W. H. Sowell
Kershaw Era
Feb. 22, 1923
Former Kershaw Citizen Dies at His Home in McBee. The many friends in Kershaw of W. H. Sowell, were grieved to learn of his death, which
occurred at his home in McBee on last Wednesday night. Mr. Sowell, who was in his 82nd year, had been in declining health for several years, but held up remarlably well for one of his years.
Mr. Sowell was formerly a citizen of Kershaw and left here about seven years ago to make his home at McBee. He was a member and steward in Kershaw Methodist church and by his consistent Christian living endeared himself in the hearts of the Kershaw people, all of whom were his friends.
Mr. Sowell was a soldier in the Confederate service and fought throughout the war in the Army of the Potomac, as a member of Co. D, 8th Regiment, SC Volunteers, Kershaw's Brigade, McLaw's Division, Longstreet's Corps. and made an honorable record as a soldier. He was also faithful in every trust reposed in him. Mr. Sowell left surviving his wife and the following children: Mrs. D. McDonald of Kershaw; Mrs. W. R. Hough, of Camden; Mrs. G. T. Horton of McBee, Mrs. S. E. Hilton of Andrews: W. E. Sowell of near McBee; Henry Sowell of Alabama; and an adopted daughter, Mrs. T. M. Amerson, of St. Charles.
W. J. Spradley
Camden Chronicle
May 25, 1923
Mr. Spradley Dead
Mr. W. J. Spradley, an old gentleman bent with age and a life long resident of Kershaw County, died at the Confederate Home in Columbia last Friday and his body was brought to Mt. Zion Church near where he long resided for interment. Mr. Spradley had long been a cripple but was an industrious old gentleman with a kindly disposition. He was the father of Mr. C. B. Spradley of this city and has numerous friends who will regret his passing.
Camden Chronicle
December 29, 1922
Death at Hagood
Mr. Thomas Polk Sanders, Well Known Man, Passes Away
Hagood, SC Dec. 27
Mr. Thomas Polk Sanders, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Sumter county died at his home at Hagood this morning after an illness of several months. As a sixteen year old boy he cast his lot with the Confederate Army and followed Lee and Jackson four years, surrendering with General Lee's Army at Appomattox. After the war he returned home penniless and started life without anything to go on. By hard work and close application to his business he was quite successful and accumulated a large estate. He was regarded as one of the best and most successful farmers in Sumter county. He never sought political honors, but was ever ready to perform any patriotic service that confronted him. Mr. Sanders was married first to Miss Lizzie Haile of Camden, in 1868, who died a number of years ago, leaving a large number of children. By that union, the following children survive: B.H. Sanders and R. M. Sanders of New York; Mrs. R. F. Jackson, of Greenville; Mrs. T. H. Spain, of Columbia, and Mrs. R. E. Rembert, of Rembert. His second marriage was to Mrs. Carrie Huvitson, of Charleston, who survives him with five sons as follows: Dudley, Junius, Drayton, Kirk, and Alex. The funeral services will take place at his late residence at Hagood Friday morning, after which his body will be laid to rest in the Quaker cemetery in Camden.
Phillip Snipes
Lancaster News
May 1, 1914
Tribute to a Gallant Soldier
J.M. Hough, His Captain, Writes of Phillip Snipes
Another grand old veteran of the Lost Cause has crossed the river. Phillip Snipes, known by his comrades in the war as "Big K" died at 2 o'clock yesterday near Tradesville. He was in his 93rd year, known as a private citizen, as a man of unbound generosity, known in the war as one of the bravest men who shouldered a musket in defence of his country. I speak advisedly when I say this; as one of his officers, I saw him perform deeds of valor that would try the mettle of Julius Caesar at Ream's Station, when his company had been shot to pieces and run over by the Yankee cavalry. We reformed and drove the enemy back to [illegible] found them so heavily massed that we halted and just looked like madness to go any further. A supreme moment often comes in the affairs of war, when the man of emergency is called for. As we lay on the ground under that galling fire, what must we do? To go forward looked like folly, to retreat would lose the day. The tension was awful. As I looked to my right, I saw a man of powerful build with musket in hand, making for the enemy. Discarding danger, he had bid farewell to loved ones at [illegible] features. This was more than we could stand. Inspiration kindled in every breast and with that old Rebel Yell, which made the earth almost tremble, we rushed upon the fortresses and the last we saw of the Yankees was their heels. Do you ask who was that hero? None other than Phillip Snipes of Captain Hough's Company K, Sixth South Carolina Cavalry. Peace to his ashes.
The old type of manhood is fast passing away. Much more could be said but the foregoing is briefly given as a passing notice of my friend.
