BULLETIN ofthe JJntuerstty of ^nuth (fealtna LANCASTER COUNTY Economic and Social BY ERNEST A. BEATY AND CARL W. McMURRAY ISSUED SEMI-MONTHLY BY THE UNIVERSITY No. 132 November 15, 1923 COLUMBIA, S. C. Second-Class Mail Matter UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA LANCASTER COUNTY Economic and Social B.>J ERNEST A. BEATY and CARL W. McMURRAY A LABORATORY STUDY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL SOCIAL SCIENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA PREFACE The purpose of the authors in writing this bulletin has been to set forth some facts relating to the economic and social conditions of Lancaster County, with the hope that they may prove helpful to our people in their march of progress. Quite a number of public-spirited individuals furnished information that proved helpful, and for which we are grateful. For data used directly we wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to our former Home Demonstration Agent, Mrs. A. B. Ferguson, Jr.; Mrs. Chas. D. Jones, from whose paper on the history .of Lancaster County much of the material for our "Historical Background" was obtained; the County Agent, W. F. Howell; Capt. J. W. Hamel, of the Kershaw Era; Mag¬ istrate W. T. Williams; Mayor J. M. Hood; Mr. R. T. Beaty; Mr. T. J. Gregory, of Kershaw; Hon. E. Coke Bridges, of Heath Springs; Mr. Chas. Massey, of Van Wyck; Mr. C. S. Robertson, of Pleasant Hill; Mr. Hagins, of Elgin; Mr. Sistare, of Riverside; the State Highway Commission; and State Historian, Mr. Alex Salley. We wish especially to thank Dr. Wilson Gee, Professor of Rural Social Science at the University of South Carolina, for the assis¬ tance and encouragement he rendered us in the preparation of this bulletin. It has been a great pleasure and inspiration to be associ¬ ated with him in this work. The expense of publishing and distributing this bulletin was borne by the University M South Carolina: Carl W. McMurray, Ernest A. Beaty University oe South Carolina, 1923 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND E. A. BEATY "There is a spirit of the past which breathes within us, though we dream hot of its spell." The past is always before us, in that it is a great factor in the determining of our future. For this, reason, if for no other, we should be interested in studying the record of events which took place before our own entrance upon the stage of the world. The history of those from whom we are descended should prove more than ordinarily interesting, because of the relation which we bear them. Carroll, one of South Carolina's historians, rightly says: "In the lives of our ancestors we become parties concerned; and when we behold them braving the horrors of the desert; and sur¬ mounting every difficulty of the thick forest and savage neighbors, we admire their courage, and we are astonished at their persever¬ ance. We are pleased with every escape they made from danger; and we wish to know even the most minute details of the events relating to the rise and progress of their little communities." Since these things are true, every citizen of Lancaster County should read with interest any record of the rise and progress of our own community. For the early beginnings of civilization which our forefathers established here have largely determined the trend of our progress in ideals and events; our history is indeed a true background of the present-day development of Lancaster County. The body of our citizenship is composed of Scotch-Irish stock. In the early years of the eighteenth century the province of Ulster, Ireland, was settled with immigrants from Scotland— people driven from their homes by religious persecution. But there was no rest for them in Ireland, no "freedom to worship God," according to the dictates of their own consciences; for the Established Church of England continued to press her "exclusive pretensions" harder and harder upon these Presbyterian and In¬ dependent Ulsterites. McCrady says: "To these-proscriptions and effronts, the descendants of the Cromwellian conquerors of the Southern provinces, the grand-children of the staunch defenders of Londonderry and Enniskillen, were little likely to submit." They did not submit; the best blood of them emigrated again, this time across the Atlantic to the New World, America. Near the middle of the eighteenth century a body of them arrived in Penn- 5 8 Lancaster County, Economic and Social It was near old Waxhaw Church that Andrew Jackson was born and reared. For years there has been an interesting dispute between North and South Carolina regarding the exact birthplace of this distinguished man. South Carolina has all the facts on her side of the argument. In a biography of Jackson, written by Amos Kendall, in 1843, under the eye of Jackson himself, his birthplace is given as Lancaster County, South Carolina. In a letter to Mr. James H. Witherspoon, of Lancaster, who married a relative of Jackson, he said: "I am a former citizen of Lancaster. I was born on March 15th, 1767, in Lancaster County, one mile south of the State line." Again, in a proclamation to the people of South Carolina, Jackson speaks of himself as a son of South Carolina. Do we not usually give a man credit for having correct informa¬ tion as to the place of his birth? Then, too, the people of his time knew well enough where he was born. On the 21st of September, 1831, at a banquet in the town of Lancaster, the follow¬ ing toast was proposed: "To General Andrew Jackson, a native of Lancaster District, the Cincinnatus of America, who, like the Roman veteran, after conquering his enemies returned to his plough." At the same banquet, Colonel F. J. Moses referred to Lancaster County as the birthplace of "Old Hickory." So, if we accept the statement of Jackson himself, and of his contemporaries, we must conclude that Lancaster's claim is safe, and that North Carolina has no more right to him than she has to John C. Cal¬ houn or Wade Hampton! We realize that between 1735 and 1813 many changes were made in the line between North and South Carolina; howbeit, none of these were sufficient to make Jackson a North Carolinian. He was the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, born after his father's death. The home of the Jacksons was on land owned by Mr. Robert Crawford, and now owned by Mr. T. Y. Williams of Lancaster. It was on this place, west of the Charlotte road, that Andrew Jackson was born. Mr. Alex S. Salley, our State Historian, has made a careful and exhaustive study of this question, and he has written several articles proving conclusively that "Old Hickory" first saw the light of day in Lancaster County. Our county is not more proud of her President son than she is of that great surgeon, Dr. J. Marion Sims. He was born January 