On Thursday, March 26, 1896, The News & Courier published a multi-page article about Kingstree and Williamsburg County, written by one of its correspondents, J.E. Norment. It was headlined, "A New Land of Canaan" and described Kingstree as "one of the richest regions in all Carolina."
Mr. Norment began his article by discussing the Cotton States and International Exposition which had been held recently in Atlanta. He noted that the cost of living in the rural South was as low as anywhere, and that few places rivaled the South in that consideration, adding that rural South Carolina had great agricultural, business, social, religious and educational advantages, but that the people of South Carolina had for too long been unconscious of their "rich possessions." He then began to extoll the great advantages and opportunities to be had in Kingstree and Williamsburg County. His discussion follows
"The best and cheapest land for the money I have ever heard of or seen is in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. What they are capable of and what they have done: their timbered possessions, water power and general average, all these must be ascertained by reading this article. These lands sell from $1 to $5 per acre at good average sales: very valuable places, highly developed and well located, go as high as $10 per acre, while lands sold at public outcry bring from 50 cents per acre and upward. Make a note of this and further on when you read of the yield of cotton, corn and tobacco per acre, when you see the shipments of grapes, plums, apples, strawberries and wild fruits; when you learn of the practically inexhaustible supply of pine, cypress, gum, oak, and hickory timber, and many other things here found in rich profusion, turn to these land values and, as you look at them again, remember that I have given the correct figures.
"Artesian wells are now here and claim the close attention of everyone, and their possibilities are perhaps incalculable. Cypress, gum and other timber lands abound in the swamps of the Santee, Black Mingo, and Black rivers, and forests of virgin, uncut pine line every ridge of the uplands, with large growths of oak and hickory.
"There is no finer country for stock raising in South Carolina, and Williamsburg's reputation in this respect is very easily understood when one sees these lands. Among the largest cattle raisers are Capt. J.A. Salters, the Messrs. McCullough and Mr. D.Z. Martin.
"The rivers abound in choice varieties of fish. I have never seen finer specimens of trout, bream, and perch than were here shown me, and those who knew said that splendid rock and shad were in these same rivers. I was told deer, wild turkeys and ducks abounded in the lower part of the county, and partridges are numerous in every section.
"Williamsburg County is situated in the central eastern portion of South Carolina, and the mean winter temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Three railroads traverse the county in various sections, the principal one being the Northeastern going through the entire western portion. The Central of South Carolina goes from Lanes to Sumter through this county, and the Georgetown and Western runs from the eastern to the western parts of the county. These roads, given good facilities, connect on close through schedules, for all points end at Charleston and Georgetown where they connect with ocean steamers. Two of the rivers in the county are navigable, and there are numerous streams in the various sections. The county is very large, having an area of 968 square miles. In 1800, the entire population of the county was 5,678. In 1830, the figures as given in Mills' statistics were only 8,716, and the census of 1890 showed a population of 27,700.
"In 1731, Messrs. Rutledge and Finley, of Charleston, attempted to make a permanent settlement here but did not succeed. After the Proprietary Government had been overthrown in 1719, this township appears to have been laid off in 1731 under the orders of King William III, for whom it was named, when it was no longer a part of Craven County. First it was William's Parish, then William's District, and finally it was Williamsburg. The name of Kingstree, the county seat, has somewhat of this same flavor, with a different ending. When royal land grants were made, certain valuable rights were reserved by the Sovereign for the Crown, and among those reservations, it is stated in Ramsey's history, that white pine was highly prized, and these trees were reserved when land grants were made. A magnificent specimen of yellow pine, standing on the high bluff of Black River, very near the original settlement was known as "The King's Tree." This place took its name form this tree, which, it is said, was shot almost to pieces by ardent patriots during the Revolutionary War, but the town retained its former name.
