Allendale on the Savannah: Revisited

By Jim Bryan

Allendale on the Savannah - Revisited is based on an earlier work and is a historical account of the settlement and development of Allendale County, SC from the days of early Spanish explorers through 1970.

It is based on the work of my Great Aunt, Alexania Easterling Lawton and Mrs. Minnie Reeves Wilson which was published in 1970. This work attempts to correct some of the mistakes in the original work and will be followed with another updated, and more in-depth sequel "Allendale County on the Great Isundiga."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Bryan
• Release date: Sep 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301765782

Jim Bryan

A history buff with interest in Allendale, SC and the war of northern aggression. Planing on writing an eBook on my growing up in the country...

Book preview

Foreword

Yielding to an urgent desire to portray and preserve for future generations a valuable heritage in the knowledge of the lives and deeds of a people of Carolina Low Country, rich in culture, history, economics and traditions, we present this book.

Our readers should be cognizant of the fact that much of the material is factual; blended with fascinating tradition. Also, we would have you realize that we have collected and preserved materials pertinent to the subject over a period of years and have also done a great deal of research. Last, but not least, are the priceless articles and bits of information which have been contributed.

Suffice it to say that this compilation is far from complete in coverage; that it contains errors; and that much has been omitted which should have been included.

Thus, in sincere humility, we beg the reader's forbearance of criticism. Our fondest hope is that the book may be a stimulus to others to dig into the pages of history through personal interest, using our simple treatise as a nucleus.

You may wonder why we have devoted parts of the book to both Barnwell and Hampton Counties. The answer is that Allendale County was created of a part of both counties when it was formed in 1919. Therefore, we deemed it wise to include some of the early history of each part in this book.

CHAPTER 1 - EXPLORATION

The Yemassee War

The Yemassee War convinced the Carolinians of the necessity for fortifications along the Savannah River, consequently, in 1718, Ft. Moore was established on Palla Chuckalla Old Town on the Savannah River.

Garrisoned by several officers and twenty-five men, a large room was also maintained within the fort for the purpose of trading with the Cherico and other friendly Indians. Thus, a nucleus of a profitable trade with the Indians began.

After General Oglethorpe's establishment of Savannah, he realized the need of another town. Augusta, higher up on the river, was at the beginning, only a log fort 120 ft. square, built to house ten to twenty men and a commissioner. This fort was musket-proof and also had eight iron cannons mounted on the ramparts. Thus, other Indian trade began to flourish. The canoes used largely in Indian trade were not satisfactory. Larger canoes were needed. Indian trade boats and pole boats came into use.

With the coming of settlers to make their plantation homes along the river, a need of boat landings and ferries came into being, also Purysburg settlement on the South Carolina side began with Swiss Lords proprietors — granting 12,000 acres to Jean Jacques de-Bury.

On the Georgia side, Ebenezer was settled by immigrants who were thrifty, energetic and ambitious. The present Jerusalem Lutheran Church was established in 1769 and has undergone many eras of wars and other devastating experiences. Sister's Ferry, another settlement of that era, played an important part in history, as did Hutson's Ferry, Silver Bluff, and Matthew's Ferry.

Surprising is the list of exports to His Majesty's Customs of that period. Among the items were: hides, and skins, rice, indigo, raw silk, tanned leather, timber, staves, hemp, corn, turpentine, tar, pork, beef, hogs, shoats, tallow, horses, mules, steers, and finally, orange juice.

With the increased demand for water transportation, many boats were built. After the invention of the cotton gin, cotton was shipped in huge boxes made of rough lumber, to hold from 300 to 800 bales. When the shipment reached destination, and was unloaded, the boxes were ripped apart and the lumber sold. Thus, different type boats were used for different purposes. Among the boats of that era, many were built with a view to passengers' comfort.

The Marine News of that period stated that passengers for Carolina could take a boat at Bolton's Wharf, opposite the Exchange, at twelve o'clock, later, they would be placed on post chaise with sober, excellent drivers, with able and gentle horses, chaise lighted with overhead kerosene lanterns. On through Hamburg to Augusta, arriving there at ten o'clock the following morning, having changed horses at intervals of 14 miles. Owners, captains, capacities, and schedules, of the many boats plying the river, are given by the author of the book. However, during the Confederate War, the Savannah River is said to have been like a bottle with a stopper in it.

