FAIRFIELD CO., SOUTH CAROLINA - Extracts from Draper MSS

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Contributed to the SCGenWeb Archives by:
  Sloan Mason  14 Nov 2003
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Draper Manuscripts
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
Sumpter MSS
Draper MSS, 14VV.
Transcribed by Sloan Mason

South Carolina, Sumpter Papers, Series VV.Vol. 14-15VV
LDS Family History Center-FILM # 0889219


p.212
A Mrs. PEAY who with other women were fleeing with the army to get out of
the reach of the enemy having a child in her arms suckling tit-sitting on a
cot, when TARLETON'S horsemen attacked & jumped - by to each -of her?,
without injuring her; after the fight, looked among the th --- and found her
dead husband: Found a wounded horse-mounted it, and started in her -----
condition for her native region of VA. And had the horse taken from her by
some one who claimed it. She subsequently returned to S.C., married a Maj.
MICKOLS, and raised a large family & died at a good old age. 
(Written by Draper)?

P.288-289
Gen. John STARKE, George & Eliz. PEAY

Rocky Mt., S.C.-Oct. 1873
To Mr. DRAPER, Esq.
Dear Sir:
Yours has just been rec'd in reply I will say that I will talks great
pleasure in giving what few incidents I have heard occurred during the
revolutionary war, to my great grandmother: Mrs. PEAY-I am now very busy
indeed-riding day and night in the practice of my professions , epidemic, I --
-- is now very privated in reg. Practice. I will write to you at soon as I
can find a leisure moment-what-knew of Mrs. PEAY, John STARKE, her brother,
George PEAY her husband and other noted characters, of this county, anything
that I may think will be of service to you in writing your history, which I
am truly glad to hear you have under taken, as I have always thought Gen.
SUMPTER has been overlooked by authors, your book will tell will in our
state, and when it is out I will take an ---, for this county, if you intend
publishing by subscription. Major TURNER has a grandson living in 6 miles of
me, I will get what ---- I can from him in regard to the Major. If you will
write to John E. PEAY of Long Town in this County, he can no doubt give you
the age, when born, time of death & of his grandmother Mrs. PEAY, as she died
at his house, Mr. PEAYS, P.O. is Ridgeway, F.C., in S.C. John M. STARKE of
Florida could give the most correct account of this history of John STARKE &
the HARRISONS of any person I know. I will try and find out where his P.O. is
in Florida
And let you know Reuben HARRISON has a grandson living near Ridgeway in this
Co.
John HARRISON , Senior's name ---- of Benj. ---, I know nothing.
Very truly yours.
Ira S. SCOTT