"Williamsburg County, as is well-known, was the cradle of Presbyterianism, certainly in this section of South Carolina. The ecclesiastical connection of the Wiliamsburg Church was originally with the Presbytery of Edinburgh. A book of great interest is the rare little volume, published by the Rev. James A. Wallace in 1856, entitled A History of the Williamsburg Church. Here in familiar and honorable mention are the names of those pioneer settlers, among which we find Witherspoon, Wilson, Fleming, McClelland, Sym, Allan, Bradley, Frierson, James, Gamble, Hamilton, Gordon, Pressley, Porter, McRae, Armstrong, Ervin, Plowden, Stuart, McDonald and other Scotch-Irishmen. The five first pastors of the church were respectively the Rev. Messrs. Robert Heron, Joseph Ray, _____McKee, Hector Allison, and Thomas Kennedy.
"In August 1786, owing to a difference of opinion, which afterward caused a dismemberment of the congregation, the church building was razed to the ground, the materials were carried off, and the pulpit was removed three miles away and concealed in the barn of Mr. Samuel McClelland. These men had their own convictions: they were dead in earnest, and both sides established churches, which were afterwards reunited and stronger than ever before.
"Ramsey's history tells of an incident of the greatest importance to this section. The year 1780 was a gloomy one in South Carolina, when Capt. Ardesoif arrived at Georgetown and published his proclamation inviting the people to come and swear allegiance to the King and take protection. 'But there remained a portion of that district,' says Ramsey, 'stretching from the Santee to the Pee Dee, containing the whole of the present Williamsburg and Marion districts, to which the British arms had not penetrated, and where the people were very little disposed to submission.' Major John James was sent to the British captain, and, after a brief interview, during which the Major drew his chair on the Captain, and the Captain drew his sword on the Major, without diplomacy, the interview ended, but not until the Captain had seen some of the spirit that was destined to achieve such results. This interview led to the immediate formation of Marion's brigade, that body of fighting rifle shots, who under the leadership of this 'stern Huguenot' were never defeated. Four companies, under the command of Capts. William McCottry, Henry Mouzon, John James and John McCauley, all of Williamsburg, formed the nucleus of this famous body, known now to history while the world standeth as 'Marion's Men.'
"From one who saw Francis Marion as he then looked (see [William Dobein] James's Life of Marion) the following description of his appearance may here be interesting. 'He was rather below the middle statue of men, lean and swarthy. His body was well set, but his knees and ankles were badly formed, and he still limped on one leg. He had a countenance remarkably steady; his nose was aquiline; his chin projecting; his forehead was large and high, and his eyes black and piercing. He was dressed in a close, round bodice, crimson jacket of a coarse texture, wore a leather cap, part of the uniform of the regiment, and a silver crescent on front was inscribed with the words "Liberty or death."' Snow Island, the famous retreat of the Swamp Fox, near here, was not very far from the site of Tarleton's old prison in this county.
"The predatory warfare of this period was particularly hard upon the women who had to fight or scheme at home when their men were fighting with Marion, James, McCottry and the others. On one occasion, Mrs. Jane Hawkins was a little more than requested by some British soldiers to direct them to their encampment. She very pleasantly consented, chatting with them as she rode and gaining all the information she could, and in the midst of this pleasant conversation, they suddenly found themselves in the very presence of Marion and his men. At another time, a Mrs. Gordon caught a fleeing soldier, whom a fence had already partially imprisoned, pulled him over on her side of the fence and held him till she was assisted in his capture. This same lady, a few weeks later, when her husband's horse was stolen while he was away, probably using his flint and steel rifle, smooth bore and loaded with buckshot, watched the marauders, and that night, quietly entered their camp, took the best horse there and rode away.
"From Revolutionary days and, indeed, nearly half a century before, the history of this section shows that hardihood, intrepidity, and determination were among the foremost characteristics of this people.
"About 1776, they seem to have been nourished on a diet of cold water, cold potatoes, and family prayers. This pastoral diet–this unusual mixture of praying and fighting–made their lives a terror to oppressors, a revered memory to posterity. These men of Marion, James, McCottry and others, would leave the communion table of their fireside altars to shoot buckshot from old smoothbore, long-barreled flint and steel muskets. In their hands equal almost to Gatlings or Maxim repeaters of today. The record of McCottry and his riflemen shows that they were always near the Swamp Fox, and when they marched in Indian file, it was a sign of death. Three times was Williamsburg invaded by the British, and they were repulsed on each occasion. History records, in speaking of the fight at the bridge near Kingstree, when Col. Watson made this last invasion that 'McCottry and thirty of his riflemen were there,' and a little further on history incidentally adds, referring to the same occasion, that Watson said he 'had never seen such shooting in his life.'
