New Town Government in Wilson; Outgoing Mayor Killette Praised, June 2, 1919

From the editorial page of The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., June 2, 1919, John D. Gold, Editor.

Town Government Changes Hands

Today Mayor E.F. Killette and Town commissioners Jno. R. Raines, J.J. Amerson, W.E. Batts and W.G. Carr retired from the administration of the town of Wilson and turned over the reign of government to the newly elected mayor, D.M. Hill, and the newly elected commissioners—Mr. P.A. Lewis, one of the old board was re-elected and with him will serve as town commissioners S.W. Richardson, John T. Barnes, Dr. L.J. Herring, and ex-mayor E.F. Killette.

The old board held its final session in the Mayor’s office this morning and after an interesting session turned over the town’s affairs to the new mayor and aldermen.

In behalf of the citizens, Mr. F.D. Swindell of the local bar, delivered an address, expressing appreciation of the work of the retiring officers and assuring the new officers that the citizens would be behind them.

Mr. Swindell in speaking of Mayor Killette told of the high personal regard in which he was held by the people of Wilson. He spoke of the conscientious, earnest, fearless and efficient manner in which Mr. Killette filled his high office. He said that few men had for so long been so intimately connected with the public affairs of the city and few men were so deeply and unselfishly interested in the welfare of the town., He referred to the fact that Mr. Killette came to Wilson in 1876 and had lived here ever since. That since he was grown he had affiliated himself with the concerns of the town; that he had been a charter member of the Wilson Fire Company organized 32 years ago; that he served both as an ordinary fireman and chief of that organization and was now an honorary member. He referred to the progress of Wilson during the aldermanship of Mr. Killette, which position he held for 10 consecutive years, and during his two terms of office as mayor, of the paving of the streets, the enlargement of the light and water plants and the installation of gas. He stated that as the presiding officer of the town court Mr. Killette had demonstrated himself a judge of splendid ability and a judge who lived justice and fairness. In this connection Mr. Swindell said he had never appeared in a court where he felt  more sure his clients would be treated with more fairness.

Mr. Swindell eulogized the outgoing board of aldermen, referring to their diligent attention and excellent administration of the town’s business. He said that the people well knew that the office was not a lucrative one but one requiring much labor and attention and yielding little in return save the satisfaction that comes from the knowledge of a duty well done.

In speaking of the new board and the new mayor he said that the people of Wilson were confident that the progress of the town would continue under their administration, that they were men of judgment and ability whose acts would be (the rest of the article is too blurred to read).