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Bacote, Rev. Samuel W. 1866-1946 Minister For a half a century, Rev. Samuel W. Bacote was the pastor of Second Baptist Church, one of the oldest and largest black churches in Kansas City. The son of former slaves, Bacote was also a scholar, a writer and a nationally prominent figure in the Baptist church. Bacote was born in Society Hill, South Carolina. His mother died when he was three months old, leaving him to be raised by his father and grandmother. Unlike most former slaves, his father was literate and served for a time as the deputy sheriff of Darlington County, S.C. Bacote was sent to public school at the age of seven. He graduated from Benedict College in Columbia, S.C. in 1888. He entered the Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia the following year, and graduated with honors in 1892. That same year he became pastor of Second Baptist Church in Marion, Ala., and also served as principal of the Baptist Academy. In 1895, Bacote was named pastor of Second Baptist Church in Kansas City, a position he held until his death 51 years later. In his first few years as pastor, he retired the church's debt and raised money to build a new edifice at 10th and Charlotte streets. In 1896, Bacote entered Kansas City University, in Kansas City, Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was the only African American in his class and the first to graduate from that institution. Two years later, he received a Master of Arts degree, and in 1904 earned a doctorate in divinity. In addition to his studies and pastoral duties, Bacote was active nationally in the Baptist church. He served for a time as the editor of the National Baptist Year Book and as statistician of the National Baptist Convention. In 1913, he edited Who's Who Among the Colored Baptist of the United States. He also served on the board of directors of Western Baptist College, in Macon, Missouri, and was instrumental in moving the school to Kansas City, where it became the Western Baptist Seminary. --written and contributed by David Conrads Sources: 1. Bacote, Samuel William, ed. Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists of the United States. Kansas City, Missouri: Franklin Hudson Publishing Co., 1913. 2. "Bury Rev. S.W. Bacote, Pastor of Second Baptist for 51 Years." Kansas City Call, May 10, 1946. 3. Young, William H. and Nathan B. Young, Jr. Your Kansas City and Mine. 1950; reprint, Kansas City, Mo.: Midwest Afro-American Genealogy Interest Coalition, 1997. JAMES LIDE COKER. COKER, JAMES LIDE, LL. D., manufacturer and financier, was born at Society Hill, Darlington county, South Carolina, January 3, 1837. He was the son of Caleb and Hannah (Lide) Coker. His father was a merchant and planter, whose business was extensive. He held no public office except that of magistrate for his district. He was distinguished for integrity, close attention to business and for sound judgment. His family, and that of Mrs. Coker, were representatives of the highest type of character. On his paternal side, James Coker was descended from Thomas Coker, who came to South Carolina from Virginia about 1740. On his maternal side, his early ancestors in this country were John Holloway, who was born in Virginia in 1719, and whose parents are supposed to have come from England; and Robert Lide, who was born in Virginia in 1734 and was of Welsh descent. These all settled on the Pee Dee river, and their descendants are still numerous in that locality. Robert Lide was a major in Marion's celebrated brigade in the Revolution, was commissioner for the Cheraws in 1784, and the following year he was a justice in Darlington county. James Coker had no difficulties in obtaining an education, and the schools which he attended were of the best. He studied at Saint David's academy, Society Hill; the Arsenal academy; and at the South Carolina Military academy, known as the Citadel, 1853-57, but did not graduate. Later he attended the Harvard University Scientific school, in which he studied chemistry and botany and attended lectures on zoology, in 1858, but did not take a degree. The active work of life was commenced in 1858, as a planter at Hartsville, South Carolina. His own personal preference determined the choice of his occupation. With his work of planting he, after the war, united that of merchant and carried on affairs until 1905. From 1874-81 he was a member of the firm of cotton factors known as Norwood & Coker, at Charleston, South Carolina. He also entered the banking business and engaged in manufacturing. He became president of the National Bank of Darlington, of the Bank of Darlington, and is now president of the Bank of Hartsville. In the manufacturing line he has been president of the Carolina Fiber company, making paper from wood fiber, since 1890; president of the Southern Novelty company since 1899; was director of the Darlington Manufacturing company, 1885-1902; and director of the Hartsville Cotton mills since 1902. On the opening of the War between the States he entered the Confederate service as captain of Company Gr, Ninth South Carolina infantry. In 1862-64 he was captain of Company E, Sixth South Carolina volunteer infantry, and 1864-65 was major of the same regiment. In 1863 he was so severely wounded as to be disabled for active military service, and was elected a member of the legislature, in which capacity he served for two years. He published (1899) "The History of Company E, Sixth South Carolina Volunteer Infantry," which is interesting to the surviving members of that company and their families, to the relatives of members who have died, and to the general reader; while it may be valuable to the future historian. Mr. Coker has been deeply interested in education, and, as it was his earnest desire that the facilities for study keep pace with the growth of the town, he urged the establishment of an advanced educational institution at Hartsville, and was practically the founder of the "Welsh Neck high school, which, with its strong faculty and hundreds of students, has become one of the principal centers of learning in that part of the state. On March 28, 1860, Mr. Coker was married to Susan Armstrong Stout. Of their ten children, seven are now (1907) living. That in early manhood Mr. Coker chose a wide field for usefulness, and that his opportunities in that direction have been well improved, the present condition of Hartsville, as compared with its past, amply proves. When he commenced operations there in 1857 he had a plantation. There was a postoffice near by, and a few scattering houses — and that was all. In the Hartsville of today there are churches, academies, stores, factories, banks, railroads, the telegraph and telephone, and a marked development of agricultural resources. The credit of the inception of the plan of enlargement and improvement belongs