The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1915-09-17
Fair Forest Cemetery.

in the course of their travels arrived
at plot of high ground about two
miles east of Glenn Springs, S. c.,
overlooking the valley of a large
creek which flowed through an un-
broken forest of such beauty, that
one of the party exclaimed on seeing
it, "What Fair Forest" From this
the settlement they planted on the
banks of this creek was known as
Fair Forest.
The creek and later the church and
cemetery that grew up in the midst of
the settlement were also called by the
same name-Fair Forest.
Here was laid the foundation of one
of the strongest Presbyterian
churches in upper South Carolina,
many of whose members distinguished
themselves in the services they rem
dered their country.
These patriarchs now lie buried in
the old Fair Forest cemetery on the
site of the church they founded more
than a century and half ago.
This cemetery is one mile east of
Fair Forest creek and four miles west
of Jonesville on the Meansville road,
which was once the principal con-
Meeting link between Union and Spar
tanburg.
LII LOU Ilc CuuTCn was moved TWO
miles farther west and a new ceme-
terry established there, but the first
one was never abandoned and is still
used by the descendants of the early
settlers. The cemetery was enlarged
and very substantial and pictur-
esque wall of rough, native stone was
built around it and an iron gate closes
the entrance.
A few of the mighty trees that once
formed the fair forest that covered
the entire country still stand on the
lot and add beauty to the spot where
our forefathers lie buried.
Many of the graves Of these de-
parted heroes are unadorned by any
marks except rough stones without
inscriptions, yet there are some
marked with stones that bear quaint
inscription carved in crude letters on
soft stone. This makes this a very
interesting spot for lovers of things
and deeds of the past.
Among those who are buried here,
l mention only few: James Nell
wane, the leader of the original party
and thought to be the originator of
the name Fair Forest, was buried
here in 1907. He was 81 years of
age. His wife, Jane, is buried by his
side. She was buried in 1903 in her
list year.
The most distinguished Revolution
ary soldier buried here was, Gen.
Hugh Means, who died in June, 1925,
in the 74th year of his age. Gen.
Means was the second child born in
the new settlement He entered the
service of his country at an early
occasions, especially at the battle of
Cnunopo uyhoro ho
the company of Capt. Patton. After
serving through the Revolutionary
war he also commanded a regiment
In the war of 1912. James, Mayse,
another soldier of the Revolution, was
buried in 1918. There is little known
of his war record but the inscription
on his monument is this: "He was
active in the defense of his country.
He was also man of much promi-
nence in the settlement, having served
as an elder in the Presbyterian church
for over 40 years."
Tradition has it that yet another
Revolutionary soldier was buried
here-Samuel Clouney. His son, Hon.
William Kennedy Clouney, who was
at one time a member of congress,
only one in the Clouney plot bearing
an inscription. Samuel Clouney won
distinction in the war by capturing
seven Tories one night, at nearby
stream, with only the help of negro
servant.
Major Samuel Morrow, through
whose influence the church was
moved, was buried in the new ceme-
terry in 1850. Below is the inscrip-
ton on his monument:
Sacred to the memory of
Major Samuel Morrow
who was born March 1760
died Feb. 10 1843
He was active in the Revolutionary
war and won distinction by his cour-
age and patriotism.
Among the other marked graves we
find those of several men of this
country who lived here during the
war. We have no record of their hav-
ing been in service; they are:
George Parks, who died in 1905,
age IT.
James Means, who died in 1907,
aged so.
Hugh Means, who died in 1917, age
81.
Henry o'Neal, who died in 1915,
aged Ga.
George Thomson, who died in 1924,
age 70.
Henry Foster, who died in 1921, age
81.
This paper would not be complete
without mention of the noble women
who shared the tribulations, dangers
and trials of their noble husbands.
Margaret Hodge, who was born in
1889 and died in the 85th year of her
age, has this inscription on her tomb u: