The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-03-10
GREENWOOD MATTERS.
Prof IIodses's Book -. Personals'--
Church MeetinG--Connecting Link
Between the Past and Present.

GREENWOOD, March, ] 1886.

GREENWOOD, March, 1886.
| We are glad to learn Prof &. Z. Hodges
| favorable comment. 1t Is being introduced
! into the public schools with very satisfacto-
ry results. We understand that Miss Anna
BELL, principal Of the Pine Grove Academy Is
using it in her school and considers 1t po-
! tent factor in mental exercise.
Prof. j. F. Lttimer, ID. d., professor OF
Church History at Union Theological Semi
nary, who has been on Il trip to Florida for
the benefit of his health, is now the guest OF
Prof. j. r. Blake. profs. .Latimer and Blake
were for several years co.labOrers at Davidson
College. DIR. Latiiner Is Il native of Aboeville
county. and though comparatively young
man, has won an enviabe reputation In the
| fields of Literature and Theology
| At II congregational meeting held In the
Presbyterian church last Friday evening the
deacons made their annual report for the
| fiscal year just ending The parsonage build
ling committee also rendered an account OF
! its stewardship and both reports were en-
couraging. DR.. H. p. BoOZer who has been
trustee of the parsonage property resigned,
and Prof. BooZer was elected his successor.
| 1t may not be generally known that Green
wood has in its vicinity Il dwelling which sci J.
which connects the present with the distant
past Like the old "Star Fort OF Ninety
Six, it Is relic of revolutionary fame, and
VIII lie it presents fertile theme for romance,
students of history, yet We will only give a
| brief description of this ancient landmark,
with passing notice of its original owners.
This house is situated about one and half
miles north Of Greenwood, and is now the
property of Mr. B. F. zoe, he having -pur-
CHASED it from the Irwin estate in 1878. 1t is
claimed upon good authority that this was
one of the first three houses built In Abbeville
county. The other two were built at White
| Hall and between Coronaca and Saluda Riv-
er. The old Irwin house was built by
Mr.. James Irwin, the grandfather of Capt.
John Irwin the last lineal Descendant VINO
| a J,np rt nd n
the advanced aye of eighty-tWO years. so
long mas it been erected that the ground upon
whlc h its foundation stands Is about one ana
half feet higher than the surrounding sur
face, which has been washed away by the
rains Of more than century past. When
first constructed not nail was used, the
shingles and floor being secured with pins
Being built at q time when life and property
were exposed to the attacks Of the red man
and tory, safety and convenience were con-
ternpated in its general arrangement. Under
the same roof is a dwelling, barn and crib,
while beneath was basement which was
used as stable to secure the horses from be-
ing stolen. The large stone chimney Is OF the
most primitive style, being y feet broad, 8
feet thick and 8 feet of open fireplace. upon
smaller stone chimney built at u subsequent
the year 1902. Overshadowing this ancient
structure is a mammoth oak, measuring
around its trunk 2S1% feet. Will short dis
lance in the rear of the house is probably the
spring passed the old Keowee trail which con-
nectcd their settlements In upper Carolina
with the low country, and doubtless often
have the aborigines gathered around to have
their thirst quenched with its limpid waters,
and the young warrior woed and won the
dusky maid while resting In the shade of the
wide-spreading oak. Capt. John Irwin TO
whom we have referred, was a man OF consid-
cradle literary talent; In fact, his mind was
perfect store house. of historical informatlon'
especially concerning the early days OF South
Carolina Well do we remember to have Of
ten seen him sitting IN one side OF the large; s
heard him tell with enthusiasm Of the strug-
gle for American Indepenndence in which his i
grandfather bore an active part. lie inher,
| tied al invetcrate hatred for the tory and
English invader. At his death his remains
were deposited In the old Parker grave
yard" the family burial ground, and we are
told that his nterment made. the one hum
dredth in that century, and that during his
life he attended every burial and kept corr
rect record of each inte:ment; though since
| h is death but little accurate information Is
known about this silent city of the dead: