Society Snippets: History of the Partisan Monument Part 7

1911 Jan 10 The State

At the meeting of the Columbia chapter, members received valuable instruction in the art of basket weaving from Miss Fannie McCants.  Members made baskets and jardinières from long leaf pine needles which were to be sold to Northern tourists with the proceeds going to the monument.

long leaf pine needles

1911 Jan 14 The State

In the society section, mention about the Columbia chapter meeting and the basket weaving session was mentioned.  Each member took home her half completed creation.  The members would bring the baskets to the January 29 meeting to complete their creations.  Members who were unable to attend the first meeting would be welcomed to unite in this work.

1911 Mar 1 The State

The members of the Columbia chapter would meet Thursday afternoon at 4 o’clock to continue their work on the fragrant pine needle baskets.  Numerous baskets have been sold and orders taken for more.  It was expected that members would be making baskets during the season of Lent.  Again, mention was made that the proceeds would be given to the monument fund.

example of a basket made with long leaf pine needles

1911 Mar 9 The State

So many inquiries concerning the monument to the unpaid gentlemen of South Carolina who saved that state were received that is was necessary to prepare a statement.  In that statement, it was shared that it had been the desire of the SCDAR to perpetuate the memory of the three partisan leaders who drove the British from our State with their followers.  It was not, however, until 1902 that any definite measures were taken. 

During Bacon’s term as state regent, resolutions were passed. “That the South Carolina D.A.R. do memorialize our representatives in the congress of the United States and request them to lay a petition before congress to appropriate a suitable sum for purpose of rearing in the city of Columbia a fitting monument to our partisan leaders of the revolution of 1776 – Marion, the swamp fox; Sumter, the gamecock; and Andrew Pickens, whose name even to our own day has been associated with all the best deeds of the State.

“That we invite all the women of the State and especially of those counties which bear the honored names of Marion, Sumter and Pickens, to join with us and give us their hearty sympathy and active cooperation.”

Robertson, was appointed as chairman of the central monument committee while Bacon, Richardson, Waring, Gantt, and Martin as secretary were named to the committee.  State Regent Waring drafted a petition to the congress of the United States which was read at Continental Congress.  The petition was endorsed by then President General, Mrs. Manning, and received the approval of the entire delegation.   Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Spanish-American War put a stop to all minor matters.  State Regent Richardson had the pleasure of announcing that as a result of the efforts of Senator Mayfield and Representative Altamont Moses, the State legislature had appropriated $500 for the monument fund and had given one of the broken columns to be used as a memorial shaft.  It was also determined that each chapter regent, by virtue of her office, be a member of the committee.  When Mrs. Gantt left Columbia, Mrs. Satterlee was made a central committee member in her place.

A contribution of $100 to the fund was given by descendants of the “three guardsmen.”  Slowly the fund increased.  The column given by the legislature was deemed unsuitable and was “disposed of” to a patriotic organization with the amount of the sale going to the fund.

F. W. Ruckstuhl, having adopted South Carolina and having shown a “constant and sympathetic interest in the work of the DAR,” submitted a design which was chosen.  The amount required for its completion was $5000 of which $3000 was in the fund.  “After the manner of South Carolina women no stroke will be put upon the monument until the sum total is in hand.”

At the last state convention, the committee was increased to include six more ladies nominated by State Regent Louise Mayes.  Duvall of Cheraw, Sinclair of Bennettsville, Byers of Gaffney, Dason of Charleston, Parson of Spartanburg, and Cox of Chester.

“When it was considered that but for the uprising of the people of the State who, under the leadership of the three guardsmen, after incredible trial and suffering, without one cent of pay, drove the British out of South Carolina and eventually out of the South, the surrender at Yorktown in all probability would never have taken place, the wonder is that there has not been long ago a similar uprising to do them honor.  But the D.A.R. are doing what they can and they will gladly receive assistance.”

The monument’s inscription was published as “The Three Partisan Generals, Marion, Sumter and Pickens, and the South Carolina Soldiers of the Revolution of 1776.”

