The Blackswamp Academy, 1818

Robertville, South Carolina, was a bustling little village. The citizens created a school in 1818, that they called the Blackswamp Academy. Today you might see Blackswamp written as “Black Swamp”, but it is one and the same. The early gravestones mention that a person might be a member of Blackswamp Church, which is the present-day Robertville Baptist.

From the South Carolina Department of Archives and History’s Research and Genealogy webpage comes this document…

To the Hon. the Senate & House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina the Petition of the undersigned Sheweth

That in the year one thousand eight hundred & eighteen a number of the Citizens of Blackswamp in Beaufort District of the State aforesaid erected at considerable cost a substantial & convenient building which they located in Robertville in said District, & dedicated to the purpose of education under the name of “The Blackswamp Academy”

That is said building many youths of both sexes have been educated & it is still held by your Petitioners for its original purpose.

That an Act of incorporation was granted said Academy by the Legislature in December Eighteen hundred & eighteen to continue in force for twenty one years & to the end of the next Session of the Legislature, which has not since be renewed.

That by Virtue of Said Act the “Blackswamp Academy” was entitled to hold any estates real & personal to the value of twenty thousand dollars together with other privileges usually granted to similar institutions, for a knowledge of which we respectfully refer you to the act itself in Printed Acts page 52.

That public protica has been given of the intention of the undersigned to apply for a renewal of the Act of incorporation at your present Session, as will appear by the enclosed advertisements with the certificates attached thereto.

Your Petitioners therefore respectfully request your honorable body to pass an Act during your present Session renewing the Act of incorporation of said Blackswamp Academy with the privileges granted by the Act of 1818, & that John S. Maner, Alex. J. Lawton, B. R. Bostick, J. J. Robert, R. G. Norton, I. A. E. Chovin & John R. Bostick be named as Trustees thereof.

And your Petitioners will ever pray.

Robertville, So Ca

19 November 1849

B R Bostick

Jas J Robert

Isaac A. E. Chovin

Robt G. Norton

Alexr. J. Lawon.

John S. Maner

Wm. Jno Lawton

Tho. H. Harris

 

Petition of the Blackswamp Academy for renewal of charter

Granted

M Peterson

 

Blackswamp Academy

Publick notice is hereby given that the Subscribers, members of Blackswap Academy, intend to apply to the Legislature at its next Session for a renewal of the Act of Incorporation of Said Academy with the same or additional privileges as granted in former Act of incorporation.

Blackswamp, SC 30th June 1849

John S. Maner

Alexander J. Lawton

B. R. Bostick

John R. Bostick

Winborn A. Lawton

James Jehu Robert

Robert G. Norton

Isaac A. E. Chovin

Tristam Verstille

Thos H. Harris We the Subscribers do hereby Certify that the above Notice has been posted in a conspicuous place in the Court House passage at Gillisonville since about the

30 June 1849

Gillisonville

of Nov 1849

Wm Youmans (illegible)

H. Goethe

(illegible – possibly says he is the sheriff of Beaufort District)

The News from Robertville

Because one thing leads to another.

I’ve had a comment on the blog from a man who is a researcher of Henry Martyn Robert. For those of you who don’t know who Henry Martyn Robert is, dust off your copy of Robert’s Rules of Order.

So the commenter is coming to the area in July and would like to tour the old plantation areas, the churches, the cemeteries, etc. Touring old plantations would prove tricky since there are no public plantations. I mean, it’s not like Charleston. Everything is private.

We don’t know where to start except perhaps at the beginning with John Robert and Elizabeth Dixon. They’re Leslie’s multiple-great-grandparents. John is also a brother to Sarah Robert who married Joseph Lawton, and Sarah and Joseph are also another set of Leslie’s multiple-great-grandparents. There was a lot of intermarriage in the area a few hundred years ago.

John Robert’s plantation was known as Cotton Hill. The stretch of highway through Robertville has been named Cotton Hill. After Sherman’s troops burned Robertville, which was the first town burned in South Carolina after the troops turned from their march to the sea, the plantation house was eventually rebuilt by northern investors on the original footprint, and renamed.

I turned to google and facebook to search for Pineland Hunt Club. I sent a facebook message to the Pineland account, but didn’t really expect to hear from anyone, since the page appeared to be less than active. Pineland has been reinvented as a wedding venue. I broached to Leslie that we might have to get married to actually be able to get into Pineland. Fortunately for all, I got a response that we could come visit without having to be engaged.

The new owners are interested in what we have to offer about John Robert. I have a few bits and bobs, like where he is mentioned in Alexander James Lawton’s plantation journal, and photos and blog posts about where he and Elizabeth are buried in Robert Cemetery.

We went on our visit and got a lovely tour of the immediate grounds. That brings us to the News from Robertville. I started looking in both newspapers.com and genealogybank.com for newspaper entries about Robertville. If you search for John Robert as a solo search term, there are thousands of entries even after you limit the search to South Carolina. So let’s look for Robertville in South Carolina.

My plan for this blog post is to post what I find as I find it so this is yet another work in progress.

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From GenealogyBank, The Charleston Morning Post, February 22, 1787:

On Thursday, February 22d,

Will be SOLD by Auction,

At our Store on the Bay,

A Very valuable PLANTATION or TRACT of LAND CONTAINING 200 ACRES, situate near Savannah river, in Granville county, nigh or a little below Little Pipe creek, bounding north west & south-west on lands of the Hon. Daniel Blake, deceased, north east & south-east on lands formerly surveyed for John Roberts, Esq; and was granted to Peter Aldorf, June 16th, 1782.

John-Walters Gibbs, & Co.

February 14th, 1787.

This is the earliest mention I’ve found for John Robert. Let it be noted that this area was known as Granville County and later became known as Upper St. Peter’s Parish, Beaufort District.