P.291-299

On occasion to hurt all they could, as a natural consequence, they were
wanted by the British Generals, TARLETON  & CONWALLIS who offered large
rewards for him dead or alive. On one occasion STARKE was surprised at his
father's, the British hearing through some spy that he was in the
neighborhood of his father's residence, sent out -Camden's squad of men to
try and capture him, they got up to the house where he was; so slightly, that
he lead only him to escape out of the back part of the house, ---- a common
farm house, which he fortunately friend hitched in the back yard, (one of the
Negroes having just returned from an errand and hitched the horse there) he
made for an island in the river belonging to the family, the British yelling
at his --- after getting into the island he bound it would not do to leave it
as they had much the best horses, he --- also it was impossible to conceal
himself successfully in the island, in this extremely his great boldness and
courage-only saved him, at the lower point of the island their was a bluff of
some 30 feet to the water, the water was also very deep below the island to
the bank, he jumped his horse off of this bluff into the river, and
afterwards in telling of his escape---- he said, he thought he never could
come to the tip of the water again, he went to deep, when his horse died -----
him again, he was still seated in the saddle, the British on the bluff
yelling and firing their muskets at him, he slipped off of his horse and swam
by his side until they got to the bank where he and horse assembled out in
derision and canter he turned at his coat tails and slapped his b---tts at
them, which was a scary? Unfortunate procedure for him for one of the British
soldiers being a good marksman planted a musket ball in his thigh which broke
it, he crawled to a log, got on his horse and made off into a dense thicket
or swamp and remained there until night
where he again managed to get on his horse and went home, his mother fixed
up his broken thigh, the best she could under the circumstances, she
concealed him the best she could in the house, the next day, a neighbor, a
most excellent and honest lady Mrs. J. ---- who had always been a great
friend of the family visited him, al though Mrs. J.--- ( I don't use the full
name on account of her descendants who are most excellent and respected
people of this county) husband was a rank TORY and did all his power to
injure-the Whigs. Mrs. STARKE consulted unto her friend Mrs. J. what she must
do with her son, further? Knew they would ---- --- out Mrs. J. advised her to
let her take him to her husband, as the British would never suspect him of
being there. Mrs. J. said as her husband was scarcely ever at home, she
thought, she could hide him in the garret, so that J. should be come home,
would not find out, that he was in the house. When dark came the lady's with
a few trustworthy servants, carried him over to J-.s. and fixed him as
comfortably as they could in the garrett, unfortunately in a day or so, old
J.'s returned home and found out by some means, that JACK was in his house,
he immediately went to Camden and gave information of his whereabouts, the
commander at Camden sent with carts and a squad of men for him and several
other Whigs,-- were lying wounded in the neighborhood, (their had been a
skirmish on 25 mile creek a short time before that, and several of the Whigs
were so much wounded as to have to be housed in  the neighborhood of the ----
ground. They took STARKE, placed him in a rough cart with out ----his leg
badly set, and trotted off with him, cursing and ---- all the ---- possible
of his complaints, (his sufferings never been horrible?) In their way to
Camden, they picked up several of their wounded Whigs-George PEAY, his
brother in law, whose family was staying with old Mrs. STARKE, happened to be
at the house to see his family,--- that the British squad could not get to
Camden that night concluded he would try and rescue him (J. STARKE)
He supposed they would ---- a deserted house, situated on a small branch, a
good camping ground, Mrs. PEAY procured horse and cart and followed on a
short distance behind them, when night came on, he hid his horse and cart in
the woods, close to the road side, and went to -------- A? He suspected they
would do he found them encamped at this deserted house, when he supposed they
were all asleep he slipped up and found all locked? In the arms of ----- were
the sentries were asleep, the prisoners were in the caboose and the soldiers
asleep before the door, one lying across the arm of PEAY-he had to step over
the sleeping guards and went around and found out where STARKE was, knowing
him by his groans, he stepped over him and whispered in his ear, for him to
put his arms around his neck. STARKE did so, got on PEAY'S back, he stept out
over the sentinels carried STARKE to his horse and cart which he had
concealed about 1/4 mile off and returned home with him, knowing it would not
do to keep him in any inhabited house in the neighborhood, they built a small
cabin, some miles off in a dense forest and put a faithful old family negroes
to wait upon him. His mother would occasionally in the night go to him, to
see how he was getting along, and carry him such delicacies as she could make
up in those days, that tried men's souls, and women's too; This treatment of
the old Tory J'S STARKE could never forget, after peace was declared STARKE
and a friend meet J'S. In the road previous to this J'S took good care to
keep out of STARKE'S way, after peace was made he thought their was no danger
and went when he paced) STARKE rode up to him and cut him off of his horse,
dismounted himself and almost literally whacked him to pieces, after he
thought he was dead having several times stuck his sword in his thighs to see
if he would flinch which he did not do, he pulled out a pistol and was going
to shoot him, to make a ----- doubly sure, when his friend, said don't shoot
Jack, he is as dead as a door nail. I'm probably as it may appear he was soon
found by some of his family, his horse having run home which caused the
search for him) and by the good care and doctoring of his most excellent wife-
restored to health again. When Gen. LAFAYETTE visited Camden many years
afterwards, all the old Whigs soldiers formed the soldiers into a company to
receive him; they all had --- to the breasts of their coat, the no. 76.
Whilst standing in line waiting to be received by Gen. LAFAYETTE some one
noticed that JACK STARKE was our of the line, and called to him to come in;
he (J.S. pointed to the old opossum J-S, who had tacked 76 to his coat and
was standing in line as ----, as the best Whig of --- of them Jack swore he'd
be damned if he would go in line, whilst the old TORY remained there. One of
the committee of arrangement's told me some years ago, that it was his duty
to ---- J'S out of the lines, when Jack went in. John STARKE lived a good
many years after the war was much respected and lived by all who --- him, he
was never married, but left his property to a natural son, who inherited his
father's chivalry and ---- also a handsome property. This son was admitted to
practice
law after having had a thorough collegiate education, but I don't think ever
practiced the profession any, having a fine plantation and a large number of
slaves; he also died unmarried and his property, fell to Capt. J. W. STARKE,
& brothers by their Uncle old Jack STARKE.
George PEAY together with Wm. LEWIS, a lad of 18 and other wise? With PEAY'S
body servant a black, defeated a body of TORY'S of 25-30 in number in this .
Those Torys' were something or quite like the Vermont skinners, mentioned in
the Dutchman's fireside" a novel by PAULDING, I believe. A ---- set, prowling
about the country robbing and abusing the families of the Whigs. PEAY and
comrades were hunting them up to order to try and get back a couple of fine
horses they had taken from this plantation a few days before. They had
followed four hours below Camden, up to the Wateree Creek, a few miles at
where --- I am now living. Where Tory's encamped in a band. Wateree Creek
about one mile above its mouth, the creek makes a short curve or bend, almost
in the shape of the letter O. -thought the bend they were camped, a miserably
cold and rainy night, a ----- officer in the trees, in the point or --- the
banks were some ten feet high and the water ten-twenty feet deep-PEAY and his
comrades slept, up within a few yards, saw a good many standing around a
large log heap and ---- five with nothing on but their shirts drying their
clothes, some were playing cards, as cold and bad as the night, was some
cooking, & PEAY gave the word fire, when they were all ready they fired,
yelling "give them no quarter, boys, charge & as from the nature of the
ground, they were compelled to take water to escape, jumping off of the high
bluff in the deep and cold water, it ----- to see them taking water in their
shirt tails, PEAY got all they had, they were a miserably poor set, he said,
he however accomplished his objects getting back his horses. Wm. LEWIS one of
his men was a very fiery and impetuous youth, will say more about him. Again
It is said by those who pretend to know that during the rev. war, that heir
was only 28 Whigs in Fairfield county, at any rate they and their families
had a hard time of it; being certainly plundered by the Tories of all they
possessed. The times got so hot, that MRS. PEAY (whose husband had gone on
into N.C. to meet Gen. GATES on his march south) concluded to go to Virginia
with her family two little children, a son and daughter to her husband's
relatives; she started ------- she riding one horse and carrying a child and
her servant a Negro man riding the other with the other child; she fell in
with Gen. Sumper's army a day or two before his defeat by Col. TARLETON in
fishing Creek. On the day of his defeat, he had encamped in the fork of
Fishing creek and the Catawba River a very out of the way place, where I
suppose from the ---- the ground. They had very little thought of surprise
and were careless, the soldier, had stacked their guns, some were in a peach
orchard, some in the river bathing, and others cooking and lying bout ----
generally. Mrs. PEAY was sitting with her children and servant on a fallen
tree among the---- limbs-all at once she heard TARLETON and his men headed by
him with some of them charging over the log, she was sitting upon being on
the log amongst the limbs she was protected from their houses, she said she
looked at the British cutting down the Whigs, until she grew faint and sick
and was recalled to her senses by hearing the bullets-whistle by her and
striking the limbs and logs, she was sitting upon some of the Whigs had
gotten hold of their gun as and fought all they could) she laid down behind
the log pulling her children down beside her. After the fight was over and
the Whigs captured and dispersed, the British or Torys took her horses from
her (she said they were good ones she looked over the battle field and found
an old grey horse shot through the back, which she mounted with her children,
one in her lap and the other behind, the Negro man walking-the first night
she went to a man's house by the name of REESE or READ and asked him for
something to eat for her children, they crying with hunger; he drove her off,
telling her to go to the orchard and get peaches as they were good enough for
rebels children. She went on and after she had crossed the Yadkin River in
N.C. she was met in the road by some scoundrel of a Tory who claimed her old
Grey took him away from her and left her afoot, she being a woman of
determined spirit, kept ahead, and after a great many hard ships, arrived at
last at her husband's relatives.
In a future communication I will speak of her again, together with some
other Gen. SUMPTER'S men.
I see for the book you sent me your "Historical Society" has a library
museum and I sometime since sent to a museum in N.C. a good many relicts
picked up on the battle field, where Sumpter was defeated. If you think the
Society would like to have any, for their museaum, I will go to the
battlefield and get more. I can get them from the planter who owns the place,
as he had a great many, when he gave me those I sent to N.C. pieces of
swords, some buckels & more.
I have also a book on painting published in London in 1728, which I will
also send to your society, if you think I will be acceptable.
You must excuse these hastily written and badly composed sheets. They have
been written ------ -------- and in a firm idle moments.
With much respect I am dear sir,
Yours truly, Ira S. SCOTT, M.D.
Reference: Capt. J.W. STARKE, Pilatka, Florida



