Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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ST?RY Of THE HAYS' STATION ~~ MASSACRE OF MANY PATRIOT: (By S. E. Boney I In Laurena County, about eight mi southwest of the little town of Clint a half mile east of Little River. 8 midway between Belfast and Mill settlements, may be found the ru of a small and unpretentious moi meat, erected to the memory of fo teen patriots, who were massacred Hays' Station in October. ITS I, m the close of the Revolutionary w This monument which was erected May, 1855, is now in a dllapitated ci dition, the result of vandalism dur Radical days. At least. It is the cc mon opinion that a band of negrc under the impression that the moi ment was erected to the memory soldiers of the Confederacy, souj vengeance in this manner of destr tion. It Is said by some that the im \ ument was struck by lightning, 1 ?f this seems Impossible since the ii fence, enclosing tue spot, remains tact and apparently uninjured even the passage of time. Hays' Station was so-called becni it was somewhat the nature of a f< a place of rendezvous for the YVh ? of that section, and at the same ti the residence of Col. Joseph Hays, v had retired from active service the war, after the battle of Kill Mountain. It was ut^his home and this quasi -fort thai t'ol Hays, t.oge er with thirteen fellow Whigs were brutally murdered by "Bloody B Cunningham, on one of his notori* expeditions of plunder, lncendiaria and murder. The burning of this 1 and the murder of these patriots, v surrendered only alter faithful ass mice that they were to be treated prisoners of war. became known as "Massacre a tllays' Station." It \ hut one of the many such, occasloi by the conflict between neighbo Tory against Whig, Loyalist agai ? Patriot. The Piedmont section of state suffered much from this com particularly toward the close of war, after many of the American troi had returned from Charleston. Bloody Bill Cuiliugluim. In connection with the massacre Hays' Station, it might be well to st that "Bloody Bill" Cuningham, as / was known, because of his many li rlble deeds of vengeance and the bio shed he caused, was not a common I gand or ruffian, lie was a good extr tion, a member of an excellent fan of proud people, whose holdings w along the Saluda River in the Ninety Six district, of which Laur county was a part. At the beginn of the war, William Cuningham, ti an enthusiastic patriot, and a pron ing young man, enlisted In Capt. .!< -Caldwell's company. This was in ly 1775. During the following spr Caldwell's company was ordered Charleston, and while there, for sc cause, left his command and been a violent Tory. The story is that C ingham had enlisted in Caldwell'8 (< pany on the promise that he would be forced to go tothe low county, t when he was ordered there in 1776, claimod release under the pron made him; that, instead, he was pm chains, tried by a court-martial, was acquitted, however, and left company, returning later to his h< county. Another account of Cuninghnm's sertion is from "Random Recollect! Of the Revolution," which lias it t .on account of some small offence (' Ingham was not promoted to the li tenantcy, that for this offence ho \ sentenced to he whipped and nctUl did suffer this Indignity, which can him to desert his companions in ai T ' and join the Tories. Which account is correct cniuiol i be stated definitely, Anyhow, there a great many good people who h declared that William Cuningham 1 been outrageously maltreated and I his works of pllnge and murder w but retributive veugennco on those \ had wronged him, particularly John Caldwell, his former comma der, who was slain by some of band, just a short while before massacre at Hays' Station. In f; it is said that on the day when C; well was murdered and his house bu ed. his younger brother, William Cl well, warned Col Joseph Hays, t La was "Bloody BUI" Cuninghnm's w< and that be had better flee or be