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From GenealogyBank, State Gazette of South Carolina, June 14, 1787.

An ACT

For incorporating divers religious societies therein named.

WHEREAS by the constitution of this state, passed the nineteenth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, it is declared, That all denominations of christian protestants in this state shall enjoy equal religious and civil privileges, and that whenever fifteen or more male persons, not under twenty-one years of age, professing the christian protestant religion, agree to unite themselves in a society for the purpose of religious worship, they shall (on complying with the terms therein after mentioned) be constituted a church, and be esteemed and regarded in law as of the established religion of the state, and on a petition to the legislature, shall be intitled to be incorporated and to enjoy equal privileges; and that every society of christians so formed shall give themselves a name or denomination, by which they shall be called or known in law. AND WHEREAS the several societies of christians who call themselves respectively by the name of the Presbyterian Congregation of Grenvill–the Presbyterian Upper Long Cane Congregation–the Presbyterian Congregation of Williamsburgh township, in George Town district–the Church of Christ at Euhaw, of the Baptist denomination — the Baptist Church at Turkey creek, on a branch of Great Saluda river, in the state of South-Carolina–the Pipe Creek Church of Regular Baptists–the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of Charleston–and the Mount Sion Congregation at Winnsborough have petitioned the legislature of this state, praying to be incorporated, and asserting that they have complied with the terms required by the constitution as preparatory thereunto, and the allegations in the said petitions appearing to be true.

I.  Be it therefore enacted by the honorable the Senate and house of representatives, now met and sitting in general assembly; and by the authority of the same; THAT the several and respective societies abovementioned, and the several persons who now are or shall hereafter become members of the said societies respectively, and their successors, officers and members of each of them, shall be and they are hereby severally declared to be a body corporate in law in deed and in name, by the respective names and stiles of–the Presbyterian Congregation of Greenville-the Presbyterian Upper Long Cane Congregation–the Presbyterian Congregation of Williamsburgh–the Church of Christ at Euhaw, of the Baptist denomination–the Baptist Church at Turkey creek, on a branch of the Great Saluda river, in the state of South-Carolina–The Pipe Creek Church of regular Baptists–the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of Charleston–and the Mount Sion Congregation at Winnsborough, and by their said respective names shall severally have perpetual succession of officers and members, and a comon seal, with power to change, alter, break and make new the same as often as they the said corporations shall severally judge expedient; and each and every of the said corporations shall severally judge expedient; and each and every of the said corporations respectively are hereby vested with all the powers, privileges and advantages which are specified and expressed in “the act for incorporating divers religious societies herein named.” passed the twenty-sixth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and eight-four. Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this act or in the said recited act contained shall be construed or extend to affect any question in law of equity now depending or to be tried between the differing parties, late members of the Presbyterian congregation in Williamsburgh Township, relative to the right of property in and to the meeting-house, and the land on which the said meeting-house of the late society stands, or in any way to better the claim of that part of the said society hereby incorporated; but the same questions shall be heard, tried and determined in any court of law or equity in this state, in the same manner as if this act and the said recited act had never been made.

II.  And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That this act shall be deemed and taken as a public act to all intents and purposes whatsoever.

In the Senate House, the twenty-seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven.

JOHN LLOYD, President of the Senate.

JOHN JULIUS PRINGLE, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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From GenealogyBank, Savannah Republican, Savannah, Georgia, February 23, 1809.

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From GenealogyBank, Carolina Gazette, July 27, 1810.

Oration delivered on July 4 by Samuel M. Wallace in St. Peter’s Parish, of the Pipe Creek Company. Pipe Creek was an early settlement that is no longer in existence.

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From GenealogyBank, Columbian Museum, June 23, 1818.

Notice.

During the absence of the subscriber, William D. Martin, esq. of Coosawhatchie, will act as his Attorney.

T. VERSTILLE.

Robertville, May 20

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, January 7, 1820.

Under Decree in Equity.

On MONDAY, the 10th of January, will be sold at the Vendue House, in the town of Beaufort, a HOUSE and two LOTS in said town, on Bay-street, known by Nos. 304 and 305. Also, two other vacant Lots, known by Nos. 122 and 123, bounded by Green, Monson, Congress and Black streets.

ALSO,

On MONDAY, the 17th of January, will be sold at Coosawhatchie, a TRACT of LAND, containing 560 acres, being the undivided moiety of a larger tract, situated partly in Prince Williams’ and St. Bartholomew’s Parish. This tract lies in a healthy part of the country, having Pine Barren on both sides of the Salcatcher River; a considerable part of this land is well adapted to the culture of the short Staple Cotton, and the swamp is well covered with Cypress.

ALSO,

At the same time and place will be sold,

A TRACT of LAND, containing 280 acres in St. Peter’s Parish, in the neighbourhood of Robertville, (Black Swamp,) being an undivided moiety of a larger body, and is continuous to Savannah River. This Tract is very valuable for the culture of Cotton, &c.

The above Property belongs to the Estate of Captain WM. HEYWARD, deceased, and is ordered to be sold to make a division under the will of the Testator.

Conditions–one-fourth cash; the remainder payable in three equal annual instalments, secured by bond and mortgage of the property, bearing interest from the day of sale; the whole amount of interest to be paid annually. Purchasers to pay for necessary papers.

BENJAMIN H. BUCKNER,

Commissioner in Equity.

Coosawhatchie, Nov. 10, 1819.

[November 16]

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From GenealogyBank, Carolina Gazette, November 11, 1820.

Beaufort District.

