Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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VOL. 81 EDGEFIELD, S. C., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1916 NO. 18 THIRD ANNUAL H] SCHC Exercises Highly Cr?dita Department. Large At no time in the past have the commencement exercises been more thoroughly enjoyed than they were last week. The people have been lavish in their praise, every word of which was deserved. The hig'h school commencement began Wednesday tiisrht with the annual celebration by the McDufiie literary society. There were five young ladies, Misses Annie May Culbreath, Janice Morgan, Lydia Brunson, Ouida Pattison and Em mie Broadwater, to compete for a medal offered at the beginning of j the session by Mr. Geo. F. Mims for the one who recited best. This ' honor, together with the gold] medal, fell to the lot of Miss Em-j mie Broadwater. The young men, Douglas Tim merman, Pendleton Gaines, Edwin Folk, Glover Tompkins and Can oil Rainsford, competed for a gold medal that was given by Mr. Or landa Sheppard for the one most giftjd in declamation. This was won by Carroll Rainsford. The judges in both contests were Prof. Scott of Trenton, Prof. Blakely of Ora, and Mrs. Feltham of Edgefield. In presenting the medals Prof. Scott commended the teachers and mem bers of the literary society for the splendid work they have done dur ing the past session. Thursday night, the only pay night of the commencement, the members of the eleventh grade gave a comedy in four acts, entitled "Cu pid, the Conqueror." Every part was well rendered. Indeed we have never before heard so much com mpntupop an ej^j^irinignj; of^this characterT^nd it is conceded the best play ever presented in Edge field by amateurs The sum of] $75.00 was realized for the school, j The graduating exercises of the high school were held in the audito rium of the building Friday night. There were nine to complete the course and a large number of relar tives and friends gathered to witness their graduation. Those who re ceived diplomas were: Misses Jeanie Simkins, Lallie Peak, Ida Folk, Annabelle Saunders, Ruth Lyon, Helen Dorn, Rhea Edmunds, Wil liam and Diomede Hollingsworth. The salutatory was read by Miss Jeanie Simkins and the valedictory by Miss Ida Folk. Miss Lallie Peak read a paper entitled, "Four Decades of Edgefield History-17S5 to 1825." The Edgefield chapter, D. A. R., some time ago offered a prize of $5.00 in gold to the high school pupil who wrote the best es say on this subject. Miss Lallie Peak's was selected as the best by the committee of judges. It con tained much valuable information concerning the early settlement of Edgefield. The diplomas were presented by Arthur S. Tompkins, secretary of the board of trustees, and A. E. Padgett made a report of the finan cial status of the school. The literary address before the graduating class, was delivered by L. T. Baker, dean of thc University of South Carolina. The speaker stated that while there was need for vocational and practical education, yet that which is needed most is the development of the inherent powers within. The possibilities of what a human life may achieve are almost without limit, but we are utilizing but a small per cent, of our force. He referred to the achievements of Napoleon, Washington, Goethe and other celebrities, stating that instead of these standing out isolated and alone as conspicuous examples of greatness, the average of the human race should and will yet, if they de velop their powers to the maximum, measure up to these. Mr. Lyon offered a medal at the opening of the session to be awarded to the hitrh school pupil who made the highest average for the session, and this was won by Miss Margaret May. This honor tell to her at the close of the last session. Dr. J. S. Byrd offered a medal to the pupil of the school who made the most im provement during the session, and this was won by Master Elbert Mundy. Thcise medals were pre [GH >0l COMMENCEMENT ble in Every Grade and i Audience Attended. jsented by Dr. Jones. The prize which the D. A. R. offered was pre sented to Miss Lallie Peak by the Rev. A. L. Gunter. Early in the session the Edgefield chapter, United Daughters of the Coufederacy, offered two prizes, one for the best paper on the Subject, "Was Robert E. Lee a Traitor?" and a second prize for the second best paper. The first prize, ?5.00 in'gold, was won by Miss Margaret May, and the