the defensive. Hardly had he finis! the conversation, when Cunlngh and his band were sighted across field. The Massacre at IIays' Station. Col. Hnys and his men defended tin selves in tho fort so long as their s munition lasted and until the build wn? sot nfiro by a burning arrow s from a rille. Then they surrendei only, however after the solemn surnncc thnt they were to be rega ed as prisoners of war and so trf ed. But the pledge wan not kept. 1 mediately after their arms had b laid down, Cuningham ordered llrys and Major Daniel Williams ha n The News and Courier.) les on. ind ton ins nu ur at ear ar. in oil ing mi les, iiu of Bht uc on uut ron in b.v use >rt, igs mo rho in I ig's j In I ith. so ill" [)us ins ort rho iii' as the vas ned rs; list the rse, the ops ed, which was done; but the pi broke and with bis own sword, it told. Cuningham. literally hewed th< to pieces. Eager for the blood of enemies, he gave the order that men might slay whom they would, spare if they desire. Only four of I patriots were spared: James and Go ing Tinsley, Major William Dunl and John Cummins. Those who were slain, and win names are inscribed on one slab of I monument that now marks the bloc spot were: Col. Joseph Hays, Ca Daniel Williams, Lieut. Chrlstopl Hardy, Lieut John Nell, Clement Hi cock, Joseph Williams, Joseph Ir Sr, Joseph lrby, Jr. John Mllven, Jan Ferris, John Cook, Greof lrby, Ben min Goodman und Yancy Saxon. Another Account. From "Random Recollections of i Revolution" is taken the following reference to the massacre: Hays was a bold, inexperienced, cautious man. (This description i author's information induces him qualify. Hays bad seen some servi? he certainly was with Col Willia at King's Mountain, and probably I most of his former services, as he I mentioned by Col. Williams just bef< the action as part of bis military fa Uy.) His station was at Col. Edgehl I in Laurens district, east of Little Ri and Simmons'8 Creek on or near old Charleston road from Rabun Cr? to Orangeburg. The dwelling hot built of logs, was his fort. He v told by William Caldwell to put hi Self in a position of defence; point to the smoke seen southeast, be sa "That is my brother's house am know Cuningham Is in the nelghb hood." Hays was at work In a bla smith shop making a cleat to boh lady's netting and hooted at Caldwo suggestion, saying that Cunlngh "had tOO much sense" to come tin Caldwell said: "I will not stay to butchered," and mounted and fled full speed. As be went out at one i of th cold Held he said he saw Cuni ham come in at the other. The surprise was complete and ov whelming, Hays and his men, aim without resistance, were driven i the house, and Cuningham's part was so close that John Tinsley stri a full blow with his sword at Hays he entered the door. A few guns w fired from within and without. '1 men were killed?supposed to h been slain by -their own. respect (ires. !. >cky Leonard was killed the '.^use and one of Cuningha men in the yard. A ramrod tip] with llax and saturated with tar ^ set on lire and was shot out of a m ket into the roof of the house. It \ in a moment In a blaze. Hays and party?on a promise of good quar it has always been said?surrend ed. Cuningham selected Hays i Major Daniel Williams?a son of ( Williams, who fell nt King's Mo tnln?as his victims. He was ah hanging them on the pole of a fod stack when he was accosted by young son of Col. Williams, Josi Williams, a lad of IC or 17 years, v had from infancy known Cunlnghi "Capt. Cuningham, how shall I home and tell my mother that ; have hanged brother Daniel?" Cuni ham instantly swore that be BhO not have that melancholy duty to l form. He hung him up with his brc er and Hays. The pole broke, s with his sword be (Cuningham) lit ally hewed them in pieces. Then work of death went on. each mem of the company having the right kill or spare as he pleased. Cold and .lames Tinsley, Major Willi Dunlnp, of iluntervllle, Laurens i John Cummins, commonly