Committed this day, to the Gaol in Coosawhatchie, a NEGRO MAN, of the common complexion, well formed-5 feet 5 inches high, about 25 years of age, dressed in a cotton homespun shirt and osnaburg trowsers, who says that his name is
BARTLET, and that he belongs to Daniel Fraser, of Baltimore, who brought him to Charleston a few days since, from whence he absconded as soon as landed.

ROBERT G. NORTON, S. B. D. (Sheriff of Beaufort District)

August 21

 

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From GenealogyBank, City Gazette, Charleston, South Carolina, December 21, 1821.

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Charleston Courier, November 28, 1822.

Under Decree in Equity.

Will be sold on the premises, THIS DAY, the 28th day of November,

That valuable and well known PLANTATION, called Inverary, lying on Savannah River, in St. Peter’s Parish, and District of Beaufort, nearly opposite the city of Savannah, containing 473 acres of Tide Lane; 230 acres are underbanks, and cultivated in Rice. With the Plantation will be sold, one hundred and three NEGROES, accustomed to that place, together with a small Stock of SHEEP, and a Stock of about thirty head of CATTLE. The above property is to be sold as belonging to Wm. Conway Campbell, a Lunatic.

Conditions–one-half of the purchase money to be paid on the day of sale; the balance to be paid on the first day of January next; but in case the purchaser should not pay the same on the day last mentioned then to pay the same in two years from said date, with interest, at the rate of 7 per cent; to be secured by bond and mortgage of the property.

BENJ. H. BUCKNER,

Commissioner in Equity.

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, August 23, 1823.

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From GenealogyBank, City Gazette, Charleston, South Carolina, January 16, 1824.

Absconded

From the Subscribers in October last, two Negroes, CYRUS and TOM. Cyrus is a stout well made fellow, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches in height, of yellow complexion, with a scar over one of his eyes; and with another scar which may be seen on close inspection on the upper part of one of his feet. Cyrus was seen in Charleston on the 22d of December, with a forged pass Tom is of black complexion, somewhat pitted with the small pox, and is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches in height.

A liberal reward will be given to any person, who will confine either or both the above mentioned fugitives in any gaol in the state, so that they may be obtained by the subscribers.

ALLEN BOX.

ELIZABETH GIBSON,

Pipe Creek, near Robertville.

Jan 13

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From GenealogyBank, Boston Recorder, Boston, Massachusetts, May 15, 1824.

 

Revival in South-Carolina.

A revival of religion commenced at Robertville, Beaufort District, S. C. in October last; and the 26th of that month a few were added to the Baptist church. On two other Sabbaths, subsequently to this, as many as thirty-one, on each day, were baptized and admitted to the same church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Boyd. The whole number added to this church from the commencement of the revival to the (illegible) of April, was one hundred and seventeen.

The revival has not been confined to any particular class or age. Among others, was a girl who was both deaf and dumb. She related her experience by signs, yet in such a clear manner as to give entire satisfaction to the members and spectators. — Backsliders were reclaimed; nine of whom were restored to the fellowship of the church. Several additions have also been made to the Methodist church near Robertville.

*****From GenealogyBank, Boston Recorder, Boston, Massachusetts, May 20, 1824.

REVIVAL AT ROBERTVILLE, S. C.

A revival of religion commenced at Robertville, Beaufort District, in October last; and on the 26th of that month a few were added to the Baptist church, which may be considered as the first fruits of this out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. On two other Sabbaths, subsequently to this, as many as thirty-one, on each day, were baptized and admitted to the same church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Boyd. The whole number added to this church, from the commencement of the revival to the 1st of April, was one hundred and seventeen; and, as there were still some inquirers at that time, other additions may have been made.

The revival has not been confined to any particular class or age, but persons of every rank and age have become subjects of regenerating grace. Among other, was a girl who was both deaf and dumb. She related her experience by signs, yet in such a clear manner as to give entire satisfaction to the members and spectators. — Backsliders were reclaimed; nine of whom were restored to the fellowship of the church. For a part of the time, meetings were held four days in the week; the congregations, which were generally large, would assemble at 10 o’clock in the morning and continue together until four o’clock.

Several additions have also been made to the Methodist church near Robertville.

Smith Intel.

 

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From GenealogyBank, Georgian, Savannah, Georgia, June 5, 1824.

 

Trip to Robertville,

The Steam-Boat CAROLINA, Will on Sunday next, at three o’clock, P. M. leave Bolton’s Cenral Wharf, for Parachuckler Landing, opposite Robertville, S. C. She will reach Parachuckler, on Monday morning, about five o’clock, A. M. and return to Savannah, at four o’clock the same evening. She will receive passengers and freight for Robertville, also going and returning, for Purysburgh, Ebenezer and Sister’s Ferry. Passengers fare to Robertville, two dollars.

June 5

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Southern Patriot, June 20, 1825.

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City Gazette, March 1, 1826.

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From GenealogyBank, City Gazette, August 14, 1826.

To all Merchants and other Persons.

You are hereby forbid giving Credit upon my account, without my written or verbal order.

ADAM F. BRISBANE.

Robertville, August 7, 1826.

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From GenealogyBank, City Gazette, Charleston, South Carolina, October 5, 1826.

(Alexander James Lawton married Martha Mosse. Her sister Mary Ann Mosse married Adam Fowler Brisbane.)

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Charleston Courier, January 27, 1827.

 

Tide Lands and Negroes for Sale.

THE Subscriber, wishing to curtail his Planting interest, offers for sale his Laurel Hill PLANTATION, on Savannah river, in South Carolina, consisting of six hundred and forty acres, in the best pitch of the tide; four hundred and fifty of which are cleared, and in good order, and was planted the last year. It bounds to the south on the estate of the late James H. Ancrum, Esq; on the north and east by Jacob Guerard, Esq.; and on the west by Savannah river. If desirable to the purchaser, the gang of Negroes, consisting of eighty, will also be sold–they are well inured to the situation, having principally been raised on tide lands, and planting Rice; mostly in families; nearly fifty of them are workers. Reference may be had by applying to JOHN P. WILLINNON, Esq. in Savannah, or to the subscriber, near Robertville, Black Swamp, South Carolina.

