HISTORIC OCONEE COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA Subject: OLD HOMES OF THIS SECTION Version 1.0, 15-Dec-2002, H-13.txt **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn Seneca, SC, USA Oconee County SC GenWeb Coordinator Oconee County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/oconee.html Oconee County SC GenWeb Tombstone Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/cemeteries.html http://www.rootsweb.com/~cemetery/southcarolina/oconee.html **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at kankula1@innova.net in Dec-2002 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at kankula1@innova.net in Dec-2002 HISTORY WRITE-UP : Mary Cherry Doyle, Clemson, SC in Jan-1935 Dedicated To: Dr Edgar Clay Doyle FOREWORD In presenting these fragmentary facts that have come to my knowledge, it is my hope that they may prove helpful in preserv- ing the history of Oconee county for the youth of the land and all who are interested in the history of Oconee county for South Carolina. With knowledge there will follow a fuller appreciation of the great heritage that is ours. I wish to acknowledge a great debt of gratitude to Dr. J. Walter Daniel, an author- ity on Indians of the South. We are indebted to members of the Wizard of Tamassee Chapter S. C. D. A. R. and many other friends. MARY CHERRY DOYLE. January, 1935. OLD HOMES OF THIS SECTION FORT HILL We are all familiar with the noted old home Fort Hill. The Place was owned by a distinguished Presbyterian min- ister, Rev. James McElhenny, in the early years of 1800. He built the old part of Fort Hill Mansion and called it "Clergy Hall" because he and his son-in-law, the Rev. James Murphy, lived there. The Rev. McElhenny was the second pastor of the Old Stone Church and was twice married. One of his step- daughters married Gov. Andrew Pickens. Francis Pickens, the war governor of South Carolina in 1863, was their son. Another daughter married Lieut. Hamilton Hayne of the U. S. Navy. Paul Hamilton Hayne, the poet, was their son. The Rev. McElhenny died in 1812 and is buried at the Stone Church. Again this home was occupied by a distinguished family. Our great statesman, John C. Calhoun, moved there from Abbeville in 1824, and changed the name of Fort Hill on account of Fort Rutledge being built on the place. Mr. Calhoun, after becoming so prominent in public life, lived much of his time in Washington, where he died in 1850. This place has long been a mecca for visitors and is kept in excellent condition. After some years Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Clemson lived there. Mrs. Clemson was the daughter of John C. Calhoun. To these noted people we are indebted for our great institution, Clemson College. COLD SPRINGS This place was owned by Mrs. John Ewing Calhoun, widow of John Ewing Calhoun, one of the first United States Senators from South Carolina. This place was very old and a fine example of colonial architecture. KEOWEE A short distance from Mrs. John Ewing Calhoun's on a very high hill overlooking Keowee River there lived another John Ewing Calhoun, son of the United States Senator and Mrs. Calhoun of Cold Springs. He married an elegant lady from Columbia, a sister of our distinguished Congressman, Warren R. Davis, who lived with her. She was the mother of Miss Martha Calhoun, the composer of Keowee Waltzes. Ransom Calhoun, her son, was killed in a duel with a man named Rhett of Charleston. He is buried on Keowee plantation. This splendid home was bought by Dr. 0. M. Doyle, who lived there a short while. Unfortunately, this home was burned some years ago. The J. E. Calhouns are buried there. WAYSIDE This old home was built some years before the War Between the States by Overton Lewis. It is on the road to Cherry's bridge and is fast falling into decay. What memories surge as we think of Wayside of the old days with is gracious hospitality, lavish entertainment and splendid servants. Four sons left home for the war, one became a gallant Captain and all four returned. The dear Christian mother went into her parlor three times a day to make intercession with her Heavenly Father for these absent sons. WOODLAWN Woodlawn, another fine old home near the Stone Church was burned. It was built by Mr. Carter of the low country. It had a winding stairway and heavy furniture was pulled through the windows by ropes. At this house resided the celebrated Episcopal clergyman, Rev. Jasper Adams, D. D., L.L.D. and F.R.S. SAN SALVADORE Near Clemson College there was a commodious and attractive home built years ago. This large and productive farm on Seneca river was granted to Major Samuel Taylor of Revolutionary fame. Early in 1800 it was bought by CoL Richard Lewis of North Carolina, who bequeathed it to his youngest son, Andrew Lewis. He and his wife, Susan Sloan Lewis, reared a large family there. The plantation was named for a soldier who was killed by the Indians on the place. The grave of Colonel Taylor has been marked by the local D. A. R. Chapter. SENECA On a beautiful hill overlooking Clemson College is the old home named Seneca. This fine home was built by Mr. Harrison and later sold to Mr. William Sloan. More than a half century ago it was bought by Mr. Ravenel of Charles- ton. This beautiful property is still owned by the Ravenel family. LIDDELL PLACE Further up on Keowee river is a large house built more than one hundred years ago and is still in a good state of preservation. The land was a Revolutionary grant to Capt. Liddell. His son, Washington Liddell, lived there many years and reared a large family, most of whom are buried on the place. The place is now owned by W. R. Davis. SHANKLIN PLACE This is a very old place, one of the oldest now standing in the county. It is near Richland and was built by a Mr. Robertson in 1817. Large wooden pins and home nails were used in its construction and it contains two of the largest fireplaces in this section, being six feet square. This place was bought by Overton Lewis, who lived there for several years. He sold it to his brother, Andrew, who, in turn, sold it to Joseph Samuel Shanklin together with 1800 acres of land. It is still in possession of the Shanklin family. HOPEWELL Hopewell, known as the Cherry place, was settled by Gen. Andrew Pickens. The land was granted to him for distinguished services and the grant bears the signature of Gen. William Moultrie. His house was burned and the house now standing was built by the General for his son, Andrew, afterwards Governor. The house was built in the early years of 1800 of logs weather boarded over. It was bought by David Cherry in 1835 and is still in the possession of the family. GILLISON PLACE This old home was built about 75 years ago for the late John Gillison and his wife about the time of their marriage. TAMMASSEE This last home of Gen. Andrew Pickens was known as the Red House. It gradually fell into decay and was torn down. Here, sitting under a -cedar tree, the General quietly passed away in 1817. Overton Lewis bought the place from a son of the General, but never lived there. About 1846 it became the property of Col. £lam Sharpe, who built the present house. Mrs. Sharpe was the daughter of Gov. Hayne of South Carolina. Col. Christopher Jones bought this home about the time of the War Between the States. It is still in the possession of he Jones family. FANNIE CHERRY DAVIS, 1924.