PICKENS PLANTATION SLAVE CEMETERY, Clemson University, Oconee County, SC a.k.a Pickens County after 1967 Version 1.0, 22-Nov-2009, P313.TXT, P313 **************************************************************** 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. **************************************************************** LOCATION: --------- - Find the intersection of Highways 123 and 76. - Drive 4.0 miles south on Highway 76, until you come to Old Stone Church Road. - Turn right and drive 1.0 mile on Old Stone Church Road, until you come to Old Cherry Road on your left. - Turn left and drive 0.4 mile on Old Cherry Road. On your right will be the Clemson University Charles Lee Morgan Poultry Center. - At the entrance to the Center, you will see a No Trespassing sign - it will be necessary to check-in, prior, to visiting the cemetery. - From the Center's main entrance, you drive straight a short distance, until you come to their trash dumpster. Stop. - Walk 162' southwest (left) until you come to a dirt road that leads into the woods. - Follow the road 285'. Stop. - Turn to your left and walk 60' up the hill. N34 39.414 x W82 50.247 HISTORY: -------- General Andrew Pickens Sr's log cabin home was located 300 yards north from where it appears he buried his Slaves. He called his plantation home Seneca. Andrew Pickens Jr's Slave quarters were located in front of his house, on the left when facing it. He called his plantation home Hopewell. It appears that Jr used Sr's cemetery to bury his Slaves in. It's located 440 yards from his home. The general built the Hopewell-on-the-Keowee (Hopewell-Keowee) Presbyterian Church on his property. After an argument with their pastor, he changed his religion and built the Wesley Methodist Chapel that was located within shouting distance of his old church. The general died at his estate in Tamassee. The Hopewell Memorial Road Marker is being stored in the Old Stone Presbyterian Church. o----------o This is what I know of the history of the area you mention. This piece of property, originally in Oconee county - now Pickens, was bought in 1934 by the USDA from the W.D. Watkins family. The USDA bought up 27,469 acres of family farms that were primarily eroded agricultural lands in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, in order to establish a "Land Utilization Project". Originally leased to Clemson University in 1939 for agricultural and forestry research, the USDA deeded all 27,469 acres to Clemson on December 22, 1954, under Title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. At this time this specific tract (#35) was known as the Watson Farm and included 229.8 acres that stretched from Cherry's Crossing on the Seneca River, up the northwest side of what is now Old Cherry Rd to the intersection with Old Stone Church Road. The property continued up the southwest side of Old Stone Church Road to Ft Rutledge Rd where Mr Watson's house (large white frame house) was located. Mr. Watson was the director of the physical plant at Clemson and other than living adjacent to the property, had no legal or family ties to it. The Watson farm was the area where the Dairy Dept raised its heifer calves, while they were being prepared for introduction into the milk producing herd, or sale to other dairies. There were 8 buildings on the Watson Farm at the site of the current Charles Lee Morgan Poultry Center. The buildings were: a tenant house, chicken house, outhouse, barn, garage, pump house, scale house, and the two silos you mention. In 1960, as the Hartwell Reservoir Project claimed a portion of the Watson farm and a large part of the other agricultural and forest research lands, Clemson Dairy Dept started the project of relocating its heifer raising farm. The tenant house and scales were moved to the Pettigrew farm (the current site of Clemson's Lamaster Dairy Center) and all other buildings were sold or later demolished. The last tenant I have listed for the Watson farm was James Jordan. In April 1966, the remainder of the Watson farm, post Hartwell Reservoir, was developed as the Poultry Research Center. Several "Butler" style metal buildings were constructed and the Richardson house (ca.1908) was moved from campus and renovated to be the caretaker's residence. Other than some building additions, the property has not changed much since the initial grading and construction of the Charles Lee Morgan Poultry Center. As for persons knowledgeable about history prior to Clemson's involvement with the property, most are dead. I feel very confident, however that this property was once a part of Andrew Pickens Estate, due to its close proximity to Hopewell. The Cherry Farm(Hopewell) was acquired by Clemson under the same situation, but was previously owned by the Mary C. Doyle family( Tract #31 - 879.77 ac.) The Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson may have information on people associated with the early years of the Dairy Dept. who operated the Watson Farm and might still be alive. Descendants of prior owners of the Cherry Farm(M.C. Doyle) and Watson Farm(W.D. Watkins) might have information. Hope this helps. Garland M. Veasey Manager, Crop & Equipment Services Clemson University 104 Ag Service Center Clemson, SC 29634-0169 (864)656-3477 (864)650-8182 cell (864)656-0276 fax o----------o 14. GEN ANDREW6 PICKENS, LT. GEN (ANDREW5, WILLIAM HENRY4, ROBERT ANDREW3, ANDREW2 PICKEN, ROBERT1 PICON)375,376,377,378 was born September 13, 1739 in Paxton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania379,380,381,382, and died August 11, 1817 in Pendleton, South Carolina383,384,385,386. He married (1) REBECCA FLORIDE CALHOUN387,388,389,390 March 19, 1765 in Abbleville, South Carolina391,392,393,394. She was born November 18, 1745 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania395,396,397,398, and died December 09, 1814 in Pickens County, South Carolina399,400,401,402. He married (2) MARY NELSON403,404,405,406 Abt. 1815407,408,409,410. She was born WFT Est. 1738-1797411,412,413,414, and died WFT Est. 1818-1887415,416,417,418. Notes for GEN ANDREW PICKENS, LT. GEN: [Pickenswft15.FTW] [Brøderbund