25th, 1813, about ten miles from Lancaster, in the Beaver Creek section, near Heath Springs. His early education and training were given him in Lancaster, his academic work was done in the South Carolina College (now the University), and his medical degree was conferred by the South Carolina Medical College. He then Historical Background 9 did graduate work in the Philadelphia Medical College, after which he returned to Lancaster to practice. He waited a great while "in patience for patients," and was finally called upon to attend a child. In spite of his best efforts the child died, and with it, his dreams of success. Disgusted with himself and with his pro¬ fessional career in Lancaster, he left town, going to Alabama. On his way out of Lancaster he threw his sign into a well on Elm Street. He was more successful in Alabama, and after a few years' practice there, he moved to New York, where he established the first hospital for women in the world. Dr. Sims soon became the greatest living authority on obstetrical surgery in the world, and was as famous in Europe as in America. An inscription on a New York monument erected to him calls Dr. Sims the "Father of Obstetrics." Dr. Sims has left an interesting autobiography in which he gives an account of his ancestry and early life. It is a book which every person in Lancaster should read. Less than a quarter of a century after the settlement of Lan¬ caster County, the American colonies had become engaged in the Revolutionary War. For the first four or five years, the people of the upper country of South Carolina, doubtless due to compara¬ tive isolation, took very little interest in the progress of the war. They did not enlist wholeheartedly In the struggle until Tarleton, the bloody Britisher, burst upon them in his pursuit of Buford, and horrified them with his terrible butchery of these men. The Buford Massacre, which took place in Lancaster County, aroused the dormant fiercen'ess of these courageous peoples, and henceforth they gave every atom of their strength to the cause of American freedom. Colonel Buford, with a regiment of 350 Virginians, was en route to Charleston for the relief of that city. Hearing that Charleston had surrendered, Colonel Buford turned at Camden, and was taking his men home when Tarleton, with 350 cavalry and 350 infantry troops, met . him in Lancaster County. The English and American versions of this event are at variance. Tarleton's ac¬ count has it that his advance guard overtook and captured a few of Buford's men; and that, after this skirmish, both prepared to engage. Tarleton says that he was the quicker in preparing for battle, and ordered his cavalry to attack. He maintains that this was expected by Buford, whom he heard ordering his infantry to retain their fire until the British cavalry came near. Chief Justice Marshal, who is supposed to have received his account of the battle from Buford himself, says that when the enemy troops met a truce was arranged to allow Buford time to 10 Lancaster County, Economic and Social consider the advisability of surrender. It seems that the British were preparing to fight, even during the truce. Then, upon the instant of its conclusion, they fell upon the unprepared and dis¬ mayed Americans. Most of Buford's men were utterly unable to de¬ fend themselves, and had nothing to do but surrender and ask for quarter. No quarter was given—the Americans were slain with¬ out mercy—in some cases their dead bodies being horribly mutilated. This barbarous massacre gave significance to the proverbial ex¬ pression of cruelty, "Tarleton's quarter." But one good effect re¬ sulting from such a terrible event was that it kindled the wrath of the whole upper part of the State, turning sentiment and activity against the British. Tarleton unsuccessfully tried to make some plausible explanation of his act; Cornwallis, however, did not censure him for it; and General Clinton actually exulted in the deed. Tarleton's headquarters at this time were at Hanging Rock, in Lancaster County. After the battle of Buford those of the wounded who were too seriously injured by the British to be captured by them, were cared for in old Waxhaw Church. Among those ministering to these unfortunate men was Miss Esther Gaston, whose young brother Joe was, later wounded at Hanging Rock. In his auto¬ biography Dr. Sims tells of how his grandmother, Mrs. Lydia Mackey, wife of Charles Mackey, by her importunate pleadings persuaded the hard-hearted Tarleton to release her husband, then under a British sentence of death. This event took place near the intersection of Lancaster and Chesterfield Counties, on the Rocky River road. A simple monument stands there in commemoration of the death of these brave Virginia troops. General Thomas Sumter, to whom Tarleton gave the immortal sobriquet "the Gamecock," located his camp on Lancaster soil in the year 1780. From this place he led his troops in many skirmishes with the enemy. Perhaps the most important of these was the first battle of Hanging Rock, which occurred August 1st, 1780. The British had a well fortified post at Hanging Rock, com¬ posed of the infantry of Tarleton's Legion, the Prince of Wales' American Regiment, a part of Brown's corps of Provincials, and Colonel Bryan's North Carolina Loyalists. Sumter had less than half as many men as the enemy, but succeeded by a ruse in effecting a quiet entrance into their camp. After a spirited en¬ gagement the redcoats were utterly put to flight, and their post held bv the Americans. The victory came near being turned into a defeat by the sudden appearance of a fresh body of English. It was only with difficulty that Sumter held the ground which he had Historical Background 11 taken, and with a considerable loss of men. Among those killed in this second part of the battle was Lieutenant Robert Crawford of Lancaster. Other Revolutionary battles in Lancaster County were those of Flat Rock, and the second battle of Hanging Rock. There were, however, numerous other less important skirmishes, but space does not permit us to give an account of them. After the second battle of Hanging Rock the activities of the opposing armies shifted from the upper counties of the State toward the Pee Dee section. Both Hanging Rock and Flat Rock are noted for the;r natural beauty as well as for their historical significance. The former is an heap of solidified smaller stones, fantastically arranged. The latter is an immense rock, with a surface area of twenty acres, four of which are perfectly smooth. Not far from these is another great curiosity in Nature. Anvil Rock, a stone over ten feet high shaped in the likeness of an anvil. Other places of interest in Lancaster are the high banks of the Catawba, the bluffs of Lynch's River, and the caves of