J. M. Hough
Kirkland Shannon
Fort Mills Times
January 28, 1927
Esteemed Confederate Veteran Passes Away at His Fort Mill Home
Funeral services for Kirkland Shannon, Confederate veteran, who died at his home in Fort Mill Saturday afternoon following an illness of several months, were conducted Sunday afternoon by his pastor, the Rev. George Belk, of Unity Presbyterian church, who was assisted by the Rev. O. L. Orr, pastor of the First Baptist church. Mr. Shannon was a member of the bench of elders of this church for a number of years. Interment
was in Unity cemetery and the services were attended by a large number of relatives and friends.
Mr. Shannon enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the people of the community where he had spent many years of his life. Prior to his final illness he had served as public cotton weigher for many years, following his retirement from the mercantile business.
Mr. Shannon was born in Kershaw county on November 14, 1845 and was married on November 18, 1868 to Miss Emma C. Haile, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cureton Haile, who survives him together with one brother William Shannon of Florida.
He was a student at King's Mountain Military Academy at York when the War Between The States broke out and he enlisted in Kershaw's Brigade, afterward serving under Gen. A. C. Haskell. His comrades have testified as to his fine character as a faithful and fearless soldier. He was wounded three times and imprisoned for a time in Washington city. Throughout the war, by unusual enterprise, he was able to retain possession of a fine Arabian horse which he owned and loved prior to the outbreak of the hostilities and kept until its death several years after the war. His war services ended with the war, but he was active in perpetuating the memory of his dead comrades and keeping alive the interest of the survivors in the happenings of the war through his membership in Fort Mill camp, United Confederate Veterans.
Fort Mill Times
James Sinclair
Camden Chronicle
June 4, 1926
Death of Mr. Sinclair
Mr. James Sinclair, aged 85 years, died at his home on South Fair Street on Wed. evening at 8 o'clock, after an illness extending over a period of one week. Although advanced in years, he had been in remarkably good health up to the time of his last illness. Mr. Sinclair was a native of the Sandy Grove section of the county and was twice married. His first wife was Miss Bethanie Barnes, who predeceased him about 30 years ago, and by this union there were four sons, Messrs. John D. Sinclair, Thomas Sinclair, of Camden; Washington Sinclair of Lancaster; and Sam Sinclair, of the Antioch community. He was married the second time to Miss Francis Watkins, also of the eastern section of the county and to this union the following sons and daughter survive: Mrs. Lillian Bullock, Wesley Sinclair, Henry Sinclair, William Sinclair, all of Camden, and Mrs. Kate Stein, of eastern Kershaw. He is also survived by his last wife. The funeral and burial occurred at Sandy Grove church Thursday afternoon at five o'clock. Mr. Sinclair was a Confederate Veteran, one of the first to enter the service from this county, and served gallantly througout the war, being several times wounded. He was held in high esteem by a host of friends who deeply regret his passing.
E. E. Sill
Camden Chronicle
May 12, 1905
Death of Maj. E. D. Sill
Another gallant Confedrate veteran "has crossed over the River and is resting under the shade of the trees" with his beloved leaders Stonewall Jackson and Robt. E. Lee and the innumerable throng of brave men who gave their all to their cause.
Major E. E. Sill was a native of Kershaw county and was always identifed with its progress. Born on the 22nd of June 1830, he had passed his three score and ten. He was Sheriff of the county prior to the war and just after its close. He served for four years in Co. E 2nd South Carolina Volunteersm was Adj. of his company. He was highly distinguished for his courage and gallantry, was always "on the fore" when duty called his or prompt reply was "Here". He was twice wounded in battle but nothing quenched his ardor and he did n ot lay down his arms until Lee surrendered and then his love of his principles and adherance to the cause for which he fought and suffered came conspicuously forward. He was as true, staunch and brave a man as ever wore the garbe of a soldier and proved his strong characteristics to the close of his life. Taking up the burdens of a "conquered people" he bravely did his duty as county Auditor for many years and served his country with faithfulness and efficiency. Camden and indeed the whole of Kershaw county loses one of her most valued and sterling citizens.
He is survived by his devoted wife who was Miss Henrietta McKain, whose family has always been indentified with Camden's history.
The funeral took pace yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock and the burial was at the cemetery where his old "comrades in the tented field" acted as escorts in his remains and as honorary pall bearers. The active pall bearers were sons of his old friends who looked up to him as their ideal of the gallant soldier and brave Confederate hero.
Charles John Shannon
No Date
From the files of Joseph Matheson
Venerable Citizen Passes On Friday
Charles John Shannon, venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Camden, died at his residence on Mackey street at an early hour last Friday morning after a lingering illness.
He was born in this city in the house now owned by Miss Jane Swords on Lyttleton Street, April 5, 1846 and was 87 years of age at the time of his passing.