WFT Vol. 15, Ed. 1, Tree #2478, Date of Import: Oct 1, 1998] GENERAL IN THE REVOLUTION. HIS ANCESTORS, FRENCH HUGENAUTS, LEFT FRANCE AFTER THE EDICT OF NANTES. THEY WENT FIRST TO SCOTLAND, THEN TO IRELAND, AND FINALLY TO AMERICA. THE FAMILY MOVED TO AUGUSTA CO., VA AND SOON AFTER TO WAXHAWS IN SC BEFORE HE HAD ATTAINED THE AGE OF MANHOOD. HE MOVED TO ABBEVILLE IN 1763. From DAR application for Linda Anne Daniel # 747983 "Andrew Pickens' service began on Nov 19 1775 when he was appointed Capt. of Company 2 under the command of Major Andrew Williamson. In January 1779, now Colonel Pickens, with 500 men attacked and dispersed Col. Boyds band of N.C. Loyalists on their way to Georgia. In January 1781 he rendered valuable service at the battle of Cowpens, fighting in the front lines. Gen. McCrady in his history of S.C. says, "The distinuishing feature of the battle of Cowpens upon the American side was undoubtedly the effectiveness of Pickens' marksmanship." Books about Gen. Pickens "Skyagursta, The Border Wizard Owl" by Dr. A.L. Pickens, 1934 "The Fighting Elder : Andrew Pickens" by Alice Noble, Columbia, 1962 "The Life of General Frances Marion: also lives of Generals Moultrie, Pickens, and Governer Rutledge", Moore, 1845. This sketch was taken from the obituary of General Pickens published in the Pendleton Messenger on the 27th day of August, 1817. (Old Pendleton District) Was born in Buck County, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1739, and died August 11th, 1817. His ancestors left France after the Edict of Nantes. They went first to Scotland, then to Ireland and then to America. The family then removed to Augusta County, Virginia, and soon after to the Waxhaws in South Carolina before he had attained the age of manhood. In 1761 he served as a volunteer with Moultrie and Marion, in a bloody but successful expedition under Colonel Grant against the Cherokees. After the termination of that war he removed to Long Cane settlement in Abbeville. At an early period he took a positive stand against Great Britain, and at the commencement of the war was appointed captain of militia; rose to Major, Colonel and Brigadier General. In the most despondent period of the war with such leaders as Sumter and Marion he kept up the spirit of resistance against the British, Tories and Indians. In 1781 he commanded in chief the expedition against the Cherokees in the northwest corner of the State and such was his success in a short time he so subdued the spirit of that then powerful nation that a peace so permanent was effected that it since has not been disturbed. He fought at Cowpens, Eutaw, King's Mountain, and in many minor engagements both with British and Indians. In fact he stood as a power of strength, and was the great protector of all the Whig settlers in upper South Carolina. Peace being restored he served his country continuously in some public office until 1801. He made a treaty with the Cherokees by which that territory embraced in the counties of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee was ceded to the State. This treaty was made at Hopewell on the banks of the Seneca Ricer nearby Cherry's Crossing on the Blue Ridge Railroad. Soon after this treaty General Pickens removed to Hopewell and erected a dwelling on the hill a short distance from the tree under which the treaty was made. He owned a large body of land on Seneca River, the lower part of which he subsequently gave to his son, Ezekiel Pickens. He served in the State Convention, in the Legislature and in Congress. He was appointed Major General of militia. While residing at Hopewell, he with Gen. Robert Anderson, built the first Presbyterian Church near where the old Stone Church now stands. When Pendleton District was formed he was one of the county judges, and held the first court ever held therein. About what time he removed to his beautiful and valuable farm, Tomassee, now in Oconee County, is not known, but he was evidently residing there when the war of 1812 broke out. In this emergency he was again pressed into public service. He acepted a seat in the Legislature and was pressed to acept the office of Governor at this eventful crisis, which he declined because he thought the office should be left to more youthful hands. He died August 11th, 1817, and was buried at the Old Stone Church. Early in life General Pickens married Rebecca Calhoun, March 19th, 1765, a sister of John Ewing Calhoun who was a senator in Congress, and the daughter of Ezekiel Calhoun, the brother Patrick Calhoun. They had a numerous family. [WFT17-2478.FTW] [Brøderbund WFT Vol. 15, Ed. 1, Tree #2478, Date of Import: Feb 12, 1999] GENERAL IN THE REVOLUTION. HIS ANCESTORS, FRENCH HUGENAUTS, LEFT FRANCE AFTER THE EDICT OF NANTES. THEY WENT FIRST TO SCOTLAND, THEN TO IRELAND, AND FINALLY TO AMERICA. THE FAMILY MOVED TO AUGUSTA CO., VA AND SOON AFTER TO WAXHAWS IN SC BEFORE HE HAD ATTAINED THE AGE OF MANHOOD. HE MOVED TO ABBEVILLE IN 1763. From DAR application for Linda Anne Daniel # 747983 "Andrew Pickens' service began on Nov 19 1775 when he was appointed Capt. of Company 2 under the command of Major Andrew Williamson. In January 1779, now Colonel Pickens, with 500 men attacked and dispersed Col. Boyds band of N.C. Loyalists on their way to Georgia. In January 1781 he rendered valuable service at the battle of Cowpens, fighting in the front lines. Gen. McCrady in his history of S.C. says, "The distinuishing feature of the battle of Cowpens upon the American side was undoubtedly the effectiveness of Pickens' marksmanship." Books about Gen. Pickens "Skyagursta, The Border Wizard Owl" by Dr. A.L. Pickens, 1934 "The Fighting Elder : Andrew Pickens" by Alice Noble, Columbia, 1962 "The Life of General Frances Marion: also lives of Generals Moultrie, Pickens, and Governor Rutledge", Moore, 1845. This sketch was taken from the obituary of General Pickens published in the Pendleton Messenger on the 27th day of August, 1817. (Old Pendleton District) Was born in Buck County, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1739, and died August 11th, 1817. His ancestors left France after the