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William Moultrie Dwight, the son of Isaac Marion Dwight, of Charleston District, was born at Farmington, Fairfield County. S. C, June 28, 1839. he was educated at the Citadel Academy and completed his collegiate career at the University of Virginia. To the Southern cause lie gave his whole heart, he volunteered as private in the Governors Guard, of Columbia, went promptly to the front, and was w lunded in the first battle of Manassas. He soon rose to the rank of captain, and was appointed assistant adjutant and inspector-general on Gen. Kershaw's Staff, and in that city served through the war. lie was twice a prisoner. Was first captured at Boonesboro, in 1862, while bearing dispatches, but was released shortly afterwards.
He was again captured at Spottsylvania, in 1864, and confined in Fort Delaware until the close of the war. In the memorable privations and hard-fought battles of the Army of Northern Virginia he distinguished himself for bravery and self sacrifice, and as a favorite of the camp his memory is still cherished with affection by his surviving comrades in arms from Maryland to Texas. At the close of the war he located at Winnsboro, where he was greatly beloved and honored. He was elected Mayor of the town, and in the fall of 1875 was chosen president of the college located there.
He was married in 1861 to Miss Elizabeth P. Gaillard, and was a faithful husband and father as well as soldier. Some friends and the pupils of Mount Zion School have erected a monument to his memory. It is a shaft and pedestal of Winnsboro granite, and is beautiful in its simplicity. On one side the inscription, with name, etc., states: "A. and I. Gen. Kershaw's Division." on another side is: "Erected by his pupils and friends."
His sister, .Mrs. L. N. Spencer, of St. Louis, Mo., has preserved this letter:
"U. S. Steamer Utica, "Chesapeake Bay, May 15, 1864.
"My Dear Wife: I write this little line in hope of sending it off at Fort Monroe. Was captured on Sunday, 8th, near Spottsylvania Courthouse, by the ene my's cavalry, whom I supposed to be prisoners. I am safe and well, hut suffering intensely at the thought of what you are undergoing on my account and for the dear ones still exposed to the dangers of the field. I would not pass through what I am now undergoing for the wealth of worlds. Cannot complain of my treatment as a prisoner. I think Fort Delaware is my destination. Write by flag of truce and through the Richmond Inquirer. Much love to all.
"Your loving husband,
"William Moultrie Dwight."
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