p.300-305

Rocky Mt., July 15, 1873?
L.C.DRAPER, Esqr.
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 10th inst. had just been rec'd since I wrote you last. I have
rec'd a letter from Mrs. John E. PEAY who wrote me that she had written to
you which no doubt you have rec'd ere this: she mentions that the family
bible was lost by fire some years ago where their house was burnt in
consequence of which she was unable to give me the birth death, of Mrs.
MICKLE (nee PEAY) If she does not give you about the time of his death I will
find out and send you the date as near as it can be obtained: My version of
the wounding of John STARKE, I have no doubt at all, but that it is the
correct one, the other three versions to the contrary not withstanding, no
because I gave it, but as I rec'd it from Mrs. PEAY herself-all from her son
George A. PEAY, whose daughter I married (my 2nd cousin) When I was a small
boy, Mrs. PEAY, spent sometime with my mother and me to amuse us by talking
as if her trial, & troubles during the Rev. war-her son George S. PEAY and
myself have after talked about Dr. Johnson's mistake in relating the
circumstances of his wounding & escape, George S. has often told me he
regretted that-a true account was not given of the affair in some history in
order that his father's aid in the escape might be mentioned. Dr. JOHNSON I
think wrote a great deal of his book from hearsay-from parties not at all
connected with the families of those, he wrote about I have his book, John
STARKES' sister never married a Tory or did she ever live at Granby? Or I
ever heard of, only had? JOHNSON'S book. I know D. J. STINSON well, he use to
live 18 miles above me in Chester Co. has removed a little farther off now,
he applied to me to write him a history of what I knew of Mrs. PEAY, I did
so, but before I had an opportunity of sending him, what I had written, he
sent off to Mrs. ELLET what I had told him verbally, I suppose her book was
ready for the press and she was hurrying him, as it is published in an
appendix to her 3rd Vol., her name is given as Mrs. PRAY there, no doubt a
mistake of the printer. Mr. STINSON is an enthusiastic in regard to rev.
heroes, and I am fearful sometimes drawn upon his imagination for incidents,
he is a descendant of old Judge GARTNE?, and hardly --- writes anything but
he old Judge figures in it. I am certain I never told him John STARKE was
wounded at Sumpter's defeat where Mrs. PEAY's carriage came for her, which -
st she was staying at our house, I accompanied her home, riding a distance of
--- miles on horseback, so you see I was larger? Or old enough to recollect-
what was told me . I believe if the British or Tory's had ever had John
STARKE in prison, they would never have exchanged him or sent him to
Charleston but hung him promptly, he was a perfect terror to them, about
Camden, none of them could ever leave town a few miles, but they would hear
from his rifle from the swamps-Camden is some 5 miles from the Wateree river
and nearly surrounded by dense swamps-STARKE was raised near there and knew
every by path and the country well, and it was next to improbable to catch
him-I knew also that Dr. JOHNSON is wrong when he says that STARKE cursed
Darling JONES the Tory out of the lines when LAFAYETTE was there. Thos. EVANS
a prominent man of Kershaw Co. (was an opponent of Gen. BLAIR for congress)
told me, some years ago, that he was one of the committee of arrangements of
that day, and that when STARKE would not go into the lines because JONES was
there, he had the disagreeable duty, to order him out, I have been thus
explicit in order that you may judge, which tale is the most likely to be the
correct one. I think my version owing to how I received it is the correct
one. John STARKE was born in Kershaw Co. Mrs. Dr.? NELSON is a sister of
J.W.STARKE of Pilatka, Florida if he corresponds with you, you can learn from
him anything he probably would know, ask him if you correspond for the
history of his grand mother Mrs. ROCHELLE, I have heard some very interesting
incidents-relatives to her trials during the war, she lived in big Lynch's
Creek in Kershaw Co. a hot place in those day. My mother in law, was a
daughter of Mrs. ROCHELLE.
As I kept no copy of my last letter to you which I regret, I have forgotten
where I left Mrs. PEAY, whether in N.C. after SUMPTER'S defeat, or before the
battle, please in your next-let me know will be always glad to hear from you
and will do all in my power to gather up, what I can for you to help you
along with your book.
As I am still very busy in my profession, I can not be a punctual as I
otherwise would be, had I more leisure, but will write at every spare moment.
With great respect I am Dear Sir, Truly yours.
Ira S. SCOTT
(see over)
The island in the river where STARKE jumped off is called to this day
STARKE'S Island (or was a few years ago before the war) and the place where
his horse was made to jump off the high banks with him is pointed out. The
same river Wateree, is called about 30 or 40 miles above this island Catawba
where Sumpter was defeated, The river here is very showly? And wide &
shallow, several hundred yards wide, too wide for an old zero musket to hit
any one without a great accident.


p. 311-314
Rocky Mtn., August 4th, 1873
LC. DRAPER, Esq.
Dear Sir,
Yours dated 29th July was rec'd on yesterday and as I have an opportunity,
Of sending this today to Winnsboro, our nearest P.O. I avail ---- of it. I
will here remark that I live 17 miles from Winnesboro and we depend entirely
for our mails by the neighbors as they got to and from that own, it is a
great inconvenient to us, but we can't help ourselves, have petitioned
repeatedly to the ---- for an office, but to no purpose. I make this
statement in order that in the future, you may understand any serious
tardiness of my replies to any of yours; at this time I am very busy in the
proactive of my profession, Bilious fever prevailing upon Rocky, Fishing and
Wateree creeks, these creeks my practice in a great measure is upon; I
visited yesterday a patient and a gentleman, T. B. LUMPKINS? Is some 60 years
old, and was raised near John HOLLIS, a Rev. war character of this Co. Mr. L.
tells me he has conversed frequently with the man HOLLIS, when there and was
with STARKE during the war often, in fact, they were both daring men and
always constantly together. Mr. L. repeated tome what John HOLLIS told him
often, how John STARKE was wounded and where and it coincides almost to the
letter with my statements to you. I dislike to appear egotistical in this
matter but from the manner and by where I rec'd --- statements in regard to
the place of his wounding I am compelled to believe the statements I gave to
you true. HOLLIS was a friend often with him and I think his statement should
go a great ways in deciding the matter. The article published, Not being seen
was written I have heard by MR. STINSON and I cannot think he is always
correct. I allude to the article published In the Chester Reporter. I will
here give you an incident occurring to John STARKE told me by Mr. LUMPKIN who
was present (I mention it here for from I may forget it) During the war there
was a Tory living in the neighborhood by the name of MONTGOMERY, he was a
tailor by trade and a cripple; Sam MCBEARY? (A Whig and afterwards a Baptism
Preacher here) called by every one father MCCREARY) went to MONTGOMERY'S
house during the war and took from him a pair of boots. MONTGOMERY left a
son, William, who was partially insane, many years after the war father
MCCREARY was preaching at Poplar SPRINGS Church and MONTGOMERY was present
after preaching a while and in the midst of an earnest exhortation to the
audience to repent? MONTGOMERY rose up in the Church and said "Say Boots, Sam
and quit" this so enraged the congregation that hey took MONTGOMERY out tied
him to a tree and were going to give him a severe whipping. John STARKE was
present and rescued him. Say Boots and quit is a by word here to this day-I
will again allude to told MONTG. Where I speak of Capt. John LAND another
rev. hero. I may be possible that John STARKE was recaptured and taken to
Camden, after his rescue by George PEAY, If so I never heard my father in law
George PEAY (a son of George PEAY of the Rev.) speak of it, my father in law
died in 1854-72 years old, He certainly knew the history of his unit well and
I should think he would have mentioned his being a prisoner at Camden if such
had been the case. As their were so many who say, he was a prisoner there it
may be so and the way in which he escaped again may be correct. I do not know
where Mrs. PEAYS relatives lived in Va. It was then she was making her way to
her husband and brother came from that state before the war and settled on
the Wateree Rivers, George PEAY lies buried below PEAYS ferry on the Wateree
river near the bank and some 2-3 hundred yards below the ferry. No tombstone
to mark the spot, his son George told me where he was buried. If I could find
out where Uncle John MICKLE'S family lived in Ala. I might find out, when
George PEAY died. I will endeavor to do so, at an early a day as possible.
There were their NETTLES brothers-Hiram, Ben & I believe Faust, his name, the
last a teller in a bank, there before the late unpleasantness. The NETTLES
brothers were all dead. I don't know whether they were sons or grandsons of
the Maj. NETTLES you allude to, but presume them to have been sons, as they
were old men wherein they died. Rev. J. K. MENDENHALL of Columbia in this
state married a daughter of the bank teller. In a former letter you mentioned
you would like to have a sketch of Hanging Rock and vicinity, when I can find
time, I will have this attended to, If I can find an artist, who can make a
creditable one, will also when I visit Mr. MCCREARY see if any thing can be
found out by the probate office can no doubt find out the date of death of
John STARKE, who left considerable property, and Negroes, to a natural son by
will. This property fell ultimately to Capt. John W. STARKE --- his brother
who both now lives in Florida.
There is an old gentleman now living in Chester Co. in this state by the
name of Capt. Thomas MCDILL P.O. Hazlewood Chester Co. his father was a Whig
and Cap.MCDILL is as much versed in Rev. incidents as any as much of an
antiquarian as I give STINSON. If you could get him to correspond with you, I
think you would find his correspondence of value to you. He is a very
intelligent man but now getting very old.
In my next, will tell what I have heard about William LEWIS he was with
George PEAY when they defeated the Tories on Wateree Creek after dark and
cold night I mentioned in a former letter. A few days ago I found to the ---
and a letter containing all I could find out in regard to Maj. TURNER I gave
away to a museum in NC. All the relics I had on hand picked up on the battle
filed of Sumpter Defeat they were given me by the gentleman. Who now owns the
place as he had a good many left when he gave me then I sent to N.C. I have
not doubt I can get more, when I have an opportunity; of going for them which
I will do shortly and send them on.
With much respectfully.'Yours very truly
IRA S. SCOTT