Edict of Nantes. They went first to Scotland, then to Ireland and then to America. The family then removed to Augusta County, Virginia, and soon after to the Waxhaws in South Carolina before he had attained the age of manhood. In 1761 he served as a volunteer with Moultrie and Marion, in a bloody but successful expedition under Colonel Grant against the Cherokees. After the termination of that war he removed to Long Cane settlement in Abbeville. At an early period he took a positive stand against Great Britain, and at the commencement of the war was appointed captain of militia; rose to Major, Colonel and Brigadier General. In the most despondent period of the war with such leaders as Sumter and Marion he kept up the spirit of resistance against the British, Tories and Indians. In 1781 he commanded in chief the expedition against the Cherokees in the northwest corner of the State and such was his success in a short time he so subdued the spirit of that then powerful nation that a peace so permanent was effected that it since has not been disturbed. He fought at Cowpens, Eutaw, King's Mountain, and in many minor engagements both with British and Indians. In fact he stood as a power of strength, and was the great protector of all the Whig settlers in upper South Carolina. Peace being restored he served his country continuously in some public office until 1801. He made a treaty with the Cherokees by which that territory embraced in the counties of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee was ceded to the State. This treaty was made at Hopewell on the banks of the Seneca Ricer nearby Cherry's Crossing on the Blue Ridge Railroad. Soon after this treaty General Pickens removed to Hopewell and erected a dwelling on the hill a short distance from the tree under which the treaty was made. He owned a large body of land on Seneca River, the lower part of which he subsequently gave to his son, Ezekiel Pickens. He served in the State Convention, in the Legislature and in Congress. He was appointed Major General of militia. While residing at Hopewell, he with Gen. Robert Anderson, built the first Presbyterian Church near where the old Stone Church now stands. When Pendleton District was formed he was one of the county judges, and held the first court ever held therein. About what time he removed to his beautiful and valuable farm, Tomassee, now in Oconee County, is not known, but he was evidently residing there when the war of 1812 broke out. In this emergency he was again pressed into public service. He accepted a seat in the Legislature and was pressed to accept the office of Governor at this eventful crisis, which he declined because he thought the office should be left to more youthful hands. He died August 11th, 1817, and was buried at the Old Stone Church. Early in life General Pickens married Rebecca Calhoun, March 19th, 1765, a sister of John Ewing Calhoun who was a senator in Congress, and the daughter of Ezekiel Calhoun, the brother Patrick Calhoun. They had a numerous family. Notes for REBECCA FLORIDE CALHOUN: [Brøderbund WFT Vol. 15, Ed. 1, Tree #2478, Date of Import: Oct 1, 1998] According to 800 Years of Calhouns, at the age of 15, during the Long Canes massacre, she hid for three days in the long canes to escape the Cherokee who killed her grandmother, Catherine Montgomery Calhoun on Feb 1st. 1760. Children of ANDREW PICKENS and REBECCA CALHOUN are: MARY PICKENS, b. February 19, 1766, LONG CANES CREEK, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC; d. May 27, 1836, ANDERSON DIST., SC. EZEKIEL PICKENS, b. March 30, 1768; d. May 23, 1813. iii. ANN PICKENS419,420, b. April 12, 1770, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC421,422; d. March 20, 1846, PENSACOLA, FL423,424. JANE BONNEAU PICKENS, b. November 09, 1774; d. April 1848, PONTOTOC, MS. v. MARGARET PICKINS425,426, b. July 13, 1777, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC427,428; d. December 14, 1830, DALLAS CO., AL429,430; m. GEORGE BONNE BOWIE431,432, 1794, SC433,434; b. Abt. 1770435,436; d. WFT Est. 1800-1861437,438. ANDREW PICKENS, JR, b. November 15, 1779, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC; d. June 24, 1858. REBECCA PICKENS, b. January 03, 1784, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC; d. February 05, 1831, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC. viii. CATHERINE PICKENS439,440, b. June 09, 1786, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC441,442; d. May 18, 1871, DALLAS CO., AL443,444; m. JOHN HUNTER445,446, Abt. 1808447,448; b. Abt. 1785449,450; d. WFT Est. 1814-1876451,452. JOSEPH PICKENS453,454, b. November 30, 1791, ABBEVILLE DIST., SC455,456; d. February 03, 1853, MOBILE, AL457,458; m. CAROLINE HENDERSON459,460, July 28, 1828, SC461,462; b. February 12, 1807, NEWBERRY DIST., SC463,464; d. March 21, 1853, MOBILE, AL465,466. o----------o This Sketch was taken from the obituary of General Andrew Pickens published in the Pendleton Messenger on the 27th day of August, 1817. "General Andrew Pickens was born in Buck County Penn. Sept. 13, 1739 and died August 11th, 1817. His ancestors left France after the Edict of Nantes. They went first to Scotland, then Ireland and then to America. The family then removed to Augusta County, Va. and soon after to the Waxhaws in South Carolina, before he had attained the age of manhood. "In 1761 he served as a volunteer with Moultrie and Marion in a bloody but successful expedition under Col. Grant against the Cherokee Indians. After that war he removed to a settlement at Abbeville. "At an early period he took a positive stand against Great Britain and at the commencement of the war was appointed Captain of the Militia, rose to Major, Colonel and Brigadier General. "In 1781 he commanded in chief the expedition against the Cherokees in the North West Corner of the state and such was his success in a short time he so subdued the spirit of the then powerful nation that a peace so permanent was effected that it has since not been disturbed. "He fought at Cowpens, Eutow, Kings Mountain, and in many minor engagements both with British and Indians, in fact, he