Edgefield County, South Carolina - The whole text, 1897 (part 7 of 11)

"I regret that I am able to add so few facts to what you already have in regard to the late Wm. C. Morange, Esq. He was admitted to the Bar in 1844, two years before I came to Abbeville, and as he established himself at Edgefield, attending only to an occasional case here, I saw but little of him.

"His brother, John B. Moragne, who came to the Bar about the same time, practiced here until he went to Mexico in Captain Marshall's Company as First Lieutenant, and after attracting the notice of General Scott as 'the gallant West Pointer of the Palmetto Regiment,' was killed in the storming of the cit}'.

"W. C. Moragne, Esq., was of French ancestry, and his father and mother were descendants of those French refugees, who, under the lead of the Rev. Pierre Gilbert, settled at Bordeaux, Abbeville County, in 1765, on the concluding of the Treaty of Paris. They were a distinct offshoot from those Huguenots who fled from France upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV, and who settled, manj' of them, in Charleston and vicinity, and who have done so much to illustrate the past history of the State.

Revolutionarj' story; Mrs. Fleming, of Augusta, and Miss Louisa, who died unmarried. I knew them all, and visited at the family homestead and can testify to the cultivation and refinement of the home circle. They were a talented family, and, as in many other instances, derived their best qualities of mind and heart from the mother.

"He graduated at the South Carolina College with honors, and then went to Europe, where he spent a year or so, and settled at Edgefield for the practice of law.

"In 1852 he delivered the address to the students of the Clear Spring Academy. His subject, I think, was 'Public Speaking.' In 1854 he delivered an address before the Christian Association of Abbeville on the 'Statesman,' and in 1855 he made the Centennial Address to the French of Bordeaux, copies of which exist in pamphlet form. He doubtless delivered other addresses.

"In 1 86 1 he w'as volunteer aide to General Bonham, at the First Manassas. In 1862 he was elected Colonel of the Nineteenth South Carolina Regiment, but on account of ill health was forced to resign. He was a close student, a well read lawyer, and an accomplished scholar. He was a good French and German scholar, and had devoted much attention to the Belles Lcttres. He was a forcible and pleasing speaker. He was a man of the highest character, and w^as respected by all who knew him for his sterling integrit}' a:id many noble traits of mind and heart."

The Blocker Family

The Blocker family, which is one of the oldest in Edgefield County, is of Prussian origin. The name was originally Blucher. Michael Blocker was the first of the family who come from Prussia; and, after living here a lew years, he sent his only son, John, back to the fatherland for others of his countrymen. John on his return to this country brought over with him a number of families and planted quite a large colony on lands which had been granted to him by the King.

John Blocker was a man of learning, and being made a Magistrate, used his position for the good of his neighbors. Being himself a man of peace, he became a peacemaker, and sought to allay strife whenever it was possible to do so. He w^as much beloved, and was called upon at all times for advice from these honest, respectable, good people which made the colony prosperous and happy - some of them filling xevy important positions in the county.

The children of John Blocker were seven sons and one daughter. They were high-toned, enterprising men, marrying ladies of culture. Most of their children received their education at the once celebrated Blocker Academy.

James, the eldest son of John Blocker, was the first man that entered into the mercantile business in the town or village of Edgefield. He married Miss Isabel Morrison, of Charleston. She was a highly accomplished and educated lady, and by her beautiful Christian life made her home a resort of the refined and intellectual of that day.

Mr. John Blocker, another son, married Miss Mary Johnston and built the stately home at Cedar Grove, now, 1893, owned by Colonel Robert Hughes. He afterwards moved West, accompanied by Colonel Abner Blocker, who married Miss Amelia Clifton, and at her death married Sarah Kennerly. General Jesse Blocker and Michael Blocker married sisters, the Misses Malone. Major Bartley Blocker, the sixth son, married a sister of Colonel Whitfield Brooks. David, the

The Blocker settlement, as it was called in its palm}- days, will long be remembered for the kindness and generosity of its hosts and its pleasurable enjoymeiits, for there reigned peace, and plenty.

The only daughte^ sister to the seven brothers just mentioned, married Dr. Bejamin Winn. They, too, moved West. The sister, as well as the lirothers who went West, prospered. They have numerous descendants, some of whom fill pi eminent positions.

Young John Blocker, grand-son of Bartley, is the only ons of the name now living in Edgefield County. He is Captain of the Edgefield Rifles. He is a decendant of the celebrated Emil}^ Geiger, General Greene's Courier to General Sumter, and the Heroine of Newberry in the old Revolutionary War.

Emily Geiger has other descendants now, 1893, living in Edgefield County. After the war she married a planter named Threewits - moved down the country and lived and died at Granby. Miss Elizabeth Threwitts, a daughter of, or a grand-daughter of Emily Geiger, married John Nicholson, brother to Benjamin. Her son Benjamin Nicholson was Clerk of the Court at the time of his death. Her sons, x\lbert, John, and Joseph are now, February, 1893, living. Joseph is Probate Judge. One daughter, Mrs. Emma Blocker, is also living. One daughter, who married Dr. Allen is no longer living. Miss Sophie Nicholson should be mentioned, also as a descendant of Emily Gieger, and there may be others.

Death Of An Aged And Remarkable Lady

On Sunday last, there expired, at her ancient home on Turkey Creek, in our District, a woman whose birth, gifts, and character caused her to stand out always prominently from the mass. This was Mrs. Isabella M. Blocker, relict of James Blocker, Esq., deceased many years since. Mrs. Blocker was the only child of James and Anna Berwick Morri- son, native Scotch people, of high standing and great culture, who lived and died, many years ago, in Charleston, She was also a grand niece of James Beattie, the famous Scotch poet. Born, educated, and married in Charleston, this lady had every advantage of the daj' in which she grew up. She was an accomplished pianiste, a fine French scholar, and her home was tastefully adorned with the fruits of her own pencil and brush. And with all this and through all good and evil and through long years of pain and suffering, in fact, through every day and hour of her life she was the pure, humble, earnest child of God.

Mrs. Blocker would have completed her 8oth year on the 31st instant. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Felix I^ake, Sr., Mrs. John Lake, and Mrs. Dr. Abney, and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. Her remains were interred on Monday last in the old Blocker burying ground, two miles from her home.

Wounded Officers

Major Joseph Abney, of the Twenty-Seventh South Carolina Volunteers, wounded in the fight at Drewry's Bluff on the i6th ult., has arrived at his home in our town. We have been to see this gallant soldier, who is unable to be out, and find him with not only a considerable "spot of tragedy" on his right side, but suffering in general health, and looking worn and weary. His wound, which though not dangerous, is very severe, appears to be doing well, however, and we earnestly hope the comforts and endearments of home may soon restore him to his usual vigor and usefulness. He pays the highest meed of praise to the gallantry and military capacity to General D. H. Hill, who, he seems to think, has been the real leader in the late successful military operations in Chesterfield County.

John B. Abney

Departed this life, at the residence of his parents, in the village of Edgefield, on the 30th of June, 1866, and in the 21st year of his age, John Baj^ Abney, the last son of Dr. M. W, and Caroline Seabrook Abney.

The deceased entered the service of the Confederate States, early in the war, first, iu the Regiment commanded by Colonel Abney, and then in the Cavalry Regiment commanded by Colonel Aiken, and was discharged from each, on the Surgeon's certificate of disabilit5^ As soon, however, as his health was a little restored, true to the spirit and traditions of his race, he hastened to rejoin the arni3', in the Battalion of Sharp Shooters, commanded by his uncle, Major Joseph Abney, to which also was attached his brother-in-law, the lamented Pickens Butler Watts. He served in this corps, as Hospital Steward, until it was amalgamated with the Charleston Battalion, and the two were constituted the Twenty-Seventh South Carolina Infantry. Being then appointed Sergeant of his Company, he soon participated in the action of Walthall Junction, which was fought in Ma}' 1864. At one period of the battle, being much exposed, his company faltered when ordered to advance, and he, the j^oungest of its members, moved forward to the onset, and by his noble example re-established the courage and confidence of his comrades. For this brilliant conduct on his first field, he was recommended for promotion, whilst his brother-in-law W^atts was alike commended for equally conspicious behavior. In all the first actions around Petersburg, he bore a manly part, though suffering all the while, from disease, which had even then fastened itself upon his system. On the terrible 24th of June, when Hagood's glorious Brigade displayed so much heroism, and shed so much blood, in carrying, as skirmishers, the rifle pits of the enemy. Sergeants Abney and Watts, in the absence of commanding officers, were each appointed by General Hagood, Lieutenants, pro tempore, in compliment to their skill and gallantry, and assigned to the command of companies. Sergeant Watts, in an almost hand to hand conflict with the foe, fell like a hero on their bristling ramparts. Sergeant Abney, more fortunate for the time, carried with his company, and the company on his right or left, which had lost its com- mander, the extreme right of the enemy's Hnes resting on the Appomattox, and after holding it for some time, actually bore off twenty-five or thirty prisoners, in triumph. The demeanor of our troops, on this part of the line, elicited from General L,ee, who was a beholder from the other side of the river, the warmest encomiums. But in the next disastrous engagement of General Hagood's, on the Weldon Road, John Abney, along with many others, was captured, and carried a prisoner to Point Lookout, the disease of the kidneys, under which he had been suffering for years, became aggravated by privation and exposure and on his release, he returned home, but to linger and to die.

But in his death, he has left us the same example of heroic endurance, of Christian fortitude, and Christian hope, that illustrated the higher portion of his youthful existence. Amid his long protracted sufferings, he never ^ repined - never complained at the dispensations of Providence. His whole life was marked b}^ filial devotion, and was free from guile, and as he had lived without reproach, he died without fear.

