USA > South Carolina > The history of South Carolina, from its first European discovery to its erection into a republic: with a supplementary chronicle of events to the present time > Part 22
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BANKS.
1839.
Capital.
Circulation.)
Deposits.
Specie.
Bank of Charleston,
July 1
82,938,125
8761,826
8693,902 12
8516,762 33
Bank of the Sta.of'S.C.
Oct. 1
1,156,318 48
563,270
612,289 45
291,180 40
S. Western R.R. Bank,
Oct. 1
1,361,421 78
419,130
69,072 61
185,001 03
State Bank,
Oct.16
1,000,000
125,762 50
70,607 48
21,352 68
Merch ts Bank Cheraw,
Oct.31
480,000
410,159
28,024 30
83,782 65
Bank of' Camden, -
Oct.31
315,940 75
272,950
46,867 65
70,704 44
Bank of Georgetown,
Nov. 1
200,000
173,666
29,729 39
46,775 88
Com'l Bank Columbia,
5
800,000
436,760
53,622 70
184,667 34
Union Bank, -
66
5
1,000,000
34,696 67
198,122 23
83,090 56
Bank of So. Carolina.
66
6
1,000,000
346,395
183,150 10
81,346 06
Planters & Mech'cs B.
8
1,000,000
458,935
355,006 03
168,061 44
Bank of Hamburg, -
" 12
438,500
495,545
60,857 98
123,388 75
11,610,305 01 4,499,095 17 2,401,252 04
1,856,143 56
Same session (1839) returns of the state census make the free white inhabitants as follows :-
Spartanburg,
17,847|Darlington, -
6,029
St. Philip and St. Michael, 15,66] Lexington, -
Edgefield,
15,069 Colleton,
5,845
Abbeville,
14,006|Richland,
5,773
Anderson,
12,839
Lancaster, -
5,509
Greenville,
12,556
Chesterfield,
5,413
Laurens,
12,382 Marlborough,
4,119
Pickens, -
11,491 Kershaw,
3,947
York, -
11,173 Horry,
3,930
Barnwell,
10,978 Williamsburg, -
2,687
Union, -
10,873 Georgetown,
2,014
Chester, -
9,349 St. James, Goose Creek,
1,302
Fairfield,
9,152 St. John's Berkley,
812
Sumter,
8,916 St. John's, Colleton,
679
Marion, -
8,291 St. Stephen's, -
390
Newberry, -
8,286 St. James' Santee,
283
Orangeburg,
7,392
In the same session (1839) the committee on education, to which was referred the reports of the commissioners of free schools, for the several districts and parishes in this state, beg leave to report : That the subjoined schedule contains the number of schools estab- lished or assisted, the number of scholars taught, and the sums of money expended :-
5,846
331
APPENDIX.
Districts and Parishes.
Schools.
Scholars.
Expenses.
Abbeville, -
.
57
467
$1,981 25
Horry,
9
169
300 00
Pickens,
31
248
754 37
Newberry,-
45
592
1,624 06
Spartanburg,
9
190
1,500 00
Lancaster, -
23
308
1,585 00
Fairfield,
22
100
1,200 00
York,
53
283
1,852 00
Darlington,
39
152
500 00
Marlborough,
18
166
547 00
Barnwell, -
11
90
000 00
Union,
39
597
1,769 00
Anderson, -
41
179
900 00
Lexington,
29
270
689 57
Greenville,
33
184
1,115 00
Williamsburg,
8
109
649 08
Kershaw -
17
253
900 00
Chester,
48
608
1,752 24
Laurens,
30
203
1,202 71
Richland, -
6
104
1,008 99
Marion, -
8
290
600 00
Edgefield, -
129
1257
2,214 10
Prince George, Winyaw, -
7
141
695 00
Clarendon,
8
58
606 00
Clermont, -
-
-
20
104
900 00
Orange Parish, -
27
253
968 18
St. Matthew's, -
-
13
68
300 00
St. John's, Berkley, -
3
54
651 22
St. Philip and St. Michael,
5
448
4,800 00
St. James, Goose Creek, -
3
82
300 00
St. George, Dorchester,
13
93
223 06
St. Thomas and St. Dennis,
1
15
300 00
St. John's, Colleton, -
6
13
not stated.