While Mr. Shannon never affiliated himself with any other than the Democratic party, he had the unique distinction of having served as postmaster at Camden under four presidents-Cleveland, Taft, McKinley and Wilson. He was first appointed to serve out the unexpired term of General J. B. Kershaw, under whom he served as assistant postmaster, when the postoffice was located on old Law Range. All in all he served as postmaster for 21 years and resigned in 1919 on account of failing health. While not serving as postmaster he was engaged in farming. He was laways courteous and polite to all and numbered his friends by his acquaintances, truly a gentleman of the old school.
He entered the Confederate Army at the early age of seventeen, enlisting April 1863 and served until April 1865 as a member of Company A, 2nd South Carolina Cavalry. He was in Hampton's Legion serving as a scout under Bob Shiver. Mr. Shannon was the last surviving son of the late Colonel William M. Shannon and Henrietta McWillie Shannon and was one of a family of thirteen children. Three brothers, William M. Shannon, Adam M. Shannon and Allison E. Shannon, having predeceased him.
He was married December 20, 1866 to Miss Mary Kershaw at the home of her father, the late General Joseph B. Kershaw. Surviving are his widow and the following sons and daughters; J. Kerdhaw Shannon, W. M. Shannon of Camden, Mrs. A. S. Heyward of Yemassee, Mrs. Harriet S. Steedman of Camden, Randolph W. Shannon of Jefferson, Mrs. J. S. Blackwell of Camden, Mrs. C. Guy Gunter of Greenville, Mrs. F. W. Lachicotte of Charlotte and Charles J. Shannon 3rd, of Savannah GA. Sisters surviving are: Mrs. William E. Johnson, Mrs. Ida S. Heath of Camden; Mrs. W. D. Boykin of Sumter.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon from Grace Episcopal church at 5 o'clock, with six grandsons, Charles H. Zemp, James DeLoache, Shannon Blackwell, David Blackwell, Joe Shannon and John K. DeLoache, as active pallbearers.
Camden Chronicle
Friday August 15, 1919
James T. Truesdell
Squire James T. Truesdell Had Reached Advance Age of Ninety Years
Mr. James T. Truesdell, more familarly known as Squire Truesdell, died at this home in the Westville section last Thursday night at 12 o'clock after a lingering illness caused from the infirmities of old age. He was probably the oldest man in the county---had he lived until December he would have been 90 years of age.
For nearly a half century he had held the office of Magistrate in Flat Rock Township and during that time had been a power for good in his community, as he was known as a terror to evil doers. Mr. Truesdell was twice married and reared a large family of children. By the first wife the following children survive: W. R. Truesdell of West Wateree; Banyan R. Truesdell of Cantey; Mrs. Julia Truesdell of Westville; Mrs. Maggie Horton of Granny's Quarter; Mrs. C. Mahaffey of Georgia; Mrs. Mamie Young of Cassatt. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Gay, of the Westville section, who together with the following children survive him: Pat Truesdell of Westville; Mrs. Annie Cunningham of Camden; Mrs. Eugene Truesdell of Westville; Luther Truesdell of Westville, Miss Ruth Truesdell of Camden and a married daughter residing in Virginia.
The funeral and burial occurred at Damascus Church and burial ground on Saturday afternoon, services being conducted by the Rev. R. M. DuBose.
Mr. Truesdell was a brother of our fellow townsman, Mr. Henry Truesdell.
On tombstone:
2D LT
James T. Truesdel
TRP K
7REGT
SC CAV
CS
Dec. 24, 1830
Aug. 7, 1919
W. D. Trantham
Camden Chronicle
Jan 27, 1911
W. D. Trantham
After a lingering illness the earthly career of Col. W. D. Trantham came to a close at 11 o'clock last Tuesday morning at his home on upper Lyttleton Street. In the death of Mr. Trantham a conspicious figure is removed from our county, for he always took an active part in the affairs of the town and county which he loved with a true and loyal devotion.
Mr. Trantham, was the son of Dr. John I. and Mrs. Elizabeth Drakeford Trantham and was born on November 11, 1847, near Flat Rock in the upper part of Kershaw county. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and in attending the "old field" schools. At the age of 12 years, he entered King's Mountain Military Academy at Yorkville. In April, 1861, thou only 13 years of age, he joined the Flat Rock Guards, Capt. C. C. Haile, Co. G, SC Reg., taking the place of a poor man who had a large family to support. He was present at the battle of Manassas. Shortly afterwards hye contracted typhoid fever and was ill in the hospital in Richmond until January 1862. After being discharged from the hospital he returned home where he remained until the autumn of 1864 when he reenlisted and served until the end of the war. After the war, he returned home and worked on his father's farm until September 1867, when he entered Wake Forest College, NC where he graduated with great honorss in 1870. After his graduation he read law in the office of Capt. James David, in Camden. In 1872 he was admitted to the bar and practiced law continuously until his retirement in 1905 due to declining health.
