pages 31-44
REV. SAMUEL FENNER WARREN
Rev. Samuel Fenner Warren was the father of Col. Samuel Warren, the subject of this sketch. He officiated as the faithful pastor of old Eutaw Church for 31 years and died in 1789, and was buried in the church yard at old Eutaw church. A relative of the family furnishes the following inscription on the family tombstone at this sacred place.
"Beneath this marble is deposited the remains of the Rev. Samuel Fenner Warren. * * * * Col. Samuel Warren, his son, is buried in the same grave. He was born near the spot where his mortal remains repose, and at an early age was sent to England for his education, under the care of his uncle, John Warren, Bishop of Bangor, but when war ravaged his native State, his gallant spirit impelled him to fly to her rescue. Breaking through all restraints and the influence of dignified relatives, he returned and immediately took up arms in her defense. At the age of 18, when leading his command against the British lines, he received a bullet in his leg, but supporting himself upon his sword until another struck him on the knee, and shattered the thigh bone, he fell, was taken up from the field In Savannah; his thigh was amputated, he survived and continued to perform staff duties in the army until the establishment of national independence and the restoration of peace."
"Col. Warren was a true friend of the children of his early associations, most of whom he served, directing their education, and faithfully discharging the duties of educator and guardian. He was distinguished by South Carolina with many high and honorable trusts. Serving long in each branch of the Legislature, was made President of the Senate and was offered the appointment of governor, which he declined. Late in life he removed to the district of Pendleton, and there died suddenly on the last day of December, 1841, in the 79th year of his age, honored and respected as a patriot, a man of probity and a friend. This monumental slab bears testimony of the esteem and gratitude of many who honored him in life and revere his memory."
Col. Warren was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1832, and voted for the Ordinance of Nullification.
Col. Warren resided on the Three and Twenty Mile Creek below Pendleton Factory. He was a gentleman of considerable means, and lived the life of a bachelor. His household consisted of himself and Lydia Ann Perdreau, his ward and adopted daughter, whom he educated and reared most tenderly. This young lady married John Miller, a son of John Miller, the Englishman, and who was the editor and proprietor of "Miller's Weekly Messenger," and afterwards the "Pendleton Messenger." Col. Warren gave all his property by will to Samuel Fenner Warren Miller, a son of the above first named John Miller.
At the recent session of the General Assembly of South Carolina, the descendants of Col. Warren presented to the State a very striking portrait of this distinguished patriot. This portrait was received in a formal manner, by both houses of the legislature, and now graces the walls of the Senate Chamber, a body over which Colonel Warren presided as president many years ago.
A history of Pendleton would be incomplete without honorable mention is made of the "Old Stone Church," where many citizens of Pendleton worshipped and were afterwards buried. This church, Presbyterian, was organized in 1789, and was then known as Hopewell Keowee. The first house of worship was erected in 1790 of logs, about forty rods east side of the late Ezekiel Pickens' residence, on the north side of the road. The spot is grown over with trees. The second house of worship was completed in 1800. It was built of rock and is now known as the "Old Stone Church." Gen. Andrew Pickens, Gen. Robert Anderson and Dickson were the first elders. Rev. Thomas Reese, D. D., was the first pastor. He died in 1796, and was the first person buried there. He was a graduate of Princeton College. The name of the church Hopewell Keowee - is taken from the residence of Gen. Andrew Pickens near by. After the rock building was erected, it was called the "Stone Meeting House." It was erected by John R. Rusk, a Revolutionary soldier, and father of Gen. Thos. J. Rusk, a U.S. Senator from Texas. Dr. Frierson says that, "Meeting House is the precise meaning of the word synagogue, the time-honored name of the house in which Jesus Christ preached." Among the members of this church were some prominent names: Andrew Pickens, and Robert Anderson, men of great influence in the State at that time. The present counties of Anderson, Pickens and Oconee were then known as Pendleton, a section of the country ceded some years before by the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Creek tribes of Indians, assembled in four different camps at the residence of Gen. Andrew Pickens. This section of the State, on account of its fertility, varied resources, and salubrious climate, drew settlers from many quarters. After the treaty of Hopewell, which was concluded in 1783, and concluded between the belligerent powers of the old Revolution, it was found by government census to contain 9,500 persons." From 1824, the church at Hopewell-Keowee began to decline. At that period a church was built at the the Town of Pendleton, known as Hopewell-Pendleton, and began to grow and prosper.
