The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-11-19
MEN WHO REDEEMED STATE.
Wallace House Survivors Hold Re.
union at Barnwell.

Barnwell, November IA Featuring
a day devoted to memories Of the past,
the Reunion of the survivors Of the
famous Wallace House, in Barnwell
today, was an event notable because Of
its uniqueness and historical signif-
canoe. 1t is the first reunion of men
who composed a most radical and de-
termined legislative body. In the
course of history there were few such
law-making bodies; in fact, there have
seldom been such exigencies that
necessitate such assemblages.
The Wallace House, convened No
vember %, 1876, in the old Carolina
Hall, at Columbia, with Wan. H. Wal
lace, of Union, as speaker, was for
the purpose of redeeming South Caro-
lima from Republican carpetbag and
negro rule Today seven of the twelve
survivors of that body met in Reunion
in old Barnwell, rich in history and
tradition. 1t was betting: it was a
happy thought of the Barnwell Fair
Association, Of which the Hon. Harry
D. Calhoun is the moving spirit
The Days Events.
Of the events of the day, which in
cluded a parade of Confederate Veter-
ans, an elegant address to them by
L. C. V. Commander B. H. league,
OF Aiken; a barbecue, horse races, a
baby show and other things, was the
eloquent speech of former Governor
John C. Sheppard, of Edgefeld. Time
has dealt very kindly with Governor
Sheppard, as his comrades today af-
festionately called him. He is not an
old man despite his 62 years. These
he carries we'll and there remains
much of the fiery eloquence of other
days. On the trains almost two days
in a hurried journey from st. Louis,
he came today to be with his COM
rades, veterans in militant legislation.
It was his first visit to Barnwell since
1892, when he and Capt. B. R. Tillnan
spoke to a tremendous crowed at
Blackville, then came on here and
from here went to Allendale.
Survivors Present
Gathered here today were former
Governor Sheppard, Major John w.
Holmes, of Barnwell; Major ]. W..
Gary, of Greenville; Capt. ]. B. Hum
bert, of Laurens; John G. Guignard, of
Lexington, then of Aiken; M. A.
Rountree, of Barnwell, and Claude E.
Sawyer, of Aiken. 1t was. an 'nsplr-
ing scene when, in the course of his
address Governor Sheppard introduced
siagly his six comrades, and they
we're greeted with outbursts of ap-
plause by the large crowd gathered
about the court house.
Following the formal exercies on
the public squareiwas an informal re-
ception at what is now known as the
Brown House, now owned by Mrs.
Lena Davies, of this city. 1t is of in
terest to note that this house was the
headquarters of Gen. fitzpatrick, Of
Shermans army On the mantel board
in the reception room are the heel
prints of the Yankee scoundrel, mute
evidence today of lrxuriaEilg comforts
to which he treated himself. This lit
tie reception, informal and not sched-
uled, was the treat of the day, although
the reception tonight was marked by
unbounded hospitality, and the after
noon consumed with unabated atten-
ton to the distinguished guests.
Recalled Stirring Times.
At the reception this morning good
cheer prevailed. 1t was happy gath
ering, and those who have made his
tory in South Carolina revelled in the
glories Of backward glances through
the corridors Of title, down which they
have come with honor to themselves
and their posteii1 Old stories were
told, not the threadbare anecdotes of
the chronic yarn spinner, but tales Of
real occurrences. Much love and humor
was added to the occasion by the pres
ence of Col Alfred Aldrich, an honored
son of Barnwell. To his distinguished
father, Judge A. P. Aldrich, Governor
Sheppard today paid magnificent
tribute. A toast was drunk this morn
ing, proposed by Governor Sheppard.
Here's to the world; we came in it all
naked and bare, we go through it in
toll and care, we go out of it, no one