to Mr. Coker, and, in a great measure, the conversion of the plan into tangible results has been due to the genius, the energy, the good judgment, and the business ability which he has displayed. He has proved himself a patriot, an unselfish worker for the good of others, a man of high ideals and noble purposes, together with the graces of culture and piety. His achievements have been remarkable and his conspicuous success has been fully deserved. In recognition of his character and services, South Carolina university, when celebrating its Centennial, in 1905, conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. The postoffice address of Mr. Coker is Hartsville, Darlington county, South Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, pgs. 69-71 CHARLES MANNING FURMAN FURMAN, CHARLES MANNING, soldier, planter, teacher, lawyer, and since 1893 professor of English literature in Clemson college, South Carolina, was born at Society Hill, Darlington county, South Carolina, July 8, 1840. His father, the Eeverend James Clement Furman, D. D., one of the most widely known Baptist ministers of the South, was president of Furman university, and was a member of the Secession convention of his state. The earliest known ancestor of the family in America was John Furman, who came from England with Endicott and settled at Salem, Massachusetts, in 1628. Among his distinguished descendants, kinsmen of the subject of this sketch, may be named Eichard Furman, D. D., 1755-1825, the first president of the triennial Baptist convention, a leader in denominational education; and James Kincaid, the great-randfather of Professor C. M. Furman, of Scotch-Irish descent, who settled in South Carolina before the Eevolutionary war, served as captain under General Marion; and after the war became a well-known planter and merchant, erecting the first cotton gin in South Carolina. To his mother, Harriet E. (Davis) Furman, he owes much, intellectually and spiritually. He writes: "She died when I as nine; she trained me very carefully in the practice of the duties of religion." His first nine years were passed in the country, then for three or four years he resided at Charleston; and afterward at Greenville, South Carolina. The circumstances of his father's family were such as to make the acquisition of an education easy for him ; and the traditions of the family were in favor of scholarship. He "never did a day's work with his hands, until he entered the army." In his boyhood he was fond of reading, and he has read widely all his life. Hunting had an engrossing interest for him in childhod and early manhood. He studied at the High school of Charleston, from 1851 to 1853; and he was graduated from Furman university in 1859. Choosing the profession of law, he read with the law firm of Whaley & Lord, at Charleston, until the war interrupted his studies. He entered the army, May 9, 1861, as a private in the Palmetto Guards, the Second South Carolina regiment, in which he served until January, 1863, when he was transferred by exchange to Earle's Light battery on the South Carolina coast. In July, 1863, he was elected lieutenant in Company H, Sixteenth South Carolina volunteers ; and shortly afterward he was promoted to the captaincy of the same company, remaining with that company until he was paroled after Johnston's surrender. After the war he was a farmer from 1865 to 1868; then as professor of mathematics at Bethel college, Bussellville, Kentucky, he taught from 1868 until 1877. From 1878 until 1892 he practiced law in Greenville, South Carolina. He was assistant United States attorney for South Carolina from 1886 to 1889. In 1893 he was elected professor of English literature at Clemson college, South Carolina; and he still (1907) fills that chair. He has always been identified politically with the Democratic party. In college he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. His denominational relations are with the Baptist church. His favorite forms of sport and relaxation are bird-hunting and trout-fishing. Professor Furman married Miss F. E. Garden, in February, 1864; and of their six children, four are now (1907) living. He married a second time, December 23, 1887, Miss Sallie Villipigue; and they have three children. Professor Furman, in suggesting to young Americans such views of American life as may be helpful toward success, writes: "I do not think that American life is different from any other, except that there are greater opportunities for making money. I think that dishonesty is our national sin. The two things all young men should guard against are 'graft' and drunkenness." His address is Clemson college, South Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, pgs. 126-129 Gregg, Alexander (1819-1893) Alexander Gregg, Episcopalian clergyman and bishop of Texas, son of Davis and Athalinda (Brocky) Gregg, was born on October 8, 1819, on his father's plantation near Society Hill, Darlington County, South Carolina. After attending the academy at Winnsboro, he entered South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) and graduated at the head of his class in 1838. He then read law for two years in a law office in Cheraw and practiced there for two years. On April 21, 1841, he married Charlotte Wilson Kollock; ten children were born to them. Gregg's people were Baptists, but probably through his wife's influence he determined, suddenly and dramatically, not only to become an Episcopalian but to study for the ministry. He was made a deacon in 1846 and a priest the next year. As deacon he became rector of his own parish, St. David's, Cheraw, and served there until he was elected bishop of Texas in 1859. Texas was then mainly a wilderness with a scattered population and few Episcopalians. After his consecration at the General Convention in Richmond, Virginia, Gregg moved his family, slaves, and household goods to Texas in January 1860. His work was that of a missionary and pioneer, and his field, until 1874, included the whole state of Texas. When secessionqv came, he held that the church in the Confederacy must follow the government and separate itself from the church in the United States. On the failure of the Confederacy the logic of his principles led him to urge that the churches in the Union should again become one. When the General Convention met in Philadelphia in the fall of 1865, he could not himself be present, but five deputies from Texas renewed the antebellum associations. During the war not all the clergy of Texas shared the ardent Southern enthusiasm of the bishop. In particular, he had difficulties with Charles Gillette,qv rector of St. David's Church, Austin. In 1874 the General Convention set off North Texas and Western Texas as missionary districts. In 1892 George H. Kinsolvingqv was elected assistant bishop and consecrated. Gregg established the University of the South at Sewanee and was elected chancellor. He published a number of addresses and charges and a valuable historical work, A History of Old Cheraw (1867). His collection of books about the Civil Warqv was donated to the Carnegie Library at Palestine, Texas. Bishop Gregg died on July 10, 1893, at his home in Austin and was buried in Cheraw, South Carolina. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Charles Gillette, A Few Historic Records of the Church in the Diocese of Texas during the Rebellion (New York: Gray and Green, 1865). Wilson Gregg, Alexander Gregg, First Bishop of Texas (Sewanee: Tennessee University Press, 1912). Sidney S. Johnson, Texans Who Wore the Gray (Tyler, Texas, 1907). Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas (Chicago: Goodspeed, 1894; rpt., Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1978). DuBose Murphy, Short History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Texas (Dallas: Turner, 1935). B. A. Rogers, Memorial Sermon of Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg (Houston: Coyle, 1894). Texas Diocese, Protestant Episcopal Church, Journal of the . . . Annual Council, 1859-1894. William James Battle CAPTAIN JOHN HUGGINS of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR Captain John Huggins moved from Christ Church Parish, Charleston, S. C. to Claremont County, S.C. In 1788 he was appointed Sheriff of Claremont. Copy of his bond may be found in the State Archives in Columbia, S. C. In 1788 he was listed among the Grand Jurors of Camden District. On Sept. 4, 1788, he along with Sylvester Dunn and Samuel Bradley of Claremont County, was appointed collector and Appraiser, all accepting in writing. The census of 1790 shows him and his brother, Benjamin, in Camden District with a family which corresponds exactly with that disclosed by his Will. The Census of later years and such early County records, as were not destroyed by the fire which prior to 1815 destroyed all of the Camden District records, further verify that fact. He evidently moved across Lynches Creek and into what is now Darlington County shortly after June 4. 1791, on which date he received a Warrant from Thomas Powe for 1,000 acres on the north side of that creek. The Creek separated the then Camden District from Darlington. The fact that he was well known in the Darlington area is evidenced by the fact that in 1791 he was serving in the Legislature as a Representative from that District, at which time he was appointed by that body, Justice of the Peace for Darlington County, South Carolina The above is quoted from the genealogy notes of Beatrice Elizabeth Baker. Her sources were the records of Dr. George Allen Huggins of New York City, from/and with the notes of her cousin Lulu Eaddy. and her cousin Nettielee Huggins of Washington, D. C. The following is a transcription of The Will of John Huggins, dated Oct. 20, 1820. It was furnished by Susan Hubbs personal Web site, from Mary Covington, for Internet download for Sam Rabon, Aug., 1999: JOHN HUGGINS ESTATE October 20, 1820. In the name of God, Amen, I, John Huggins, of Darlington District in the state of South Carolina, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, thanks to Almighty God for the same, do make and appoint this, my last will and testament, in manner and form as follows, that is to say, after my just debts are paid, I devise and bequeath the same as follows (viz.). First, I leave to my beloved wife, Clarissa, the use of one negro woman, named Mary, and her increase; one negro man. named Hammon, durings she remains my widow. After her death or marriage, this said Mary and her increase and said Hammon are to be equally divided betwixed my four children, Samuel Huggins. George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance, to them and their heirs forever. Item I leave the use of this plantation where I now live to my wife, Clarissa H. Huggins, durings she remains my widow. After her marriage or death, this said plantation to be equally divided between my son, Samuel Huggins. and my son-in-law, Paul Saverance and their heirs forever. Item I give to my wife, Clarissa H. Huggins. one horse, Sweeper, and one mare, Doll, riding chair and harness, one horse cart, side saddle and bridle, four cows and calfs that is now get up milking. Eight meat hogs, eight shoats, three sows, six ewes, that is with Paul Saverance's sheep, two ploughs and gear, all the household and kitchen furniture, except what she choose to give Redden Byrd Huggins, besides what he has got, two thirds of the crops. Item I give unto Redden Byrd Huggins, one negro man, named Limas, to him and the issue of his body and if he dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance and their heirs forever. I give to Redden one yoke of Butt head oxen, and cart, four ploughs and gear, one third of the crop. All of the sheep that is in my mark about home, I give to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins and Redden Byrd Huggins. Item I give unto Jane Vick, Doll's colt, and the old saddle. Item I give to Paul Saverance my riding saddle. Item I give the use of one negro boy by name Paul, to Abel Draper Dixon, the son of John and Margaret Dixon, and if he dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance, and their heirs forever. Item I give the use of one negro girl, by name Little Jenny, to Hezial Elsey Dixon, and if she dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance. And lastly, I nominate and appoint my beloved son. George Huggins, and son-in-law, Paul Saverance my executors to this my last will and testament, revoking. disannulling, and making void all former wills by me made and allowing this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness, hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned. N. B. interlined before signed that is to say after the death of my wife, or marriage, the horse cart to be for my son-in-law, Paul Saverance, to him and his heirs forever. Witness - Samuel H. Jeffords John Huggins (Seal) Adam Huggins James H. Huggins CAPTAIN JOHN HUGGINS SERVICE IN THE FRANCIS MARION BRIGADE Captain John Huggins of Darlington District commanded a troop of cavalry in the Britton's Neck Regiment of Militia under Col. Hugh Giles in Marion's Brigade in the War of Independence. His service in the cause of American independence are attested, "inter alia" by the following voucher from South Carolina Stub Indents to Revolutionary War Claims: "261) Issued 12th August 1785 to Mr. Dan'l Dubose for 5 pounds 10 shillings W) sterling for a horse impressed by Capt. John Huggins for the use of Col. Giles' Regt. in 1779..." The Constitution of South Carolina was adopted June 3, 1790, and Captain John Huggins was one of the first two representatives from Darlington elected to the legislature. He attended the first session of the General Assembly on November 4, 1790. In 1799 he was