"The permanent settlement of Williamsburg dates from 1731, and the earliest records found in the Courthouse are dated January 1, 1806–just a few years after the establishment of the Charleston Courier. The Northeastern Railroad passes the eastern side of the town within 200 yards of the old Courthouse. The natural location of the town of Kingstree is simply beautiful. The drainage is perfect. Black River is 400 yards to the west of the town and among the eastern hills is a deep basin carrying off all water, even after very heavy rains. One wonders naturally why Kingstree has not grown more rapidly. Its principal growth has been during the years since its real estate could be purchased. Two very rich men formerly owned the entire town, and the entailment of some valuable property has only expired since the deaths of these two gentlemen. Traditional history of the early settlement of the town abounds, and once can be entertained for hours by the descendants of these sturdy settlers.
"Mr. M. F. Kinder, a venerable gentleman of Kingstree, is proof of this fact and should put his reminiscences into permanent shape. At the corner of Main and Academy streets is the old house where the brilliant A.D. Sims breathed his last. In days that are not yet forgotten, the voices of Chancellor B.F. Dunkin, J.L. Petigru, Mitchell King, B.F. Hunt and Judge Monroe were heard in the old Kingstree Courthouse. Among the Congressmen who once represented this district were Col. T.D. Singleton, who died at Fayetteville, journeying by stage to Washington; Col. Campbell, A.D. Sims, Gen. John McQueen and James H. Witherspoon. More recently, there followed a combination carpetbagger-scalawag whose name will not be mentioned here. He was small; his career was even smaller, and he bartered what little there was in him or ordinary human characteristics for money, no matter how it might be obtained.
"So we see that the Kingstree of today holds in its keeping much of the honored history of past years. Down its still old-fashioned streets once marched Francis Marion and his men. Where the Swamp Fox went, he trailed the oppressors of his country, and Tarleton and his troops made tracks here, also.
"The Courthouse will soon be 100 years old. Fire could not destroy it entirely, as only the upper story was burned a few years ago, and not a paper on the lower floor was even scorched. The building as it stands today is a reproduction of the same old one, the second story having been rebuilt just as it formerly was. The town is situated right on the high, sandy bluffs of Black River, and for natural beauty, the location is very hard to equal.
"The little town is wrapped in a delicious quiet. When I saw a very small boy riding a very large cow bareback down Main Street, it was quietly done, not even did the cow appear surprised, and I alone seemed interested.
"The people are home lovers, and they have given to the town this atmosphere that is never seen nor felt amid rude surroundings. Homes like these shown in the cuts, guarded by old trees and old-fashioned flower gardens in front, with the tops of tall woodland trees seen behind, are more than suggestive of solid home comfort. Many of these homes are in Academy, Main, Hampton, Porter, and Mill streets, all of which are wide, pretty and shady. Academy Street, with its stately avenue of lofty pines is ideal in its beauty and suits the town exactly. Among the prettier homes, especially notable were those of Dr. D.C. Scott, J.A. Kelly, R.C. Logan, Dr. W.L. Wallace, H.Z. Graham, T.M. Gilland, P.A. Alsbrook, H.D. Reddick, L. Jacobs, E.T. Sweet, G.P. Nelson, M.A. Ross, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. M.J. Porter, Mrs. V.E. Lee, W.R. Funk, Edwin Harper, L. Stackley, Dr. W.G. Gamble, J.Z. McConnell, Jr., J.J. Steele, R.R. Stutts, E.G. Chandler, Capt. Yates, J.J. Snow, George W. Arms, The Rev. O.A. Darby, Mrs. L. Donath, Mrs. H.J. Weingarten, M.F. Heller, B.D. Mitchell, the Rev. H.M Jarvis, S.P. Brockinton, Edward Epps, Mrs. Virginia Brockinton, M.J. Hirsch, C.W. McClam, J.A. Scott, W.W. Grayson, W.W. Matthews, William Reddick, Dr. R.J. McCabe, and Dr. W. V. Brockinton.
