Lewis Gardner
Camden Chronicle
Nov. 28, 1924
Death of Aged Man
Mr. Lewis Gardner, an aged Confederate Veteran, died Friday at the home of his son, Mr. L. Gardner, at the Hermitage Mill village. Mr. Gardner was 89 years of age and leaves a large number of relatives in the county. The burial took place at Malvern Hill chapel Saturday afternoon.
William Clarkson Gerald
Camden Chronicle
Feb. 10, 1910
After a long and tedious illness Mr. W. C. Gerald died at his home on upper Main Street last Friday night at 9:20 o'clock. r Gerald was one of our oldest citizens, having been born in Kirkwood November 6, 1834--more than 75 years ago. His entire life has been spent in Camden except during the War. When war was declared he enlisted in the cause of the Confederacy and served faithfully through the entire four years of the Civil War. After returning from the War,he engaged in merchandising and for many years did a large and lucrative business.
Besides a widow Mr. Gerald leaves surviving him five children--Mr. John D. Gerald of Manning, Mr. Arthur Gerald of Augusta, GA, Misses Minnie and Mattie Gerald and Mrs. John R. Rhame of Camden.
Being of a quiet and unasuming nature Mr. Gerald had many friends, in fact everybody was his friend for it can truthfully be said of him that he did no one any harm and wished everybody well. He was a good citizen a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father.
He was confined to his bed for five months but bore his affliction without a murmer, being perfectly satisfied when surrounded by his loved ones whose faithfullness and devotion to him was beautiful to witness. Never have we seen greater devotion or faithfulness anywhere. Each member of the family without a single exception did all for him that love could devise, some of them exceeded their physical endurance. For weeks before his death his devoted wife and children were constantly at his bedside and not the slightest wish of his was left ungratified. Although he had been sick so long the end came as quietly as a babe falling asleep, indeed so peaceful was his sleep that those nearest him could scarcely detect when life passed out.
Mr. Gerald was a member of the Methodist church and his beloved bore testimony that days before his death his trust was strong in a crucified Redeemer.
The funeral took place from the Methodist Church at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.
The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Seldom has a more exquiste collection ever been seen. An especially attractive tribute was sent by the firm of Voncamp, Vaughan & Gerald of Augusta, GA. of which Mr. Arthur Gerald is a member, also one from the clerks of the same establishment. A very pretty design was also sent by the local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy. So large was the collection that when placed upon the mound the grave was almost entirely hidden from view.
James W. Gardner
Death of Mr. J. W. Gardner
Mr. James W. Gardner died at his home near here last Thursday night January 20th 1909 after an illness of two years, with paralysis. His death has cast a gloom over our entire community, although his demise has been expected for a long time.
Mr. Gardner was a little over 65 years of age having been born on November 20th 1843.
When the War between the sections broke out he enlisted in Boykin's Company the DeKalb Rifles and served throughout that terrible conflict with conspicaous bravery and gallantry. He was slightly wounded and was captured at the battle of Weldon Railroad in 1864. He was made lieutenant just before the war closed. After the war Mr. Gardner came back to the old homestead and manfully took up the burden of life. He was a great reader and was well informed on current events. His unfailing courtesy, affable manners and well known hospitality made him numerous friends and admirers. He was elected county commissioner of this county in 1882 and re-elected to the same position in 1884 and served his constituancy with credit and ability. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church. He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father and a warm friend. Mr. Gardner leaves a wife and six children-three sons, Lewis, Sidney and Horace and three daughters, Mrs. T. A. Horton of Clyde, Mrs. T. C. Nelson of Kershaw and Mrs. C. McDonald of Hartsville. The funeral services were conducted at Bethany Methodist church last Saturday morning by Rev. O. D. Spires, the pallbearers being six of the deceased comrades during the war. To the sorely bereaved widow, whose unwavering, loving and gentle devotion to her afflicted husband through his long illness has won for her the deepest respect of all and to the other relatives, we extend our sincerest sympathy.