Some boats were confiscated, names changed; some became blockade runners, and some were burned. However, we give meager details of several which were owned by persons who have descendants in Carolina.

Among those left on the river were: The Swan, The Manassas, The Amazon, The William H. Stark, The Robert Lee, and the John G. Lawton (the last named having been owned by an uncle of T. Oregon Lawton of Allendale County.)

The Swan was owned and operated by Captain John G. Garnett, whose children own a plantation at Garnett, S. C. (which was named for the Garnett family.) This boat had been partly burned during the war, when Captain Garnett beached her and set fire rather than surrender. He later rebuilt the boat and it continued on the river until 1873.

Mrs. Ethel Rouse, widow of the late Capt. Bill Rouse, and mother of Lee Rouse of Sylvania and his river estate in Allen-dale County, lives alone in her plantation home, with the constant oversight of her son, a grandson, nearby and a retinue of faithful, devoted Negroes on the place, Mrs. Rouse naturally began her story on river boats by recalling the steam calliope of The Katie, which wafted its music over waters long before she came into sight of the landing. Thus, 'the passengers waiting for the boat, the laborers waiting to load freight, had time to ready things for the boat's docking. When the boat landed at Cohen's Bluff, Mrs. Rouse states: We went on board on a gang plank to the lower deck, (which was used exclusively for freight and deck-hands) ; then up a narrow stairway to the upper deck, where we could be comfortable. Surroundings there were geared to comfort of the passengers. Beautiful red velvet draperies, curtained off sections of the upper deck; around the outer edge at the top, beautiful colored glass, reflected brilliant colors. Ladies and children occupied one section where comfortable berths were arranged; a similar portion was prepared for the men.

"Games and entertainment were provided or one could sit and enjoy the scenery along the river.

The captain presided over meals, which were well planned, prepared and served."

Even though a trip to the city by boat was time-consuming, Mrs. Rouse states that they were a real joy to the passengers.

Under The Proprietary Governors

South Carolina was under the Proprietary Governors from 1670 until 1719.

In 1682, South Carolina was divided into three counties, namely; Colleton on the Combahee River; Berkeley on the Stono River; and Craven on the Awendaw River. A portion of the Winyah Bay was not settled at this time, neither was the Savannah River region. This section later became Granville County which actually went far into the reaches of North Carolina.

These counties were cut into parishes. What is now Hampton County was divided into Prince William in 1745; St. Peters was taken from Prince William in 1765 and St. Luke in 1767.

St. Luke was between St. Peters and the Savannah River. With several changes during the interim in 1800, this became Beaufort District, and still later, in 1868 it became Beaufort County. Hampton County was formed from Beaufort County in 1878. Townships of Hampton County are: Peeples, Goethe, Pocataligo, and Lawton.

Allendale County was taken from a part of Hampton and a part of Barnwell in 1919.

The extreme Southwestern part of Allendale County, had prior to this time, been known as Seminole, because of the original settlers of Seminole Indians. However, when pioneer settlers came into this region, the place was designated Solomon's Cross Roads from the family of the original Mr. Robert Solomons, who owned a vast estate there. Descend-ants of this prominent family live within this area, and still own and operate large farming interests.

Lawtonville Settlement and Post Office in Hampton County, was so named because of the numerous families prominent in this section, named Lawton. Lawtonville could be considered the nucleus of Estill, as the coming of the railroad, naturally caused the population to move nearer the station.

The town of Estill was built on lands formerly belonging to the late William Cuyler Johnston, Jr. in 1891, Mr. Johnson having given the right-of-way for the railroad, to the South Carolina Railroad Company.

Early Grants

From the Expansion of South Carolina 1729-1765, by the late Dr. R. L. Meriwether (brother of Mrs. Sadie Meriwether War-nock and grandson of the late Dr. Ogilvie), he wrote of the settlement of twenty small landholders about 1760, most of whom settled on Upper Three Runs (or Steel Creek), also several on the Lower Three Runs. Further down at the headwaters of the Coosawhatchie, a small group settled. Among these he named: Thomas Barker in 1755, who had a plot surveyed on Jackson's Branch which drained into the Salkehatchie, part of the land being Jackson's Old Cowpens; John Townsend Dade, who in 1748 was a settler on the Welsh Tract, in 1855, had 150 acres surveyed on Duck Branch, a tributary of the Coosawhatchie.

