A history or review of all that is best in Gates County would not be complete without reference to one of her most outstanding citizens-whose stand on all questions of public interest has been decidedly for the right.

The name of Lycurgus Hofler is a synonym of honor, sobriety, honesty, progressiveness and strictest integrity in its fullest meaning. He has stood head and shoulders above all that is sordid, selfish or questionable. His whole life has been one in words and deeds that meant for uplift and helpfulness to his fellowman. His charity and benevolence in tune and means, have not been preached from the house tops. Only a few in a position to know his most private affairs have a fair conception of the extent of his charitable deeds and genuine philanthropy.

Mr. Hofler was nurtured in the cradle of Gates county's best home surroundings but in addition to this he had the enviable pleasure and advantage of being employed as a store clerk for the late Rufus White of Belvidere. What one would learn in the way of culture refinement, piousness and scrupulous integrity from this Quaker of the old school of Friends can be appreciated only by those who were privileged to enjoy such a wholesome atmosphere.

This was a great university of experience for this young man who absorbed generously of this rare atmosphere and since has freely given, of its generous virtues to all that have been in a position to become its beneficiaries

He was a farmer after leaving Belvidere and later was Register of Deeds of Gates County.

For years he was a most popular and efficient undertaker and only those who know the sorrow of death in a family can truly tell of the Christian bearing of Mr. Hofler, who was next to the pastor in his words of real comfort.

Mr. Hofler was for many, many years moderator of the Chowan Baptist Association and is now vice-moderator. He has been a leader in religious activity in this section.

Mr. Hofler is active president of the Bank of Gates, every office of which he has filled from president down of clerk.

Mr. Hofler has succeeded in life. His efforts and his manner of living have contributed much to the progress, general welfare and human uplift in Gates County. Though very progressive and active, he represents the best that is brought to the present era from the old school of citizenship.

Mr. Hofler died ten years after the above article appeared. The following obituary was published in the Gates County Index on February 14,1934.

PROMINENT MAN OF GATESVILLE DIED WEDNESDAY
Lycurgus Hofler, Political and Religious Leader, Dies After Illness

Lycurgus Hofler, 76 year old business man and prominent citizen of Gatesville, died of a cerebral hemorrhage at his home here Wednesday morning, February 7, at 1:30 o'clock, after an illness of only four hours. Funeral services were conducted at the Gatesville Baptist Church Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock by his pastor the Rev. S. S. McGregor, assisted by the local Methodist pastor, the Rev. J. R. Edwards, and the Rev. J. M. Page of Raleigh.

The choir, composed of Mrs. T. L. Carter, Mrs. L. C. Carter, Mrs. Helen Williams, Mrs. C. H. Carter, Mrs. Lucy Riddick, Mrs. W. B. Williams, Willie Spivey, Bedford Brown, T. J. Carter, W. R. Hofler, and the Junior Chorus of the Baptist Sunday School sang "It is Well With My Soul". Mrs. T. L. Carter sang "Death is Only a Dream"; Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Helen Williams, "Face to Fare'; and Mrs, Carter, Mrs. L. C. Carter, Bedford Brown and William Spivey, "Saved by Grace". Miss Grace Eason, Sunday School pianist played "Nearer my God to Thee" as the casket was brought into the church.

Active pall-bearers were: L. C. Hand, Dr. T. L. Carter, W. T. Cross, J. L. Hofler, A.P. Godwin, and C. M. Lawrence. Honorary were: W. H. Lawrence, G. T. Ellis, T. J. Carter, W. R. Hofler, R. Piland, J. P. Blanchard, E. A. Blanchard, T. A. Eure, G. T. Riddick, T. G. Hayes, E. B. Spivey, T. B. Parker. W. J. Smith, and W. M. Hollowell of Hobbsville.

Interment was made in the Gatesville Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sallie Hunter Hofler, and a number of nephews and nieces.

At the time of his death Mr. Hofler was president of the Bank of Gates, Gatesville, was serving his 43rd year as superintendent of the Baptist Sunday School, and was a deacon of the Gatesville Baptist Church.

Besides being active in the religious and civic affairs of the county, Mr. Hofler always took an active part in politics. He was a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina, as the county's representative from 1909 to 1911.

Recently when Mrs. Lyon interviewed Mr. Hayes Godwin concerning Mr. Lycurgus Hofler, she learned some additional facts about Mr. Hofler. According to Mr. Godwin, in addition to being the Sunday School Superintendent of Gatesville Baptist Church, Mr. Hofler was Sunday School teacher of young boys at the church. He was an insurance agent and a funeral director later in life. According to Mr. Godwin, Mr. Hofler was "a man that stood for things honest and just. He was a person of integrity and upright living who was respected by all of his acquaintances."

According to Mrs. Lyon, Mr. Hofler lived in a Victorian house on High Street in Gatesville. She has a grapevine rooted from the large old grapevine which stands behind the house occupied by Lycurgus Hofler. It is believed to have been set out by him. Furthermore, Mrs. Lyon states that Horace Williams, the Gad Fly of Chapel Hill, probably worked for the same merchant as Lycurgus Hofler for two years to earn money to go to Chapel Hill.

The beautiful character of the man whose handsome signature graced so many documents when he was Register of Deeds of Gates County comes together to bring Lycurgus Hofler to life.