This family has been truly afflicted by the scourge of war. Their oldest son, Joseph Abney. who was a pattern of every virtue, after passing through all the earlier battles and campaigns, with little injury to his person, and after winning a name for courage and intrepidity, that would have done honor to the proudest soldier in the army of V^irginia, perished, in the front ranks of his compan}-, on the bloody field of Sharpsburg. Then the chivalrous high-souled Watts followed in his track of glory; and John B. Abney, the last, the only son, and because the last, the best beloved, is now summoned to heaven to join his inmiortal brothers, "Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the u'eary are at rest." J. A.

Mark Madison Abney

the 8th December, 1808, and died on the 29th September, in the present year, 1846. From his youth he was remarkable for his orderly, moral deportment; and at an early period put on Christ in baptism. In the prosecution of his studies for the ministry, he availed himself of the advantages of the Furman Theological Institution, and soon took a high rank in the ministry of the Word. Endowed with a strong and vigorous mind, he applied himself with patient and persevering attention to the study of the Bible. In this course, which he strictly pursued, he was enabled to enrich his sermons with an abundant and judicious store of the Bible truth. Not satisfied with the mere surface of things, he penetrated into the depths of heavenly wisdom, and drew thence that profound knowledge of its principles and their just application, with which he delighted, improved, and instructed his hearers. Deeply impressed with the solemn responsibilities of the ministerial office, he performed its duties most faithfully. He daubed his people with no untempered mortar, but cried aloud, and spared not, preaching Jesus, "warning every man and teaching every man, that he might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." He was eminently "set for the defence of the Gospel;" for stopping the mouths of gainsayers, and for putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men. The favorite subject of his ministrations was the inculcation of practical godliness on Evangelical principles. He delighted, therefore, to enlarge upon the duty and privilege of giving the heart to God. The desolations of Zion deeply affected him. He mourned and prayed over the coldness, the wide spread coldness of her sons and daughters, and labored much and faithfully to allure them to greater spirituality and conformity to Christ. The life of this devoted servant of the Lord was in accordance with his preaching, and his death was both. For, he lived the life, and died the death, of the righteous.

His last sermon was preached a few days only before his death, and under a presentiment that it would close his ministerial course on earth. At its commencement a peculiar feeling of humbleness of mind came over him, accompanied with enlarged manifestations of the divine majesty and goodness. These filled his soul with heavenly joy, and imparted to his manner unusual animation. The Scriptures came to his recollectiou with readiness, and a spiritual unction bedewed his whole discourse. He preached as a dying man to dying men. The feelings of the audience were in unison with those of the preacher, and a holy influence seemed to pervade the whole audience.

He returned to his family under the pressure of sickness, which the skill of the physician could not remove. For this clear and honored servant, having fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the battle, was now to be called up higher to receive his reward.

During his illness he spoke affectionately and faithfully to those around him, with the calm and firm confidence of one who knew "in whom he believed," and to whom he had committed that which he knew would be kept in safety against Ihat day. Assembling his family around him on the da)- of his decease, he bade them an affectionate farewell, and commended them to the care of the orphan's Father and the widow's God and husband, and then betaking himself to holy converse with his lyord, he lifted up his heart in fervent prayer, and reiterating the word amen, fell sweetly asleep in jesus.

The death of such a man, at such a time, is no ordinary loss, may its voice be heard by the churches, and especially those to whom he ministered. May we all have our loins girded about, and our lamps trimmed and burning, awaiting the call of our Divine Master.

Our departed brother has left a widow and three children, with an aged mother, brothers and sisters, and a large number of brethren and friends to mourn his loss.

In the preparation of this article the writer takes a melancholy pleasure in making it short and plain, according to the dying wish of its dear and honored subject. It is now closed with this incident. A brother, having heard the deceased express his determination to read the New Testament through once a month, bought a pocket volume to present to him. But death prevented the execution of the benevolent design. May it fall into the hands of one who will execute the purpose of him for whom it was intended, but now needs it no more.

Captain James Pope Bean

A grandson of Rev. Mark Abney, was elected a member of the House of Representatives from Edgefield County in 1888; was private secretary to Governor Tillman in 1890, and was appointed a member of the commission for the new County of Saluda by the Constitutional Convention of 1895. Captain Bean was happily married in 1890 to Miss W. Bessie Ready, a daughter of Honorable Wm. J. Ready, and a grand-daughter of Dr. John C. Ready, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this book.

Death Of Major Cicero Adams

Major Cicero Adams, the gallant soldier, who, in the late war, led forth the first company from Edgefield and from South Carolina, is no more. Since the close of the war he has dwelt, in high honor and esteem, at Bamberg, on the South Carolina Railroad, where he departed this life on the 2nd inst., aged thirty-four. Major Adams spent his early manhood in our midst, and married a daughter of one of our most honored families. Troops of friends will cherish the memory of this generous comrade and noble soldier.

Joseph Matthew Abney

Whose untimely death we now come to notice, was the elder son of Caroline S. and Dr. M. W. Abney, (late Surgeon P. A. C. S.,) and fell mortally wounded at the battle of Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the 17th of September, 1862, in the twenty-first year of his age.

No public announcement has until now been made of the sad event, owing to the uncertainty in which his fate has hitherto been enveloped. And even to this day and hour his family and relatives are in a painful state of incertitude whether he breathed his last while no doubt any longer lingers, even in the minds of the most hopeful, of his having perished in fighting in the battles of the South, and here to-day it is our proud, albeit mournful, privilege to add his name to Carolina's Roll of Honor.

Young Abney first entered the lists as a soldier with the "Edgefield Riflemen," in Januaay, 1861. After some months of service on Sullivan's and Morris' Islands, he volunteered to go with the First Regiment to Virginia under Colonel Gregg. Having served out his time in the First Regiment, he came home, where he had arrived but a few days before his life was threatened by a severe attack of typhoid fever. This danger escaped, he returned to Virginia, and enrolled himself as a member of Captain Bland's Company of the famous Seventh Regiment, with which he did most loyal service, having been on every campaign and in every action in which that band of scarred Veterans was represented from the Manassas retreat, and the battle before Richmond to that of Sharpsburg, where lie received his fatal wound.

In a letter to his father on the morning before the battle he avowed that he was prepared and willing for any sacrifice. The lamented Hard, in a letter to his mother in answer to inquiries concerning his fate, paid the following high and welldeserved testimonial to his gallantry on that occasion, and at the same time limned a picture of his condition when last seen on that gory field, which might well melt a heart of stone. He says: "It affords me a melancholy pleasure to give you such a slight information concerning him as I possess, and to testify to the gallant manner in which he conducted himself upon the field on which he was wounded. On the 17th of September we engaged the enemy at Sharpsburg, Maryland. In making a desperate, but unsuccessful charge upon one of the enemy's batteries, many of our men fell, and amongst them, near to the guns, your son was shot down. I saw him as we fell back. He called to me as I passed him, and asked me if I could give him a drink of water from my canteen, sayin at the same time: 'I am wounded in the leg.' I paused a moment to glance at him, but having no water, being unable to render him an}^ assistance, and being left in command of my regiment, I passed on to a point at which we wsre ordered to rally. * * * In my association with your son, I had

Colonel Joseph Abney, in a letter to his father concerning his death condoles with hira in the following beautiful and pathetic terms: "He was the most trust- worthy and reliable young man of all my kindred and of all my acquaintance, and he had the highest place in my esteem and in my warm affections. His image can never be effaced from my heart, and if he is fallen, the loss to me is irreparable, for he stood to me in the same relation as son. He had so much honor, so much gentleness, and so much manhood that when disgusted with the vices and wickedness of other young men, to him, I could always turn with pride and inexpressible relief, as from a barren waste, to a meadow rich and green with all that can delight the eye or satisfy the soul of man. He was, in a great measure, my own pupil, and he was a comely scion that grew up under the training and trimming of my own hands, and he promised to be the honor and glory of his family and of all that loved him. Your grief can scarcely exceed my own. The occasion is one, which, but for his triumphant and glorious disappearance, and the bright companionship he had along might fill a community with sadness, depression and gloom."

The writer of this tribute believes that he could not do more loving justice to the noble youth who forms the subject of the above glowing encomium than by presenting similar extracts fL-om other condolatory letters to his bereaved parents, as showing what profound regret was felt at the loss of one so young, so promising, and so true. But he trusts that those already given will sufficiently evidence that he was a j'oung man of no ordinary mould, and that, if his life had been spared, he would have been a most useful, exemplar}-, and honored member of society.

His life was as blameless and irreproachable, as his exit w^as glorious and triumphant, and the memory of the great sacrifice he has made for his country and the loved ones at home should be preser^'ed as sacredly as the vestals guarded the chosen fire of the Gods. He lies dead upon the field of glory, but as to "a thing ensky'd and sainted" we speak farewell to his honored shade. W. H. A.

Death Of Colonel Joseph Abney

Suddenly and unexpectedly, we are called to mourn the loss of a much valued and beloved citizen. Colonel Joseph Abney died at his residence in the tovi^n of Edgefield, on Wednesday night, the 2nd instant, after an illness of only ten hours, a victim of the prevailing epidemic, Meningetis, as pronounced by his brother, Dr. M. W. Abney, the attending physician. He died in the prime of manhood, at the age of forty-eight, leaving a wife and three children.

Bravely, honestly, and efficiently, he fought the battle of life, as he fought for the honor, interest, and glory of his country. Educated, he became an accomplished scholar, lawyer, and soldier. His civil triumphs in popular assemblies, in the Legislature and in the forum, as well as laurels won in war, make up the sum of a reputation, of which his family, his friends, and his native Carolina are justly proud. But although he received the plaudits of his country, for services rendered in peace and in war; while every battle ground from Vera Cruz to the Garita de Belin, of Mexico, and his blood ^jhed on the field of Churubusco; and later in life, at Drury's Bluff, in our last war, attest his devotion and skill as a warrior, he has left behind a monument to his fame, not less to be appreciated in the memory and gratitude of care-worn poverty, which, with a ready hand, prompted by Christian Charity, he never failed to alleviate; and the poor will bless him, in their sorrow for his departure. But he is gone! And it is a consolation to believe, that he has entered into his eternal rest, as a Christian and an heir of Salvation.