{Confederate: Co A, 7th Battalion}
James A. Grigsby Dead
Camden Chronicle
March 2, 1923
Well Known Citizen of Near Blaney Expired Suddenly Saturday
James A. Grigsby, well known farmer of upper Richland was found dead in the barn lot of his home Saturday morning by his grandson, Bryan Grigsby. Medical aide was quickly summoned but life seemed to have been extinct when the body was found, death having come apparently without warning. Mr. Grigsby, who was 82 years of age, was twice married; his first wife, Miss Lottie Reeves of Lancaster,having died 32 years ago. His second wife, who was Miss Annie Baxter of upper Richland survives as do the following daughters and sons: Mrs. John Amos, Columbia, Mrs. Paul Hemmings and Mrs. Max Lowe of Wellborn FL, Mrs. John Kelly of Blaney, J. T. Grigsby of Columbia, Dr. W. D. Grigsby, Blaney and J.M. Grigsby of Richland county.
Mr. Grigsby was a Confederate veteran and for years had held a prominent place in the various activities of this section. He was widely known and the announcement of his death will bring sorrow to his many friends.
The above is from the Columbia State of Sunday morning. While Mr. Grigsby resided on the line of Kershaw and Richland, he voted and claimed Kershaw county as his residence.
He lived in the Harmony section about 6 miles northwest of Blaney. Mr. Grigsby was at one time county school commissioner, before the office was changed to superintendent of education. He had also held other offices of trust in his county and always took an active part in politics. He was well known and highly respected. Besides his relatives named above he is survived by two half brothers in Camden, Messrs. R. B. Williams and R.D. Williams.
The funeral and burial was held at Smyrna Methodist church Sunday afternoon and was largely attended, many being present from Camden.
David Gillis
The Camden Chronicle
Friday, November 5, 1920
Death of an Old Veteran
The home of Mr. David Gillis, who resides in the Stockton community was deeply saddened when death claimed his aged father, Mr. John Gillis, Tuesday afternoon, October 26th about 3 o'clock. He had been in declining health for several years and had just recupertated from a severe attack of heart failure a short time before he died. His death was not unexpected for all of his children had been called to his bedside during this attack.
Mr. Gillis was about seventy five years of age having been born in November 3rd, 1845, and had served three years during the War Between the States. He had resided in this community about twenty-five years and had always been known as an honest, straight-forward, law abiding citizen. He was liked by all who knew him and was a member of the Baptist Church. The sympathy of the community goes to the bereaved ones.
His body was interred in Quaker Cemetery at Camden Wednesday afternoon, funeral services being conducted by the Rev. M.M. Benson. The following acted as pall bearers: Messrs W. R. Gardner, Frank Baker, E.C. Pearce, Julian Rush, Colley Gillis and Hoyt Rush.
Mr. Gillis is survived by his wife and the following sons and daughters: Daniel, David and Paul Gillis of Boykin, W. A. Gillis of Columbia: Elby Gillis of Kingstree: Mrs. Annie Turner of the Antioch section and Mrs. Larry Sni___ of St. Charles.
Isaac Gardner
Camden Chronicle
September 21, 1938
County's Oldest Confederate Veteran is Laid to Final Rest
Kershaw, Sept. 19
Funeral services for Isaac (Coot) Gardner, 92 oldest Confederate veteran of Kershaw county who died at the home of John S. Gardner, Sunday afternoon, were conducted at the Buffalo Baptist church at 4 o'clock this afternoon by the Rev. D. M. Sanders. pastor of the First Baptist church of Kershaw. Mr. Gardner was born in Lancaster county September 4, 1846 where he spent the greater portion of his early manhood. At the age of 18, he answered the call of his country, enlisting in Company E Twelth, South Carolina Regiment under Colonel Clyburn. He served with this unit until the surrender of the Southern forces, he and his company being with General Lee at the time of his surrender at Appomattox courthouse, from which place Mr. Gardner received his discharge April 10, 1865. After the War Mr. Gardner returned to his home and married Miss Mary Baker of Chesterfield and they moved to the Buffalo section of Kershaw county, where he lived the remainder of his life. His wife preceded him to the grave two years ago. He is survived by the following sons: John S., Tom, Amzie and Fred, all of Kershaw and five daughters, Mrs. Levy Robinson, Mrs. Abbie Williams of Lancaster and Mrs. R. N. Roberts, Mrs. R. W. Seegars and Mrs. S. R. Johnson of Kershaw. Also 66 grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Labon C. Hough
Camden Chronicle
March 17, 1911
Col. L. C. Hough
Another one of that immortal band that followed Lee and Jackson has "crossed over the river to rest under the shade". Col. Labon C. Hough died at his home at Kershaw last Monday morning at 5 o'clock after suffering about two or three weeks with a carbuncle.