appointed to the General Assembly a Justice of the Quorum and of the Peace for that part of Darlington District "from Lynches Creek, the plantation of Captain C. Evans down to Effingham Mills, known as Upper Branch." This patriot is interred at New Hope Burying Ground, near Lynches River, Darlington County. Source: "History of the old Cheraws", by Bishop Gregg; "Rambles in the Pee Dee", by H. T. Cook. Captain John Huggins was listed in the Will of his Father, George Huggins, probated January 28, 1774. Family ButtonMain Button Eaddy Family Features James Eaddy Family Tree ---------- Johnston, Shadrack Marj, a descendent of Revolutionary War Soldier Shadrack Johnston, has submitted this biography from a book written by Shadrack's grandson James Patten Johnston and published in 1895. It appears from this book the James Patten Johnston family kept in touch with the family in Darlington for it details the death of old Shadrack Johnston. I believe Shadrack Johnston was still alive and 80-90 years old on page 218 of 1830 census for Darlington County. Marj has abstracted (verbatim) the Revolutionary War era and the Johnston genealogical portions below. The Life and Work of Elder James P. Johnston, compiled by E. B. Cox and printed in 1895 by Herald Book Print in Biloxi, Mississippi. "Among the first settlers of SC was Shade Johnston's father, about whom little is known except that he was a sturdy old pioneer and brought his children up in the paths of virtue, Shade was born when SC was under the rule of the British Crown. The sparsely settled country in which he first saw the light was destined to become the scene of some very tragic and dastardly crimes. The British Crown was very exacting in its rule in south Carolina, as it was in other colonies, which exasperated the quick-tempered Carolinians to no little degree. Shade would often listen most attentively when the neighbors were talking of the injustice in England. The oppression of that monarchy aroused in his heart the most righteous indignation against that country and he grew to be a staunch patriot, who could neither be persuaded, bought nor threatened to leave the right for the wrong. When the Rev. War broke out over the country with its atrocious crimes and blood curdling wrongs, Shade Johnston was among the first in line. He fought nobly and was always answering "here" to the roll call and was a splendid shot. Smallpox broke out in the army, however, and held high carnival over the already ragged and barefooted soldiers. Shade was seized with this terrible malady which caused him to be unfit for duty and necessitated his removal back home to his wife and children. He was the father of five children, four sons and one daughter. Three of his sons grew to be influential, pioneer Baptist preachers and spent their time principally in Alabama and SC in the cause of Christ. Although all weregood and great, we have to confine ourselves to one son only, who was born in South Carolina. The exact time of his birth is not known, but it was between 1760 and 1770. Although he was quite small during the infamous act of England toward America, yet he was not too small to realize the magnitude and injustice of such acts. Living there among the stirring scenes that followed the outbreak of the war in which his father was a participant, no wonder he grew to be a young American patriot: the patriotism of his father was enough to inspire his young mind with outrageous zeal to help the cause of liberty. Now and then, borne faintly on the breeze, came the clash of resounding arms, telling of the awful conflict in progress and how bravely the true and faithful were holding the invader in check. Again some fresh news would reach their ears of some terrible massacre perpetrated by villainous Indians and blood-thirsty Tories. So the families of patriots lived in constant fear of the danger that menaced them. The breaking of a stick at night or the rapping of a tree, or the hooting of an owl, was always alarming in the extreme to the defenseless, as they feared it might be a signal used by the enemy. At this time Jacob Johnston (who is the father of James P. Johnston) was only twelve years old, but in many ways did he assist the soldiers. He was so firm and independent that anything might be entrusted to him and he would guard it most zealously. He was quite a help. When once his mind was made up, he was as immovable as the rock of Gibralter. It was the rule in the Revolutionary war--necessity made it a rule--for soldier going home under furlough to carry their guns with them. One day, just after Shade Johnston had recovered from the smallpox he was entertaining at his home a crowd of soldiers who were off duty on a furlough when a party of Tories appeared on the hill in front of his house and seeing Mrs. Johnston standing at the window they fired upon her, without effect, however. The shots were the first indication that the soldiers had of an enemy being near. They seized their guns and rushed out to find the intruders within easy range. A hard fight ensued in which the Tories were finally routed. They had made a descent upon the house with the intention of killing Mr. Shade Johnston, as they seemed to have a special grudge against him. Probably the reason that he, more than any other man had won their hatred, was because of his unswerving patriotism and dauntless courage. After this encounter it was deemed very unsafe for him to remain at his home for his life was endangered every minute that he procrastinated, consequently it was decided to put him up in a temporary cabin in a big dry swamp near his home. There in that swamp he lived a life of perfect seclusion; no one visited him but his son Jacob, who brought him food and news of the Tories. It was not long after Mr. Johnston had been thus secreted that the Tories met Jacob carrying his father some food and demanded that he tell them where is father could be found, He temporally refused whereupon they threatened to hang him if he did not, at once, give the desired information. Jacob at age 12 replied, "You may hang me if you like, but I will never tell you where my father is." Whereupon they tied a hemp cord around his neck and swung him up to the limb of a tree that stood in the yard and rode away. As soon as they disappeared his anxious and frightened mother cut him down and he slowly regained consciousness. As the blood began to circulate again, he had the sensation was like sticking pins in him all over. Ever afterwards he was an ardent hater of the in infamous Tories and he resolved to be avenged some day and especially upon the captain, who was by name Captain Sharpton and by practice a low villain. Many years after, while Mr. Jacob Johnston was sitting on his gallery one morning before breakfast, a strange man hailed him. Mr Johnston thought he knew him, but just as the two were about to get acquainted, Mrs