St. Helena,
2
75
600 00
St. Peter's,
.
0
75
626 76
St. Luke's,
8
54
729 53
St. Stephen's, -
2
45
300 00
St. Bartholomew's,
9
112
178 82
St. Andrew's, -
1
22
300 00
Christ's Church,
2
10
300 00
All Saints,-
0
116
622 00
Chesterfield,
-
-
0
256
600 00
Total,
832
8867
$40,326 29
-
-
No returns were made from the Parishes of Prince William and St, James, Santee; and it may be added here, that the census of population, as well as schools, above given, is, doubtless, in many
332
APPENDIX.
small respects inaccurate-newspaper reports having been relied on.
November 25th, 1839. Great State Agricultural Convention assembles in Columbia and transacts business as follows :-
PROCEEDINGS OF THE AGRICULTURAL CONVEN- TION.
In accordance with the wishes of the people of most of the dis- tricts in our state, the Delegates to the Convention assembled in the Hall of the House of Representatives, on the evening of Monday, November 25th.
On motion of Dr. R. W. Gibbes, WHITFIELD BROOKS, EsQ. was requested to take the chair, which he did. Dr. Gibbes having been called upon to act as Secretary, the meeting was organized.
The delegates having been called upon to register their names, the following gentlemen appeared and took their seats.
From Marlborough .- James Gillespie, W. T. Ellerbe, John McQueen.
From Chesterfield .- Thomas E. Powe, J. Wright.
From Marion .- Thomas Evans, William Evans, B. Moody.
From Edgefield .- W. Brooks, James Terry, A. P. Butler, J. O. Nicholson.
From Darlington .- Thomas E. McIver, W. H. Cannon, Sen., W. Wingate, Thomas P. Lide, J. F. Ervin.
From Fairfield .- J. J. Myers, J. B. Davis, W. K. Davis, J. H. Means, Edward Means, D. Elkin.
From Chester .- T. W. Moore, J. D. Crawford.
From Richland .- F. H. Elmore, Robert W. Gibbes, James Gregg, Robert Henry.
From Sumter .- John P. Richardson, James B. Richardson, D. St. P. DuBose, Thomas J. Wilder, Isaac Lenoir, J. W. English.
From Anderson and Pickens .- J. W. Norris, J. P. Reed, J. N. Garvin, Jesse M'Kinney, Thomas Pinckney.
From Spartanburgh .- H. H. Thompson, John Crawford, John W. Hunt, Samuel N. Evans, William K. Poole.
From Orange and St. Matthews .- John M. Felder, S. Glover, S. B. Dwight, Jacob Stroman, Elisha Tyler, D. F. Jamison.
APPENDIX. 333
From Lancaster .- Benjamin Massey, J. P. Crocket, M. Clinton, John M. Baskin, William Reed.
From Abbeville .- John A. Calhoun, P. F. Moragne, A. B. Arnold, James Fair, D. L. Wardlaw, George McDuffie.
From Newberry .- Simeon Fair.
From Greenville .- Bannister Stone.
From Barnwell .- Charles R. Carroll, J. H. Hammond, W. S. Reynolds, W. Gilmore Simms, James D. Erwin.
From Lexington .- J. A. Addison, L. Pou, J. C. Geiger, W. F. Percival, L. Boozer, H.J. Caughman.
From St. Philip's and St. Michael's .- F. D. Quash, W. Washing- ton.
From St. John's, Berkley .- John H. Dawson, P. P. Palmer.
From St. Andrew's .- W. Lawton, B. R. Carroll, William J. Bull.
From St. John's, Colleton .- W. M. Murray, J. Jenkins Mikell.
From St. Helena Island .- J. A. Scott.
From Prince Williams .- John E. Frampton.
From Prince George, Winyaw .- R. F. W. Allston.
From All Saints .- B. F. Dunkin.