1911 Apr 3 The State

Mrs. Childs invited the members of the Columbia Chapter to her home in Waverly on Thursday afternoon for a “basket party.”  Each member of the chapter has been requested to make two baskets for her to take to Continental Congress this month.  These baskets of woven fragrant long-leaf pine needles have been sold not only in Columbia but around the state to tourists.  White a number where sold in Washington by Mrs. Robertson.  Unfortunately, she was unable to meet the demand with the quantity she had on hand.  It was noted that some of the baskets were woven in Indian fashion with dashes of color which requires much skill and ingenuity.  The proceeds from the sale of the baskets will go to the monument fund.

examples of long leaf pine needle baskets with colored needles

1911 Nov 9 The State

In her state regent’s report given at the state conference in Chester on November 8, Mayes states the following, “To my supreme delight and gratification the two works which are uppermost in our minds and hearts are the partisan monument and the mountain school for South Carolina boys and girls.  Both of these beautiful dreams are rapidly assuming form and color, and if we work another year as earnestly and unitedly as we have for the past these nebulous phantoms will have grown to the proportions of a glorious reality.  Like the sculptor and the artist we must first catch the vision of loveliness before we can chisel the marble into comeliness or paint the form of beauty, but I verily believe that having dreamed the dreams there is nothing within the range of reason that South Carolina Daughters can not accomplish.  We have now over $3,000 in our treasury and a roster of 1,117 in good standing – let’s make our slogan for the coming year ‘a-dollar-a-daughter-for-the-monument,’ and if we give this a liberal translation into hard cash, the order can be given the sculptor at our next conference.”

1911 Nov 10 The State

Highlights of the state conference were given. In it, Mayes asked that “all energies be bent” toward completing the partisan monument.

1911 Dec 13 The State

The SCDAR had suggested that the use of the broken column would be perfectly suited to use as a memorial to Confederate fallen.  The Memorial association purchased the granite shaft from the DAR and planned to inscribe on a bronze plate the names of all the men who went to war from the First Presbyterian Church who are buried in the churchyard.  The women of the First Presbyterian church planned fund raisers to erect this column.  “Broken by the wanton vandalism of Sherman’s men, it will yet stand proudly erect, ‘perpetuating the memory of those whom defeat could not dishonor – who have glorified a fallen cause by the simple manhood of their lives, the patient endurance of suffering and the heroism of death.’”

1911 Dec 18 The State

The Columbia chapter on next Thursday afternoon from 4-6 o’clock at Malvina Waring’s home on Laurel Street would host a silver tea to raise funds for the monument.  Mrs. Robertson, chairman of the monument committee, would give an informal lecture on the memorial brasses of England as demonstrated by the “rubbings” of these brasses while in England last summer.  These were made in the cathedrals of London, Westminster Abbey, British museums, and other cathedrals in various towns of England.  Some of these impressions will show the coats-of-arms of prominent South Carolina families, such as the Bacons, Temples, and Williams families.

example of a rubbing from Westminster Abbey

1911 Dec 26 The State

Another article concerning the silver tea  and the program was placed in the Society section.   It was said the art lovers would be especially interested in the presentation.

1911 Dec 27 The State

The silver tea was opened to all interested.  The event was moved from the Waring home to Satterlee hall.

1911 Dec 29 The State

Mrs. Robertson became interested in studying the inscriptions on tombs and tablets in the cathedrals of London and around England.   She made many rubbings of these inscriptions and shared these some of which were taken from the tombs of the ancestors of South Carolinians.  Her presentation was followed by Mrs. Hyatt with two readings followed by the tea.  Members also had the opportunity to meet Ruckstuhl who was in attendance.

1911 Dec 29 The State

In the society section of the newspaper, there was another article concerning the silver tea.  Ruckstuhl was the guest of honor.  Following Robertson’s presentation, Ruckstuhl and each guest cordially thanked her.  It was stated that her collection of rubbings which were of rare value would probably be sold in Washington.  On a table decorated with Christmas holly and red Christmas bells, guest were served fragrant tea and tempting cakes.

Society Snippets: History of the Partisan Monument Part 6

1909 Jan 6 The State

The central committee met last Saturday (January 2) at the home of chairman, Mrs. Robertson.  It was decided that Ruckstuhl would be given the contract “according to the resolution adopted by the State convention in session at Sumter last November.”  He submitted a new design which was accepted by the State convention [beginning November 17].  The broken column was found to be unavailable according to the plan and would be sold with its proceeds going to the erection of the proposed monument.   “The broken column, while being entirely unsuitable for a monument to the victorious soldiers of the Revolution, would be most eminently fitted for a symbol of the ‘Lost Cause,’ and doubtless there are towns in the State which would be glad to have it for a Confederate monument.”

Bids would be taken for the column.  The designs would be given at a later date and an interesting program would be arranged.  Ruckstuhl’s reputation as a sculptor did not need comment.