HENRY TAYLOR.

January 18

 

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[COMMUNICATED.]

MR. JAMES HAIG,

Dear Sir–Will you oblige the good Citizens of St. Peter’s by giving the following an insertion in your paper.

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO MAJOR HAMILTON.

At a meeting of the Citizens of St. Peters Parish; in Robertville, (S. C.) on the 8th inst. called for that purpose, Major JOHN S. MANER, was requested to take the Chair, and ALEXANDER J. LAWTON, to set as Secretary. The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That we, the Inhabitants of St. Peter’s Parish, to show our respect for the distinguished talents of our Representative in Congress, the Hon. JAMES HAMILTON, JR.; to show to the world that we heartily coincide with him in his manly and firm endeavors to prevent the passage, by the Congress of the United States, of sundry acts very injurious to the interests of the Southern States; and to testify how highly we appreciate his political course and private moral worth, do invite him to partake of a public Dinner with us, at Robertville, when it may suit his convenience.

Resolved, That we recommend to all the citizens of St. Peter’s Parish, and others, who shall attend the Dinner to be given in respect to Major HAMILTON, our Representative in Congress, to appear attired in Homespun Cloth, the manufacture of this State.

Resolved, That the Secretary publish the above proceedings in some of the public Journals of the State.

ALEXANDER J. LAWTON, Sec’ry.

Robertville, (
S. C.) July 9, 1828.

 

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston, South Carolina, September 27, 1828

Election Resolves.

In the House of Representatives

December 19, 1827

THE Committee appointed to draft Resolutions and appoint Managers of Elections for the next General Election, report the following.

RESOLUTIONS.

RESOLVED, That the elections to be holden on the second Monday in October next and on the day following, for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, shall be holden at the following places, and conducted by the following persons:

For St. Peter’s Parish: At Beech Branch and Republican Church; Managers, Shadrac Wooton, Ebenezer Gifford; the first day at Beech Branch, the second day at Republican church. At Robertville; Managers, George Rhodes, Benjamin Jaudon; two days. At Black Creek Muster House the first day, and Cypress Creek Church the second day; Managers, James R. Garvin, Joseph Wall. At Pierson Hardee’s the first day, at Purysburgh the second day; Managers Thomas Hardee, Capt Wm Waldboner. The Managers to meet on the third day, at Robertville, count over the votes and declare the Election. One Senator and two Representatives to be elected.

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From Genealogy Bank, Charleston Mercury, June 10, 1831.

State of South Carolina.

A PROCLAMATION.

By James Hamilton, Junr. Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the State aforesaid,

WHEREAS, I have received information of a wanton and atrocious Murder having been committed at Black Swamp, St. Peters Parish, by a free colored man of the name of JAMES BECKET, on the body of Elijah Scott, also a free colored man — and whereas the said Becket has fled the Public Justice of the Country.

Now, Know ye, that, to the intent that he the said Becket may be brought to legal trial and condign punishment, I do hereby offer a reward of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars, for the apprehension and delivery of the said James Becket to any one of the Sheriffs or Jailors of the said State.

The said Becket is represented to be a quadroon, full six feet in height, about 45 years of age, with his upper front teeth projecting more than usual, and an effeminate voice; he is by occupation (as much as bad habits and no fixed residence will allow) a jobbing Carpenter and Cooper. It is supposed that he has crossed the Savannah River and is lurking in that part of Georgia which is opposite to St. Peter’s Parish.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State at Charleston, this sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, and of American Independence the fifty fifth. JAMES HAMILTON, Junr.

By the Governor,

John N. Barrillon,

Deputy Secretary of State.

June 7

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From GenealogyBank, Georgian, Savannah, Georgia, July 24, 1832.

Notice.

THIS is designed to convey to Mr. JAMES JONES, who is residing either in this State, or in Florida, the information, that he is the principal legatee of the Will of Miss Elizabeth Allen, late of St. Peter’s Parish, Beaufort District, South Carolina.

All other information, he may obtain, by addressing a letter to Joseph M. Lawton, Esq. Robertville, Beaufort District, (So. Ca)

june 21

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From GenealogyBank, Georgia Messenger, Savannah, Georgia, October 6, 1836.

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Regarding the postal delivery from Augusta, Georgia, to Robertville, South Carolina. Image from GenealogyBank, Edgefield Advertiser, February 22, 1843.

From Augusta, Ga, By Silverton, s. c. Four Mile Branch, Speedwell, Lower Three Runs, Erwinton, King creek, Pipe Creek, and Robertsville, to Gillisonville, 98 miles and back, twice a week.

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Charleston Courier, August 31, 1844.

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From GenealogyBank, Daily Atlas, Boston, Massachusetts, December 28, 1844.

 

MORE SOUTH CAROLINA WINE.–The editor of the Savannah Republican has samples of eight kinds of wine, made by Dr. Sidney Smith, of Robertville, Beaufort district, S. C. They are the pure juice of the grape, without the addition of any spirits whatever. One of the specimens is from the vintage of 1833, another from that of ’38, and the other six from that of the present year. They differ in flavor, according to the species of grape from which they are expressed, the names of which they generally bear, as the Warren Madeira, La Clarence, Catawba, Scuppanong, Virginia Seedling, &c. &c. Dr. S. has on hand some 800 gallons of these wines, which he finds useful for all medicinal and culinary purposes, such as the light French wines are used for.