Flat Creek. These sights are well worth' the trouble of a visit to them. Prior to 1785, Lancaster County was a part of the Camden Dis¬ trict, which by an Act of March 12th. 1785, was divided into seven counties, of which Lancaster was one. The orig'nal court house stood on the east side of Main Street, near the present T. H. Davis building. The court house now in use was bui't in 1823, at the time of the erection of the jail. Judge T. J. Mackey once remarked that "Lancaster County was bounded on the north by North Carolina, and on the east, south, and west by civ:lizat:on." Lest some of the present generation resent the Judge's friendly slam, we quote the statute which says that "Lancaster County is bounded on the north by the North Carolina line; on the east by the Catawba River and the Big Sugar Creek, from the pbce where it enters the said river to the intersection of the North Carolina line, which also separates it (on the west) from the counties of York, Chester, and Fairfield; and on the south by Kershaw County." However, the borders of our county were not definitely fixed until 1813, when commissioners from the two Carolinas met and finally settled the boundary on the north. The county retained the name Lancaster, which had been g:ven to the section by the early settlers. This name they brought with them immediately from their settlements in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, whither it had been carr ed from England. There are eight townships in the county, organized to facilitate the 12 Lancaster County, Economic and Social several governmental functions. Each town has its magistrate (Flat Creek and Pleasant Hill have two). There are forty-six school districts, in each of which there is at least one white and one colored school. Each district has three school trustees, with power to levy special taxes for school support, and otherwise to direct all educational activities. It is a matter of interest that the earliest known name of the town of Lancaster was Barnets- ville; but in 1801, when incorporated by the Legislature, its name became Lancasterville. Later it was changed to Lancaster Court House, then to its present form. Originally the only streets were the present Main and Gay Streets. The War of 1812 made but little impression on Lancaster County. South Carolina furnished her full share of soldiers, and doubtless our county sent her quota of these. We know of one— for first among all American sold:ers in that war was Andrew Jackson, a native of Lancaster. It is also noteworthy that John C. Calhoun, whose father, Patrick Calhoun, first lived in Lancaster, came into prominence during the session of Congress which de¬ clared war on England in 1812. He was the author of the bill declaring war. In 1825 there was established in Lancaster County the Franklin Academy, which was opened for school on December 5th of that year. The first superintendent was Henry Connelly, of Washing¬ ton University in Pennsylvania. In two years he was succeeded by John Harris, also a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Harris drove through the country from Pennsylvania, bringing with him Mr. J. F. G. Mittag, of Maryland, who became a permanent resident of Lancaster, and whose name is still heard in Lancaster. Franklin Academy became a justly famous school, and prepared many a Lancaster youth for college. Nearly all of our older citizens re¬ member pleasantly their school days in that institution—most of them were taught by Mr. Thomas Stamps, a Virginian who was at the head of the school for many years. He married a daughter of Mr. J. A. Haseltine, a prominent merchant of Lancaster. Lancaster County also sent soldiers to serve in the Mexican War. Among these were Captain Amos McManus, who served again in the War Between the States, and but recently died; Captain K. G. Billings, and Mr. Ranee Gardner, whose ardor caused him to win the title of "Mexico" Gardner. Mr. Leroy Secrest, who also fought in this war, was from Chester County, but we of Lancaster claim him through his son, Judge Eugene Secrest, whose home and interests have always been in Lancaster. Historical Background 13 When the great issue of States' Rights came to be settled by the arbitrament of arms, Lancaster County drew her sword in defense of her State. None of us can possibly know what suffering was endured, and what sacrifices were made by those who lived in that period of Lancaster's history. We should consider it a privilege to learn all we can of our county's part in that struggle, and to cherish the memory of such heroism as a priceless heritage. Practically every able-bodied man in Lancaster County—and a great many very young boys—served in the Confederate armies. Those who were forced to remain at home on account of extreme youth or age, organized themselves into home guards for local protection. Many thrilling experiences are related by them, as well as by those who went to the front. Mr. Allison W. Chance, an honored citizen of Lancaster, published shortly before his death an interesting booklet, "Historical Facts Relating to Lancaster County," in which he gave many incidents connected with Lan¬ caster's part in the war. It is worthy of perusal by every one who is interested in the efforts of those left at home to "carry on" while the soldiers were at the front. So in reality everybody was enlisted in the service—doing his bit for a cause which can never be "lost"—the Right. Among her active soldiers, Lancaster County furnished many officers of high rank, all of whom served with great gallantry. Time would utterly fail us to give even a cursory glance at each of these men, and the deeds of bravery performed by them and their gray-clad followers. And because "the brave honor the brave, vanquished, none the less," the whole world pays tribute to the soldiers of the South. In 1909, under the auspices of the Lancaster Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the women of Lancaster County erected in front of the court house a beautiful monumental tribute to the deathless glory of the Lancaster soldiers of the Sixties. In a paper read before the Lancaster League of Women Voters, Mrs. Charles D. Jones exquisitely describes this monument in these words: "The monument is unique, sculptured in Lancaster, from fine stone mined in Lancaster, erected by Lancaster Women to Lancaster Soldiers, as if a proud and loving mother had stored in her own granite hills the most fitting and enduring tribute for the day to bring it forth and place it at the grave of her warrior sons." The nearest contact which Lancaster County -had with real warfare was during the depredatory march of Sherman's brigands through our State. Lancaster County was visited by Kilpatrick's brigade, and many hardships and indignities were