Johnston called that breakfast was ready. The stranger said: "Is your name Johnston?" And Mr Johnston, rising to his feet demanded: "What is your name sir?" "Sharpton" was the reply. He had hardly uttered the name when Mr Johnston struck him a blow that sent him sprawling. He would have killed him had not his wife and sister-in-law interfered; they tangled him up so that Sharpton was enabled to wriggle loose and run. Mr. Johnston immediately mounted his horse and gave chase, but the frightened fugitive took to a large swamp and eluded further pursuit. Thus it is a characteristic of the Johnston family to be brave enough to love their country and defend it at all times. Such men are the backbone of the nation--indispensible, whether in times of war or in peace. From such men sprang the noblest races of mankind--too great to tell a lie, too noble to harbor even a breath of scandal, and the first to fall into line at the morning tattoo. After the war was over, and God's bright sun shone over a free people there was a great rejoicing throughout the land. Many who had patriotically fought for freedom did not live to enjoy it, for many, yea thousands, were freed by death on the gory battlefield or by disease. The torn and tattered veterans were returning to renew the battle of life on the old homesteads and to bask in the sunshine of freedom. Long was the awaiting of many, for the ones for whom they looked and longed never came. But all was rejoicing at the home of Mr. Shad Johnston, for he returned unscathed, and lived to a good old age at his home in South Carolina, Darlington district. He was an old landmark, missionary Baptist and a deacon in his church. He held firm to the doctrines of the Bible and was a conscientious and true Christian in every sense of the word. Shade Johnston lived to a good old age at his home in Darlington District SC. He was an old landmark, missionary Baptist and a deacon in his church. When he was eighty three years old he was walking along in front of his residence and suddenly looked up Heavenward and for an instant threw up his hands and gave up the ghost. After he had recovered from the smallpox he increased so in flesh that when standing on his feet, blood would ooze from them and he remained fleshy until his death. Jacob Johnston was a young man during the days that tried men's souls. At the close of the war everything was in a dilapidated condition: almost everything destroyed or torn up by the enemy. Consequently it was not a very promising beginning for a young man full of ambition and spirit. Yet he went about with a courage that was befitting and promised a return of good times once more. It was then that he met his wife, who shared his ups and downs devotedly and heroically. Shortly after his marriage, he decided to move to the new fertile country of Kentucky, which at that time was almost a barren wilderness, inhabited by roving bands of Indians, who were sometimes fierce and warlike in the disposition toward the whites. Just previous to this time there had been Indian wars all over Kentucky which menaced life and property constantly. The brave pioneers would gather in stockades and forts prepared for their defense and there they would receive their dusky enemies quite warmly indeed. The journey across this wild country was attended by a many hardships and privations: swollen streams had to be crossed, mountains climbed and danger guarded against. There were very few towns in Kentucky of any importance at this time, but the fertile soil soon attracted many immigrants thither. After a long journey of several weeks their destination was finally reached, where they settled in a comfortable little house. It is a noticeable fact that when a person moves once they generally want to move again:; and, especially, it is noticeable fact among pioneers that they are never satisfied with one field long at a time. While Jacob Johnston was naturally inclined to rove, he was of the of opinion, or it seemed to be, that the further south he went the better it would be for him and his. Consequently he made preparation to move to Tennessee, only remaining in Kentucky two years after his removal there from South Carolina. He was not a man to hesitate between two opinions long, so they were soon on their way to Tennessee. At this time he country abounded with game of all varieties, from bear to wildcat; deer, antelopes and turkeys were plentiful, and Tennessee has perhaps, been the greatest bear State in the Union. That was where the famous Crockett, noted for his wit, killed so many of the savage varmints. Consequently fresh meat could be had in abundance. In due time the emigrants arrived in Tennessee, but Mr. Johnston seemed to think there as he did in Kentucky, that farther South would be better, and after living there about two years he packed up and moved to Wayne County Mississippi. Jacob Johnston found the country in Wayne county sparsely settled, but things in a prosperous condition, and they country was rapidly filling with people from all parts of the Union. Winchester at that time, boasted of two or three dwellings and one or two stores which received their trade from the surrounding county. They did not keep fancy articles in those day to sell in Mississippi, but kept only what was necessary to sustain life. Clothing was principally made at home by the industrious women. A spinning wheel and loom was positively indispensible. A young lady who did not know how to card and spin was "away behind." If a young lady wore a bought calico dress she was "stuck up." Perhaps if clothing could have been obtained ready made, handy at all, things would have been different, but pride was hardly a thought in those days. People opening a new country, clearing fields, building houses, etc., had little time to think of their appearance, as others saw them. Yet their coarse clothing was always arranged very neatly and their dress looked tidy, indeed considering the cloth. Immediately after Mr. Johnston's arrival in Winchester, he put up a small store, which however never done much business. Just previous to the admission of Mississippi to the Union, the home of Jacob Johnston was gladdened by the appearance of a baby boy. On the fourth day of April 1817, James Patton Johnston first saw the light of day. Shortly after his birth his father moved to Monroe in Perry County Mississippi, where he lived five or six years. Jacob Johnston's sons were as follows: John, Jordon, William, James and Washington. All of whom are dead except for two, Washington Johnston and James P. Johnston (the subject of this sketch.). Washington Johnston lives in Jefferson county near Natchez, Mississippi. He is 76 years old. The other brothers and sisters have gone to reap the rewards of their well spent lives. John Johnston lived to be seventy seven years of age. Jordon Johnston died at the age of fifty years. William