stood as a power of strength and was the greatest protector of all the Whig settlers in upper South Carolina. Peace being restored, he served his country continuously in some public office until 1801. He made a treaty with the Cherokees by which that territory embraced in the counties of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee was ceded to the state. This treaty was made at Hopewell on the banks of the Seneca River nearby Cherry Crossing on the Blue Ridge Railroad. Soon after this treaty, General Pickens removed to Hopewell and erected a dwelling on the hill a short distance from the tree under which the treaty was signed. He owned a large body of land on the Seneca River; the lower part of which he subsequently gave to his son, Ezekiel Pickens. He served in the State Convention; in the Legislature and in Congress. He was appointed Major General of the Militia. While residing at Hopewell, he with General Robert Anderson, built the first Presbyterian Church near where the Old Stone Church now stands. About what time he removed to his beautiful and valuable farm, Tomassee, now in Oconee County is not known, but he was evidently residing there when the war of 1812 broke out. He died August 11, 1817 and was buried at the Old Stone Church. Early in life General Pickens married Rebecca Calhoun on March 19, 1765, at the home of her father." The Romance of General Andrew Pickens and Rebecca Calhoun When the Pickens family moved from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, they settled in the small town of Abbeville. Later young Andrew had a prominent part in bringing about a permanent settlement with the Cherokee Indians. During the time of the Indian uprising, an event occurred destined to greatly effect his life. Among those who escaped the Indian massacre was Ezekiel Calhoun and his pretty young daughter Rebecca, just 15 years of age. During their three years there young Andrew and Rebecca became friends. There was nothing unusual about that and nothing was thought about it at this time as he was away the greater part of the time. The separation of the young couple was not for long. His friendship with Rebecca grew into love and they were married March 19, 1765, at the home of her father. They were married by a Justice of the Peace, Wm. Calhoun. Both families were loyal church members, but ministers were few and hard to reach. Tradition says it was the largest wedding party ever assembled in upper S.C. up to this time. The festivities lasted three days without interruption. The beauty of the bride was the theme of all talks and the wedding was long talked of as the most important event of the decade. Andrew bought 250 acres of land and they built a house which is described elsewhere. She was said to be one of the most gifted women of her time, and was an equal match for her famous husband. These are the children of General Andrew Pickens and Rebecca Calhoun: 1. Mary Pickens, married John Harris. 2. Ezekiel Pickens, married first Eliza Bonneau, second Eliza Barksdale. 3. Ann Pickens, married John Simpson. 4. Jane Pickens, married Dr. John Miller. 5. Margaret Pickens, married Dr. George Bowie. 6. Andrew Pickens, married first Susan Wilkinson, second Mary Nelson. 7. Rebecca Pickens, married William Noble, son of Major Alexander Noble. 8. Catherine, married Dr. John Hunter. 9. Joseph, married Caroline Henderson By: Mitch Fincher, 1948 o----------o GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS This Sketch was taken from the obituary of General Andrew Pickens published in the Pendleton Messenger on the 27th day of August, 1817. "General Andrew Pickens was born in Buck County Penn. Sept. 13, 1739 and died August 11th, 1817. His ancestors left France after the Edict of Nantes. They went first to Scotland, then Ireland and then to America. The family then removed to Augusta County, Va. and soon after to the Waxhaws in South Carolina, before he had attained the age of manhood. "In 1761 he served as a volunteer with Moultrie and Marion in a bloody but successful expedition under Col. Grant against the Cherokee Indians. After that war he removed to a settlement at Abbeville. "At an early period he took a positive stand against Great Britain and at the commencement of the war was appointed Captain of the Militia, rose to Major, Colonel and Brigadier General. "In 1781 he commanded in chief the expedition against the Cherokees in the North West Corner of the state and such was his success in a short time he so subdued the spirit of the then powerful nation that a peace so permanent was effected that it has since not been disturbed. "He fought at Cowpens, Eutow, Kings Mountain, and in many minor engagements both with British and Indians, in fact, he stood as a power of strength and was the greatest protector of all the Whig settlers in upper South Carolina. Peace being restored, he served his country continuously in some public office until 1801. He made a treaty with the Cherokees by which that territory embraced in the counties of Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee was ceded to the state. This treaty was made at Hopewell on the banks of the Seneca River nearby Cherry Crossing on the Blue Ridge Railroad. Soon after this treaty, General Pickens removed to Hopewell and erected a dwelling on the hill a short distance from the tree under which the treaty was signed. He owned a large body of land on the Seneca River; the lower part of which he subsequently gave to his son, Ezekiel Pickens. He served in the State Convention; in the Legislature and in Congress. He was appointed Major General of the Militia. While residing at Hopewell, he with General Robert Anderson, built the first Presbyterian Church near where the Old Stone Church now stands. About what time he removed to his beautiful and valuable farm, Tomassee, now in Oconee County is not known, but he was evidently residing there when the war of 1812 broke out. He died August 11, 1817 and was buried at the Old Stone Church. Early in life General Pickens married Rebecca Calhoun on March 19, 1765, at the home of her father." The Romance of General Andrew Pickens