In 1876-8 he served as chairman of the Kershaw County Democratic convention and in that compacity was very active in the resistance of Radical rule. He served as respreseniative in the General Assembly in 1879 and again in 1888. He was twice a canidate for Congress. He was always deeply interested in education and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Camden Graded schools for a number of years. After his retirement from the practice of law, he was elected Probate Judge.
In 1877 Mr. Trantham was married to Miss Nannie E. Simmons, daughter of Prof. Wm. G. Simmons, LLD.. of Wake Forest College.
Besides his wife, Mr. Trantham is survived by two daughters, Miss Ada Trantham in the government service in Washington and Miss Nannie Trantham, a student at Winthrop, and sons, Prof. Harry Trantham of Baylor University, Simmons Trantham [illegible].
John R. Truesdale
Confederate Veteran
Aug. 4, 1916
John R. Truesdale Dead
Remembert, July 25
On July 20, John R. Truesdale, born in Kershaw county, May 9, 1834, died at the home of his son Henry Truesdale, near Stateburg, SC.
Most of his life was spent in the county of his birth, his last days in the home of his son, Henry.
Three sons, Henry J. of Stateburg; J. C., of heath Spring and S. H. Truesdale, of DeKalb; three daughters, Mrs. L. D. Huckabee of Charlotte, NC; Mrs. M. O. Truesdale of Lancaster, and Mrs. R. B. McLeod of this county, with serveral brothers and sisters survive him.
He was a patient sufferer, never murmuring or complaining, although prostrated several months.
In the War Between The States this battle scarred veteran gave four years of valiant service.
One by one, the old guard that battled for our sunny Southland are passing out, their ranks are thining as the days go by.
Mr. Truesdale, one of Kershaw's bravest, [illegible] peace to thy ashes. He was interred at Bethsda M. Church where he was buried Sat. morning July 22, 1916.
Silas B. Turner
Camden Chronicle
Jan. 4, 1929
Silas B. Turner Dies Here Monday
Silas B. Turner, an aged and highly honored veteran ot the Confederacy, died at his home on Highland avenue early Monday morning following a short illness.
Mr. Turner was a lifelong resident of Camden and died at the age of 81 years. He served the South through the entire war and was one of those rugged soldiers of the Confederacy who never lost interest in the cause for which he fought. For many years he was employed at the Hermitage Cotton Mills as a stationary engineer. Of late years he had been in feeble health and had retired although he was able to get down town quite often. His wife redeceased him a good many years ago and he was making his home with his two daughters, Misses Willie Turner and Meme Turner.
The funeral was held at his late home Monday afternoon, with services conducted by Rev. George Pierce Watson, and the Masons, of which he was an honored member had charge of the burial ceremonies. [illegible] his part well during the war, but was also one of those sturdy characters who helped redeem the State from misrule by those who had control of the state's government immediately following the close of the war. He had many staunch friends who regret his passing.
John F. Turner
Camden Chronicle
September 29, 1916
Death of Mr. Turner
Another Aged Confederate Veteran Has Passed Away
Mr. John F. Turner, an aged citizen of the Mt. Zion neighborhood died at his home in that section about four o'clock Monday morning. Mr. Turner was 76 years of age an honored veteran of the War Between the States, having served the full four years, enlisting as a member of Co. D, 15th SC Volunteers. He always took a great interest in the annual reunions and always attended up to a few years ago. Mr. Turner's wife predesceased him some fifteen years ago, and he left no children surviving. He is survived by two sisters - Mrs. Sarah Moseley and Mrs. Caroline Marshall, both of this county.
The funeral and burial occurred at Mt. Zion church Monday afternoon, services being conducted by Rev. S. B. Hatfield.
Robert J. Turner
Kershaw Era
January 22, 1915
Another Veteran Dead
Robert J. Turner Died at Home of Son in Kershaw
Robert J. Turner who was 81 years of age December 19th last, died Saturday morning January 16, 1915 at the home of his son, Dr. W. B. Turner, in Kershaw. Mr. Turner had been in failing health for about a year but did not become critically ill until just a few days before he died.
Mr. Turner lived in the Westville neighborhood for the forty five years before he came to Kershaw, where he was engaged in the pursuit of farming. He was highly respected by his friends and all who knew him. The remains were taken back to his old home for burial and were laid to rest on Sunday in the grave yard at Hickory Head church, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. A. E. Fulmer. Mr. Turner left surviving his widow and five children, four sons and one daughter, as follows: Jno. M. and Jas. R. Turner of Florida; Irvin R. Turner of Louisiana and Dr. W. B. and Miss Mattie Turner of Kershaw.