The martial deeds and chivalrous feats, "fit for song and story," of our glorious Southern heroes, illustrated on many a hard-fought field in this our unequal contest ^r national independence, are deeply furrowed and embalmed in the memories of a grateful people. The treasure of their blood has enriched the verdant plains, hillsides, and valleys of our coun- try's soil, and the brooks and rivulets, as they murmur over them, blush blood-red at the barbarities and iniquities of a worse than Scythian foe. But the blood of those who have thus nobly immolated themselves on the altars of their country will ever be cherished and sanctified as the precious ransom of our liberties. In the future days of the republic, those classic battle grounds will become so many Mecca-shrines to which our ardent and peerless youth will emulously flock as pilgrims to imbibe from the relics of the illustrious dead the exalted lessons of patriotism, devotion, and virtue. The historian of this war, perchance, will deem that he has discharged his obligation to posterity when his stylus has inscribed on the historic scroll the name of each "Captain, or Colonel, or Knightat arms" who has figured in the eventful story, the successes he has achieved, and his vivats of popular applause. But it will be the legacy of the faithful chronicler to fill up the chasm left by the more ambitious historian and ' 'set down with gold on lasting pillars' ' the names and unhouored laurels of those warrior-heroes who, though holding subordinate stations in the military arena, nevertheless dealt doughty blows, and performed prodigies of valour, in delivering their country from the galling yoke of servitude. And here offer we up the meed - a tearful and grief-wrung tribute to the manes of two devoted martyrs who have thus poured out the rich spilth of their heart's best blood as a libation to the goddess of Liberty. "The king of shadows loves a shining mark."

Never were the words of seer or poet more strikingly confirmed than in the death of First Sergeant Pickens Butler Watts, Company F, Twenty-Seventh Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, who fell near Petersburg, Va., on the 24th of June, 1864, while in command of a company charging the enemy's work. FLe was the son of Mary S. Watts, deceased, and Richard Watts, Esq., of Saluda, Laurens District, and was 32 years of age when the silver cord of his life was loosed forever.

Immediately after the ratification of the Ordinance of Secession by the StaCfe Convention on the memorable 20th of December, i860, Sergeant Watts attached himself to a company of minute men, the "Rhett Guards," raised at Newberry Court House by Captain Whit Walker. This fine Company short! )- afterwards tendered its services to Governor Pickens, and was ordered to report to Colonel Maxcy Gregg on Sullivan's Island, which it did early in January, 1861, and composed a part of that chosen phalanx, known as the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers. The operations of this Regiment on Sullivan's and Morris' Islands, and its subsequent brilliant career in Virginia are already "familiar as household words. ' '

On a few weeks before the Regiment's term of enlistment expired. Sergeant Watts had led to the bridal altar one of Edgefield's most lovely and accomplished daughters. Of strong attachments and of an ardent and loving temperament, he was not insensible to the claims of conjugal affection, or the endearing charms and influences of home and family. But, glowing with patriotic ardour, he felt that the claim of his country was paramount to every other consideration. Accordingly, in the fall of 1861, he joined the "Edgefield Blues," a Company raised by Captain Joseph Abney, and which subsequently became Company A, of the Twenty-Second Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, a Reginent of twelve month's troops, of which Captain Abney was elected the Colonel. At the re-organization of this Regiment Colonel Abney failed to be re-elected. A special Act of Congress, however, passed about this time, provided for the organization of Battalions of Sharpshooters in the different States, the materials for which were to be eliminated from the various Brigades and Regiments already in service. Colonel Abney was nominated and appointed by Major General Pemberton to organize and assume command of one of these Battalions. Sergeant Watts obtained a transfer to Major Abney's Battalion in the month of July, 1862, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant of Company B, commanded by Jos. Bl5'the Allston, The First Battalion of South Carolina Sharpshooters will long be remembered for its faultless discipline and the excellence and maturity of its drill. It is unnecessary to enumerate here the valuable services rendered by that picked corps at Grahamville, Bee's Creek, Coosawhatchie, Pocotaligo, Combahee Ferry, Johns', Wadmalaw, and James' Islands, and Winyaw Bay near Georgetown!. But it was at Pocotaligo, on the 22nd October, 1S62, that the Company to which Sergeant

Watts belonged particularly distinguished itself. It there evoked the unqualified "well-done" from General "Liveoak" Walker for its gallant behaviour, all three of the commissioned officers present, having been wounded in that engagement.

After a separate existence of about sixteen months, Major Abney's Battalion was amalgamated with the Charleston Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel P. C. Gaillard forming the Twenty-Seventh Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, Hagood's Brigade. Towards the close of April 1S64, this splendid Brigade was ordered to Petersburg, Va., and there it won golden opinions and imperishable renown in all those brilliant and bloody encounters, which rendered its name no less a terror to the ioe, than a pride to the gallant State which sent it forth on its errands to avenge the blood of her fallen children. In all of those sanguinary conflicts. Sergeant Watts bore a conspicuous part. The official reports of those battles announce him as having been engaged with distinction at Walthall Junction, Drewry's Bluff, Bermuda Hundreds, and Cold Harbor.

On the fatal 24th of June, he was acting as Lieutenant and commanding a company, which with, clarion- voice he was cheering forward, leading the way himself, in a desperate assault on the entrenched position of the enemy. He had just gained the enemy's works, and was still encouraging his comrades, when his brain was pierced by a hostile bullet, killing him instantly.

Thus has passed away from us this earnest, impassioned, and intrepid spirit. His officers and fellow-soldiers, as well as his family and friends, fondly cherished the hope that he was a captive, and would soon be restored to them by the usual mode of exchange. But an officer of high rank, and who had read his character well, concluded with more discernment when he declared that "he was too brave a man ever to allow himself to be taken alive."

Ill thus attempting a brief sketch of his not uneventful military career perhaps as much has been said as will be required to establish his shining qualities as a soldier. He was ever

In a private and social aspect, the character of Sergeant Watts needs no eulogium. His amenity, openness, and accessibiHty were esteemed traits which elevated him high in the social scale and made him a most welcome companion to all with whom he mingled.

He possessed in a degree rarely acquired the happy faculty of unbending himself to the j^oung and ingratiating their affections. Even his faults were of that peculiar mitigating class which are supposed to have a leaning to the side of virtue. Over his noble and fearless soul a dishonorable purpose never flapped its raven wing. Stern, resolute, and inflexible in all matters of duty, he was yet engaging in his address, and mild, winning, and conciliating in his intercourse with all.

Colonel Carey W. Styles, of the Albany (Ga.) News, after copying our announcement of the death of Colonel Joseph Abney, adds an eloque:it and feeling tribute to the memory of the deceased as follows: "We knew him well - messed with him through Scott's Mexican Campaign, slept in the same tent, and fought by his side - and in all the relations of companion, messmate, officer, and soldier, he was kind, generous, courteous, and brave. He possessed exalted character, and a sense of honor as pure and lofty as the knightliest champion that e'er bore a prize from the lists. We esteemed him for his manly contest with the ills that flesh is heir to; admired him for a noble courage that ever dared misfortune and danger with nerveless inflexibility; loved him for his social and companionable virtues, and mourn him as a friend gone to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."

Joseph Haddon

An Englishman, who died in the early part of the year 1896, in Abbeville County, deserves to have his name mentioned in the history of Edgefield. Indeed, it would not have been out of place in the history of the State, as he was the first engineer who ever run a locomotive on any railroad in the State. When the South Carolina Railroad from Charleston to Hamburg was building it is said that he came over from England with the locomotive that was first put upon that road, and that he helped in the making of it. Whether the story is true this writer has no means of knowing, but it is altogether probable that the honor belongs to Joe Haddon. If I am not mistaken, he and his wife once lived at Mount Euon in a house built by Dr. J. C. Ready. I used to meet him occasionally when my home was in that part of Edgefield District which is now Saluda County.

The Ouzts Settlement

Near Meeting Street, about ten miles north of Edgefield Court House, is a settlement which has been, and is 3-et known as the Dutch Settlement. It embraces a scope of country about ten miles square. The founder of this settlement, Peter Ouzts, came direct from Germany with his father, Dietereig Ouzts, before the Revolutionary War, in 1769, and was a brave soldier in that war. He was in many battles and was severely wounded several times. He was only twelve years old when he landed in America. His mother died aboard ship, was buried at sea, and he was left alone with only his father to care for him.

Mr. Dietereig Ouzts lived near the River Rhine, in German}^ and sailed from Hamburg for this countr5^ After the Revolution he married again and became the father of three other sons, Mike and Jacob, of Newberry County, and Martia, of Edgefield. All married and reared families.

Harling, and they became the happy parents of a large family of children, thirteen sons and two daughters. One son and one daughter died in youth, the others married and succeeded well in farming. As each one married off he was set up in life with a farm of several hundred acres, cut off from the home tract, and was given stock and supplies sufficient for a year, and then left to carve out his own fortune. Tobacco was the principal money crop at that time, and plenty of provisions were raised on the farms for home consumption. These sturdy people were very quiet and were contented with the enjoyments of home life, caring nothing for the excitements of town and city life. Peter Ouzts' sons were named David. John, Henr}^ Martin, Aaron, Jacob, Abrani, Isaac, Peter, Daniel, and Benjamin. The daughter married Daniel George.

Mr. Peter Ouzts, the patriarch of the settlement, lived to the age of 77 years, long enough to see all his children married and settled in life, except one or two of the younger ones, who married soon after his death. Nearly all the children of the older generations were boj-s, and hence the numerous descendants of Mr. Peter Ouzts are easily traced. In 1880 there were nearly one thousand (940) descendants of Mr. Peter Ouzts, and nearlj' all of them were living in Edgefield County. In the War of Secession this family furnished as many boys, thirteen, to uphold the "Lost Cause" as any family in the State, and no truer nor braver people were ever found in battle. Some lost arms and legs and some their lives upon the battle field. Five were killed.