second pme, a bistory by Miss Mildred Rutherford, was won by Miss Ouida Pattison. The recital given Saturday night by Miss Couch's music pupils was highly creditable. Several selec tions were rendered by violin pupils who had been taking lessons on this difficult instrument but a short time, and yet they performed with re markable ease and grace. The pu pils on the piano, both the begin nen and advanced pupils, played \ beautifully, reflecting credit upon i themselves and their very capable teacher. The following is the pro gramme in detail: PART L Valse (piano), Mack-Raymond Dun ovant, Willie McManus, Helen Nichol son. March (piano), Leaman-May Rives, Felicia Mims, Helen Nicholson. Valse Badinage (piano), Morris-El bert Mundy. Polonaise (piano), Chopin-Genevieve Norris, Lydia Brunson, Grace Tomp kins. Fanfare Militaire (piano), Ascher Ruth Lyon, Helen Dorn, Elbert Mundy. Reverie (violins), Gillis-Sabe Miller, -S*3m-SEe?Ter-------' Valse Impromptu, Raff-Jeanie Sim kins, Willie Peak. PART II. Kamennow Ostrow (piano), Ruben stein-Helen Dorn. Mazurka (violin), Demuth-Elwyn Moore. Cachoucha (piano), Raff-Ruth Lyon. Polonaise (violin), Reiding -Sabe Miller. Polka De La Rune (Raff)-Margaret May. Waltz (violins), Warren-Sabe Mil ler, Diomede Hollingsworth, Elwyn Moore, George Tompkins. Rosamunde Overture (piano) Schu bert--Margaret May, Ruth Lyon. Prof. Lyon has been warmly con gratulated upon the very successful session that has just closed, and upon the highly creditable com mencement exercises. The words of commendation are well deserved. Statistics of the War. We don't kuow to what extent reliance may be placed in statis tics. But figures are interesting, anyway. The statisticians say that at the present rate of the war Germany will in August begin to show such a weakening of forces that the Teuton allies cannot much longer maintain the long lines they are now manning. It is said that the German losses have been 2,200,00 in 21 months of warfare. The net loss, after considering the new classes of youth enlisted, are declar ed to be 1,100,000; and not much reserve to be drawn upon in the way of growing youth of military age. At the outset of the war it was estimated that Germany was capa ble of putting 7,000,000 men into the field. It is declared that there are now in ranks 9,000,000 men, from the Central powers and 14, 000,000 from the allie&.-Columbia Record. Had Pleasant Trip. Gen. M. L. Bonham and sons, Dr. M. L. Bonham, Jr., and Mr. Proctor A. Bonham of Greenville, returned Thursday night from Saluda and Edgefield counties where they speut a few days during the past week. Gen. Bonham went to visit his an cestral home. He stated yesterday that he had an especially interesting trip, and that the crops down there were much further advanced than in this section.-Anderson Intelli gencer. JOHNSTON LETTER. U. D. C. Held Last Meeting. Fi delis Class Entertained. Mrs. Crouch Hostess. New Century Club Met. With the las? meeting of the Mary Ann Buie chapter, D. of C., the ^activities of the chapter will cease in a business way. The meet ing was held in the home of Mrs. John Mobley with a full attendance. All of the reports were good. The treasurer reported ?24 in hand, the registrar bad four prospective mem bers, the historian told of a moat interesting recent meeting, severa original papers having been handed in. The chapter decided to place in the school library the book, "The birth of a nation." Plans were made f jr the annual rpicnic of June 16, which will be held with Mrs. Mar tha Edwards, and to this the veter ans with their wives are invited. In vitations will be extended to the widows of veterans and others. Offi cers for the coming year were elect ed which resulted in a re-election: President, Mrs. J. H. White; vice-i president, Mrs. M. T. Turner; re cording secretary, Miss Zena Payne; corresponding secretary, Mrs. F. M. Boyd; treasurer, Mrs. J. P. Bean; historian, Mrs. O. D. Black; registrar, Mrs. John Wright; glean er, Mrs.1 M. W. Crouch; auditor, Mrs. W. L. Coleman; directress of D. of C., Mrs. P. B. Waters. The social feature was very pleasant and the hostess assisted by Mesdames J. P. Bean and McCreight served a sweet course. The Fidelis class of the Baptist church entertained on Thursday morning for Miss Martha Wateon, she being one of the members of the class and two very pleasant hours were spent in the home of Miss Clara Sawyer. As a means of enter tainment progressive rook wae played and the game was a bright ancTamTnated one.