Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C. Dec. 26th, 1968—PAGE 7—SEC. B WAS NATIVE OF SOUTH CAROLINA Popular Christmas Bloom named for Poinsett COLUMBIA, S. C.—The scar- let ponsettia is the most deco rative flower of Christmas, and the millions that provide yule- tide cheer are uncounted monu ments to Joel Poinsett, the man for whom it was named. Poinsett, while serving as Minister to Mexico (1825-1829), discovered the plant growing in the wilds there. He brought it home and to the attention of scientists at the National Insti tute for the promotion of Science (forerunner of the Smithsonian Institute), of which he had been the first president. The poinsettia was one of many new plants he introduced to America from his travels around the world. Poinsett was a member of Congress, on intellectual leader of Washington, and the confi dante of President Andrew Jack- son, his fellow-South Carolinian. Poinsett stood firm with the President in the nullification controvesery against another South Carolinian, John C. Cal houn. Calhoun was the outstand ing statesman of the Southern states and his Washington ser vice, besides U. S. Senator, in cluded Vice President, Secre tary of War, and later Secre tary of State. Poinsett was born in Charles ton and studied in England and Scotland. An able diplomat, he was pressed into service for his coun try a numbr of times, his first being a mission to Chile as the first accredited representative of a foreign government. He was a member of Cong ress while Monroe was presi dent. The President visited him at his home in Charleston, to gather around “the board” for one of Poinsett’s “famous break fasts.” Poinsett’s reputation for food and conversation was wide spread and the leading men of the day and the most charming and beautiful women were invi ted to his home. It was indeed a tribute to that one who re ceived a “card.” Poinsett was trained first in medicine, then in military science and later in law. He broke his health studying and became an invalid. But, as an invalid, he became a roving am bassador for America. Susceptible to tuberculosis and fearing the loss of his last lung, Poinsett tried his usual panacea each time he felt a period of ill ness coming on. A trip was al ways his best tonic—especially one that might afford him some mental stimulation. Having inherited a fortune, this was easy. He traveled throughout the world, return ing frequently to England, Scot land, and to other countries whost languages he spoke flu ently: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Russia. Czar Alexander was partic ularly impressed with Poinsett and sought him to stay in that country by promising him a colonelcy in the Russian Army. But Poinsett refused as his love for South Carolina was too dear. While he was out of state, he was elected. to the General As sembly, , and returned to serve. While a member, he became president of the Board of Pub lic Works and, under his super vision, many internal improv- ments were made to benefit South Carolina. With the help of Robt. Mills one of his proteges, who be came state architect and en gineer, Poinsett established the state’s first road system. He built causeways in the Low- Country to open the marshlands and creeks and carved out roads through the midland and the mountainous terrains. Visible today is a part of the old State Road which was opened from Charleston to Buncombe Co., N. C. Near Greenville is a bridge — appropriately called the Poinsett Bridge—and there are other memorials to him. One of the chief ones is Poin sett State Park near Wedge- field. Upon Poinsett’s advice Pres ident Andrew Jackson appoint ed Robert Mills as the firs- federal architect. He held the nosition under six succeeding presidents. Mills built the first monument in the country to George Washington at Balti more, designed the Treasury building in Washington, and submitted the original design for the Washington Monument in the District of Columbia. Because of the inadequacy of funds and the lapse of so many years, the building’s desigr was greatly modified by the time it was erected. Another of Poinsett’s prote ges was John Charles Fremont, the “Pathfinder of the West,” and the first Republican candi date for the presidency. Fre mont’s family also lived in Charleston, and he received great impetus in his western career through Poinsett’s in fluence. Under President Martin Van Buren, Poinsett became Secre tary of War. In this position all of his training and execu tive ability came into full flow er. Poinsett remained a bachelor until late in life when he was married to Mrs. Mary Pringle, a widow. They made their home near Georgetown, in her home, “White House,” which was also known as “Casa Blanca.” After his marriage at 54, Poinsett spent most of the re- (Continued on Pago 14) A message for Christmas T o you, our good friends and customers, we’re extending warm wishes for a bright and merry holiday season abounding . ■*** •:>: with good cheer, fellowship and Joy. And, with deep appreciation, we send along our many thanks for your thoughtful consideration all year. Serving you has indeed been our deepest pleasure and privilege. Standard Savings AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Columbia Newberry Local Office: 1117 Boyce Street Orangeburg OFFICERS Ralph B. Baker, Chairman of Board Pinkney N. Abrams, Sr. Vice President Mrs. Doris S. Setzler, Asst. Secty-Treas. Mrs. Aliene A. Reeves, Bookkeeper Mrs. Shirley M. Livingston, Teller Mrs. Carolyn A. Sligh, Teller NEWBERRY BOARD Thomas H. Pope Ralph B. Baker Louis C. Folyd R. Aubrey Harley Pinkney N. Abrams