Biographies   Darlington County - South Carolina Genealogy Trails Lemuel Benton (1754—1818) BENTON, Lemuel, (great-grandfather of George William Dargan), a Representative from South Carolina; born in Granville County, N.C., in 1754; as a young man moved to that section of Cheraw District which is now Darlington County, S.C.; engaged as a planter and subsequently became an extensive landowner; elected major of the Cheraw Regiment in 1777 and served throughout the Revolutionary War, being promoted to the rank of colonel in 1781; resigned his commission in 1794; member of the State house of representatives 1782-1788; county court justice of Darlington County in 1785 and 1791; escheator of Cheraw District (composed of what is now Chesterfield, Darlington, and Marlboro Counties) in 1787; delegate to the State convention at Charleston that ratified the Federal Constitution in 1788; sheriff of Cheraw District in 1789 and 1791; delegate to the State constitutional convention at Columbia in 1790; elected as an Anti-Administration candidate to the Third Congress and reelected as a Republican to the Fourth and Fifth Congresses (March 4, 1793-March 3, 1799); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1798 to the Sixth Congress; resumed agricultural pursuits; died in Darlington, Darlington County, S.C., May 18, 1818; interment on his estate, "Stony Hill," near Darlington, S.C. [Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present, Contributed by A. Newell] REV. J. SIDNEY BEASLEY Among the most faithful and useful members of the South Carolina Conference must be placed the name of Rev. J. Sidney Beasley. He is the son of Mr. Reuben Beasley and Mrs. Elizabeth Josey Beasley, being the fourth in a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters.   Seven of these are still living, but all of them in other States, except our brother. He was born in Darlington County, near Lydia, June the 30th, 1847. The father having been elected to public office, moved while the subject of this sketch was quite young, to a place near the county sent. There young Beasley grew up as other boys on the farm, doing farm work when not in school. Most of the time, however, he was in school, making the very beet use of such opportunities as the schools of the day Afforded. He was just thirteen years old when the Civil War broke out. and a few months before its close, he was called out with the "Reserves." After the war he spent two years at Epworth Academy, a most excellent school at Wesley Chapel, in Darlington County. With this his school days closed, he being unable to take a college course. This inability to take a course in college has always been a source of regret to our good friend and brother, and he has often so expressed himself in private and in public. But early in his career he determined to make tip. as far as possible, for the deficiency, and in this, by close application and hard study, he has succeeded, being now a cultured, well-informed, and thoughtful man. Brother Beasley was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Darlington Circuit, Rev. Simpson Jones, preacher in charge, and Dr. R. J. Boyd, Presiding Elder, in August, 1867, while still in school. He joined the South Carolina Conference in December, 1870, with G. M. Boyd, E. T. Hodges, G. W. Gatlin, R. N. Wells, R. D. Smart and W. D, Kirkland. Of this class two are still effective, himself and E. T. Hodges. At the close of his second year he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Robert Paine, and at the close of the third year he was ordained Elder by Bishop H. N. McTyere, having completed the course of study for the third and fourth years in one year, which was then allowed. He has served as follows: Upper Orange Circuit, 1871-3; Lynches Lake, 1874-7; Sumter Circuit, 1878-81; San tee Circuit, 1882-3; Little Rock Circuit, 1884-0; Sumter District, 1887-70; Marion Station, 1891-4; Bennettsville Circuit, 1895-8; St. John's Church. Rock Hill, 1899-1902: Columbia District. 1903-6; Anderson District, 1907: Batesburg Circuit, 1908; Lynchburg Circuit, 1909-12; Blenheim Circuit, 1913-14. At the last place he is now in the second year, and in the forty-fourth of his ministry. In all these years he has never had a serious illness, and has never lost as much as a month at any time because of inability to do his work. The records of these charges for the years named show that Sidney Beasley has been a success as a Methodist preacher. He is a most systematic worker; always on the alert for the betterment of the charge he is serving.   