The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-07-10
GRAVES OF GREAT MEN.
A Correspondent Writes of the Last
Resting Places of Joe1 r. Poinsett
and George McDufie.
Sumter, S. c., July 8, 1907.

Sumter, S. c., July s, 1907.
To the Editor of the Daily Item.
| In view Of the interest which has
recently been awakened in the mat
ter of South Carolina History through
the efforts Of Mr.. Sally, Col. Dargan
and others, and more especially in
view of the approaching ceremonies
incident to the unveiling Of the mem
orial tablet to Gen. Sumter, the fol-
flowing may interest the readers Of
the Item:
| About three miles from Gen: Sum-
ter's grave is the tomb Of Joel r.
Poinsett Although not so distin-
guished statesman as John c. Cal
houn, he was nevertheless, when his
deeds of philanthropy are considered,
equally as great as the latter.
| The tomb Of Poinsett is in the
Episcopal churchyard at Stateburg,
and the writer's impression is that
! it is in a very dilapidated condition.
which would no doubt not be the case
! if Poinsett's biography was general
| ly known by the present generation
of his fellow citizens
The following is short and au-
thoritative sketch Of this distinguish
ed South Caroinian:
4sJoel Roberts Poinsett, LII D.,
born at Charleston, S. c., March 2,
I177e, of Huguenot family; spent his
early childhood in England; educat-
ed at Greenfield, Conn, under Pres.
Dwight, 1894; went again to Eng
land, 1896; studied medicine at
Edinburgh. and entered the military
academy at Woolwich; returned to
Charleston and studied law, 1900;
went again to Europe 1901. Travelled
in Asia Minor and in Russia; return
ed home in 1909; was sent to Chill
by President Madison to report on
the revolution in that country, and
there achieved great popularity: was
in congress from South Carolina 1921
25; Uni-ed States minister to Mexico,
1922 and 1S25-29, filing position
then very difficult and important;
United States secretary Of war, 1887
Al; founded the Academy Of Fine
Arts, Charleston, S. c., and literally
endowed the National Institution; au-
thor Of Notes on Mexico (1S24) and
OF various published essays and d!s-
courses, and was strong opponent
Of the extreme States rights view.
While in the United States Poin-
sett,s name is nearly forgotten, he
fills large space in the histories OF
Chill and of Mexico Died at State
burg, S. c., Dec. IL, 1851"
Poinsett died at the residence OF
DR.. W. w. Anderson, while on a visit
to Stateburg.
While on the subject Of to.nbs of
South Carolinians who were celehrat-
ed and whose remains repcse in sum
ter county, it may not be anaiss to
recall the fact that few miles south
of Poinsett's grave is the tomb OF
George McDufie. He is buried in
the Singleton family graveyard, and
consequently his monument has not
been allowed to go to ruin, though on
this monument are inscribed the
words: The history of his country is
the monument of his fame
I enclose clipping from the Char
lesion Sunday News regarding the
flower named after Poinsetr, which is
interesting and likewise picture OF
this flower, the Poinsettia, that
came across a day or two ago.
In conclusion it may be suggested
to those in charge Of the Gen. Sumter
monument unveiling ceremonies that
some Of the visitors to Stateburg on |
this occasion might find it very inter-
esting to visit the graves Of these
other great men-only few miles
apart. Such a visit might result in
something being done to repair the
tomb of one of Carolina's greatest
sons, which otherwise may be permit
ted to fall into oblivion. Likewise, 1t |
might be suggested that in this day
of automobiles these graves would |
be notable spots for citizens of sun
ter to take their visiting friends to ct
an afternoon, as it is probable that |
the entire trip could be made in an !
automobile in few hours. 1t IS
noteworthy that there should have
been buried, away in these country
places so near to each other. three |
men Of national distinction and |
fame. Memorlai.