Mr. C. H. C. Willingham
American Press.

This gentleman was one of Georgia’s most noted journalists. For many years he was editor of the LaGrange Reporter, which at one time received the first State prize for being the “best printed paper in Georgia.” The Marietta Journal, we believe, received the same prize at the state fair a few years later. For many years Mr. Willingham was the editor of the Rome Tri-Weekly Courier, which he edited with marked ability. He made that paper progressive and an honor to the people of the city in which he lived. His ready, forcible and versatile pen was always battling for the Democracy, and wherever the fight was hardest, there the bright emanations from his trenchant pen were found battling in the front ranks. For several years he edited the Cartersville Free Press, a first class paper, which he established amidst many difficulties and made successful. While editing this paper his editorials were marvels of ability, logic and forcible reasoning. For many years he continued in this good work, wording his editorials always without fear, favor or partiality. His paper was a pattern of what an almost perfect sheet should be typographically, and as a newspaper it was always in the front rank.

As a man he was hospitable to friend or foe. He never cherished animosities and was always ready to forgive and forget. He harbored malice to no one, and would often denounce some overt act of a politician and engage in warm controversy with his contemporaries, and afterwards he would be as hospitable to and meet them as warmly as if they had always been the staunchest of friends. He was ever striving to do right, and in the generosity and warmth of his heart he gave away as readily as he received, often when he could not afford it. Like that of Sir McIntosh, “his life was a struggle of genius with the difficulties of an existence.” All gave tribute to him as a journalist, whose life was embodied in the lines of Denham:

“Though deep, yet clear, though gentle, yet not full,
Strong without rage, without o’erflowing full.”

But he has gone to that undiscovered country; yet, if it be possible, his spirit will linger lovingly around the press and people of Georgia, and all that makes his country what it is.

We often think of his genial nature, his trenchant pen, his marvelous editorials, his beautiful journal, and often in memory bask in that greatness of his soul which always “warmed more than wine.” His memory will go sounding with the ages, deep, ever murmuring like the sea, a beacon of light set upon a hill to guide journalists of the future. Farewell for a brief space:
“We shall meet again
Some summer’s day.”

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The Cartersville American
January 6, 1885, page 2

Death of C. H. C. Willingham.

On Tuesday morning of December 30th, 1884, Mr. C. H. C. Willingham, editor and proprietor of the Cartersville Free Press, breathed his last.  His death, though not unexpected, brought tears to the eyes of very many, and sadness to a wide circle of friends all over Georgia.

For upwards of thirty-five years he had been a Georgia editor, and he was justly considered one of our ablest writers.  His style was clear, forcible and brilliant.  Whatever individual or cause he championed he was always the same earnest, zealous, courageous and influential advocate.  He was an opponent not to be despised, and a friend to be sought.  We knew him for a number of years, and we can say truthfully that we never have known a more humane or kinder hearted man.  He may have made mistakes, but they were of the head, and not of the heart.  His intentions were always good.  He wished to do no one a harm.

To his five boys who mourn his loss, we offer our sincere sympathies.