Photograph of Noah Sweat, date unknown,
courtesy of Gloria Buckle
Jan 18 1934
Dillon Herald
Death Closes Life of Mr Noah Sweat
The curtain fell for the last Confederate veteran in the town of Dillon when
death closed the career of Mr Noah sweat Thursday afternoon January 11 the
anniversary of his 91st birthday.
Mr Sweat was born in Marlboro county and was the son of Benjamin and Rebecca Turner Sweat.
He moved to Dillon thirty-six years ago to engage in the mercantile business which he
followed continuously until the day of his death, which occured in his place of business
adjoining his residence. He was very independent and wanted always to be self-supporting.
After the death of his second wife his children wished him to make his home with them
but he preferred to live in the little home that was given him for his lifetime by
F.L. Bethea and where he spent peaceful days with his beloved pipe, and thoughts of
"The Lost Cause"
At the beginning of the War Between the States Mr Sweat enlisted in Co E 23rd Regiment
South Carolina Provisional Army. He was wounded in battle prior to 1862 but was later able
to return to duty and fought until the war ended in April 1865.
Sellers' History of Marion County, in speaking of the South Carolina volunteers said:
" Noah Sweat wounded, living at time history was written." The same indomitable will
that let "carry on" then was noticeable in his late years, and among the firm beliefs
which could not be shaken, was that his long beard was the cause of his good eye-sight.
A number of years ago he made a trip to the barber until he discovered that his eyes
were giving him trouble. After this he allowed his beard to grow. As the beard grew,
Mr Sweat said his eyes became stronger and his vision cleared.
His last request was that no one be allowed to shave him after his death.
Funeral services were held at the Baptist church at Kirby's Crossroads and the
Rev Roy Arnett, pastor of the Second Baptist church of Dillon, officiated.
Interment was in the church cemetery.
The pallbearers were J. Earle Bethea, Pierce Alford, C.E. Anderson, Eugene Stanton, Casper
Hamilton, and Vernie Lane.
Surviving are five children of the second marriage, John Sweat, Rocky Mount N.C. Mrs.
Lizzie Tart, Fairmont N.C. Mrs Rebecca Powers and Mrs Lula Powers Dillon county; 35 grand-
children and a number of great grandchildren.
The death of Mr Sweat thins our ranks of the Confederate veterans in Dillon county down to
four............
Copyright © 2003, 2005 Victoria Proctor. All rights reserved.