^The honoree was presented with a beautiful silver ladle from the class, which she re ceived in a most feeling manner. Later, refreshments of iced tea and a variety of sandwiches were served. The W. C. T. IT. meets on Fri day afternoon with Mrs. O. D. Black at 5 o'clock. Miss Mary Smith of Mullins who is the guest of her sister, Mrs. E. 0. Crouch was honored by her on Saturday morning with a luncheon and about twenty-four were present to enjoy the pleasures afforded. Sev eral games of progressive rook was played and a tie having been made, Misses Ella Jacobsand Marie Lewis cut for the prize, a box of crepe de chine handkerchiefs. The latter won and presented the gift to tbe hon oree. A tempting luncheon was served. Mr. Wallace Turner and Mr. Fletcher Horne returned the last of the week from Bliss Electrical school, Washington. Misses Antoinette Denny and An nie Crouch are at home from Con verse college. Mrs. Earl Crouch was hostess for the young matron's club on Friday afternoon and two very happy hours were spent by the members and oth er invited guests. The home was beautifully decorated and the cool veranda was a most attractive spot, punch being served here by Misses Annie Crouch and Mary Smith. Af ter score cards had been given for progressive rook an animated game was had, the tally being kept with gold stars. After the cards had been laid aside, sweet music was enjoyed and later the hostess served block cream in green and white with Lady Baltimore cake. So pleasant was the occasion, the guests were re luctant io leave, each moment had been so pleasant. The week's pleasures ended with the delightful afternoon party of Saturday given by Miss Gertrude Strother in compliment to Miss Martha Watson. With Miss Watson was her friend Miss Bouknight of Leesville who had come to attend hsr marriage. Fruit nectar was served by Miss Rachael Simmons out on the veranda and after ail had arrived the guests were amused by a heart mending contest. Red hearts containing love thoughts had been cut into many pieces these the guests placing together and when completed, each read their heart. After vocal music by Miss Clara Sawyer and piano selections by Prof. John Waters, red cards were (Continued on Fifth Page.) HARDY'S HAPPENINGS. Refreshing Rains Fallen. Farm Work Being Rushed. Com >?M. mencement a Great Success. -" We certainly he pe those Texas people have had as good seasons of rain as we have been blessed with. The wind blew hard all day Satur day and the clouds boiled and dis persed and came together again and again. Finally the rain came down slowly and gently where we were. There was a good deal of electricity all the while though nearer night ancl'.after midnight <.here wa9 a good deal more lightning and thunder and more rain. The peas are being sowed by the quantity. Potatoes set, cotton chop ped plowed and corn worked. Every thing on the farm is on the rush an? will be for two months or more. But then is there ever a time when there is nothing to do on a farm? We have lived in the country on the same tarm all cur lives and always found more to be done than we ever got done. We hear the commencement in North Augusta was a grand success. A certain young man who attended said, all the graduate young ladies were so pretty from where he sat, he could not decide which was the prettiest. He would rather have a closer inspection before he passed his opinion. But as he went this way . to see one we have an idea he has. decided which was the prettiest, Mrs. Ollie Bunch and Messrs. Sampie and Mealing Bunch and Mr. Frank Townes and Miss Mary Townes spent Sunday afternoon at Mrs. Georgia McKie's, and with Mrs. Sallie Bunch. Also Mr. Harry Bunch and family spent the after noon with his mother who has been very ill all the week with grip. Miss Mary Townes h id a chill and feeling fine again. We hope malaria is not coming down in our midst, we don't need it. We hear Miss Theresa Bunch is still visiting relatives in Columbus, Ga., where she has been for 8 weeks. Mrs. Geo. Nixon is visiting ber daughter, Mrs, Ollie Bunch. She speaks of spending some time at her old home at Clark's Hill this sum mer taking with her Mr. Joe Nix on's children. Hardy's. Contest For Silver Medal. June ll, which is next Sunday has been set apart by the W. C. T. 17. as anti cigarette Sunday, and a very pleasant program will be ren dered in tne Methodist church in the