M., and his body was laid to rest with Masonic honors at the McDuffie
burying ground Saturday morning, in the presence of an immense gathering of
friends and relatives. The eulogy was delivered in a very solemn and impressive
manner by Capt. A. T. Harllee. Peace to his ashes.
Transcribed by Helen B. Moody from microfilm at the Dillon Library,
Dillon, South Carolina
[Note: "D.C." was Duncan Calvin Carmichael, son of Dougald B. Carmichael and
Flora McLellan. -- vp]
Copyright © 2002, 2005 Victoria Proctor. All rights reserved.