680 Chronicles of the Cape Fear Rwer Curries, Stedmans, Williamses, Fullers, Hinsdales, Broadfoots, Starrs, Roses, Underwoods, and many others of equal impor- tance. Particular mention is to be made of Hon. James C. Dobbin, one of the most distinguished men of the Cape Fear, noted for his purity, gentleness, and wholly admirable character, as he was for his exceptional attainments and rare oratorical powers. Mr. Dobbin was Secretary of the Navy from 1853 to 1857, and under his direction the naval service was brought to a high state of efficiency, and the navy was greatly improved by the introduction of more effective armaments and by the addition of some of the finest war vessels in the world. He ever had at heart the improvement of the Cape Fear River and the develop- ment of the resources and commerce of the Cape Fear section. While the first settlements on the river were made on its western side and planters located well up into Bladen, it was not until 1764 that Brunswick County was cut off from New Hanover. Among those early planters were the Moores, Halls, Howes, Davises, Granges, Watterses,t Hasells, Ancrums, Camp- bells, Waddells, Hills, and others who were prosperous and for- tunate in their surroundings. They constituted a large element in the social life of the Cape Fear and exerted a potent influence on political movements. When the town of Old Brunswick dwindled away, there was no other town in the county. The county seat was at first established at Lockwood’s Folly, but in 1805 the courthouse was removed to Smithville, where many of the old families, while retaining their plantations, built commodious and handsome residences. In after years, other families likewise have been prominent— the Smiths, Leonards, Bakers, Laspeyres, Meareses, Browns, Russells, Everitts, Langdons, Bellamys, Frinks, Prioleaus, Tay- lors, Curtises, Galloways, and others who have maintained the high repute of their predecessors. Of Dr. Walter Gilman Curtis some particular mention should be made. He was a native of New Hampshire, a graduate of Dartmouth, and received his medical diploma at Harvard. He 1In Book E, New Hanover County Records, is a deed from Schenking Moore to Richard Eagles (1763), in which it is recited that Landgrave Thomas Smith and his wife Mary conveyed to William Watters 700 acres of land opposite the junction of the two branches of the Cape Fear River, part of the grant of 48,000 acres made to Landgrave Smith in 1691. Peace Restored 681 settled at Smithville in 1847 and soon became the leading prac- titioner of that vicinity. During the War between the States he thoroughly sympathized with the South, and for a time acted as surgeon to the Confederate troops at Smithville. For thirty years he was the quarantine officer of the port, and he discharged his duties with rare intelligence and great acceptability. His ofhcial reports are very valuable. He was a man of unusual attainments, and his spotless character and admirable social characteristics endeared him to his friends. In 1900 he pub- lished a volume of Reminiscences of unusual merit thus adding to the literature of the Lower Cape Fear and preserving mem- ories that were fast passing into oblivion. Dr. Curtis won for himself an enviable place in the esteem of his contemporaries because of a life well spent, always devoted to the betterment of surroundings and the elevation of humanity. The Galloways are a family that should also be particularly mentioned. Samuel Galloway, along with his brother Corne- lius, about the year 1750 emigrated from County Gallows Scotland, and made his home on Lockwood’s Folly River. The descendants of Samuel Galloway have always been men of ability and strong influence. Years ago several members of this family located at Smithville, but they have never ceased to hold their influence in the county, Mr. Rufus Galloway bein one of the leading men of the county in this generation. Wher Major Swift was constructing Fort Caswell, Mr. John Wesley Galloway was employed under him, and a warm attachment arose from their intercourse. When the war came on although over age for active service, Mr. John Galloway organised the Coast Guard Company and rendered valuable service. He died of yellow fever during the war. His son, Capt. Swift Galloway, named for Major Swift, was a splendid soldier and was greatly esteemed for his talents and high integrity in public life. He frequently represented Greene County in the Legislature. Ma Andrew Jackson Galloway, of Goldsboro, was another this family. He had the perfect respect and confidence of an extensive circle of friends and was an esteemed officer of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad Company. All of the Gallo- ways who were old enough to shoulder a musket served in the Confederate Army. Particular mention should, however, be made of John W. Galloway, who became a captain of artillery and of Sam Galloway, a younger brother of Capt. Swift Gallo- way, and of Dr. W. ©. Galloway, of Wilmington, who has attained merited prominence in his profession.