inflicted by 14 Lancaster County, Economic and Social them upon the helpless residents. The county jail was'burned to the ground; the court house was utterly sacked and its con¬ tents destroyed forever; the food of the people was stolen and burned; the:r animals were taken, together with whatever else the "northern vandals" could carry away with them. Some of Wheeler's cavalry were in the neighborhood at the time, but no engagement took place. The story is told that the Yankees were driven from town by the circulation of a report that Wheeler's cavalry was at Kershaw en route to Lancaster. This rumor had the desired effect of ridding the town of the last bluecoat, and they did not return. O^her than during tlv's period of the war Lancaster County had very little actual contact with the Union soldiers. There are, of course, many individual experiences related by our older citizens, but these are isolated cases. Following the surrender Captain Henry Mclver, later Chief Justice of South Carolina, disbanded his company at the Lan¬ caster Court House. It is said that some of the soldiers broke their guns upon the stone steps of the building, and the numerous nicks on the steps can still be seen. As was the case with the rest of the State. Lancaster County suffered greatly during the period of the reconstruction. But we were spared some of the tragic horrors experienced by other sections of the State. The "Red Shirt" period was that of 1876—1878. Among the leaders in those two important years of struggle for white su¬ premacy in Lancaster County were General John B. Erwin, Colonel John D. Wylie, Judge Ira B. Jones, Dr. J. C. Blakeney, Messrs. D. J. Carter, James R. Hunter, Joseph Kenington, and John McN. Beaty. Co'onel Wylie was sent to the State Senate, and Messrs. Blakeney and Beaty to the Legislature in the year 1878. Up to that year a negro, Albert Clinton, had represented Lancaster County in the State Senate. From the time of the reestablishment of the white people in authority, Lancaster enjoyed a great measure of peace and prosperity. Of course it took years to establish any¬ thing like the former prosperous times, but the right spirit was in our people, and they used every opportunity and every advantage to rebuild the county. In 1898, when the United States engaged in war with Spain, there was very little economic pressure upon the State or the County. Again Lancaster gave to the army such of her men as were needed. The Great War gave Lancaster a chance to prove her mettle to the utmost, and right well she did it! Though it is too soon to give anything like a complete record of what our county did in Historical Background 15 that struggle, yet the facts are fresh in the minds of all of us. We know of Lancaster's leadership in the great L'berty Loan campaigns; we know of her Red Cross work; we know of the great numbers of our young men who gave themselves to fight on land and sea and in the air; we know of how our older men devoted all their time and talents to their country's need; we know of the untiring devotion of our noble women to their men¬ folk in the service; we speak with reverence and gratitude of those who gave their blood upon the altar of their country's serv¬ ice. We are proud of their sacrifice. We are proud of those living whose distinguished bravery won for themselves and for their country the praise and recognition of the world—they fully deserve their honors; but we are more proud of the fact that the war left not a single stain upon the fair escutcheon of the "Red Rose County." The noble ideals of the past were nobly upheld by the worthy sons of worthy sires, and are now become the birth¬ right of generations yet unborn. In the Manufacturer's Record for March, 1923, is the following: "Know thy Country! Every effort made by the people of the South, men and women alike, to broaden the knowledge among Southern people as well as among others, as to the lvstory of the Old South, the amazing achievements made in business and in¬ dustry prior to the Civil War, what the South has accomplished since that time, and the resources on which to found a great em¬ pire of industry and wealth, must of necessity inure to the benefit of every class of people." This statement of the whole South is equally true of Lancaster County. We must have this proper pride of ancestry, and of the heritage which our fathers have bequeathed to us. Otherwise we need not hope for the future to equal the past. Our county is rich in the achievements of our forebears. They builded well here—for us. Let us not be less zealous for the welfare of those who will some distant day look back upon us and our work. Shall they, as we, look back with pride? May we so use our opportunities in Lancaster County that those who follow us may also say of us, "They builded well here—for us." 16 Lancaster County, Economic and Social II LANCASTER COUNTY TOWNS E. A. BEATY Lancaster Lancaster, the county seat of Lancaster County, is located on the Charlotte-Columbia road, forty miles south of Charlotte, and seventy miles north of Columbia. It is within forty miles of Camden, and within thirty miles of Chester, Rock Hill, York, and Monroe. The last census gave Lancaster a population of 3,032 within the incorporated area. But as has been pointed out else¬ where, if Lancaster should be credited with her suburban popula¬ tion, then our inhabitants would easily number twice the figure given in the census. The town of Lancaster is quite old. A rare deed of one John Simpson shows that previous to 1801 the place was called Barnets- ville. In 1801, by a resolution of the South Carolina Legislature, authority was given to lay of! the village of Lancaster, at that time to be called Lancasterville. This was done in 1802. A plat of the town was made, with the names of the streets as they are now, with the exception of Main Street, which was then called Broad Street. The commissioners to lay off the town were Eli Alexander, William Barklay, John and William S:mpson. Prior to this the owners of the land, William Simpson, William Barklay, and others, had marked out two streets, as now represented by Main and Gay Streets. The court house and jail were erected in 1823; both of them are still in use. The principal suburbs of Lancaster are Midway and Brookland, the business sections of the cotton mill village. These places are just without the incorporate limits of the town; they have never been officially counted as a part of its population. Yet they have over a score of business houses, serving an approximate popu¬ lation of 3,500 people. They have their own police protection, under direct authority from the State, and protection from fire is furnished by the facilities of the cotton mill. Practically all of Lancaster's streets have grown much beyond