The interest for many years at the "Old Stone Church" has centered mainly in the preservation and protection of the old burying ground around the church. A rock wall has encircled the sacred spot, and more attention is being given to beautifying the grounds. The church building is in fairly good condition, and services are held there occasionally. This sacred spot is the resting place of General Pickens' family, the Reeses, Cherrys, Whitners, Maxwells, Lewises, Sloans, Calhouns, Bensons, Millers, Kilpatricks, Storeys, Symmes, Rosses, Dicksons, Doyles, Ramsays, Steeles, McElroys, Alexanders, Andersons, Breazeales, Crawfords, Greshams, Harris, Henrys, Hunters, Laniers, Livingstones, Lortons, McElhannys, Rusks, Sharpes, Walkers, and many others. Printer John Miller gave the land, something over sixteen acres, whereon to build the "Old Stone Church."
In 1832, when the State was greatly excited over the subject of Nullification, the people generally took an active part in advocating Nullification. Mr. Calhoun was the absolute leader of public thought, and, as is well known, strongly advocated the right of the State to nullify any act of Congress injurious to the interests of the State. Benj. F. Perry, a bold and fearless man, was then editing the Greenville Mountaineer, at Greenville, S. C. He dared to oppose Mr. Calhoun, and by his vigorous articles, began to win quite a number to his way of thinking. The friends of Mr. Calhoun became alarmed and were determined to break the force of the growing Union sentiment, and to put an end to Mr. Perry's opposition. With this end in view, Turner Bynum, Esq., a brilliant writer and fearless man, was induced to go to Greenville and become editor of the Greenville Sentinel, a spirited nullification journal. Mr. Bynum spent a good deal of his time at Pendleton, where he had many personal and political friends. It was expected that Messrs. Bynum and Perry advocating such opposite views, would sooner or later, meet each other in mortal combat. And so it happened. A challenge was passed and the principals and their friends met on the "field of honor" to settle their difficulties. The field was an island in Tugaloo River, in 1832. Mr. Bynum was mortally wounded and died the next day. His body was buried at the "Old Stone Church." There had been a heavy rain, the streams were swollen, and much difficulty was experienced by those in charge of the body, and they did not reach the grave yard until about mid-night, at which gloomy hour the mortal remains of this brilliant young man were lowered into a grave half filled with water.
The two pine poles, cut to place across the grave upon which to rest the body, after the burial were stuck in the ground, the one at the head and the other at the foot of the grave to mark the same. These two pine poles grew and became large pine trees, standing as faithful sentinels to keep watch over the sacred spot. Mr. A. C. Campbell was present at the burial of Bynum and resided within a mile of the spot. He described the scene as above described, and said that the statement in regard to the two pine poles was true of his own knowledge. The result of the election throughout the State for delegates to the convention was largely in favor of nullification. The vote in Pendleton District was two to one on the same side. The following gentlemen were elected members of the convention from Pendleton: Col. Samuel Warren, Dr. F. W. Symmes, John T. Whitfield, Robert Anderson, Frank Burt, Barnard E. Bee, Bailey A. Barton, Armistead Burt. The Burts were brothers.
There has been a number of duels in Pendleton. The last one was fought between Col. W. Ransom Calhoun and Colonel Rhett, of Charleston, during the war. Colonel Calhoun was killed. It was only twenty-eight years from the date of the Nullification struggle to 1860, when the people were nearly unanimous for war. And this has been the experience of mankind from the earliest times.
The following gentlemen, citizens of Pendleton, have represented this Congressional District and the State in the United States Senate and House of Representatives up to 1860, to-wit:
Third Congress.-Andrew Pickens, Representative.
Fourth Congress.-Samuel Earle, Representative.
Seventh Congress.-John Ewing Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Eighth Congress..--John B. Earle, Representative.
Eighth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Ninth Congress.-Elias Earle, Representative.
Ninth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Tenth. Congress.-Joseph Calhoun, Representative.
Tenth Congress.-John Taylor, Representative.
Tenth Congress.-John Gaillard U. S. Senate.
Eleventh Congress-Joseph Calhoun, Representative.
Eleventh Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Twelfth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, Representative.
Twelfth Congress.-Elias Earle, Representative.
Twelfth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Thirteenth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, Representative.
Thirteenth Congress.-Elias Earle, Representative.
Thirteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Fourteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Fourteenth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, Representative.
Fourteenth Congress.-John Taylor, Representative.
Fifteenth Congress.-Elias Earle.
Fifteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Sixteenth Congress.-Elias Earle, Representative.
Sixteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Seventeenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Eighteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S.-Senate.
Nineteenth Congress.-John Gaillard, U. S. Senate.
Twentieth Congress.-Warren R. Davis, Representative.
Twenty-first Congress.-Warren R. Davis, Representative.
Twenty-second.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-second Congress.-Warren R. Davis, Representative.
Twenty-third Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-third Congress.-Warren R. Davis, Representative.