and Rebecca Calhoun When the Pickens family moved from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, they settled in the small town of Abbeville. Later young Andrew had a prominent part in bringing about a permanent settlement with the Cherokee Indians. During the time of the Indian uprising, an event occurred destined to greatly effect his life. Among those who escaped the Indian massacre was Ezekiel Calhoun and his pretty young daughter Rebecca, just 15 years of age. During their three years there young Andrew and Rebecca became friends. There was nothing unusual about that and nothing was thought about it at this time as he was away the greater part of the time. The separation of the young couple was not for long. His friendship with Rebecca grew into love and they were married March 19, 1765, at the home of her father. They were married by a Justice of the Peace, Wm. Calhoun. Both families were loyal church members, but ministers were few and hard to reach. Tradition says it was the largest wedding party ever assembled in upper S.C. up to this time. The festivities lasted three days without interruption. The beauty of the bride was the theme of all talks and the wedding was long talked of as the most important event of the decade. Andrew bought 250 acres of land and they built a house which is described elsewhere. She was said to be one of the most gifted women of her time, and was an equal match for her famous husband. These are the children of General Andrew Pickens and Rebecca Calhoun: 1. Mary Pickens, married John Harris. 2. Ezekiel Pickens, married first Eliza Bonneau, second Eliza Barksdale. 3. Ann Pickens, married John Simpson. 4. Jane Pickens, married Dr. John Miller. 5. Margaret Pickens, married Dr. George Bowie. 6. Andrew Pickens, married first Susan Wilkinson, second Mary Nelson. 7. Rebecca Pickens, married William Noble, son of Major Alexander Noble. 8. Catherine, married Dr. John Hunter. 9. Joseph, married Caroline Henderson Ezekiel Pickens And Wife Elizabeth Barksdale o----------o 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. ANDREW PICKENS HERO OF UPPER SOUTH CAROLINA The Pickens family were of Huguenot ancestry, crossing as best they could the guarded borders of France in the time of Louis XIV, exiles for Liberty and religion, they settled for a while in Scotland, later going to Ireland, where the parents of Andrew Pickens were born. "The yearning for a state without a king, a church without a bishop" they crossed the broad Atlantic and settled in Paxon township in Pennsylvania, where the subject of this brief sketch was born, September 19, 1739. A few years later the family removed to Augusta county, Virginia, but learning of a milder climate and the rich lands of upper South Carolina, they joined the long wagon trains across the mountains and arrived at Long Cane, in what is now Abbeville county, when Andrew was thirteen years of age. The stalwart people who came overland and settled the Piedmont section of South Carolina, were for the most part what is known as Scotch-Irish in race and Protestant in religion, of a pronounced type. They were true to their convictions, honest, frugal and courageous. At seventeen, Pickens was a sturdy pioneer, an expert woodsman and an Indian fighter. At twenty-one he was a Colonel in General Grant's expedition against the Cherokees. When the massacre occurred at Long Cane in 1761, many of the fugitives took refuge at Waxhaw settlement on the Catawba. Here went young Pickens and the interesting family of Ezekiel Calhoun. It was here that Andrew and the fair Rebecca Calhoun became acquainted. These families again took up their residence at Long Cane and the romance of these two flowered into marriage on March 19, 1765. Tradition tells us that it was the largest wedding party ever assembled in upper South Carolina up to that time. The feasting lasted three days and the beauty of the bride was the theme on every tongue. Mrs. Pickens, an aunt of South Carolina's distinguished statesman, John C. Calhoun, was a gifted, cultured lady and a patriotic wife of the Revolution. A recent writer says: "A beautiful and devoted wife, a cheerful fireside, peace and plenty about him-what more could a man crave?" Pickens was opposed to Taxation without Representation and only six months after the beginning of the War for Independence we find him at Ninety Six on the patriot's side. He had no personal grievance, nor had the region in which he lived happily, but the voice of duty called him. Such was his influence because of his courage and integrity that when he declared against George III and cast his lot with the patriots, that all of upper South Carolina went with him. Years of hardship followed, his family ex- posed to hostile Indians and Tories and his only aspiration the freedom of colonies. What Marion was to the low country, Sumter to the middle country, Pickens was to the up country. When the British were in possession of the colony from the mountains to the sea, these three irrepressible champions of Independence kept alive the spirit of liberty. Their names should forever shine as the stars in the history of South Carolina. Historical writers have done scant justice to Gen. Pickens and have failed to give him credit for his great services. The year 1779 was a busy year in this hero's life. He, with 400 men, defeated Col. Boyd at Kettle Creek, in Georgia. Col. Boyd was mortally wounded. Pickens offered to pray for him but Boyd curtly refused by saying: "No, I'll have none of your d-- rebel prayers, but you can send my silver spurs to my wife." He played an important part at the seige of Augusta. In the same year he fought a most desperate battle with the Cherokees at Tamassee and was over-whelmingly victorious. At Stone Bridge his horse was shot from under him. At Eutaw Springs he was in command of the militia and barely escaped death when a bullet glanced off his belt buckle. Few know that he was second in command to Gen. Morgan at the battle of Cowpens. Col. Howard, of the Maryland line said: "Morgan did not decide on action until he was joined the night before by Pickens and his followers." When