On motion of B. R. Carroll, Esq. Colonel F. H. ELMORE was unanimously elected President of the convention, and a committee of three designated to attend him to the chair.
The president having addressed the convention, and stated that the meeting was ready to receive resolutions, Dr. James B. Davis proposed the following resolution, which was passed.
Resolved, That the president appoint four vice presidents for this convention. Whereupon the following gentlemen were ap- pointed :
COL. R. F. W. ALLSTON, of Prince George, Winyaw.
GEN. GEORGE MCDUFFIE, of Abbeville.
GEN. JAMES GILLESPIE, of Marlborough.
WILLIAM ELLIOTT, Esq., of Beaufort.
B. R. Carroll, Esq. introduced the following resolution, which was carried.
Resolved, That a committee of fifteen be appointed, to arrange business for the convention.
29
334
APPENDIX.
The chair then named the following gentlemen:
B. R. CARROLL, of St. Andrews.
W. T. ELBERBE, of Marlborough.
THOMAS EVANS, of Marion.
WILLIAM H. CANNON, of Darlington.
JAMES B. DAVIS, of Fairfield.
J. GREGG, of Richland.
W. REYNOLDS, of Barnwell.
J. P. RICHARDSON, of Sumter.
A. B. ARNOLD, of Abbeville.
J. H. HAMMOND, of Barnwell.
F. D. QUASH, of St. Philip and St. Michael.
J. A. SCOTT, of St. Helena Island.
B. F. DUNKIN, of All Saints.
W. BROOKS, of Edgefield. B. MASSEY, of Lancaster.
Dr. Davis moved that the committee be allowed until 6 o'clock to-morrow evening to prepare their report, which was agreed to.
On motion of Charles R. Carroll, Esq. the convention adjourned till 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening.
TUESDAY, Nov. 26, 1839.
The convention met, agreeably to appointment, at 6 o'clock. The minutes of the first meeting were read. On motion of H. J. Caugh- man, Esq.
It was resolved, that delegates who are present, who have not registered their names in the secretary's book, be requested to do so.
The following gentlemen appeared, enrolled their names, and took their seats.
From Fairfield .- W. J. Allston, John M. Robertson, Burrel B. Cook.
From Sumter .- Hon. J. S. Richardson.
From Anderson .- J. B. Reed, J. E. Calhoun.
From Richland .- R. H. Goodwyn, D. D. Finley.
From Edgefield .- M. Watson.
From Lexington .- H. Arthur.
From Union .- Z. P. Herndon.
From Prince George, Winyuw .- Thomas G. Carr.
335
APPENDIX.
The president called for the report of the committee of fifteen, when the chairman, B. R. Carroll, Esq., submitted the following
REPORT.
The committee appointed to prepare business for the agricultural convention, beg leave respectfully to report, that after an enquiry, in which the sentiments of the different sections of our state have been consulted, they are of opinion that the following subjects are fit and proper for the consideration of the convention, viz.
1. The creation, by the legislature, of an agricultural professor- ship in the South Carolina College.
2: The appropriation, by the legislature, of a sum of money to defray the expenses of a geological and agricultural survey of the state.
3. The establishment of an agricultural school in some central and healthy position of the state.
4. The establishment of a state board of agriculture, to meet at Columbia or somewhere else in the state.
5. The introduction into our free schools of some elementary work on agriculture.
In limiting their recommendation to the propositions alluded to, the committee have done so with a view of not crowding upon the convention the consideration of too many topics of absorbing in- terest. They believe that the fault of our agricultural meetings has heretofore been, that they have attempted too much, and done too little. Hoping, therefore, that they have selected such matters as will interest the convention, they beg to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.
The report having been laid before the convention for discussion, Charles R. Carroll, Esq. addressed the chair in support of its recommendations. He was followed by James H. Hammond Esq. in opposition. J. A. Calhoun, Esq., and B. R. Carroll, Esq., spoke in reply to colonel Hammond.