The name Ouzts is Americanized. In Germany it is Uzt, and to make it more complete the letters O and S are prefixed and affixed, but whether the name was improved by the change is yet a debateable question. It was once spelled "Utes,,' in the year 1800. In the year 18 19 the present form was used. Since the war, and with its various changes, this family and their descendants have become greatly scattered. Dr. B. F. Ouzts, son of one of the original twelve brothers, is living in Texas, and for several years has been a member of the city council in the town in which he lives. He is an able physician; in business has been very successful, and has acquired considerable property.

W. H. Ouzts, the oldest son of Daniel Oitzts, is now (1892) Sheriff of Edgefield County. The duties of this office are, and have been, faithfull_v and impartially discharged by him. That he is one of the most popular men in the county, and that he has faithfully discharged the duties of the office, is proven by the fact that he is now serving his third term, making twelve ^-ears during which he has held the office. Mr. Benjamin Ouzts, the youngest son of Peter Ouzts, is still living in his father's old house. The house, hou'cver, has been moved about a mile from the original site. Mr. Ouzts lias amassed considerable property, and is still as persevering as ever, although he is nearly three-score. Mr. D. T. Ouzts, son of Benjamin Ouzts, is the present popular and efficient Cashier of the Bank of Johnston.

Dr. W. D. Ouzts, grandson of Isaac Ouzts, the third next to the youngest of the orignal brothers, is an able and prominent physician of Edgefield. Mr. James W. Ouzts, grandson of Daniel Ouzts, is a civil engineer in Alabama. He has acquired some ver}- valuable property in the Southwestern States. Mr. Daniel A. G. Ouzts, the youngest son of Daniel Ouzts by his second wife, Miss Martha Hill Eowery, a distant cousin of President George Washington, is at this writing, May, 1892, with Pelzer, Rodgers & Co., of Charleston, S. C. He was in the vScuth Carolina College, but left without graduation to edit and take charge of the management of the Edgefield Chronicle, of which he was owmer while in college.

In Shipp's History of Methodism iu South Carohna, which is my authority for what I write of Methodism in Edgefield, no dates are given of the establishing or building of the different houses of worship in the various localities, nor of the formation of Circuits and Districts. The book is very valuable as a hi^tory of the movements, lives, and labors of the preachers engaged in the work, but in other respects it is quite defective - leaves the general reader in the dark as to what part of the State Saluda Circuit is, or Butler Circuit, indeed, as to the location of any circuit or meeting house. As a rule, the names of the churches or meeting houses, are never given.

The earliest notice I find of Methodist preaching at Edgefield Court House was in May 1790. Beverly Allen, the minister, writing to Mr. Wesley, says: "May 8th I attended a quarterly meeting on Saluda. The first day there was a considerable work among the people, but on the second we had a large, attentive congregation, to whom I spoke freel3^ All were still and attended to what I said, till, toward the close of the sermon, when the word caused a trembling and a weeping in the whole assembl5^ Soon after the}- cried for mercy, and the poor, distressed creatures fell on their knees beseeching us to pray for them, which we did. Some found mercy and peace to their souls, and others were under deep distress. On my way the day following I preached in Edgefield Court House to a very considerable number of attentive people, to whom I declared the oath of God, that he has no pleasure in the death of a sinner. Towards the conclusion, one woman, .sitting on a lofty seat, dropped to the floor, and soon after a number of others came and fell on their knees, cr3'ing for mercy, and several found deliverance."

This Beverly Allen was ordained at the First Conference held at Green Hill, N. C, beginning April 20th, 1785. For a few years he was a great preacher, a traveling companion of the Bishop Asbur}^ and a correspondent of Mr. Wesle5\ In 1792 his name stands in the Minutes as "expelled." He engaged in mercantile business in Augusta; got into difficulties and killed Major Forsyth, the United States Marshal, while attempting to arrest him for debt. He fled, but was captured and imprisoned in Elbert Count}^ Ga., but was soon released by his friends, who charitably supposed him to be insane. He then buried himself in the wilds of Kentucky, where he practiced medicine. Rev. Peter Cartwright, D. D., says of him "After killing the Sheriff he fled from the country th escape justice, and settled in Logan Count}', Kentucky, then called 'Rogue's Harbor.' His family followed him, and here he practiced medicine. To ease a troubled conscience he drank in the doctrine of Universalism, but he lived and died a great friend to the Methodist Church." This writer has learned from his reading that some as holy and saintly men rs ever lived were believers in the doctrine of Universal Salvation ; and others as saintly and pure as it is possible for human nature to be, were devout members of the Roman Church, that church, which we Protestants are so prone to regard as the mother of harlots and of all abominations. The trutli is, the Holy Spirit of God touches, quickens, and regenerates every one who desires the divine life, be his religious faith what it may, without regard to his intellectual perception of dogmatic truth.

As far back as 1785 and 1786 the preachers penetrated the country up the principal rivers. Saluda is not named, but Broad River is, and Broad Paver Circuit was formed, which embraced part of Newberry. George Daugherty, a native of Newberry District, came to Saluda District as Presiding Elder in 1802. We find that in 1791 Dr. Coke preached at Ninety- Six on his return from a Conference in Wilkes County, Ga. I must note here that the celebrated Eorenzo Dow wandered into the wilderness of the Tombigbee River in 1803 and 1804, and preached the first Protestant sermon on the soil of Alabama. On his return North he passed through. Edgefield, preached at the Court House and at Abney's Meeting House on the Saluda River, near Higgins' Ferry.

Joseph Moore, who closed his active life in the ministry in Edgefield on the Saluda Circuit in the year 1833, though he lived until the 14th of February, 1851, dying in his 85th year, was born in Virginia in 1767. He was about 65 years in the active and efficient ministry of the Gospel. I have a sermon of his showing the difference between the foreknowledge and the decrees of God, which was printed at the N. A. Gazette Office, Augusta, Georgia, in 1833, and, I suppose, was preached to his people some time that same year; though it is not stated when nor where nor on what occasion the sermon was delivered, except that it v/as at a particular request.

Joseph Moore was born in Virginia in 1767. In his childhood his parents moved to Rutherford County, N. C. He was licensed to preach in his 19th j^ear. Five years aftervv^ards he was admitted, to traveling connection and became one of the pioneers of Methodism. He preached in North Carolina, South Carolina, and in Virginia. In 1806 he was located at his own request. In 1S26 he rejoined the South Carolina Conference and continued laboring until 1834.

Nicholas Walters was born in Maryland, November 20th, 1739, - received on probation in 1776, and, besides the labors bestowed on Maryland and Virginia, he traveled the Union, Saluda and Broad River Circuits in the South Carolina Conference, and was stationed in Charleston in 1804, where he died of yellow fever on the loth of August of that year, in the 65th 3-ear of his age. His youngest brother, William Walters, was the first American preacher who entered the traveling connection.

Coleman Carlisle joined the itinerancy in 1792, and was sent to Broad River Circuit. In 1S02 he was sent to Saluda. "I have knov\'n him," says Mr. Travis, "after returning home from preaching several miles distant, after supper to take the same horse (he had but one) and plow with him by moonlight until nearly midnight, and then go off next morning to his appointment. He neither ov\med nor hired servants." He was a verj' popular preacher, and when local was sent for, far and near, to preach funeral sermons. For these labors he received no compensation. He has two grandsons living in Newberry Count}', M. A. Carlisle, Esq., a lawyer practicing at Newberry Court House and Dr. R. C. Carlisle, a ph3-sician practic ng in the County.

In 1797 George Clark had charge of the Saluda Circuit. From 1802 to 1S04 George Daughertj^ was Presiding Elder of the Saluda District. Of Mr. Daugherty something more must be said than that he was Presiding Elder of Saluda District. He was a great preacher and a remarkable man. He was born in 1772 in Newberry District near the Lexington line. He began life as a teacher in the fork of Saluda and Broad Rivers, boarding wnth a Mr. Reamy. In December 1797 he went down with George Clark, who had charge of the Saluda Circuit, as an applicant for admission into the traveling connection. Conference met in Charleston Januar}' ist, 1798. He was received and appointed to a circuit. His career as a preacher was not long, but very active and useful. In 1807 he attended the last conference in which his voice was ever heard on earth. At this conference he brought forward and triumphantl}" carried the resolution which fixed the sentiment of the South Carolina Conference true to dut}' for all time to come. "If any preacher shall desert his station through fear in time of sickness or danger, the conference shall never employ that man again." A noble resolution.

The following anecdotes are given as incidents in his own personal historj^, and also as illustrating the spirit of the times and the state of society at the period of his active career. He lived at a time when the public, especially that of Charleston, was easil}^ excited on the subject of slavery, and Methodist preachers were objects of suspicion and dislike. This arose from the insane zeal of some of the early preachers on that subject. The course of Dr. Coke had been influential in producing this state of feeling. It is not strange, therefore, that a few injudicious remarks made in one of the Charleston churches by a transient Methodist preacher should have produced some excitement. A compan}^ of young men went to the Methodist meeting house, determined to give the offending preacher a taste of mob law: but they mistook their man, and, seizing Mr. Daugherty, the}' dragged him to the pump and pumped water upon him until he was nearly dead. He Avould probably have been pumped to death had he not been rescued by a heroic woman. Mrs. Kugley, seeing his predicament, and the great danger in which he was, rushed through the mob, and, gathering up her gown, stuffed it into the spout of the pump and stopped, the flow of water. The mob then let Mr. Daugherty go, and Mrs. Kugley took him to a place of safet}' and had him properly cared for. It is proba1:)Ie that

Another incident, illustrative of Mr. Daugherty's power as a preacher, must be given. At a camp-meeting held in Darlington District, in 1805, the assembled rowdies perpetrated enormities over wdiich it is necessary, even at this distant day, to draw a veil. On Sunda)^ the crowd of rowdies was very large, and while roving about through the pine forest which surrounded the camp, it came to pass while Rev. James Jenkins was preaching that a lady in the congregation began to praise God aloud. From every point of the compass the rowdies came thundering into camp with the tramp of a herd of buffaloes, thus producing a scene of wild confusion. By this time the lady had become quiet, and the time had come for Mr. Daugherty to launch a thunderbolt. He rose and said: "I desire very much to engage your attention for a short time, and as I am aware of your impatience, I propose, as a sort of compromise with you, to waive all the introductory services and proceed directly to my discourse." He then announced for his text Mark 5: 13, "And the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and were choked." He first spoke of the wiles of satan, showing that he was willing to be anything and to do anything so that he could lead his victims astray. He then considered the text in the order of the thoughts which it suggests: First, the herd into which the devils went; second, the drivers, and third, the market. He swept along his pathway like a blazing comet, drawing such life-like pictures of vice and diabolical intrigue that the miserable creatures before him seemed spell-bound; though they were all standing, scarcely a man among them broke ranks. When he reached his imaginar}^ market with them, the end of an abandoned life, of a dark and soul-destroying course of wickedness, the picture took on such an appalling hue that an involuntary shudder came manifestly over the vast audience; they seemed actually to see them, in successive columns, disappearing from mortal view and sinking into the everlasting abyss. The most stouthearted sinners present seemed overwhelmed with amazement, and when the preacher closed they left in wild confusion, and were soon en route for home.