Col. Hough was 65 years old. When a mere boy he entered the Confederate Army. He was a member of Co. F, 7th South Carolina Batalion under the command of Captain Dove Seegars. During the entire war he rendered valiant service. He was noted for his gallantry and was universally loved by his command. He was badly wounded in the battle of the Weldon RR, on the 21st of August 1864 from which wound he lost the sight of one of his eyes. This was the famous charge of Hagood's brigade when Gen. Hagood was forced to shoot the Union officer Capt. Dayley, to recover the colors of his regiment.
In life he possessed one of the most rare and noble virtues known to man in his intercourse with his fellowman -- he was a true friend. If Col. Hough was your friend, in your absence and in his presence no one could traduce your good name without it being resented to the utmost. Were you hungry, if he had a crust, it was yours; were you in need, if he had a cent it was yours.
He was the son of the late Ben Hough. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss S__ Kirkland of Kershaw county and his second, Mrs. Cook, widow of W. B. Cook who survives him with the following children of the first marriage: Daniel Hough of Kershaw, Clarence Hough of Flat Rock, Joseph Hough of Bethune, Mrs. Kirby Estridge of Bethune, Mrs. Bateman of Charleston, Misses Gussie, Lois and Eva Hough of Kershaw. He also leaves one brother, Amos and one or more sisters.
The funeral took place at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon from the Presbyterian Church of which he was a leading member and elder. The services were conducted by his pastor, assisted by Rev. Jabez Ferris of the Baptist Church. The burial was in the Kershaw cemetery with masonic honors. Through respect to him the stores in Kershaw were closed and all business was suspended for the funeral which was one of the most largely attended ever seen in Kershaw. Col. Hough was a member of the Masonic lodge of Camden and a delegation from this lodge attended the funeral. In the death of Col. Hough Kershaw county losed one of her very best citizens. Peace to his ashes.
James L. Haile
Camden Chronicle
Feb. 28, 1908
“Leaf by leaf the roses fall, Drop by drop the springs run dry”
A few years more and the last of that band of matchless heroes, who immortalized their race for all time, will have passed on and joined the great majority. Among those heroes, James L. Haile was conspicuous. Born May 31, 1841, he was just graduated from King’s Mountain Academy when the war began. Here he was associated with those superb soldiers, Gen. Jenkins, Gen. Law, Col. Coward, Catp. C. A. Seabrook, Lieutenant John W. Jamison, and scores of others who died for the cause. He volunteered in Co. E, Captain John D. Kennedy, Col. Kershaw’s 2nd South Carolina Regiment and was present at the seige of Fort Sumter. He then went to Virginia as Sergeant Major of its regiment, and as such participated with marked gallantry in all the battles and hardships of the first year of the war. At the organization of the 2nd regiment, at the end of the first year, he enlisted for the remainder of the war in the Kirkwood Rangers - a crack military company sent out from Camden- and shared its glories in the army of Northern Virginia until Appomattox, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. His comrades, both in the Infantry and Cavalry, speak of him as one who was ever ready, and conspicuously active in the discharge of duty.
After the war, in Dec. 1867, he was happily married to Miss Mary Hamilton of North Carolina, who with two daughters and three sons, survives him. He lived in NC for a time, but true to his native state, he returned to participate in her redemption from the rule of the scalawag and carpetbagger. He was twice elected Sheriff of Kershaw County and took an active part in every movement for the welfare of South Carolina. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a good husband, a good father, a good neighbor, a good friend, a good citizen. What more need be said? “ To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
“There is no death! An angel’s form,
Walks o’er the earth with silent tread,
He bears our best beloved away
And then we call them dead”.