Death of Capt. James I. Villepigue
May 12, 1905
Brief mention was made in The Chronicle last week of the serious illness of Capt. James I. Villepigue. The end came at six o'clock on Sunday afternoon.
The funeral services were held on Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the Episcopal church and were most largely attended by the many friends of the desceased, by a large number of Masons who conducted the impressive burial services also at the cemetery and by a number of veterans of Camp Kirkland and representative body of United Daughters of the Confederacy who assembled to do honor to a gallant soldier who through all the changes of a long life stood firmly and faithfully to the cause to which he devoted four of the best years of his life. His distinguished brother, Col. John Villepigue, a full graduate of West Point, gave up his life for that cause and was buried in Camden with magnifficent military honors in 1863.
Capt. Villepigue was the oldest citizen of our town, being in his 84th year and has spent nearly his whole life here. A few short years after the war he with his family resided for a short while on their Mississippi plantation. He was a genial large hearted friend, a devoted and staunch citizen and has left a devoted wife and family to whom the sympathy of the community is extended in their great bereavement. His children - Mr. and Mrs. James Villepigue of Sheephead's Run, Mr. Frank Villepigue of Texas, [illegible], Mr. Eugene Villepigue and Miss Kate Villepigue of Camden and Mrs. Charles Furman of Clemson-all gathered around him in his last illness.
The following gentlemen acted as pall bearers; Honorary - Messrs W. R. Cantey, A. Brailsford, W. D. Trantham, W. A. Ancrum, Thos. Whitaker, S. M. G. Moore, Jas L. Haile and Joel Hough. Active; Messers B. B. Clarke, C. J. Shannon, Jr., W. R. Hough, W. DePass, G. H. Yates and W. M. Young.
W. C. Workman
April 14, 1899
Death of Mr. W. C. Workman
Mr. W. C. Workman, brother of Mrs. W. E. DeLoache and Mrs. Wm. Wallace of our town, died in Savannah, Ga. on Wednesday morning last of bronchitis after an illness of three weeks and was about 55 years of age. At the age of 13, Mr. Workman entered the Confederate Army and served through the entire war and many here will remember the active part he took and what valuable service he rendered to the cause of democracy in the memorable campaign of '76. Mr. Workman was in every sense a most worthy gentleman and to his bereaved family we tender our sympathies. His body is expected to arrive on the 12 o'clock train today for burial in the Camden cemetery.
Cornelius Irvine Walker
Camden Chronicle
Nov. 11, 1927
General Walker Dead
Gen. Cornelius Irvine Walker, 85, of 60 Tradd Street, honorary commander-in-chief and former commander of the United Confederate Veterans died last night at 8:50 o'clock at the Baker Sanitorium, after having been stricken with paralysis late Sunday afternoon. Complaining of an aching back, Gen. Walker suffered the fatal stroke while he was riding in an automobile with his grandson in law, Judge Paul M. Macmillan, also of this city. He had survived a stroke about fifteen years ago. Gen. Walker leaves only one child, a son, C. Irvine Walker, Jr., of Atlanta.
Born in Charleston, February 14, 1842, he was educated in private schools here, the King's Mountain Military School and the Citadel. Graduating at the latter in April 1861 as first honor man in one of the largest classes which had then been graduated, he entered the Civil War the next day.
Jno. C. P. Williams
Camden Chronicle
Feb. 21, 1906
It was with sincere regret that we learned of the death of Mr. Jno. C. P. Williams which occured on the 25th of January. Mr. Williams was a Confederate Soldier and served with conspiouous gallantry through that great struggle. For a number of years he was postmaster at Ridgeway and at one time was associated with Gen. J. B. Kershaw in the practice of law in Camden. At the time of his death he was a school teacher in West Wateree. His death occurred at the home of his brother, Mr. R. B. Williams and the burial was at Smyrna Church.
Roland R. Williams
Camden Chronicle
June 25, 1926
An Old Resident Dead
Kershaw, June 22.
Roland R. Williams, the oldest resident of this place, died at his home Saturday morning, after a lingering illness. Mr. Williams was for many years with the Haile Gold mine when it was being worked, and as a young man, served the entire four years in the army during the Confederate war. He was born and spent his entire life here, and at the time of his death was 89 years of age. He is survived by the following children: R. Reed Williams; Willie W. Williams; John Williams and Mrs. R. F. Marshall and Miss Sallie Williams of this place and Mrs. Laura Sasser of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His body was interred in the Sand Hill cemetery and the funeral services were in charge of his pastor, Dr. E. F. Rice, pastor of the Sand Hill Baptist church.