1909 Feb 9  The State  and the The Daily Record

Ruckstuhl was in Columbia to present pictures of his clay model of the Calhoun statue with the recommended changes.  He will meet with the monument committee concerning the Winged Victory for the monument.

1909 Feb 10 The State

The central committee met with Ruckstuhl.  Mrs. Bratton [then state regent] was in attendance.   It was decided to defer action concerning the contract for the monument until after the next state conference which would be held in Greenwood in November [beginning November 10].  Ruckstuhl submitted a “very graceful design.”

The SCDAR was still not in a position to erect the monument and based on the wording of the article the location on the State House grounds had not yet been decided.

1910 Jan 14 The State

The Rebecca Motte Chapter annually held a masked ball.  On Tuesday evening next, the ball would be held in Hibernian Hall.  Cards of admission could be obtained from chapter members for $1.The article state that every year the Rebecca Motte Chapter arranges for the ball to enable them to send contributions for the Partisan Monument.  It goes on to say that it would be a good plan for the Columbia and William Capers Chapters to arrange for a similar ball in Columbia stating that it would be a brilliant social event and a good way to raise funds for the monument. (If anyone in Charleston would review the local newspaper archives, I would love anymore information about this.  Pictures are always appreciated!)

1910 Jul 3 The State

The central committee met at the home of Mrs. Roberston and came to some important decisions concerning the monument.  Readers were reminded that the legislature had donated one of the great carved columns which had lain on the grounds ever since Sherman’s soldiers rendered it useless by mutilation.  Finding it unsuitable to use with the design of Ruckstuhl, it was decided to sell the shaft to some other patriotic society in South Carolina and to use the money from its sale for the monument.  Advertisements for its sale were appearing in all leading newspapers of the state this morning.  The committee felt hopeful that work on the monument would begin next fall and a state wide interest would be felt in the undertaking.

State House after Sherman's March to the Sea

1910 Nov 20 The State

Our first elected state regent, Rebecca Pickens Bacon, who was also the great-granddaughter of General Andrew Pickens, and the daughter of Governor Pickens made an appearance at the state conference in Orangeburg despite her advanced years.  She read her tribute before the members in attendance.  This tribute will be presented in its entirety as written in the article.

          “The three partisan generals, Marion, Sumter, and Pickens.”

          “The names of this triumvirate of great soldiers, the partisan leaders of the unpaid gentlemen of South Carolina, will ever live in the history and romance of the Revolution as occupying a peculiar and unique position.  After the war they formed an alliance which was never broken.  There is as yet in existence no tablet, trophy, pillar, monument, or memorial of any kind to commemorate the valiant achievements or preserve the memory of those three partisan heroes of the Revolution who in many bloody battles did their duty so well and nobly – Marion in the low country, Sumter in the middle, and Pickens in the up-country, where at the battle of Cowpens the final victory was won.  The historian, Ramsey, says ‘Never was a victory more complete.’

          “Pickens, who led the militia, received in person the sword of Gen. McArthur and pursued Tarleton through South Carolina.

          “Not being in the regular army of the United States, these partisans never received any public recognition of their services by the government.  Says the historian, McCrady, ‘While nothing was  done for Marion, Sumter or Pickens, honors were heaped upon Gen. Green and others with pecuniary reward, still the Jacksonboro assembly added this much to the praise of the brave militia under command of the partisan generals – Marion, Sumter, and Pickens – those virtuous citizens who did not despair of the commonwealth are deserving of highest commendation.’ Cornwallis said, ‘If it were not for Andrew Pickens we would have no trouble in South Carolina.’  Pickens was, however, presented with a sword by congress ‘as a testimonial of your spirited conduct in the action of Cowpens, I have the honor of transmitting this invaluable memorial of your merit and of the approbation of the country.  The glory of the reward will induce others to emulate your bravery and courage.’

          “After the evacuation of Charleston to the British Gen. Rutledge and cabinet took refuge in North Carolina and the British were in possession of South Carolina.  In congress there was made a proposition to deliver up South Carolina and Georgia to the British and thus end the war, but these heroic partisan leaders – Marion, Sumter and Pickens – determined to hold the State and with great success bent their every energy to collect a band of soldiers and repulse the British and finally drove them out of the State.