p. 315-318
Rocky Mt. August 25th, 1873
L.C. DRAPER, Esqr.
Yours of August 9th, has been rec'd and I have just found time to answer,
Mrs. NELSON -- ----- in it being Nicholas PEAY, who rescued John STARKE or
his brother. I got my information form Mrs. GEORGE or Elizabeth PEAY & her
son George, as I have before stated, and don't think their can possibly be
any mistake about what I have given you in regard to how or when and where he
was wounded and who rescued him; If he was ever a prisoner in Camden it was
after he got well from this wound. I have very doubts about it for I believe
if TARLETON OR ROWDEN either had ever had him a prisoner they would have made
short work with him, if he Was a prisoner at all, it was while Lord
CORNWALLIS was in Command at Camden he had the reputation of being a much
more human man, that either of the other commanders at Camden. I saw David
HOLLIS a short time ago, he told me he had through Dr. MCMASTER given you
what he knew in regard to his fathers during the war. In order to illustrate
the honesty and firmness of old men HOLLIS I will write to you what one of
his neighbors told me about an incident he was a witness to: old man HOLLIS
had quite a large family and was very poor had for a neighbor a gentleman of
considerable property, who had been very kind to him and given him a good
deal of assistance in both ----- and social matters. This gentleman's wife
was a daughter of a Tory, he was trying to get up a certificate for a pension
for time as a Whig, got his papers all ready and went to old HOLLIS, with his
certificate or application for pension, had his pen in hand and all ready for
the old man to sign, he (old HOLLIS had a habit of placing his chin in his
hand cropped on the top of his waling cane, when this gentleman went to him
in the his paper. He said I want you to sign this paper Mr. HOLLIS and
certify that ----TIDWELL was a Whig. The old man raised his head from his
cane and replied " I certify he was a damned TORY that what, I'll certify.
That was the last of the pension papers-his daughters were terribly shocked
that their father should treat their sick friend and neighbor so roughly, but
favors would not buy the old man to do wrong.
Their lived and died in this neighborhood a good Whig, Sumpter soldier by
the name of William LEWIS-his sons have all moved off to other states and I
can only write you from recollections of what they told me 20 years ago of
their father-the old man had left a large family of both sons and daughters
was married tow or three times, and died I think in 1842. He was one of the
four that defeated the baud of Torys on Wateree Creek, I mentioned the
incident to you when writing of Mrs. PEAY-at war time he was taken a prisoner
by the British and carried to a Mr. KINGS, who lived near Wateree Creek in a
house now owned & occupied by R.K. PICKETT, its is the same site and is said
a portion of same house-the British when they got to KINGS fed their horses
in the stable yard-whilst they were feeding LEWIS laid down in a corner of
the fence and picked out of their horses one he supposed to be the best and
fastest. The British merely slipped the bits out of the houses mouths, did
not take off either bridle or saddle-they want to the house taking LEWIS with
them, and ordered Mrs.KING to prepare dinner for them, whilst she was
preparing dinner LWEIS got an opportunity and told her little son to go to
the lot and tie their hostess bridles reins together, all but the one he had
chosen, the boy did so and when they were at dinner, LEWIS would not eat any-
Mrs.KING --- the British? To let him go into a small room adjoining the
dining room and eat by himself as he felt badly and did not like to eat in
their presence. They let time do as she requested-he jumped out of a back
window and the first thing the British knew the heard a horse first
clattering down the lane, the all ran to the door and saw LEWIS escaping on
one of their beast horses. When the get to the lot and found their bridle
reins tied together Mrs. KING said their blasphemy made her hair stand on her
head. LEWIS made his escape went on up the river joined Sumpter army that
night and which was defeated the next day-as LEWIS was running up the bank of
the river from TARLETON dragoons, he said their was two old bucks deer ---
out of the thicket close to him, he thought they was the dragoons and that
his time had come, as he expressed it; on another occasion he and PEAY,
George, and one or two others, were chasing a notorious TORY by name Ted
WALL, they had started him at TURNERS bridge on the Wateree Crk. And was
chasing him on a footpath that led to the pond of Lick Branch. LEWIS was
riding on stallion and out ran the other Whigs, either was the limit of a
tree that cropped the path, about as high as a mares head on horse back when
WALL got to this limb he was knocked off and so was LEWIS just at his back
making ready to use his sword on him; when his friends came up, WALL was gone
but LEWIS was lying under the limb insecureable?, he came to and giving his
stallion the reins, he soon trailed up WALL'S horse, which they got, also two
fine bacon side tied to his saddle which he had taken some where that  day.
It is said that after the war, WALL was killed in N.C. fleeing from a sheriff
on a stolen horse.
Wm. LEWIS his two sons living near Gainsville, Fla. Wm. W. and Edward LEWIS
who may give you further info. In regard to their father. The incidents I
have given you and from recollection, told me by Wm. W. 20 years ago. 
Capt. LAND was killed on the headwaters of Haguis branch. He on the day he
was killed was farming a company at a place now known as Roseville, Chester
Co., and it is said that the wife of a taylor by name MONTGOMERY (whose son
William I mentioned in a former letter) went to Rocky mount about 10 miles
off, where their was a British garrison and gave notion of LANDS intention of
mustering in a company. Whilst LAND was drilling his Co. they were surprised
by the British and several killed, LAND had told his men that morning if they
should get separated at any time, he would summon them together with his
horn, which he carried suspended around his neck. The British when they
surprised him gave him a terrible race down Rocky Creek for several miles it
is said they were chasing him nearly all day-he finally succeeded in eluding
them and about ---- was blowing his horn in a deep hollow on this branch. I
have mentioned when some of the Births who were still hunting him heard it
and slipped up and shot him dead in his tracks. Mrs. NICKOLS my nearest
neighbor and old man tells me when he was a boy, he has often passed his
grave, it there had the remains of a rail pen over it. The death of Capt.
LAND so exasperated the Whigs that they went to MONTGOMERYS house a short
time after and hacked him to pieces with their swords.
I will mail with this letter a few relics found in the battlefield of
Sumpters defeat. I am sorry that I can 't send more and a better selection. I
had a good selection last year, but gave them to a museum in N.C. When I ---
to send you some for your museum and thought I would have no difficulty in
getting a good supply from the gentlemen who owns the battlefield, I went up
there a few days ago and got what he had, there is such a demand for these
rev. relics, that he tells me he can't keep them he cultivates the battle
field and they are plowed up-they get more or less every year and I may yet
succeed in getting some thing better to send you. I hear that their was a
musket found in an old hollow tree a few years ago near the battle ground, if
I can find out who has it, I will try and get it for -I owned the battle
ground at Rocky Mt. Until the surrender of the Confed. Army or rather until
1866 (when I was compelled to part with my plantation, thanks to the kind
treatment of Gen. SHERMAN when he favored us with a visit) my laborers plowed
up a great many balls and other things ever year. My overseer was a great
squirrel and turkey hunter and used Rev. lead for 12-15 years, but what was
found on the battle field, I have written hurriedly and fear I have mad a sad
jumble of this letter which I beg you to excuse I remain my dear Sir, Yours
Truly.
Ira S. SCOTT