Twenty-fourth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-fifth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-sixth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-seventh Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-eighth Congress.-Richard F. Simpson, Representative.
Twenty-ninth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Twenty-ninth Congress.-Richard F. Simpson, Representative.
Thirtieth Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Thirtieth Congress.-Richard F. Simpson, Representative.
Thirty-first Congress.-John C. Calhoun, U. S. Senate.
Thirty-first Congress.--James L. Orr, Representative.
Thirty-second Congress.--James L. Orr, Representative.
Thirty-third Congress.-James L. Orr, Representative.
Thirty-fourth Congress.-James L. Orr, Representative.
Thirty-fifth Congress.-James L. Orr, Representative.
The following gentlemen, citizens of Pendleton, have held the high positions given below :
From March, 1813, John Gaillard was not only a member of the United States Senate, but was also President pro-term. of that body from this date and also including the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th Congresses.
From 1817 to 1821-John C. Calhoun, Secretary of war.
From 1821 to 1825-John C. Calhoun, Secretary of war.
From 1825 to 1829-John C. Calhoun, Vice-President of the United States.
From 1829 to 1833-John C. Calhoun, Vice-President, resigned in 1831.
1845 to 1849-John C. Calhoun, Secretary of war.
John C. Calhoun was U. S. Senator, March, 1850, when he died.
James L. Orr was Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator of the Confederate State Congress, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, and Governor of South Carolina.
Andrew Pickens, son of Gen. Andrew Pickens, was Governor of South Carolina in 1816.
Francis Burt was territorial Governor of Nebraska.
Dear old Pendleton! says a correspondent of the Keowee Courier, in May, 1891. He writes brilliantly and enthusiastically when he states what hallowed associations does the name of this dear old town conjure up.
How often in thought do we wander back there! Old landmarks and many reminders are still to be seen, but the kindly faces and precious souls have nearly all gone across the bourne. We hope to meet them again in the better land if admitted into the eternal realms of bliss; and, as time rolls on in her endless cycle, we feel that now and then we should feel constrained to spare a moment to peep down upon the old familiar spot, where our first fond hopes of earth aspired and indulged in many bright anticipations which have never been realized. Fifty years ago old Pendleton was the fairest town in upper South Carolina, a community of wealth, intelligence, refinement and religion, and the home of the best people it has ever fallen to our lot to know-a resort of giant minds who would do honor to any age of the world's history. Such men as John C. Calhoun, Langdon Cheves, Daniel E. Huger, George McDuffie, Warren R. Davis, John Taylor, David K. Hamilton, the Pinckneys, Haynes, Hamiltons, Earles ;the Generals Pickens, Andersons, Blasingames, the Colonels Warren, Alston and Barton, and the home of Barnard E. Bee, the Stevens brothers, Clement and Peter of Charleston gun boat fame, of Confederate times, home of John and Pat Calhoun, the well known young financiers of today; and from these old hills came the astute senator, Joseph E. Brown, Atlanta's brainest man, Dr. H. V. M. Miller, General Rusk of Texas, a power in his day; Governors Perry and Orr; Commander Stribling of the Navy, and hundreds who have left their impress upon this new world, and in their day and times helped to lay the foundation and build up this great country; and a host of others whose honorable names and useful citizenship would challenge the world for comparison. Such was the status of Old Pendleton fifty years ago, when in the full tide of her prosperity, a splendid Piedmont climate with fertile lands under the old slave regime, and when the wealth resided in the country and agricultural pursuits were regarded second to none other as an occupation of honor and profit; and were conducted with an intelligence and advancement scarcely surpassed today in the South.
Old Pendleton was famed for the beauty and gentleness of her women as well as for the high-tone and pluck of her men. Old Pendleton District was then about the size of the State of Rhode Island, and the good old town was the grand center of both society and trade, and, indeed was one of the foremost pioneer towns in the South.
It was in the streets of old Pendleton that her indignant citizens kindled the first bonfire that consumed in its flames the first incendiary papers and letters sent South by the abolitionists to stir strife and discord among a happy people.
One of the first female high schools in the South was conducted by the Misses Bates and Billings, from Vermont, who taught the young ladies etiquette and French, graceful attitudes and high-falutin notions, modern manners, to walk daintily and to scream fashionably at a bug or mouse.
One of the first military academies was here, where the boys were drilled daily, wore gray uniforms and brass buttons.
One of the first cotton spinning factories was established there and met with great success and profit. It was operated for many years and up to his death, by Maj. B. F. Sloan, and is still in successful operation by Mr. A. J. Sitton.
Pendleton and her Agricultural Society, fair grounds and race track, and some of her exhibitions, would put to blush some of the fairs of the present day.