          “Many of our battles in the State have not attained the historical notoriety of those of similar magnitude at the North.  So much more has been done by the people of those States to commemorate them and so much written concerning Revolutionary incidents that the present generation, living in the neighborhood of Cowpens, King’s Mountain and Eutaw Springs and other fields of battle in our State, know more about Bunker Hill and Lexington; more of Stark and Putnam than of Sumter, Marion and Pickens.  It should be the duty of our organization, the patriotic D.A.R., to see to it that the history taught to the children of our schools should set forth truthfully the heroic deeds of their ancestors and teach them to emulate them.

          “It is duty also, and should be the pleasure of the D.A.R. of South Carolina to erect to the memory of those partisan generals and their brave followers a monument worthy of their immortal heroism in the cause of liberty in their State.”

Society Snippets: History of the Partisan Monument Part 5

1906 Nov 25 The State

“The legislature of the State of South Carolina has given to the DAR a handsome moonlight which will be ornamented suitably as a monument to the memory of the Revolutionary patriots as typified in the names of Marion, Laurens, Moultrie, Pickens, Sumter, etc.”

Mrs. Robertson, committee chairman, wrote a letter to the regent of each chapter on November 24, 1906.  This letter informed the regents that by their position they were ex-officio members of the committee and that communication would be through the Sunday edition of The State newspaper.  The central committee was Mrs. Robertson, Miss Martin, Mrs. Gantt, Sara Richardson, and Malvina Waring.

1906 Dec 9 The State

News was the work on the monument was being pushed rapidly.  Mrs. Robertson placed a letter to the chapter regents in the newspaper.  The design presented by Mr. Ruckstuhl was formally accepted and a post card photo of the design was to be sent in the next few days. (If any chapter has this post card in their chapter scrapbooks, please let me know!!!)  She asked for regents to let the chairman know their feelings as the central committee wanted each regent to have a personal interest in it. 

She goes on to say that the design was submitted three years ago by Jones and Kepler, architectural draughtsmen.  Unfortunately, the SCDAR was not in a position to have the working drawings made.  Mr. Kepler has moved to Washington, D.C.; however, Mr. Jones was with a reputable firm.  Jones will  have charge of the work while his firm Shand and Lafaye has been given the contract.  The firm showed an interest in the work and only charged the SCDAR half of the usual price for this type of work, $0.05. 

George Collins who did the work on the Gonzales monument and put up the Hampton statue will construct the foundation.  He was recommended highly by Ruckstuhl as being both efficient and obliging.

The monument is to be three sided with the triune concept carried out in every detail.  There would be three broad steps leading up to the pedestal featuring graceful scroll on each corner.  Above this pedestal would be the broken column.  She stated that the column would not be left broken because it was not erected to the memory of “broken and unfinished lives, but to victorious and glorious heroes.”   The column would be capped with a Corinthian capital bearing the insignia of the DAR and on the three sides would be trees representing the low country (palmetto), middle (magnolia), and up country (oak).  All of this would be of the beautiful Fairfield granite [blue granite] which Mr. Ruckstuhl declared to be as fine as any he ever saw.   To finish the monument, a grand bronze eagle with out spread wings on a half sphere would top the monument.  The committee hoped to have Ruckstuhl model the eagle.

She concluded by stating that not only would be monument be to the three Partisan generals but to all “those Revolutionary heroes who fought with them.”  Contributions were not to be given out of obligation but because as a DAR of South Carolina you considered it a privilege and a duty to honor your noble ancestors.

Again, the SCDAR would turn its attention to Memorial Continental Hall.  This time, the SCDAR would focus its efforts in raising the $2000 for its monolithic column for the Memorial Portico.

Memorial Continental Hall - the Memorial Portico is in the left portion of the picture

1907 Jun 23 The State

The central committee met and could happily turn its whole attention to our monument since the column had been entirely paid.  Mrs. Robertson remarked that the SCDAR should be proud that the state had paid for its column.  She had served as a member of the Continental Hall committee by invitation of the president general.  She was in attendance at the meeting when the contributions from the state were announced.  She stated that she wished the members could have heard the enthusiasm when it was announced that SC’s column had been fully paid.

Plans and specifications had been submitted last spring to several contractors to get an idea of the cost for erecting the monument; however, no contract was given.  Based on these estimates, the cost will require at least $5000 and only $1500 was in the bank.

The chapters were encouraged to raise funds to help with this noble cause and to bring those contributions to state conference which would be held the last week in November in Charleston.