From 1807 to iSio Lewis Myers was Presiding Elder of the Saluda District. He was born at Indian Fields, in Colleton District, S. C, May 7th, 1775, and died on the i6th of November, 1S51.

In 1 8 10 Reddick Pierce was Presiding Elder, and John R. Coburn rode Saluda Circuit in 1831. In 1842 and 1843 Samuel Dunwoody rode a circuit in Edgefield, where I used to see him frequently. Zoar, then called Persimmon Creek, was one of his churches, where I sometimes heard him preach. Many anecdotes used to be told of his oddities. His son Samuel I knew well for many years, and loved him for his truth and purity of character. His death was tragic. He was night watchman at the railroad depot at Newberry, a few years after the war. One night while on dut}^ he was murdered by some persons who wished to plunder, and the next morning his mutilated body was found lying on the ground near the depot. He died at the post of duty - murdered.

John Tarrant, born in Virginia, joined the South Carolina Conference in 1809; was at Edgefield as pastor in 1841. He died April ist, 1849, in his 65th year.

In 1841-44 Nicholas Talley was Presiding Elder of Cokesbury District, of which, I believe, Edgefield is part. Joel Wilson Townsend was born in Marlboro District, Januar}^ 19th, 1800; was converted in 18 19; admitted to conference February, 1823; was on Saluda Circuit 1831-32; at Edgefield 1837-38; superannuated in 1844, and settled at Cokesbury, where he died May 14th, 1880, while his son was conducting family worship.

John R. Picket was at Edgefield in 1858 and in 1859. In i860 and 1 86 1 he was at Butler, in the same county. Mr. Picket was born in Fairfield County, April 2nd, 1814; converted in 1831; entered the conference on trial P'ebruary, 1835. He died at his home in Chester, March 15th, 1870.

This sketch of the history of Methodism in Edgefield is very meager and imperfect, but Shipp's History of Methodism in South Carolina, upon which the writer has relied for his information, confines itself, almost exclusively, to the lives and labors of the preachers engaged in the work. It does not tell when the church was established at Edgefield, nor, indeed, at any other place in the county, nor when the meeting houses were built, and seldom gives the names of any.

/Saluda Circuit was the name given probabl}- to the first /charge ever organized by the Methodists in Edgefield, while [yet, perhaps, it was a part of Ninety-Six District. In 1834- the name was changed from Saluda Circuit to Edgefield Circuit. The Saluda Circuit in 1830 embraced the following named churches or places of w^orship: Mount Eebanon, Republican, Martin Town, Langley's, Nixon's, Swamp, Moore's, Rehoboth, Providence, Bethel, Reedy Creek, Mile's, Bethany, Spring Hill, Court House, Pine Grove, Gassaway, Persimmon , Creelc, Cockran's, Kenny's, Spann's, and vSleepy Creek. [persimmon Creek is now knovm as Zoa^ and the name of S1^P3' Creek has been changed to McK^dree. Pine Grove has been abandoned, and some of the others have either acquired new names or been abandoned. Langley's was cut off with the territory which forms part of Aiken Count}'. The amount raised by these churches fur ministerial support in that year '',1830) was $372,623-2.

The Methodist have kept pace with other denominations in church building and increase of membership. The amount of money raised for ministerial support and for benevolent purposes in recent years, is in striking contrast with that formerly given for such purposes.

In 1893 there were thirty Methodist houses of worsliip in Edgefield County, with an aggregate white membeisbip of 2,823. These churches paid for ministerial support that year the sum of ^^5,647.40, and the sum of $[,684.35 ^'^^ benevolent and other purposes. The total valuation of church property then amounted to $33,300.

Edgefield Circuit, formerly Saluda, used to require about four weeks for the preacher in charge to make the rounds of his appointments. From time to time the circuit has been divided and sub-divided until now there are nine circuits and parts of circuits carved from it. The following are the names of these circuits and the churches composing them: Parksville

'Mr. William Griffith, whom the writer of this history knew well for a great man}- years, claimed for Zoar as being the oldest place of worship in the County. That before the Revolution a log church was built where the present church stands. In that war a British squadron of cavalry camped there for a short time. The present writer was born in a house which stood on the old Ninety-Six road which was a few^ miles nearer Saluda than Zoar, and near that road on a hill side by Tosta Creek he found, when a boy, the hnrrel of a pistol, which certainly had once been finely mounted, as there were still to be seen on the barrel, or sticking to it, some scraps of gold. The barrel was kept for a number of 5'ears, but no special care being taken of it, it was finally lost, never to be found again.

At a Quarterly Church Conference held at Zoar some years before Mr. Griifith's death, the question of breaking up and discarding this church v/as being debated, and Mr. GriflBth's rehidence being very near and he hearing of what was going on went down and opposed the proposition. In an earnest speech he pleaded for the church, and as related above, stated in regard t^j the age of the church. He said, rather than see the house pulled down and the graves of the dead neglected.

he would keep them up at his own expense. Mr. Griffith was able to carry his point and the church was retained, for which this writer is glad, as at that house and also at Bethany when it was still a log house, he sometimes met the brethren and sisters at love feasts and class meetings.

Mr. Griffith once made a trip to Philadelphia with a wagon and team and brought back a load of goods for some Edgefield merchant. At that time such trips were not unusual. This was one of the inconveniences growing out of that war with Great Britian known as the War of 18 12.

"' The land on which Bethany is built was donated by Reuben Blalock in 1809. The first house built was of logs. Mr. Blalock's remains are buried at this church.

The Presbyterian Church

Edgefield was one of the three counties in the State of South Carolina, Lexington and Georgetown being the other two, which never, until 1877, had a Presbyterian Church in its bounds. This is somewhat remarkable when we consider the fact that the adjoining County of Abbeville is one of the great strongholds of Presbyterianism in the State. Abbeville, however, was settled by large colonies of Scotch- Irish and Hugue. nots, who brought their religion with them, whilst no such colonies of Presbyterians located in Edgefield.

An effort was made before the War of Secession to establish a Presbyterian Church at the county seat, and a handsome sum was subscribed for the erection of a house of worship; but the war suspended the efforts in that direction. When the war was over many of the friends of the church were dead upon the field of battle and others were so dispirited that no further attempts were made till more than ten years ha^' passed after the restoration of peace.

For a long time Mrs. J. W. Hill, then Miss Mattie Wardlaw, was the only Presbj^terian in the county. She held her membership in Augusta, Ga. In spite of her loneliness and the solicitations of friends to unite with other denominations, she clung to the faith of her fathers in the hope of establishing a church of like faith in which she could feel more at home. At length her fidelity and patience were rewarded and she became, under Providence, the mother of Presbyterianism in the county. As soon as one or two more were located in the county a petition was forwarded to South Carolina Presbytery, asking for an occasional ministerial visit, looking to the organization of a church. Finally a committee of South Carolina Presbytery was appointed. The committee consisted of Revs. J. L. Martin, D. D., R. A. Fair, W. F. Pearson, and Elders Thomas Thomson and Robert Wardlaw, who met at Edgefield Court House and organized the church. May 20th, 1877, which adopted the name "Edgefield Presbyterian Church." The organization was made after much hesitation, maii)^ misgivings and earnest prayers, for only four persons were found ready to enroll themselves as its membership. Their names will be always held in honor by the church as examples of faith. Each one of the four is living at this date, May 1892, and in active connection with that church; their names are Mr. S. H. Manget, Mrs. J. W. Hill, Mrs. R. S. Anderson, and Miss Etta Rainsford, now Mrs. J. B. Norris. Mr. S. H. Manget was elected, ordained, and installed its first ruling elder, and was for a long time its only officer.

The new church was for several years supplied with preaching and sustained jointly by Charleston and South Carolina Presbyteries, as the C, C. & A. Railroad running through the county was the dividing line between them. Preaching was maintained at Edgefield Court House, Trenton, and Johnston as "stations" in the bounds of the church of four members. This was, however, necessary, as several Presbyterians had located in Trenton and Johnston. The Edgefield Presbyterian Church was considered to cover the territory of the entire county.

In May, 18S0, Rev. S. E- Morris visited it by invitation and held a meeting at Trenton, which resulted in ten additions to its membership. It was this visit which introduced to the church its first paster, and enlisted the interest of Rev. S, EMorris in the church. The following year the supply system terminated, and the church unanimousl}^ called Rev. S. E. Morris as its pastor. He was already in charge of Walhalla, a flourishing church, and so left the matter entirely in the hands of Presbytery, whether to accept or not. After debating the matter a whole day, it was decided by a two -third vote to send him to Edgefield. He began his labors in May, 1882, as pastor, but^was not installed until August 20th, 1882.