Joseph W. Hyatt
Camden Chronicle
February 6, 1914
On the 21st day of January, Mr. J. W. Hyatt of the Cassatt section died at his home at 9pm.
Mr. Hyatt had lived in that section for a number of years and was a man of many friends. For eight years or longer he had been paralyzed and confined to his home without walking. He was born in South Carolina May 22, 1844 and lived in the Cassatt section for a number of years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and was a faithful member as long as he was able to attend. He is survived by his wife and nine children.
When the War Between The States broke out, Mr. Hyatt volunteered his services to the Confederate Army and served with bravery thru the entire four years but was never wounded.
The funeral services were held at the Beaver Dam Baptish Church and the burial was held with Masonic Honors. Rev. J. M. Forbis, of Bethune, conducting the services.
In April 1865 the war came to a close and Mr. Hyatt received the following honorable discharge.
" For PVT. J. W. Hyatt, Co A, 7th SC Battalion, Hagood's Brigade, Hokes Division, Johnson's Army. This is to certify that private Joseph W. Hyatt. of the Co. A. 7th SC Battalion was enlisted on the 14th day of November 1861 in the P.A.C.S. to serve during the War and has been a member of said Comapany to this date as a true, faithful and gallant soldier. He has never been absent without leave, has never been under arrest for any misconduct whatever, nor received a reprimand from any officer of the Army. He has on all occasions, when in contact with the enemy displayed that cool courage and determined bravery, shown only in the bravest of the brave. For those noble qualities together with his high sense of moral right and truthfulness, combined with all the qualities that characterizes the true gentleman, he receives this humble testimony from a comrade in arms.
Jos. W. Gardner, 2nd Lieut., commanding Company A, 7th SC Battilion Infantry.
Isaac F. Holland
Camden Chronicle
January 21, 1938
Oldest Citizen of County Died Monday
Death claimed Kershaw county's oldest citizen at noon Monday, when Isaac F. Holland, 97, succumbed to an illness of several months' duration. He passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mattie E. Pate, of this city.
Born in Kershaw county December 3, 1840, he was a resident continuous up to his death. He was among the first to enlist in the Southern Cause when the Confederate War broke out, serving with distinction throughout the years of strife. After the war he resumed his business career in Camden, both as a farmer and merchant. He was active in political affairs of the community.
He was a son of Isaac Holland and Margaret Turner Holland. His wife died many years ago. He leaves three daughters, Miss Anna Holland and Mrs. Mattie E. Pate of Camden; Mrs. Howard S. Davis of Orlando, Fla; three sons, Isaac J. Holland, Sunburst, Mont; H. H. Holland, Aberleen, NC; and Alonzo Holland; Camden.
The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the Kornegay Funeral home here, with burial in Holland burial plot. The Rev. J. B. Caston, of the First Baptist chuch officiated. Active pallbearers were W. F. Nettles, J. K, deLoach, J. C. Gillis, A. M. McLeod, G. F. Cooley, B. P. DeLoache. The death of Judge Holland leaves only two Confederate veterans in Kershaw County. They are G. B. King of Bethune and Isaac Gardner of Kershaw, SC.
B. J. Hall
Feb. 1898
Death of Mr. B. J. Hall
Mr. B. J. Hall died at his home near Lucknow on the 19th of February. Mr. Hall was a good neighbor and served with bravery throughout the entire late War. He was 69 years old and leaves a widow and five children-one son and four daughters. The burial took place at Marshall's church, conducted by Rev. Mr. Poo___.
James Thornwell Hay
Camden Chronicle
April 12, 1907
Memorial To The Late J. T. Hay
As an expression of the exalted regard in which the late J. T. Hay was held by the Kershaw Co. bar memorial exercises were held Saturday at noon in the court house.
