The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1917-11-14
HUSTLING CITY OF SUMMERTON
NOW COMING INTO ITS OWN
History Of the Place from Pioneer Days Showing Remarkable
GrowhMany Interesting Facts Brought Out

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other denominations, the Baptist,
Episc6palians and the Catholics, re-
spectively. In 1910 the Baptist
church was located on the other side
of the Tawcaw being later removed
across the stream to it's present site.
Today the Methodists have the larg-
est congregation in the city and hold
their services in fine modern brick
structure. The Baptist, and Congre-
gatlonal structures also are of brick
while the Episcopal and Catholic
churches are of wood construction,
all being of the latest architectural
design.
Pioneers Now Living.
j. j. Ragin, DR.: Bob Ragin, Judge
A. J. Richbourg and NJ. $. Canty,
men of sterling character, are still
living the latter two persons being
the oldest living ones of that memor-
able number who contributed to the
nucleus of Summerton. Judge Rich
bourg and Mr.. Canty both served
Throughout the war in the Confedcr-
ate army with honor and distinction.
Judge Richbourg went out as a pri-
vate but was brcvated a sergeant
major during the conflict. He serv-
ed with the 23rd South Carolina Vol
unteers which was commanded by
Col. II. G. Benbow and Major Fl. H.
Lescsne. The regiment took part in
all the principal engagements in
North Carolina from Bull Run to the
surrender at Appomattox. The troops
from Clarendon left for the front 1G5
strong, but the largest proportion
were either killed or wounded. Now
only eight or ten of the old command
of regulars survive. Mr.. Canty serv-
ed in the infantry and was trans
ferred to the cavalry where he did
most valiant service. He also rem
dered the Confederate army gallant
service as scout to some of the
important commands. All the lc-
scendents Of the pioneers of Summer
ton did loyal and valiant service.
When questioned relative to his war
record Judge Richbourg was quite
modest in making any statements
other than that he endeavorcd to do
his duty, but the writer learned of
one remarkable effort of his in saw
ing the life of brother comradc at
the peril of his own life. In one of
the engagements d. Oscar Brunson,
serving in the same company with
Judge Richbourg, was severely
wounded at point in the battlefield
where the shells from the encmy's
batteries were dropping thickest. AS
the judge came to where the wounded
man lay PROSTATE on the ground he
suddenly halted in his rush over the
field and, practically courting death,
raised Mr.. Brunson to his back and
carried him to place of safety and
by this gallant act saved the life Of
his comrade in arms.
Modern, Progressive Summerton.
In 1889 the people of Summerton
applied for and received it's character
of incorporation for 80 years and from
that day the place has rapidly evo-
luted from its pioneer moorings, until
today it stands out conspicuously with
all the trimmings of metropolitan
community. 1t may be said that the
large, substantial growth of the place
has been made during the past ten or
twelve years much of the site of the
principal business houses being an
unbroken expanse of brush and woods
prior to that time. Not unlike all
hustling communities vast strides in
the business arena have been made in
a comparatively brief time and are
still in the making for a larger and
more potential business community.
In mercantile affairs all lines are well
represented by most modern methods.
There's reason for all this progress.
Many of the men at the head of large
affairs in Summerton are descendants
Of the pioneers of the place while
others with that astute business sa-
gacity have taken their places among
the live wires already anchored in
business.
SummertOn's First Mayor.
S. r. Cole was designated to take
the helm Of Summerton's first trip
in municipal affairs serving quite
satisfactorily the first term as mayor