Edgefield County, South Carolina - The whole text, 1897 (part 4 of 11)

On Monday, the 12th, the nnlitar>' of Hamburg were joined iby those of Augusta, comprising the Clinck Riflemen and the Augusta Artillery Guard, all under the command of Samuel C. Wilson; together with the Masonic Lodges of Hamburg and Augusta, and the citizens of both places, formed a procession at the corner of Covington and Market streets, Joseph E. Gladding acting as marshal. Minute guns were fired from the site of his old fort on Shultz's Hill by the artillery, while the procession followed the body of the deceased Veteran, with the solemn sounds of the muffied drums. When they arrived at the family burial ground, above Campbellton, the remains were lowered into the vault with Masonic honors, and a volley fired over it by the escorting infantry.

"It is remarkable," says his biographer, "that although so much of his early life was familiarized with battles and bloodshed, he preserved his natural gentleness and suavity of manner to the last - enlivening everj^ circle where he went with his cheerful sallies of good humor." Dr. A. S. Hammond is authority for the foregoing facts in the life of his father.

In this sketch of Samuel Hammond I have left out many things that would have given me great pleasure to insert; but I fear that this history will grow to too great a size before I -complete it. It is very pleasant to write of such men as Samuel Hammond, and of many others of Edgefield, who have lived noble lives and played honorable parts upon the stage of being. The writer is a native of Edgefield, and as this work progresses he begins to feel that he has good ground to be proud of the fact. It is true, however, that many dark deeds have been done upon Edgefield soil - deeds of violence and blood. The descendants of Cain are to be found' in all parts of the world.

Le Roy And Samuel Hammond

The following additional facts in the lives of Le Roy Hammond and his nephew Samuel Hammond, and the descendants of Le Roy Hammond, were communicated to me by the two n^rothers, C. M. and E. W. Hammond. They write from Hamburg, S. C, under date of September 25, 1892:

The first information we have of the family of Hammond is that of Colonel Le Roy Hammond, who came from Virginia in the year or about the year 1765. He married a Miss Tyler, a near relative of President Tyler. He lived in Augusta^ a few years, then moved to South Carolina, on the Savannah River, seven miles above Augusta, and named his place New Richmond in memory of his old home. He built an imposing house for these days; the lumber was all sawed by hand, a whip saw being used. The bricks for the chimneys, and the nails, which were wrought, were made on the plantation. The brick-layers and plasterers, thirty in number, were also brought from Europe to complete the house. This house is now standing and is in very good repair; and is in possession of Major Andrew J. Hammond's family, who was a grandson of Colonel L,e Roy Hammond.

Colonel lyC Roy Hammond established a trading post on the Savannah River, buying skins, furs, &c. , from the Indians, giving in exchange such things as thej^ needed. These supplies were brought from Charleston up the Savannah by pole boats.

He died at Snow Hill, near New Richmond in 1790. He left one son, I,e Roy, who was a captain in the Revolution at sixteen years of age. It is related that, in one of the skirmishes in which he was engaged, his cousin Colonel Samuel Hammond captured a number of Tories and one of them having a pistol concealed when in the act of firing on him (the colonel) Captain Hammond galloped up and cut his head in half, each half falling on his shoulders, one on one shoulder, and one on the other. The sword with which he accomplished this feat was made in a blacksmith shop to order, and has the name of the maker, Harvey, engraved thereon. This sword, with many hacks in it, showing the active service in which Captain Hammond was engaged, also his pistols, which are flint and steel with brass barrels, handsomely mounted in silver with coat of arms of an Englishman, from whom they were taken in an engagement, are now in the possession of the descendants of Captain Andrew J. Hammond.

During the Revolution a notorious character, Davis, a Tory and robber, was captured at Cherokee Ponds, in Edgefield County, S. C. It fell to the lot of Captain Hammond to kill him. One of these pistols was used on the occasion.

At one time while hunting in Georgia he lost his way and entered the camp of hostile Indians. They all sprang to their feet drawing their bows and tomahawks, ready to kill him. He not knowing their language was entirely at their mercy. He called the name of Le Roy Hammond, and such was the respect and veneration in which the name and good deeds of his father was held, of one accord they took him in their camp, made him presents and fed him and sent him on his way rejoicing. Captain Hammond, after the war, was a colonel in the militia. A large fortune was left to him by his father, most of which he spent in a most charitable manner, giving and helping all who stood in need of assistance. Of this fortune there remains to his descendants, the children of Andrew J. Hammond, the valuable lands on the Savannah River and the old Homestead, New Richmond. Captain Le Roy Hammond left a daughter, Julia, who married Charles Hammond, a planter and merchant, of Hamburg, S. C.

Andrew J. Hammond, his son, was born October 8th, 18 14, and was reared by his mother at the old homestead, New Richmond. Mrs. Hammond survived her husband fifty-four years, and was noted throughout Edgefield for her fine business habits, strong intellect, great charity, and goodness of heart. All these fine traits of character were transmitted to her son, Andrew J. Hammond. He was educated at the then noted schools of Pendleton, S. C. In 1841, he married Elizabeth Butler, the only daughter of the Honorable Sampson H. Butler. For many years he was Captain of the Edgefield Hussars. He was a member of the Legislature for several years, and was a member of the Secession Convention in 1 860. Captain A. J. Hammond retired from political life, but at the breaking out of the late Civil War between the States he was elected Major of the Twenty-fourth Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, where he served with bravery and distinction until prostrated with fever and rheumatism, which confined him to his home until near the close of the war, when he was assigned a position on the staff of General A. R. Wright.

Major Hammond was a patriot, a Christian, and a gentleman; and was universally honored, loved, and respected by all who knew him. He died December 19th, 1882. His son, who bore the honored name of Le Roy, and who gave great promise of a uoble and useful life, died ia early manhood iu the year 1882. Major Hammond's only surviving sons are Edgar and Charles, who, the writer of this history has reason to believe, inherit the courage, the strength of character, and noble attributes of their illustrious ancestors. They reside on the lands bequeathed by their great-grandfather, Colonel Le Roy Hammond.

We group together the three Pickens, General Andrew, of the Revolution; his son Andrew, and the late F. W. Pickens, Governor of South Carolina. We will take the last first. Governor Francis W. Pickens was not a native of Edgefield, but he lived so many years of his life in Edgefield District that we can well lay claim to him as one of Edgefield's sons. He was born in Pendleton District, in that part which is now Oconee County. His father, Andrew Pickens, moved to Alabama in 1819, and Francis was first sent to Athens College, in Georgia, and afterwards to the South Carolina College, from which institution he graduated with a high reputation for talents, honor, and energy, Mr. John C. Calhoun, who was his relation, regarded him as the most promising j^oung man in the State at that time. He read law at Edgefield, was admitted to the bar, and was soon afterwards elected a member of the Legislature. He succeeded Mr. McDuffie in Congress, where he established a high character as a statesman and as a debater. He resigned his seat in Congress and was elected to the State Senate, where he served several sessions. He was then appointed by President Buchanan Minister to Russia. After his return home he was elected Governor of the State, just before Secession and the breaking out of the great Civil W^ar. After the war he was a member of the State Convention, which met in 1865, while B. F. Perry was Provisional Governor, This was his last public service to the State. He was married three times and left children, daughters, by each marriage; but no son to transmit his name to posterity. He was proud of his ancestry, and had reason to be.

General Andrew Pickens, grandfather of Francis W. , was a native of Pennsylvania, but moved to South Carolina some years before the Revolution. From the beginning of the troubles he was an ardent supporter of Independence, and was engaged in active service in the field during nearly the whole of the war. There was a little while, after the fall of Charleston and the surrender of General Lincoln, when the whole upper country seemed paralyzed, in which he was quiescent as a paroled prisoner. When ordered by the British authorities to take up arms, in violation of his parole, against his countrymen, he immediately resumed his arms, and took the field in their defence. He fought at Augusta and received the sunrender of that place; he fought at Ninety-Six, and was often before the celebrated Star Redoubt. A brother of his was killed there; another brother was taken prisoner, and delivered to the Tories - ^but, indeed, all the garrison were Tories - who took him over into Georgia and gave him to the Indians, who burned him to death on a pile of lightwood. General Pickens had chief command and gained the glorious victory over the Tory, Colonel Boyd, at Kettle Creek; he had a command at Cowpens, and gave General Morgan great assistance in gaining that victory; he fought Colonel Pyle, on Ham River, N. C. , and destroyed his command of three hundred men; he was shot from his horse by a musket ball at the battle of Eutaw, and was picked up by the soldiers as dead, but he soon recovered. These and other services to the State and country mark him as one of the most active, energetic, and useful men of the time. He sat in the first county court ever held at the old Black House, near Abbeville Court House. His son Andrew, when a child, drew the first jury ever impaneled in Abbeville District after Independence. It is a fact worthy of honorable mention in his career that, when General Davidson, of North Carolina, died the brigade, which was commanded by him from the Mecklenburg section, elected General Pickens to command them; so that at that time he was a General in both States. It is also a fact in his career that he never received any pay for his services.

He was elected Representative in the United States Congress in the year 1793. He then resigned his commission of Major General in the State Militia, and recommended the appointment of William Butler. The appointment was made, and about this time a son was born to General Butler, whom he named Andrew Pickens Butler, as a graceful and grateful compliment to General Pickens.

