Seminole-Orange County FlArchives Biographies.....Lynch, William Bingham 1834 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 11, 2008, 9:49 pm Author: B. F. Johnson (1909) William Bingham Lynch The name of Lynch, has for many years been identified with civic, national and ecclesiastical affairs in the history of America. Of that Lynch family, which has taken part in important public movements and activities the subject of this sketch, William Bingham Lynch, is descended. In 1725 three brothers emigrated to this country, one settling in Virginia in or about the present site of Lynchburg. For that or a descendant of his the city was named. Tradition in the family also declares this early settler in Virginia to be the original "Judge Lynch." Another brother settled on Lynch Creek in South Carolina. It was the son of the South Carolina branch of the family that signed the Declaration of Independence, and became a factor in public affairs when it meant something to be in politics. North Carolina was the State selected for a residence of the third brother and there in Orange county, he established himself, and was eventually killed at the battle of Guilford Court House. This distinguished citizen and soldier was great-grandfather to the subject in hand. His son was a cavalry captain in the War of 1812 and his son, Thomas Lynch, who afterwards became a Presbyterian minister of wide influence, was his First Lieutenant in the same company. It will be seen that William Bingham Lynch is descended from a long line of statesmen and soldiers. Besides he was allied to the brains and culture of the days of scholarly attainments, for it was his grandfather who was one of the early professors in the University of North Carolina, and founder of the Bingham School. An uncle of Professor Lynch was identified with the Bingham School, as one of the foremost educators of that institution. His name was William J. Bingham. William Bingham Lynch was born in Orange county, North Carolina, on the nineteenth of January, in the year 1834. His father, Thomas Lynch, and his mother, Mary Shaw Bingham, were prominent members of the most exclusive and cultured society and promoters of the high and broad issues of the day. In his youth, Professor Lynch attended school at the University of North Carolina, and from that college he graduated as first honor pupil. His salutatory was delivered in Latin, and embodied some of the noble thoughts that has made his career notable. His graduation occurred in 1859. From 1851 until 1854 he taught a private school, thereby securing funds for the completion of a higher education that was already begun. His election to the chair of Greek letters was a deserved compliment to his ability, and later he removed to Bingham School, where he taught for twenty years. About this time, the health of Professor Lynch showed signs of failing, and by order of his physician, he took up a residence at Sanford, Fla., where he continued teaching in the public schools of that city. A promotion shortly followed and he was made principal of the Sanford High School. Later he was elected superintendent of the entire system of schools for Orange county and since 1898 he has held that position. His marriage was with Miss Rebecca M. Neal, a daughter of Stephen Neal and Francis Adaline Neal, and of this union was born ten children. Those living are Robert Bingham Lynch, Mrs. Rubie Thompson and Mrs. Maggie McNeal Lartigue. His political principles have been built upon the Democratic platform, and his religion that of his early training, Presbyterian. Professor Lynch has for many years been a member of the Masonic Order. He is also a fraternity man, his association being with the Delta Psi Fraternity. The life of this gentleman and scholar, has been a useful and a busy one. There has been little time for outside activities, but his influence has been felt in many inspirational ways. In his relation to life he has been upright and conscientious. His hand has been open to the needy, and his heart to the sorrowing. His ideals have been high and he has stood firm for the betterment of man and his uplifting. Professor Lynch is a strong Prohibitionist and believes that the suppression of the liquor traffic will go a long way towards accomplishing higher development of the people. Additional Comments: Extracted from: FLORIDA EDITION MAKERS OF AMERICA AN HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WORK BY AN ABLE CORPS OF WRITERS VOL. III. Published under the patronage of The Florida Historical Society, Jacksonville, Florida ADVISORY BOARD: HON. W. D. BLOXHAM COL. FRANK HARRIS HON. R. W. DAVIS SEN. H. H. McCREARY HON. F. P. FLEMING W. F. STOVALL C. A. CHOATE, SECRETARY 1909 A. B. CALDWELL ATLANTA, GA. COPYRIGHT 1909 B. F. JOHNSON Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/seminole/photos/bios/lynch75gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/seminole/bios/lynch75gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 5.3 Kb