During the past winter, three members of the Gates County Historical Society put their hands to work with the idea of raising funds to help with the repair of the West Wing of the Old Courthouse. Mrs. Edith Seiling, Mrs. Sally Freeman, and Mrs. Peggy Lefler designed the pattern for the coverlet and then spent many hours washing, ironing, cutting, and sewing neckties. Each individual square of the coverlet is hand embroidered using feather stitch.

The cost of chances for the coverlet has been set at $5.00 each and may be purchased from any member of the Historical Society, the Gates County Library Board, or at the Gates County Library. The coverlet will be on display in the library during the Fall, 2003.

Drawing for the coverlet will be held Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the Historical Society Christmas Party which will be held at The Furr House.

GATES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE

Thanks to Gatesville resident, Julie Sizemore, the GCHS now has a website. One can
leam more about the historical society, order items, become a member, submit queries, and tour the county by visiting www.throughwire.net/gchs/.

NECKTIE COVERLET

If additional chances are needed, photocopy. Complete name, address, phone number and mail chances and donations to Edith Seiling, PO Box 98, Gates, NC 27937.

For a printable raffle form click here

NEWS from the LIBRARY

The Library will hold a Book and Yard Sale the second weekend in September (13th) to help raise money for the repairs that are needed on the West Wing of the building. This is the wing where the library has the Children's Activity/Story Time Room. The Library is asking patrons and friends of the library to help by donating items to sell. The Library will be collecting things all summer in order to be ready for the big day in September. No clothes, shoes, or textbooks will be accepted. All donated items should be in good condition--not ragged, torn, or worn.

Are you doing your Spring Cleaning? Put aside items that you no longer need and donate them to the library. Are you a craftsperson? Donate a piece of your handiwork to the library for the yard sale. Do you paint, crochet, or bake? Donate some items for the sale! In other words, donate things that you might find enticing at a yard sale.

FRESH BAKED BREAD AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY

Every Tuesday around noon the Gates County Library smells like a bakery. Peggy Lefler, member of the Historical Society and chairperson of the Gates County Library Board, bakes bread weekly and donates it to the Library. All proceeds go to the building fund to be used for the restoration of the West Wing.

Most bread is $3.00 a loaf and the types available on a regular basis are sourdough, cinnamon, cinnamon raisin, whole wheat, whole wheat cinnamon, whole wheat cinnamon raisin, orange, cinnamon buns, and cinnamon raisin buns.

Visit your local library not only to check out books and do research, but also to purchase some bread. Not only is the bread good to eat yourself, but it makes a nice thinking of you gift. Support your library and the historical society! We need your help!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Gates County Historical Society's
Annual End-of-the-year Dinner
Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 6 pm
Corapeake Country Restaurant
Corapeake, NC
R.S.V.P. by June 20, 2003
(252) 357-1424 or 357-1733
Guest Speaker: Maxine Wiggins

Books and Other Articles for Sale

Shipping is $4 additional for books, the Tapestry Print, and the Woven Coverlet.
(See order form for books and materials on page 8 or visit the GCHS website @www.
throughwire.net/gchs/ and order online.)

Order Form for Articles for Sale on Page 7
(Be sure to attach list of items ordered.)

Or print out our Order Form online.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING DATES

The Historical Society meets fourth Thursday nights at 7:30 pm at Old Gates County Courthouse January-June and September-October. The November meeting is held on the third Thursday night.

SPECIAL DATE

Annual Christmas Party
At the Home of the late Alice James Furr
Savage Plantation, Wiggins Crossroads, Corapeake, NC
Saturday, December 13, 2003 3-5 pm
Drawing will be held for necktie coverlet.

DONATIONS TO OLD COURTHOUSE REPAIRS

NEW MEMBERS

1) Ella S. Manley, Jacksonville, Fla. 32205
2) Martha Johnson, 2015 Grand Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49006-4308

Donations

Books from Dr. Robert R. Gatling, Jackson, Ms.:
1. Moments, the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Updated Edition: 1942-1982, by Sheryle and   John Leekley. Forward by Dan Rather.
2. Ike-A Soldiers Crusade, by Lawrence Van Gelder, 1969.
3. A New Beginning-The 1981 Inaugural Story. Ronald Regan, President and George W.
  Bush, vice-President.
4. America in the Air War, by Edward Jablonski and editors of Time-Life, 1982..
5. The Luftwaffe, by the editors of Time-Life, 1982.
6. Miracle at Midway, by Gordon W. Prange, 1942.
7. Victory Through Air Power, by Major Alexander P. de Seversky, 1942.
8. The Two-Ocean War: the definitive short history of the United States Navy in World
  War II 1963.
9. Navy Medicine Magazine. Sept-Oct. 1994, "Eyewitness First Kamikaze".
From Armecia Black: Items for Thad Eure Museum.
From Martha R. Hayes: The Sumners of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern NC.
From Frank A. Riddick, Jr., MD: Riddick Family: Lineage...History...Tradition...Lore.

Membership Dues are $10.00 annually. Please submit to Mrs. Angela Rule, Treasurer, PO Box 376, Gatesville, NC 27938

MEMBERS' UPDATED ADDRESSES NEEDED

Many newsletters are not being delivered because of incomplete or inaccurate addresses. With the recent change to 911 addresses our database needs updating. Please help us accomplish this by sending us your updated mailing address, as well as by notifying other members that you may know or see, to update their address with us. Please send updated addresses to: Shelby Speight, 511 US 158 West, Gates, NC 27937.