At the beginning of his pastorate the membership of the church was about thirty, and a house of w^orship had been erected at Trenton and dedicated in December, 18S1. Rev. J. E. Martin, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon.

The first thing Rev. S. E. Morris did after his installation as pastor, was to establish a fourth preaching station, at the invitation of Mr. B. R. Tillman and his sisters, at the "Pavilion" of the "Hussars," near the residence of Mr. Tillman. The next in order was the erection of a church build- ing at Johnston, which was dedicated in June, 1883, by Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D. This was quickly followed by a neat church building near Mr. B. R. Tillman's and upon the Tillman property, which was dedicated in November, 1883, b}^ Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D. The fourth and last building was erected at Edgefield Court House and dedicated May, 1S85, by Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., about eight 5^ears from the formation of the church of four members at Edgefield. These four church buildings in the county cost about seven thousand dollars. A very good showing for eight years' work, starting with only four members.

As yet, there was onh' one organization, the church preferring to hold together until it felt strong enough to separate into four. After preaching seven and a half years the pastoral relation between Mr. Morris and the church was dissolved in October, 1889, in order that he might accept a call to Macon, Ga. During his pastorate Mr. Morris preached at two stations ever}' Sabbath, riding on an average twenty miles each trip, making about a thousand miles a year. He received 130 persons into the Edgefield Church, and baptized 65, leaving the church with a membership of 120. When his pastorate began there were 30.

Upon the dissolution of this pastoral relation, the church was witliout a pastor nearly a 5-ear before they could agree upon one. Finally they called Rev. J. M. Plowden, who has at the date of this writing. May, 1892, been among them acceptably for about eighteen months. Under his administration a manse has been built, and Johnston and Trenton, in 1891, was organized into separate churches. This gives three fully organized churches in the county, with Highview still as preaching station.

Among the most prominent members are the original four, Mr. S. }i. Manget, Mrs. J. W. Hill, Mrs. R. S. Anderson, and Mrs. J. B. Norris; also Dr. J. W. Hill, W. E. Lynch, O. F. Cheatham, Dr. James H. DeVore, John K. Allen, B. B. Hughes, E. M. Hix, Dr. D. B. Frantis, Mrs. B. R. Tillman, Mr-. F. T. Simpson, Mrs. G. W. Wise, Mrs. J. M. Wise, Mrs. T. J. Teague, Mrs. Jno. Roper, and many of the most promising young people of the count}-. The progress of this church is quite wonderful, and its future is bright with promise.

Rev. S. L. Morris, the first pastor, was born in Abbeville County, S. C, December 25tli, 1854. He joined Hopewell Church November 21st, 1868; graduated at Erskine College June 25th, 1873; graduated at the Theological Seminary, Columbia, S. C. , May loth, 1876; pastor at Walhalla from May, 1876, to May, 1882; pastor at Edgefield from May, 1882, to October, 1889; Stated Clerk of South Carolina Presbytery from October, 1878, to October, 1889; represented South Carolina Presbytery in the General Assembly of 18S0, at Charleston, S. C, and 1887 at St. Louis, Missouri: director of Columbia Seminary from 1885 to 1887; installed pastor of TatnaU Square Presbyterian Church, at Macon, Ga., January ist, 1890. From this brief summing up the reader will see that Mr. Morris has not led an idle life, but that on the contrary he has been an indefatigable worker.

The oldest Lutheran Church in Edgefield County - there are only six in all, as originally, very few Germans or Dutch, and no Scandanavians, settled in that part of the country - is Saint Mark's, not far from Big Saluda. Diu"ing the early part of the Nineteenth century, from 1800 to 1810, several families from Newberry settled in the neighborhood. These were visited by Rev. Wertz, who held services in private houses and preached in both the German and English languages. In a few" years after the Synod of South Carolina was organized - which was in January, 1824, and the first meeting was held November 14th, 1824, - the Rev. J. D. Sheck was employed as missionary. During his mission he visited the congregations, and towards the close of the year 1828 a house of worship was built, which was very small. Rev. G. Dreher first had charge. He was succeeded by Rev. Schwartz, who soon died, and after his death Revs. Herman AuU and Sheppard served them. During Mr. Sheppard' s services the membership increased so much that it was necessary to enlarge the building, which was done in 1841. Revs. Bauknight and Sheppard then served them, but in a short time, that is in a few years, Mr. Sheppard moved to Mississippi.

as happily as this, he has reason to congratulate himself. On the evening of May ist, 1845, he officiated as clergyman at the marriage of this writer to her whom he had chosen as his companion for life. A happy union of over forty years duration, which was dissolved only by death.

In 1856 a new house was built not far from the old one and was dedicated in 1857, by Revs. Berley and Bouknight. Mr. Bouknight continued pastor until 1868, when he was succeeded by Revs. Hawkins and Sligh. After this time the membership became considerably reduced by the removal of several families to other localities. Some moved and settled in Sumter County, Georgia, where the Rev. J. P. Margart organized and built a church.

Mount Calvary

The next oldest, and very near the same age, is Mount Calvary. In 1827 the Revs. J. D. Sheck and Jacob Wingard visited this locality as missionaries, when it was determined that a building be erected in which to worship. In 1828 a small log house was built, in which services were held in the early part.of the year 1829. In February, 1830, a society was organized and the house was dedicated by Revs. W. D. Strobel and J. G. Schwartz. The church was supplied by them for .some time, and afterwards by Revs. Moser and Aull. In 1835 Rev. L. Bedenbaugh took charge and the congregation increased in numbers so much that it was found necessary to build a larger house. A new one was accordingly commenced and built, but in a different locality. This house w^as completed and dedicated in July 1837, the services being conducted by Revs. Moser, Haltiwanger, and E. Caughman. The congregsitions were served successively by E. Caughman, S. Bouknight, and B. Kreps. Synod held its Thirty-Third Session at this church in 1856.

Trinity

In the 5'ear 1835 a number of Lutherans from Newberry settled in this locality and formed a society. These were occasionally visited by Rev. Haltiwanger, Sr., when, through his exertions a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs.

Jacob Haltiwanger, John M. Witt, and John Glaze to have a house of worship built. They, without delay, commenced the duty and the house was built at a cost of $417. It is situated on the Chapel Ferry Road, near the 43rd mile post from Hamburg, S. C. On the third Sunday in August, 1835, the building was dedicated as a house of worship by Rev. John C. Hope, with but eight regular communicants as members of the church there at that time. The number increased to over fifty as the year went by, and the church continues to have a good membership. This church has been served by Revs. Cloy, Sheppard, Ranch, Kistler, Lindler, Wertz, Whittle, Bouknight, Blackwelder, Moses, and P. Derrick.

Being isolated and distant from other IvUtheran congregations, it labors under many disadvantages. This church has been served by other faithful pastors, besides those mentioned above, since their time.

Good Hope

Good Hope was organized about the year 1839. The building of a house, which was soon finished, was undertaken by the members of the church immediately after the organization. It was dedicated in April, 1S40, b}' Rev. Margart. Mr. Clo}' was first pastor. He was followed by Revs. Bauknight, Sheppard, Ivindler, Caughman, Sheely, Hallman, and Bailey, and others since. At the formation of Pastorate No. 6, Mr. Wertz took charge; but he resigned in 1874 and took charge of Pastorate No. 3.

Corinth

This church is situated in the Fork of Big a^id Little Saluda Rivers. In 1842 a society was organized with twenty members. Not having a settled pastor, services were conducted by two jjious laymen, Peter Hawkins and Martin Singley, in a school house and also under a brush arbor. A church was built as soon as possible and Rev. Sheppard became pastor. He was succeeded by Revs. Ranch, Metz, Bailey, Caughman, Hallman, Sligh, and P. Derrick. The corner-stone of anew church was laid on the fourth Sunday of October, 1871, and, soon after completion, the new buildin'_,^ was dedicated in March, 1872. Rev. Edwin A. Bolles preached the dedication sermon^

St. James', Graniteville

In 185S, Rev. S. Bauknight began laboring at this place, assisted by Revs. Emanuel Caughman, A, W. Lindler, and J. N. Derrick. In i860 the church was organized and received by the Synod. An efifort was made in 1861 to build a hou.se of wonship, but the work progressed slowly. However, in 1862, the work had gone on so far as to enable the people to hold divine service in the house. It was then dedicated by Revs. Berley and J. N. Derrick, the latter remaining pastor for several years. There was little done during the war to complete the building. In 1865 Rev. B. Kreps took charge. He was succeeded by Rev. Emanuel Caughman in 1870, Mr. Caughman soon began soliciting subscriptions to complete the building, and in 1871 he had the satisfaction of knowing that his labors were not in vain. The house was finished and dedicated soon afterwards by Revs. J. Hawkins and P. Derrick. Mr. Caughman took charge as pastor, but soon resigned and Mr. Kreps became pastor. In 1873 the other church, which was in this connection, was removed by Synod into another pastorate, leaving this one standing alone. Rev. E. Dufford then took it in charge.

The foregoing are all the Lutheran churches in Edgefield County. These are all doing good work. Other pastors of late years have served them besides those mentioned. Rev. C. P. Boozer is pastor of some. He has served several years as a Representative in the Eegislature from Edgefield County and re-elected in 1890. He was a Confederate soldier during the War of Secession, and lost an arm in the .service. He is a native of Newberry County and a graduate of Newberr}' College.

This church was constituted in 1784, under the ministry of Rev. John Thomas. Rev. Mr. Norris, who had been imprisoned at Ninet3'-Six for preaching non-resistance during the Revolutionary War, succeeded him. Abram Ferguson, a brother of the celebrated Colonel Ferguson, who was killed at the battle of King's Mountain, was deacon. Henry King, a very eloquent man, next served as pastor. His brother, Rev. Joseph King, had charge of the church at the beginning of the War of 181 2, and was appointed Chaplain of Colonel George Butler's Regiment. The soldiers gave him the nick-name of "Cold Souse." Mumford Ferryman, who had been clerk, died in 1820. He was the grandfather of General Ferryman, of Texas, who was distinguished in the war between the States, and was, in 1891, one of the Judges of that State. The Ferrymans and Travises were related. Colonel Wm. Travis, massacred at the Alamo, once belonged to Red Bank.