Andrew Pickens, son of General Andrew Pickens of the Revolution, was a colonel commanding a regiment on the Canadian frontier during the war of 18 12, In 181 7 he was elected

Besides the services of General Pickens, already mentioned, he rendered others to the country which should not be omitted. He held the treaty of Hopewell with the Cherokee Indians, by which all the western part of South Carolina was obtained; he was one of the commissioners appointed by President Jefferson to run the line between Georgia and Tennessee; and also the line between Georgia and South Carolina. He held the treat)^ of Milledgeville; that of Huntsville, and of Natches with the Indians; and was one of the first white men to pass down the Cumberla:id River, and was often shot at by the savages on the banks. In fact he was one of the most active and useful mgn of the whole South during the period of the Revolution and the year following. His home was never at any time in Edgefield; but he was of Ninety-Six and we have a right to claim him as our own through his illustrious grandson, F. W. Pickens, whose home for many years was at Edgefield.

Captain Richard Johnson

Whether Captain Richard Johnson was born in Edgefield or not, is not known. His father came from Virginia and settled near Campbellton, on the Savannah River. Richard was about eighteen years old at the time of the Declaration of Independence. He took that side at the first and clung to it without wavering until the close. He was a captain in Samuel Plam. mond's cavalry. He had one great quality, which always inspired his comrades with confidence - coolness in time of danger. As an instance of his coolness and readiness it is related of him that at Eutaw, in retreating before the enemy, as he passed a cannon, he stopped and spiked it with a nail which he carried in his pocket. He was the man for the occa- .sion, and he was always ready. Cunningham, on his return to the low country, after his celebrated raid in 1781, while feeding one day at the lower Fork of Eittle Saluda, his force at the time consisting of about one hundred and fifty men, suddenly saw Hammond appear on the opposite side with about seventy men, Hammond finding the odds so much against him, determined not to cross then, but to follow and harrass them until he received reenforcements. Captain Johnson wanted to cross and attack at once, and said if thirty men would volunteer and go with him he would cross and make the attack. Thirty men did volunteer and among the number was Zachary Smith Brooks, grandfather of Preston S. Brooks. Hammond interfered and forbade the movement; placed himself in the way and gave a peremptory order to halt. Hammond was right. It would have been madness for thirty men to attack one hundred and fifty under Bloodj^ Bill. The next day General Pickens came up with them and the pursuit was continued as far as Orangeburg.

In 1806 he was elected to the Legislature and continued to be a member of that body nearly all the remainder of his life. He died in 18 17 at his residence in Edgefield. He was opposed to the establishment of the South Carolina College; but after he saw the good resulting from it he frankly acknowledged his error. He left a handsome fortune, but no children to inherit it.

Michael Watson

Michael Watson's first essay in arms with the militia of South Carolina was in 1762, in the expedition against the Cherokee Indians led by Colonel Grant of the regular army. And after that he was found very forward, brave, and efficient in opposition to the lawless banditti in 1767 and 1768. I find no mention of the time when Michael Watson's father settled in Edgefield, but he must have been amongst the first in that section of the country. At that time there were no courts nearer than Charlestown. Edgefield, or rather Ninety-Six, for Edgefield was not known until a good many years afterwards, was filling up very rapidly with people from 1760 to 1770, not only wdth good industrious settlers, but with a great many who were not so.

The peace of 1763 turned loose a great many soldiers on both sides of the Atlantic, who had been rendered unfit for the arts of peace, and who sought to live by prejang upon the property of others. Many of these sought refuge in the District of Ninety-Six as a secure asylum, and as a good field for their operations, as there were no courts nearer than Charles- town, which was a hundred and fifty or two hundred miles away. For peaceable, industrious citizens to carry offenders such a distance for trial and punishment, imposed upon them a burden much too great for tliem to bear. To lift this burden, or to avoid it, they organized themselves into bands of Regulators, so that when offenders were caught they could be dealt with at home. Such organizations may, and do, work well for awhile in extreme cases; but they soon fall off from the high plane of established law and order, and degenerate into mere instruments for the gratification of personal revenge. In this case much good was done, and the Regulators succeeded in their object and purpose. The attention of the authorities of the Province was called to the deplorable condition of affairs in the up country, and seven additional courts were established in different parts of the Province; one of which was at Camden; one at Orangeburg; and one at Ninety-Six. But before these courts were established we find that in 1767 a band of marauders made an inroad among the neighbors of Michael Watson on the Ridge, and threatened the life of his father. Michael, William, and their father, with two other men, pursued them about thirty miles. When they overtook them they found them lodged in a house in which they had taken shelter. The Watson party advanced and were fired upon by those inside. Old Mr. Watson, William, and one other were instantly killed. Michael was wounded, but he and the other survivor rushed into the house before those inside could reload their guns. Michael killed two of them; his friend, whose name is not known, wounded another, but the survivors made their escape. Some of them were afterwards captured and taken to Charlestown and tried.

November 3d, 1767, nine persons were convicted of plunder, horsestealing, and murder. One Ezekiel Tyrrel also was convicted of burning Watson's corn crib, and was sentenced to be hung June ist, 176S. The troubles grew worse and worse until the marauders embodied under Colonel Scovial, who had friends at court, paraded under arms and made read}' for battle. This brought matters to a crisis. The matter was laid before the Governor and Council, and soon afterwards the courts were established, and regularly held for the trial of all offenders by judge and jury.

When the Revolutionary War began Watson was already well known for his courage and patriotism. In the war against the Cherokees, in 1776, he rendered very efficient service at I^ittle River, when the division was in some confusion, by collecting a chosen band and charging the Indians, driving them back and so saving the division. After the fall of Charlestown, and the British and Tories became dominant in the up country, on one occasion a party surrounded his house at night while he was in bed. He heard them talking at one end of the house about the mode of attack. He did not stay long upon the order of his going, but went at once, and seizing his gun he ran out of the door at the other end of the house, and escaped to the woods about fifty yards distant. He then began to call out, as if to collect a body of men on guard: "Here they are! Come on, boys! Charge!" He then fired off his gun. The Tories were frightened and somewhat disgusted, and left speedily.

At another time his house was surrounded in the open day, when he was alone with his family. He leaped out through a wdndow and ran for the woods. The enemy fired at him as long as he was in sight, but he escaped unhurt, though his clothes had several bullet holes through them. Afterwards a Tory Colonel, Kin Williams, came to his plantation with three hundred men, each with a green oak leaf in his hat. Watson was not at home at the time, or he would probably have been killed. They burned every house on the place; killed every hog and cow, and all the poultry, and either destroyed or carried away all the provisions. With the assistance of his neighbors, he made another home about eight miles away, but he was still frequently disturbed. On one occasion a man named Hartley undertook to carry off the only horse he had left. Watson was then at home and was too much for Hartley. He fired upon him, wounded him in the arm, and took hini prisoner; made him go home with him, dressed his wound, and treated him with the greatest kindness. Such kind treatment from Watson and his family had so good an effect upon Hartley that he left the Tories, became a good Whig, and served under Watson. Often after the war he was heard to relate these facts.

the close of the war. In May, 1782, hearing of a boch- of Tories in Dean's Swamp, near Orangeburg, Watson and William Butler determined to attack them. Watson's men were mounted, armed with rifles and muskets; Butler's were cavalry, armed with pistols and cutlasses. These Tories were commanded by Bloody Bill Cunningham, and in hopes to be able to surprise them, Watson and Butler marched with great rapidity. On the way they captured a disaffected man, named Hutton; but he made his escape, and gave the Tories warning just before they reached the camp. As soon as his escape was knov\n Watson wanted to stop the advance, but Butler was for pushing forward. Butler's wish prevailed; and as the}' advanced the}' saw two men who seemed to be trying to hide. Butler, W^atson, and Sergeant Vardel rode forward to capture them. Watson then discovered that the}- were only a decoy, and warned the others, but too late. The Tories, seeing that they were discovered, fired upon the Whigs and brought down Watson, Vardel, and several others. Butler brought off the wounded men, but now found that the infantry had very little ammunition left, and that the Tories, twice the number of the Whigs, were advancing upon them. He immediately made John Corley, a brave and gallant 3-outh, his First lyieutenant, and they charged so hoth' upon the enemy's lines that they were thrown into confusion. The whigs pressed upon them so fierceh^ and used their broad swords so rapidl}- that they could not rally, and sought safety in the swamp. As the Whigs returned from the chase they found Vardel alive, but he expired in the effort to wave his hand and to shout "hurra!" They buried him on the field. Watson was carried to Orangeburg. He was alive when they reached that place, but he died soon afterwards, and was buried in that village with military honors.

Shall we relate a little story of this battle? A smart young man, name not given, was very anxious to distinguish himself, never having been in battle. He sought the office of Lieutenant and was elected. Mounted on a beautiful filly, he advanced bravely to the attack. When they found the enemy and dismounted to make the attack, he dismounted also, hitched his horse and advanced on foot with the others. When the Tories rose and poured in their fire, .seeing the number that fell besides Captain Watson, the young man could not stand it; his courage evaporated; he turned and fled, and, forgetting his fine filly, never stopped until he reached home, spreading the report that all the party had been killed except himself. The horse was saved by those who brought off the wounded. When they reached Orangeburg the owner of the filly never making any claim, she was sold and the money she brought was expended in rum and other refreshments. Some others of Watson's men also ran off - names not known. I am not much inclined to blame anybody for running out of danger when he can save his bacon by it. Discretion is the better part of valor, alwaj-s.