The Camden Confederate
Friday, July 17, 1863
Capt. Thomas J. Warren Fell, in one of the bloody battles recently fought in Pennsylvania, Captain Thomas J. Warren of Company D, 15th Regiment SCV, in the 39th year of age. We feel that we only give utterance to the universal sentiment of the community, when we express the profound grief with which we make this announcement. A native of the town of Camden, Capt. Warren passed here his youth and the brief years of his manhood. Too well and favorably known to ask any eulogium at our hands, we yet would offer a slight tribute to the devoted patriot, the upright citizen, the pure and zealous christain. For, not without consolation to themselves can his friends recall the incidents of his life, not without advantage to others, make them known. He was thrown early in life upon his own resources; with fine natural abilities but with comparatively small advantages from early education - the ordinary English branches being all for which he was indebted to the schools. But with a noble ambition, resolute will and unswerving probity, he set about to become the architect of his own fortune. A fortune which if it did not embrace great wealth or honors, yet secured for him the confidence and respect of all and an influence throughout the District at once extensive and enviable. Since 1845 he has been connected
with the "Camden Journal" for the greater part of the period as editor and proprietor, and he always endeavored with all his power to wield the influence of his position for the public good. No measures affecting the prosperity and welfare of our town ever wanted an ardent advocate, when his voice could be heard. NO South Carolinian gloried more in the proud history and position of his State, or strove more earnestly to maintain and elevate it, than he did. No one felt more keenly or resented more warmly every aggression of Federal upon State authority than he whom we mourn today.As a consequence his was one of the earliest voices that greeted the banner of secession; and following up his words by his actions he raised a company, nearly two years ago and engaged actively in the strife, from the attack on Port Royal to the battle of Gettysburg, where he fell. At various times he was called upon to fill offices of honor and trust, both municipal and district, which he performed with credit to himself and with advantage to those whom he served. A useful citizen, a devoted patriot-he was more: he was a pure and upright Christian; and while as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was warmly attached to the forms of worship and government of that organization, his heart, unhampered by any tinge of sectarian bigotry, was large enough to comprehend in its love all that was pure and noble and good, let it emenate from whence it might.In the benevolent and charitable movements of the day, among others the great temperance reform, he was an ever active and untiring laborer. Characterized by an ardent earnestness, he did whatever his hands found to do with his whole might. Cut off in the very prime of manhood, and in the very midst of usefulness, he has left a character and a history fraught with lessons of hope and encouragement to others. All will bear testimony to that fact.
Lancaster Newspaper
July 15, 1927
Saw Jackson's Death
The following Waco, Texas special of Wednesday, July 13, by the Associated Press may be of interest to some of the older residents of Lancaster and Kershaw counties.
Judge John C. West, 94, reputed to have been one of the few who saw the death of "Stonewall" Jackson died at his home near here last night. Judge West was born at Camden, SC in 1834 and married Miss Mary E. Stark there in 1858. After coming to Texas, he was appointed district attorney by Jefferson Davis, then President of the Confederacy, but gave up his post to enter the Confederate Army in 1862. In the permanent Confederate Government he was again appointed attorney for Western Texas but resigned again in 1863 and entered the Army. Judge West died in the same home he was living in when he enlisted the last time. He is survived by two daughters, one, Miss Decca Lamar West, a noted writer. He will be buried here.
William H. Ward
Columbia Record
April 23, 1920
William H. Ward Dead
Kershaw County Veteran Passed away in 77th Year
After a Critical illness of several weeks duration, during which death was expected at any time, William H. Ward died Saturday afternoon at 5:30 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. R. Drumheller, 3109 Third Avenue, Shandon Annex. He was about 77 years old. Three months prior to his death, his wife who was Miss Cornelia Wood, of Kershaw County, passed away in her 52nd year. Mr. Ward is survived by six children, twenty-one grandchildren and on great-grand daughter. His children are: J. M. Ward and W. D. Ward of Columbia; Mrs. W. D. Drumheller, of Columbia and Mrs. W. M Padgett, Rock Hill.
The funeral services were held Sunday from the Drumheller residence Rev. R. E. Morris pastor of the Shandon Methodist church conducted the services. Interment
followed in Elmwood Cemetery. The death of Mr. Ward is mourned by many, as his friends were without number. The fast swindling veteran band of the Army of the Confederacy loses another comrade by his death. During the civil war he rendered gallant and distinguished service with the 7th South Carolina Cavalry, doing duty as a scout in that organization. He was on Morris Island in Charleston when the first gun was fired in the terrible four year drama of 1861-1863.
After the War he settled in Kershaw County and during the reconstruction period was a member of the Ku-Klux-Klan and in '76 was a member of the Red Shirts.