1908 Jan 5 The State

The central committee met and was unanimous in its determination to bring about enthusiasm among the state to raise the necessary funds to begin the work during the year with the goal of completing it in two years.  A circular would be sent to all chapter regents urging them to devote their efforts to the completion of the monument.   (If any chapter has this circular, please let me know!) She noted that at state conference, changes to the design were made.  Instead of it being a three sided monument, it would be a four sided shaft to better accommodate the inscriptions.   A letter from Mr. Ruckstuhl had just been received in which he offered any assistance he might give to see the monument completed.

The design which had been accepted by the committee, subject to modifications, was made by Shand and LaFaye.  The meeting closed with discussion for fund raising.  It was resolved to ask chapters to make arrangements for an entertainment on Washington’s birthday [for the purpose of raising funds for the monument].

1908 Feb 8 The State

The state monument committee met at the home of Sara Richardson to meet with Ruckstuhl, the man who executed the Hampton equestrian statue on the state house grounds.  He was on his way to Florence, Italy to execute the Calhoun statue which would be placed in Statuary Hall.  It was hoped to have him execute Victoria which would be the final touch to our monument.

Wade Hampton Equestrian statue

This was also printed in The Daily Record on the same day.

Society Snippets: History of the Partisan Monument Part 4

1904 Jan 10 The State

The designs submitted for the monument did not excite the members of the DAR.  Several designs cut off too much of the column.  Of the remaining choices, the design liked best combined many patriotic emblems and saved as much of the column as possible; however, the competition was still open to other architects and designs.  The article then reminded the members how quickly a monument was placed to “our beloved wearers of gray who fought to preserve from tyranny and oppression with the same valor and chivalry which inspired the blue and buff to endure hardships and defeats for many years finally gaining a victory our men of the sixties were denied.”  It goes on to point out that were it not for history that we would not even have a country.  She encouraged a rapid completion of the monument and pleaded with the chapters which had not sent funds for the monument to do so at once and pointed out that if the DAR showed that it was behind the monument with funds that proved interest the legislature may provide funds as well.  She ended by saying that “this monument will be an ornament to the capitol grounds,” and encouraged each chapter to appoint a special committee to ask their respective legislators to look favorably to giving a sum for the monument.  As she said, “South Carolina men have never been known to refuse South Carolina women anything for a righteous cause.”

1904 Feb 17 The State

One of the fundraisers planned by the Columbia Chapter for the monument was the Silver Tea.  The tea was planned for February 22 at the State House.  (Can you guess why February 22 was chosen?)  This article introduced the tea by stating that guests would be received by three great generals and their dames and would be served tea by young girls in colonial dress, paint, and patches.   The entertainment was to be entirely unique.  The regent of the Columbia chapter appointed committees and this list was published in the article.  The home of Mrs. Robertson was the headquarters for the week, and the committees were asked to meet on Thursday afternoon to plan.  The committees included decoration, refreshments, invitations, relics, advertisement, and press.  

1904 Feb 18 The State

The next day a brief article was published stating that the tea and committee meetings had been postponed due to the death of Rev. Mr. Saterlee out of respect for him.

On March 8, 1904, Senator J. G. Marshall fathered the bill which donated the column and allowed the monument to be placed on the State House grounds and appropriated funds for it.  No. 404 was a joint resolution of the General Assembly.  The SCDAR now had permission to place the monument on the grounds of the State House as well as an appropriation of $500 to aid in the completion of the monument.

1904 Apr 4 The State

The Silver Tea was rescheduled for April 8.  Several of the relatives of the generals would be in costume to represent the families and would receive the guests.   Tea and cakes would be served by young ladies in colonial dress.  The same committees were still in place and would meet Monday afternoon to plan.  The monument committee would serve as the hostesses and would receive the company.  Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Gantt, Miss Martin, and Mrs. Waring were the members of the committee at this time.

1904 Apr 5 The State

Even though the event was called the Silver Tea, young ladies from both colleges had been invited to attend.  With a colonial event, tea and sandwiches had to be the menu; however, the ladies took into account that students were not very fond of tea.  To meet their palate, delightful fruit punch and cakes would be provided for them.  The same invitations printed for Feb 22 with the date changed were to be sent out all over the city. However, even if a notification was not received, all were invited to attend.