Johnston died at the age of twenty four. He had been working hard and while very warm he took a plunge beneath the water, which shortened his life and was the real cause of his death. Mr. Jacob Johnston lived in Perry County five years. James was six or seven when his father moved to Alabama. There James had the opportunity of attending school. His teacher's name was Brown. Jacob Johnston had had dyspepsia for a long time but it had not been very bad until the year 1825, when he was taken down and died soon after, when James was eight years old. This was a terrible shock to his beloved family. The funeral followed with a large attendance of friends and neighbors. He was buried where he was then living in Butler County Alabama. The situation in which Mrs. Johnston was left was peculiarly disheartening because she was a woman and had no children with her except James and Washington, James being the oldest. Mrs. Johnston later broke up housekeeping and went to live with her daughter who had married Mr. Nichols. This was in 1839." Query NAME: Marj EMAIL: Lilredgma@aol.com DATE: September 7, 2002 QRYTEXT:My ancestor is Shadrack's son Jacob Johnston, via his daughter Sarah who married Joel Nichols in Mississippi. I am trying to locate the other sons mentioned (whose names are not given) but they were all Baptist ministers in South Carolina and Alabama. Does anyone know of any Baptist ministers named Johnston in old Darlington County? Thank you. JAMES JONATHAN LUCAS LUCAS, JAMES JONATHAN, soldier, merchant, and viticulturist, was born at Tiller's Ferry, Kershaw county, South Carolina, November 21, 1831. His father, Benjamin Simons Lucas, M. D., was an eminent physician and surgeon, noted for his intelligence, sound judgment, and amiability. His mother, Melita Eleanor (Tiller) Lucas, whose ancestors were English and Welsh families well known for their integrity and ability, strongly impressed her powerful moral character upon her son, to his lasting good. His blood is English, and French Huguenot. On the paternal side, the founder of the American branch was Jonathan Lucas, who came from England to Charleston in 1785. He invented a rice mill in 1787, upon which his son, Jonathan, made improvements, which were patented in 1808. The first ancestor of the family on his father's maternal side to settle in America was Benjamin Simons, who came from France to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1685, upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and at once took an active part in the affairs of the embryo city. His grandson, Benjamin Simons third, was a member of the Jacksonboro legislature. Lucas arms : Ar. a f ess gu. between six annulets gu. Crest : Out of a ducal coronet or, a griffin's head couped, gu. Motto: Veritas Vincit. Major Lucas lived on a farm until he was sixteen years old. He was not robust physically, but that he had the stamina which was to be one of his characteristics in after years was demonstrated when he was only fifteen. One of the negro plow hands being taken sick, he offered to do the work. He began his business life in 1852, as a clerk in his uncle's hardware store, in Charleston, but the year following he engaged in the same line of business for himself, which he successfully conducted until the opening of the War between the States. He represented Charleston in the house of representatives from 1856 to 1862, and was the first graduate of the Military academy to attain this distinction. Among his notable achievements in the legislature were the acts: To appropriate dividends on stateowned railway stock; for deepening the entrance to Charleston harbor; for presentation of a sword to Captain Nathan George Evans, United States army, for gallant services in Indian warfare; and for the first appropriations for the library at the Citadel. But the proposal of which he was proudest failed, because other members of the legislature were not gifted with his foresight. This was the recommendation of General A. M. Manigault, Colonel Lewis M. Hatch, and himself, members of a state commission to reform the militia laws, of a bill authorizing the formation and equipment for the field of a select militia force of ten thousand men. Opponents ridiculed it as "Lucas's standing army" bill, but before Sumter was fired on they realized how wise its adoption would have been. In February, 1861, while serving as aide-de-camp to Governor Pickens, Major Lucas brought forty thousand pounds of powder from the Mt. Vernon arsenal, in Alabama, to Charleston without publicity. This was used for the reduction of Fort Sumter. The history of Lucas's battalion of heavy artillery, which he commanded from its organization to the end of the war (when he thinks he was the senior major in the Confederate service), is a part of the history of the notable and gallant defence of Charleston, much of which may be found in official publications. Credit is due Major Lucas for the most striking recognition given the enlisted men by General Beauregard — the naming of Battery Tynes, adjacent to the famous Battery Pringle, in honor of First Sergeant S. A. Tynes, Company A, Lucas's battalion of artillery, who was killed during the defence of Battery Wagner. He and his command participated in the capture of the gunboat Isaac Smith, in the Stono river, January, 1863; also in the famous continuous night and day bombardment of Fort Sumter, and Batteries Wagner and Pringle. It was the failure to silence Battery Pringle, where Major Lucas commanded, that prevented the capture of Charleston from the "rear," as Admiral Dahlgren had planned. He was in charge of the fortifications on the Stono river, which guarded the back door to Charleston for nearly four years — until the evacuation of that city and its defences. With his ommand he joined General Hardee's army in its retreat to North Carolina, where he took part in the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville, and was struck five times. One wound might have proved fatal had not the musket ball been stopped by a suspender button. As a result, he was three weeks in the hospital at St. Mary's school, Ealeigh, North Carolina, where he was the pet of fifty young ladies. When the fearful collapse of the Confederacy came, he was at home on sick leave. In 1865 he removed from Charleston to Society Hill, Darlington county, South Carolina, where by his intelligent cultivation of grapes and wine-making he formed a noted industrial show place. His home is one of the most refined and cultivated in the state. He is a director of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad company; a member of the board of visitors, South Carolina Military academy; and a trustee of the Porter Military academy, Charleston, South Carolina. He was president of the Darlington Agricultural society for three years; is a life member of the St. Cecilia society, of