Green detached Morgan for special duty which terminated in the battle of Cowpens, he had a small force and reinforcements were necessary. To no one more than Col. Pickens is the credit due for bringing help. Early in the fight the British were pressing on when suddenly, Tarleton said, his men began to quail before the deadly fire of Pickens and Howard. Col. William Washington's cavalry charged. Pickens and Howard in person, advanced with their troops and in twenty minutes a large part of the enemy forces were captured. Col. Pickens received the sword of McArthur, the commander of the 71st regiment. Congress presented a sword to Col. Pickens and Gov. Rutledge made him a Brigadier General. In 1782 he was again sent against the Cherokee Indians and gained for Georgia a large portion of territory from the Chattahochee to the Savannah river. In 1785 he made a treaty with the Cherokees at Hopewell on Keowee, his newly acquired home. The treaty secured the present counties of Oconee, Anderson, Pickens and Greenville and parts of North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee from the Indians. Gen. Pickens made the treaty of Natchez, Milledgeville and many others. He ran the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee. In war he was noted for his strategy and military tactics, but he was equally great in times of peace. He held the first court ever held in Abbeville, was a delegate to the first Constitutional Convention and was a useful member of the state legislature for eleven years. In 1794 he was elected a member of Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. There were no railroads or stage coaches and one must travel by horseback. The late Capt. W. A. Courtenay draws for us this interesting picture: "Picture for yourselves a man approaching his three score years, of martial figure and dignified mein' mounted on a milk- white Andalusian steed, the silver mountings of which gleamed in the sunlight; a three-cornered hat, from beneath, the silvery grey hair, put smoothly back and tied in a queue; an undress military coat, ruffled shirt and fair top boots with handsome silver spurs. Following at a little distance is his African attendant, Pompey, in livery of blue, carrying a portmanteau with a consequential air, showing in every movement the pride of a body servant in his revered master. Paint this in your mind's eye and you have before you a gentleman with his servant on his way to Congress. Such was Gen. Andrew Pickens as he passed through Philadelphia in 1794." He declined reelection to Congress and was again returned as a member of the Legislature. He deeded his home Hopewell, known at this time as the Cherry place, to his son Andrew and planned to spend his remaining years in peace and quietude at his mountain home, Tamassee. Here he was largely instrumental in building Bethel church and was one of its first elders. President Washington asked him to go on an expedition against the Western Indians, but this he declined to do. He refused the Governorship of his state and many other honors. He was greatly beloved by the Indians and passed peacefully away while sitting under a cedar tree at Tamassee on August 11, 1817. He is buried beside his wife at the Old Stone Church. A simple headstone, enclosed by a brick wall, bears this inscription: "General Andrew Pickens was born September 13, 1739, and died August 11, 1817. He was a Christian, a patriot and a soldier. His characteristics and actions are incorporated with the history of his country. Filial affection raises this stone to his memory." He left three sons and five daughters. o----------o ----- Original Message ----- From: gtygerlady@comcast.net To: GoldenCorner GenWeb Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:33 PM Subject: Re: Black Cemetery Project The original poultry farm was located on Hwy 28 (Old Pendleton Road) and on Rock Creek Road. If you turn on to Rock Creek Road all the land to your left up where the road goes over the hill was all chicken coops at one time and a big hay barn. I remember that when I was a little girl I used to follow Grand Daddy around to feed the chickens and gather eggs. And on your right was a feed barn and the main poultry office and some chicken houses where they keep all the baby chicks. Then they moved all that over to Old Cherry Road and tore down all the other buildings on Old Pendleton Road and on Rock Creek Road. Genny o----------o CLEMSON UNIVERSITY - Hopewell, the structure once home to Andrew Pickens - a Revolutionary War general and the man for whom Pickens County is named - now sits empty, as it has for the last few years. But Clemson University public-service activities officials are researching ways to bring the house back to its original state and how best to utilize the historic property, said Will Hiott, director of historic properties for the university. The house recently underwent repairs, but most of the work being done currently is research, said Hiott, who also is the curator of Fort Hill - John C. Calhoun's home - and Hanover House. In the last year, the roof of Hopewell needed to be repaired, Hiott said, after a tree limb damaged it. Now that the building is secure, he said, the long process of figuring out how to protect it and what to do with it has begun. "We've received a planning grant from the state historic preservation office," Hiott said. "That has provided us with some existing data and given us some plans and drawings. It's the same type of research we did with Fort Hill when we did some preservation planning with it. The documentation is the first phase of any restoration project." The university is considering using the house as an interpretive center or museum, as well as perhaps a facility where visiting guests could stay. "There's no thought of letting it linger and fall in," Hiott said. "The first thing we've undertaken is securing the roof. ... We have proposals in the works for exterior painting. ... We need to look at restoring the windows. Those are the next phases that we are working on." An adjoining cemetery also has been identified as an area to protect. According