the half mile area of the town's limits, so our suburban population includes more than the mill village alone. The town of Lancaster is governed by a mayor, Mr. J. M. Hood, and his council of aldermen. During the past several administra-. Lancaster County Towns 17 tions much progress has been made in municipal facilities, and the present administration is likewise a constructive one. Our Main Street is paved for one-half mile south of the court house, and we have over nine miles of cement sidewalks in the town. The "white way" of Main Street is second to none in the State for beauty, and is a matter for justifiable pride to Lancaster. The Lancaster Fire Department would do credit to a much larger town. We have a volunteer force of sixteen men, all of whom have proven themselves to be efficient fire-fighters. The town has a modern Seagrave fire truck and all necessary apparatus, costing $10,000. The good health of Lancaster people may be partly due to the excellent quality of our water. The water works plant is under municipal ownership, and is located about two miles south of town on the banks of the old Welch's Mill Pond. Here the water, supplied by Turkey Quarter Creek and Bear Creek, is filtered and pumped into the standpipe for use. Every test has shown it to be entirely pure, unusually free from any hurtful adulterations. Lancaster has an efficient and conscientious police force for public protection. Chief of Police Bell and his three capable assistants succeed in maintaining an high degree of order. There is every evidence of thorough cooperation between the county and city officials in this matter. The Magistrate of Gills Creek Township, Hon. W. T. Williams, has his office in Lancaster. He and his constables work with the city forces in bringing offenders to justice. For many years we have had reason to be proud of our veteran sheriff, Hon. John P. Hunter, a public official who has ever been fearless and fair in the performance of his duty. The vital statistics office for Gills Creek is located in Lancaster, and Mr. J. T. Thomasson is in charge of this public service. The County Home for paupers is located a short distance from town, and has for years been under the care of Mr. Thomas Bennett. Lancaster industries have developed greatly in the past few years. The Lancaster Cotton Mills, of which Colonel Leroy Springs is president, and Mr. Waddey C. Thomson secretary and treasurer, has a capital stock of $2,500,000. This industry employs about 1,200 people, and its pay-roll is approximately thirty thou¬ sand dollars weekly. The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company has a capital stock of $93,500, and its products are valued at over three quarters of a million dollars annually. Other important Lancaster industries are: The Catawba Fertilizer Company, capital $200,000; The Lancaster Ice and Fuel Company, under the same manage¬ ment with the Builder's Supply Company, combined capital, $30,- 000; and the Farmer's Warehouse Company. 2 18 Lancaster County, Economic and Social There are three state banks in Lancaster, The Bank of Lancaster, The First Bank and Trust Company, and The Farmer's Bank and Trust Company, each having a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The First Bank and Trust Company was until very recently The First National Bank. Many insurance companies are represented in Lancaster. The Witherspoon Agency, under the management of Mrs. L. K. Witherspoon, represents thirteen fire insurance companies. The same number of companies are repre¬ sented by Gregory and Williams, under the management of Miss Annie Gregory. The Lancaster Fire Insurance Company repre¬ sents eight companies. In addition to these there are The Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance, represented by The Farmer's Bank and Trust Company, and various other agencies represented by organi¬ zations and individuals. Lancaster has three building and loan organizations, each under bank direction. The Lancaster Building and Loan Association is under The Bank of Lancaster; The Citizens Building and Loan is managed by The First Bank and Trust Company; and The Per¬ petual Building and Loan is directed by The Farmer's Bank and Trust Company. Each of these enjoys a good business, and serves a splendid purpose in the community. The newspapers of our town are "The Lancaster News" and the "Lancaster County Citizen," both published bi-weekly. "The News" is the older of the two, tracing its descent from "The Beacon," a paper published in Lancaster in the early fifties. Then came "The Ledger" in 1852, "The Review" in 1858, "The Enterprise" in 1891. In 1905 these three were consolidated into "The Lancaster News." "The Citizen" began publication in 1916, and has had a consistent growth in size and circulation. Both of these papers work for county progress in things economic, social, and moral. They have facilities for job printing in connection with their newspaper publication. The Lancaster Job Printery, under the skillful management of Mr. Courtney Corcoran, is another printing establishment in Lancaster which is making progress. In 1890 a school district was organized with Lancaster as its center, and shortly thereafter the present graded school building was erected on the site of the old Franklin Academy. The recent building program for Lancaster's schools called for the issuing of bonds amounting to $160,000. This money has been expended as follows: $65,000 for a new high school building for the town; $52,000 for a new grammar school at the mill; and $42,000 for a colored school building to replace the old "college." Thirty teachers will be employed in the white schools of Lancaster during Lancaster County Towns 19 the coming year. The colored schools are under the white board of trustees, and their teaching force numbers eight. The Lancaster High School stands well in literary and athletic achievements. Next year courses in Domestic Science and Business will be added to the high school curriculum. Lancaster, including the cotton mill town, has eleven churches. There are two each of white Methodist and Baptist churches, one Episcopal, one Presbyterian, and one Associate Reformed Presby¬ terian. There are two colored Methodist churches, and one each of Baptist and Presbyterian. Each of these maintains an active Sunday School, as well as sundry other religious societies. The Lancaster Woman's Club, Mrs. A. J. Gregory, President, was organized less than a year ago with thirty members. It now has a membership of sixty. This organization has five distinct departments: the musical, literary, civic, educational, and social; these to be augmented soon by a Business Woman's department. These ladies seek to advance in every possible way the welfare of the town in education,-social