Charleston; is a member of the Huguenot society of that city; was for seven years captain of the "Palmetto Guard," Charleston, and trained that company for its brilliant career in the Confederate army. He has been a Mason since 1856. In politics he has always been a Democrat. In religious conviction he is an Episcopalian. He is, and has long been, a lay reader of Trinity in his home town, and he was elected an alternate delegate from the diocese of South Carolina to the triennial convention of the American Episcopal church, which met at Richmond, Virginia, in October, 1907. Hunting and shooting were long his favorite recreations, but he has done little of either for some years. His advice to the young is: "Be prompt in whatever you have to do, and try to do it a little better than your fellows." Fear of being in the minority never prevents him from expressing his opinion. He never fought a duel, but, in 1856, he was one of the seconds in "an affair of honor," in which, fortunately, no blood was spilled. He is an open advocate of the code duello on the ground that it elevated the tone of society. On November 21, 1861, he married Carrie Mclver, daughter of Rev. David It. Williams Mclver, and granddaughter of Judge Samuel Wilds. Doctor Thomas Smith married the widow of Judge Wilds, and adopted her granddaughter, Carrie Mclver, changing her name to Smith, three years before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas had seven children, five of whom are living in 1907. Mrs. Lucas and J. J. Lucas, Jr., passed into the eternal world in October, 1901, within sixteen days of each other. Melita Eleanor Lucas, the youngest daughter, died July 20, 1907. The address of Major Lucas is Society Hill, Darlington county, South Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, p. 230-233 JAMES McINTOSH McINTOSH, JAMES, a leading professional and business man of Newberry, South Carolina, was born at Society Hill, in the county of Darlington, South Carolina, on Febuary 27, 1838. His father, James Hawes Mcintosh, was a merchant and farmer, and a man of strict integrity, and was successful in his business and other relations. An early ancestor, John Mcintosh, a man of distinction, came from Scotland to the Welsh Neck settlement on the Pee Dee in 1750. Strong, athletic, and unburdened by labor, save such as he chose to perform, young Mcintosh passed in his native village a happy childhood. His mother, Martha Gregg Mcintosh, had much to do with shaping his moral, spiritual and intellectual character, and her influence he regards as the dominant factor in his life. School privileges were his from the first. He attended the village school at Society Hill, and South Carolina college at Columbia. Having a decided leaning toward medicine, he resolved to prepare himself for this profession. To this end he entered the South Carolina Medical college at Charleston, the leading institution of its character in the state. In the year 1861 he was graduated with distinction. Ten years later he supplemented this course with studies in gynecology, and the therapeutics of the throat and lungs, in New York city. His standing in general scholarship and in his profession has been recognized by the South Carolina college and the South Carolina Medical college, both of which institutions have honored him, and, at the same time, honored themselves, by conferring upon him their degrees. For the subject of this sketch the serious work of life began when, at the opening of the War between the States, he enlisted in Company F, Eighth regiment of South Carolina volunteers. Soon afterward he was appointed assistant surgeon in the state service. Two weeks later the Eighth regiment was mustered into the Confederate service, and, as he was anxious to go to Virginia, Mr. Mcintosh resigned his commission, joined the same company and regiment, and went to that state. He served through the summer campaign and was under Kershaw's command at the first battle of Manassas. On November 1, 1861, he was appointed assistant surgeon in the Confederate States army, and until February, 1865, he served continuously at Charlottesville, Virginia. After the capture of Charleston, and the destruction of Columbia, he was ordered to South Carolina, established a temporary hospital at Newberry, and continued there until the last of the volunteers of the armies of Lee and Johnston had passed through to their Western homes. In June, 1865, he entered upon the general practice of medicine and surgery at Newberry, South Carolina. Among the positions held by Doctor Mcintosh may be named the presidency of the South Carolina Medical association (1876-1877); trustee of Furman university; president Newberry Building and Loan association, and president of the Newberry Savings bank. Doctor Mcintosh has also served as chairman of the board of commissioners of public works of Newberry, South Carolina, for eight years. Throughout his life, and in the midst of changing party policies, Doctor Mcintosh has been a Democrat. In religious faith he is a Baptist. In addressing young Americans he would emphasize the supreme worth of character, honesty, honor, and truthfulness, and would urge the importance of fidelity to obligations; of energy, industry, application, and the determination to succeed. On the 25th of November, 1862, Doctor Mcintosh married Miss Fannie C. Higgins. They had four children. On June 13, 1903, he married Mrs. Sarah B. Boozer (nee Book), of which union two children have been born. Five of the children are now (1907) living. The address of Doctor Mcintosh is Newberry, South Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, p. 239-240 THOMAS MIDDLETON RAYSOR RAYSOR, THOMAS MIDDLETON, was born in the county of Orangeburg, South Carolina, May 26, 1859. His parents were P. A. and Annie M. Raysor. His mother died while he was an infant. His father was a noted planter of Orangeburg, who, at the outbreak of the War between the States, enlisted in one of the South Carolina regiments and served with distinction until the close of that memorable struggle, during which he reached the rank of captain. He was graduated from the Citadel academy, Charleston; was a ready writer and a fluent speaker, and took a prominent part in all the political movements of his day in which the interests of the Palmetto State were especially involved. After the close of the war he went to Texas, where he remained until the time of his death. Thomas Middleton Raysor's ancestors on his father's side were English; on his mother's side, Scotch-Irish. They came to America about the year 1731 and settled in South Carolina. Public life and state affairs seem to have engrossed the attention of the Raysors for generations past, for we find that the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a member of an early legislature of the state, while his grandfather was a state senator, and, as above