Thomas Whitaker
December 11, 1914
Death of Mr. Thomas Whitaker
Although not unexpected, our community was saddened on Saturday last when it was known that another worthy veteran and honored citizen had passed to the great Unknown, one by one they cross the river.
Mr. Thomas Whitaker was one of Camden's oldest and most respected citizens. He was a brave Confederate soldier, and took great pride in taking his place among the veterans of the "Lost Cause". He was a loyal friend and numbered his friends by those who knew him and his familiar face will be sadly missed and affectionately remembered in the town where he spent a long life of eighty four years. In early life he married Miss Jane Cureton, whose memory is still verlant(?) in Camden. To his two grand daughters, Misses Jennie and Lula Whitaker and his two sisters, Mrs. Willie McDowall and Mrs. Scotta Salmond, we extend sympathy.
The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at 1 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, Rev. J. C. Rowan, officiating. The burial was made in the family plot in the old Quaker cemetery. The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Honorary; Capt. A. M. Brailsford, Maj. E. B. Cantey, Burwell Boykin, John Boykin, E. M. Boykin, James DeLoache, Willie Whitaker, J. B. Steadman, H. G. Carrison, W. M. Shannon, Robt. Latta. Active: John Whitaker, W. D. Whitaker, Willie McDowall, James Cureton, T. L. Boykin, Will Thompson.
Thomas Jones Wooten
Camden Chronicle
Nov. 30, 1923
Major Wooten Dead
Was Native of North Carolina But Had Made Home in Camden
Major Thomas Jones Wooten died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. D. O. Houser, on North Fair street early Monday morning after a prolonged illness.
Major Wooten was not a native of Camden, but had resided here since 1918 where he had made many friends in his adopted home. He was 83 years of age, being born October 19, 1840, in Balden County, NC., the son of Richard LaFayette Wooten and Eliza Williams Wooten. He was married March 3rd 1870, to Miss Carmic McNair and to this union were born F. M. Wooten, E. L. Wooten, W. I. Wooten and Mrs. D. O. Houser, all of Camden; Mrs. O. F. Smith of Scotland Neck, NC, and Mrs. S. B. McLean of Charlotte NC all of whom survive him. He moved from Scotland Neck, NC to Maxton in 1896 and then to Camden in the fall of 1918 where he has made his home with his children.
In early life young Wooten entered the Confederate Army and had quite an interesting war record where his abilities as a leader of men gained him the title of Major. His band of sharpshooters of Lane's Brigade received the compliments of General Lee on their conduct on the field. He served as a member of the general assembly of NC for two terms begining in 1889.
The body was carried by motor hearse to Maxton, his old home, Tuesday morning where the funeral was held the same afternoon at four o'clock members of the family and Messrs. J. S. Lindsay, W. L. DePass, C. P. DuBose, H. L. Richey accompanying the body and served as pallbearers from this city. Others serving as pallbearers here but who did not accompany the body...were Messrs. Leroy S. Davidson, R. E. Stevenson, W. E. Johnson, Jr., and D. M. Jones.
Kershaw Era
July 8, 1921
Mr. W. J. Young Dead
Was a Well Known Citizen of The Hanging Rock Section
William J. Young, one of Kershaw county's most aged and highly respected citizens died at his home about four miles south of Kershaw on last Friday morning following an illness of several weeks and was buried at Hanging Rock graveyard Sat. afternoon after funeral services were conducted from Hanging Rock church by Rev. R. R. Doyle, pastor of the Kershaw Methodist church. The burial was with masonic honors of which fraternity Mr. Young had been a member for many years. Mr. Young was born May 10, 1833 and was therefore in his 80th year. He was a Confederate soldier and served during the whole four years of the War Between the States, with distinction - He was kept the first two years on guard duty in the city of Charleston and the remaining two on the field of battle in North Carolina and Virginia and was once wounded. He was an active member of Hanging Rock Methodist church and served as superintendent of Sunday school for twenty five or more years and up to the time he became incapacitataed by the infirmities of old age. Prior to the war, Mr. Young acted as overseer for some of the largest slaveholders in Kershaw county and his services was marked by his humane treatment of those placed under his charge. Since the war his life was devoted to farming and this pursuit he followed until his death. He was of firm and unyielding character, kind, courteous to all and was highly respected and well beloved by all who knew him. Mr. Young is survived by five sons, A.F., L.G., L.L., J. W. and J. V. Young and three daughters, Mrs. J. T. Gay, and Mrs. W. P. Barfield of near Kershaw and Mrs. N. A. Barfield of Hartsville. Also one half brother J. Z. Young of Camden; and one half sister, Mrs. Rebecca Gay of the Providence neighborhood, about fifty grandchildren and sixty great-grand children also survive him.