cal "King" Cummins, were those v were spared in the savage slaugh This was the last of the bloody tri of the Revolution. The Monument? For much of the following Infori lion regarding the monument t now marks the spot of the massa< I am indebted to .Mr. W. II. Wall; editor of the New berry Observer. Wallace, says that the shaft of monument was not the solid die bl< now customary, hut consisted of si about four feet long, and three Inc thick, their broader ends resting a groove in the plinth, with a cap the upper end, surmounted by a b The inscription was on Cieso sir which formed the sides of the mo ment. When the monument fell Mil- was thrown down these slabs w un- broken into more than n dozen plec ing By gathering up the fragments i hot putting them together along the II ?ed, of breakage, he was able to make as- in part the Inscriptions on all si< ,rd- Dn one side are eiiRraved the nar >at- of the slain; these are given ahc Ini- Beneath these names appears th Ben "Who were massacred by Willi Col Cuningham and his bloody scot ng- October, 1781, after surrendering thr of ate he or od >rl- j ac llly ere old ens ing lien ils. jhn .Ill ing to imo line iin mi not hat he lise t In He the line de ntis hat u li eu ,vas illy sed ?ins iow are ave had hat ere vho ipt. nd his the net, ild rn ild t it ?rk. on tied am the lHC LAUSENS ADVERTISER ?????wimw t w? selves prisoners of war. Put up M 1855. by Mrs. M. A. Brown, Columt S. C." On the second slab Is: "The defei es of this rendezvous consisted 01 of a log house, and here the bn j men, upon intelligence of the appro: ; of Cunlngham and a large maraudi ; party of Tories, assembled to deft themselves, but being assailed by i overwhelming number, resistance v unavailing, and the house being hi they were forced to surrender. 'I work of death was soon begun, effort to hang the two chief ofllci falling, the marauding party?Cunii IQ. ' ham, could not brook the delay ol an second trial; being the chosen victi i of his relentless hate, he hewed th to pieces with his sword, and a sii lar death was perpetrated upon 1 defenceless bodies of their unfortuni comrades by his followers, only t of the party being permitted to esct by the intercession of friends." On the third is: "In the great stn gle for National Independence they poused the cause of their country, a were necessarily involved in the cl war between the Whigs and Tories war perhaps unparalleled in the v dlcMvn florceness of rancor with wit it was waged but amid the trials, d olation and ruin of this fearful perl that they remained linn in their hi resolve to win Independence or dea no more enduring testimony can ;e' ! offered than the unvarnished sta lns j meat of this bloody tragedy?dea ?defence of one's?country." On the fourth side of the iiionunn is the following: "This monument erected by Col. John l). Williams s Col. James II. Irby to mark the spo ashes?their patriotism and their y. in behalf of their country in its stn gle for Independence." Col. James H. Irby, mentioned bove, was tho father of the late s ator John L. M. irby. of Laurens; was a grandson of Joseph II. Irby. who was among those slain by Ci Ingham and his scouts, it was lar ly through the activities of Col. Jail H. irby, that the monument was crt <m1 at Hays' Station. )se he dy Pt. lei m ig, ICS J? he I in in he to is jre Hi ll s irer [he ;ek se, /as in ing id: I I ck 1 a IPs am ire. be at >nd us er-I ost j nto mit ick ! as ere wo live ive in in's l>ed vas us vas Iiis ter, er ind 2oI. u n out der a jph i'ho im. go ,ou ng- ! uld er- ' tu-: ind Or tho her ; to Ing am ind led .ho ter. als na hat j :re, i ico, I Mr. the ick abs lies in on all. ibs, ini or ere :es. ind ties out les. ties rve. Is: am its. >m Stubhorn As Mules are liver and bowels sometimes; se to balk without cause. Then thet trouble?Loss of Appetite?ludigest Nervousness, Despondency. Heatiat But such troubles fly before Dr. Kin New Life Pills, the world's best sU ach and Liver remedy. So