1904 Apr 8 The State

The tea was to take place in the State House lobby upstairs from 6-9 P.M.  Refreshment were to be served by the DAR members of relatives of the three generals in costume.  Relics had been loaned by the relatives in the city and would be on exhibition.  One relic of note was the sword that Pickens received from the British commander upon his surrender at the battle of Cowpens.  Relatives of the three generals who had contributed toward the monument would be wearing a special badge with the name of the ancestor.  In addition, all relatives would be given a badge by the doorkeeper.

1904 April “American Monthly Magazine”

In the state conference report held on October 28, 1903 in the council chamber of City Hall in Columbia, one of the most interesting reports was given concerning the monument.  Unfortunately, no details of the report were included except to reiterate that the monument commemorating the deeds of Marion, Sumter, and Pickens was hoped to be erected soon.

1904 Jun 1 The State

State Regent Sara Richardson wrote an article about an address given by Mr. Washington A. Clark, a lawyer, at Winthrop College [given on May 19] for the benefit of the monument.  She stated that his impressive address which beautifully portrayed the influence of women in the Revolutionary War was a splendid tribute to them that would inspire deeper interest in patriotic endeavor.  She went on to express her thanks to the President of the College, Mr. Johnson, the students and teachers who attended and donated a sum to the monument fund.  She thanks the Regent and members of the Catawba Chapter for assisting in putting the event together and thanked the delegation from the King’s Mountain chapter for attending.

This article would be printed in the Edgefield Advertiser and the Fort Mill Times on Jun 15 and in The County Record on June 16.

It would not be until the end of 1906 before we would find mention of the Partisan Monument.  If you remember your DAR history, you will know that the Daughters from around the nation were called to build our beautiful Memorial Continental Hall.  The stories that go along with this are wonderful.  I look forward to sharing these with you soon.

Society Snippets: Partisan Monument Part 3

1902 Jan 1 The State

In this article we find that a dinner in honor of the noted sculptor F. Wellington Ruckstuhl of New York was given.  Ruckstuhl designed the Women’s monument and was in Columbia for supervising its placement.  While in Columbia, Mrs. Robertson held a reception at her studio.  Mr. Ruckstuhl was in attendance.  It goes on to say once the Women’s monument is unveiled that she would consult with Ruckstuhl about the plans for the partisan monument.

You will see the Ruckstuhl will become a prominent figure as the monument moves forward.   This relationship seems to have begun at the reception she held at her studio.

1902 Feb 2 The State

At some point, the Columbia chapter applied to the state house commission for the commission to give to the SCDAR the unused column for the purpose of constructing the partisan monument on the grounds of the state house.  Once a monument representing the American Revolution was complete, all wars would be represented as there were already monuments to the Confederate and Mexican war soldiers.  As it goes with red tape, the commission responded that they had no authority to give the column and had referred the matter to the state legislature.  During the interim, the column was broken; therefore, the bill asked for a part of the column.  There was a senator (which was named as part of this article) that was interested in the matter.  It was hoped that he would be able to get the bill passed without objection.

1902 Annual Report of the State Regent presented at the 11^th Continental Congress

The Columbia Chapter is working to erect a granite monument to the Revolutionary heroes of South Carolina on the capitol grounds.  A bill has just been passed by our legislature, giving us one of the handsome columns left over from the state house. 

 1902 March “American Monthly Magazine”

As part of Sara Richardson’s State Regent report, she stated the following concerning the Partisan Monument, “The monument to be erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution of South is the chief work before us.  It is to perpetuate the services of our partisan generals, Sumter, Marion, and Pickens and the soldiers who perished during the struggle for Independence.”  She would also say, “When erected, it will be a monument worthy of the heroes, the state, and the name of our society,”

The Partisan Monument committee reported to the joint assembly the action of the state conference and expressed thanks for the gift from the state.

1902 Apr 6 The State

During the monthly meeting of the Columbia Chapter, the monument was discussed.  The wording concerning the monument is as follows “the weighty matters of monument.”   Initially, the monument was to be made from one of the broken columns that were to be used at the State House.  The drawing was made by Mr. Unkefer with the projected cost of $100 for its completion.  Had it not been for the use of the broken column, the estimated cost would have four or five times more.  State Regent Sara Richardson would call upon the chapters of the state to assist in the work and for their opinions as to the inscriptions for the monument.

1902 Oct 30 The State

During the 1902 state conference held in the Senate Chambers of the SC State House, Mrs. Robertson, chairman of the “monumental fund,” gave a report.  Last spring, the representatives obtained for the SCDAR one of the pieces of broken columns left over from the portico of the State House at an estimated worth of $1,200.  The column had to have a strong foundation as well as a base and a capital.  It was hoped to have the contractor of the State House put up the column at a lesser fee while he and his employees were still at work on the State House; however, arrangements could not be made.