"The population of Kingstree is estimated by some of its residents to number not less than one thousand inhabitants. These are typical Southerners, hospitable, courteous, and with a warm welcome for visitors. The men have charge of the business affairs generally, and I did not hear women's rights mentioned, though several flourishing business institutions are owned and managed by those who sometimes agitate this most agitating question. The stores of the town are well-stocked, well-managed and seem prosperous. This shows a strong set of merchants and especially was this evidenced where Messrs. S.P. Brockinton, Lesesne & Epps, W.R. Funk, E.J. Porter, E.T. Sweet, and the drug stores of Drs. D.C. Scott and W.L. Wallace were concerned.
"Mr. Brockinton has long been a leading merchant of this section. The strong and enterprising young firm of Lesesne & Epps has just opened here. Messers. Funk and Porter are leading merchants and citizens, and especially well-kept and attractive are the stores of the two doctors and the jewelry store of Mr. Sweet.
"Mayor Stackley has one of the leading stores, also, and on the opposite corner is the large establishment of Mr. H.D. Reddick. Among the other leading houses are those of Messrs. George S. Barr, W.M. Kinder, Mrs. H.J. Weingarten, Mrs. M.E. Thompson, Dr. W.V. Brockinton, Dr. W.G. Gamble, the large livery and buggy business of Mr. M.F. Heller, Thorne's Lumber Company, the lumber mill of Mr. Joel E. Brunson, and Yates & Snow, cotton buyers.
"The Kingstree Bar includes the following eminent attorneys: Messrs. John A. Kelly, T.M. Gilland, F. Barron Grier, M.J. Hirsch, E.G. Chandler, and J.Z. McConnell, Jr.
"The historic Courthouse is in charge of the following competent officials: H.Z. Hanna, auditor ever since 1876; R.D. Rollins, treasurer for one dozen years; W.W. Grayson, clerk of the court, now on his second term of office; J.D. Daniels, sheriff; F.M. Player, supervisor; J.Z. McConnell, Jr., probate judge; J.J.B. Montgomery, school commissioner, and W.W. Matthews, trial justice.
"The physicians seem to have an extra strong hold upon their friends and 'patients' and each one has his own cozy office and well-equipped drug store. Dr. D.C. Scott and Dr. W.L. Wallace have spent years in the practice of their profession here, and more recently Drs. W.G. Gamble and W.V. Brockinton have been added to the list of practicing physicians. Dr. R.J. McCabe is the only dentist here, and he fills his place popularly and most successfully.
"Churches and schools are the objects of great interest and concern here, as may easily be imagined. The religious history of his community is an unusually interesting one. Four churches hold regular services here, and, in addition, there are three well-built houses of worship belonging to the colored people. The Presbyterian church is in the care of the soldier-preacher, the Rev. J.E. Dunlop; the Rev. O.A. Darby, DD, officiates at the Methodist. The Rev. W.D. Moorer has charge of the Baptist, and at St. Alban's Episcopal Chapel services are regularly held by the rector, the Rev. H.M. Jarvis.
"Mr. E.C. Dennis, a graduate of Vanderbilt University, is the accomplished principal of the Kingstree Academy, which was organized about 10 years ago. It now has about 60 pupils, and the principal is doing the work, assisted by Miss Sallie Wilson. The trustees of the Academy are Dr. W. L. Wallace, Dr. D.C. Scott, and Mr. M.J. Hirsch. Miss Maggie A. Brockinton has charge of the primary school and Mrs. Samuel Scott has a kindergarten. The Tomlinson colored school, Mrs. N(ancy) A. Battiste, principal, is well-attended and flourishing.
