Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-04-03
Sttaps uf gutal Mistorg.
"REMINISCENCES OF YORK
BY DIR. MAURICE A. MOORE.
From the Yorkville Enquirer, 1870.
"Whom the Gods love die young"

generation the name of Albert Allison, a
man whose soul was honor, whose life was
love. Never in her annals had York son
of greater promise. Alas!
1.-The good die first,
While those whose hearts are dry as summer dust,
Burn to the socket"
Albert Allison was the only son of DIR.
John Allison and Elizabeth Hill, his wife !;
therefore, the grandson of old Col. William
Hill. He was born in 1871, near the mouth
of CroWder's Creek, York District. His IA
ther, Dr. Allison, was very popular and
eminent physician of the last century, in
York, but died in the prime of life with
consumption. His epitaph, written in the
hearts of the people and oft-repeated by
their lips, was, "o most perfect gentleman; Z"
Like father, like son, and on Albert early
his father by the community, and he proved
by his life that he merited the heritage of
love. He received good education and
went into business early in life. His first
employment was keeping store in Che
raw, South Carolina. Here he remained
until the breaking out of the war of 1872,
when he returned to his own District.
A company of volunteers, gotten up for
service in response to a call made by the
State, composed of men from Spartanburg,
Union and York, elected Albert Allison, of
York, Lieutenant although so young a man
(being only tWenty-tWO) and from his con-
tinued residence in Cheraw, almost stran-
GER But quickly did his winning man
ners gain affection and confidence. In 1911
the company was ordered into service.
This was, as time proved, inglorious; but
had there been stirring campaign filled
with gallant actions, none better would
have borne their part or more delighted in
intrepid deeds and brave feats, than the
man of whom I write. A MS. containing
the proceedings of Court Martial held at
Haddrell's Point, dated November 4th,
1914, is lying by me: Col. Hugh Means
Maj. Robson, Capt. Kendrick, Capt Chest
nut, Capt. White, LIT. Brandon, Maj. Roach,
Capt. Johnson, Capt. Faucette, Capt. Eel
der, 1t. Richie, 1t. Morrow, members of
the Court, and 1t. Albert Allison, Judge
Advocate. This evidences the light in
which he was regarded in the Brigade for
it was high compliment to prefer so
young man to this post. Judge O'Neal,
in his autobiography, speaks with grateful
appreciation of the similar position given
to him during the same service. Young
Allison remained on this post of duty until
he was mustered out of service.
the Court in York. l am under the impress
sion that he was the first clerk elected by
the people. Previously, they were chosen
by the legislature. This Office Mr.. Allison
held until the time of his death, being re-
elected several times. The last years OF his
life he was in a very feeble state of health.
Consumption, the insatiate foe Of his fam
ily, was gnaWing at his vitals with fatal
force. At the time of his last election, he
was too weak, from his disease, to be able
to visit any of the different precincts to
solicit the continued support of the people,
AS there was an opposing candidate can
vassing the district, this caused him good
deal of needless anxiety, as the result PROV
ed, as his friends were "legion," and he was
again elected bya large majority. For some
months prior to his death, his debilitated
state of health was such that he could not
undergo the fatigue of Office business; but
under his directions, both the writing and
the duties in the Court House belonging to
the Clerks office, were performed by his
cousin, William Randolph Hill-then lad
of sXteen-to the entire satisfaction of the
district.
Albert Allison certainly inherited the un-
common personal beauty of his parents, and
l think of him as the handSomest man |
ever saw. A tall, fine person, fair hair and
complexion, blue eyes and gentle express
sion, with ease and grace of conversation,
suavity Of manner and elegance of dress
in all, gentleman of most rare accomplish
ments and lovable qualities. He died un-
married, in May 1920, having entered the
tWenty-ninth year of his age. Fifty years
since, all that was mortal of Albert Allison
was committed to the bosom of his mother
earth; but "the good never die" and as l
write, natures dew moistens my cheek in
remembrance of him and his many virtues.
"Green be the turf above thee,
Friend Of my early days;
None knew thee but to love thee,
None named thee but to praise"
In memoriam I again guide my pen.
Joseph Grandson Martin was born in 1885,
in York District. He was the son of John
Martin, Esq, whilom Clerk of the Court in
Pinckney District. His mother was Miss
Palmer, daughter of old Captain Joseph
Palmer, told of in a former number, and
men of her day.
Mr.. Martin studied law and was admitted
to the bar. He practiced Il few years, but
being elected Commissioner of Equity for
York District, gave up the law, except that
belonging to his office. He was a man of
good business capacity, wrote a beautiful
hand, and was general favorite. lie
was elected Captain of militia company,
but was never known by the title given
him by the rank, for Warmhearted and
openhanded, he was "Joe Martin" to the
District. Generous to a fault he never ac-
cumulated property, but nature had gifted
him with an untailing fund of humor--
rich, rare and racy-with which he embel-
lished and enjoyed life. His face was quite
handsome. Black eyes and hair, heavy
beard, small in stature, always neat in dress,
and in manners perfect Chesterfield.
1otl m
of one Of Joe's best practical jokes, of which
by the way, he was very fond. There was a
company formed in the village, to which
belonged Il good many of our gentleman,
who had associated themselves for the pur-
pose of leasing, for speculation, all places on
which they could find indications of gold.
1t was a grand scheme, and most of the
number had the gold fever severely. One
of the concern, a Mr.. Leach, was the Com
pany Agent to take leases, sell them, &C.,
&c. Where he found a flint rock on mans
plantation, he instantly effected, if he could,
a lease on all the minerals for twenty years
Martin wrote q letter, ante-dating it but
not attempting to disguise his handwriting,
purpOrting to be from a man in Richland
District, saying he was desirous of going in
to mining, and proposed to exchange ten
likely negroes for mine, &c. This letter
Joe crumpled and soiled, to give it the ap-
pearance of careless handling. Meeting
Leach on the Court House steps, he said in
an 0tf-hand manner, 80, Leach, | believe
Pve got a letter for you. 1t was handed to
me a week ago, down at Jack Lindsey'S, but
| forgot about it. I suppose it's of no con-
sequence" And having got it out of his
pocket, he handed it over to the gold mine
company agent. This gentleman read it
with growing excitement. "lt's very inn
yoffn., IN,