Francis Salvador

In a history of Edgefield, it is due to Mr. Salvador, whose name appears in every history of the State, that something should be said of him more than the mere casual mention of his name. He was the intimate friend of Colonel Le Roy Hammond. He was killed in the second battle of the war with the Cherokees in 1776, and his death was much lamented. He was highh- accomplished, honorable, and generous. He was a native of England, but of Hebrew parents and a Hebrew in religion. He inherited a large fortune from his father, Jacob Salvador, which he increased by marriage. He came to South Carolina in the year 1774, with his friend, Mr Richard A. Rafeloy, purchased negroes, and a large tract of land in Ninety-Six District, and lived honored and respected. He became a member of the General Assembly, and was warmly attached to the cause of Independence. He was the first man killed in the battle. He was wounded twice - was scalped and died in less than an hour, unconscious of the barbarous act.

The family of Martins in Edgefield were remarkable during the Revolution for being united in the cause of Independence. They w^ere all Whigs and brave men. There were seven brothers, and all took active parts and all made good soldiers. All survived the war, except one, William, who was the oldest. He was Captain of Artillery, and was killed at the siege of Augusta. He was one of the oldest captains in the service.

These brothers were named William, Hartley, James, John, Edmund, Marshall, and Matthew. Matthew was alive in 1846, living in Teimessee; he died near the close of that year. The wives of these men were about as good and true soldiers as their husbands, if the following story be correct, of which there is no doubt:

Learning that important despatches were sent up the country by the enemy, Mrs. William and Mrs. Bartley Martin determined to waylay the courier and capture the papers. They dressed themselves in their husbands' clothes, (perhaps they were in the habit of wearing the breeches any how), took position near the road where the express must pass. Directly the courier appeared with a guard of two British officers. As they came up the young women presented their muskets and demanded their instant surrender. The officers, panic stricken, surrendered and were paroled at once. The ladies then took the despatches, hastened home through the woods and without loss of time sent their prize to General Greene. The officers soon appeared on their return and asked for accommodation as travellers. This was granted. Mrs. Martin asked how it was that they returned so soon? They told her that they had been taken prisoner b}- two rebel boys; and they showed her their paroles. The ladies rallied them and asked if they were not armed. They said yes; but were so surprised that they could not use their arras. Mrs. Martin allowed them to depart next morning without letting them know who their captors were. These Martins were of Martintown, on the Sayannah side of Edgefield. A inore extended account of this family will be given. ^-^ (^ ^ J' (' ---

One purpose of Cunningham when he made his celebrated raid into the up-country in 1781, was the capture of Samuel Hammond, whom he expected to find at Anderson's Mills, on the Saluda, near Island Ford, as he heard he was then stationed at that place. Hammond was not there when Cunningham passed. From Cloud's Creek to Anderson's Mills his path was one of fire and blood. He crossed Saluda at Island Ford, went on to Hays' station, in the lower edge of Laurens, and put Colonel Hays and all his command to the sword.

Mrs. Cruger At Ninety-Six

While the British occupied Ninety-Six the family of the commandant, Colonel Cruger, was staging at the house of Colonel James Mayson, which was about three miles from the town. Mayson was a man of family with several lovely, lively daughters. The officers of the garrison would frequently call and spend the evening there, and it sometimes happened that some of the rebels would also visit there and if they met any British officers all passed off pleasantly, as they regarded Colonel Ma3'son's home as neutral ground. Suddenly one day a cannonade is heard at Ninety-Six, and the ladies soon learned that General Greene's forces had attacked the Star batter3^ The ladies, in great'alarm, immediately began collecting their movable values, jewelr}', &c., and Mrs. Cruger sewing up her guineas in beltr, so tl:at she could secure them about her person. A young lad)-, afterwards the wife of General William Butler, says she assisted Mrs. Cruger in sewing up her guineas. The other ladies, very probably, had no guineas to hide. They had scarcely finished their work and completed their preparations for a speedy departure, when a number of armed men in American uniform, marched into the enclosure. The ladies w'ere much alarmed, but the commanding officer advanced and asked to speak with any one of the family. He stated that he had been as sent guard to protect Mrs. Cruger and the famil}^ and that they need be under no apprehension, and that the guard would remain as long as necessary. This attention was ver}^ well and thankfully received by Mrs. Cruger, Colonel Cruger and all his officers. When the siege was raised the guard was withdrawn, and when they parted Mrs. Cruger gave the officer commanding two guineas.

Mrs. Butler also relates that soon after this, when she had returned home to the house of her stepfather, Mr. Savage, near Saluda Old Town, she first saw William Butler, her future husband. A handsome young officer, with a rose cockade in his hat, rode up to the house alone and inquired if any persons had been there w^ho might be stragglers from the American army; if they had taken anything away, and in what direc- tion they had gone. Mrs. Butler told him they had taken nothing from the house but that they had gone in a direction which led her to believe that their purpose was to steal their horses. The lieutenant then gave a signal and he was soon joined by his men. They pursued; saved the horses; captured the stragglers and took them safely into camp.

Only a little while before this occurred, a young Virginia officer, named Wade, who had been badly wounded in a skirmish with some of Lord Rawdon's troops near the "Old Town," and had fallen from his horse, was brought into the house. While all were anxious and solicitous about his welfare, he thought only of his horse, and all he could say was, "Don't let them carry off my horse."

Mrs. Dillard And Mrs. Thomas

These ladies were not of Edgefield, but inasmuch as Colonel Samuel Hammond, who was of Edgefield, in his notes of the Battle of Cedar Springs, in Spartanburg District, relates the story, and I feel sure that it is not out of place here. Colonel Hammond says:

"Mrs. Dillard, who had given our party milk and potatoes the day before this battle, stated that Ferguson and Dunlap, with their party of Tories came there on the next evening. They inquired after Clarke's part3^ their numbers, &c., &c., and she gave them as little information as possible. The}' ordered her to prepare supper with despatch; and while she was so employed, .she heard one of the Torj^ officers tell Ferguson that he had just been informed that the re1)els under Clarke were to camp that night at the Green, or Cedar Springs. It was immediately resolved to attack them that night, and Mrs. Dillard's hu.sband being with Clarke, she resolved to give them notice of it. As soon as she could set out the supper she slipped olT to the stable, bridled a young horse, and, without a .saddle, galloped off to apprise Clarke of his danger; under an impression that the enemy were too numerous to justify battle with them. She arrived just in time, for Dunlap had been sent forward by Ferguson, with orders to attack and detain us until he should come up with the remainder. Dunlap had advanced rapidly and charged soon after we had paraded and were ready for his reception. The lad}^ returned home in safetv and deserves well of her countrv.

"The credit of giving this seasonable notice to the Americans has also been claimed for Mrs. Thomas, the heroic mother of Colonel J. Thomas, jun., and no doubt with reason - they both did it. With such patriotic matrons and with a peasantry who refused to take protection, or acknowledge submission to the British forces, well may this District be designated as Spartanburg."

Mrs. Thomas rode sixty miles to give Colonel Clarke the information. The foregoing should have appeared in the Sketch of Samuel Hammond and his Services, but was overlooked and inadvertently left out.

Pickens' And Williamson

After the battle of Guilford Court House, N. C, March 25, 1 78 1, General Greene determined to return to South Carolina, and detached Major Samuel Hammond of South Carolina, and Major James Jackson of Georgia, from his army with orders to penetrate to the Savannah River and open communication with friends of Independence on both sides, in order that he might receive support in his progress through. When they came into Ninety-Six District, they sent for Generals Williamson and Pickens, the most influential men in that part of the country. They both attended the call and were invited by Hammond and Jackson to unite with them in carrying out General Greene's views. They stated that that they were prisoners on parole, on the terms of the surrender in Charleston, and although these terms had been violated as to some who had been ordered out by the British, yet, as to themselves, the terms had not been violated, and they did not feel justified in breaking their parole. The British Commander soon received information of the arrival of the Americans in the District, and at once issued the order calling upon and requiring Andrew Williamson and Andrew Pickens to enter upon active service in support of the Royal authority. Pickens immediately joined his countrymen in arms and ever after was a gallant and efficient leader. Williamson submitted; and after awhile left the District of Ninety-Six; retired to the neighborhood of Charleston, and always after remained within the British lines; but never, as far as is known, bore arms against his countrj-meu.

Fort Galphin-George Galphin

On the arrival of Colonel Lee at Augusta, during the siege of that place, after the capture of Fort Granby, he sent down Captain Rudolph with his regulars to assist in the siege of Fort Galphin. The fort was soon taken. The capitulation was signed by Captain Rudolph. This capture was of great importance to the American cause. A large amount of arms and militar}^ stores, blankets, clothing, small arms, ammunition, salt, and hospital stores were captured in the fort and in the boats on the -Aver - all of immense value to the Americans. Without this seasonable supply it is doubtful whether Fort Cornwallis could have been taken.

