It is not surprising, therefore, that these people became Republicans and have so continued in their allegiance.
Another element in the population having great influence in the South--in North Carolina, at least--was the Society of Friends.

It was strong in both the central and the eastern sections.

Many, but by no means all, of the Quakers opposed the Civil War and, after peace came, opposed the men who had been prominent in the War, that is, the dominant party.

In spite of the social stigma attaching to Republicanism, many of the Quakers have persisted in their membership in that party to the present day.

In all the seceding States there was a Union element in 1861, and, while most of the men composing it finally went into the War with zeal, there were individuals who resisted stoutly During the War they were abused without stint, but this criticism had only the effect of making them more stubborn.