life, and general culture. They co¬ operate in any measure for the public good„ The United Daughters of the Confederacy have a chapter in Lancaster, of which Mrs. G. J. Derrick is the president. This group of sixty ladies endeavors to keep alive Southern history and traditions. They also contribute regularly to the support of any- needy Confederate veterans in Lancaster County, and those in the Old Soldiers' Home in Columbia. Lancaster has a National Guard Company, of which the officers are Captain J. Foster Moore and Lieutenant Jos. O. Colbourne. Other Lancaster organizations are the Stafford Graham Post of the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, and the Business Men's Evange¬ listic Club. Lancaster has recently become interested in a proposal to organize some strictly business clubs in the city. Representa¬ tives from several clubs have already visited Lancaster, but none has yet been definitely decided upon. It is to be hoped that some action will soon be taken in this important matter. Years ago the town of Lancaster adopted the slogan "Lancaster Leads." We see by this brief survey that Lancaster does lead in many particulars. With a proper measure of cooperation on the part of her citizens tfiere^ is no reason why Lancaster cannot con¬ tinue to be a leader among the towns of South Carolina. 20 Lancaster County, Economic and Social Kershaw Kershaw, the second largest incorporated place in Lancaster County, is situated on the old coach road between Monroe and Camden, exactly on the line between Kershaw and Lancaster counties. It is seventeen miles south of Lancaster, and twenty- three miles north of Camden. The present population of Kershaw is 1,022, according to the census of 1920, of whom 655 are in Lan¬ caster County and 377 are residents of Kershaw. The original settlement at Kershaw was called Welch's, but when the railroad came through that section, the station was called Kershaw. This was in the year 1888. The county line runs through the town at a 45 degree east and west angle. The fact that Kershaw is a two-county town makes a rather unique situa¬ tion in government. Two sets of books must be kept for schools, taxation, and other municipal functions, and two counties must keep their official representatives in the same town. On November 13, 1897, Kershaw was practically destroyed by fire. The conflagration began in this way. There was a circus in town, and the consequent crowds of people from the surrounding country. The village bakery was doing a fine business that day, making bread for the hungry multitude. And in its efforts to supply the unusual demand, the bakery became overheated; took fire; other buildings became ignited; and the whole town was soon in ashes. But the disaster was productive of good, in that brick buildings replaced the wooden ones which had composed the town. It's an ill wind indeed that blows no good to such courage¬ ous people! Kershaw has every facility which goes into the making of a good municipal government and safe community life. The mayor, Hon. C. F. Clyburn, with his council of aldermen, gives the town ex¬ cellent management. The residents stand squarely back of their officials in performing their duties; law and order reign. Pro¬ tection against fire is maintained by an up-to-date fire department, composed of volunteers. This organization has in times past proven its efficiency. The water supply is obtained from an artesian well 461 feet deep; it yields an abundance of pure healthful water. Kershaw gets its electricity from the plant owned by the Kershaw Oil Mill. The principal streets of the town have cement side-walks. The health of the whole community is good; the danger of fever (formerly a great menace) has been practically obliterated through the intelligent use of proper care. Lancaster County Towns 21 Kershaw is far ahead of most towns its size in the matter of school buildings and equipment, having a separate building for the high school. In 1905 a brick building was erected which served both departments, but a new brick high school has just been completed, leaving the other building fully adequate for the needs of the grammar school. The people of the town are now working with characteristic enthusiasm for a school library, and it is now well nigh assured. Kershaw has four white churches, two Bap¬ tist, and one each of the Methodist and Presbyterian denomina¬ tions. They all have good buildings; their membership is growing; the best spiritual interests of the people are nurtured and advanced in every way. When Kershaw began her existence as a town its main indus¬ tries were lumber and turpentine. We imagine that some of the first inhabitants would hardly know their "old home town" if they could see it today, with all its varied industries and business houses. There are stores sufficient for the needs of the town and surrounding country. The People's Bank in Lancaster County, and another bank in Kershaw County, attend to the financial needs of their patrons. The Kershaw Oil Mill, which crushes 18,886 tons of seed per annum, is the largest independent oil mill in South Carolina. The Kershaw Cotton Mill has a capital stock of $300,000; 482 modern looms, and 12,160 spindles. Two cotton warehouses serve the farmers, the one in Lancaster County having a capacity of 3,000 bales. Three life insurance companies are represented in Kershaw, two of them on the Lancaster side of the line. Dr. L. T. Gregory is president of a flourishing Building and Loan Company. Kershaw's newspaper, "The Kershaw Era," was in our county until a slight change in the line a few years ago placed it one block over on the Kershaw territory. It is an eight page, six column, weekly newspaper, and is now entering upon its thirty-fifth volume. For thirty-two years it has been under its present management, Captain J. W. Hamel. It has a good cir¬ culation in portions of three counties, Lancaster, Kershaw, and Chesterfield. It has worked diligently for the educational and agricultural advancement of the people, and is outspoken in its advocacy of that which it believes to be for the best interests of the community. "The Era" has a well equipped job department, and enjoys a good patronage. Kershaw has several local organizations working for the public good. There is the Fellowship Club—a "get-together organiza¬ tion" of fifty members—striving to advance business and cum- munity interests. The School Improvement Association, Mrs. 22 Lancaster County, Economic and Social B. J. Truesdale, President, has for its object to help the edu¬ cational and civic condition of Kershaw in any possible way. This body is composed of thirty-five ladies; they have lately been in¬ strumental in having installed a new heating plant in the school building, and a sanitary drinking