to the Pendleton District Historical, Recreational and Tourism Commission, Andrew Pickens bought the land for Hopewell in 1784. First a log lodge and later a house, Pickens' home was the site of treaty signings with the Southern Indian tribes. Later, the house was sold to David Cherry and became a railroad stop called Cherry's Crossing in the 1890s. It was a stop for Clemson cadets on their way from the railroad to the new Clemson campus, according to the commission. By: Anderson Independent Mail, Liz Cary, 2-May-2008 o----------o From: Anne Sheriff Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 6:53 PM While working on Death Certificates and found a Annie Ligon (Negro), died 22 Jul 1915. Place of Burial is listed as Cherries. The cemetery behind the Turkey Farm at Clemson was on the Cherry Farm. The Undertaker was George Robertson at Pendleton, SC. Anne Sheriff o----------o Who Was General Andrew Pickens Reprinted with permission from the U.S. Forest Service General Andrew Pickens, the "Wizard Owl" Long before Harry Potter, the upstate of South Carolina had it's own Wizard Owl. Known by the Cherokee as Skyagunsta, or the Wizard Owl as a tribute to his skill as a warrior, General Andrew Pickens played an important role in the history of the state and the nation. Pickens, the stern old Presbyterian, was also known as the "Fighting Elder." He was a veteran Indian fighter and took part in several decisive battles with the British during the American Revolution including the battle of Cowpens that turned the tide of war in favor of the Americans. He, along with Thomas Sumter, the "Gamecock," and Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," were the fathers of the guerilla tactics that enabled the outgunned and out numbered American army to defeat the larger and better equipped British forces. Pickens was viewed by some historians as a courageous hero and by others as one who exploited the Cherokee, killing them and burning their villages as a soldier, while at the same time amassing a personal fortune in Indian trade. Paradoxical as his life may have seemed, an elder and a warrior, a farmer and a trader, respected by the Cherokee as a soldier and yet their enemy, Pickens nonetheless was a tactical genius and a man of true courage. Here is a brief history of General Andrew Pickens, the Wizard Owl, whose life has left an indelible mark on our culture and our history. General Andrew Pickens is the namesake for the mountain district of the Sumter National Forest in the northwest corner of South Carolina. An able commander of South Carolina rebel militia during the American Revolution, Pickens was born near Paxtang, Pennsylvania, of Scots Irish immigrants. His family moved south to the Waxhaws with other Scots Irish families in the mid 1700s. Andrew Pickens served in the Cherokee War of 1760-1761 and was an officer in a provincial regiment that accompanied Colonel James Grant and British regulars in an expedition against the Lower Cherokee towns in 1761. He moved in 1764 to the Long Cane Creek settlement in Abbeville County where he married Rebecca Calhoun, aunt of John C. Calhoun. In 1768, Pickens built a blockhouse at the future location of Abbeville, to defend against Indian attack and to serve as his base for the Indian trading business. Pickens, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, was described as a severe, dour, Scots Irishman of few words. He fathered six children. Much of his future wealth was built on trade with the Cherokees. He was also a farmer, justice of the peace, and church leader at the outbreak of the Revolution. He became a captain of rebel militia under Andrew Williamson at Ninety Six in 1775 and took part in the 1775 Snow Campaign against loyalist militia in the piedmont. A majority of the settlers in the back country remained loyal to the king or did not support rebellion. The Cherokees attacked several settlements along the frontier and killed many settlers in July 1776. Captain Andrew Pickens led militiamen from the Long Canes in Williamson's expedition to burn the Lower Cherokee towns in northern South Carolina. The settlements of Essenecca (Seneca), Tomassee, Jocassee, Estatoe, Tugaloo, Brass Town, Cane Creek, Chehohee, Qualhatchee, Toxaway, Chittitogo, Sugar Town, Keowee, and others were destroyed. Andrew Pickens was leading a detachment of 25 men to destroy Tamassee when they were attacked by a large Cherokee force estimated at over 150 men and surrounded in an open field. The militiamen formed a small circle and fired out at the surrounding Indians in what came to be called the "Ring Fight." Pickens won the fight after being reinforced. Following the destruction of the Lower Cherokee towns, Williamson conducted a campaign into Georgia and North Carolina to destroy the Cherokee Valley Towns. Andrew Pickens was elected major for this expedition. Williamson's forces fought five battles with the Cherokees and destroyed 32 towns and villages in the Lower and Valley settlements. Major Pickens served in General Williamson's army in 1778 in a failed attempt to take British St. Augustine. In the spring of 1778, he was appointed colonel of the Regiment of Ninety Six South Carolina Militia. The British occupied Augusta and were recruiting loyalist troops in the western piedmont when Andrew Pickens' militia surprised and defeated a loyalist force of 700 men gathered at Kettle Creek about 50 miles northwest of Augusta. The British were forced to withdraw from Augusta and serious efforts by them to control the back country were suspended until the fall of Charleston in 1780. After Charleston was surrendered to the British, Andrew Pickens, along with many other rebel leaders accepted parole and British rule. When loyalists burned his home and plundered his property in late 1780, Pickens informed the British that they had violated the terms of his parole and he was rejoining the rebels. He was soon leading operations in the vicinity of Ninety Six and over to Georgia. Pickens cooperated well with Continental forces. He was in charge of the South Carolina militia at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. There, with