Fort Galphin was on Silver Bluff, the property afterwards of Governor James H. Hammond and his descendants, at that time owned by George Galphin, whose dreaming match with the Indian Chief will be given. Mr. Galphin, Assistant Superintendent of Indian affairs, was a devoted friend to the American cause, and by his influence with the Indians much bloodshed was prevented. He also frequently assisted the Americans in their wants - general as well as individual - with his fortune; which was large.

The history of Norris Township is here given as it is related by Mr. John M. Norris, who, in November, 1891, was in his seventj'-fifth year, and who was born and raised in the township, and has resided all his life within a niile of where his father and grandfather lived and died.

Norris Township lies in the eastern border of the count}' and embraces a considerable portion of the famous Ridge Plateau, from the Lexington County line west to Ward Township, a distance of ten or twelve miles, and extends northwest to the Rhinehart and Mobley Townships, and embraces within its area Cloud's Creek, West Creek, and-Norris Greek, all three of which have their source on the Ridge and flow" in a northwest direction. This section of our county cannot better be described than in the words of Professor Morse in his Universal Geography. He says: "The Ridge is a remarkable elevated belt of land extending from the Savannah to Bush River. It is a fine, healthy belt of land, well watered and of good soil. The Edistos have their rise on this Ridge, as well as creeks running into the Saluda. These waters interlock, and the traveler on the old Ridge Road crosses branches alternately running in opposite directions. As you advance northwest from the summit of the Ridge, commences a country exactly resembling the Northern States, or like Devonshire in England or Langudoc in France. The hills and vales, with all their verdure and variegated beauty, present themselves t3 the eye. Here heaven has bestowed its blessings with a most bounteous hand. The air is temperate and healthful. It is w^ell watered, and the fertility of the soil is equal to every vegetable production."

This description by Professor Morse w^as intended for all the up country as well as Norris Township. Many changes have been made since that w-as written. The beautiful and majestic forests have dwindled away. Only here and there a small copse of the original woods is to be seen. The verdure and variegated beauty do not gladden the eye as of old. The hills and vales have been dispossessed of much of their fertile soil

Among the earliest settlers of the township was William Norris, grandfather of Mr. John M. Norris, who came from Pennsylvania, and settled on West Creek about the year 1750, and died in 1 780. About the same tntie William Sawyer settled in the same neighborhood. Then Busheys, Bateses, L,ongs, Padgetts, Whittles, Yarboroughs, Smiths, Warrens, and others, on the eastern portion of the township; while on the Ridge and western side were the Watsons, Simpkinses, Perrys, Asbills, Holstons, Burtons, Reynoldses, and Williamses, with the Bodies, Herlongs, DeLoaches, and many others, whose names cannot be recalled at present, ,

William Norris was of the Quaker persuasion. He left three sons, Nathan, William, and Stephen, and also several daughters. All these lived long and useful lives. The wife of William Norris was Agnes Federick, a woman of remarkable qualities. By the death of her husband she was left alone, to take care of and to raise and train her children. Her training was so excellent that it is said that neither one of them was ever known to use profane language. Nathan, the oldest, was the patriarch of the Norris family. His education was imperfect, but he had a clear and strong mind. Benevolence supplied his strongest incentive of action, and the serving of others seemed to have been his favorite mode of serving himself. His public spirit manifested itself throughout his whole life by self-sacrifice and deeds of kindness. If he had any fault to be complained of, it was on the side of mercy. He was eminently a man of mercy and of peace. He exerci.sed more leniency towards his slaves, and he had a goodly number of them, than perhaps any man in Edgefield County. During the greater part of his life he served as Justice of Peace, County Commissioner, &c. While inheriting from his father some of the Quaker spirit, he was a Baptist, and contributed more to the building and maintaining of the old West Creek Baptist Church, of which he was a member, than any one of the other members. In a large degree he was given to hospitality. He was kind and charitable to the poor, and v/as beloved and respected by all who knew him.

who. was killed in the old War of Independence, and of whom a biographical sketch is elsewhere given. His descendants have been prominent in this township and in the county, and have been honored by the people of Edgefield. Major Tillman Watson, than whom none of the Watson family ever stood higher, was a man of sterling qualities. Although his education was limited, j^et his sense of justice, his patriotism, his integrity, and his clear, good sense caused him to be respected and promoted by the people of Edgefield County, who often bestowed upon him the honors he deserved by sending him to represent them in the Eegislature, sometimes in the Senate and sometimes in the House.

The Holston family of this township descended from Moses Holston, Sr. , who died about the year 1838. He had a number of sons and daughters who settled in the township, and who, at one time, owned and cultivated a considerable portion of the best lands. The}^ were remarkabl)^ successful as cotton planters, and continued buying land and slav^es with the produce of their cotton fields. No one of them was more successful than Wade Holston, who was the youngest son of Moses, Sr. Before the War of Secession he owned a large number of slaves and sev^eral thousand acres of land. He was ambitious to succeed, and he usually did succeed in all he undertook. He represented the county in the Legislature for awhile. The greater part of his property was accumulated by industry and perseverance.

The William Sawyer, who was cotemporary with William Norris, Sr. , is the head of all the Sawyers of this section of Edgefield. He had a son named Ansel Sawyer, who was killed with Captain James Butler at the massacre on Lick Creek in time of the Revolution. He was only 1 7 or 18 years of age. He was horribly mutilated, having been chopped to pieces by the Tories with their swords. He was carried home from the battle ground on a ground slide by an old negro slave named Beister, who belonged to the widow of William Norris, Sr. William Norris, her son, a lad at the time, was an eye witness, and gave the facts as here stated to his son, John M. Norris.

of hell set apart for their temporary residence and habitation ; a world of probation to see whether any of them can ever be restored to that better condition from which they all fell.

On the waters of West Creek, in a shady grove near a purling spring, stands the old West Creek Baptist Church, which took its name from the creek on which it is situated. It was constituted in 1790. Old men relate tliat long before this church was regularly constituted a rude house of worship existed at the same place, and that services were occasionally held here. This old church has gone through many vicissitudes, but at present it is in a flourishing condition. It is the mother of several other Baptist Churches in Edgefield, of some also in Lexington. One of these is Bethel Church, on the Ridge, from which sprang the Ridge Spring Baptist Church. All three of these churches have flourished under various pastors, and have largely contributed and exercised an influence for good in the township.

The old Methodist Church, Providence, situated on Cloud's Creek, was also constituted very early. The Boddys, Herlongs, Bouknights, Mitchells, and other families were prominent in building up and sustaining Methodism in this section. Their descendants are following in their footsteps, and are faithfully doing the same work in which their fathers were engaged.

In this township are found immense quantities of granite rock, both the Poaphoritic and Syenitic. Excellent millstones are being dressed and shipped to all parts of the State by E. W. McLenna, the energetic and enterprising editor and proprietor of the Johnston Monitor. These beds of Syenitic granite are inexhaustible. The stone is of fine grain and capable of a high polish, which qualities make it very suitable for monuments, tombstones, &c. These quarries are near the C, C. & A. Railroad, and can supply building material for all time; clays for the making of excellent brick abound.

The present inhabitants of the townsnip are mostly native and to the manner born, descendants of the original settlers. In common with all other parts of the country, Norris Township bore its share of the sacrifices made for the lyost Cause, in sending its sons to the war, a large portion of whom never returned, and are buried far from home, resting in soldiers' graves by the wayside; or in some cemeterj' with no headstone to mark the spot. They suffered much also in the loss of property, and endured all the hardships incident to the great changes produced by the war and by the reconstructive process.

The C. , C. & A. Railroad runs through this township, along the old Ridge Road, and has been the cause of many and great changes. Three towns have sprung up like magic within the boundaries of this township, Batesburg, Ridge Spring, and Monetta. Batesburg is a little over the line in Lexington Comity, but a considerable slip of E^'gefield territory is within the corporate limits, and the greater part of its trade is drawn from Edgefield County. Batesburg is a flourishing town, with some twenty stores, two banks, two colleges, two churches, Baptist and Methodist. It is a considerable place of trade.

Ridge Spring is named after the Ridge on which it is situated, and the bold, unfailing spring that gushes out of the earth in the very midst of the town. This spring is the source of Cloud's Creek. This is a beautiful town for situation, occupyr,'\ ing as it does the original home of the Watsons. R. B. Watson, \ \ Esq., a grandson of Elijah Watson, Sr. , is now living (1891) in the house in which his grandfather lived and died. , Monetta is a small place on the railroad between Ridge Spring and Batesburg, and has sprung up since 1885.

In the earlier times in this section the facilities for getting an education were very poor. Old field schools, and they with rather incompetent teachers, were the only chance, with some rare exceptions. In 1S26, John Knox established a school near the Lexington line, which perhaps did more in educating the people in this section than any other school has done. He was a classical scholar and continued this school a number of years. It was well patronized by all in reach, and many from different parts of the county and State received their education at this school. Since the war schools, academies, and colleges have been established for the complete and thorough education of all the children.

In complimenting the godly mothers and wives and daughters of this section of our county, it is but just to say that there is at least as great a number of industrious, discreet, amiable, gentle, and handsome women here in proportion to the number of inhabitants, as in any other section of the county or State.