Dade and his wife were among the first members of the Coosawhatchie Baptist Church, organized in 1759 — the first Baptist Church to be established beyond the tidewater after those of the Pee Dee and Lynches River.

The minister of that church was James Smart who first appears in the province of Lynches River.

Four years after the organization of the church he had a plat surveyed on Beech Branch of Coosawhatchie. Henry Smart had land surveyed, adjoining that of James (and probably came with him).

These, and nineteen other members show that it was largely an offshoot of the Welsh Neck Church. The entire region records show that it was an important cattle raising region until after the Revolution.

Lazarus Brown in 1758, became owner of 350 acres on Lower Three Runs from which he advertised in 1758, 1000 head of cattle for sale. Brown was reputed to have been the tallest man in the province — nearly seven feet. He was killed by one of his slaves who was tried and killed.

Robert Oswald, in 1761 advertised for sale, three thousand acres on the Coosawhatchie, together with corn, rice and indigo land, and 600 head of cattle. In 1768 a stock of 2,000 head was also advertised as — a part being in the Fork and part in Buck-head Swamp, as being as good range for cattle as any in the Southern part of the province, having a large cane swamp between them for winter forage and most extensive and plentiful summer range. In 1772 there was offered a stock of cattle and horses ranging on Coosawhatchie, reckoned one of the largest stocks and as good cattle as were in the province.

For lack of sufficient lands near the tidewaters, the Germans were directed to the upper part of the Coosawhatchie Fork in about 1753-1759. Sixty surveys were made, principally on or near Willow Swamp, Coltson's Branch and the forks of the Coosawhatchie. (Total population about 600, half of whom were Germans.)

Among the names of a company of militia formed for the Salkehatchie Forks were names of Henry Ulmer and Conrad Preacher.

Arthur Middleton had two thousand acres laid off at King Creek; another of 800 laid off at the mouth of Brier Creek; and the third, a thousand acres at the mouth of Lower Three Runs or Old Three Runs.

One or two hundred Uchees in this section did not add to its attractiveness, however, they are said to have been sometimes useful. Most of the tribe lived a few miles below Silver Bluff, but they are said to have roamed the entire area west of the Salkehatchie. As late as 1737, were Creeks about the Palachucolas and King Creek; who like other settlement Indians were called upon in emergency.

History Of Belfast Territory

From a History of Belfast Plantation by Harry M. Lightsey, Jr. whose family were former owners of the vast estate, we plagiarize (by permission) in giving some interesting insight into the Indians who were found there at the time DeSoto, the Spanish explorer, made discoveries within the country adjacent to the great Savannah River.

On May 1, 1540, approximately fifty years after the "history making voyage of Columbus' the first steps leading towards development of the territory adjacent to the Great Savannah River, were made by Hernando DeSoto, Spanish explorer, who is said to have crossed the river near present Belfast Plantation. He also later discovered the Mississippi River.

In 1800 Dr. Henry Woodard opened trade with the Indians in this area. In 1815 the Yemassee Indians did much to clear the area of hostile Indians and before 1740 a great land rush began. By the end of that year plantations totaling 50,000 acres, had been taken up.

However, this country is reputed to have been literally infested with wild animals of many types that proved a real menace to these early settlers. They destroyed cattle, wild horses, hogs, poultry and, in fact, anything that they could eat. They were so bold as to come upon settler's premises. The forest teemed with deer, wild fowl, and bear, and many such animals.

DeSoto captured many wild horses within this area and tamed them. From one cow pen on King Creek, 700 calves are recorded as having been born and marked by an owner during one spring.

DeSoto invaded an Indian village, with 400 horses, made peace with this tribe and secured assistance in exploits of the Savannah River and adjacent territory. He had great hopes of getting gold and silver from Indians but failing in this, he did get pearls, daggers and coats of mail (which had supposedly been gotten by the Indians from early Christians or the unfortunate Allyson and his comrades.)

Indian tradition places a town, named Cofachique, on the East bank of the river, and on Silver Bluff, near Barnwell there was traditionally an Indian village. There was also a large village on the Georgia side of the river, according to Dr. Woodard.

The Westos, a tribe friendly to Dr. Woodard, were finally driven from their territory by the Savannahs, a branch of the Shawnees.