fountain. The United Daughters of the Confederacy, with a membership of forty-six, is actively engaged in keeping alive the best traditions of the Southern Con¬ federacy. Mrs. R. E. Tompkins is president of this body. The Walter Johnson Post of the American Legion has 75 active mem¬ bers who "carry on" the ideals of our youngest veterans. Kershaw is a thriving town, with an inspiring history. Her future bids fair to equal her past. Heath Springs Travelers through South Carolina in the old days were wont to stop at a spring about eleven miles south of Lancaster to refresh themselves with a cool draught. The water from this natural fountain was noted for its curative powers, hence the place was called Mineral Spring. This spring was owned by a Mr. Phillip Cauthen, who also owned much of the land surrounding it. When the railroad came into that section of the county, it passed close by this spring. Shortly afterwards, Mr. B. D. Heath bought this place from Mr. Cauthen; laid off a town; called it Heath's Spring; sold building lots; and ere long Lancaster County found herself possessed of another thriving incorporated town. In 1910 the name of the town was changed to Heath Springs, honoring Colonel Leroy Springs of Lancaster, friend and business partner of Mr. Heath. It is rather singular that the whole significance of the town's name could be changed by merely shifting an "s." Heath Springs is located but two miles from the Hanging Rock battle ground, and lays claim to many interesting historical incidents. George Washington, on his tour through the South, spent the night with Mr. James Ingram near the town. It is the native town of Dr. J. Marion Sims, the famous surgeon. He is said to have acknowledged his allegiance to Heath Springs when he visited his early home there a short time before his death. There was once a famous hotel near the spring which did a good business, but it has long since been discontinued. In the early part of this century the town was destroyed by fire, but as was the case in Kershaw, wood was replaced by brick and stone, so the calamity was turned into a blessing. Lancaster County Towns 23 The population of Heath Springs is 505, within an incorporated area of one square mile. The local government is under the mayor, Hon. E. Coke Bridges, and his capable board of aldermen. They are active and conscientious in the discharge of their duties, and receive the support of all the people. The health conditiofts of the community are good—there are two doctors in town, but the people claim that they are needed only in cases of emergency. Electric lights and water works will soon be provided for under a $35,000 bond issue which has already been made. Work upon these projects is to begin soon. Electricity will be obtained by means of a transmission line to Lancaster. Several New England textile capitalists have recently been in communication with Mayor Bridges regarding the establishment of cotton manufactories in Heath Springs. This is evidence that they have seen the possibilities which Heath Springs has to offer, and it is expected that such industries will soon be established there. Hutto and Bourbonnais, a manufacturing concern of Hickory, N. C., has bought land, and is now erecting a box factory in Heath Springs—attracted there by the extensive lumber interests in the town. A planing mill has long been in operation, and now runs both day and night. At present, as in the past, Heath Springs' chief interest is in cotton. It is a noted cotton market, supported by a rich farming section, and now has a large warehouse under the control of the Springs Banking and Mercantile Company. The Bank of Heath Springs and the Farmer's and Merchant's Bank have a combined capital stock of $65,000. The Heath Springs Building and Loan Association, Mr. J. A. Bridges, President, now carries three an¬ nual series. Two insurance companies secure a good business from the town and community. The progressive spirit of Heath Springs in educational matters is indicated by her good school program. Fifty thousand dollars worth of bonds have already been issued to provide for a new brick high school, with nine classrooms, and an auditorium with a capacity of six hundred. The people have always been judicious in the selection of their teachers, and the schools have shown a steady growth. The Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches have modern houses of worship, and are doing their great service in an excellent manner. There has recently been organized the Business Men's Evangelistic Club, a powerful force for good. The School Im¬ provement Association, composed of Heath Springs ladies, has been active in behalf of the schools, and the town generally. 24 Lancaster County, Economic and Social The town of Heath Springs maintains a camping ground for tourists near the spring. This is a good thing—not only for the town, but for those who accept this courtesy. For Heath Springs is a good town—her people are hospitable and charming—those who know them are indeed fortunate. And many of those who camp there for a day could not do better than to build a "per¬ manent camp," home, in this beautiful and progressive community. Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill, so called after the township of that name, is said to be the highest point between Rock Hill and Camden. Shortly after the building of the railroad Pleasant Hill became an in¬ corporated town, but it has since surrendered its charter. Among the early residents of the town were Dr. R. S. Beckham, Colonel L. J. Perry, J. H. Rbbertson, W. A. Marshall, and S. Beckham; all of these are familiar Lancaster County names. Pleasant Hill now has about twenty-five homes within a radius of three quarters of a mile. It has a State Cotton Warehouse, a shingle mill, cotton gin, saw mill, grist mill, and a filling station. It has always been a great cantaloupe center, and the farmers are now awakening to the possibilities for fruit culture. Mr. C. S. Robertson is "fighting the boll weevil with peaches"—he has 1,000 peach trees bearing, and finds a ready sale for them through the Charlotte markets. The Pleasant Hill school is a three-teacher school, in a comfort¬ able building. The only white church is of the Associate Re¬ formed Presbyterian denomination. There are two colored churches, Methodist and Baptist. Elgin Five miles south of Lancaster St. Luke's Methodist Church has stood for nearly half a century, and around it has grown a stable community. This place first took the name St. Luke's, after their church. But after the coming of the railroad the post office was changed to the name which the railroad officials had given the station, Elgin. This was in 1895, at that time Mr. W. J. Denton was the Postmaster. Later the post office was abandoned, and