Continental troops under General Daniel Morgan, the rebels won a great victory over British regulars commanded by Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Following the Battle at Cowpens, Andrew Pickens command worked with the Continental Army under Nathaniel Greene in North Carolina. After the Battle at Weitzel's Mill, Andrew Pickens' South Carolina and Georgia militia were called home from North Carolina to defend local rebel interests and missed the major battle at Guilford Courthouse. General Pickens worked with Colonel Elijah Clarke in harassing British forces in the area between Ninety Six and Augusta. The British in Augusta surrendered to Pickens, Clarke, and Continental troops under Colonel "Light Horse Harry" Lee in April 1781. The Star Fort at Ninety Six withstood a siege and attack by General Greene and the Continental Army in June. As Greene withdrew from Ninety Six, he instructed Pickens to harass the enemy and most importantly keep peace between the rebels and loyalists in the back country. In July the British destroyed the fort and village at Ninety Six and withdrew south. Pickens Nose is a 4,900 ft. mountain that lies on an ancient Indian trail near Rabun Gap, where Pickens once fought the Cherokee. As the British withdrew, Andrew Pickens gave strict orders to his men to observe justice, and restore peace and order. He soon joined General Nathaniel Greene who was moving to attach the British under Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart on the Santee River. At the Battle of Eutaw Springs on September 8, Pickens was shot off of his horse by a bullet which hit the buckle of his sword belt. He was not seriously wounded, but the wound troubled him in later years. The battle ended in a draw. In September, while General Pickens was recuperating from his wound, the Cherokees attacked settlements on the western frontier. With the withdrawal of the British Army, Governor Rutledge moved to re-establish civil government in South Carolina. In January 1782, Andrew Pickens became a member of the South Carolina General Assembly. Recovered from his wound, in March 1782, Pickens led a force again against the Lower Cherokees and burned several villages in Oconee County. In 1785, he met with the Cherokee at the Treaty of Hopewell where the Indians ceded their lands to the state. In 1787, Pickens moved to Seneca and his plantation at Hopewell. About 1802, he moved to the site of the former Cherokee Village Tomassee, near where he had the "ring fight" in 1776 and built a plantation which he named after the village. Pickens lived at Tamassee until 1817. He remained an elder in the Presbyterian Church and was the first United States congressman from the Pendleton District. The Andrew Pickens Ranger District was named after this early South Carolina military and political leader. His final home at Tamassee is located at the eastern edge of the district. The General Pickens District began with land acquired in 1914 in what was called the Savannah Purchase Unit under the authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. It became part of the Sumter National Forest by presidential proclamation in 1936. DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in May-2001 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in May-2001 HISTORY WRITE-UP : Pier M. Larson at John Hopkins University LOCATION WRITE-UP: Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in May-2001 TRANSCRIPTION .. : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in May-2001 (100) field stone markers REESE, Hannah, b. est-1808, d. 8-jun-1857, a. 49y, h. james reese, (*) THOMPSON, Loutilda, b. 10-jun-1916, d. 20-oct-1918 (*) The first pastor of the Old Stone Church was Dr. Thomas Reese. When the building of the church was begun in 1797, it was unclear when the construction would be completed. The church was built on a subscription basis: people donated funds to the church, and when the funds ran out, the building stopped until more money could be raised. Unfortunately, Dr. Reese did not live to see the completion of the church. He may have been the first person to be buried in the church cemetery. Dr. Reese's son is also buried there, but his story is very different from his father's. Sidney Reese shares the dubious distinction of being one of two people buried in Old Stone Church who died in duels. Sidney was killed over a quarrel on a trivial matter by a man named Michie. The other duel victim was Turner Byrum. Byrum was an ardent follower of John C. Calhoun. In a serious disagreement with B.F. Perry (a future governor of South Carolina), a duel resulted with Byrum being mortally wounded. He was buried at midnight during a heavy rainstorm. Could Hannah's descendants be Slaves belonging to the Reese family? Could this cemetery actually be one for a historical settlement area? o----------o From: Jerry Alexander Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:23 PM I have never have seen anything concrete about where Gen. Pickens buried his slaves. But it is probable he had several over the years. As you know ,he moved to the treaty site in 1784 from Abbeville. He probably had slaves in Abbeville as well. Some may be buried there and left there probably. A few years later he moved to his new log home at Tamassee, called the red house by the Cherokee. He died there in 1817 and was buried back at Old Stone Church. He regularly tilled several hundred acres up there at Tamassee for a number of years and it follows that slaves would have lived up there to do the work. So some may be buried on his Tamassee property, for that matter. Gen. Pickens' grave is close to the Stone Church and is easy to find. You probably know it already. There are several books available about him in the county library system, from the Seneca Library. Just ask there and check them out. It is possible you can glean something from them. One is called Skiagunsta, etc. Another is the Wizard Owl of Tamassee or something of that nature, I think. But the librarian will obviously know the names of the books about General Andrew Pickens. Thanks , Jerry Alexander