The Savannahs were a nomadic tribe and were finally replaced by the Uchees, one of the many tribes of the Creek Indians. During the Colonial Period tracts were granted in such names as: Edward Fennell, (1837), Lazarus Brown, John Braithwaite, and Tarleton Brown (only a few named by us).

Oglethorpe went up the river, the Savannah and then overland, on a trail made by Henry Woodard 60 years before, to attend a great assembly of the Creeks at Coweta Town, their capital, on the Chattahoochee River. This marks the exodus of a majority of Indians and an inrush of colonial settlers. Many grants were made on the Savannah River, on Brier Creek, on Salkehatchie River, on Lower Three Runs, and at Burton's Ferry, and last but not least the Belfast Estate, Susan B. Brown being the last owner and leaving no issue, then passing into the hands of a number of devisees.

Copied from a letter of a former owner of Belfast:

"In the year 1744, Mr. Scarboro and Mr. Gillett came from Belfast, Ireland, in quest of property. Mr. Gillett settled around old Gillett Church; Mr. Scarboro settled around Belfast, naming the place for his home in Ireland. The house built at Belfast was made of lumber from the place, sawed by hand with an up and down saw, put together with wooden pegs and square handmade nails. The dungeon in the cellar was supposedly put there for punishment of slaves who became hard to manage, also a secure place for important papers.

When Mr. Scarboro wanted to return to his native land, the place (45,000 acres or more) was sold to a Mr. Pink Brown, who was the aristocrat of the day. They had servants aplenty. Also a feeble minded son who was put into the dungeon to prevent his marrying a slave girl. He was fed bread and water until he relinquished the idea."

When Judge Lightsey bought the place he is said to have been the fifth owner.

CHAPTER 2 - SAVANNAH RIVER

The Savannah

by Jerome Wilson

The Majestic Savannah River flowing from the Appalachians to the Atlantic Ocean drains one of the largest areas of any river in the U. S. that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is full of history. Four hundred years ago, the Creek Indians claimed the use of the river. Soon DeSoto with an army of 600 Spaniards arrived in search of gold — then the French and the British — fighting for control of the river began.

The Spaniards were the first white men who saw the Savannah on May 1540.

The French came in search of the sassafras trade. They engaged with the Spanish in the first naval battle in the waters of the Savannah. In 1603 the English came seeking homes and liberty. The history of the influence which the great Savannah River and its tributaries has played upon the economic, the cultural and the general life of the entire area through which it flows, cannot be estimated or valued. Truly, it has been the life-blood of a vast domain.

One of the French settlers left a heritage along the Savannah in establishing a school for orphans and indigent children, located near McCormick, S. C, John de La Howe, was a physician with the great love of children. His idea was to provide the child with a healthy body and to be self-sustaining.

Horseracing was a popular sport in those days. It spread from Savannah to Augusta. It never brought approval of the righteous. Those who liked to gamble and race horses, who drank and used profanity, were charged with violation of the law.

Easier contact with the outside world came around the turn of the century with the opening of the stage coach roads, which were in close proximity to the streams. Prosperity came with the growing of cotton.

Eli Whitney, a mechanic, from Westboro, Mass. came to Athens, Georgia. He had accepted the offer as teacher at the University of Georgia, so that he could study law.

On his ocean voyage, he met Catherine Greene, who also was from New England. She was in route to Savannah. Whitney told her about accepting a teaching position at Athens but how he wished to do something great with mechanics. She invited him to stay a while at her home, Mulberry Grove. The atmosphere here was heavy, so different from where he came from. Every day he found pleasant conversation on the porches or in the lovely gardens. Two years prior to his coming, Mrs. Greene had entertained President George Washington. He had called to pay honor to the widow of his Lieutenant of the Revolution, during a visit to the southern battlegrounds along the river. He had stopped at Augusta and Savannah to receive the tribute of the people of those two cities.

A few days after Whitney arrived at the lovely mansion of Mrs. Greene, a group of planters on their way down the river were guests of Mrs. Greene. Whitney marveled at the lavish style of entertainment, which was entirely routine.