Many might be mentioned by name, and their deeds might be recorded here; but as it is a lovely and adorable trait in woman to shun notoriety, and to modestly and faithfully fill her sphere of usefulness, we will desist. But if all were written that might be truthfully written in her behalf, even in the narrow bounds of this township, it would fill many volumes.

Slaves were introduced into this township at an early period in its history. And cotton, the great staple of the South, was and still is the chief article of cultivation. The climate is mild and genial; the soil is good; the people are religious and industrious; and, notwithstanding the great disadvantages of unjust and unequal legislation and taxation, under which the producers of the wealth of the countrj^ labor, the inhabitants of Norris Township, as a rule, are prosperous and happy.

Rev. Alexander Travis

Rev. Alexander Travis was bom in Edgefield County, S. C. , on August 23rd, 1790. Reared on a farm, he was inured to work and hard service, and in this manner was made better fitted to perform the duties and undergo the labors which awaited him in the latter half of his life. His school education was quite limited, being confined to an imperfect training in the rudiments of English. Being a man of strong mind and retentive memory, he learned much by observation, and soon held a respectable position amongst men, as a man of thought and action. He was tall and dignified, and by the gravity of his manner commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was converted in 1809, and baptized into Addiel Church, in South Carolina. (Where is this church?) In 18 10 he was licensed to preach, and was ordained in 18 13. He became pastor of several churches, and so remained until 181 7, when he removed to Alabama.

He located near Evergreen, in Conecuh County, where he resided until his death. He was devoted to the Master's work, and gathered, as he could, a batch of hearers from Sunday to Sunday, to preach to them the riches of Christ. He did not preach in vain. He soon collected enough of converts, with those who had before been members of Baptist Churches, to form a church near his home. This was done in 18 18. His labors were not confined to this section, but in all directions he worked for the building of -lofher churches. His first was the old Beulah Church between Sparta and Brooklyn. From this as a central point, his labors radiated in all directions. Often he would take long journeys on foot, leaving home frequently on Friday morning in order to meet his appointments at a distance. Often the streams were swollen

History Op Edgefield. I65

SO much that he was compelled to swim across. During the week he was an earnest, persistent student. His library was a plain English Bible, over which he pored by the aid of blazing pine knots, after his day's labors in the field. Through hisexertions, which knew no wavering nor faltering, thriving churches were established in different parts of the county, and some in districts quite remote from others. His zeal ani ability were so great and eminent that he remained in charge of several of these churches as long as he lived. Of the Beulah Church, the one he first organized, he was pastor thirty-five years; of Bellville, thirty-two. Between Burnt corn and Evergreen, in the Higdon settlement, a large and flourishing interest was established by him. By reason of his great parliamentary ability, he was chosen Moderator of the Bethlehem Association for more than twenty sessions in succession, and because of his earnest support of the cause of education, he was made the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Evergreen Academy, for many years together. So evenl}' balanced were all his powers, that he was most admirably fitted for the work assigned him by providence in a pioneer region.

Elder Travis died in 1852, at his old home, where he had lived full thirty-five years. His death was a public calamity, and was universally lamented. He was a good man, and in many respects a great one. He was true to his principles and convictions of truth and right, and never shrank from their defence. Yet he was a meek man, as brave and good men alwaj'S are.

At the pulpit end of old Beulah Church may be seen to day by the passer-by, a plain marble shaft, which marks the resting place of this sainted pioneer and hero.

Nicholas Stallworth, Sr

Nicholas Stallworth, Sr., was born in Edgefield District, on April 25th, 1777. He moved from Edgefield to Clarke County, Alabama, in the year 181 7, but remained there only one year. In i8i8, with several others, he removed to the east side of the Alabama River, after the troubles with the Indians had subsided. He made his home four miles southeast of Evergreen, on the Evergreen and Brooklyn public road, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1836.

Mr. Stallworth was well fitted by nature to brave the perils of a pioneer country. With robust frame, determined will, and unlimited energy, combined with business tact and shrewdness, he rapidly accumulated a handsome fortune, and became one of the wealthiest men in the county. He was the ancestor of quite a number of descendants, some of whom attained marked distinction.

Nicholas Stallworth, Jr

Prominent among the first generation of young men reared in Conecuh, was Nicholas Stallworth, Jr. He was born in Edgefield District, February 21st, 1810. When he was only eight years of age he was brought with the remainder of his father's family to Alabama.

He was married to Miss Martha Travis, eldest daughter of Rev. Alexander Travis. The result of this union was seven children, among whom were Robert P. Stallworth and Frank M. Stallworth, of Falls County, Texas; Major Nick Stallworth, late of Hilliard's Legion; and Mrs. Barnett, the wife of Honorable Samuel A. Barnett, of Mobile. Mrs. Barnett is dead.

Reared at a time pnd in a community where few schools existed, Mr. Stallworth had to depend almost entirely upon self-training. ,He lacked none of the virtues of a sterling citizen. Hospitable, liberal, and public spirited, he was quite populaT-. Without himself seeking the position, he was at one time made Circuit Clerk of Conecuh County. When, in 1850, the office of Judge of Probate was made elective, he warmly espoused the candidacy of A. D. Cary. As early as 1838 Mr. Stallworth foresaw the struggle which reached its bloody culmination in i85i. The tendency of existing political issues caused him to predict the dismemberment of the Union, and the probable abolition of slavery. Mr. Stallworth died in 1853, in the prime of manhood. He left descendants, sons, J. A. Stallworth and young Nick Stallworth, who were an honor to their ancestry and to Edgefield.

William Barrett Travis was born in Edgefield District, S. C, August 9th, 1809, within four miles of Red Bank Church. He was the son of Mark Travis, Sr. , who was a brother of Rev. Alexander Travis, already noticed. The family moved to Conecuh in 18 1 8. Young Travis was as well educated as the times and country could aftord. At maturity he studied for the bar at Claiborne, under the Honorable James Dellett. Quite earl}' iu the year 1835 he bade farewell to his quiet home in South Alabama and removed to Texas. The province was then in a state of seething excitement. Santa Anna was Governor, President or Dictator of the Republic of Mexico, of which Texas formed a part, and was doing his utmost to destroy the Federal system and to consolidate all power in the central government at the capitol city. Against this movement the Texans warmly protested. Young and ardent, and just from the United States, Mr. Travis naturally sympathized in feelin^^ with the Texans. Early in the beginning of hostilities we fii.d him a chosen and willing leader. When the war actually began and Santa Anna invaded Texas at the head of four thousand men and marched upon San Antonio in the beginning of 1836, we find Colonel W. B. Travis in command at this point. Santa Anna's advanced columns reached the heights of the Alazan, which overlooked the city of San Antonio, on the 22d of February. Colonel Travis had only one hundred and forty-four men, and with these he retired into the Alamo. As soon as Santa Anna occupied the cit}' he demanded the surrender of the garrison. The demand was responded to by a cannon shot, for Colonel Travis knew too v/ell the treacherous nature of his foe, and he believed that a surrender would be followed by a massacre. There were fourteen cannon in the Fort, but only a small supply of powder.

Immediately after receiving the answer to his summons for surrender, Santa Anna ran up a blood-red flag, proclaiming "No Quarter' ' ! On the 24th of February couriers were sent by Travis to San Felipe and Goliad for assistance. The Mexicans steadily bombarded the fort without effect. Early in the morning of the 25th, the Mexicans brought into play all their available guns. Towards noon Santa Anna left his head- quarters and gave his personal supervision to the aim of the gunners.

At every opportunity, when screened from view, he advanced and planted his guns nearer the fort. On the night of the 25th the Texans made a sally into the town and burned some houses that were near the fort. The next morning there was a brisk skirmish without any decisive result. The number of Mexicans was now increased and Santa Anna made great eflforts to cut off the supply of water from the garrison. Ia"this he completely failed. Again at night Travis' men made another sortie and burnt some houses. Meantime the Mexicans kept up the bombardment for several days together, incessantly, but without any serious result.

On the second of March the garrison received a re-inforcement of thirty-two citizen soldiers, who had fought their way through the ranks of the enemy. These were commanded by Captain John W. Smith, of Gonzales, On the third, Colonel Travis sent a courier with a message to the State Convention then in session at Washington. The message was to the following purport: "I am still here, in fine spirits and well to do. With one hundred and forty-five men I have held this place ten days against a force variously estimated at from 1,500 to 6,000; and I shall continue to hold it until I get relief from my countrymen, or I will perish in its defence. We have had a shower of cannon balls continuously falling among us the whole time, yet none of us have fallen. We have been miraculously preserved. ' '

During that day. Colonel Bonham, who had been sent to Goliad to secure re-inforcements, returned and gave his a.ssistance once more to the defence of the fort. That night the Texans again made a sally but effected nothing. The Mexicans continued heavy firing, but the defenders of the fort fired but seldom, as their ammunition was scarce. The fourth of March wore heavil}' away without change in the situation; but the beseiged knew that, unless some great and miraculous assistance came to them, they were doomed to a speedy and bloody death. Santa Anna grew tired of the seige and urged upon the council of officers, which he had called, the necessity of making a speedy assault. They wanted to wait until the arrival of the heav}-- seige guns. He chafed under the delay and finally his wish prevailed. The fort was stormed. The attack was made from diffefent directions, by four columns under the leadership of his most experienced officers. Each column was provided with every thing necessary; ladders, pickaxes, crow-bars, &c. The attack was ordered for midnight; but delays always occur, and it was not until precisely at four o'clock on the morning of March 6th, the thirteenth day of the seige, that the bugle sounded the advance along the whole Mexican line. The garrison, feeling the movement, leaped to their guns and poured upon their assailants a storm of lead and iron. Before the fire of the Texans the three columns, on the north, west, and east, staggered and swung back. Some confusion was produced, but the solid mass rallied under their officers and renewed the assault. This time they broke through the wall into the yard running round the fort. At about the same time the column from the South made a breach in the wall and took one of the guns. This cannon was commanded by Colonel Travis himself, and it is supposed that he was killed early in the action, as he was found dead near the gun. The Mexicans turned this gun against the last stronghold and dislodged the Texans, who took refuge in the different buildings. Then began a deadly, close conflict. Each building was a separate battle ground. Each Texan knew that his own deathwas certain, and he resolved to have as many as possible of the enemy to bear him company to the shades. The heroic Crockett, knowing that death was inevitable, struck down his enemies until, when his own dead body was found, it was in the centre of a circling heap of dead Mexicans. Colonel Bowie was lying on his bed in the last stage of consumption; but as the enemy rushed into his room, he shot and killed seven of the foe before he, himself, was killed.