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, March 6, 1847.

MEETING FOR RELIEF IRELAND, GILLISONVILLE, MARCH 1, 1847.

Pursuant to notice the citizens of Beaufort convened at a public meeting in Gillisonville on Monday the 1st of March. The meeting was organized by calling DR. THOS. E. SCREVEN, to the Chair.

WM. E. MARTIN, Esq. addressed the meeting explaining the purpose for which it had been called, and concluded by proposing that the persons present should contribute whatever they might wish, which would be immediately forwarded to the sufferers in Ireland–and that a Central and Local Committees should be appointed by the Chair, to solicit further contributions.

The HON. W. F. COLCOCK and F. W. FICKLING, Esq, addressed the meeting in favor o the objects of the meeting and the passage of the Resolutions.

The Resolutions were then unanimously agreed to, with an amendment providing that the local Committees should forward their contributions to the central Committee at Gillisonville as speedily as they were made–to be forwarded by the central Committee with similar dispatch.

The Chair appointed the following persons of the Committees:
Gillisonville.–Wm. E. Martin, F. W. Fickling, J. H. Sanders.

Robertville:–Rev. Mr. Rambeant, Samuel Maner, J. S. Maner.

Grahamville.–Rev Mr. Reed, J. H. Scriven, Gen’l. Howard.

Hickory Hill.–B. McBride, J. E. Frampton, Dr. Wyman.

Beaufort.–Rev. Mr. Walker, R. W. Barnwell, M. O’Conner

McPhersonville.–Rev. Mr. Leaverett, Geo. C. Mackay, Jas. Frampton.

Pipe Creek.–Edmund Martin, H. E. Solomons, Dr. Duncan.

Bluffton.–J. Richardson, Dr. J. Fickling, Dr. J. Stoney.

Lawtonville.–Rev. Mr. Nichols, J. M. Taylor, George Rhodes.

Beech Branch.–Rev. Mr. Sweat, Henry Smart, Jas. S. Bronson.

The following resolution offered by MR. GEORGE C. MACKAY was agreed to:

Resolved, That the Pastors of the several churches throughout the District of Beaufort be respectfully requested, on the Sunday succeeding the notice of this request, to solicit contributions from their respective congregations in aid of the suffering poor of Ireland, and to transmit the amounts collected by them to the Central Committee appointed by this meeting to receive the same.

The contributions received amounted to Three hundred and six 05.100 dollars (306 05.100,) and are forwarded to the Hibernian Society by this mail–to be deposed of by them in the manner they may deem most expedient.

The meeting then adjourned.

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, May 25, 1847.

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From GenealogyBank, Augusta Chronicle, Augusta, Georgia, December 17, 1847

MARRIED.

On Thursday, the 9th of December, at Washington, Ga., by the Rev. Lawrence J. Robert, Mr. MILTON GEORGE ROBERT, of Robertville, S. C., and Miss SARAH FRANCES, only daughter of Francis Colley of Washington.

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Charleston Courier, September 17, 1850.

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From GenealogyBank, Savannah Republican, Savannah, Georgia, November 2, 1850.

A Yam Potato, raised by Mr. C. Jaudon, of Robertville, S. C., which is probably the largest ever received in this city, may be seen on the Round Table of the Savannah Reading Room. It is anything but “small potatoes.”

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, November 18, 1852.

Obituary.

DIED, on the 30th of October, on her plantation, near Robertville, S. C., Mrs. ANN MANER ROBERT, relict of the late John H. Robert, aged within a few days of 73 years.

It pleased God to remove her to a better world with but little warning, but blessed be his name, she was prepared for the summons, trusting in her Redeemer’s promise for her soul’s salvation.

She was a most self-sacrificing and devoted mother. all her own comforts, pleasures and enjoyments were never considered or thought of by her, when they conflicted in the least with those of her children. She descended to the grave full of years and full of honor.

Her high-toned sense of honor and probity, and her rigid construction of right and wrong, without fear or favor, was proverbial in the community in which she lived; and the moistened eye and quivering lip attested to the sincerity of the heart-felt grief of her friends, who attended her last remains “to the bourne from whence no traveller returneth.”

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, February 22, 1853.

NOTICE.–All persons having demands against the Estate of Rev. JOSEPH WALLACE, late of St. Helena Island, deceased, are requested to present them properly attested, to Messrs. MATHEWES & ROPER, in Charleston, to ROBERT G. NORTON, at Robertville, or to the subscriber on St. Helena Island.

Ja 18

ELIZA J. WALLACE, Administratrix.

 

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From GenealogyBank, Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, August 24, 1853.

The Savannah Courier of the 17th says:

The first bale of new cotton which has reached this city, directly from the planter, was received yesterday from the plantation of Samuel Maner, Esq., Robertville, S. C. It was consigned to Mr. S. Solomons.

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Daily Dispatch, October 8, 1858.

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Charleston Courier, November 27, 1860.

 

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Mercury, September 3, 1861.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE. — ALL PERSONS having demands against Col. ISIDORE LARTIGUE, deceased, will send them properly attested, and those indebted will make payment to

CLAUDIA L. LARTIGUE, Executrix,

Robertville, S. C.

September 3

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Charleston Mercury, September 29, 1862.

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Mercury, October 8, 1862.

WANTED.—EXTRA WAGES WILL be paid for two SHOEMAKERS, to go into the country, who can make each three pairs of common negro shoes per day. Address

J. H. R.,

Robertville, Beaufort District, S. C.

October 8

(I suspect the subscriber is John Hancock Robert)

*****

Charleston Courier, November 11, 1862.

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Charleston Mercury, March 5, 1863.

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From GenealogyBank, Charleston Mercury, Charleston, South Carolina, August 31, 1863.