Rev. John Landrum preached here from 1812 to 1826. Mr. Landrum was a boy during the Revolution and lived near the Fine House. It is related that once while on his wa)^ to mill with a bag of corn on horseback, a mischievous Tory pushed the bag off and left him standing on the ground crying beside it. Years after the war this Tory returned to Edgefield on a visit; and then Mr. Landrum, no longer a little boy, but superior in strength to his old tormentor, would have beaten him well, had he not been prevented by his friends.

The leading members of Red Bank in 1826 were William Little, Fryor Dozier, Benjamin Culpepper, Eli House, and Zebulon Rudolph. At this time there were about twice as many women as men members of this church. Fatt}^ Bohler, (Boulware), a Rutherford by birth, Lucy Jones, and Sophia Bonham were model Christian women.

Rev. Basil Manly, father of Rev. Charles Manly, of Greenville, often preached at Red Bank at this period. Mr. Manly married a daughter of Zebulon Rudolph, who was clerk of this church for many years. Mr. Rudolph removed to Alabama, and Major William Daniel was elected clerk. Major Daniel is said to have been rather odd, but his oddities did not detract from his \vorth as a good man, and he was much esteemed. Rev. S. D. Worthington was pastor in 1833. Then Rev. Zedekiah Watkins. Rev. James F. Peterson took charge of the church in 1836 and was pastor 42 years. Red Bank enjo5'ed much prosperity' during his long pastorship.

Thomas Bartley, the oldest member, and a Revolutionary soldier, died 1 6th September, I854, aged 103 3'ears. He had been an orderl}^ member of the church for a long time. September i4tli, 1856, Mrs. Rebecca Edwards died. Her son, William Kdwards, who was an esteemed deacon, left eight sons. He had the satisfaction of seeing them all baptized at Red Bank before he died. John Mobley, the oldest deacon of Red Bank, died December 3rd, 1857. He was the father of Dr. W. S. Mobley. In 1869 109 persons were baptized at this place, and 84 the next year. Rev. James F. Peterson died June loth, i88r./ He wasborn in Newberry County, October 2 1 St, 1796, and was baptized at Good Hope, in Edgefield, by Rev. Jones W. Coleman. Not long after his baptism he began to preach, and his preaching was attended v/ith remarkable success. Mr. Peterson was a striking example of v»'hat men of moderate abilities and bearing can accomplish, when they are thoroughly consecrated and devoted to the work in which they are engaged. Rev. James Carson was pastor in 1S91.

Thomas Bartley just mentioned as the oldest member and as a Revolutionary soldier was also a Baptist preacher and settled the place where Clj'de's Chapel now stands - died at the age of 103. His son, Thomas Bartley, died at the age of 90 years near Johnston. He died in a large brick house built by Rev. Henry Herlong. He left surviving him among other children, Thomas Bartley and John Bartley. John Bartley lives on the farm where his father died. Mrs. Elisabeth Leppard was a member of Red Bank and died at the age of 106 years. A monument beside this church marks the last i-esting place of Rev. James F. Peterson.

Dry Creek

On March 5th, 1804, the brethren, John Landrum, Samuel Marsh, Henry King, and Thomas DeEoach, met at Dry Creek according to a call of Cloud's Creek Church and formed themselves into a Presbytery to view the standing of the above place for constitution. Their strength being approved the church was constituted and Levi Kirkland was appointed deacon. Rev. Thomas DeLoach did most of their preaching from 1804 until 1820, and now fills an unknown, unmarked grave in the churchyard. What a pity! He was the father of the late Alison DeLoach, of Red Bank, and Mr. Thomas DeLoach, vv'ho lived near Johnston. Since the death of Mr. DeLoach Dry Creek has been remarkable for the short terms of its pastors. Stanton S. Burdett, William B. Villard, Prescott Bush, and John Windsor preached from 1820 to 1830. The Cogburns, Barontons, Martins, Bushes, Rottens, Rabuns, and Cachrofts were the principal members at this period. February 26th, 1830, Rev. William Watkins was ordained at Dry Creek by William B. Villard, Joseph Norris, and John Windsor. He was called to serve as pastor shortly after. The church was much reduced in 1832. February 2nd, 1834, John Lott was elected clerk and the record began to be kept in splendid order. William Watkins .served as pastor until 1840, when he returned to Orangeburg. He was succeeded by Rev. James F. Peterson. Mr. Peterson served two years. Then Rev. Henry A. Williams had charge of the church until he was succeeded by Rev. A. P. Norris in 1849. Then came the short terms of Revs. A. B. Couch, Zedekiah Watkins, and Mr. Merritt. Mr. Merritt was pastor during the War of Secession. Dry Creek had reached the zenith of its prosperity. The congregations were large and many of the church members were wealthy and noted for their culture and elegant hospitalit3\ Rev. George Bell, a local preacher, who belonged to this church, did much of their preaching from 1840 until 1S65. Mr. Bell was born at Mount Willing in May 1802 and died near Batesburg in August 1881. Mr. Bell was an extraordinary man in many respects and was noted for his financial ability - a rare quality in a minister of the Gospel. After the war Captain J. W. Denny became clerk. Captain Dennj' died in 1885 or 1SS6, and since his death Mr. P. B. Watson has been clerk. Rev. Mr. Bradford was pastor in 1S92.

Sardis was constituted in 1804. Its record has been so imperfectly kept that at this date we can give no account of it for thirty years except by tradition. And the tradition is that WilHam Ferguson was pastor from 1804 until the War of 181 2. He first lived at the place where Mr. John McCarty was living in 1821, but after the death of his brother Abram he bought his plantation and moved to the place afterwards known as Denny's. Soon after this he retired from the miuistr}', took an interest in public affairs and became a politician.

The original place of worship at vSardis was a mile or tw-o northwest of the present church on a little stream known as Cedar Creek. Rev. Henry King and his brother Joseph King both sometimes preached at Sardis, but Sardis and the county lost them by their emigration to Alabama.

David Peterson, an elder brother of Rev. James F. Peterson, was pastor about the year 1825. He was a native of Nev/- berry. He married a widow Strother, sister of James Richardson, of Richardsonville, and mother of Major William A. Strother. - -

Robert Corley succeeded Mr. Peterson. Mr. Corley died in the prime of life and his funeral was preached by Richard Todd, at that time one of the most prominent ministers in the State. Rev. B. F. Corle}^ is a son of Rev. Robert Corley.

Rev. Zedekiah Watkins was pastor in 1S35 and Dr. R. G. Mayes, son of General Samuel Mayes, was clerk. Benjamin Etheredge and Nathaniel Corley were the ordained deacons. Miller, a slave belonging to Jacob B. Smith, and Abram, a servant of Rev. A. S. Dozier, were elected deacons or overseers of the colored members at the same time. No church has ever taken more interest in the spiritual welfare of the negroes than Sardis.

A host of good old Edgefield names are to be found on the roll of Sardis at this period, the Dennys, Etheredges, Edwards, Clarks, Matthews, Corleys, Eongs, Hardys, Padgetts, Mayeses, Smiths, and Eamars all were members of this church.

members of the church were worth, at a moderate estimate, over fifty thousand dollars each. Henry C. Bartley was pastor from 1850 to i860, when the church called Rev. James F. Peterson who served until 1874.

Colonel David Denny, who was elected clerk in 1842, died in 1879. J. B. Howards, a pious and highly cultured young man, then filled the position. He died in a short time and J. B. Edwards was elected to succeed him. Rev. James A. Carson was pastor in 1891.

Philippi is a member of "The Ridge" Baptist Association and is situated about five miles southeast of Johnston and about the same distance northeast of Trenton. This church was constituted in the year 1S14. When first constituted it v/as located on Bull Branch about three miles South of the present site. Its membership at first was twenty-five, three of v;hom were negroes. Revs. Thomas DeLoach, Francis Walker, and John Landrum were the ministerial Presbytery that constituted the church. Who was first pastor is not now known, the record not .showing but Thomas DeEoach, Prescott Bush, Benjamin Still, and Peter Galloway preached for the church at different times. Joshua Monk was the first clerk. David Foshee and Benjamin Medlock were ordained deacons in March 1816. Joshua Monk and Enock Phelps in July 1S19 by Messrs Carson, Howell, Benjamin Still, and Prescott Bush. Jacob Whitehead and Joshua Monk, Zechariah Claxton, Samuel Posey, Anselni CuUam, Jesse Williams, E. W. Home, C. A. Home, William Howard, Jackson Holmes, and W. H. Timmerman have filled the position; the last name having served in that capacity continuously since 1862.

In September, 1823, the church membership numbered 21 - a little less than when constituted. In 1829 William Bloodsworth and Zechariah Claxton w'ere made deacons by a Presbytery composed of Revs. John Galloway and Peter Galloway. In 1833 William Johnson and Anselm Cullam were ordained deacons by Revs. 'Peter Galloway and Joseph Norris, Absalom Home was made deacon in 1834 and given authority to exhort in public. Deacon William Johnson was ordained to the gospel ministry in Aug'ist, 1835, and Deacon Absalom Home in June 1842 b)' Revs, Joseph Norris, H. Prescott, and William Johnson. Ansel' Devore, James A. Howard, William Toney, E. W. HorneAC. A. Home, Malachi Cogburn, Hammond Cumbee, L. B. ^Smith, H. W. Jackson, Winfield Scott, T. H. Derrick, and ]. O. Johnson have all served as deacons.