"The Kingstree County Record is the well-known weekly newspaper of the town. This paper, from its establishment and past management has weight and immanence, and today it goes out to its subscribers strong, clear and well-edited. Mr. P.A. Alsbrook is proprietor, and Mr. E. Girardeau Chandler is editor, and this representative of the News & Courier, with thanks to these gentlemen for their assistance, gives them his best wishes for their success.
He later went on to serve many years as the town's Postmaster.
"Mr. L. Stackely, though a young man is prominent here. He is one of the largest merchants and is so well-thought of, that, at the last election he was called to preside over the local government as mayor. The aldermen are Messrs. W.R. Funk, and F.G. Swails.
"Mr. J.A. Scott is the night watchman and constitutes the police force of the town on the very rare occasions when his services are required. Mrs. E.G. Chandler is postmistress and is thoroughly competent and most obliging.
"One of the leading citizens here is Mr. R.H. Kellahan, private banker and capitalist. Mr. Kellahan settled in Kingstree in 1867 without a cent, and the great success which has crowned his business ability and work was all achieved right in this town and county.
"Fraternal organizations flourish here. Kingstree Lodge No. 16 A.F.M, as its number implies, has been in existence for many years. The Knights of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor, Woodmen of the World and Chosen Friends all have organizations here, and the Knights of Pythias are now at work establishing a local order.
"Many years ago Coleman's Hotel was here established, and today it continues its delectable and successful career. At present, it is under the management of Mr. George S. Barr, and I have never seen a host more concerned and mindful of the comfort of his guests. Literally he leaves nothing undone that it is in his power to do, and when he is seeking to accomplish the greatest good for the greater number of his guests, he is in his element. The cut of his pretty, shady hotel shows that, among other things, it must be a great place in summer. A good barber shop is in the building, a flowing artesian well is just in front; airy, spacious rooms, well-furnished parlor, pretty flower garden and a bountiful table loaded down with Kingstree fish, chicken, eggs, beef, milk and other good things are here to be found. At night, the Mouzon String Band makes music while the guests smoke, think, and listen. Mr. Barr must excuse me, but so much of the good things here served are the results of Mrs. Barr's skill that I must give her my thanks, also. It will be pleasant news to the traveling public to know that Mr. Barr intends giving his chief care and attention to his hotel and will from time to time make further improvements. A first-class livery business is now carried on in connection with the hotel, which is a convenience in more ways than one.
"The Kingstree Hotel was opened a few months ago by Mr. R.B. Lyons, and is not far from the depot. Here, certainly, is another peaceful, resting place for travelers. Mr. Lyons attends personally to his guests and he succeeds in making things pleasant and interesting for those who sit around his board. Visitors to Kingstree are (illegible) in these temporary homes. Newspapers and hotels are popular subjects for what "they say," and "they" do no always say what the subjects merit. I commend the Kingstree hotels and only hope that others may have the same pleasant care extended them as was given me at both these houses.
"Without further reference to the railroads of the county, mention will here be made of what Kingstree enjoys in this respect. Eight through passenger trains on the Northeastern Road pass Kingstree daily and among these are the celebrated "Vestibule" and "Last Mail" of the Atlantic Coast Line Service. A local freight runs in both directions each day, and in busy seasons, extra ones are put on. Seven thousand bales of cotton are annually shipped from this depot, and tobacco goes in steadily increasing quantities yearly. Quantities of fruit and truck are shipped by express and better facilities are constantly given. The daily shipments of plums, grapes, strawberries, whortleberries and other fruits average over 80 crates during the busy season, and these go to New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, Norfolk, Charleston and elsewhere. These shipments are increasing at the rate of 25 percent per annum, and this year's indications are for the largest increase yet shown. Cypress lumber and shingles go every week in carload lots, and these aggregate shipments from the county must be very large. Mr. H.Z. Graham is the very efficient officer in charge here and is as able in his management of the freight, passenger, express and telegraph offices as he is courteous in discharging these varied duties. He is assisted by Mr. H.A. Graham, and this office is a model of neatness.