Resolutions were offered by Mr. W. D. Trantham, who is now the senior member of the bar. They were seconded by the following members of the bar all of whom paid high tribute in the memory of the deceased: Messrs W. M. Shannon, P. J. Kirkland, R. B. Clarke, L. A. Witkowsky, M. L. Smith, C. C. Moore, E. C. von Trenekow and L. I. Mills. Judge Prince also heartily seconded the resolutions and as a further mark of respect adjourned the session [illegible]. The resolutions offered by Mr. Trantham follows: "Whereas it has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from our midst and to gather to himself our beloved townsman, a distinguished member of the Camden bar, James Thornwell Hay: "James Thornwell Hay was born in Columbia, SC on April 28, 1847. He was the son of the pure and lofty minded gentleman, Rev. Samuel Hutson Hay. James Thornwell Hay removed to Camden, S. C. with his parents when about four years of age. The sweet, gentle atmosphere of his home and the elevating influence of the refined and cultured people with whom he was brought in contact soon developed in him noble thoughts and high aims, which grew and expanded until his pure life and honorable career were ended by his death on January 16, 1907. He obtained his earlier education in the schools of Camden. He had a healthy and vigorous mind and was always a faithful student. In 1864 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Confederate service in the war between the States and discharged the full measure of his duty to the end of the war. In 1866 he entered the law office of Gen. J. B. Kershaw and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Immediate success followed his admission to the bar, in consequence of his recognized ability and incorruptable character. He was for nearly 40 years a prominent member of Camden and was the accepted leader for the past 25 years. In 1880 Mr. Hay was elected a member of the State legislature from Kershaw county. In 1895 he was a member of the State constitutional convention from this county and held this position until he voluntarily retired on account of broken health. No dishonorable or even questionable conduct was ever associated with his name during his long career at this bar and his long service in the public affairs of his county and State.
"Resolved, That in death of James Thornwell Hay the city of Camden and the county of Kershaw have lost a valuable citizen and a pure minded Christian gentleman, the Camden bar has lost an upright, courteous, able distinguished member, and his family has lost a devoted and indulgent husband and father."
"Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minute book of this court and a copy of the same be sent to the family of our departed friend, and that the same be published in the local papers."
John Holland
Camden Chronicle
June 19, 1863
Died at the Ladies Hospital in Columbia, SC on the 12th of May 1863, of Typhoid Dysentery, John Holland of Sumter District, SC. The deceased had been a member of Capt. DePass' Company for the last 12 months and stationed on James Island near Charleston, where he discharged the duties of a good soldier in the service of his country,
in whose services he fell [illegible].
He was born September 1836. His father died when he was nine years old. He assumed the care of his mother's business while a youth and was a very industrious and obedient young man to his mother. He married in 1857 and commenced business for himself, was a good husband and leaves a wife and two children and many relatives and friends who mourn his loss; but they sorrow not as those who have no hope for he possessed faith in Christ ans was baptized he and his wife the same day together, in the fellowship of Antioch Church in Kershaw District, in October 1860 and was a consistent member the remainder of his life and died the death of the righteous and is gone to that rest that remains for the people of God. May the Lord sanctify this deep affliction to the surviving relatives and be a father to the fatherless and judge of the widow.
Benjamin F. Johnson
Oct. 1919
Death of B. F. Johnson
Again we are called upon to chronicle the death of another old veteran, Benjamin F. Johnson of Lucknow who died last week from a stroke of appoplexy. He was 76 years old and was a gallant Confederate soldier who served for nearly four years in Co. E, 19th SCV. He was buried at Cedar Crook Church.
Samuel B. Latham
Camden Chronicle
August 19, 1904
Died August 13, 1904
Camden sustained a distinct loss by the death on last Saturday morning of Mr. Samuel B. Latham. A man of strong physique, apparently in perfect health and actively engaged in his business, it was hard to believe the news of his death. He had just come from breakfast, was cheerful and buoyant, had given some directions about his work and sat down to read the morning paper when the ruminous(?) came without warning. He was alone in his office and when found a few minutes later, he was seemingly asleep in his cair, with his newspaper across his lap. And so the spirit of a good man took its flight.
Mr. Latham was a native of Davie County NC and was born Nov. 18, 1841. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and had small opportunity for education. When the Civil War began he became a member of the 7th Confederate Cavalry, made up of companies from North Carolina, Georgia and other States and belonged to General Dearing's Brigade. He was a good soldier and became a Sergeant. In 1864 he was captured in front of Petersburg and imprisoned at Point Lookout, Md. until January 1865 when he was released on parole.