 

*****

From GenealogyBank, Charleston Mercury, Charleston, South Carolina, December 25, 1863.

FOR SALE.

On the 28th instant, at the pine land residence of Mrs. O. L. Lartigue, on the road between Purysburg and Robertville, the following ARTICLES:

CARPETS, Mattings, Dining Room Oil Cloth

Feather Beds and Mattresses

With other Household Furniture

ALSO,

A few COOKING UTENSILS

With a lot of Old Iron, including Hoes, Ploughs

And a very good pair of Iron Axles for four horse wagon

ALSO,

CATTLE, sheep and hogs,

Purchasers will be required to remove their Goods by the third day after the sale.

Terms of sale — Cash.

At the same time will be offered for hire a FINE GANG OF NEGROES.

December 21

*****

From Newspapers.com, the Yorkville Enquirer, November, 1871

AWARD THIS WEEK.

ENQUIRER OFFICE, November 15, 1871. At a drawing made this day for the purpose of allotting the prize to be awarded this week, in accordance with the above plan, the name of

J. M. SMITH, Robertville, S. C., was drawn, who is hereby declared entitled to the prize.

*****

Beaufort Republican, September 12, 1872.

(This is John Goldwire Lawton and his son Henry Richardson Lawton.)

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Beaufort Republican, January 2, 1873.

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From GenealogyBank, Marietta Journal, Marietta, Georgia, October 30, 1890.

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GenealogyBank, Morning News, 1891.

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From GenealogyBank, News and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, August 3, 1947.

Robertville Negro School is Realization of a Dream
By Grace Fox Perry
Ridgeland, Aug. 2: Nearly 25 years ago, a middle-aged Jasper County negro dreamed of a well-equipped school which children of his race might attend, a school right in his own community.
Consolidation of white schools in South Carolina was at that time in swaddling clothes, but Richard Sheftal, of Robertville, kept his vision before him. He remembered what the learning of reading, writing, and “ciphering” had meant to him, long before, in a material way. A chance at a real education – who could say what possibilities it might hold for negro children living many miles from any town? He planned and talked.
He sold his idea to negro leaders in adjoining communities where there were one-teacher schools. He aroused the interest of northern sportsmen, members of Pineland Club nearby, who donated four acres of land, and entrusted to Richard the sum of $850, to be applied toward a building. Several cash donations came in from members of other hunting clubs of the county, when they learned about the project.
Meanwhile the depression came. County education officials desired to cooperate, but could barely manage to furnish construction materials. Federal funds for emergency relief (one of the early “alphabet” agencies) became available at this opportune time, and paid for much of the labor on that first building.
The dream of Richard Sheftal, local effort, gifts, county and state appropriations, and federal funds, together have formed a composite efficient picture – Robertville consolidated school, with eight teachers. Through the years, the school plant has increased to five buildings, primary, elementary, and high school, agricultural and vocational shop, lunch room, and library. School buses transport the children.
Richard Sheftal can barely remember his parents. He was reared by a white couple, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ives, who owned a large plantation at Tarboro. When he was small, there existed in the locality few schools for either white or negro children. As he grew older, Mrs. Ives, who had been Miss Lawton, taught him to read, write, and do simple figuring, so he could take care of the farm commissary, during the absences of Mr. Ives. Richard became proficient and trustworthy in that position, learning early the merits of thrift and honesty. Today, owner of his own farm at Robertville, he speaks of the Ives family with great affection.
At the age of 78, Richard takes a keen interest in activities of the institution which exists because of his respect for learning. He is chairman of the local school committee, and is consulted by the white trustees of his district on any matter concerning the school policies, or any changes in teacher personnel. Principal of the school is Bruce C. Howard, a graduate of south Carolina state college, at Orangeburg.

I worked on a family tree for Richard Sheftal. He is descended from Free People of Color from Savannah, Georgia.

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GenealogyBank, Beaufort Gazette, Beaufort, South Carolina, October 1, 1948.

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From Newspapers.com, The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg, South Carolina, August 29, 1970.

Black students at Grays in Jasper County continued to boycott the Grays Grammar School for grades 1 through 4 Friday.

County Superintendent J. D. O’Quinn said meetings are planned during the weekend among community leaders from Robertville and Grays and a biracial group after Department of Health, Education and Welfare representatives from Atlanta have met with all parties Thursday and Friday.

Robertville formerly had an all-Negro grammar school while Grays was the site of an all-white grammar school.

The blacks have protested the closing of the Robertville school and their assignment to Grays in a plan approved by HEW.

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From Newspapers.com, the Times and Democrat, Orangeburg, South Carolina, November 21, 1970. The Robertville School closes.

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From GenealogyBank, the State newspaper, Columbia, South Carolina, February 6, 1988.

Note that the map in the newspaper article doesn’t show the correct location of Robertville. The article doesn’t fairly depict Henry Martyn Robert, and it fails to indicate that he was quite young, perhaps 2, when his family moved away from Robertville.

*****

From GenealogyBank, the State, Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2006.

 

DEATHS

Will Clifton Barker

ESTILL — Mr. Will Clifton Barker, 89, died early Saturday morning in Hampton Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.

Mr. Barker was born in Jasper County, November 28, 1916, a son of the late James Rance Barker and Ruby Smith Barker. He was the owner and operator of Barkers Grocery Store in Robertville for 60 years, was a member of the Stafford Masonic Lodge #216 in Furman, and was a member of the Pineland Hunting Club and Robertville Baptist Church. Mr. Barker served in the Army during World War II.