Rev. Peter Galloway is the first pastor of whom we have any record, though he was doubtless preceded by others. Rev. William Johnson was called in 1845, and served for several years. Since then th'"* pastors have been H. A. Williams, Absalom Home, Elij&h W. Home, Edward F. Kendall, James A. Woodward, Henry T. Bartley, Dr. William B. Shaw, W. T Plundley, and J. C. Brown, who has been serving the church for the last sc'ven years. Elijah W. Home was ordained to the ministry at Phi'ippi in May 1857 by Revs. A. W. Asbill and Absalom Home, ,cnd was pastor at the time of his death, January 2nd, 1883.' He was stricken with paralysis at a Union Meeting at Ridge Spring on December 31st, 1882, while on the floor talkhig to the children on the subjects of death and the resuri-fection. He never spoke after he was stricken. He was ?'" graduate of Furman University, and attended the Baptis-'; Theological Seminary two years. He was a good preacher an active, working Christian, and a patriotic citizen. If I mistake not, he was Captain of a company in the Nineteent'«i South Carolina Volunteers during the War of Secession. I was in a company in the same regiment and saw him sometimt^s and heard him mentioned as a good officer, a brave soldiei and a pious man.

Revs. Hundley and Brown are the only two of Philippi's pastors living in 1891. Mr. Brown is a graduate of Mercer University. It is said that he preached without notes or manuscript before him - a practice which should be followed by all who stand in the pulpit to speak to the souls of men. Let the living Word be spoken b}' the living voice.

There is one incident in the histor}^ of this church, which, happily, is not common to all the churches. In 1855 ^ citizen of the communit}-, who had been selling liquors under a license for .several years near the church, was prevented from obtaining license after the expiration of that under which he was then selling. Whereupon, he, sup posing that the church had no title to the land upon which th^i building stood, built a fence around the house with new rails, and forbid entrance. He was, of course, prosecuted for the ^.act, and after awhile was glad to compromise the matter by giving a warranty title to the church of two acres of land additional, and b}^ paying all costs. Better still, he afterwards mended his ways and became a member of Philippi Church.

This church is situa':ed in a thickb/ peopled section of country. The people are not wealthy, but they are better than being onU^ wealthy in worldly goods - they are sober, industrious, and well to do in every re.'^pect.

This church was constituted December', 2nd, 1809, by Revs. Amos Dubose, Enoch Brazeal, and Robeii-. Marsh, with eight members from Fellowship and Plum Branch Churches, viz. : Garrett Longmire, John Chiles, George' Coleman, Elizabeth Barrett, Winnefor For4fS)n, Francis Henderson, Francis Davidson, Abigail Jay. Rev. Amos Dvibose was first pastor and served till the end of the year 182.:^. Earkin Cason was first clerk, serving until 1829. John Longmire was made deacon in 1816 - the first recorded. There was a great revival in 18 10. This revival was followed by, ^ state of lukewarmness, as it appears from the records that only seven persons were baptized into the church from i^^: close of 18 10 to the first of 1829. The church then took on I'^ewlife and had great revivals for several years. Many were t'dded to the churcli by baptism, some of whom were negroes. 1I'\'^t three years there were revivals each year, and they have Continued at intervals to the present time.

This church united with the Edgefield Baptist Association in 1810. Rev. R. M. Todd was pastor from some time in 1825 to the end of 1831, with the exception of an interval from January to August, 1828, during which time a Rev. Mr. Roberts was pastor. The church licensed Henry Casper and Washington Belcher to preach in 18 10, and ordained Henry Casper in 181 1.

ordained in 1832. At the same time John Chiles was ordained deacon. Rev. James M. Chiles became pastor in 1S32, and served as such until the close of 1844. Under him the church prospered - had several great revivals - and also the Sundayschool cause was revived. Littleton A. Brooks was ordained deacon in 1S33. John Anderson was made clerk in 1841 , served till 1845, and was succeeded by W. B. Brannan, who served to 1847. Richard P. Quarles was clerk from 1847 to 1S50.

Rev. William Royal became pastor in 1845, and served until the close of the year 1848. During the year 1849 Rev. A. P. Norris was pastor the first Sunday and the day before in each month; Rev. James Shadrack fourth Sunday in each month.

In 1850 there was a new house of worship built at Shinburg muster ground, near Longmire's postoffice. The old meeting house, which was on the road from Edgefield Court House to Abbeville Court Plouse, and about midway between Hard Labor and CufFeetown Creeks, was sold and the church moved into the new house of worship. Rev. John Trapp was made pastor in 1850, and Rev. James Shadrack was ordained to the Gospel ministr}^ the same year, and during the same year Joseph L. Talbert was made clerk.

Rev. John Trapp served as pastor to the close of 1874. Under his administration the church prospered - he was greatly beloved and was finallj' compelled to resign on account of age and infirmities incident thereto. Hezekiah Edwards and Peter Quattlebaum were made deacons in 1854. John G. Thornton was made deacon in 1863, and in the same year R. W. Seymour was ordained to preach, and called to preach one Sunday in each month, as an assistant to Rev. John Trapp, the regular pastor.

The clerk of the church. Joseph E. Talbert, was killed on Maryland Heights at the capture of Harper's Ferry in 1862. George J. Sheppard was then made clerk, and served until 1S69., when he and Orlando Sheppard were ordained deacons. W. H. Yeldell was made clerk, which position he still fills (1894). Rev. R. W. Seymour became pastor iu 1875, and served until the end of 1877. Rev. A. G. Collier was called, and served as pastor 1S78 and 1879. Rev. B. F. Miller served the years 1880, 1881. and 1882. Under Mr. Miller the church prospered, and manj^ were added to the membership. J. T.

White and A. L. Bushnell were ordained deacons in 1882. Rev. J. K. Fant was pastor during the year 1883. Rev. B. F. Miller was again called, and served as pastor from June, 1884, to the end of 1885. The church ordained Rev. J. S. Manardis to the ministry in 1885.

Bethel

The records prior to the year 1853 have been lost or mislaid, so that it is now impossible to give a complete history of this church. An imperfect sketch can only be given from the recollections of the older members.

Flat Rock, situate at Flat Rock, a large shoal of rock about four miles from Ridge and seven miles from the present site of Bethel, was the first Baptist Church in this section. There lived near here two or three families named Walker, who were Baptists, and one Fowler was a preacher. These, with a few other Baptists at a distance, (the country was thinly settled then,) formed a church, as near as I can learn, about the year 1805. A few years afterwards the Walkers, and some others who lived near, moved West, and the church languished. In 1820 Mr. I^ambkin and a few others, who lived near where Bethel now^ (1892) is, and whose membership had previously been at Flat Rock, built a church at a place on the Columbia and Augusta public road, known as Double Branches, and christened it "Bethel." Whether this church was a continuance of Flat Rock, in the absence of records, is not known positively, but it is thought to be. At any rate, all the members of Flat Rock came to Bethel. This church has a noble record.

The first pastor was C3'rus Howel, whose name is still frequently mentioned by the oldest Christians. He was succeeded by such men as Revs. Brook er, Watkins, Asbill, Shaw, and others, whose names and memories are fondly cherished by a grateful and loving people.

Richland Spring

The pastors who have succeeded Mr. Bartley in charge of this church are: Rev. H. Jones, Rev. W. W. Burton, Rev. W. D. Padgett, and Rev. J. A. Carson.

Damascus

Baptist Church is located in the northern part of Gray Township, one-half mile from the line dividing Edgefield from Abbeville, and between Phcenix postoffice and Gaines' postoffice. Old Damascus Church stood about one mile north of the present church, in Abbeville County, near Phcenix, and previous to 1831 the house was used as a union meeting house by the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians. In 1831 the Baptists organized a church with twelve members, and called Rev. James Chiles to the pastorate, who served the church until 184.0, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Trapp, who serv^ed until 1856. During the later years of Rev. Trapp' s pastorate the present church building was erected on a lot donated by Nathaniel Plenderson. Since 1856 the church has been served by the following pastors: Rev. William P. Hill, 1857-1862; Rev. Basil Manly, Jr., 1863-1868; Rev. W. B. Jones, 1 869-1 873; Rev. R. M. Sanders, 1874; Rev. Jno. H. Dargan, 1875-1876; Rev. M. E. Broadus, 1877; Rev. J. S. Jordan, 1878-1890; Rev. Thomas Campbell, 1891; Rev. J. T. B. Anderson, 1892; Rev. J. E- Ouzts, 1893.

In 1866 the colored members withdrew from the church and formed Damascus Colored Church. The}' have a very neat church building standing about one-quarter mile from the w'hite church.

In 1 868 Damascus withdrew from the Edgefield Association to join other churches in the formation of the Abbeville Association and the first meeting of the new Association was held with Damascus Church in that year.

The following are the names of the members who united in organizing the church at that time: Jesse M. Cogburn, Edward J. Minis, M. D., Benjamin S. Cogburn, Jeter W. Crim, Nathan G. Carwile, Augustus C. Mobley, Edward A. Mims, M. H. Mims, Mrs. Z. E- Carwile, Mrs. E. J. Mims, Mrs. A. C. Mobley, Mrs. W. E. Coleman, Sr. , Mrs. Jesse M. Cogburn, Mrs. J. W. Crim, Miss S. C. Carwile, Mrs. W. S. Mobley, Miss P. E. Mims. Total, 18. Rev. Euther Broadus was pastor in 1875, Rev. W. J. Alexander,. D. D., 1876-1877; Rev. Richard Fu! man, D. D., 1878-1879; Rev. W. T. Hundley, 1880, closing November 1892; Rev. W. E. Parish began his pastorate July ist, 1893.

The church membership July 1893 numbered 175 and pa_vs the pastor $750 and furnishes a parsonage rent free. The annual contributions of this church to missions, education, and

This church was organized in 1S23 with 23 members. Rev. Basil Manly, D. D., was first pastor; he also wrote the Constitution of the church. The deacons were A. B. McWhorter M. M. Mims.

In July 1893 the church, after the resignation of Mr. Booth again called Rev. L,. R. Gwaltney, D. D., who accepted and began his work there September ist of that year. The church was fortunate in securing the services of this eminent divine. He was much loved during his first pastorship and is an earnest worker in his Master's vineyard.