Page 7 - Robeson Living Summer 2019

Years pass – and now we see the Scotch-man come, From his obituary in The Robesonian February 12, 1923 “Woody,
To build along thy banks a thrifty home – as he was known to practically everyone here and to a large num-
The Redman sees with awe, great clearing made ber throughout the state, was a genius at map drawing, as is evi-
Upon the sandhills sloping to the glade. denced by his extraordinary good map of Robeson county, made
last year. Not only is it a credit to Mr. Lennon, but to the county
The hunting grounds, now yield crops of maize – itself. If he had an enemy it is not known. In his early manhood he
And sheep and cattle in new pastures graze – showed his ability for handling complex things and was appoint-
Before the woodman’s ax, the Redman flee, ed deputy to the clerk of the Superior Court of Robeson county.
Seeking some spot where white men may not be. Many legal problems were solved by Mr. Lennon while he was
attorney for the town of Lumberton. In many instances he was a
Vain hope! for savage men must now give place very valuable asset to the town and during the time he was thus
To men of brawn, and brain, a sturdy race. employed the authorities and town fathers knew that their guid-
The poor Indian fades from mortal view – ance in affairs was being well handled by the young lawyer.”
No more to seek this haunt, that once he knew.
The Sunday after his death Dr. Charles Henry Durham pastor
In all these changes. Lumber River flows of Lumberton First Baptist Church spoke from the pulpit about
Her quiet way! And as each season goes Lennon. In Durham’s words Lennon was an active part of all
More people settle on her thrifty sod. the work of the church and that his place would never be filled.
Rear homes and alters for Almighty God. He was especially faithful to the preparation of the musical pro-
grams. He not only sang but also played the violin. Durham went
Flow gentle river, onward to the sea. on that “while we miss him today in our own choir here, we know
The good folk on try banks are loving thee. that he is filling his place for the first time in the heavenly choir
True men and sages on thy sandhills dwell – along with the angels in glory.” Durham also urged the younger
Not would some highland home suit them as well. members of town to step into the ranks, fill in their places, com-
plete the work so nobly begun and emulate his example.
A son of thine, oft sweetly sung of the three,
And now he sleeps by creeping vine and tree Lennon’s poem “Here’s to Lumberton” first appeared in a special
He lov’d so well: and thou shall hear no more – issue of The Robesonian on October 19, 1911. The newspaper
The magic cadence of his skillful oar, referred to Lennon as the Bard of Robeson. He died in 1923 at the
No more will he of “Lumber River” sing. age of 38. He was sick only a week, death being due to pneumo-
No more his soulful voice shall tell of spring nia following influenza.
Along thy banks; or in thy “bonnie braes,”
Or charm us, with his sweet “October days.”

But now, as thou art flowing to the sea.
Thy voice is gently whispering to me.
Of him who sung those songs to nature true.
Songs rich with sympathy, and ever new.
Lennon’s
Old River, ever dear to him – to me. 1911
We loved thy lily pads, and every tree poem
Along they shady banks, nor would we sleep.
Where thou couldst – not o’er us thy vigil keep.
William Laurie Hill
Floral Manse, January 14th, 1908

Woodberry Lennon
Lennon was born January 16. 1885 in Columbus county, son
of the Frances and Sue Lennon. The family moved to Robeson
County shortly after his birth and he lived practically all his life
in Lumberton. He graduated from Wake Forest College in 1907, Clare Johnson Marley
completing his law course at the same time. He served as deputy Clare Johnson was born 1896 in Moore County, North Carolina
clerk of Superior Court, solicitor of the recorder’s court and for but moved to Lumberton to attend school and be near her brother,
a short time as recorder. For most of his legal career he practiced Dr. Thomas C. Johnson who operated the Thomson Hospital after
law alone but for a short time was in partnership with Horace the death of Dr. Thompson. She lived with her sister Mrs. J.R.
Stacy, Sr. Poole on Water Street within sight of the Lumber River. After

Robeson Living ~ Summer 2019 Page 7