Pendleton had four prosperous churches, two hotels, and who of her old citizens does not remember the long- ball-room in the old Tom Cherry Hotel, and the beautiful young girls who once skimmed like swallows over those well waxed floors, and the stately matrons, who as chaperones, patronized with their presence those delightful occasions, and gave dignity and respectability to the ball-room? The old Debating Society held in the old Farmers' Hall and ever graced by a full attendance of the fair sex? The fine coaches and the beautiful pairs of horses that whirled up the dust in the streets of the old town? What old citizen's heart is not made to throb at,the recollection of thrilling notes from the stage horn over the hills to notify of its coming? How the people would gather around the hotels and the post office as the great rocking, ponderous vehicle came rolling and swinging over the rocks, drawn by four or six horses, dashing in at a gallop into the center of the old town with its passengers and mail. And with what eager excitement the citizens sought to welcome friends and visitors and receive the tardy news.
Who does not remember the old "Pendleton Messenger" and Dr. F. W. Symmes, its able editor; and the "Farmer and Planter," and Maj. George Seaborn, editor and proprietor; Mr. E. B. Benson, the long time merchant; old Billy Hubbard, the jolly landlord; the old English dancing master, Walon; rich Sam Manerick, the eccentric old man; Sid Cherry, the batchelor; Tommy Christian, the town marshall, and many others we have not space to mention.
Since the days of which we have been speaking, the second and third generations are passing from the stage of action, rapidly losing their grip on life and falling off into the sea of time. Of the second, Col. Tom Pickens, Mr Dickson and John Sitton alone remain. Mr. Wm.
H. D. Gaillard died but recently, and but a remnant of the third generation is left. Clemson Agricultural College is now being erected at Fort Hill, the old home of John C. Calhoun and the old town is looking up somewhat. May the Lord bless the faithful old spot, and may she become once more as she was, in the days of yore, as "a city set upon a hill."
NAMES OF MEMBERS OF SECESSION CONVENTION
Anderson-Joseph N. Whitner, James L. Orr, Richard F. Simpson, Jacob P. Reed, Benj. F. Mauldin.
Pickens - Andrew F. Lewis, William Hunter, Robert A. Thompson, William S. Gresham, John Maxwell.
FORT HILL GUARDS.
The following is a list of the names of the men who composed the first company organized at Pendleton, South Carolina, for service in the Confederate Army, which afterwards became Company "I", of the Fourth Regiment of South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, was commanded by Capt. Julius L. Shanklin, and was known as the "Fort Hill Guards."
Officers - Julius L. Shanklin, Captain; John C. Cherry, first lieutenant; John W. Daniels, second lieutenant; Michael A. Belotte, third lieutenant; Gustavus H. Symmes, orderly sergeant; Augustus J. Sitton, second sergeant; J. Waddill Hillhouse, third sergeant ; Richard W. Grubbs, fourth sergeant; Daniel Magill, fifth sergeant; J. O. Skelton, corporal; John A. Harris, corporal; T. Edward Maxwell, corporal; William G. Jenkins, corporal; John M. Jolly, corporal.
Privates-John A. Amick, James 0. Beard, John Brooks, Samuel L. Bowden, William M. Belotte, L. M. Bolt, Newton J. Browning, Joseph N. Chastain, John W. Cox, Patrick Clifford, Thomas Crow, Samuel H. Cromer, John C. Caminade, Joseph A. Crocker, N. Pickens Carroll, James L. Dickson, Columbus A. Daniels, George W. Dodd, Theodore Darricott, James M. Duke, Jacob Eskew, Edward Fant, William W. Graham, W. Thompson Grubbs, Thomas H. Gerard, John C. Gantt, William W. Hamilton, Leonard S. Hamilton, S. Porter Hillhouse, Edward M. Hall, John W. Hopkins, C. R. Hix, Robert Hackett, David C. Keasler, Newton King, John T. Lewis, David H. Lee, Thomas Massey, J. Sidney Marshall, Samuel Mays, Dannett Mays, George W. Mackey, John W. Morris, Newton T. Martin, William McClesky, Henry Osgood, Turner Osborne, W. R. Pickerell, C. Milton R. Palmer, Chandler Palmer, Roger Pinckney, Crayton L. Reid, William Reams, Edward B. Stephens, James L. Smith, J. Laurens N. Smith, Charles S. Steele, William Steele, H. Frank Suber, William H. Stevenson, George P. Sears, J. Richard Simpson, William C. Smith, W. R. Sims, Samuel J. Taylor, L. R. Tribble, J. Edward Wilson, David A. well$, P. Edward Werner, A. Frank White, Elias White, James White. Total 90.