She presented to the delegation designs for the monument as well as estimates for the cost.   She then reported that the Secretary of State will allow the SCDAR to mount the statue of Washington now on the grounds on our column and that if the SCDAR did not accept this offer anything added to the submitted designs will be an extra cost.

1902 December “American Monthly Magazine”

In the state conference report, Sara Richardson reported that the monument was the work assumed by the Daughters until completed.  The Corinthian column that was donated was valued at $1800 and the work to complete it would be $1200.

SC Secretary of State Gannt aided the DAR greatly in getting the native granite donated to the SCDAR.  

It would be another two years before mention about the monument can be found.  This is because the SCDAR dropped their efforts for the Partisan Monument to focus their efforts on the construction of Memorial Continental Hall.  All efforts would then be made toward the construction of our beautiful building.

Society Snippet: History of the Partisan Monument Part 2

     From 1895 -1897, I have been unable to locate any information about the Partisan Monument.   In 1897, we find a change about the monument and to whom the monument will pay tribute.

1897 May 24 The State

The SCDAR requested that The State publish a correspondence designed to get the residents of Columbia behind the effort of a monument to Marion.  The editorial states that Mrs. T. C. Robertson had been instructed to write General Butler, serving in the U.S. Senate, inquiring about Congress appropriating funds for the statue.  In his return letter, he stated that if the people of Columbia would show their support that there was hope to receive the appropriation when Congress return from its holiday break.  His letter was printed in full and stated that through his efforts a bill had been passed through the Senate twice in two different sessions.  The first bill appropriated $50,000 and was reduced to $40,000 in committee; however, the second bill reduced the appropriation to $10,000.  He was unable to find a Representative to take up the bill in the House nor was he able to get the residents of Columbia to show interest.   The appropriation was contingent upon the city furnishing a lot or the legislature setting aside a space on the State House grounds.  He commended the SCDAR for taking up the cause and pledged his cooperation to aid in this matter.

The bill which was passed on 1892, May 23 is as follows:

          

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled, that the sum of $50,000, or as much thereof as may be necessary, be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the erection of an equestrian stature of General Francis Marion, within the limits of the city of Columbia, S.C. and for the proper preparation, grading, and inclosing of the lot and foundation upon which said statue shall be erected, which sum shall be expended under the direction of the secretary of way, or such officers as he may designate: Provided, that the money hereby appropriated shall be drawn from time to time only as may be required during the progress of the work, and upon the requisition of the secretary of war:  And provided further, that no part of the money hereby appropriated shall be so expended until a suitable lot of land in said city of Columbia, for the erection of said statue, shall be conveyed, with all the right, title, and interest therein of the owner thereof, to the United States, and the deed duly recorded, and the city of Columbia shall have provided for public use an open highway or other satisfactory means of access thereto.

          Sec. 2.  That this act shall be in force from its passage.

     In its beginnings the SCDAR was the Columbia Chapter; therefore, we see the chapter began meeting about the statue.  Also, we see that there was simultaneous interest in a monument to Emily Geiger.  I will be providing information about this at a later time.

1897 May 26 The State

The Columbia Chapter was to meet 1897 May 26 at 6:00 P.M. at the home of Mrs. H. W. Richardson.  During the meeting, the annual election of officers would take place along with a discussion of Gen. Marion’s statue and also the monument they propose erecting to Emily Geiger.

The SCDAR has become thoroughly interested in both of the monuments.  It was felt that if the SCDAR was behind them that support for the monument would be received from all over the state of South Carolina.

1897 Nov 10 The State

An announcement concerning a meeting of the SCDAR was placed.  This announcement was in reference to the state conference or convention of the SCDAR which was held during Fair Week at the home of Malvina Waring.  Delegates from chapters across the state were expected and several may have come from adjoining states.  Every member of the DAR whether from SC or not was urged to attend.  The principal object was to discuss and adopt plans for the erection of monuments to the memory of General Marion and Emily Geiger, “two of the most noted figures in South Carolina’s revolutionary history.”

     As a result of the aforementioned article, an editorial was written by James Henry Rice, Jr. admonishing the SCDAR for not recognizing Pickens and Sumter along with Marion.  Here is his letter.