"I have never seen nor heard of a place where homes can be so easily procured. Everything is cheap; easy terms are given, and the right kind of people are waiting to welcome others of the same sort. No immigrants are here, but it seems to me that they will come before very long. Mortgaged places could be given up where land values are higher, and with only a small portion of the amount required to pay for a small farm in other places a large one could easily be secured here. It has puzzled me in looking over these lands to understand why they are so much cheaper than they are anywhere else. Before the war, this was one of the richest counties in the state. I understand that money lenders were here and borrowers came from adjoining counties. The property was well-distributed and lands were valuable. Today they have no superior among South Carolina tobacco lands, as will be shown further on, and tons of grapes have been grown here per acre without using any fertilizers. They are fully as good today as they ever were and probably they will never sell any lower than at the present prices.
"A pure water supply has interested everyone in this section for some time past, and large results have been gained. Today there are three flowing artesian wells in Kingstree, and contracts are made for three more at private homes. The town council has had the work in charge, and so far complete success has resulted. All of the wells flow ceaselessly, and from one well in Main Street, the flow is not less than 40 gallons per minute. This water is deliciously cool and clear and will be analyzed at once. All over this county these flowing wells are being bored, and the average cost is $30. They vary in depth, the deepest so far is 321 feet."
He then spends several paragraphs discussing the success of irrigation in desert areas of Arizona and in California.
He then continues, "The News and Courier last year had a brief mention of what Mr. J.E. Brockington of Kingstree made on one acre of land. I have secured from Mr. Brockinton a detailed statement of the results from this acre....
"From one acre of ground, planted in tobacco, then in turnips, the net profit was $406. ,,, Mr. Brockington made 1,750 pound of tobacco on this acre, some of which sold at 59 cents per pound, the whole amount bringing him $496. He then made (illegible) bushels of rutabaga turnips, which he valued at 40 cents per bushel, thus making a total net profit of $406 on this acre, at a cost of not over $45. When it is remembered at what prices tobacco sells in home markets and that 2,000 pounds of it can be made on an acre of ground, it will be seen that in comparison with the past results from cotton and corn, this amazing yield is easily possible. Perhaps another reason of Mr. Brockington's success is in the way that he cures his tobacco. As nothing is more important to a tobacco farmer than this same subject of curing tobacco, they should all see Mr. Brockington's furnaces. In every respect, it is the most complete thing of the kind I have ever seen.
"Mr. Edwin Harper is another typical Williamsburg farmer and has a beautiful home in Kingstree. He is the owner of 15,000 acres of land, on which he grows crops, fruits and vegetables. He has made 5,580 pounds of lint cotton on eight acres of Williamsburg land, an average of nearly two bales per acre. When Mr. Drake of Marlboro captured the prize for the largest yield of corn, Mr. Harper was a competitor, and he made a little more than 75 bushels from his acre. This acre had 20 stumps in it, and the crop of corn was gathered, shocked, shelled, measured and weighed in the presence of 15 witnesses. Mr. Harper believes thoroughly in these lands. Experts have more than once told him that for tobacco growing they cannot be surpassed. Mr. Harper is an enthusiastic believer in tobacco culture and has 40 acres planted this year. His vineyard and that of Mr. James Epps is in fine condition, large and flourishing.
""Mr. W.D. Bryan is another Williamsburg farmer whose experience will make him the envy of many who read of what he has done. Eight years ago, with borrowed money, he purchased 4,306 acres of Williamsburg land for $500, less than 12.5 cents per acre. He has sold not less than $5,000 worth of timber and cross-ties from portions of this land. Last year he made 2,400 bushels of corn from 300 of these acres. He runs a store and a large business generally at Green's Post Office. Everything he owns, home, stock, lands, store, bank account–all–was made on this low-priced, high-grade Williamsburg farm.
"Those who want homes have the greatest opportunity in this county that should ever be given to man. I must repeat that I have never seen or heard of a land where such homes can be so easily secured. The county is large, with a fine population. The character of the inhabitants is a strong point in considering the availability of this as a home for prospective settlers. Their homes are well-made and comfortable. They are hard workers and certainly believe in helping each other, and nature's resources, practically untouched, are here in waiting for busy hands and workers. ... Full information will be given to any inquiry addressed to Mr. John A. Kelly, Mayor L. Stackley, Mr. F.M. Player, county supervisor; or to Mr. R.H. Kellahan.