Surviving are his wife, Irene Tuten Barker of the home; daughters, Sara B. Stanley and husband, Marion, of Estill, and Judy Hellgren and husband, Rhett, of Ludowici, Georgia; sisters, Betty Smith of Grays and Jennie V. Smith of Ridgeland. There are seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Mr. Barker was predeceased by a son, Joseph Jarrell Barker.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday in Robertville Baptist Church in Robertville, conducted by Rev. Gay Graham and Rev. Barney Tuten, with burial in the church cemetery directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in Hampton.

Friends may call at the chapel in Hampton located at 300 Mulberry St. from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, and Monday until 2 p.m. when the casket will be placed in the church prior to services.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to Robertville Baptist Church, 177 Lonesome Dove Lane, Estill, SC 29918.

*****

Let’s see how this story unfolds. This should be fun!

A Letter from Mulberry Grove, January 23, 1863

If you read a bit of the last post, you will know that Colonel Alexander James Lawton is the common thread that runs throughout the paper presented by E. L. Inabinett to the Lawton Family reunion in 1963. 

One hundred years earlier, on January 23, 1863, Alexander James Lawton wrote to his son Alexander Robert Lawton about the death of another son, Edward Payson Lawton, who died at Fredericksburg. Edward’s wife Evalina “Loyer” Davant Lawton had learned that he was wounded and had traveled from lower South Carolina to tend to him. Upon arrival she learned that he was deceased. 

The letter written by the Colonel describes in great detail the events before and after Edward’s death. He says that Edward’s body had been embalmed, which was a relief for me to know how people traveled with a deceased person. I’ve read of other accounts of widows reeclaiming their husbands who were killed, and now this makes me think that the bodies must have always been embalmed. I suppose now that I was expected to know that, because there was never a mention of embalming, but really, how would I know that? I suppose that I was to assume that. What a relief.

He also mentions another son, George Mosse Lawton, and George’s wife, the former Mary Lewis. We don’t know much about George. Strangely, he’s not recorded except in small bits here and there, like in George’s sister-in-law’s journal, that of Sarah Alexander Lawton, when she records his sudden death. 
These images come to me from a descendant, Elisabeth, of Edward Payson Lawton and Evalina “Loyer” Davant Lawton. It’s fun for me to note that Loyer is pronounced LOW-yuh. Reminds me that a Sugar’s mother said STEAM-uh and RIV-uh. 

   
   

Moses and Isabella Graham’s Pension File

Poor Isabella Graham. Her husband died of smallpox in 1866 while serving in the United States Colored Troops. She was left with 4 young children: Amelia, William, Richmond, and Lavinia. She attempted to get a widow’s pension, but it took years. YEARS.

She was formerly owned, before Freedom, by Alexander James Lawton of Blackswamp, South Carolina. She was married in 1854 to Moses Graham, a slave on a neighboring plantation, by Preacher Jack Lawton, alias John Taylor, who was also owned by Alexander J. Lawton.

Another woman, named Ellen Corsee, also attempted to get a widow’s pension by claiming that SHE was the widow of Moses Graham.  While it sounds like a ridiculous claim, it turns out that witnesses stated that she was what was known as a camp mistress, and that she cohabited with Moses Graham while he was stationed in Beaufort, and that she had previously cohabited with Moses before he entered the service. She knew he had a wife and children, as well as HE knew, but that didn’t stop them from cohabiting. She retained an attorney, a certain James D. Bell, living in Beaufort but from New Hampshire, to pursue her claim of widowhood and pension.

Isabella finally obtained her pension. Alexander James Lawton had continued to write letters to Ellen’s attorney to have her claim proven fraudulent, and to testify of Isabella’s good character and to verify the names and birth dates of the children, and to affirm that she was a poor widow who was entitled to her pension BY LAW. Among other things, Alexander J. Lawton was an attorney, and he knew the law and how to write an effective letter, but it still took years, because the wheels of government grind slowly, then as now.

How do we know these things? From a blessed pension file that took one week to receive, electronically, from the time I ordered it online. Fortunately, it didn’t take as long for me to receive the pension file as it took for poor Isabella to qualify for her widow’s pension.

Near the end of the file, Alexander James Lawton refers to his former slave, Isabella Graham, as his friend.

Here’s the link:

F41-276087299E

The Pension File: Waiting on Moses and Isabella

I last posted about the pension file of Nelson Brown. If you will scroll all the way to the bottom of that post, there is a link. When you click on that link, you should be transported to a pdf about Nelson and his wife Bella. 

Sugar, not to be outdone in the former-slave-and-USCT category, produced his Uncle Edward’s book “A Saga of the South”. 

   
 
His Uncle Edward quotes a paper by Inabinett. Sugar actually has this paper that he obtained from the Caroliniana Library. We don’t have permission to reproduce any of that paper here, which is a good thing because he has misfiled the paper, which is a nice way of saying it is somewhere in his wannabe filing system. 

  
The page above states that “Daddy Jack” is a former slave of Alexander James Lawton, and Daddy Jack Taylor was a preacher who performed the marriage service for Isabella, a slave of Alexander James Lawton, and Moses Graham, a slave on a neighboring plantation. 

  
Alexander James Lawton also assisted in a federal pension application for Isabella. Moses was killed in the service. 

The regiment he served in? The 128th. The same as Nelson Brown. 

  
And as a bonus…

The Freedmen’s Bank Records. 

  
A close-up for the account of Amelia Graham follows. 

  
I’ll be back in 42-120 days with the pension record. 