There was a great deal of talk about cotton. Whitney thought if only some mechanical method could be found to separate seed from the fiber. Mrs. Greene insisted that he try. He locked himself in his room with a few bolls of cotton and some tools. The story varies about how long it took. Some say ten days, some weeks, one story is that he almost gave up and that Mrs. Green suggested a way out of his disappointment. He had made a roller with teeth which would extract the seed from the fiber but some of the fiber clung to the teeth which clogged the machine. Mrs. Greene picked up a clothes brush. He saw that a brush revolving in the opposite direction would do it and lo, he had the new cotton gin. A patent was granted by the Secretary of State—Thomas Jefferson. It is said that the first gin was set up at Smyrna, Georgia in Wilkes County, near Washington, Georgia.

Since 1950 the Savannah is on a new era. It is now being tamed. Timber is being cut and rich lowlands are used as farms and pastures. Electric power is generated from this river under government operation. The Clark's Hill Dam, 21 miles above Augusta, is the biggest thing that has happened to the Savannah River. From the Savannah River Plant — 28 miles southwest from Allendale — the entire region benefits.

After World War II, a boat Merry Maid, the only boat navigating the river, was transferred to coastal war service by the government. This boat carried brick and tile made by Merry Shipbuilding Co. and Merry Bros, of Augusta, to Savannah, and down coast to Fernandina, Jacksonville, Sanford and Palatka, Florida. It brought back a cargo of oil, gasoline and oil products.

The story of the Savannah, its valley and its people, shows many changes. First were the Indians, then the coming of the white man, bringing deer hides. First was growing tobacco, this gave way to growing of cotton. There were steam boats up and down the Savannah carrying cotton and passengers from Augusta to Savannah which began in 1819 on the Savannah. It was the first in use except the Hudson in New York.

The first railroad — 1883 —in the U. S. and longest in the world at that time, touched the Savannah at Hamburg near Augusta. William Longstreet invented the steam boat first used on the Savannah. He was born in Augusta, Ga.—1759. It is said that he operated a steam boat on the Savannah in 1806. Robert Fulton whose boat, The Clermont, made its first trip up the Hudson River on August 7, 1807. Longstreet died six years after his invention. He is buried in St. Paul s church yard at Augusta, Ga.

The city of Savannah was incorporated in 1789 with a mayor and council to manage its affairs. Fine homes were built on Bay Street.

One of the first laws of the council was to fine anyone caught galloping through the streets. The fines ranged from one to forty shillings.

Anyone wishing to travel from Savannah to Augusta went by horse back on either side of the river or went by stage coach or by a small boat. Ferries were used by wagons to cross from South Carolina to the Georgia side.

Social life in the Savannah River community was typical of the Old South. Elaborate weddings, followed by lively receptions and balls were usually climaxed with a luncheon on the banks of the river. This was planned on the day of steam boat schedule, so the wedding party could see the bride and groom leave on the Ethel or the Katie, river boat for the city of Savannah, Ga. This custom probably ended with the Civil War and the period of re-construction which followed. Reference: Stokes — The Savannah.-

Matthews Bluff — Cohens Bluff

Matthews Bluff is one of the earliest settlements along the Savannah River. In many old records Matthews Bluff is mentioned as early as the 1750's, and during the Revolutionary War there was a great deal of activity within this area. According to tradition, after the War Between the States, two Jewish brothers, whose surname was Cohen, built a store and warehouse just north of Matthews Bluff, as the location seemed more suitable. However, the Cohens were in that area before the war according to Revolutionary War records. This is further corroborated as grave stones on the Cohen Plantation, several miles north of the bluff, reveal names and dates from the 1899's. Also, the ancient Cohen's residence is still in fair condition, although it is in need of renovation. The interior woodwork is indicative of the period in which it was built. The place is owned currently by Mrs. Norman Bull of Cameron, S. C.

Burtons Ferry

In the early 1700's Burtons Ferry was the gateway between South Carolina and Georgia as well as for pioneer settlers seeking locations. Among families coming to this area from Virginia was the father of Tarlton Brown, and the Memoirs of Tarlton Brown describe most interestingly, their adventurous life there.

During the war, records reveal much activity at Burtons Ferry and Matthews Bluff, Johnsons Landing, and Little Hell.

Johnsons Landing

The family of the Colonial Governor Robert Johnson owned land around Johnsons Landing during the colonial period. Later owners included the Royal Lieutenant - Governor Irving, whose estate was confiscated during the Revolutionary War, which was at that time known as Irving's Barony. The Johnson Family again came into possession of this estate when two brothers, William and Richard Johnson from Wadmalaw Island purchased the 3000 acres for the sum of $4,000 in 1804. The landing was at that time commercially important, remaining so for many years after.

