Background
Saunders, William Laurence was born on July 30, 1835 in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Son of Review Joseph Hubbard and Laura (Baker) Saunders.
Saunders, William Laurence was born on July 30, 1835 in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Son of Review Joseph Hubbard and Laura (Baker) Saunders.
Graduated from the University North Carolina, 1854, Bachelor of Laws, 1858, Doctor of Laws, 1889.
Editor Salisbury Banner. Served from private to colonel Confederate States Army, 1861-1865, in command of 46th North Carolina Regiment at Appomatox. Assumed direction of the activities of the “Invisible Empire” or Ku Klux Klan, 1866 (although he was never a regular member of organization and bound by no oath).
An editor Wilmington (North Carolina) Journal, 1872-1876.
Chief clerk North Carolina Senate, 1870-1874. Moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, established (with Peter M. Hale) the Observer, editor, 1876-1880.
Secretary of state North Carolina, 1879-1891. Played large part in the reopening of University North Carolina, trustee, 1875-1891, secretary board Author: The Colonial Records of North Carolina, 10 volumes, 1886-1890.
Member of organization and bound by no oath).
Married Florida Cotten, February 3, 1864.