Friend of Friends Friday: Old Edisto

Edisto Island is a delight to visit in the Low Country of South Carolina.  Drive down most any dirt road and be surrounded instantly by beautiful old oak trees covered in spanish moss.  For me, leaving the hustle and bustle behind for this relatively quiet island is just what is needed to fully relax.  Of course, walking even a couple of feet in to the dense undergrowth just off the road has never been on the menu for me.  I wonder what it was like for the British and later, the Union, to navigate the dense undergrowth with its accompanying wildlife.

Relaxing on the island wasn't always possible for the locals in the past.  The island was populated by Edistow Indians in the 1500s.  Through time and wars, the island survived, although the populations changed.  In 1860, there were over 5000 slaves reported on the major plantations owned by the planters.  Many of these names can be found due to the gracious translation of others.

With its remote and limited access, General LEE decided not to defend the island, but rather, asked the planters to evacuate.  The slaves were left behind.  The Union forces did overtake the island and sent many slaves to St Helena Island.

After the war ended, the free slaves returned expecting to receive land as had been promised by President LINCOLN.  History tells us this did not happen.  Instead, the titled owners returned and now had paid employees.

It wasn't until decades later that bridges and roads were improved so the getting to and getting off the island became easy.

Several years ago, I was given a book on Edisto by a beloved family member who knew of my affection for the island.  This book was written in 1955 by Nell S GRAYDON with photography by Carl JULIEN.  What makes this book so special? It is signed by both of them.  In addition, the chain of ownership is documented in the book with the last owner being dear friends of the family.

Within this book are stories of the plantations and of the Negroes in the area.  While there are no stories about slavery per say, there are a couple of stories about those who were alive as children when the war ended.  In it are fascinating reads of Maum Rachel, who delivered children of the island.  This story takes place right after the end of the war, when she and the new doctor learned they could work together in a difficult birth.  Another story is that of Josephine WRIGHT,  who remembered the "last big gun shoot."

Of interest is also knowing that a slave cabin from the old Point of Pines Plantation now resides in Washington at the Smithsonian.  I wonder who would be more surprised--  the plantation owner or the slaves who lived in it?

Ahh genealogy.  Going back in time on Edisto through a book takes me to a place where time seems to almost stand still. Almost.


Sources:
http://edistoscenicbyway.org/history.cfm
https://www.fold3.com/page/111581445_slaves_in_the_estate_of_william_seabrook_edisto_island_sc_1860#description
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/us/slave-cabin-to-get-museum-home-in-washington.html?_r=0

Friend of Friends Friday: St James Santee Plantation Parish

Ever tried to find much information in old South Carolina?  It's almost like the feeling I bet the English had when they were trying to track down Francis Marion in the swamp.  Of course, for me, it still is like to trying to find a high spot in Hell Hole Swamp now!

In history, we can locate evidence of the many fires in South Carolina which destroyed records.  We also have other obstacles to overcome.  While some of the records are getting online, and mind you, the available records are so much better now than when I started looking some 16 years ago, it can still be a source of frustration.

One book I have in my possession that I find an interesting read at times is "St James Santee Plantation Parish" by Anne Baker Leland Bridges and Roy Williams III.  While I don't think any of the names pertain to me, the location is really close to where my blood flows.

There are stories, marriages and baptisms to be found for the parish.  While there isn't a slave listing, some names are mentioned from time to time.

One example is found on page 269 where the negro "November" is mentioned as being made the keeper of an old head board that would not fit on the ship.  Apparently, November was to ship the head board at a later time.  November did not send it on.  Today, this head board, which is made of cypress and marked the grave of Jonah Collins is in the Charleston Museum.  The inscription on the head board reads:

Stranger who now are passing by,

As you are now,

So once was I:

As I am now,

So shall you be,

Therefore prepare to follow me.

Ahh genealogy.  Strangers who have gone before us sometimes bring us great joy as we find a trace of our blood.

Source: 

Bridges, Anne Baker Leland and Williams, Roy III. St James Santee Plantation Parish, 1997.

©2016 ASEldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: Slaves Freed by James Buchanan

For a long time now, I have known the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania banned owning slaves since 1780.  This isn't as simple as it sounds.

The Commonwealth allowed the children of female pregnant slaves born in the state complete freedom at age 28.  However, many residents around 1780 sent their pregnant slaves to Virginia where slavery was recognized.  If the child was born in Virginia, then the child was still born a slave.

I also have found the following tidbit about my uncle in Klein's biography of President James Buchanan.  The tidbit shows that BUCHANAN bought the slaves, freed them, and then employed the two females in his home.

Robert HENRY(1801-1838) was a son of my 4g grandpa, John HENRY of Lower St Clair, Allegheny, PA.  Robert married Harriet E BUCHANAN(1802-1840), daughter of James BUCHANAN, SR and Elizabeth SPEER, and sister of President James BUCHANAN.

What I don't understand is who were the relatives mentioned in Sheperdstown, Virginia?  And how close was the association that James BUCHANAN could have a deed of transfer written and executed?  The name on the deed says from Ann D HENRY to James BUCHANAN. 

Who is she?  I have no knowledge of who she is or why Uncle Robert could convince her to sell.

Ahhh, genealogy.  Good deeds can not only be seen today for they can be found in the past.

©2015 ASEldredge



Sources:
Klein, Philip Shriver. President James Buchanan A Biography, 1995. https://archive.org/stream/presidentjamesbu007671mbp#page/n141/mode/2up/search/robert+henry
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/empowerment/18325/gradual_abolition_of_slavery_act/623285
http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/slaves/washingtonand8.htm