Little Hell Landing

Why the name Little Hell was given to a beautiful landing on the Savannah River seems most inappropriate and has been a long discussed subject. It has recently come to light that originally the river at this particular place was filled with rock—this creating a devious situation for the landing of boats. Thus, the boat captains usually referred to the approach in terms of Hell!

Records in Barnwell County Courthouse show that Mrs. Elizabeth Laffitte donated from her holdings, five acres of land on the Savannah River for a landing. Mrs. Laffitte was the grandmother of Mrs. Elese Black Kearse of Millette.

Water Mills And Cotton Gins

According to the Tenth United States Census, there were two water streams 20 and 30 feet wide respectively, in this area. With a velocity of three to four miles per hour, these furnished water power for grist mills in this section, which was originally Barnwell District.

The Savannah River, its branches and tributaries might well be termed the life blood of the area through which it winds its way. Particularly did this system affect and influence the economic, the cultural, and the physical aspects of the region.

The Furse water mill at Millett was built by Dr. James Ardis Furse in 1860 (according to his great-grandson, James Ardis Furse IV), (on Augusta Highway 28.) It was burned by Sherman's Troops but was later rebuilt.

James Ardis Furse IV owns and occupies the house built by his grandfather, James Ardis Furse III.

The Cope Mill Pond in the Eastern Section of Allendale County was built by Frank Maner Cope. It is understood that a part of the wood turbine is still visible.

Frank Maner Cope was the grandfather of Charlie and Carlysle Cope of the Jenny Section.

Among other mill sites were: Deers, Maners, Priesters, Youmans, Stokes, Brelands. The Ossie Wilson (Oz) mill was built in 1700 by the great grandfather of the late Wilson Johns and Mrs. Eunice Johns Kearse of Bamberg. Situated a few yards west of the bridge at Baldoc, a part of the turbine wheel is still visible.

As plantations of past eras were necessarily institutions within themselves, there were many cotton gins owned and operated by individuals. Allison Williams, grandfather of Hugh Williams, living in Jenny section, owned and operated a mule drawn cotton gin and cotton pack press. Although the press and gin were dismantled years ago, Mr. Williams cherishes the complete mechanical parts of the system, hoping at some future date to re-assemble them — thus giving the public an opportunity to see a gin of that era.

The picturesque water wheel for grinding corn is fast passing from our American scene. On U. S. Highway 27, near Columbus, Ga. is a mill, using Sofia Rocks. The public is invited to see this mill in operation and purchase fresh ground meal.

River Highways For Trade

CANOES, INDIAN TRADE BOATS, FLATBOATS, STEAMERS AND BARGES

Savannah River, as we know it, got its name from the Shawnees or Savannah Indians who in the 1860's drove out and almost annihilated the Westo Indians who had possession of a good portion of land on the Savannah River.

The Tugaloo River, the Spanish in 1840, under DeSoto, had known as Rio Dulce River.

It seems that DeSoto and his men had crossed the River Cofitachequi, or Silver Spring, in search of pearls and gold. They, in all probability, found that the river ran down to the sea. The river is said to have been referred to under Jean Ribaut, as Ribotas the Grand, when he settled Port Royal in 1562. A naval battle between the French and Spaniards occurred in 1603.

Upon vanishment of the Westo Indians, the Savannah Indians gathered their forces and built a village at the fall of the river.

The Yemassee War convinced the Carolinians of the need of fortifications along the river and in 1718 Ft. Moore was established at Palla Chuckla Old Town on the river, garrisoned by several officers and twenty-five men. A large room was used for trading with the Cherico and other tribes. Thus, the nucleus of a profitable trade began.

In 1733, the majestic Savannah was flowing quietly on its way to the sea. 'Twas at this time General Oglethorpe sailed up the river looking for an appropriate site for the first settlement in Georgia. He wrote to the trustees of the colony: I set myself to seek a location about ten miles from the sea. The river here forms a half moon and along the South side there is a high bank (called a bluff) which is about 40 feet high with a flat top. This extends about five or six miles. The river is wide; the water is fresh; and from the key of the town the whole course of the river to the sea is visible. Gen. Oglethorpe named the site Savannah, for the river. It also had a safe, deep harbor and was destined to become an important port for the colonies.