p.319-321
Rocky Mtn. Oct. 13th, 1873
Mr. Draper,
Dear Sir,
Yours of Sept. 8th, was rec'd some time ago would have, been answered sooner
but from excessive professional engagements we have had an unusual sickly
season, and I am never at home until night, so worn out both in body and
mind, that I don't feel like writing or doing anything else, but going to
bed, we have written to each other so often, that I feel as if I was writing
to an old friend and acquaintance. And shall in future write in an off hand
manner. I have had to write 2 --- letters to Mr. STINSON in regard to John
STARKE the old gentleman misunderstood me in 1849, when I gave him what he
wrote for Mrs. ELLETS book in regard to the wound of J. STARKE, she thinks I
told him than that STARKE had a wound in the thing, but not broken and says I
told him that STARKE Had selected a tree to hang JONES on. I never heard
anything bout this hanging business before the old man mentioned it in his
letter to me. Mr. STINSON'S under the impression that STARKE was wounded at
Gen. SUMPTERS defeat this could not be so, for laying aside his sister' Mrs.
GEORGE PEAYS statement if the British had taken him a prisoner there, why
would they have taken him to JONES house, where he undoubtedly was taken and
rescued by his brother in law, George PEAY (Nicholas PEAY was too young to be
engaged in the war, and did not rescue him; Mrs. NELSON is mistaken)
Since I received your last I went down to see Mr. J.E. PEAY professionally,
he is now in his 80th year and very feeble, he has lost his mind or rather
his recollection of past events and I could not gain much from him in regard
to his grandmother, who lived and died at his house or rather, she lived in a
hundred yards of his house for many years, before her last husbands death and
NEAR possibly when MRS. MICKLE died, have gone into her grand sons house I
forgot to ask them if she died so, when I was there Mrs. JOHN E. PEAY is
comparatively a young woman and a lady of good education and recollection. We
had a long talk over what our grand mothers had said in her life time in
regard to Rev. incidents what she had undergone and my version of what I have
written you in regard both to herself and her brother John STARKE AND Mrs.
J.E. PEAYS both agree except in a few unimportant particulars. Mrs. PEAY says
she was not aware that Mrs. GEROGE PEAY had a negro man, with her at Sumters
defeat, she told me she had that she rode our horse and carried her youngest
child before her and that this man rode the other horse and carried her son
Austin behind him, that after the battle her horses were taken from her, she
found on the battle field an old grey horse wounded in the neck, she and her
children got on this horse, the negro walking and when she had crossed the
Yadkin River a man claiming the horse, and took him from her. Mrs. J. E. PEAY
says, that Mrs. G. PEAY gave birth to a child three days after the battle. I
was not aware of this. This added great, to her troubles no doubt, Mrs.
J.E.PEAY that the old lady did have a faithful servant who hid her valuables
& when she started to go to Virginia Mrs. JOHN PEAYS tell me that STARKE were
originally from Va. And that their ancestors had a family crest.
I am sorry I write so badly or made the mistake in regard the Florida Towns
Gainesville, Alachua co. is what I meant to give you, as the address of the
LEWISES-since I wrote you last Edward LEWIS one of the brothers had died,
There is two now living Wm. W. LEWIS and John LEWIS.
Wm. W. is still at Gainesville. John has moved to Texas, but where there I
do not now. Wm. W. is a very old man but has some sons who may write for him.
I will try to figure out where LAND died, but doubt if I can. I expect MR.
STINSON is correct as he devotes the most of his time to collection rev.
traditions-I have invited the old man to pay me a visit which if he does we
will visit the families of HOLLIS and others and find out what we can for
you. Glad the box arrived safe, am sorry I could not send you a better box.
With much respect
Yours Truly.
Ira S. SCOTT


p. 322-327
Eliz. PEAY-Gen JOHN STARKE
Ridgeway, PO., S.C.

Longtown, July 4th, 1873
Mr. Lyman C. DRAPER
Sir, I received a letter and book from you some time since. You will please
accept my thanks for the book. Con---- and sever? Indisposition in has ----
me heretofore from writing and I waited to hear from a direct descendant of
the STARKE family, who could supply the desired info. With regard to the two
persons of that family, now correctly them myself. I have not yet received
the comm. From this lady, she having written to her brother in Fl., a Mr.
John STARKE whose PO. is Patalika , Alachua Co., Fla. To obtain the facts you
desire to know about her grand uncles? Whenever they send us this info. I
will forward it but the best place will be to write to Mr. John STARKE.
Yourself and state your wishes. My family records now all destroyed, which
person to see from furnishing all the facts dates, etc, with regard tot he
family history of my relatives. I will now give you all the info. that I can.
1st) The lady you mentioned was my father's mother, her name previous to her
marriage with my grandfather Mr. George PEAY, was Elizabeth STARKE, she was
the sister of John, & Reuben STARKE. She suffered much privation during the
invasion of this State by the \British, her husband and brothers now in the
army; she had no protector and was labor with her young children the eldest
my father was only 12 years old. When her house and all she had been
destroyed only a little corn was left, which she mentioned to be ground into
meal. My father was running? with the beez, when he was fired upon, he
escaped with his life, but the horse & bug? Was taken, and he at length
returned on foot to the starving family, his mother having been in an agony
of distress on account of her young son, this occurred immediately After our
defeat at Camden, S.C. no altercation remained but to otherwise to follow an
army, so with a few articles of clothing she had saved and a pony, the only
living animal left them, upon which she put 2 children too young to walk, she
with any father?, marched? The army where she had relatives and hoped at last
to escape starvation, she was present at the fight at Fishing Creek, and at
Guilford, CH. In N.C. afterwards, three days after she gave birth to another
child, among strangers who treated her kindly, but she suffered untold
hardships and dangers, which she - with the hard and --- spirit of her race
and also that which distinguished the women of 1776. I have heard these facts
related by herself many times, she became the mother of a large family and
after the death of my grandfather, married a Mr. JOHN MICKLE. She had a pious
g--- and useful life, being beloved and respected by all who knew her, and
died at the advanced age of 83 years at my fathers house in this place in the
year 1836. George PEAY my grandfather, a brave soldier summoned in the
service until peace was declared, my grandmothers brother John STARKE was
fired upon by the Births across the Wateree R. and seriously wounded, and was
taken prisoner, through the treachery of a Troy but was able afterwards to
escape, you can probably obtain more definite info. respecting these persons
from MR. JOHN STARKE whose P.O. in Palatka FLA.
I know nothing about the other families you mentioned except Mr. Reuben
HARRISON; I will mention the name and address of one of his descendants, who
may be able to furnish the information. You desire:
Mr. Lumford S. HARRISON.
Ridgeway, P.O. Fairfield Co., S.C.
I will furnish your name & address to the lady, I have mentioned, who was
Mrs. STARKE, her present name is Mrs. Dr. Wm. NELSON, and her P.O. CAMDEDN,
S.C. as you may wish to write to her. She is a sister of Mr. JOHN STARKE of
Fla. Hoping that what I have written may be of use to you. I am Sir, yours
with respect.
John E. PEAY

