The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-04-06
VISIT TO THE STATE FARM.
Our Hagood Correspondent Writes of
What He Saw.

have just returned from a visit to
the upper State farm, which lies in
the lower or southern part OF east
Kershaw county on Wateree river, and
is superintended by Mr.. John Morris.
He is about forty-fve, | guess, was
born IN what is now Florence county,
and has farmed since his majority as
an overseer, much of this service be-
ing rendered in Marlboro county. Mr..
Morris is land owner, but from
choice oversees because he feels that
it is his calling. Few men understand
how to control the laborer or the man
agement and cultivation of the soil as
well as he, and tine great secret of his
success is in the fact that he is an en-
thusiast. In his eight years superin-
tendency but one convict has made his
escape. Mr.. Morris is member of
the Baptist Church, joining quite
early in life, and he stated to me that
this had been of inestimable benefit to
him. But Mr. Morris needs no words
Of praise from me; his works are his
best recommendation.
While there I met the chaplain of
the two farms, Rev. Parks man of
color, of some wit, of good grit. Two
years ago some convicts, one of whom
having possessed himself of the
guards gun, made their escape, but
we're overtaken by the dogs and sur
rounded in a dense piece of woods.
It was dangerous place, and no one
wished to risk his life for their cap
ture. At this juncture the negroes
began to beat the dogs, when Mr..
Morris whose they were, felt COM
PEELED to 60 to them. When he started
the preacher said, "Captain, you
SHAFT go alone; I'll 60 with you"
They went down into the swamp and
were looking for the negroes when
the one with the gun, about 40 yards
| away in tree, fred on them, the
ball passing quite near, but missing
them. The negro, losing his balance.
| fell to the ground and was instantly
covered by the rife of Mr.. Morris,
but the praecher was instant in beg
sing for the worthless life.
/ But it is of the farm [ wish to speak
more particularly.
It is model in its equipment.
Verify ..ae owner of such is All inde-
pendent man & nearly said prince),
for has be not his kingdom with it's
subjects. it's dependents? felt as l
went about from place to place that
in such case I, too, would be an en-
thusiast. That l may not be tedious,
will be brief. Aside from the ordi
nary farming implements there was
reaper, a mower, a thresher. gin
merry, a hay press, blacksmith and a
carpenters shop, with all their ap-
pointments, a windmill with pump
attachment. tank, piping running
everywhere, to which convenient
hose may be easily attached for water
ing or other purposes. A large stream,
Swift creek, runs through the middle
of the farm, supplying abundant
water for the stock on pastures and
plenty of fine fish. And the stock: :
they raise here horses, smules, COWS
sheep, goats and hogs, all of which are
looked after, cared for, as | saw with
| my own eyes. There is ample shelter
for all stock and farming implements;
| nothing is allowed to weather. l
| know not how many horses and mules
there are, for there are number OF
colts some as fine as you could wish to
see, but there is large number. "
the land most of which is swamp, well
damned, secure from freshets, it, is
the finest and in the best condition,
particularly the swamp. Their princi-
pal crop is cereals, but they make cot
ton and molasses too. These lands
we're bought few yeras ago for seven
dollars per acre: They are we'll worth,
and could, I suppose easily be sold for
one hundred. AS viewed the broad
! acres with their hocks and herds or
green with growing grain. together
with its thorough equipment sufficient
but not superhuous, the expression
"The Model Farm came to my mind.
Hagood.