Hanged In Abbeville - Sloan Hearst Dies on the Gallows After Being Twice Respited he faced death without the shadow of fear. The penalty for the murder of his mistress. The State (Columbia, SC)- April 27, 1895 Abbeville, April 26 – Sloan Hearst, colored, was executed in the jail here this morning at 11 o'clock by Sheriff Nance. He was perfectly calm and collected, and seemed to be the least excited of those who were present. A minister of his own race attended him on the scaffold, and he declared to him that he was prepared to die. The drop was about six feet, and his neck was broken by the fall. The doctors declared that life was extinct in seven minutes. He did not move a muscle after he fell. The body was allowed to hang twenty minutes and was then turned over to his relatives, who carried it to Troy, his former home, for burial. The crime for which Sloan Hearst paid the extreme penalty of the law was the brutal and willful murder, on December 3, 1894, of Lemmie Rapley, a colored woman with whom he had had illicit relations for some years, although he had a wife and several children. He was tried at the January term of court before Judge Buchanan. Col. W. C. McGowan was appointed by the court to defend him, and he did everything in his power for him, but the case was too plain, and the jury returned with a verdict of guilty in a very short time after they left the court room. He was sentenced to be hanged on the 15th of March. On a petition for executive clemency being filed, the Governor granted him a respite till the 12th day of April, in order that he might have time to look into the matter. Shortly before the time for the execution came the Governor announced that he refused to commute the sentence, but he granted a further respite until today, on account of the illness of Mr. James H. Nance, the son of the sheriff, who died on the night of the 11th of April. The sheriff did everything in his power to make the life of the doomed man as comfortable as possible, and the arrangements for the execution were perfect. Hearst died game, and made no statement on the scaffold as to the murder Hearst was tried, convicted and executed within less than 200 yards of where the crime was committed. Murder Trial to Start Today Morning News Review Newberry, SC Oct 19 - Tom Wardlaw, negro charged with slaying Andrew J. Ferguson, Abbeville county farmer in April of last year, will go on trial for murder for the second time here tomorrow. Wardlaw was tried here in October, 1932, after transfer of the case from Abbeville, and was convicted and sentenced to be electrocuted. The supreme court granted him a new trial. Wardlaw is alleged to have knocked Ferguson down during a dispute and then slashed his throat. His counsel is William P. Guene, of Abbeville and Alan Johnstone of Newberry.  Solicitor Homer S. Blackwell will be ? by Steven G. Griffith, of Newberry and Hubert Cod, of Abbeville, ? ? ?.  Judge J. Henry Johnson is presiding at the ? of general sessions court. Morning New Review - Florence News Monday, December 4, 1933 Columbia, S.C. Dec 3 - James "Donnie" Holmes one of two negroes awaiting electrocution at the state penitentiary, was baptized today in preparation for his execution. Holmes and Tom Wardlaw will be put to death early tomorrow, the former for choking to death his aunt, Nora Franklin, in Sumter county, and the latter for stabbing to death Andrew J. Ferguson, prominent white planter, in Abbeville county. Both have admitted the crime of which they were convicted. Wardlaw, however, asserting ? the white man in self defense. Wardlwaw was baptized several days ago. Governor Blackwood has indicated he does not intend to inter? with the sentences of the two men. Tuesday December 5, 1933 Two Negroes Die in Electric Chair Columbia, SC Dec 4 - Two negroes, Tom Wardlaw, Abbeville county and James Holmes, Sumter county, were electrocuted at the state penitentiary before dawn today, for murder. Both admitted the slaying of which they were convicted and said they were "ready to go," but Wardlaw to the last insisted he stabbed to death Andrew J. Ferguson, prominent white farmer in self defense. The 33 year old negro, father of 14 children, in a final written statement said: "I thank God that what ? me ? trouble was only trying to defend myself". Holmes, 26 years old, was executed for choking to death his aunt, Nora Farnklin, allegedly to collect a $125 insurance policy he held on her life. The Rev. G. K. Phillips, prison chaplain, said the Sumter negro told him he had been drunk for two months proceding his aunts murder and remembered it only vaguely. Six relatives of Ferguson saw the negro go to his death in the electric chair, and 13 Sumter negroes, including Rev. S. Tinsley, were present to witness Holmes death and return his body to Sumter for burial. The State February 26, 1918 Victim of Meningitis in Abbeville County T. Huber McLlwain, called for Army Service, Dies Following Trip to Greenville Abbeville, Feb. 25 – T. Huber McLlwain died of meningitis last night at the home of his father, at McLlwaine's four miles from Abbeville. Young McLlwaine had been ill for a week. He was in the draft and went up to Greenville two weeks ago for examination and it is thought he met with a carrier of meningitis while away. This is the first death in Abbeville from this disease. Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) March 30, 1825 Pendleton, March 2, 1825 On Friday the 18th ult., the Ginhouse, screw, and about 45,000 pound of seed cotton, at the plantation of the Hon. John C. Calhoun, Vice President of the United States, in Abbeville District, were consumed by fire, occasioned by the friction of a whipping machine which had been lately erected, for the purpose of more thoroughly cleaning the cotton. contributed by Nancy Piper Newberry Observer, Jan 31, 1889 Cutting Affray Near Ninety Six Ninety-six, Abbeville County, SC, Jan 24 - News was received here yesterday of an altercaton which occurred near here Tuesday evening in Edgefield County, in which James Morris, white, was seriously stabbed by a small negro boy 14 years old.  The affair was caused by the boy throwing stones at the children of Mr. Morris, who undertook to chastise the boy, who was upon a horse.  The boy drew his knife, dismounted, and inflicted two or three serious wounds.  Morris ran into his house and got his gun, and would probably have killed the boy had he not been prevented. Newberry Observer, Feb 7, 1889 A Negro Man Shot to Death in his CAbin Ninety-Six, SC, Feb 5-News has just reached town that Milt Fouche, colored, was shot and killed while sitting in his house last night about 9 o'clock.  He lived out on Mr. G. M. Anderson's place, near Watt's bridge, on Saluda river. Another Account Ninety-Six, SC, February 5 - News was received here this morning of the mysterious murder of Milton Fouche, a negro man, 40 years old, who lived on the plantation of Geo. M. Anderson, five miles from Ninety-Six, on the Saluda river.  Fouche was found dead this morning in his house, shot through the breast.  At 10 o'clock he was aroused and called to the door, and on opening it he was greeted with a load of shot, resulting as above state.  The assassins are unknown, but are supposed to be persons whom Fouche recently prosecuted for illegally retailing liquor. Newberry Observer, Feb 14, 1889 Drowned in a Spring Ninety-Six, Abbeville, County, SC, Feb 8-As the up-train from Columbia was about four miles east of here yesterday evening, the conductor saw from his train the body of a dead man.  He reported it at Niney-Six; and this morning a party of men went down.  The body proved to be that of Harvey Wheeler, from the lower part of Edgefield County.  It is supposed he has started from his home to visit a man named Coleman, three miles below Ninety-Six.  When in about one mile from the end of his journey, he is supposed to have descended from the railroad track upon which he was walking, and undertaken to drink water from a spring abut three feet deep, and being an old man about 70 years old, lost his balance and fell head foremost into the spring where he was drowned. Belmont, D. R. of Cokesbury in Abbeville District SC advertised as a teacher of instrumental music, Laurensville Herald 10/11/1850, p4, abstracted by Edith Greisser. BETHLEHEM ACADEMY - located in Abbeville District will start classes on the second Monday in January 1852 under the supervision of J. J. Cooper. Subjects taught were listed in the ad, Laurensville Herald, 1/23/1852, p3, abstracted by Edith Greisser. Bowie, Henry residing a few miles west of Abbeville town - his wife gave birth to triplets, two boys and a girl and all are doing well. Total weight at birth was 21 pounds. Laurensville Herald 4/11/1851, p2, abstracted by Edith Greisser. Lawson, H. W. his tin shop in Abbeville was broken into and a quantity of manufactured articles were taken. Laurensville Herald 5/2/1851, p3, abstracted by Edith Greisser. Martin, John C. of Abbeville District lost his home in a tornado but no one was injured. Laurensville Herald 3/30/1849, page 2, abstracted by Edith Greisser. Wait, Dr. of Abbeville was tried for the murder of his slave and found guilty of manslaughter, sentenced to pay a fine of $500 and imprisoned for six months. Laurensville Herald 3/29/1850, page 3, abstracted by Edith Greisser. Keowee Courier - Jan. 6, 1909 WALHALLA, S. C. GEN. ROBT. R. HEMPHILL DEAD. Was a Valiant Confederate Soldier Gen. Robert R. Hemphill died at his home in Abbeville on the morning of December 28th. He had been in failing health for several months and his death was not unexpected.  At the recent meeting of the Survivors' Association of Orr's Regiment, held In Abbeville, a number of the old veterans called on Gen. Hemphill at his home, he being unable to attend the meeting, He was for several years president of the Survivors' Association, and always took great interest in the meetings. Sketch of His Life. Robert Reid Hemphill was born in Abbeville May 3, 1840, and was a son of a minister. He enlisted in the Confederate army at Richmond June 8, 1861, In the Seventh South Carolina Volunteers as a private. Later he was transferred to Orr's Rifles and was made sergeant-major. In that rank he served in most of the battles of the war. He graduated with first honor at Erskine College In 1859. He was married to Miss Eugenia Brewton, of Spartanburg county, in 1870. He served several terms in the Legislature and in the State Senate from Abbeville county after 1876. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1895. and in 1894 was elected Clerk of the State Senate, and had occupied that position ever since. A few weeks ago he announced that on account of declining health he would not be a candidate for re-election. At the re-organization of the State militia in 1870 he was appointed brigadier general for Abbeville county. He had been editor of the Abbeville Medium for many years, and made it one of the strongest and best known papers in the State. He was elected president of the Orr's Rifles Survivors' Association on its organization, and had held the position ever since. He was held by the greatest affection by his old Comrades. He is survived by his widow and several children, one of whom. Miss Grace Hemphill, is his associate in the conduct of the Medium. Major J. C. Hemphill, editor of the Charleston News and Courier, is a brother of Gen. Hemphill. [contributed by Tina E.] Keowee Courier - March 7, 1917 Abbeville. Feb. 27. "No bill" was found by the grand jury on hills of indictment charging five citizens of Abbeville county with lynching Andrew Crawford several months ago. Solicitor H. S Blackwell, who is making his first official appearance at Abbeville, yesterday handed down bills of indictment against the following well-known white citizens: J. E. Elgin, Sam Adams, Jess Cann, Will Cann and Sing Finley. Later in the afternoon the grand jury returned no bills, which means the end of  the cases. Andrew Crawford, the wealthiest negro in Abbeville county was lynched by a mob several months ago after he had had a dispute with a white man. He was first placed in the jail and the mob overpowered the authorities and killed him on the outskirts of the city. [contributed by Tina E.] Transcribed by HC, A Friend of Free Genealogy January 2, 1916 The State EVENTS OF THE WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY DUE WEST Special to The State Due West Jan 1-Mr. and Mrs. James W. Wideman and little daughter of Manning are visiting the family of Dr. J. W. Wideman. Mrs. J. O. C. Fleming and Mrs. Frank Cain of Laurens are the guests of Mrs. J. L. Todd. R I. Ramsay of Statesville, N. C. is visiting his daughter Mrs. T. T. Parkinson. Dr. and Mrs. Ellis of Fountain Inn are guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis. They were married last Wednesday in Saluda, N. C. Miss Agnes Devlin is visiting friends in Sanford, Fla. Mrs. R. C. Robinson and family left on last Wednesday for Tampa, Fla. where they will make their home. Their friends regret to see them leave. Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Moffaitt entertained on last Tuesday evening in honor of their son J. H. Moffatt, Jr. and his bride, who was Miss Leila Nance. Mrs. C. W. Neal of King's Mountain, N. C., entertained on last Monday afternoon at the home of R. S. Galloway in honor of Misses Alice Brooks and Leila Nance, brides of the week and Mrs. Mark Ellis, recently married. Miss Virginia Edwards was at home to a number of her friends on last Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. McGee entertained at dinner in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Furman McGee on last Wednesday who were recently married. J. W. Addison and W. C. Addison spent a part of the holidays with their mother Mrs. W. P. Addison. Dr. J. P. Kennedy of Philadelphia is spending the holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Kennedy. Mrs. J. P. Robinson is visiting her daughter Mrs. Hatcher Long of Charlotte, N. C. Mrs. Miller of Cross Hill and Miss DesPorts of Ridgeway are guests of Joseph N. Nance. Mrs. J. M. Perry of Greensville is visiting friends in Due West. Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Wideman entertained at dinner on last Thursday, complimentary to the physicians of Due West and their families. Transcribed by HC, A Friend of Free Genealogy January 2, 1916 The State EVENTS OF THE WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY ABBEVILLE Special to The State Abbeville, Jan 1-As usual at Christmas all entertaining was confined to family circles, each home having guests in whose honor dinings, Christmas trees, small card parties, etc., were given. The community tree gotten up by Mrs. W. P. Greene, who interested the various orders in it, was a delightful one. A tall pointed cedar ablaze with lights and glistening with silver tinsel, was placed on the plaza and at its base was a pyramid of fruit with which every child was bountifully supplied. The choirs of the various churches sang the familiar Christmas hymns and for several hours the public square was filled with a happy crowd. Many young people are spending Christmas at home. From Winthrop are Miss