He has a big warm heart, and gets close to his people, and they love him. His sermons are thoughtful, and thought-provoking, being prepared carefully and prayerfully. He was for a time Trustee of Wofford College, for several years Chairman of the Publishing Committee of The Southern Christian Advocate, and ever since its organization has been a Trustee of the Epworth Orphanage. He has the confidence and esteem of his brethren in the ministry, and he is often placed on important boards and committees. Our good friend has been thrice married, and has six living children. The following are his children: Mrs. S. L. Pipkin, of Lamar: Mrs. W. H. Wharton, of Waterloo; Mrs. H. B. Tatum, of Charlottesville, Virginia; O. M. Beasley and Walter S. Beasley. of Gourdin. and Frances Margaret, who is only fourteen and in school. [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] REV. A. H. BEST Rev. Albert Hart Best, son of Mr. George Best and Mrs. Susannah Best, was born at Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina, October 10, 1861. His father died when the subject of this sketch was not a year old. His mother still lives, and makes her home with him. The boy had access to good country schools in his native county at intervals as his mother was able to send him. As he grew older, he began to work his way, and his school terms were governed accordingly. This continued till he was twenty-two years old. About three years later he was enabled, by the help of friends, and particularly by the help of Mr. J. C. Clements, of the Darlington Circuit, to attend college. He spent one year at Vanderbilt University and a year and a half at Wofford College. During his second year at Wofford his health failed, and he was compelled to abandon his college course, greatly to his own sorrow and the disappointment of his friends. Brother Best's call to preach dates back in childhood, being among the very first religious impressions of his life. Seeing no way of preparing himself for the ministry in his boyhood days, he tried often to dismiss the thought. But God's calls are not easily dismissed, and our friend felt more and more the duty to preach. When he made the full surrender, God, who had called him, opened the way for him to go to college. He was received on trial into the Conference at Camden. S. C. November, 1889. with Jefferson S, Alercrombie, Hufus A. Child. J. R. Copeland. (George W. Davis, W. H. Hodges, Melvin B. Kelly. John Manning. J. Marion Rogers, Jno. W. Shell, Whitefoord S. Stokes, Art emus B. Watson and J. A. White. He has served as follows: Cheraw Circuit, 1890; Mars Bluff Circuit, 1891-2; Clyde Circuit, 1893-4; Gourdin Circuit, 1895; Sumter Circuit, 1896; Greer's Circuit, 1897-8; Campobello Circuit. 1899-1902; Kelton, 1903-5; Newberry Circuit, 1900-8; McCormick, 1909; Easley, 1910-11; Pacolet, 1912-14. While on the Sumter Circuit, the health of Brother Best gave way temporarily, and he was unable to do full service. The doctor advised to him to try the up-country. He did so, and his health has been restored, enabling him to go forth fully meeting the demands upon an itinerant's life.  Like all other intelligent men, Brother Best decided, soon after joining the Conference, that it was "not good for man to he alone," so on February 25, 1890, he was married to Miss Lillie Andrews, daughter of Mr. Henry J. and Mrs. Argent Andrews, of Darlington County, S. C. Five children have been born to them-Louise, Marvin Andrews, Robert Henry, Alliene and Lillie. Brother Best will, perhaps, never be estimated in this world at his true worth. He is modest and retiring, ever feeling a deep sense of his own unworthiness. He is faithful in the discharge of his pastoral duties, and is a thoughtful and logical preacher.  [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] REV. MARION DARGAN Rev. Marion Dargan, son of the Hon. Julius H. Dargan and Martha I. Dargan, was born in Darlington, S. C, April 28th, 1857. His education began in the excellent schools of his native town, for a long time under the late Allan McP. Hamby; was continued in the Charleston High School, under Prof. V. C. Dibble, and he graduated in the Theological department of the Vanderbilt University, attending also some schools in the Literary department. He was converted and joined the Church in boyhood. The call to the ministry rested upon his heart for years. After resisting a long while, and passing through a severe