p.330-333
Fairfield Co., S.C.
Longtown, Sept. 9th, 1973
Mr. Lyman c. Draper

Sir, your letter dating July has been rec'd and I regret that the answer had
been so long delayed. My husband has been sick for months, and is so feeble
in mind, & body as to require my constant care, that naught of years, and the
troubles of the time not with a crushing weight upon him, he insists me to
answer your letter. And I now reply to your inquiries. 
1st) My husbands grandmother was born in Va. And was the daughter of Thomas
and  
Jane STARKE, she was several years older than her brother John STARKE, her
parents moved to S.C. before the war. As I mentioned before the records of
the PEAY family wee destroyed. Therefore I cannot supply to you inquire
respecting the date of the birth and death my grandfather Geo. PEAY, but he
died some years previous tot he birth of my husband having served as a brave
soldier during the war. He lived several years after peace. My husband was
born 19th March 1795, his grandmothers son by her last marriage, (John
MICKLE) was born about the same time, he says We never heard anything about
the man servant being with our grandmother where she fled for safety, only
her little children were with her, but so? Have heard her mention, that a
Tory refused her food for her starving little ones and told her to go into
the peach orchard she told us frequently about the incidents of that terrible
journey, the wounded men being --- past her and all the awful scenes of the
battle field, My husbands father Austin PEAY remembers them too, the firing
of the cannon and an grandmothers told us about a faithful man servant with
whom she left a few cherished relics brought from her home in Va. Among them
a box or cabinet containing family relics, papers and which he buried, and
after the family returned to 'S.C. he came back to them and searching for the
articles, found them all decayed, she and this man was my kin-in helping her
to get away but no one heard anything about his going with her. Only
grandmother went to her relatives near Richmond and remained with them until
she could safely return to S.C.
I have examined the tombstone where our grandmother is buried at the Baptist
Church in this place for the dates of her birth and death; she was born Dec.
25, 1754, and died at our father's house, Oct. 4th, 1835. She was never a
pensioner.
My husbands fathers name was Austin PEAY, the eldest child, and was born
Dec. 25, 1769, his young mother being just 15 years old, and died 4 Dec.
1839, he was now in public life, I refer you to Mrs. Joseph MICKLE, Camden
S.C. for the particulars about Mr. JOHN MICKLE (our grandmother's son) and
Mrs. NELSON in formed me that she had written in answer to you inquires
respecting the STARKES which will NO DOUBT BE SATISFACTORY, 
I am sir, Yours respectfully,
Mrs. JOHN E. PEAY.

P.336-339
Fairfield Co., S.C.
Longtown, Nov. 1, 1873
Mr. Draper,
Sir,
I have heard that the letter I wrote in answer to your last was lost, now
mailed, this will account for my securing disc--- My husband has been ill for
months, and cannot write or attend to any business, the weight of years and
the --- and troubles through which we have passed met with a crushing weight
upon him, he has requested me to write now, and give you all the inf. That we
can with regard to our ------ ancestors, our family records and many other
papers
Were destroyed therefore I cannot give all the dates that you wish, but I
will copy some of them from the tombstones of our family. Our grandmother was
the daughter of Thomas and Jane STARKE, and was born near Richmond, Va. Dec.
25, 1754. I cannot give the dates of birth or death of my husband's
grandfather Geo. PEAY, bur the died before my husbands birth, his grandmother
was married when very young and was just 15 years old when her first child,
Austin PEARY was born Dec. 25th, 1769.
John EL. PEY, my husband was born March 19th, 1795. And was just nine months
older that his grandmother's son by her second marriage, this son, John
MICKLE, moved to Ala. I refer you to Mr. Joseph MICKLE, Camden, S.C. for
further info. With regard to his family.
Dr. SCOTT was mistaken about the servant Man being with our grandmother,
where she fled for safety, she had a small horse the only one left, upon
which she placed the few articles of clothing she had saved and the 2
children who could not walk, and with the eldest child, who was Austin PEAY,
my husband father, followed the army, was on the battle field and saw the
dreadful sign of the poor wounded men carried by ---- the roar of cannon and
musketry, she constantly expected to see her husband or brothers killed or
wounded. She went on into NC. With the army and three days after the battle,
gave birth to another child, among entire strangers without comforts of any
kind to alleviate her condition, as soon as possessed, she went in with her
helpless children, and was near starving when she was told to got the peach
orchard she had begged for a little food, when treated in this unfeeling
manner she has related all these facts many times to us, and said that no
words could express the suffering and hardships she indured during that
terrible journeys he told us of a faithful man servant with whom she left a
few articles saved from the destruction of her house, after her return to
their house when peace was made, their servant returned to them and found the
articles which he had buried, but all were decayed among them was a valuable
box or desk brought for her old house in Va. Containing papers and records of
the STARKE family. She went to her relation near Richmond and remained with
them until the close of the war, she was a beautiful woman and possessed
uncommon traits of character among them the heroic spirit of her race was
promi8nent.]
Her husband and brothers were such noted patriots that she and her family
were objects of especial hatred to both the British and Tories.
My husbands fathers name was Austin PEAY; he was never in public life. And
his mother was never a pensioner. John STARKE was wounded on the Wateree
about 6 miles above Camden and was rescued by George PEAY, at the risk of his
own life, he watched for the opportunity. And being guided by the groans of
the wounded men he stepped over the sleeping guards, and whispered to John
STARKE to put his arms around his neck and cling with all his strength and
then carried him in his back and escaped. Our grandmother told us of the
terrible suffering of her brother when rescued almost in a dying condition by
her husband. I presume that Dr. SCOTT and Mrs. NELSON have written all this
before, I resume also that Mrs. N. has informed you of the date of her Uncle
John STARKES death, it was after LAFAYETTES visit, The reading matter all
came to us and so thank you for your kindness I have mentioned all that you
desired to know, except the date of our grandmother's death. She lived a long
and useful life being much respected and beloved and was for many years a
pious and consistent member of the Baptist Church in this place when her
remains be buried she died Oct. 4, 1834. At the residence of her son Austin
PEAY.
Signed:
Mrs. JOHN E. PEAY.