interests of this subject, as will be seen by the followiug program: Devotions by Rev. A. L. Gunter. Song, "Work for. .the night is coming." A fiend, Corrie Cheatham. A gentleman's cigarette. Edward Peak. A threat from little Tommie, Helen Nicholson. No cigarette for me, John Wells. Not fit to be kissed, Eleanor M i ms. A care for charity, Allen Edwards. Music. Address, Edwin Folk. Report of judges. Song, "Labor on." / Benediction. This occasion will be in the hands of the young, even the judges com ing from that class. We hope that every young person and child in Edgefield will come and see what is to be done and that more than all the grown up folks will fill the church, thus encouraging the young people in their enterprise. Hon. George Bell Timmerman. Among the candidates' cards this week will be found that of Solicitor George Bell Timmerman who is seeking re-election. He has served almost 12 years as the prosecuting attorney for the 11th judicial cir cuit and it is upon the record he bas made during that time he is asking for re-election. Mr. Tim merman is an able lawyer and en joys a lucrative practice. He has many relatives and friends in this, his native county, who will give them their support. Mr. Timmer man is a member of the Lexington bar. FOUR DECADES I EARLY 1 Essay Written by Miss Contest Won The strife of war is o'er And the battle of peace begun, But Edgefield shall weep no more, For her liberty forever is won. Edgefield, we love you, for in the very beginning there was engender ed in your loyal heart that element of refinement and autocracy that years nor the root of evil can efface. This historic county until the year 1785 was a part of Ninety Six district. In this year a vast area of that district formed the county of which we now boast. Edgefield county was much larger than it is now. The Savannah river separated it from Georgia. It was bounded on the south west by the districts of Orangeburg, Barnwell and a part of Lexington; it was bounded on the north by Newberry, and Abbe ville served as its north western boundary. It was forty-six miles long and thirty-seven miles wide containing 1,089,280 acres. Our county was settled almost altogether by immigrants from Virginia and j North ^Carolina. It contained several varieties of soil; the sandy along the leaf pine lands and a deep red soil along the oak and hickory land. The main pro ductions were peas, sweet potatoes, beans, Indian corn, tobacco, wheat, hemp and a small amount of cotton. In the year 1785 the present site was selected for the county seat of justice. This picturesque site was selected because of its healthful lo cation and its beautiful springs of sparkling water; for springs in those days were ?Edgefield's ch:ef water supplyy In the beaning ot/t?ES r?i^ii:^^?yc^\^ry. .the." houses of Edgefield town were very scattered, numbering between forty and fifty. There were about thirty-eight fami lies living here then, and the popu lation amounted to three hundred. Just a mile north of Edgefield court house at the fork of the Block er and Ninety Six roads was the little town of Pottersville, which was founded by the ingenious Ab ner Laundrura. This little town was supported by the manufacture of stoneware, which was begun and carried out by the scientific discov eries of Land rum. This stoneware was made cheaper and proved bet ter than any ware of the kind manu factured by Europe or America. Pottersville contained sixteen or seventeen houses with as many fami lies; it supported a regular acade my with three teachers. There was also a millinery shop there. These people manufactured stage coaches aud meat packing was a great in dustry. At this time the people of Edgefield were almost wholly de pendent on the people of Potters ville, especially for "old corn and rye." Arthur Simkins, an eminent Revolutionary soldier and citizen, came to South Carolina from Vir ginia and settled at ''Cedar Field," near the county seat of Edge field. The historic home of Arthur Simkins with its terraced walks and gardens, its fountains and con servatories, its winding walks among roses and lilacs, its fragrant bowers of English honeysuckle has crumbled into dust. The fine or chards have, beeu converted into prosaic cotton fields. A relic of the past may be seen in cedar trees. The storms of centuries have failed to mar their beauty and symmetry. Arthur Simkins donated to the Baptists the property on which their church now