1897 Nov 10 The State

A Contemplated Injustice

To the Editor of The State:

The announcement is made in the columns of this morning’s paper that a meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be held this afternoon, the principal object of which is “to discuss and adopt plans looking to the erection of monuments to the memory of General Marion and Emily Geiger.”

Now, this object is both precipitate and unjust, inasmuch as such action would discriminate against Sumter and Pickens, who deserve monuments as richly as Marion.

In regard to Emily Geiger, I have nothing to say, having myself revived the almost forgotten story of her gallant ride some fifteen years ago in an up-country paper.

But I do assert that Pickens, Marion, and Sumter must be grouped together and treated alike.  Judge Johnson in his life of Greene so states the case and the facts of history bear him out.  Pickens really deserved more and go less than any of the three.  But a just patriotism will accord the palm to their united strength and will not stoop to a small discrimination.  Each was a patriot, a soldier and did gallant service for the suffering State.  Each operated in a different region and each did all that duty required of him.  Marion certainly has not prominence over Sumter and Pickens.

I have no leisure to go into details, but merely ask that the Daughters of the American Revolution themselves give the subject dispassionate and careful investigation.  They will see, I am sure, that they are about to be unwittingly committed to an act of unjust discrimination unworthy of their order.

     The article that spurned his admonishment was simply giving the agenda for the meeting.  If he would have waited before writing his editorial, he would have read the following day that the SCDAR decided not to erect a monument just to Marion.  A resolution was passed that said the following.

1897 Nov 11 The State

Resolved first, That the South Carolina D.A.R. to memorialize our representatives in the congress of the United States and request them to lay a petition before congress to appropriate a suitable sum for the purpose of rearing in the city of Columbia a fitting monument to our partisan leaders of the Revolution of 1776, Marion, the “Swamp Fox,” Sumter, the “Game Cock” and Andrew Pickens, whose name even to our own day has been associated with all the best deeds of the State.

Resolved, second, That we invite all of the women of the State, and especially of those counties which bear the honored names of Marion, Sumter and Pickens to join with us and give us their hearty sympathy and active cooperation.

The article continued by stating that the petition brought before Congress by General M.C. Butler to the memory of Gen. Francis Marion had died and the Columbia Chapter had decided to petition congress to appropriate a sum for a monument to the “three guardsmen – Sumter, Marion and Pickens.”    The passing of this resolution was followed by the reading of her essay “The Partisan Generals of South Carolina” by Mrs. Robertson of the Rebecca Motte Chapter.  Sara Richardson then shared project’s origin and the amount of work that had been done for the monument.

A committee was appointed for what would become known as The Partisan Monument.

     Needless to say, the Daughters took exception to the article "A Contemplated Injustice" and responded as follows.

1897 Nov 16 The State

FOR ALL THREE.

The Monuments to This State’s Revolutionary Heroes.

To the editor of The State:

A few days since an article came out in The State headed “A Contemplated Injustice” and signed James Henry Rice, Jr., in which the writer declared that the DAR intended doing a great injustice to the memory of Generals Sumter and Pickens by erecting a monument to Gen. Marion alone, ignoring our other two great partisan generals.

Had Mr. Rice informed himself more fully before writing he would have found out that no such “injustice” was contemplated, but that, on the contrary, the DAR had a convention here mainly for the purpose of drafting a memorial for a monument to the three partisan generals.  A committee was appointed to attend to the matter at the next meeting of congress and the DAR have a confident hope that this patriotic movement will be successfully carried through.

          Secretary Columbia Chapter D.A.R.

1898 Feb 26 The State

The SCDAR delegation in attendance at Continental Congress did more than just attend the NSDAR activities.  While in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Nash and Mrs. Jones of Charleston, Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Waring of Columbia, Mrs. Nicholls of Spartanburg, and Mrs. White of Fort Mill made an effort to have the U.S. Congress appropriate funds for monuments to Marion, Sumter, and Pickens.  It mentions that fact that Butler had twice gotten the bill passed through the Senate but was unable to get the bill passed by the House.

     It would be another four years before mention of the monument would be found.  Based on what would come in the history of the NSDAR, I would imagine it was a direct result of realizing that the U.S. Congress was not going to follow through to complete the process of passing the twice passed bill from the Senate in the House of Representatives.  At this point, if the SCDAR wanted to make this monument come to fruition, they would have to completely take over and champion its cause.  It would not be easy and other pertinent items would prolong its progress, but the SCDAR never wavered to see it come to pass.