DEATH OF CAPT. P.N.G. RAND.
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Hon. P.N.G. Rand died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Kumpe, in this city, at ten minutes to six o'clock, Tuesday evening, August 17, lacking but two months and a few days of being eighty years of age.

About three years ago, Capt. Rand suffered a stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered, and has been an invalid since that time. Since last February he has scarcely been able to leave his room. His death had been daily expected for several weeks.

His funeral was held in the Methodist church, conducted by his pastor, Bro. Reid, and his life-long friend, Bro. James Fennell. At the conclusion of the service, the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an honored member, took charge of the remains, and under the leadership of the Past Worshipful Master, Jno. C. Giddens, by Capt. Rand's own request, conducted the beautiful burial service of that order, concluding the ceremony at the grave in Oakwood cemetery, Tuscumbia, at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Rev. J.R. Turner, of Florence, assisted at the latter obsequies.

The casket was of Confederate gray, and was covered with lovely floral emblems. The active pall bearers, elected from the Masonic fraternity at this place were: J.C. Giddens, P.S. King, M.M. LeMay, J.J. Vinson, and J.A. Lindsey.

Capt. Rand was the oldest citizen of Leighton, and perhaps the oldest native in the county. His has been an active and useful life. Graduating from the classic halls of old LaGrange College, at the age of nineteen, he has ever been noted for his learning, wisdom, and eloquence. He later became a trustee of that Institution, and was the only surviving member of the original board at the time of his death. In early life he joined the Methodist church, and for thirty years or more served as a member of the board of stewards and Sunday school superintendent. For fifty years he was a magistrate, and also served one term in the Alabama legislature. He was author of the bill and was largely instrumental in securing the "cut off" from Lawrence county, which was added to Colbert.
In 1852 he joined the Masonic order, and for a number of years was worshipful master of Leighton lodge No. 43. He was also a prominent Knight of Honor.

Capt. Rand organized Company E, which was part of the 11th Alabama regiment, at Leighton, at the beginning of the Civil War, and commanded it with distinction throughout the war between the states.
Mrs. Rand died about a year ago. Of their seven children, six survive, namely: Dr. Edgar Rand, Huntsville; Henry A. Rand, Parker Rand, Hal Rand, Mrs. Pattie B. Kumpe and Miss Mary Sue Rand.
The following sketch of the life of Capt. Rand is from the pen of Dr. Theo. Copeland, and was published in the Florence District Methodist a number of years ago:
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Hon. P.N.G. Rand was born in old LaGrange, Colbert county, Ala., on the 18th day of October, in the year 1829. In this classic and strongly Methodistic atmosphere, his earlier days were spent. LaGrange college was, for this section, the cradle of Methodism, and cradle of literature as well. In 1849 he was graduated with the degree of A.B. from the halls of this historic institution. In those good old days to graduate from such a college at the age of nineteen years, having completed with distinction to A.B. course, was no small honor. We find here an index to the breadth and strength of the intellectual nature of P.N.G. Rand.

In 1855 he married Miss Martha A. Smith, of Lawrence county, Ala. This match was the crowning of ardent devotion, as it rested on the strongest common sense. An ideal Southern home, full of sunshine, happiness and hospitality was the result. Five sons and two daughters blessed this union.
Bro. Rand spent his life as a farmer, his good plantation being in sight of the spot where he himself first saw the light.

The citizens of Colbert county have not allowed a man of such strength to live unused in their midst. In very early life Bro. Rand was made justice of the peace. This office the people have never since been willing for him to resign. In 1894-5 he served with distinction a term in the legislature representing his people.
Later, Bro. Rand was brought out by his friends for the office of probate judge of this county. With four candidates in the field, after a heated campaign he stood second in the primary.

Bro. Rand is of Methodist parentage, and joined that church himself in early life, and his children are now all members of the Methodist church. A fine record, truly. The church has been delighted to honor him and he in turn has been glad to serve his church up to the full measure of his ability.
As a Sunday school superintendent and steward Bro. Rand made his power for good felt in his community.
Bro. Rand stood signally as one of God's "object lessons" in the Florence District.

(Leighton News [Colbert County, AL] 20 Aug 1909)
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Leighton, AL, until 1895, was half in Lawrence County, half in Colbert. This was part of the "cut off" referenced above. It made Rand an unpoular fellow for a few generations in Lawrence County. La Grange College was the first chartered college in Alabama.