And again, General Oglethorpe realized the importance of another settlement. A small fort about twenty feet square was built to house about twenty men and one commissioned officer; the walls of the fort being musket-proof, and eight iron cannon being mounted on the rampart. Thus, the beginning of Augusta, Georgia. Indian trade canoes were used largely and there were many Indian trails. In succession, larger trade boats came into use and there were also pole boats.

Many settlers began arriving, and landings and ferries were provided with the establishment of plantations, set up by these early settlers. Interesting stories are told of the early eighteenth century life of the settlers, the fort trade, and the contribution made by the great river.

PURYSBURG

Purysburg was a South Carolina settlement located on the river. Swiss landlords granted 18,000 acres to Jean Jacques de Pury.

EBENEZER

Ebenezer, on the opposite side of the river, was settled by Salzburger Immigrants who were people of thrift, industry, and ambition. They played an important part in the development of Georgia.

Their Lutheran Church was a structure of ingenuity. They also had a sawmill, and a bell factory for the manufacture of the famous Salzburger bells. The present Lutheran Church was completed in 1769, and during critical eras it was used for a hospital, and even for a stable. The building of the church was a concerted effort on the part of men, women, and even children, the last named left fingerprints on the hand-molded brick, which testifies to their help.

Other indications of settlements around Savannah are mute testimony to General Oglethorpe's efforts. Sisters Ferry, Hudsons Ferry, Silver Bluff and Matthews Bluff, are of genuine historical interest as they played important parts during the American Revolution, and the War Between the States.

Excerpts from a list of commodities, shipped His Majesty's Customs from 1754-1759, reveal numerous wares, bearing evidence of a most ingenuous people. Among the commodities were: deer skins, beaver hides, rice, indigo, raw silk, tannen, leather, staves, shingles, corn, hemp, turpentine, pork, beef, hogs, shoats, horses, mules, steers, tallow, tar, and last, but not least, oranges, and orange juice (squeezed).

The total value of these products was 980,270 pounds.

Of paramount importance was the visit of young Eli Whitney to the plantation of Mrs. Nathaniel Greene and the co-incidental invention of the cotton gin. Eli Whitney soon found himself on the way to the young nation’s capital, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of securing a patent for his invention.

The growing demand for boats for shipping, found nine boats regularly plying the waters of the Savannah River, in 1815. Also listed were pole boats and cotton boxes which were made of rough lumber to hold from three to five hundred bales of cotton. When the cargo reached its destination, the boxes were dis-assembled and the lumber was sold.It was the custom of that period to construct different type boats for the shipment of different types of commodities and materials. However, passenger boats were constructed with a view of lavish comfort for the passengers.

An interesting advertisement carried in the Marine News of that era, states that passengers would be at Bolton's Wharf a-cross from the Exchange, to board the twelve o'clock steamboat Carolina, which would land at Purysburg in about four hours; would dine on the boat; after which passengers would be placed upon post-chaise, with rapid, experienced, sober drivers and safe horses.

The way would be lighted by a large lamp or lantern placed on top of the chaise. On to Hamburg and Augusta, so as to arrive at about ten o'clock the following morning.

Horses were changed at fourteen-mile intervals; swapping at Matthews Bluff and the Half Way House, and breakfasting on the change. Short of Augusta, cavalry horses would be used.

The return trip would be advertised in the Planter's Hotel or at the office.

In the early 1820's, seven steamships had regular schedules between Savannah and Augusta; by the middle of that century practically every boat on the river was of the steamboat type.

The source of this information is most complete, giving names of boats, owners, captains, capacities, schedules, and pertinent information such as connecting waterways and canals,, with respective schedules.

Coincidentally, this great stream separating the states of Georgia and South Carolina, has also had traditional effect upon economic and social spheres. Strong ties were formed between Savannah and Augusta; and planters living on opposite sides of the river, became more intimate socially, as well as in business ways, because of the ferries and landings along the river. Later, bridges were constructed which enhanced the relationship between the citizens of the two states.

With the coming of railroads, transportation on the Savannah River underwent a great change. Also, the War Between the States had a dire effect when most of the boats on the river were commandeered to Federal use, and control. The river was said at that time to have been like a corked up bottle.

