Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-07-25
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DUE WEST AND ITS COLLEGES.
For the YorkvIlle Enquirer.

For the YorkvIle Enquirer
DUE WEST AND ITS COLLEGES.
One hundred and twenty-five years ago,
that portion of South Carolina which is
known as Abbeville county, was wild waste.
The wood.man's axe bad not, as yet, been
heard in the forest. The fields which now
wave with generous crops, were covered with
canes, blue grass and wild peas. In 1856,
Patrick Calhoun and four other families set
tied on Long Cane creek. Previous to that
date, there were but two white families in the
region. One bore the name Of Gowdy; the
other that of Edwards. Soon the little colo
ny of Patrick Calhoun, was joined by fam.
lily of the name of Presley.
In 1859, the settisment was temporarily
abandoned on account of the shocking cruel
ties inflicted upon the whites by the red men.
The Cherokee Indian then was in possession
of the soil. In 1863, a treaty was made with
these "Sons of the Forest" which removed
them beyond line commencing at "corner
tree," on the Savannah river, about midway
between the mouths of English and Ross
creeks, and running northeast to Reedy riv-
er; thence north, 6fty-6ve miles to South
Packolet; thence due east to Armstrong; fer
ry on Little Catawba. After the ratification
of this treaty, the territory was rapidly SET
tied up, mainly by Scotch.Irish, and became,
previous to the Revolutionary war, during
that period, and after it, the scene Of many
thrilling events. a. -..- . ..
In the northern section of Abbeville coun-
ty, about eleven miles north Of the county
seat, is the village Of Due West. AT this
point, previous to the year 1870, there was
an Anti. Benger Associate Church, or rather
there were in the region, few persons of
that religious persuasion. In 1874, the Rev.
Peter McMullen became the installed pastor
of these people.
The name Due West is evidently cor
ruption of Duets. Our reason for this con.
clusion is, that on an old map, used by the
British during the Revolutionary war, there
is laid down on the Cherokee line, about thir-
ty miles from the "corner tree" on the Savan.
nah, about fifteen miles from Reedy river, a
place called "D,tets corner" Here, the road
leading from Augusta by the way of Ninety.
Six beyond the mountains is represented as
crossing. We shall not undertake to explain
by what laws of euphony the change was
made, nor when, nor by whom it was made.
All that we claim is that in 1853, and from
that date to 1887. the place was called Duets
Corner; hut in 1894 and from that time un-
til very recent date, it was known by the
name of Due West Corner. At present, it's
simple designation is Due West, and by some
who are not we'll informed with regard to the
geography of South Carolina, it is called
"Key West
Near fifty years ago, classical school was
established at Due West. This grew and
Aourished, receiving the patronage of the
most distinguished men in the State. In 1842
this school, which bore the name of Clark
and Erskine Seminary, was reorganized and
fully equipped, and the name Erskine COL
lege given to it. In 1859, some energetic
persons determined to establish Female
College at the same place. A magnificent
brick structure was erected, board of trus-
trees chosen, and an able corps of professors
selected. It began operations with bright
prospects, and each year the prospects have
grown brighter.
Wednesday, the 3rd Of July, was the thir-
ty.ffth annual commencement in Erskine
College; and Thursday, the 4th Of July, the
eighteenth commencement in Due West Fe'
male College. From Erskine College four
teen young men we're graduated. The first
honor was awarded to Mr.. H. W. Harris, Of
York county, S. c., and the second honor to
Mr.. j. T. Chalmers, of Mecklenburg county,
N. G. From the Female College, eleven
young ladies were graduated.
The commencement days were grand af-
fairs. An immense concourse of people as
sembled to witness the imposing ceremonies.
Near two thousand persons we're crowded in
to LINDSAY Hail." On the rostrum were
seated, by actual count, one hundred and if
ty persons Among these were United States
Senators, State Senators, members of the
Legislature, military chieftains, editors of
newspapers, lawyers, physicians, farmers and
ministers of the gospel
The Anniversary Address was delivered by
Hon. NJ. C. Butler. Were we asked to give
our impressions of this address, we would say
that M. G. Butler has as good face and
figure as any man, and his speech was in per-
feet harmony with bis face and figure. The
music furnished on the occasion was of the
highest order. The whole passed off by the
assembling of the students of the two COL
leges in the spacious chapel of the Female
College on Thursday night. One thing must
not be omitted. it is worthy Of being put on
record-of being craven on golden tablets.
1t is simply the fact, that Notwithstanding
three thousand persons we're present, We heard
bat one oath sworn, and saw not single dis.
orderly act. The town marshal reported
that there was, so far as be discovered, but a
single man on the ground that perpetrated a
dsorderly deed, and this was comparatively
Insignificant.
twenty-five years has produced wonderful
changes in the village of Due West. Then
it was, in all its features, back.woods town.
The front yards were enclosed with uncouth
rail fences, and there was but one flower yard
in the place. Now the town is laid off in
streets at right angles, and the old houses