mail service to Elgin now goes through the Lancaster office. Elgin has over a dozen homes within a radius of one-half mile. The Methodist church there was organized in 1881, and has always been very active. They are now planning to build additional rooms Lancaster County Towns 25 for the Sunday School and Epworth League. The Elgin school has two teachers, and has a seven-months' session. One general merchandise store supplies the neighborhood. This store is owned by Harper and Hagins, who also manage a ginnery, grist mill, and cotton warehouse. Elgin is the center of a good farming section, and has a high standard of community life. Riverside Lindsay was the first name of the Riverside post office, although Riverside has always been the name of the station. About 1910 the name Lindsay ceased to be used at all, and the post office took the station name. This is one of Lancaster County's oldest and most honored settlements. Within two miles of old Waxhaw Church, Riverside has always upheld the traditions of that community. The people are mostly Associate Reformed Presbyterians, worshipping at the Shiloh, Waxhaw, and Lancaster churches. They have a two- teacher, seven-months' school, in which the people take great in¬ terest. There are a dozen homes within one-half mile of the station; the town also has a good ginnery, store, and grist mill. Van Wyck Some people claim that Van Wyck should have been named Waxhaw, because it is the original Waxhaw settlement. The Waxhaw Post Office was located here over a century ago. It was once moved to Lansford, but later came back to Van Wyck. Originally the place was called Heath's, but that name conflicted so often with Heath's Spring (as then called) that a change was made. General Hoke, an official of the Seaboard railroad, named it Van Wyck in honor of his wife, a Miss Van Wyck, relative of the then mayor of New York. This change took place in 1887, shortly after the Seaboard railroad came into Lancaster County. Van Wyck is unique in that it is the only town of that name in the United States. Van Wyck is but one and one-half miles from the North Caro¬ lina line, and both "Horse-shoe" Robinson and Andrew Jackson were born within four miles of the town. Near Van Wyck is a locally famous Methodist church where the great preacher Lorenzo Dow held services once a year. His circuit was so large that he could reach Van Wyck but once in twelve months, and it is a 26 Lancaster County, Economic and Social wonderful tribute to his ministry that the whole community felt the beneficial influence of his annual sermon! The population of Van Wyck, according to the 1920 census, was 200; it is not an in¬ corporated town. It has two Methodist churches, and one Presby¬ terian, all nice brick structures. These three churches have a Union Sunday School and Epworth League, an evidence of the practical inter-church fellowship in that community. There is one colored Methodist church. The school of Van Wyck employs three teachers, and' has an eight-months' session. The present building is of wood; but bonds have recently been issued to the amount of $12,000, to be used in the construction of a modern brick school house. The school maintains a good library, and a well-equipped play-ground. Van Wyck has four stores, two gins, a saw mill, grist mill, and a large brick kiln. This kiln produces 50,000 brick per day, yet it cannot supply the demands made upon it. Mr. W. N. Ash is the owner and manager of this industry. There is a cotton warehouse, with a capacity of 700 bales, located in Van Wyck. Most of the Van Wyck stores and homes are lighted by the Delco system, or by acetylene. The general health of the town is exceptionally good. Osceola Osceola is named for the great Indian chief who gave our government so much trouble, and who is buried at Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island. The name of the post office is Osceola, but the railroad calls the station Hancock. Osceola has twenty homes within a radius of one-half mile. It is located two miles south of the State line. The school there employs two teachers, and has a session of eight months. There is one church in Osceola; it is of the Methodist denomination. Other Communities There are in Lancaster County several other more or less thickly settled communities. Although they are not towns nor villages, yet they have become centers of community life in their sections. As such they play an important part in the life of the county, and their citizens are recognized for the high standards of culture which characterize them. Natural Resources and Industries 27 III NATURAL RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES CARL W. McMURRAY Geography Lancaster County is situated in the northern part of the State of South Carolina. The county is irregular in shape. It is bounded on the north by North Carolina; on the east by Lynches River, immediately beyond which is Chesterfield County; on the south by Kershaw County; and on the west by York, Chester and Fair¬ field counties, all of which are separated from Lancaster County by the Catawba River except the northern part of York County. The Catawba River extends in a general north and south direction, and Lynches River flows slightly southeast. Lancaster, the county seat, is located near the center of Lancaster County and is the principal town. According to the Soil Survey of Lancaster County, the area of the county is 311,323 acres, or 515 square miles, rank¬ ing 34th in size among the counties of the State. Topography Lancaster County represents an originally level plain which has undergone the erosive action of many streams to such an extent that its topographic features are now very marked, being made up of a succession of rolling hills and deep stream valleys. The divides have a tendency to descend rather abruptly to the narrow flood plains of the streams. In the extreme southeastern part of the county, around Kershaw and Heath Springs, the land assumes a more undulating and less rolling character; and it is here that the heavier types of soil give way to a lighter and more sandy soil. The southwestern part of the county is characterized by a rough, uneven surface. The ridges in the county have a north and south trend, the main watershed being topped by the Rocky River road. This ridge gives rise to two separate systems of drainage; that of Lynches River on the east, and that of Catawba River on the west. 28 Lancaster County, Economic and Social Climate The following table shows the precipitation and temperature changes, according to observations taken at Heath Springs, South Carolina. The altitude at Heath Springs is 568 feet above the sea level. The mean figures represent observations covering 19 years. Temperature Fahrenheit Precipitation Inches e rt