Mary Hill, Miss Ruth Calvert, Miss Marion Mabry, Miss Rebecca Jones and Miss Sara Haskell; from Chicora, Miss Margaret Cothran and Miss Charlotte Cromer from Converse, Miss Leila Link; from Anderson, Miss Margaret Perrin and Miss Mary Aiken; from Coker, Miss Lavinia Coleman and Miss Sara Halgler, from Due West, Miss Ruth McLane, Miss Margie Bradley, Miss Susie Stevenson and Miss Georgia Wardlaw, from Clemson, Leslie McMillan, Billy Bradley, Kennedy McGill, Clyde Graves, Earl Graves, Frank Leslie, William Leslie and Paul Kennedy, from Furman, James S. Cothron and from the Citadel, Owen Speed. Mr. and Mrs. Percy Miller and son of Cranford, N. J., are spending the Christmas season with Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Kerr. J. Townes Robertson of Meridian, Miss. and Allen Robertson of Dallas, Texas, are guests of their sisters, Misses May and Eugenia Robertson. Russell Lawson of Columbia spent Christmas with his parents, the Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Lawson. Miss Frances Calhoun of Agnes Scott college and Miss Laille Calhoun of Greenville are visiting their father Edward Calhoun. Mrs. E. B. Calhoun and Mrs. Allan Scheon  of Atlanta are Mrs. J. H. Perrin's guests. Miss Antoinette Russell and Henry Russell of Greenwood spent the holidays with their grandmother, Mrs. L. H. Russell. Mr. and Mrs. William Latimer of Summerville are Mrs. Ella Latimer's guests. Misses Sallie, Kate and Elizabeth McLane of Cameron, Texas, are visiting Mrs. Ruth McLane. Miss Littie Perrin of Greenville is visiting Miss Eunico Calhoun  This data was originally published in SCMAR Spring 1998, Vol. XXVI, No. 2, and was transcribed by Genealogy Trails by D. Whitesell. Columbia Telescope and South Carolina State Journal Issue of June 12, 1824 In Equity, Abbeville District, South Carolina, Rachal W. Woods vs Martha B. Drinkwater, John Gray and James Woods, Administrators, Bill for Account, Discovery, and Relieft.  It appearing to the satifcation of the court, that James Woods, one of the defendants in the above case, reside without the limits of this state:  It is ordered, that the said James Woods do appear and plead, answer or demur to the said bill, within three months from the date thereof, otherwise the bill be taken pro confesso againts him. T. Livingston, C.E.A.D. Commissioners office, Abbeville dist, May 3. Issue of June 12, 1824 In Equity, Abbeville District South Carolina Margaret P. Sullivan and John Cameron vs John Miller and John McMahan Hill for Discovery and Relief.  It appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that John Miller, one of the defendants in the above case, resides without the limits of this state. It is ordered, that the said John Miller do appear and plead answer or demur to the said bill within three months from the date hereof, otherwise the bill be taken pro confesso against him Thomas Livingston, C E. A. D. Commissioner's Office. 2d March 1824. Issue of July 24, 1824 State of South Carolina Abbeville District-- In the common Pleas Wm Anderson vs Enos Campbell. Case on attachment Whereas the plaintiff in this ad did, on the 12th day of May 1824 file his declaration in the office of the clerk of this honorable court against the defendant, who is absent from and without the limits of this state, and has neither wife nor attorney known therein upon whom a copy of the same with a rule to plead thereto within a year and a day might be served. It is therefore ordered, that the said defendant do appear and plead thereto on or before the 13th day of May 1825 otherwise judgment by default will be awarded against him James Wardlaw, C.C.P. Jury 13. Issue of July 24, 1824 State of South Carolina Abbeville District-- In the Common Pleas Joseph Buis vs Enos Campbell. Case on attachment Whereas the plaintiff in this act did, on the 12th day of May 1824 file his declaration in the office of the clerk of this honorable court against the defendant who is absent from and without the limits of this state, and has neither wife nor attorney known therein upon whom a copy of the same with a rule to plead thereto within a year and a day might be served. It is therefore ordered, that the said defendant do appear and Plead thereto on or before the 13th day of May 1825 otherwise judgment by  default will be awarded against him James Wardlaw, C. C. P July 13. State Gazette and Columbian Advertiser Issue of March 18, 1823 In Equity - Abbeville district, Jame Harris and wife and others, complaiants, vs. Thomas Wooldridge, admr. of John Wooldridge and Patsy Wooldridge, defendants.  Bill for account and partition.  It appearing that the complainants have filed their bill and that Thomas Wooldridge, one of the defendants reside without the limits of this state.  Ordered that the said Thomas Wooldridge do appear and plead, answer or demure to the said bill within three months from the date of the publication thereof, or the said bill as to him will be taken pro confesso.  Thomas Livingston, C.E.A.D. December 19, 1822.

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