Waddell graduates from UNC and becomes a lawyer and newspaper editor in Wilmington, N.C. Despite being a fierce Unionist, when the Civil War breaks out Waddell joins the 3rd North Carolina Cavalry, engages in combat, and is promoted to Lt. Colonel in August 1863. After the peace, he enters politics and serves in the US House from 1871-79. He becomes a local leader in Wilmington, fanning the flames against the Blacks who comprise 56% of the population. His White Supremacist Party campaign culminates in the violent overthrow of the elected biracial government on November 10, 1898, the murder of 20-50 citizens, and the expulsion of many Black citizens. Waddell himself leads the mob action and afterwards becomes Mayor of Wilmington, serving until 1905.
Col Alfred Waddell