spiritual conflict, he decided to obey, and this he did with that energy and whole-heartedness characteristic of all his life-work. He was licensed to preach and supplied Lynchburg and St. Lukes in 1884. During his year in Santce Circuit there were more than one hundred additions to the Church. While on Orangeburg Circuit, the Conference collections, which had not been paid hitherto, were brought up in full, with a surplus of more than $100. At Marion Street the salary was $565, and during his pastorate was advanced to $1,000, all claims being met in full. So at Abbeville there was an increase of $250 in salary and $200 on that at Greenwood. At the latter station a large church debt was paid during his pastorate, and  money for seating and furnishing the church was also raised. In addition, the children raised enough money to paint the church. At all his appointments he had good meetings, some of remarkable power and attended with gracious results. On March 5, 188-1, he married Miss Annie H. Hicklin, daughter of Dr. J. W. Hicklin, of Chester County, S. C. Three children were born of this union-Annie Edina, Marion, Jr., and William Hicklin. The record shows that Brother Dargan has been a most successful preacher. And this success is not at all to he wondered at. A man of untiring energy and industry, he never knows when to stop working; a careful student and reader, he carries into the pulpit thoughtful messages, which he delivers with power. His experience is clear, his love for God and man ardent and self-sacrificing. Such men are sure to succeed.  [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] REV. ARCHIE E. DRIGGERS The subject of our sketch, Rev. Archie Edwin Driggers, is of German ancestry. He is the son of Mr. Thomas P. Driggers and Mrs. Emily S. Driggers and was born in Darlington County, South Carolina, on April 19, 1878. After attending the public schools of the country, he spent two years at the Carlisle School, at Bamberg, S. C. He then went to Wofford College, Spartanburg, S. C, and graduated there from in the class of 1901. His call to the ministry was out of the ordinary. From his earliest recollection he felt that the ministry was to be his life-work, and he never seriously thought of doing anything else. The passing years only served   to   deepen the impression. Mr. Drivers was licensed to preach by the Sumter District Conference, at Lynchburg, S C, Rev. Thomas J. Clyde presiding. He was received into the South Carolina Conference on trial at Columbia, S. C, in 1901. Bishop C. B. Calloway presiding. He was ordained local Deacon by Bishop W. W. Duncan at Newberry, S. C, December, 1902. He was ordained Elder by Bishop W. A. Candler, at Spartanburg, S. C, December 17, 1905. He has served the following charges: Victor and Batesville, 1902-4; Sampson and Poe, 1905; Hampton Avenue, Greenville, 1906-9; Seneca and Walhalla. 1910-11; Leesville Station, 1912-14. On October 12, 1911, Mr. Driggers was married to Miss Grace Laura McCutchen, of Pittsburgh, Pa. He regards this as the In-st day's work he ever did. Mr. Driggers is a good student. He devotes the morning hours to those studies bearing directly on his work and the evening to general reading. His favorite method of sermon-making is the expository'. His style of delivery is pleasant, being that of animated conversation. He is making an excellent record.  [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] REV. R. M. DuBOSE The subject of this paper, Rev. R. M. DuBose, was born in Darlington County, S. C. April 20, 1866. His parents were descendants of the French Huguenots, and were loyal Methodists and devoted Christians. His great-grandfather, J. M. Jenkins, served in the Revolutionary War and afterwards became a member of the South Carolina Conference. Our young friend's early education was such as the ordinary country school afforded. At the age of twenty-one years he left home and the loved ones and went to the Cokesbury Conference School, where he remained from September 10, 1887, till June 6, 1888. He then returned home and two weeks afterward experienced the loss of his father by death. He was intending to go to Wofford College that fall and was fearful that he would not be able to do so on account of the death of his father. But when the time came a way was opened and the young man with glad heart entered Wofford College. On account of deficient preparation he was afraid he would not be able to pursue the regular college course. He was admitted, however, on trial, and by diligent study was enabled to pass the examination.   