noted, his father was conspicuous in social, military and political life. The early years of Thomas M. Raysor's life were spent in a little village and on his father's plantation nearby. Though not required to engage in any regular manual labor, he enjoyed working occasionally in the fields. For recreation and exercise he spent many hours in swimming, fishing and hunting. There were no difficulties in his way in acquiring a good education, for his father was possessed of ample means to send him to the best schools. After leaving the village school he was sent to Wofford preparatory school, at Spartanburg, and later to Orangeburg academy. In the class of 1878 he was graduated from Wofford college with the degree of A. B. After leaving college, Mr. Raysor began the study of law in the office of the Honorable Samuel Dibble. Law was his choice among the professions. He was always fond of reading, history, poetry and biography being his favorite subjects. The reading of Plutarch's "Lives" made a deep and lasting impression upon his mind when he was quite young, and later the teaching of Doctor James H. Carlisle had a great influence over him for good. Mr. Raysor was a member of the South Carolina state legislature for three terms, 1884 to 1890; is now (1907) serving his second term as member of the state senate from Orangeburg county. He is attorney for and a director of the Bank of Orangeburg, and attorney for and a director in several other financial institutions. From early manhood he has been a public-spirited citizen. He took a very prominent part in the work of establishing a graded system for the public schools of the city of Orangeburg that has been exceedingly satisfactory to the citizens of the place; he has ever been a strong advocate and supporter of South Carolina college and Citadel, and he introduced a bill in the legislature to provide for the rebuilding of the west wing of the Citadel. As a member of the senate, he is regarded as an earnest, faithful representative, loyal to the best interests of his own district, yet not overlooking the claims and merits of his fellow-citizens in every other part of the state. His literary work has consisted chiefly of articles for the newspapers upon such topics as engaged the attention of the public at the particular time. He is a member of the Chi Phi fraternity; he is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Orangeburg Business Men's club. He married Miss Mattie Mandeville Eogers, of Darlington county, South Carolina. In politics he has always been a Democrat. His religious connection is with the Episcopal church. Much walking, an occasional day's fishing, and frequent horseback riding are his favorite methods of recreation and amusement. In a retrospect of his own life, though yet in the vigor and prime of manhood, Mr. Raysor feels that he has failed in some of his more youthful aspirations, principally because he did not take advantage of opportunities as they came in his way, and also through a lack of persistent, unflagging industry, which alone can win the coveted prizes. To young Americans who desire true success in life, and wish to accomplish some good work for the benefit of mankind, Mr. Raysor tenders the following excellent advice: "Let every one for himself cultivate the great virtue of self-control and lead a life of service and earnest high endeavor." Mr. Raysor's address is Orangeburg, South Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, p. 320-322 BRIGHT WILLIAMSON WILLIAMSON, BRIGHT, of Darlington, South Carolina, banker and president of the South Atlantic Oil company, and other important business organizations, was born near Darlington, South Carolina, on the 3d of March, 1861. His father, Benjamin Franklin Williamson, was a planter, a man of first-rate executive ability, of exceptionally good judgment, and a successful planter and manager of landed property. His mother, Margaret As a boy he was especially fond of machinery, mechanics, and the study of elementary natural science, with reading upon scientific subjects; but his enjoyment of all the sports of boyhood was hearty and keen. He learned various forms of work in his youth; and his parents made a point of his mastering whatever he undertook to do so thoroughly that he should not only be able to do it himself, but should also Tbe competent to show others how to do it. The circumstances of his family were such as to relieve him from the need of working for self-support during his years in college and in preparation for college. He attended, first, the local country schools near his home ; and later, at King's Mountain Military school, he was prepared for a course at the University of Virginia, where he studied from 1879 to 1881. In 1881 he began the business of life for himself by undertaking the management of a farm in Darlington county. In 1889 he took the position of cashier of the Bank of Darlington; and in 1890 he was elected president of that bank. While he has been more widely known in later years through his business as a banker and as president of business organizations of Darlington, he has been all his life a successful planter. The record of his connection with the prominent business interests of Darlington is in brief as follows : Cashier of the Bank of Darlington from 1889 to 1890; president of the Bank of Darlington from 1890 until the present time (1907); president of the Darlington Phosphate company, 1895; president of the Darlington Oil company from 1899 to 1902; president of the Independent Cotton Oil company from 1902 to 1904; was elected president of the South Atlantic Oil company in 1906, and of the Darlington Brick company. He is also a director in many other organizations. He was president of the board of trade of his town in 1899, and has been president of the Darlington Historical society since 1905. For a number of years he has been a vice-president of the South Carolina society, perhaps the leading social club of the state, and of the Darlington Agricultural society. In his political relations he is a member of the Democratic party. His favorite forms of amusement and exercise have been hunting, travel, riding and driving, while in his youth he was keenly interested in all athletic sports. Mr. Williamson is inclined to believe that "every person has sufficient ability to succeed in life, but the price of success is eternal vigilance." To young Carolinians who wish to succeed, he commends: "Good associations, industry, promptness, and frugality; the highest regard for truth and honesty, and due respect for the character, opinions and feelings of others." In 1906 Mr. Williamson married Miss Margaret Jones, of Shelby, North Carolina. Source: Men of Mark of South Carolina; Ideals of American Life; a Collection of Biographies of Leading Men of the State, Vol. I, J.C. Hemphill, Editor of "The News Courier", (c) 1907, p. 430-431 |