The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1920-07-14
LEST WE FORGET

A wave of prosperity has swept
over Clarendon, the vast acres that
once welded a bare living to those
who titled them, are now one contin-
uous garden. The plain farm houses
have been supplanted by beautiful
homes equipped with every modern
convenience, splendid school houses
have been erected and it is indeed
far cry from the beautiful county,
seat of today with paved streets, mag
nlficent court house, and handsome
homes and business houses, to the lit
tie town that arose from the ashes of
Potter's vandal torch. But the peo-
pie of Clarendon are for the most
part descendants of the pioneers who
returned from the Civil war with
blasted hopes and broken hearts, and
with courage at which the world
marvelcd, blazed for us the dusty trail
that has broadcned into paths of pros
pcrity and peace. Let us sometimes
pause in our mad rush after pleasure
and profit, and look backward, lest we
forget.
In the history of Clarendon county
no man has figured more prominently
than Col. Harry Benbow, and it is
gratifying to know tina; movement
IS launched at last to perpetuate his
memory. Long after the shattered
remnant of his regiment reached their
homes, he languished in federal pri
son, and upon his return he lived a
secluded life on his riverside planta-
tlon but in the struggle for white SILL
premacy In 1876 his country again had
need OF his services. Election day of
that year was one that will long be re-
membered, in the quiet town of Sum-
merton there was no serious uprisinps.
or race riot threatened but from the
dawn of that gray November day un-
til late in the afternoon a steady
stream OF dark humanity poured un-
ceaSlngly into the town, vague un-
rest pcrvadea the air and trouble was
expected at any moment. A group of
ladies were conversing almost in whis-
pcrs when one of them suddenly ex-
claimed: "Thcre comes Col. Benbow.
thank gracious we can rest easy now!"
Such was the confidence his presence
inspired. Late that afternoon as he
was leaving town, a note was handed
nm from the women Of that place,
begging him to remain for their pro-
tectlon. He assured them that he
would defend them if it cost him his
life. and with Il few chosen men,
guarded the sleeping town through
the long winter night. The worst was
yet to come, for within a short time
the situation in Clarendon grew so
tense that the town of Manning sent
out her "S. o. S." A mob had formed
on the public square-and threats to
burn the town were heard on every
side, both races were excited and it
seemed but question OF time. when
the threatened riot would break out.
Hon. Joseph +. Rhame was mayor,
and he declared that the situation was
beyond municipal control, and called
for volunteer to go for Col Benbow.
1t was dangerous trip to make, for
the roads were watched, and the mes
senger was likely to be shot from am
bush, but there was one man whose
courage arose to meet the demand,
Joseph Galluchat Jr. rode alone on
horse back from Manning to Wrights
Bluff as the bearer Of that message.
Even ready to serve his country Col.
Bcnbow responded to the call, and up
on his arrival the Mayor formally
turned the town over to him. His
first remarks were addressed to the
white citizens whom he begged to
"keep COOL" ah! that was his watch
word on the battlefield, he had tested
and proved the wisdom of keeping
cool during the panocama of blood and
fire, when for seven days there was
no all in the leaden stor,. hat ragged
arom d him, and "kcep cool' were the
magic words spoken to his regiment
when solid sheet of flame blazed in
their very faces. He stood on the
court house steps alone, target for
the angry mob and addressed the col.
ored race. Kindly but firmly, he as.
sured them that the white man was
their friend as long as they kept thei,
rightful place but warned them that
such a demonstration as they were
making would not for an instant be
tolerated, then taking his watch in his
hand he allowed them just so man,
minutes to leave the place. With the
greatest respect they listened to him
then knowing that he was not "bluff
irg," they dispersed, and without
bloodshed the town regained it's u.s.
ual quiet.
COl. BenbOW was poor manager
and as he advanced in years financial
''ifticr'ties arose so thick and fast
that the day came when the man whom
the flower Of Clarendon's manhood
had followed on the fields of Virginia
had no where to lay his head. Some
of his old comrades persuaded him at
that time to enter the race for Sheriff
but his health was poor, and unable
TO canvass the county as he had done
in years gone by. he was defeated
Then it was that relative said to