B. R. Carroll, Esq. moved to consider the propositions of the report separately, and to add to the first and second propositions, the words, " and that the same be recommended to the legislature ;" so that it would read as follows:
336
APPENDIX.
1. The creation, by the legislature, of an agricultural professor- ship in the South Carolina College, and that the same be recom- mended to the legislature.
2. The appropriation, by the legislature, of a sum of money to defray the expenses of a geological and agricultural survey of the state, and that the same be recommended to the legislature.
Colonel Hammond moved to lay the first proposition on the table, which was agreed to. He then moved to lay the second proposition on the table, which was rejected. The ayes not being satisfied, the votes were taken by the tellers, when it was found that there were thirty-four ayes and fifty-seven noes. So the second proposition was before the meeting.
H. H. Thompson, Esq. moved,
"That upon that proposition there should be a division of the question, and that the vote should be taken on the propriety of re- commending a geological survey, apart from an agricultural survey."
This motion was under discussion, when it was moved by Dr. Arnold that the convention do now adjourn, to meet on to-morrow evening at half past five o'clock.
The convention then adjourned.
ROBERT W. GIBBES, Secretary.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 27th, 1839.
The convention was organized at the hour appointed. The min- utes of the previous meeting were read.
The president stated that the convention was prepared for busi- ness, and that the subject for their consideration was the "propriety of recommending to the legislature a geological survey, apart from an agricultural survey of the state."
General McDuffie addressed the convention in favor of the res- olution, which was carried by a large majority.
The question was then put on the second part of the proposition, as divided, viz : " On the propriety of recommending to the legisla- ture an agricultural survey of the state," and carried by a vote of thirty-eight ayes, thirty-two noes.
The question then recurred on the second original proposition, as reported by committee as follows :
337
APPENDIX.
" The appropriation, by the legislature, of a sum of money to defray the expenses of a geological and agricultural survey of the state, and that the same be recommended to the legislature," which was agreed to.
The third, fourth and fifth propositions were put and rejected.
The report of the committee, as amended, was then submitted to the meeting, and adopted; and, on motion of Dr. A. B. Arnold, the president was requested to transmit a copy to both branches of the legislature.
THE REPORT, AS ADOPTED.
The committee appointed to prepare business for the agricultu- ral convention, beg leave respectfully to report, that after an en- quiry, in which the sentiments of the different sections of our state have been consulted, they are of opinion that the following is a fit subject for the consideration of the convention, viz :
The appropriation, by the legislature, of a sum of money to defray the expenses of a geological and agricultural survey of the state, and that the same be recommended to the legislature.
In limiting their recommendation to the proposition alluded to, the committee have done so with the view of not crowding upon the convention the consideration of too many topics of absorbing interest. They believe that the fault of our agricultural meetings has heretofore been, that they have attempted too much, and done too little. Hoping, therefore, that they have selected such a matter as will interest the convention, they beg to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject intrusted to them.
At the request of J. M. Felder, Esq., the Hon. A. P. Butler, who had voted in the affirmative, moved a re-consideration of the report, in order that he might propose an amendment thereto, which was agreed to. He then proposed the following amendment to the report :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the legislature to take measures to secure a sound and stable currency in this state.
Major Felder spoke at length in favor of his motion. Hon. A. P. Butler said a few words in opposition, and proposed to lay it on the table, which was carried.
29*
338
APPENDIX.
Dr. James B. Davis then introduced the following resolutions.
1. Resolved, That a state agricultural society be formed forthwith, to meet in Columbia.
2. Resolved, That the society be recommended to establish an an- nual fair and stock show in the town of Columbia, with suitable pre- miums for the finest animals exhibited, &c. The exhibition to be held on the first week of the session.
3. Resolved, That the society be also recommended to offer suitable premiums for the best lots of cotton, best variety of corn, small grain, &c.
4. Resolved, That the society be also recommended to offer suitable premiums for the best essay on the culture of rice, corn, small grain, cotton and the grasses, embracing in each essay a com- plete manual in the whole operations of a plantation, of each of these products, of suitable size, comprehending management of negroes, improving lands, &c.