easy, at Laurens Drug Co. and Palme Drug Co. What is Breakf as Without Coffee Bui just coffoo Is not enoutrh. It miu>t bo good eoffuo. Von are certain of thai hind If you buy bei e. \Vo havo had h'.r(ji> experience In BOlc?tlllR COlVtfCS, and buy only lliOii? of tested quality. This policy lias earned us a rcpnfa tlon us "iiio" place to buy your coffee. A mom: our finest, brands lsonoof which wo ar.' particularly proud, as It. Is UlO result of Improved processes of Cooking and curing used in no other It colTeo. |] This suproino Quality coffee is Eiecta Coffee j A selected product of seasoned beans B Which makes a delicious CUP of uni form flavor. If your family llkn coffee you owo it lo them to try Bleuta. Ciimes In tin cans. Sealed while Bt 111 hot from the roaster, so Hint yon got the real fresh flavor, full and iinlmi alrud. * Order today for tomorrow's break fast, Tho family will ihank you and call for more. J. M. Philpo Laurens, S. C. Come and see us week for a this BARG AI N First Patent Flour.?<! 17 pounds Sugar for. 1 Good Parched (!< ?ffee. .12 1-2, 15, 20, 25 and Good Green Coffee... .10 and Good Salmon... . 10c, or 15 for 3-lb can Pie Peaches. 1Mb can Tomatoes. (Jood canned Corn. ;Ml> can Apples. Nice Preserves, per lb. Octagon Soap, per cake. Two cakes Polo Soap for.... Search Light Matches4c, 3 for 1,000 Gee-Whiz Matches for. Gold Dust. .?1(1 .00 .35 .15 .2.1 .10 .10 .11) .10 12* .04 .05 .25 .<i5 .04 ?Special prices on Lard, Meat and Flour Trade with us*aiid we will save yon money J. C. Shell & Co. Staple and Fancy Grocers. Dial?Gray Block. W. Main St., Laurens, S. C. PAGE THIRTEEN Home Building and Loan Association, E. P. MINTER, President. C. H. ROPER, Sec. and Treas. New Series of Stock Open for April 1st Start With April Series! ONE DOLLAR A MONTH PER SHARE We have huilt $35,000 in Homes for Laurens People in the 1st Series, now One Year Old. -=Why Pay Rent!=^ We will help you build you a home, or if you want to save a few dollars a month, join us for a few shares of stock for the April Series. See our Secretary and Treasurer at the Enter= prise Bank. : : : : : : : MONEY TO LOAN ANY DAY DIRECTORS: 5. M. Wilkes, E. P. Winter, L. G. Balle, Jr., A. C. lodd, C. H. Roper. ARE YOU SATISFIE1 WITH YOUR STOMACH Do you want d belter one?one that woi belch gas, or turn sour, or Icel hc?vy or ma you feel miserable? MI-O-NA Cures indigestion It relieves stomach distress in five minut It turns old, unsatisfactory, rct>cllioin stomac into new ones, ever ready to digest tho hear est meaU Wo guarantee Mi-o-nt\ tab lets to cure stomach disease Money back if they fail. I 50 Cents a Large Box Laurens Drug Co., Laurons, S. C. Get Ready t( GARDEN and buy your of us. We have a fresh lot c Garden Seeds of all kind of a good variety best z dapted to our Souther soil. Yellow Danver and Sil ver Skin Onion Sets Irish Potatoes, See? Corn, Field and Snaj Beans. Kennedy Bros r Laurens, S. C. f 8 * O O b The Beauty; ;of Electricity is that it is so clem. No grease, no smoke, no smell con nected with its operation. Let us show vom among our electrical supplies some of the inventions tu u we think will appeal to you. It you have any particular electrical need we are ready to supply it, as well <is to demonstrate the conve nience of the new things we have to offer in the line. ?J. II. 1M)YI) & ('OMPANY Electrical and Plumbing Contractors s i C ? I ft Middle-Breaker Greatest labor-saving invention since the cotton t^in. Saves half the ex pense of planting and cultivating by doing the work in half the time. Strong enough for breaking. Light enough for cultivating. Every plow guaranteed. Pflant and Cultivate Cotton or Corn at a Saving of HALF in Time-Men?(VEufles No soil too stiff, no son! too tough, no erowth of grass too rank for this "True Blue" wonder. Over 50.000 in use In Mississippi alone, bold and used throughout the South for over forty years. Come In and See These Great Plows! J. H. SULLIVAN, Laurens, S. C. 4172