and a William, but which of them was the ancestor of our
grandfather is not known. William Gaston, my grandfather, lived at
Caranleigh Clough Water. He married Miss Lemmon and had four sons
and as many daughters: John Gaston (King's Justice) died on Fishing
Creek, near Cedar Shoal, Chester District, South Carolina; Rev.
Hugh Gaston, author of 'Concordance and Collections'; Dr. Alexander
Gaston, killed by the British at Newbern, South Carolina (father of
Judge William Gaston); Robert Gaston, and William Gaston."

One fact is established, that many of Jean Gaston's descendants had
settled in America before the Revolution and were actively engaged
in that contest for liberty.

Springing from such ancestry in which are joined the characteristics of
the French Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Scotch-Irish patriot,
the follower of Roger Williams, the May Flower Pilgrim, one is not
surprised to find in William Gaston a strong man; a man who inherited as
a birthright the qualities of leadership.

His father was a well known merchant of Connecticut, of sterling
integrity, and of remarkably strong force of character. He was
commissioned a Captain at the early age of twenty-two, and was for many
years in the Legislature. The father of the latter was also in the
Connecticut Legislature for many years.

In early youth William gave promise of a superb manhood by displaying
those qualities which have since distinguished him. He was a studious
boy, eager for knowledge. He attended the Academy in Brooklyn,
Connecticut, and subsequently fitted for College at the Plainfield
Academy. At the age of fifteen he left his quiet village home for Brown