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SOCIETY MINUTES
January—No
meeting.
February—Kathy opened the February meeting where seven members were
present.
A short business meeting followed. Some repair work was recently
completed at Browntown and Michael asked about preserving a column
from the Cotton Gin that had to be replaced. It is an original piece
that had been damaged by water.
Joe Grier asked about termite control. Kathy agreed to check this
out. She also expressed the sympathy of the Society in the recent
death of Joe’s mother.
Due to the absence of the treasurer and the fact that there was no
meeting in January, no reports were given. It was noted that a gift
of $5,000 was donated to the society.
Jack Jackson was introduced as the speaker. He has written a book,
“Flintville 158 AFM”. He is a native of Sumter but has lived in
Florence since he was very young.
He became a Master Mason in the Flintville Lodge in 1971.He agreed
to write the history of the Lodge when he was approached by Harold
Hill, a friend and member of the Lodge.
He spent two years in research ad credits Kathy Loyd with pulling
all of his information together.
His book not only contains names and Lodge information but very
interesting bits of history that make the reading exciting. It
includes many pictures. Jack had only 1,000 copies printed and half
have already been sold. You may purchase a copy from Three Rivers.
It was noted that William E. DuBose has donated a Civil War Veterans
picture to The Browntown Museum. (More on this in the next issue).
The meeting was adjourned after Kathy thanked the tour group for
spending time with approximately 100 3rd graders who visited
Browntown. They were from Johnsonville School and say they plan to
make it a yearly field trip.
March– Kathy Loyd opened the March meeting and welcomed the twenty
persons present. A motion was made by Carol Cockfield that the same
officers and
board members continue to serve and that Michael Loyd be added to
the Browntown Committee and board. The motion was second by Nell
Morris.
Mona gave the treasurer’s report for the last two months.
Kathy pointed out that several pictures were on display. An 1840
original engraving of Francis Marion from the Epps Collection and a
Confederate Reunion group picture of soldiers from Capt. J.J.
Steele’s Cav. Co., which was donated by William Earl DuBose. (More
on the picture and William in the next issue!) She is in the process
of identifying several of the soldiers.
The minutes of the February meeting were read and approved.
Anthropologist Steve Smith was introduced as the guest speaker. Mr.
Smith has done a detailed study of General Francis Marion and
focused on Snow’s Island. Snow’s Island served as Marion’s
Revolutionary War campsite, supply depot and retreat for his
partisan forces during the crucial winter of 1780-81.
Smith followed Marion through the eyes of a partisan in the thicket
and swamps of Carolina. The men who rode with him served him well
but were known to go back to their homes when felt they were not
needed. This caused Marion much frustration. Marion’s hit-and-run
tactics earned him the nickname “Swamp Fox.” The camp was isolated
in the dense forest and was well hidden. Marion was a plantation
owner with army experience and known for his guerilla tactics. He
had the support of the people and knew the area well. He rode a
famous horse called Ball. Though he was unable to swim he would lead
the way. Many times Marion’s Men traveled during the night making
their own paths.
Mr. Smith’s knowledge is a result of 20 years of research. He used
genealogy because he knew how important the support of the community
was to Marion’s cause. He used family ties to connect people
supportive of Marion. He also searched plats, audited records and
checked pension papers. Many were given “papers” for their
contributions to Marion and his men’s support. It was hoped that
when the war was won and over that they would be compensated. Time
did not allow Mr. Smith to share all his information. The meeting
was two hours and we were all fascinated at all the details, some we
knew and others we didn’t. Next month we are looking forward to
hearing William Earl DuBose discuss the War between the States and
his family history.
All minutes are respectfully submitted by Carol Cockfield. |