Ebin Neimus Yarbrough
Camden Chronicle
Friday Sept. 27, 1940
Confederate Leader Dies in Columbia
Ebin Neimus Yarbrough, state commander South Carolina division, United Confederate Veterans, died yesterday morning at the Confederate Home here. His death, due to a heart attack, was quite a shock to his many friends, he having been in his usual good health previous to the attack. General Yarbrough was born in Anson county, North Carolina, February 22, 1843. When he was one year old, his father moved to Lynchwood (now Bethune) South Carolina.
On May 22, 1861 he enlisted in Company F., South Carolina battalion CSA. He was mustered into service on Nov. 14, 1861, at the old Cornwallis house in Camden and was in battles and skirmishes from time to time up to the close of the War.
On May 16, 1864 during the Battle of Drewry's Bluff near Richond, he was struck by a ball which tore a hole in his right side and shattered a bone in his right arm and while confined in a Richmond hospital for several weeks, his company, which had 125 men when entering the battle, was reduced to 40 men. On May 2, 1922 he was admitted to the Confederate Home in Columbia where he resided up to his death.
He was elected state commander, SC division. UCV, September 5, 1934, to which office he has been reelected constantly serving six years and 17 days, until answering his last roll call.
In 1935-1936 General Yarbrough served as commander of both South Carolina division and the Army of Northern Virginia department, his election to these two important offices in one and the same year having been a very unusual honor.
In 1936, he as typifying "The confedrate soldier", living and dead was awarded the American Legion's "distinguished public service palque". He, having no heirs, placed this plaque in the World War Memorial building of Columbia" to forever be preserved as an emblem of courage, patriotism and loyalty". In 1937 he was elected honorary general of the Spanish American War Veterans.
In 1866 General Yarbrough married Mary Blackwell of Bethune, and in 1907 after the death of his first wife in 1903 he married Julia Wingfield of Okalona, Arkansas. He was a member of College Place Methodist church which he attended when he could. W. J. Snelgrose of Gilbert, commander, First Brigade, expressed profound regret last night at General Yarbrough's death. He said that General Yarbrough was one of the most beloved of all the state commanders in the division. "He got our pensions increased in 1935 and saved out of the state appropriation of 1937 and 1938 sufficient to send each veteran in the state $10.00 in each of these years. He also personally visited almost every veteran in the state during his commandership. In many respects General Yarbrough was our most prominent state state commander, he having held the positions of commander, Army Northern Virginia department and state commander, South Carolina division in one and the same year. He was unanimously elected honorary general of the Spanish War veterans of South Carolina in 1936 and was awarded the as reprsenting "The Confederate Soldier" the American Legion's Distinguished Public Service Plaque, later in 1936. "That he died in harness is most appropriate as he was never more beloved than today. Deeply will the remnant of South Carolina's living Confederate Veterans mourn his death".
General Yarbrough is survived by a nephew S. T. Yarbrough of Bethune, a number of grandnieces and great-grand nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 4 o'clock this afternoon from the Bethune Presbterian church by the Rev. F. R. Morse, pastor, assisted by the Rev. P. B, McLeod, pastor of Bethune Methodist church.
Preceding the Bethune services will be a brief ceremony from the Confederate Home in Columbia at 1:45 pm. [illegible] Hough, chaplain general of the division assisted by the Rev. Lawrence Hamer, pastor of the College Place Methodist church.Music will be furnished by Mrs. E. L. Crooks with Mrs. J. O. H. Sanders at the piano. Pallbearers at the Home will be members of General Yarbrough's staff as follows, E. O. Black, C. D. Gordon, Thornwell Clyburn, William M. Gibbes, R. E. Broome, A. M. Deal, R. E. L. Freeman and William P. Houseal.
Active pallbearers at Bethune will be six grand nephews: L. K. Yarbrough, of Kershaw, A. B. Rozier of Cayce, L. M. Yarbrough of Hartsville, C. F. Yarbrough of Cassaatt and E. M. Yarbrough and T. A. Rozier of Bethune.
The body will remain at Dunbar Funeral home until 12:30 today after which it will lie in state at the Confederate Home until time for services.
Samuel Young
Camden Chronicle
March 17, 1893
Mr. Samuel Young of Westville who about four or five weeks ago was severely burned in the face with turpinetine while standing near a still, died at his home last Monday from the effects of his injuries. He has not been able to partake of any food for four weeks. He was 52 years of age and leaves a wife and eleven children surviving him his being the first death that has occured in the family. One son, M. W. T. Young is in the employ of Capt. J. E. Pearce at this place. The remains were interred at Westville Thursday.
(Confederate Veteran: Co. F, 7th SC Battalion).
