NC, Craven, Obit, Walter Fulford

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This file was contributed by  Florence Fulford Moore Dec. 2000.

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(New Bern Sun Journal - date was cut off

--probably Nov. 7, 1944 issue)

WALTER FULFORD DIES HERE AT AGE OF 84 

Following reoccuring heart attacks covering a period of the past year and 
growing more severe, Walter Fulford, 84, died Wednesday night at his home in 
this city. He had been confined to his home since Monday, at which time he 
suffered a severe attack.

Funeral services were held from the home Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock by 
Rev. Charles Williams, rector of Christ Episcopal church of which Mr. Fulford 
was a member, and interment in Cedar Grove cemetery followed. 

For forty-three years, probably for more years than any other person in North 
Carolina, Mr. Fulford had served as a magistrate. He was widely-known throughout 
Craven and adjoining counties. A native New Bernian, the son of the late Joseph 
and Sarah Fulford, he had at various times during his long residence here been 
engaged in the hotel, insurance, drug, and railroad business. He knew New Bern's 
history and was interested in the city's advancement. 

Failing health ended his study for the Episcopal ministry when he was a young 
man. He spent some time in western North Carolina in recuperating. His health 
again failed while he was studying law with the late Judge C. Owen Guion and 
Judge Manly.

Survivors include two daughters of Conway, S. C.; two sons, both 
of New Bern, and four grandchildren. 

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(This article was taken from the New Bern Sun Journal, but the date had not been 
saved.)

REP. RANKIN USES LOCAL EPITAPH TO EMPHASIZE POINT

Magistrate Fulford Believes 101-Year Quotation Here the Original 

Noticing in the Congressional Record that Representative John E. Rankin, 
democrat, of Tupelo, Mississippi, quoted an interesting old epitaph to 
illustrate a point he sought to make in his remarks in the national House of 
Representatives on June 29 in an adress on the pending utilities bill, Justice
of the Peace Walter Fulford is calling attention to the fact that this epitaph 
appears on an old tombstone in Cedar Grove cemetery, dating back 101 years, and 
he believes it must be the original for Congressman Rankin's quotation.

The representative put his reference in the form of a humerous story. He said 
that an old fellow who died down in his country (sic) had a neighbor who did not 
like him. Some of the old men's relatives put on his tombstone this epitaph:

"Hark ye strangers passing by,

As you are now so once was I

As I am now so you may be

Prepare for death and follow me."

The old neighbor slipped into the cemetery one night, Congressman Rankin said, 
and wrote under it these lines:

"To follow you I would not consent

Unless I knew which way you went."

It is known here that this same story is told by guides in the Boston area, 
where a similar epitaph is said to appear in an old cemetery. The epitaph is 
also reported to be used in other places. 

Magistrate Fulford, however, is of the opinion that the local epitaph must be 
the original once, since it is so old. He believes that it must have been the 
inspiration for Mr Rankin's sory (sic), and he intends to try to find out. At 
least he wants the representative to know that New Bern has such a quotation in 
a cemetery here.

The local epitaph is only slightly dissimilar in the first part of the first 
line from the congressman's quotation. It is on a tombstone on the right hand 
side going into Cedar Grove cemetery up the main walk from the Queen street 
entrance, being just across the walk from the tomb of Judge William Gaston,
author of the state anthem. 

The inscription on the local monument is as follows:

"In Memory of John H. Jones

Died 12th March 1934

Reflect O Man while passing by

As you are now so once was I

As I am now you soon will be

Prepare for death and follow me."

New Bern has received wide publicity on a number of its unusual epitaphs - 
for instance the "Honest Lawyer Indeed," that is buried in Christ churchyard.