P. 340-347

Capt. John STARKE
Camden, S.C.
July 24th, 1873

Dr. Sir,
I received your letter and also the Vol. Of History with which I am very
much pleased and for which please accept my thanks.
With regard to the info. you wish, I am sorry to say I can give you very
little- A year ago I could have put you in possession of all the facts, which
unfortunately the death of my mother under ? me unable --- to do-I have often
heard her speak of the very things you wish to know, but I could not remember
them now unless recalled to my mind by hearing them from others. I have
however written to a communication of the family now living Florida, who will
if anyone can, enable one to send you info. that is reliable in a week or
tow, and is then time. I will be able also to get the date of Uncle John
STARKE'S death and his age from his tombstone, he is buried some twenty miles
or more from where I live. I think you will find mistakes in a good many
statements, some I can correct for you. In the first place, Uncle John STARKE
was not a General. At the time of this death he was known as Captain only.
You may not suppose he is connected in any way with Gen. STARKE of
"Bennington" memory? I believe there was no relationship even between them. I
am in possession of a Genealogy of the STARKE family.
There cam originally from? By land to Va., a Thomas STARK who married Wilmot
WILLIAMS, by whom he had a large family, one son Thomas, married Elizabeth
TURNER and settled in S.C. They had a family of 9 children, the John STARKE
you speak of was next to the youngest child, and only sixteen years of age
when the war broke out; but where he was born I can't say. To your second
question. He? Was my father's uncle, my great uncle-Elizabeth PEAY was the
4th child. Thomas my great granfather, the 6th & John the 8th.
3rd-Their parent's names were Thomas STRKE & Elizabeth TURNER. I don not
think they were among the earlier settlers of S.C. because an old woman, a
slave who was brought from Va. With them lived to see five generations of
Thomas STARKES, the last was my oldest brother (a babe when she died, and now
sixty years of age) & she was a girl at the time of the removal from Va. She
remembered the first Thomas STARKE, she trace back to and said they were
"Grand people" She was about 96? Years old when she died.
4th-Uncle John STARKE was first upon by a party of Tories on the opposite
bank of the Wateree River. I suppose some where not far from the Camden road.
He was wounded in the hip his friends took him to the house of a widow who
kindly cared for him and concealed him as long as she was able, but he was
discovered and taken to Camden jail by her son.
The rest of the story is mixed up now, with that of one of Uncle John's
older brothers, and I think when I hear from the Rev. Wm. KENNEDY the
gentleman I wrote to in Fla. It can be cleared. some had the ---- or smallpox
and lay and suffered a long while in jail. The ---- prisoners dying every
day; and there dead bodies dragged down stairs by the heels their heads
thumping the steps all the way down, the sick and dying prisoners hearing
every thump (and they say the noise can be heard even now in the old jail)
Jno. Was rescued on the way to Charleston by our Nicholas PEAY who recognized
his groans ventured in among the sleeping guard and carried him off on his
back. I don't know which story belongs to Uncle John STARKE.
6th-I can tell nothing of Uncle John services during the war. He was as I
have said a youth in the beginning of the war. His older brother's were all
in the army I do not know what part. All lived thru it, and a person speaking
of the brothers said they reminded him of the old Romans. I remember hearing
my mother speak of Uncle John STARKE as a tall fine looking dignified
Gentleman, of the old school. And that he died a Christian.
The explanation credited to Uncle John you will find in examining "Miller's
History of S.C." was performed by a desperate man by the name of MCGIRT? (and
there by hangs a romantize tale) who jumped a wide canal on a fine mare he
had stolen from Col. SINGLETON, in order to escape capture.
When Uncle John was wounded he was not on horseback, but standing to the
bank of the river and defying the party on the opposite side. Some history
has it that he was taken to his sisters house after he was wounded, but I was
to the house of the mother of the man who betrayed him and she treated him
kindly or tried to conceal him.
I do not remember anything clearly concerning Aunt Elizabeth PEAY only that
she was left in a wagon with her little children on the battle field and was
in the middle of the fight almost. The one who drove the wagon being
compelled to unfasten the horses and hide in a swamp.
I will forward to you any info. I may obtain and wish you every success with
your work.
Very respectfully,
Jane C. NELSON
Dr. NELSON is of the Fairfield NELSON-no relation of these of Sumpter
district.
J.C.N.,