"Artesian wells are becoming very numerous all over this county, and their number is rapidly increasing. What they mean is hard to over-estimate, and everybody intends that their full scope shall be given the experiments that are now claiming their interest. Flowing wells are easily secured, and the water is of the finest quality for irrigation purposes, and should irrigation work its wonders here, what a country this will be.
"A newspaperman remembers some things that linger with him when his pencil and notebook are not brought into use because they are absolutely unnecessary. When such a warm greeting as was here given me falls to his lot, here is one thing he does not forget. To those whom hospitality and quiet courtesy were such pleasant reminders of the traditions of their homes, I return my thanks.
"I was requested to visit Kingstree for the purpose of publishing this article and valuable assistance was given my by many. Col. R.C. Logan, a veteran retired newspaperman, did much for me. Col. Logan entered the field of journalism in 1856 and was a popular and valued member of the News and Courier staff for years until the establishment of his paper at Kingstree. Twice, he was Master-In-Equity for his county, elected to the Legislature, and he was also a member of the Secession Convention. Voluntarily, he has retired from active duties now, and in his home life may the years before him fulfill the promises of the past. Mr. G.P. Nelson, the oldest living man born in Kingstree, was ready to assist me in any way I desired. He was, for 32 years, one of the municipal officers of the town, lives in the oldest house in Kingstree, has a pocket knife that is 18 years old, and a warm heart that is 72 years young. He says he can 'shake hands with any man in South Carolina,' and I hope soon to see him do this with one at least.
"Capt. John A. Kelly, I am sure, would be better pleased were I not to here allude to his interest and help. I am under such obligations to him, however, that I trust he will even pardon this brief acknowledgment of his services.
"Mr. George S. Barr, beyond any question, has the welfare of Kingstree at heart. He placed himself and his carriage at my disposal and gave of his time and cash to further the interests of his town.
"Of special interest to visitors here is the old cemetery of the Williamsburg Church, one of the most quiet 'gardens of sleep' that ever lifeless clay rested in after life's fever was forever ended. It is just on the suburbs of the town, and the beautiful manner in which everything is kept shows what care and love is here. Sombre pines surround the spot and long gray moss droops its silent, waving folds over the mounds where even the stones are black with age. Gray-black and moss-covered are these old stones that years ago were once new, white and cold. The names cannot be deciphered on many of these crumbling stones, yet is the spot a 'link among the years,' binding the generations each to each. These sombre, shaded corners of the great world seem the most fitting places for the last long sleep. Here are the remains of those who were once among the most loved and honored of this section. Many names are forever obliterated, but some belong to those whose works still live and whose names are written on more imperishable material than is marble. The old stones are quaintly carved, many of the old head pieces being exact duplicates of the ones seen in old Trinity Churchyard, New York, by rushing, roaring, noisy Broadway.
"On an old, crumbling stone, wind-swept, weather-beaten and black, I deciphered with much difficulty the following inscription: Mary Heathly. Died February 8, 1792. How lov'd, how valued once, availeth not/To whom related or by whom begot: A heap of dust alone remains of thee./'Tis all thou art and all the proud shall be.
"Though quiet now, it needs no reminder to recall the years, and they were many when strife, tumult and battle raged here. The people of this section have, with their lives, given their record to history and the descendants of these patriots abide today in the homes of their forefathers. The soil out of which such men were made is good to be born on, good to live on, good to die for and be buried in. Did not their lives exemplify all this? ..."
2 comments:
In the article Williamsburg County 1896 - New Land of Canan - R. C. Logan - refers to:
Col. Richard Columbus Logan (1832-1904), Kingstree, Williamsburg, South Carolina, USA who married: Theresa Susanna Scott (1838-1921)
Should I be of further assistance/or incorrect - please contact me at wkgodwin04@gmail.com in Olanta, Florence, South Carolina, USA and on Ancestry at "Lynches Creek Family"
Fascinating
Post a Comment