He graduated in June, 1892. in a class of twenty-nine. In early life he felt the call to preach. This impression deepened with the passing years until he was about twenty years of age when he yielded. He was licensed to preach at Philadelphia Church on the Lamar Circuit, in August, 1890, Dr. John O. Willson being the Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. E. Rushton the pastor. In November, 1892, Brother DuBose joined the Conference at the session held in Charleston, S. C, E. H. Beckham, George F. Clarkson, J. L. Daniel, Olin L. DuRant, Shala W. Henry, E. P. Hutson, P. B. Ingraham, J. N. Isom, W. B. Justus, A. S. Lesley, W. H. Miller, E. K. Moore, D. M. McLeod, R. C. McRoy, A. R. Phillips, J. J. Stevenson, R. W. Spigner, T. J. White, W. B. Wharton and W. E. Wiggins joining with him. He has served as follows: Junior preacher on Salter's Circuit, 1893; Britton's Neck Circuit, 1894-5; Lexington Circuit, 1890-7; South Florence Circuit. 1898-9; Lanes Circuit, 1900-1901; Westminster, 1902-4; Easley, 1905-7; Gray Court, 1908-10; Princeton, 1911-12; Pinewood, 1913-14. In each of these charges our young friend has had success, building up the Church and leading many souls to Christ.   He deserves great credit for the success in his struggle for an education. No doubt this same perseverance and determination will ever characterize him in his work. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop J. C. Keener, at Laurens, in 1894, and Elder by Bishop A. W. Wilson, in 1896. Mr. DuBose was married on November 28, 1893, to Miss Essie A. DuBose, of Kershaw County. They have five sons-Robert, Coke McKendree, Norman Candler, Thomas Guim, James Jenkins and McTyeire.  [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] REV. L. J. NEWBERRY Rev. Isaac Jackson Newberry was born in Sumter County, S. C, near Mechanicsville, the 28th day of January, 1835. When lie was five years old, his father moved to Darlington County, near Cartersville, where he was brought up. He was blessed with religious parents.   His father was a preacher in the Methodist Protestant Church, and his house was a house of prayer, where the morning and evening sacrifices were offered. Owing to the death of his father in 1853, his educational advantages were limited to the neighberhood schools. He taught school awhile, and studied at home, and thus received his education. He was married the 14th of October, 1850, to Miss Frances Rebecca Young. On the 25th of November, 1858, their first and only child was born-Cora Saluda -who was married to Dr. C. M. Littlejohn, of Union County, the 10th day of January, 1878. He was converted in 1858, and immediately felt called to preach the Gospel; and in the fall of 1858, he was licensed to preach in the Methodist Protestant Church, and for fifteen years did missionary work in that Church. In 1873, he joined the Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was sent to the Pacolet Circuit, and remained on that work three years. His next appointment was Pee Dee Circuit, for one year of great success-over two hundred were converted and one hundred and eighty-two joined the Church. He was next sent to Cherokee Springs for two years, where he built a good parsonage.   His next work was Santue Circuit, one year, where he built another parsonage. He was then Bent to Rich Hill Circuit, and lived at Pacolet Depot. This was his last work, for that spring his health began to fail, and in July he had a severe attack of rheumatism, and was confined to his bed for weeks, and he has never been well since; in fact, he is an invalid. After eight years of work, he was superannuated, which relation he still holds. He is now very feeble, and unable for work. He docs all he can in the Sunday School and prayer meeting where he now resides.   He has peace with God and his fellow man. Brother Newberry's term of active service, though brief, was effective. He was soon released from actively doing God's will, and received assignment for submissively suffering God's will. His as-signment to earthly service will soon end, and our dear brother will lay down the cross and take up the crown. In March, 1900, his wife was taken sick with la grippe, and after two weeks of intense suffering fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, 9th April, 1900. She was indeed a helpmeet, never opposing, but always co-operating and helping in every effort to save souls, and to build up the Kingdom of our Lord. She visited the sick and helped the poor and needy as far as she was able.   [Source: Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, South By Watson Boone Duncan] STONE, SARDINE GRAHAM Confederate naval officer, was born February 4, 1841, at Bladen Springs; son of Captain Sardine Graham and Mary Ann (Richardson) Stone, the former a native of the territory of Mississippi, and a river steamboat captain; brother of Frank S. Stone (q. v.); grandson of Columbus C. and Caryntha (Graham) Stone, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Darlington District, S. C., and of William Richardson, a native of Kentucky. The Stone family is descended from Gregory Stone, who came from England to America in 1634, settling in Massachusetts. Lieut. Stone was educated in the public schools of Mobile and attended the University of Tennessee for one year. He was appointed a cadet to the U. S. Naval academy, in 1857, entering September 24, of the same year, and resigning January 13, 1861, on account of the secession of Alabama. He returned home and was appointed February 11, 1861, lieutenant of artillery, by Gov. Andrew B. Moore, and on the same day appointed first lieutenant in the revenue service of the State of Alabama, by Thaddeus Sanford, the collector of customs at that port. He performed the duties of revenue officer until the Confederate States government was established, being appointed by President Jefferson Davis, April 13, 1861, a midshipman in the Confederate Navy, and was attached to the seagoing vessel McCree. From that date until June, 1862, he served first as midshipman, then as master, and finally as lieutenant on the McCree, the ironclad ram Manassas, and the Gen. Polk. He was sent to Mobile in June, 1862, made lieutenant on the ironclad Baltic; in November, 1862, ordered to the seagoing steamer, Florida, as lieutenant and navigating officer, and continued on that vessel until she was surprised and seized by the Federal steamer, Wachusetts, in the Bay of All Saints, October 7, 1864. The crew of the Florida was taken as prisoners to Point Lookout, Md., from there to Washington City, and later to Boston. He was paroled, February 1, 1865, on the condition that he quit the jurisdiction of the United States in ten days. He at once sailed for Liverpool, England, remained abroad in London and Paris until November, 1865, when he returned to Mobile. For several years he ran a steamboat between Mobile and New Orleans; was appointed a clerk in the probate court of Mobile in November, 1868, served until March 24, 1881, when he was appointed treasurer of Mobile County, by Gov. Rufus W. Cobb; elected in 1884, 1888, and 1892, to the same position. He is a Democrat; Mason; and a member of the United Confederate Veterans. Married: December 28, 1865, to Eliza J., daughter of Judge Gustavus Horton (q. v.). Children: 1. Sardine Graham, physician of Marengo County; 2. Raymond, cadet, Annapolis, 1890-94; naval cadet, 1894-96; naval officer; m. Esther King Suydam, of Elizabeth, N. J.; 3. George Edwin, lawyer; A. B., A. M., 1895, LL. B., 1896. University of Alabama; assistant chemical laboratory, University of Alabama, 1894-95; treasurer, Mobile County, 1900-; m. Claudia lone Kirkpatrick, of Selma. Residence: Mobile.  [History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume 4 By Thomas McAdory Owen, Marie Bankhead Owen, 1921 - Transcribed by AFOFG] PILLEY, HENRY BASCOM Lawyer and legislator, was born August 20, 1857, at Hardaway, in Macon County, son of Stephen Fatherly and Sarah B. (Graham) Pilley, the former a native of Darlington, S. C., who lived in Butler County; the latter was of Moss Point, Miss.; grandson of John Graham, of that place. Both maternal and paternal grandparents were soldiers in the War of the Revolution. He was educated in the common schools; admitted to the bar at Greenville, in November, 1878; and was appointed in December of that year register in chancery of Butler County. In 1903 he was one of the representatives in the legislature from Butler County. He is a Democrat; and a Methodist. Married: December 19, 1877, to Missouri A., daughter of William Porter and Martha (Hammons) Shine, of Butler County. Children: 1. Robert Floy; 2. Effie Gertrude; 3. Henry B., jr.; 4. Bettie Lewis; 5. Stephen Porter. Residence, Greenville.  [History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume 4 By Thomas McAdory Owen, Marie Bankhead Owen, 1921 - Transcribed by AFOFG] BACK © all rights reserved to the original submitter