p.348-355

Camden, S.C.
August 30th, 1873

Mr. L.C. DRAPER,
Dear Sir,
I received your second letter and also the pamphlets for which I am much
obliged. I have not yet succeeded in getting the inscription from the
tombstone, but think I will soon.
Rev. Mr. KENNEDY's letter came to hand a week ago, and I was only waiting
for the inscription in order to send both at once.
The older brother I spoke of was Douglas STARKE, I think, but I will find
out certainly for you if I can. I only know of the circumstances of his being
rescued by ---PEAY. An older sister, now on a visit to me, says that on one
occasion some one spoke of my uncle John as being the one taken out of the
camp on --- PEAYS back and my mother emphatically said "It was not-your Uncle
John, but Your Uncle----- Remember a Douglas" (I think story last) I am not
certain which PEAY it was-My mother was acquainted all her life with Uncle
John. He left his property to two of her sons James & John who was married by
him, so she must have known if any body did whether it was him or his
brother. I think I can learn more of this, from my oldest sister, wife of the
late Gov. PERRY of Fla. I will also give you her address it is now then
probable that she can tell you all you wish to know. Her address is Mrs. M.P.
PERRY, Gainesville, Florida.
Our family record is mainly one of our immediate family, Uncles and aunts
have no place. In the Family of which I spoke, there are no dates mainly the
names as they succeed each other. Father's & children & cousins, Aunt PEAY
must have been upwards of 80 when she died. I never saw her.
I will find out what part of Ala. Maj. MICKLE removed to and let you know.
I was mistaken in informing you to Millers History. 
The letter from Rev. Wm. KENNEDY was written by his daughter and it is a
letter mixed up with other things. I will copy as nearly as I can all she
says, and you can use it or not-as you choose. You may rely upon the info.
WM. KENNEDY is one of the few old persons left now and his memory, an
uncommonly good one, unimpaired his ---- His wife, my aunt, was also
personally acquainted with Uncle John STARKE-she says "William STARKE (the
father of John STARKE) removed from Va. Some years before the war. Had 6
sons, Turner, Williams, Douglas, Reuben, Thomas and John. 3 daughters, Mrs.
E. PEAY, who was several years older than John, Mrs. HUNTER and Mrs. SCOTT.
John STARKE was between sixteen and twenty years of age at the beginning of
the war and think he died about 1827/1828. That he held no commission during
the war. Rev. KENNEDY'S father says he was told by a member of old Rev.
mother's, that John STARKE was one of the most intrexit? Youths they ever
knew, That nothing could daunt him. That he was ready or willing for any task
that was assigned him. He was in the detail of brave men. (John DINCKENS a
cousin of Grandma's was also one.) Who were sent to release the suffering
prisoners in the jail at Camden. Among the prisoners was Capt. TUCKER, Capt.
MIDDLETON and Uncle George EVANS who married his cousin Arablella MIDDLETON,
a sister of Capt. MIDDLETON. This Arabella MIDDLETON hearing of the suffering
of her husband and brother, came up to Camden to beg Lord RAWDON to permit
her to see them and carry in a change of clothes. They taunted her with being
a "she rebel" appropriated her con---anar, took her a put her across the
Wateree at Chestnuts' Ferry and then left her afoot without a cine?, with
true spirit she marched up the river until she got to the Shoalds about two
miles above the ferry. There she made it across and walked home twenty five
miles below Camden (with her feet blistered) she never called on Lord RAWDEN
again.
The detail on getting near the jail found they were discovered put spurs to
the horse and rode for Chestnusts Ferry. When they reached the river they
found it very full, bearing down logs or trees in its current-it looked like
death to try it, but the British Dragoons were close up on them, & preferring
their chance in the river to capture. They forced themselves in, and escaped
to the other shore, and seeing the Dragoons had arrived on the opposite bank.
STARK began taunting them and asked them "come over" They declined but fired
across and wounded STARKE in the hip, his comrades took him to the house of a
widow named JONES where he was kindly cared for by her, but her son informed
of his whereabouts and obtaining a detail of Dragoons took him as prisoner to
Camden. Cruelly jolting the wounded man on the way over the rough road and
jeering and laughing at his suffering. He was put in jail with Capt. TUCKER
soon after Capt. TUCKER was executed and Capt. STARKE expected every moment a
liked fate. Think he remained a prisoner until the evacuation of Camden.
After the war STARKE met JONES and beat him severally and on Lafayette visit
to Camden seeing JONES In the line of old 76 veterans STARKE refused to take
a place among them. JONES was told to leave, when STARKE then took his stand
in the line. After this war was over John STARKE bought land in Fairfield
District and when the State Militia was present John STARKE was elected
Captain TURNER an older brother of John STARKE was a gallant soldier, went
through the war in the "Maryland line" John STARKE was born in Va.
I will give you the address of the Rev. Mr. KENNEDY you may perhaps get some
very interesting info. from him. He was raised in or near Camden and has only
removed from this state some twenty years ago. There an very fine old persons
living now, one often hears the remarks made that the late war has killed
them all off.Address: Rev. John A. KENNEDY, Gainesville, Florida & I think
from him and my sister Mrs. PERRY as good many missing links may be obtained.
Yours very respectfully,
Jane C. NELSON

p.356-358
Capt. John STARKE, Wounded

Bloomington, June 10th, 1873
Lyman C. DRAPER,

Sir, Yours of Feb. 3rd, April 16, and May 29th has been read but none of
them answered as am lazy and naturally --- writing. I have not written so
much in ten years as I have to you so far. But I will soon answer most of
your inquiries.
I will now answer the inquires of your last. Father knows nothing of how
SUMTER came by the money in the valise but is of the opinion that it was
captured from the British.
John STARKE or STARKS as he was sometimes called of whom you inquire was not
known as Capt. He lived in Fairfield, his plantation was on Dutchman's Creek
a branch of the Watere; my mother who is still living born in Fairfield in
the year 1800, knew STARKE well. His farm adjoined that of her father and she
has heard him tell how he came to be, so as to be wounded, so as to be always
home during the war a party of Sumpter's men chased some Tories across the
Wateree at Graves Ford and not caring to cross the wide Stream in the face of
the Tories halted. The Tories also halted and each party dared the other to
cross STARKE then a young man turned his rear tot he Tories and made an
insulting gesture daring any of them to shoot, when one of the Tories named
Darling JONES shot at him breaking his thigh disabling him forever as he was
ever after lame. STARKE never forgave JONES for this even after the war
always said he would kill him if ever he could that he always cherished a
hatred of JONES as certain from the following incident. When LAFAYETTE
visited the U.S. he was in S.C. (1825/1828) AND WAS RECEIVED WITH GREAT
HONORS BEING ESCORTED OVER THE state by militia among other places that he
visited was Camden & this place he came especially to assist at the laying
the Corner stone & a monument to the memory of BARON DEKALB and the officer
who fell at the battle of Camden. The corner stone was laid with Masonic
ceremonies JONES and STARKE were both masons.
JONES carried the true light & a copy of the Holy Scriptures. though STARKS
was treated with the distinction of being carried in a carriage with other
veterans of the Rev. War when he saw JONES in the procession he would go no
further. Swearing that JONES would beat them all to the Devil. STARKE was a
man of considerable wealth, so long ago as 1835, at that time he owned a
great many slaves and had a large possessions on Dutchman's Creek. He was
sorded of a violent temper-in a word, a man not much liked; none of his
descendants are now living in that country. I will soon write you and give
some further facts about the whereabouts of Sumter where he was wounded and
which may commemorate what has already been said about that . I will also
answer some of your questions of Feb. 3rd.
Yours truly,
H.L. MCALLA?

P.359

Officer of Probate Judge
Winnsboro, S.C., June 29, 1878

Dear Sir,
IN reply to your letter of the 24th inst. In relation to Capt. John STARKE.
The time of his death & if he made a will , I am unable to answer from the
records of this office. No adm. Appears where ever been of ---
Upon inquire I was told that a man by the name of Capt. Jno. Or Jack STARKE
died in this county many years since a bachelor.
I would refer you to the Testimony of this (---- STARKE found in Johnston's
Traditions of the Rev., page 502) The STARKES at one time numerous have all --
- away and I do not know of one remaining in this county.
Truly,
 O.R. THOMPSON
Judge of Probate




p.371-372

Rion's Law Office
Winnsboro, S.C.
20th Nov. 1878

Lyman C. DRAPER,
Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of your letter of the 12th inst. And also of Woodward's
Remininces' which came safely to hand.
I was very glad indeed to hear from you again, and to learn of your labors
for the Historic Muse: but regret to hear of the dispiriting causes, which
have delayed the completion of "Sumtper & His men".
I have searched our Probate Records and find two John STARKES', John W., how
died a short time prior to 3 March 1828; and John M. who died sometime about
15th, Sept. 1837. The first, did not leave a large estate, the second was a
man of considerable property, and I am inclined to think he may be the Capt.
Jack STARKE, you refer to-I have since writing the above just met an old
resident of the county, whose fathers plantation joined Capt. Starke's and
who knew Capt. STARKE, himself, and he tells me that John W. is Capt. Jack
STARKE of rev. fame and that John M. was his son.
Our Probate Judge has requested me to say that he would have replied to your
letter to him, but had mislaid it. The old gentleman had a stroke of
paralysis, no long ago, and it was probably in the confusion attendant in
this that I was lost.
I shall always be glad to hear from you, and will be happy to render you any
services in my power at any time.
Very Respectfully,
Jas. K. RION.
Attorney and Solicitor I the State and U.S. Courts.