The details of the horrid massacre need not be repeated here, even if they could be given. The bodies of the Texans were collected into heaps and burned. A year later Colonel John N. Seguin superintended the collection and proper interment of the bones of these heroes.

As you enter the capitol at Austin, you see a monument bearing this inscription: "Thermopylae had its messenger of defeat. The Alamo had none."

'Neath the boughs of the willows that over them weep! Their arms are unnerved, but their deeds remain bright As the stars in the dark-vaulted heaven at night!

Mark Butler Travis

Mark Butler Travis was not a son, but a grandson of Edgefield, and deserves a place in the history of the count 3^ as he was with the Palmetto Regiment, a member of it, in the war with Mexico. His life was one of chivalrous heroism and devotion to his country. He was born in the neighborhood of Old Town, Alabama, on May 18, 1827. He was very apt in the acquisition oc knowledge. Having read medicine he left home to attend a course of lectures in a distant vState, being at the time only seventeen years of age. While on the way to college he met up with the famous Palmetto Regiment on the way to join General Scott in Mexico. He at once determined to enlist in the Regiment and go with them to Mexico. This he did, and shared with the members of that Regiment the glories of Contreras and Cherubusco. At Cherubusco he received a wound in the head, which prevented his being with the Regiment when they entered the capitol city. He recovered from his wou:d, rejoined his comrades, and served through the remainder of the war. After his return home he was made colonel and then general of militia. He was also elected Clerk of the Court for four successive terms. When the war of Secession came on he was one of the first to respond to the call to arms. He enlisted in the Conecuh Guards; was made second lieutenant and went with the company to Virginia.

At tie battle of Bull Run, or First Manassas, the gallant Colonel Jones of the Fourth Alabama Regiment was killed. To this regiment the Conecuh Guards belonged. At the time of Colonel Jones' death the situation was such that the whole regiment seemed threatened with destruction. Becoming cog- nizant of the fact, a panic seemed inevitable, and the men began to turn their feet and faces towards the rear. Seeing the situation, Lieutenant Travis tried to stop the flight of the regiment, and stood with brandished sword before the retreating columns and begged them not to run. While thus exerting himself he was suddenly confronted by a burly Teuton, whose glaring ej-es, open mouth, and dilated nostrils showed that he was a victim of stupendous fright, and when he saw the efforts of Travis to check the flight, he exclaimed: "O, mine friendt, mj^ life is too schweet!" The Lieutenant, finding his efforts to stay the flight vain, concluded that discretion was the better part of valor, and sought a more secure position. He had on a very heavy pair of boots, so that he could not make very good time, but as he ran somewhat hastily past Dr. Taliaferro, the doctor called out to him: "Lieutenant, you had better look out, or Barnum will have those boots in his museum before night."

Lieutenant Travis was honorably discharged from service on account of failing health and disability to perform the duties of a soldier before the close of the war, and died at his home of pneumonia in 1864. There were combined in his character many elements of true nobility.

Colonel P. D. Bowles

Pinckney Downey Bowles is a native of South Carolina, and was born in Edgefield District, date of birth I do not know, but even at this date, 1891, he is not an old man. He read law with General Sam. McGowan. He received his educational training at the Citadel, in Charleston, and at the University of Virginia. He went to Alabama in 1859, and into the office of Honorable James A. Stallworth, w^hose father also was a native of Edgefield. He remained in Mr. Stallworth's office until the beginning of the war. In i860 he was elected Colonel of the Twenty-eighth Alabama Militia, and Second Lieutenant in the Conecuh Guards. In January, 1861, he went with his company to Pensacola, Florida. When they returned home, upon re-organization, he was elected Captain and went as such with the company to Virginia. He soon became Colonel of the regiment, and was its brave and faithful commander during almost the whole of the war. He led his regiment into nearly all the battles fought in Virginia. They fought at the First Battle of Manassas, under General Bee. They were in the battles of Seven Pines, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, Boonesboro, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and Suffolk. They were in the invasion of Pennsylvania and in the awful conflict at Gettysburg. They went with Longstreet to reinforce Bragg in North Georgia, returned by Knoxville through East Tennessee, rejoined the army of Virginia, and fought in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. Again, they were engaged at Second Cold Harbor, and lay for ten months behind the defences of Petersburg, sharing in all the movements and assaults of that period. At last crippled, broken, depleted by death and wounds and sickness, they, the remnant of the Regiment, Fourth Alabama, surrendered at Appomattox two hundred and two men. Throughout all this period Colonel Bowles was always at the head of his regiment, with only one respite for a little while, in February, 1863, when he went home to be married to Miss Stearns, daughter of Judge Stearns. Towards the close of the war he was acting as Brigadier, having command of five regiments; though, in fact, he never received a commission as Brigadier.

When he returned home he had fifty cents in his pocket, but he imriiediately resumed the practice of the law and did well. In 1866 he was elected County Solicitor for Conecuh County, which position he held for a long time. His home was at Evergreen in 1881. Whether he is now living, 1891, I do not know.

We may as well continue our biographical sketches of the eminent men of Edgefield at this place, but we will study some of the eminent civilians of the county, as the heart grows weary when it dwells too long upon the deeds of fighting heroes and fields of blood. The names of the men of whom we now propose to write will not be taken in exact chronological order; but that will make no difference in detached historical sketches. When we are through with these biographies, the idea then is to make the narrative more continuous until after the close of the War of Secession.

We will take up first on the roll of illustrious civilians the name of Andrew Pickens Butler, who has already been briefly mentioned in a notice of his father, General William Butler. Judge Butler was born on the 19th of November, 1796, and died the 25th of May, 1857. He was educated first in the primary schools in the neighborhood where he was born. He then went to the celebrated Willington School, in Abbeville District, kept by the great teacher, Dr. Waddell. In December, 1S17, he graduated from the South Carolina College. He then read law and was admitted to practice in December, 1818. He first settled in Columbia; but after the death of his brother George, he removed to Edgefield, and there, in partnership first with General Waddy Thompson and afterwards with Nathan L,. Griffin, he had a lucrative practice. He had also a large practice at Orangeburg, Barnwell, and Newberry. In 1824 he became one of the aides of Governor Manning, and as such, was one of the brilliant cortege which attended General Lafayette on his vasit to the State in 1825. From 1824 to the close of 1833, he was in the House of Representatives, or in the Senate, from Edgefield. He was one of the committee in 1827-28 charged to inquire whether Judge James should be removed from the bench. Judge James was an old Revolutionary soldier, and the charge against him was incompetency arising from the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. He was found guilty and removed from the bench; but the Senate and the whole House were in tears when the sentence was pronounced.

In 1833 Butler was elected one of the Circuit Judges, and held his first court in Charleston, in January, 1834. He was made Judge to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge W. D. Martin. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1846, having filled the office of Judge for thirteen years. In the year 1847, on a trip by steamer from Charleston to Wilmington, there came an awful storm, and while it raged with tremendous violence, the vessel became an unmanageable hulk. The captain gave up as lost. This fact was communicated to Judge Butler, when he desired that the passengers and all on board should be called forward. He then stated to them the sad fate which appeared to be the inevitable doom of all, and desired that each and every one should be made known to one another, so that if ever any one reached the land, he, she, or they might state the fate of the others. An elderly negro woman, the stewardess, then said: "Old Marster, this is no time for introductions, you had better pray." He said: "I cannot, but, old lady, if you can pray, doso. " She instantly knelt down and poured out a fervent prayer. Almost as soon as she ceased the lights from the steamer sent out from Wilmington in search of them, as they were twenty-four hours over time, were seen bearing down to the rescue. The boat and all were saved. His sister, Mrs. Thompson, who was a member of the Baptist Church, remarked to the Judge, after he had narrated the circumstances to her: "Brother Pickens, it was that old woman's prayer which saved you. ' '

Judge Butler began his duties as Senator in 1S47, and was continued Senator until the close of the extra session in March, 1857, when he returned home in ill health, lingered until the May following, when he died.

