The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-10-23
A REDBONE CELEBRATION.
a h6D0ON6 10 OC6I'o iIOiS-
Mr.. Mcdonald Furman Attends an
Interesting Celebration in Pr1-
vateer Township.

Mr. Editor On Saturday yonr CORES
pondent had the pleasure attending 10y in
yitation celebration, which to him, was
one Of peculiar interest. 1t was held by that
unique, interesting, mixed breed of people of
this township, some Of whom live just below
the county line, mistakenly called 'free
negroes" but whose right name is "Red-
poues.'' They are really a race apart to
themselves their Indian blood and the fact
that they were never in slavery, makes them
an entirely distinct race from the cold time
free negroes proper. This celebration was
held at Bethsada, their neat little plank
church, which is situated in the southeastern
part of the township, about three-q quarters Of
E.le from the Clarendon line and which is
of the Baptist denomination. For many
years l have tsken much historical and
chronological inleres; in those Redbone people,
bat this was the first celebration by them
which ever attended and your readers can
imagine how interesting i, was to me.
rode to Bethsada with the Rev D. w.
Eiott (who also invited 10 attend). The
morning had been rainy, but as the day ad-
yanced, the sun came from behind the clouds,
and remained cut most of the time, thus
making the weather almost perfect. After
found about three or four or the grounds) J,
aad presently the celebration commenced.
After some opening ceremonies, number of
rectations were made by those connected
with the Sunday school, sometimes two re-
cited together. The following is the list of
those who recited:
Anna, Pauline aod Mabel Smiling, Maria
Chavis, Georgianna Smiling, Maria Coins,
Josephene Cbavis, Aiue Smiling, Daisy
Globes, Ruth Coins, Victoria Thompson,
Clarissa Globes, Lizzie and Soda Coins,
Pauline Epps, Hester aud Elvira Chavis,
Bossa Coins, Moultrie Smiling, Fraser
Gibbes, Jimmie and Edward Coins, Felix
and Noodle Chavis, Laurence Snalls and
Henry Smiling, Maria Chavis and Ruth
| G ins recited twice
Some of these were grown and some were
wee little things, but they all did we'll and
some made pretty gestures, the recitations
| were short aud we'll selected-most Of them
were new to your correspondent. While re-
citing, the speakers stood on bench in frou.
Of the church, aud they were neatly intro
duced by Nelson Chavis, now OF Clarendon
Between each recitation, singing occurred,
which was done with power and spirit.
Next Sir. Hot delivered 10y iovitation) a
practical address. This was delivered 10 the
church. He talked impressively Of the San
day school, also the force Of example. Sew
eral of the Redbones thanked him for his ad-
dress.
Tie Rev Tom Gibbes, pastor of the
church, aud worthy cticeu of this town
ship, was absent on account of sickness.
Another Baptist Redbone preacher. the Rev.
J. E. Smiling, also of this township, whose
years number over three score and ten, and
who is the patriarch Of this interesting pee
pie, made some feeling remarks, in which be
spoke OF the tune when be, one of tho aged
parents, would s'iie in the earth"
Your correspondent (by invitation), y. W.
Smiling, Sunday school uperir,endeu1, and
Nelson Chavis also made remarks. These
addresses were in,ers9ersed With singing, and
were made inside The church.
After tie services we're eodeG dinner WAS
eaten, and an excellent aud most bountifIl one
was placed on Il table ia the church tor Mr.
Hot. and your correspondent. The atten-
tive Redoones saw that we wanted for moth
ing they. themselves, dned under the
branches CT q bickory tree, at the back OF the
church.
After dinner the crowd siowIy dep rted,
and thus ended pleasant occaSio", when, TO
me was ole OF such uaiqGe iaieres. thst
could not help writing SO mnca aaoni il
(;hough ! have oot written full account
that would take up 100 mach spsce and
wan; 20 close with i tar remarks ABOUT lciS
interesting people.
These RedboneS are lar abiding, pe..ce-
able race In their color scd appearance
they chow uruIsakab!e siogns OF tbe;T ln-
,;:an blood Mr. Hiott remarked afterwards
that he felt as if he WAS in g camp Of friendly
Indians. Some o! the girls have straight,
black hair, which they allowed to bang loose
at the celebration. Ttese people are well
worthy of chronological study, for they are
indeed very remarkable race.
MCDONALD FURMAN.
Ramsey O., October IA, 1855.