5. Resolved, That said society be divided into committees allotted to each and every distinct branch of agriculture, embracing geology, introduction of foreign seeds, &c.
6. Resolved, That the society provide the means of paying these premiums by an annual tax on the members.
7. Resolved, That the convention recommend to each district to form agricultural societies.
These resolutions were seconded by colonel J. H. Hammond, in a speech of some length.
W. Brooks, Esq. proposed the following amendment, which was adopted.
Resolved, That as an efficient auxilary towards the accomplish- ment of this high and honorable purpose, it is expedient to aid in the establishment of a cheap agricultural paper, to be issued weekly, at the seat of government, and that the same be recommended to the patronage of the public.
Dr. Davis proposed the following amendment to his resolutions, which was adopted.
Resolved, That this convention recommend to public patronage, as a means of diffusing agricultural information, such papers as may
339
APPENDIX.
be published in the state, having for their object the diffusion of all matters pertaining to agriculture.
J. E. Calhoun, Esq., moved to lay on the table the last two resolu- tions relating to agricultural papers, which motion was rejected.
General J. H. Adams called for a division of the question on Dr. Davis' resolutions, and that the first resolution be considered sepa- rately, which was agreed to, and the resolution adopted, viz :
Resolved, 'That a state agricultural society be formed forthwith to meet in Columbia.
Dr. Davis then moved,
That a committee of nine be appointed by the chair, to report to this convention, to-morrow evening, a proper plan for the organiza- tion of a state society, and that the remaining six resolutions of Dr. Davis be referred to them. Agreed to.
B, B. Cook, Esq. moved,
That this convention recommend to the legislature to require the several tax collectors of this state, to take a return, annually, of the sums paid by each person in their respective districts and parishes, for western produce, viz: for hogs, horses and mules, and make a return thereof to such officer as they may direct. This resolution was adopted, and, on motion of major Felder, his resolution was taken up and referred to the committee of nine.
The president announced the following gentlemen to compose the committee.
HON. GEORGE MCDUFFIE, of Abbeville,
DR. JAMES B. DAVIS, of Fairfield,
HON. J. P. RICHARDSON, of Sumter,
HON. B. F. DUNKIN, of All Saints, HON. JAMES GREGG, of Richland, HON. R. F. W. ALLSTON, of Prince George, Winyaw,
COL. THOMAS PINCKNEY, of Pendleton,
W. BROOKS, EsQ., of Edgefield,
W. GILMORE SIMMS, EsQ., of Barnwell.
The president read a communication from Dr. S. Blanding, pre- senting two copies of the New England Farmer, from Mr. J. Breck, of Boston, which was referred to the committee of nine.
340
APPENDIX.
W. Gilmore Simms, Esq. introduced the following preamble and resolutions :
Whereas, in consequence of the scattered condition of our settle- ments throughout the country, the present plan of poor school education is found inoperative in most instances, and partial and un- satisfactory in all-those towns and cities alone excepted, where the number of pupils is sufficiently great to justify the employment of competent teachers.
Be it recommended to the general assembly of the state now in session,
That a tract of land not to contain less than fifteen hundred nor more than five thousand acres, centrally chosen, or as nearly so as practica- ble, be procured in each of the districts, with which the poor establish- ment of such district, shall thenceforward be endowed-that on the said tract of land, suitable buildings shall be erected for the reception and accommodation of such a number of poor boys, as, according to the census of the district, it shall be likely to contain-that provision be made of all the usual and necessary utensils for farm culture, as practised in said district-that it be moderately stocked with horses, cattle, sheep, and all such other animals as are found useful in such an establishment-that, when this is done, a teacher of known intel- ligence and integrity be procured, who shall receive an adequate salary for the tuition of all pupils who may be placed under his care by the commissioners of the said district-and that, for certain periods of the day, and in certain classes and divisions, to be hereafter determined by the commissioners, he shall have entire control of their studies and their time-that, at all other periods, the said pupils shall be placed under the control of a competent superintendant or overseer, who shall direct their labors and industry while preparing them, as farmers and planters, for the proper performance of such duties in after life as may seem best to correspond with their condi- tion and necessities. And that the commissioners of each district be empowered to receive as indented apprentices to the poor school of said district, on behalf of the state, all such boys, the parents of whom may be found desirous of securing for them the advantages of such tuition, and all such orphans as, governed by a praise-worthy am- bition, may be willing to avail themselves of the same-the term of
341
APPENDIX.
apprenticeship in no case to be less than three, nor more than seven years-unless in the case of such youth as may be already greatly advanced towards the years and purposes of manhood, and who, at the discretion of the commissioners, may be received for a still shorter period.
Be it recommended yet farther, that, on the same plantation or tract of land, but removed from close proximity to the dwellings and the school house of the boys, there be erected suitable houses for the reception and accommodation of poor girls, who shall be placed under the tuition of one or more female superintendants, from whom they shall learn the ordinary elements of a plain English edu- cation-and in addition, such duties of a farm and household, as com- monly devolve upon females in our country-that they shall spin, weave and sew ; attend to poultry and the dairy, the culture of the silk-worm, if it be deemed advisable, and be taught also to fashion and make their own and the habits of the boys-the latter, in turn, performing all those severer labors of the plantation as will yield sufficient food and provision for both establishments.
Be it farther recommended, that, in addition to the studies of the ordinary English grammar school, the master of the male depart- ment shall be required to instruct his pupils in a competent knowl- edge of simple land surveying.
It is recommended, also, that the dress of the boys be made uni- form, and that the elder boys, ranging from the years of fifteen to eighteen, be provided with light muskets, and be subjected to the drill and instruction, once a month, of the neighborhood captain of militia.
Resolved, That these recommendations be respectfully submitted to the general assembly, with the prayer of this convention, that they be subjected to examination and experiment, in three of the districts of the state, in order that their operation may be witnessed previous to their general adoption as a system for all the districts. That, in order that the experiment should be fairly made, the districts so chosen, should lie, one in each of the grand divisions of the state, the upper, the middle and the lower country; and that the present commissioners of the districts chosen, be requested to take charge of the entire subject.
342
APPENDIX.
The preamble and resolutions having been submitted, Mr. J. E. Calhoun moved that they be laid on the table, which was agreed to. Mr. J. A. Calhoun, of Abbeville, than moved that the convention do now adjourn to meet to-morrow evening at half past 5 o'clock, which motion prevailed, and the convention adjourned.
ROBERT W GIBBES,
Secretary.
THURSDAY, Nov. 28th, 1839.
The convention met at the appointed hour. The minutes of the previous meeting were read. The president called for the report of the committee of nine, whereupon the chairman stated that the com- mittee were not fully prepared to submit their report, and asked the indulgence of the convention until to-morrow evening, which, upon taking the vote, was agreed to.
The following delegates appeared and enrolled their names :
From Darlington-Alexander Sparks,
From Union-E. C. Johnson,
From St. Philip's and St. Michael's-J. Rose.
From St. James, Goose Creek -- John Wilson.
From All Saints-Edward Tho. Heriot.
John A. Calhoun, Esq, introduced the following resolution :
Resolved, That the trustees of the South Carolina college be re- quested to have delivered, by the professor of chemistry, in addition to his other duties, a course of lectures on agricultural chemistry, pro- vided that they do not interfere with his regular duties,
Dr. Gibbes moved an amendment to the resolution, to insert after the words "agricultural chemistry" the words " and also on the principles of geology," which was agreed to.
The resolution as amended was unanimously adopted.
W. S. Reynolds, Esq. moved the appointment of a committee of three to communicate the resolution to the president of the trustees, whereupon the president designated,
Dr. W. S. REYNOLDS, HON. A. P. BUTLER, HON. J. S. RICHARD- SON.
The president informed the convention that he had received from Mr. R. E. Russell, proprietor of the botanic garden in Columbia,
343
APPENDIX.
with a request that he would present them to the society, a loaf of beet sugar from France, and several beautiful specimens of native silk, which were laid before the convention.
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