Judge O'Neall, in his "Sketches of the Bench and Bar of South Carolina," 1859, closes his notice of Judge Butler in these words: "In 1850, when Secession burst upon South Carolina, Judge Butler did not favor it - he was for a Southern Congress; and, in 1851 and 1852, he met the issue and South Carolina sustained him."

Judge Butler was married twice. His first wife, Susan Ann Simkins, the second daughter of Colonel Eldred Simkins, in a few months after her marriage, he followed to the tomb. His second wife, Miss Harriet Hayne, the daughter of Wm. Edward Hayne, Esq., of Charleston, he, soon after the birth of their only child, Mrs. Haigood, of Barnwell, saw languish and die. He ever after lived a widower. His mother and sister took charge of his lonely child. At his house was seen the venerable face of his mother as its mistress - her unexampled fortitude and cheerfulness sustained him in the dark hours of sorrow for the loss of wife, brothers, and sister.

But I must pause. You all, my readers, knew Judge Butler. You have often joined in his merry laugh - you all remember his florid face, his head of snow, his dancing eyes, and his manly form. But you do not all know that which distinguished him more than most men, his kind heart. No man was ever more devoted than he was to his mother, his child, his sister, and brothers - no one ever was a truer friend. Distress never sought him in vain. He despised a mean action, and the rod of cruelty and oppression he was ever ready to turn aside. He pitied more than he despised his enemies. He was a just, honest, good man in all the relations of private life. In public life he aimed to do right, and he sustained his purposes by well directed actions and words. He was not what may be called an eloquent man, but he thought right, and he spoke as he thought. Sometimes, and indeed often, he gave utterance to sublime thoughts in impassioned eloquence.

This able servant of the people is no more! He has been away when few were prepared for it. His well spent life will be his epitaph, and entitles him to live in the memories of us all.

"Statesman, yet friend to truth! Of soul sincere; In action faithful, and in honor clear; Who broke no promise, served no private end; Who gained no title, and who lost no friend. Ennobled by himself, by all approved; Praised, wept, and honored by him he loved."

The compiler of this history may here be permitted to say that he sometimes met Judge Butler, and once had the honor to give him the address of welcome at a public dinner prepared in his honor at Mount Enon, a place midway between the birth place of his mo'iher on Saluda, and his own ancestral home on Big Creek. This was in the year 1854. He was then Senator,

John F. Grimke

John F. Grimke was a Revolutionary soldier and officer. He was born December i6th, 1752; died at Long Branch, N. J., August 9th, 18 1 9. Mr. Grimke was made one of the Law Judges, March 20th, 1783. He was a member of the Legislature at the time and Speaker of the House of Representatives from March, 1785, to March, 1786, there being at that time no hindrance, either by law or custom, to a person's holding these two offices at the same time. He was not popular as a Judge, nor, perhaps, as a man, as he was of a stern, unbending, unsocial, uncompromising character.

"In the spring of 18 15 I first attended Edgefield Court. The dockets were enormous. My late friend. Solicitor Starke, presented forty bills of indictment for every grade of offence, from assault and battery to murder. Thirty-nine were found true. Many convictions followed. One of the Edgefield rowdies of the time looking on at the scene, swore it was no place for him. 'For,' said he, 'Starke holds and Grimke skins. ' Upon the issue docket there were more than two hundred cases. In the second week of the term, the late General Glascock proposed to give a dinner to the Judge and Bar. A civil action for assault and battery was to be tried; there were seven speeches to be made, one for the plaintiff and six for the defendant, (for at that time the rule did not exist which limits two speeches to a side). It was well known that if they all spoke as long as they could that the dinner could not be ate. It was therefore proposed and agreed that each of the lawyers for the defendant should speak fifteen minutes by the Judge's watch. It was accordingly laid down, and as each progressed to the limit, the Judge said: 'Your time is out,' and he ceased. At last, Mr. Bacon, who was closing for the defendant, and who was blessed with as fine an elocution as I ever heard, had scarcely finished his exordium, when the Judge said: 'Mr. Bacon, your time is out.' Mr. Bacon, instead of yielding, as good taste would have directed, said: 'I claim the right which every citizen has to be heard by his counsel.' 'Very well,' said the Judge, *we will leave it to the jury.' A stout man rose and said: "May it please your Honor, we have been tired of their clack for this hour.' This ended the contest."

Solicitor Robert Starke, born near Petersburg, Virginia, January loth, 1762, mentioned above, though never residing in Edgefield, yet was Solicitor of the Southern Circuit, of which Edgefield formed a part, from December, 1806, to December, 1820. He was an able lawyer, and in his ofSce, a terror to evil doers.

Judge Richard Gantt

This good man, good lawyer, and merciful and just Judge, once made his home and practiced law at Edgefield Court House. He Avas born in Prince George County, Maryland, August 2nd, 1767, and died October i8th, 1850. He married Miss Sarah Allen in Augusta, Ga., about the year 1794, he having resided in Georgia two or three years previous to the marriage. His estimable wife died November 17th, 1848, a little less than two years before his own death. Few couples are so blest as to live a greater number of years together. He was admitted to practice in Charleston, S. C. , in 1794, and settled at Edgefield the same year. His eldest son, Thomas J., was born at Edgefield in 1795. He was eminently successful as a lawyer. He was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives in 1804, which position he held until 18 18, when he was elected Judge. Generally as Judge he leaned to mercy's side, and was disposed to favor prisoners - except in cases of homicide accompanied with circumstances of cruelty, when his whole nature revolted and carried him against the prisoner. He resigned as Judge in 1841, and the Legislature presented him with a year's salary. Very complimentary resolutions were passed on the occasion, moved by Mr. Albert Rhett, in the House, and agreed to by the Senate.

Judge William D. Martin

William D. Martin, of the Martins of Martintown, was born at Martintown, in Edgefield County, on the 2nd of October, 1789. He received a good academical education and read law at Edgefield witi Mr. Edmund Bacon, by whose assistance he was enabled to attend a course of Law Lectures at Litchfield, Connecticut. He married at Edgefield Court House on the 28th day of May, 1811, Miss Henrietta Williamson, the daughter of Dr. Peter Williamson, a distinguished physician, and who had been a Revolutionary soldier. He was admitted to the Bar the 27th of November following, and became the partner of Mr. Edmund Bacon, and the principal management of a large and lucrative practice fell into his hands. In a few years he removed to Coosawhatchie, and was elected a member of the House of Representatives from St. Luke's Parish, in 181 6. After the death of Benjamin C. Yancey, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House, Mr. Martin, in 1818, was elected Chairman by the committee. He was elected Clerk of the Senate November 23rd, 1818, which office he filled until 1826 - eight years - when he was sent as a Representative to Congress. His wife died July 13th, 1824, leaving four children. After her death he removed to Barnwell. After he was sent to Congress he married the second time, choosing for his companion Miss Dorsey, daughter of Judge Dorsey, of the Supreme Bench of Maryland. In December, 1830, he was elected one of the Circuit Court Law Judges, when he removed to Columbia, in which city he made his home until his death, which occurred on the i6th of November, 1833. On his way home from court at Harry Fall, term of 1833, he retired to rest at Jones' Hotel, in Charleston, and the next morning he was found dead.

He was a good judge of law, and his decisions, many of which were reviewed by the Court of Appeals, generally received the approbation of that court. A larger account of the Martin family will be given before we close.

Judge Ephraim Ramsay

Mr. Ramsay was an eloquent and distinguished lawyer residing at Ninety-Six, when on the 19th of December, 1799, he was elected Judge. He served as Judge something less than two years, dying in 1801. He died at Silver Bluff, in Beech Island, a place afterwards owned by Governor James H. Hammond. This place he had bought in company with his brother-in-law, Major Charles Goodwyn. Mr. Goodwyn and

They bought Silver Bluff from Thomas Galphin, son of the celebrated Indian trader, George Galphin, who was so successful in outdreaming an Indian Chief, with whom he had many dealings. Silver Bluff was his great trading station, at which he lived and died. He built there the first brick house ever built in the back country. It was used as a fort during the Revolutionary War, and was sometimes in the hands of one party and sometimes in the hands of the other. Its gables showed for nearly a hundred j^ears, and perhaps show yet, the holes of a cannon ball shot clear through. In this house Judge Ramsay died, but no stone marks his resting place, and the identical spot where he lies cannot be pointed out, though the graveyard itself is still known.

It was at this place that George Galphin, the great Indian trader, was visited by one of the principal Indian Chiefs from beyond the Savannah, when that dreaming match took place, in which the Chief was so badl}' beaten. Next morning after the Chief's arrival on a friendly visit, as he and Mr. Galphin were walking around and looking at the buildings, improvements, and the landscape generally, the Chief suddenly stood still, and looking at Mr. Galphin, said: "Mr, Galphin, me dream last night." "And what did mj^ red brother dream?" "Me dream you give me a fine rifle." "If you dream it, you must have it," and the rifle was handed over at once. Next morning, as they were walking around again, Mr. Galphin suddenly said to the Chief : "I dreamed last night." "What you dream?" "I dreamed \'ou gave me your fine Chickasaw stallion." "If you dream um, you must have um;" and the horse was given to Mr. Galphin. The next morning it was the Chief's turn, and he said: "I dream last night." "And what did my red brother dream last night?" "I dream you gave me the red coat you wear and much calico." "If you dream it, you must have it;" and the coat and calico were handed over to the Chief. Next morning it was Mr. Galphin's turn: "I dreamed last night," he said to the Indian, "a very beautiful and wonderful and most delightful dream; O, it was so happy." "What my white brother dream now?" said the somewhat astonished Chief. "I dreamed 3'ou gave me ten miles around the Ogeechee Old Town." "Wugh!" said the Chief, w'no by this time was becoming very much disgusted with the game of dreaming, as he was decidedly getting the worst of it. "Wugh! if you dream um, you must have um, but I dream with you no more." Poor fellows! they have dreamed all their lands away, and the happy hunting grounds of the West, of which they also once so fondly dreamed, have vanished with their homes in the East.

