The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1919-05-13
GIVES HISTORY OF
ABBEV|LLEPROPERTY

account of the sale of the property
on the eastern side of the square. I
can give you a short history of this
valuable property "in ye olden
times" up to the beginning of the
Confederate War in 1860.
About ITO deed was made to a
large body of land by King Charles
to Andrew Hamilton and Andrew
Pickens,- Patrick Calhoun ana An
drew Hamilton surveyors of the
time.
Most of the town of Abbeville and
Fort Pickens have been built on part
of this land. Andrew Hamilton's
first home was built on this property
that has just been sold. When the
Court House was located here, An
drew Hamilton decided to the town
three acres of land where his home
stood, down to the big Spring-to be
used for Court House and JAIL AL
ston Cabell had copy of this deed.
Andrew Hamilton then built larger
home on lot back of Mr.. Barksdale's
store, now owned by J. A. Smith.
Mr.. Hamilton's daughter, Gather
inc, married James Allston, she in
herited large amount of this land.
There are several lots yet owned by
her grandson, J. Allston Cabell, Mr..
Hamilton's second daughter mar
ried Ezekiel Calhoun, whose grand
son, DR.. Ephraim Calhoun gave. me
the history I am writing.
In 1900 Andrew and George Bowie
were lawyers here. The first court
of the district was held in the Blocks
House. ..... ...
The first Abbeville Court House
was built on the lot that had been
given by Andrew Hamilton-it was
a small wooden building. In 1902
John G. Calhoun studied law with
George and Andrew Bowie. In 1905
he rented law office on corner of
Washington street and public square,
the Racket Store, lived here only
three years then went into a politi-
cal life.
This building was the first organ
lied government Post Office kept by
John Mcbride, a Scotchman, who al
ways said he held the most important
Office in the town.
From this corner down to the
brick store owned by Mrs. Russell,
was built up in small houses, almost
shanties compared to the present
buildings-most of them used for
law offices.
Before the Confederate war there
were twenty-five lawyers in the town.
I can remember the jewelry store Of
M. Tusten's on this street, the first
in the town. Over three of these
small buildings on this street was a
large hall used for public dances,
called the HBall Room" Private
dwellings were not built in those
days as now with folding doors,
where. dances can be given. Nearly
every dance took place in the "Ball
Room"
During the summer months the
Governor of the State and his staff
visited each district in the State to
review the militia companies. This
gala day was held at Morrow's old
field, where old and young men, la
dies and children in crowds never
failed to attend and admire the Of
ficers in their gay uniforms mounted
on prancing steeds. At night a
grand ball would be given in the
town of Ahbeville. Bellies and beaux
from far and near would attend.
Miss league, very beautiful young
lady of Laurens, attended one of
these balls. She had often visited
her relatives here. There were. two
young men in love with her, Mr.. Joe
Wardlaw and Mr.. Frank Calhoun.
That night at the ball they had a
dispute over a dance engagement
with Miss league. They got so angry
they stepped out into an adjoining
room, and had a big fist fight. DR..
Wardlaw received black eye which
gave him trouble long time, came
near losing the sight. Mr.: Calhoun
had his front teeth knocked out, i