After the war he devoted himself in the care of his widowed mother and sister and began in trade in SC. In 1871 he married Miss Louisa C. Moore of Kershaw county and settled in Camden, where he has since remained.
Mr. Latham was a man of highest integrity. He was prominent, a good citizen-alert always, public spirited, generous, to be found at the front in every movement for the betterment of his adopted town and he was a friend to the poor. Higher praise cannot be spoken of anyone than to say that, personally, he had the respect and good will of all who came in contact with him; that in business, he had the confidence of those with whom he had dealings and his word passed at par wherever it was spoken; and that his private life was a model.
Mr. Latham was, for one or more terms a County Commissioner and was at the time of his death one of the Wardens of Camden. As a public officer he was an efficient and faithful custodian of the people's interests. All in all, Camden and Kershaw county have not had many who met all the duties of citizenship as fully as he.
Mrs. Latham, who had for so many years been his most devoted help meet, with eight children, survive him. Their loss all cannot realize. They will miss his kindly voice, his tender care, and his strong hand. But to them it will be a sweet comfort to remember him as he was, the good brave man who thought no evil of anyone and always sought to walk in the straight path.
Mr. Latham was a member of the Methodist Church, and there his funeral was conducted on Sunday evening by Rev. James Workman.
Captain John B. Lyles
Camden Chronicle
May 26, 1911
Former Camden Man Dead in Columbia
Remains of Captain John B. Lyles Brought Here For Burial, Was Well Known Here.
Captain John Belton Lyles, formerly of Camden, but of late years a resident of Columbia and Abbeville, died at his home in Columbia last Friday afternoon.
Captain Lyles had been in ill health for several years and retired from business. He was 65 years of age and was born in Columbia and spent many years in Camden, Bookkeeping for the mercantile firm of W. L. Arthur & Bro. From Camden he moved to Abbeville where he was cashier of the National Bank of that place.
Captain Lyles served in the Confederate Army, enlisting from Camden. He was a member of the Masonic franternity. A widow and four children survive him-the children are J. Belton Lyles of Spartanburg, Miss Mary Lyles, J. V. Lyles of Columbia. He is also survived by a sister, Miss Mary Lyles formerly of Camden.
His body was brought to Camden Saturday afternoon and buried in the cemetery here. The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Messrs. W. R. Hough, J. S. Lindsey, ? J. Shannon, Jr., Bratton DeLoach, L. T. Mills, and R. G. Carrison. Rev. W. B. Gordon officiated at the grave.
William Douglas Kelly
Camden Chronicle
March 4, 1904
Death of Another Old Confederate Veteran
On Feb. 16, 1904 God in his loving and tender mercy called from our neighborhood Mr. William Douglas Kelly. He was born September 11, 1834. Mr. Kelly served in the Seventh Battalion under General Ryan.
March 15, 1853 he married Mary A. Rush, who lived four years. Oct. 4, 1866 he was again married to Ellen C. Branham, who survives him. He also leaves six sisters and three brothers.
For eight months before his death, he was confined to his bed and suffered intensely. All the physicians, a loving wife and friends could do for his recovery was done but with no avail. During his sickness the Revs. Peterson,Watts and Jones visited him and talked with him of death for which he was ready and waiting, having made peace with God in July 1903. He told the preachers he knew his name was already written in heaven and asked
them to remember the "old soldier" in their prayers.
Mr. Kelly remarked on Sunday that the following Tuesday would be a day of rejoicing in Heaven, for he was going home that day and asked all relatives and friends not to grieve, as he would be happy. He was conscious till death and made all the arrangements with Mr. Lewis Branham for the care of his wife.
His body was put to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery. Rev. Jones preached his funeral from John 14, (?) chap. 14 verse. His favorite hymn, "How Firm a Foundation" was sung at the funeral. "Blessed are they that die in the Lord".
J. D. Kennedy
Camden Chronicle
April 17, 1896
Death of Gen. J. D. Kenney
Gen. J.D. Kennedy died very suddenly of apoplexy at his home in Camden on last Tuesday morning about 1 o'clock. His death was a surprise to everyone as he was in his usual good health the day previous. The funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday morning and the burial at the cemetery.