James J. Caldwell

This very able and excellent man made his home at Edgefield during the year 1819, as teacher and principal of the Edgefield AcademJ^ He was a native of Newberry, and was prepared for the South Carolina College at the celebrated Mount Bethel Academy, then under the care of Mr. Elisha Hammond, father of Governor James H. Hammond. He entered the Junior Class of South Carolina College in December, 1815, and graduated in 1817. After teaching one year at Edgefield he returned to Newberrj^ and read law with Judge O'Neall, who was then in practice at that place. He was admitted to the bar in 1821; in 1830 he was sent to the Legislature; in 1835 he was elected Solicitor, the duties of which ofiice he discharged until 1846, when he was elected Chancellor in place of Chancellor Johnson, who was elected Governor. Some years before he was elected Chancellor he had removed to Columbia, in which city he died in the early part of March, 1850, in the fifty-second year of his age.

This writer never knew Chancellor Caldwell, but he was very highly esteemed by his father, who was a school-mate of his for a time at Mount Bethel; and he, too, completed his academical course of study and also his school life at that academy, in May, 18 15. The present writer has now in his possession, in the handwrite of Mr. Elisha Hammond, the certificate, dated May 6th, 18 15, of the proficiency of John Chapman in surveying, which branch of mathematics he had made a special study, in order to prepare himself for the duties of a surveyor.

Mr. Jeter was born about seven miles south of Edgefield Court House, on the 20th of June, 1779. Edgefield was then part of the District of Ninety-Six. He was educated at Dr. Waddell's School at Willington, in Abbeville County. He read law with Abram J. Dozier, at Cambridge, and was admitted to practice in Columbia in 1811. He practiced at Edgefield with good success. In 1814 he was married to Miss Sabra Simkins, daughter of John Simkins, Esq. In December, 1824, he was elected Solicitor of the Southern Circuit, and in 1820 he was re-elected. In December, 1828, the State was divided into five instead of six circuits, and Edgefield and Newberry, which were part of the Southern Circuit, were thrown into the Western, of which Mr. Earle w-as. Solicitor, and Mr. Jeter's solicitorship ceased.

He was. a good Solicitor, making no fuss nor parade, but working faithfully for the dispatch of business. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, and was elected Senator in 1838, and again in 184 1. At the next election, in 1846, he was not a candidate, and Nathan I,. Griffin was elected to succeed him.

He died April 14th, 1847. Two daughters survived, one Sarah, wife of Mr. Harris, who removed to Columbia; and Caroline, the wife of Rev. Mr. Walker, a minister in the Episcopal Church.

Edmund Bacon

Edmund Bacon, one of the most brilliant members of the Bar Edgefield ever had. was a native of Georgia, born at Augusta on the i7tli of April, 1776. His father was a Virginian, but he had removed to Georgia sometime before the great struggle between the colonies and the mother country began. He was left an orphan at an early age by the death of his father; but his guardian, General Glascock, who was also his brother-in-law, did not neglect his duty, but placed him at one of the best schools in the State, and aftenvards at the first academy in Augusta. His taste led him to the study ot the ancient classics, to letters and to polite learning, with a del8o HISTORY OF EDGEFIELD.

cided repugnance to the study of a profession. In this he was encouraged, perhaps unwisely, by his guardian, as his fortune was not very large. But a circumstance, altogether unlooked for and unexpected, caused him to choose the profession of the law as his calling for life. Karly in the year 1791 General Washington took his Southern tour, and in May paid a visit to Augusta. All the beauty and chivalry of the city was collected to receive and honor the hero. Mr. Bacon, young as he was, only about fifteen, was chosen by the academy of which he was a member, to give the address of welcome on the occasion. This delicate and honorable task was so well performed that it attracted the special notice and attention of the great man, and induced him to give the youthful orator a handsome present of several law books. This decided his future calling, and with the consent of his guardian he entered the then celebrated Law School of Litchfield, Connecticut, where he industriously applied himself and graduated with honor.

After graduation he settled at Savannah, in which city he was very successful. He was here induced to undertake the management and settlement of the estate of General Greene. This labor he did well; but his health, which had begun to fail before, had b}^ this time failed so much that he thought it prudent to retire, at least for a time, from his profession. To -this end he purchased a plantation on Beech Island, on the Savannah river, in which pleasant spot he hoped to regain his health and pass his time in those literary pursuits, which were most congenial to his tastes. This dream was rudely broken "and dispelled. His house was destroyed by fire; his farming interests were neglected by his overseer, who was the only gainer by his farming investment. He was compelled to resume the practice of the law. This he did at Edgefield Court House. He here built him a handsome dwelling house, into which he moved, but which he did not occupy a great while before it too was consumed by fire. In this fire he lost his whole librar}^ including the books which had been presented to him by Washington. It was also with great diificulty that his infant child was saved from the conflagration. He rebuilt near the same place, resumed the practice of his profession and soon became eminent at the bar.

He was married to Eliza Fox at Augusta, Ga., January 29, 1797. He left at his death four children, John, Edmund, Sarah, and Thomas. Thomas, who was so long Clerk of the Court at Edgefield, is the only one this writer ever knew.

Dr. Laborde once a Professor in the South Carolina College thus writes of Mr. Bacon: "Between the years 1S22 and 1825 I was a law student in the ofiSce of Messrs Simkins and McDuffie; and Mr. Bacon being there in the practice of his profession, it was my fortune to witness tlie happiest efforts which he made during this period at the Bar of Edgefield. '^ -^ His natural endowments were extraordinary. His person was commanding, his face and head uncommonly fine, his voice chorded musical, and of wonderful power. His style of speaking was highly finished, and I think I am justified in saying, that, as a model of graceful and eloquent elocution, the Edgefield Bar cannot present another entitled to equal praise. Let it not be supposed, however, that his merit was that of a mere rhetorician. When the occasion demanded it, no one exhibited a livelier sen.sibility or a deeper feeling; or was more apt to awaken a sympathetic emotion in the bosoms of others.

"I remember when quite a boy that I was much moved by a speech from him in behalf of a man who was on trial for his life. His whole soul seemed melted by compassion - the tears were flowing freely down his face, and he urged the acquital of the unfortunate man, with a natural earnestness and eloquence which touched ever)' heart. His appeals to the sympathies of the jury were those of a man who was pleading for his own life; and when, after sketching most touchingly, the picture of human passion and infirmity, the vsad heritage of the man - he called upon every member of the jury to adopt for himself the sentiment of the Universal Prayer.

John Dunlap

He was admitted to the Bar in Charleston, January 26th, 1795, His home was at Ninety-Six, but he practiced at Edgefield and in all the adjoining counties. His reputation as an advocate was very fine, but his life was short. He married Miss Anne Gedder of Charleston. He died and left no children.

His brother, Major William Dunlap, of Laurens, was one of Colonel Hays' party who were captured by Major William Cunningham in his celebrated bloody raid in October, 1781, when Hays and the most of his party were put to death. William Dunlap was spaced, and when discharged by Cunningham the next morning at Qdell's Mills on Beaver Dam Creek, he was covered with the blood and brains of his slain companions.

Abraham Giles Dozier

Was another of those old-time lawyers whose home was at Ninety-Six, but who practiced at Edgefield and in the adjoining districts. He was admitted to the Bar in 1798. He had a large practice at Edgefield, and was very successful. He died at his home at Ninety-Six of the great epidemic in 1816, which killed so many, at least one-tenth of the whole population of Edgefield, Abbeville, Newberry, and L/aurens. Ninety- Six, as the most of my readers well know, was a place of great importance in the early days of the settlement of the middle and upper country, and was the capital and county seat of a large territory of country previous to the Revolution and down to t'-ie year 1785, when the district was divided. It was the centre of rich farming lands, and men most eminent for intelligence and learning in the upper country, naturally made Ninety-Six a social centre. Hence we find it for a good many years after the Revolution the home of some of the leading men of the State.

Charles Goodwyn

Was another lawyer of the early times who made his home at Ninety-Six. He was an Englishman, and was admitted to the bar in Charleston, May 28th, 1784. He practiced much in the county courts and was very successful. He married one of the daughters of General Andrew Williamson. Judge

John S. Glascock

Ephraim Ramsay, of Ninety-Six, married General Williamson's other daughter, and he and Mr. Goodwyn together bought Silver Bluff, on Beech Island, an unfortunate speculation, as the debt they made in buying it was too heavy for them to carry. Mr. Goodvv)'n left descendants in Edgefield, and some are still living in the town and county. JOHN S. GLASCOCK