According to records between 1865-1865, boats left on the river, were: the Swan, Manassas, William H. Stark, General Robert E. Lee, and the Amazon.

The Swan had been partially burned in 1864, when her owner beached her and set fire to her, rather than surrender her to the Federal Army. Later, the boat was restored and continued operating until 1873, when she was listed as abandoned.

Many steamboats were dropped by 1870, when only the Ross and the Katie maintained regular schedules on the river. Later, the steamship Ethel joined the two. The Ethel is described by one who used her so frequently (from her plantation home near Cohen's Bluff,) as to have a deep affection and regard for her.

Mrs. Ethel Rouse, whose brother-in-law, Captain Macon Rouse, plied the river for many years, is most familiar with the river and the service offered during the era of very limited transportation. The delightfully resonant whistle of the Ethel could be heard at plantations in the valley and even at those eight to ten miles distant, inland. At Gravel Hill Plantation, the wafting of the whistle, as the boat rounded a bend in the river, cast a spell of nostalgia over the family, as many eventful occasions were brought to mind. Almost in panoramic review the Great Savannah River has lent herself to varied activities. During the earliest explorations, settlements, wars, economic and social development, she has moved in her placid way; having been the artery which nourished, nurtured, developed, and afforded pleasure and recreation, to all who were privileged to dwell in her terrain.

With deepest reverence, we thank God for the Savannah River —which has afforded countless blessings throughout the ages.

CHAPTER 3 - Robert McLewrath - - Muckelwrath

By Jack Ladson

In writing the history of old Winton County, which later became Barnwell District, South Carolina, it would perhaps be hard to leave unmentioned a man who played quite an important part in its very earliest days and whose notable and interesting career deserves recognition.

ROBERT McLEWRATH was born in Augusta County, Virginia, on August 4, 1748, and about the year 1753 his father, John McLewrath, and his mother, Agnes (Nancy) McDowell moved to Rowan County, North Carolina. They settled in that part of Rowan County which later was cut into Iredell County. The elder John McLewrath transported into the Province of North Carolina many persons and for these services he was granted many acres of land.

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the State of South Carolina found itself in desperate need of a man to act as Chief Armorer, and to supervise and render services in the capacity of manufacturing all arms, guns, swords, and rifles to be used in defending the State against the Tories and English domination. The name of Robert McLewrath was brought before the powers-to-be and they sent a representative to Rowan County, North Carolina to try and procure the services of this man. Mr. McLewrath agreed to accept the position and began immediately to prepare for his journey to Charleston.

Robert McLewrath married Jane Shields April 26, 1776, several months before the war actually broke out and the records found in the South Carolina Historical Commission in the Revolutionary file of Robert McLewrath indicate that he made the trip to Charleston and that he and his young wife were quartered in the residence of the late Alexander Grimke, who had recently died.

The Revolutionary Records found in the State Historical Commission shed quite a lot of light and information on the life and career of Mr. McLewrath. It appears by the records that he was taken prisoner twice by the British and was imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida. Twice he escaped. After the war the House and Senate of South Carolina voted to pay him all of his back salary including the time he was in prison. The agreed salary was 4000 pounds of old English currency per year and he was proclaimed the most patriotic and deserving man of the Province.

In the darkest days of the Revolution, President Rutledge had established headquarters at Orangeburg, very close to the same area that became, a few years later, Barnwell District. He convened all his militias and in language which few might mistake and none could resist, he invited the Tories to a consultation. The Tories came in by companies, by battalions and regiments, and were formed into a brigade by the name of State Troops under Henderson and did service in the great battle of the Eutaw. President Rutledge had prepared in thoughts that breathe and in words that burn, and called together his ready writers to copy off his proclamation. The President desired the proclamation to be copied for circulation in the most finished chirography. A person in whom he had confidence advised the President of the great advantage of sending his proclamation forth in print. The President thoroughly agreed but admitted that the British were in possession of every printing press in the State and that it would be impossible for him to obtain even the temporary use of one of them. That difficulty, replied the person, may be overcome; there is a gunsmith rendering service to our State who has never failed in a solitary attempt to accomplish anything he put his hands to. The President immediately asked for Mr. McLewrath to be sent to him. In a short time Robert McLewrath reported to the president and respectfully inquired his needs and demands. Mr. McLewrath pleaded