stands, and also the lot that forms a part of beautiful "Willow Brook" cemetery. Eldred Simkins was the son of Arthur. Had it not been for Eldred and Provi dence the people of early Edgefield would never have had the great minister Basil Manly in their midst. These men were intimately associat ed at the university of South Caro lina. When Simkins came home dur ing vacation he invited Manly to preach in the Edgefield court house. His first sermon was in connection with a young man who was to be executed for committing murder. This sermon was preached at the request of the prisoner himself. An other interesting character was Lo renzo Dow, who was one one of the first Metodist ministers who ever 3F EDGEFIELD HISTORY Lallie Peak in D. A. R. $5.00 in Gold. preached in the court hoasj. He wag a splendid orator, but possessed odd characteristics. He always seemed to be in haste. When be reached the court bouse if a window was nearer than a door, he would leap into the window and immediately after he had delivered his message, he woald exit in the same manner. Joseph Moore was a famous Methodist minister here at this time. Richard! Tutt built the first house in Edge field in 1785. It stood where the residence of Mr. "alter Adams now stands. He was also one of the first clerks of court. In the fonr decades there were three besidea Tutt namely, Stanmore Butler, M. Miras and Daniel Byrd. One of tba earliest of Edgefield's records re corded in the clerk's office is this: "Joseph Doolittle, state of Sooth Carolina Edgefield district. Person ally appeared who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that on Satur day the fifteenth of this instant in an affray with Daniel Holsonback in the said affray he this deponent bit off the soft end of the said Hol1 sonback's right ear. Sworn to 20th of March 1806 before me, Charles Hammond. Joseph Doolittle. Re corded March 26, 1806." At this period a horse thief was branded by a slash on the ea.r And this rec ord is to vindicate this man from disgrace. In the war of 1812.; there were many heroes sent from Edgefield, the most prominent being Gen. William Butler, Samuel Mays and Captain Allen Addison. In the year ?ySU George J&cDofKe vm a dis ting tt?gfi?f"laAvy'er here." He was first made a legislator from Edge field, next he was elected' governor of South Carolina,, and next he was sent to the United States Senate. Geo. McDuffie deserves to be long remembered as a hero of early Edgefield, and it is in his honor that our literary eociety ia named. Edmund Bacon, familiarly known to us as "Ned Brace," was a bril liant lawyer in Edgefield as early as 1822. To read "Georgia Scenes" ia but to love "Ned Brace." At the age of fifteen he was given the hon or of delivering the welcome ad dress to President Washington at Augusta when he made his southern tour. Edmund Bacon is buried in "Willow Brook" cemetery. In wan dering there I found his grave with this epitaph inscribed: "Within this grave wrapt in last long sleep Lies one whose doom a wife and chil dren weep Whose many friends with anxious sighs regret The loss of virtue they can ne'er forget The loss of virtue! no the mortal form ' May waste beneath and feed the hun gry worm." The head that keenly felt another's woe The voice of eloquence with joyous flow May fade away or rest within the gloom Of death's dominion this cold and nar row tomb But the bright mind on wings of bliss shall rse To dwell immortal in its native skies. The churches established in early Edgefield were Methodist and Bap tist. The first church in Edgefield village was a Methodist, lt stood in the grove near where the residence of Mr. J. L. Miras now stand?. The records of this church have become extinct, and it was only through the kindness of an elderly friend that I obtained this knowledge. I obtained information of the organization and building of the first Baptist church of Edgefield through records left by Stanmore Butler Griffin, R. H, and M. H. Mims. This church was built on the same site on which the church stands to-day. On Sun day morning April 20, 1823, Mat thew Mims j and Alexander Mc Whorter were ordained deacons and Rev. Basil Manly, the first pastor, preached the dedication sermon. The first Sunday school held in the upper part of the state was held in this church. It was organizad by Miss Eliza Johnston Drysdale. The first prayer meeting was held in this church July 1825. To furnish (Continued on Fifth Page.)