The Plantation Journal of Alexander James Lawton

As promised a few posts ago, here’s a transcription of relevant pages for you Lawton family researchers.  I know who you are, even when you’re not wearing the T-shirt…

                3

(1810)

June 15                 Began 4 hoeing

June 25                 Saw Cotton blossoms in both fields, red & white

July 9                     Began 5 hoeing –

July 26                   Began 6 hoeing –

Aug 7                     Finish’d 6^th & last hoeing.  Planted 26

acres & made 11155 weight seed cotton &

sold it 505 $

May 19                 Planted ½ acre Rice made about 2 Bushels

June 6 & 7           Planted Peas in (faded)

Sept 13^th              Had 742^th Cotton p (faded)

Dec^r. 30                                Adaline, our (faded) was born 15 (faded)

2 Oclock in the (faded)  it was on (faded)

Bad Season this (faded)

Commenced work on Parsonage House, I am

to build it in a plain manner with shed to

it; the whole house & lumber to be completed

for 400 Dollars –

house 32 feet long –

18 feet wide

shed 12 feet wide

had fathers negroes Preston & Martin to work

on it; Christmas Carted Lumber —  They worked

in all put together 90 ½ days at 50 cents

per day am^t. $45. 25/100

 

5

Feby. 14               I forgot to mention that on this day

my Brothers Joseph & Benjⁿ. & Sister

Thirza Polhill set off with their

Families for the Mississippi Territory.

Oct. 28 & 29        Dug slips in, made three good Banks out

of 2 ½ Tasks they were very good.

Made out of the 27 acres planted as a

crop 12000 seed cotton & out of a piece

I got of W. A. Lawton 1000 more making

for my crop of cotton this year in all

13000 which I sold to Messrs R. Richardson & Co.

for Thos. D. Jaudon; on acct. noges.

Beverley bout. of him & at ten cents

when gin’d & pack’d amounting to about

three hundred & seventy five Dollars –

Nov. 1                   About this time dug Potatoes made Seven

good banks of Roots & three of slips-

Dec^r 24                 Finished picking cotton-

1812

Jany 1                    This year I have agreed to put my hands

with my father & work in Co. at the follow-

ing Rates to wit.  I am to have five

shares in the crop & he to have nine count-

ing all the hands as fourteen – he is to (end of page)

8

                                                                1813

Jan.^y                      My Father & self plant together as last

year; we plant for 19 hands, & I draw

one third of everything; in other re-

spects our agreement as last year.  We

planted this year in due time the follow-

ing, to wit 60 acres corn, in Barn field

Brickkiln fields big hand 80 acres

Cotton – 50 of which is new ground, the

rest in grave yard field & field by

Washing Branch – 9 acres Rice-

10 acres Potatoes – in poor land  This

has been the worst year for making

crops, I have experienced since I have

been planting- I shall make but a

sorry crop; there was a very serious

drought and in the fall excessive rains;

on the 12 & 14^th days of October had

a frost which stopt the growth of cotton.

On the 13 June I marched for a tour of

duty in Beaufort in a Military way:  to

command in the rank of first Lieutenant.

I remained in camp of Charleston sitting

on a Court Martial until 28 August-

19 March, in this year my Brothers Joseph

I Lawton & Benjⁿ. T. D. Lawton & Sister

Thirza Polhill’s bereav’d Daughters re-

turned from the western country, after a

                                9

                                disasterous journey to that country

for the purpose of settling there –

they calculate they sunk about 1500

Dollars each.  My poor sister Thirza

died in that country 3 Dec^r. 1811

Dec^r. 21                                This day finished picking cotton.

The proceeds of the crop this year are

seed cotton                        24.000

5 stacks rice equal to         1.500

25.500

Bushels corn                             450

20 banks eatable potatoes

equal in corn to                        150

600

besides feeding negroes 5

weeks before they were dug

 

1814

This year my Father & self plant in Co.

as usual, with 18 ¾ hands, out of

which I draw 1/3 of every thing – This

was a good year for crops, the best I

have experienced since a planter-

Planted Barn field 14 ½ acres

made lbs —                                        11703

(Gate field transp 17                          9224

(Field by R. Cole 16                             9416

(Middle field 18 ½                               9250

(New ground 10 ½                              4670

(76 ½ acres –                       lbs.          44263

equal to an average 580 per acre all at Transpine

 

10

                                Planted 75 acres corn made 850

Bushels

29 Sept had pick^d. 3100 lbs. Cotton

finish^d picking 23 Jan^y. 1815

 

1815

This year I planted with my Father

as usual, we planted with nineteen hands

besides the driver, out of which I draw

Eight shares  We planted this year 64

acres corn- 3 acres of Potatoes – 2

acres Rice & 90 acres of cotton the

last all at Transpine-

5 March                This year the 5 March – my hon’d &

affectionate Father departed this life,

after an uncommonly severe inflammatory

attack of four years duration in his

62^nd. year of life – he evinced great

religious firmness, which he had pro-

fessed many years; & no doubt he has

exchanged this for a better world-

this was a very bad year for crops

the second worse I have known since a

planter

Sept. 12                Commenced picking cotton

Sept. 15                had picked                          3000 lbs

Oct. 1                    had pick’d                           12000 lb

 

15

                                …than good seasons required –  My Uncle

John Robert, now 74 years old, told me

he never saw so much rain in one year

before-  We were visited by the black

rot also, which destroy’d from one fourth

to one half of the planters crops of green

seed cotton; it did not affect black seed

cotton.  I & my Mother were more favor’d

as to crops than our neighbors it is allow-

ed by them all that we made the best crop

in the neighborhood, of cotton – but this

to myself, was the most awful year I have

yet experienced in sickness – out of about

fifty souls, white & black on the plantat-

ion not one escaped the fever, and I lost

my lovely & interesting daughter Thirza

about five years old & two likely young

negroes, one a young wench, who died in

child bed with her first child, the other

a boy eight years old – Phillis & Monday

Sister & Brother – So awfully dreadful

was the yellow & bilious fever in Beau-

fort, that it is said one Sixth (1/6) of

the population of whites died this year,

& 200 persons died in Savannah in the

month October –