Marlboro County ScArchives History - Books .....Dedication, Preface And Introduction 1897
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Book Title: A History Of Marlboro County

DEDICATION.
To THE PEOPLE OF MARLBORO, WHO HAVE
UNIFORMLY SHOWN THEIR APPRECIATION,
LOVE AND ESTEEM FOR THE AUTHOR.
J. A. W. THOMAS,
THIS WORK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.



PREFACE.

  As stated elsewhere, the author found it very difficult to secure material for
the History of Marlboro. Years ago he conceived the idea of leaving such a work
as a legacy to the people. But the slow responses to his request for data and
facts as to family history and the vast amount of research necessary to finish
the historical part caused long delay. His friends will remember, too, that any
additional literary work was but adding to the burden of a life already full of
study and duties, and was therefore done at long intervals. So it was not
strange that his hand was stilled before the task was completed which affection
had prompted him to undertake. For the more perfect completion of the work it is
to be greatly regretted that it has fallen to the lot of others to finish it as
best they could. To a fond son it has been a labor of love, though attended with
many difficulties and responsibilities. He is indebted to Judge Hudson, Hon. H.
H. Newton, Capt. T. E. Dudley and other friends for facts and data. Special
thanks are due Capt. John R. Parker for the map of the county.

  It is sad to know that many who were living when the work was commenced, and
who, in many instances, gave information to the author, have passed over the river.

  Many have dropped by the wayside who would have found pleasure in perusing
these pages, for the sake of the author as well as for the contents. But the
indulgent friends who tarry yet for a little while, will, it is hoped, pardon
mistakes, omissions, and shortcomings. Much of this is due, not to the
conscientious, loving author, but to the fact that his work was transmitted to
the far less capable, but willing hands of his son,
                                            W. E. THOMAS.


INTRODUCTION.
BY J. H. HUDSON.

  The author of this volume of local history died before its completion, under
circumstances touching and significant. On Saturday August 1st, 1896, he
attended the annual reunion of the Confederate veterans of Marlboro at Tatum,
where he delivered to the assembly of veterans and citizens a feeling and
eloquent address. On the Sabbath following, he preached in the forenoon at
McColl, and in the afternoon at Tatum, with his usual fervency and zeal.
Returning home, he ate his supper, held family prayers, retired to his couch,
and fell calmly into that sleep which knows no waking.

  For several years he had devoted his leisure moments to writing the history of
Marlboro, but before finishing it for the press was called to his home above.
His son has prepared this volume for the press, and now presents it to the
people the author loved so dearly, and to whose temporal and spiritual welfare
he devoted a half century of his laborious life.

  In gathering the material for this history, he omitted no source of
information available, but sought aid from all records and all classes of the
community. It was the aim of Capt. Thomas, in writing this history, to make it
so full in the matters of tradition and genealogy as to leave no room for
complaint, but in spite of his zeal, industrious inquiry and research, he was
unable to procure from some families, facts and data, whilst some others were
unable to give information sought, having preserved no family records, and
having no traditions stored up in memory. For any omissions in the work in this
regard, the blame must rest where it properly belongs, and must not be cast upon
the author, whose work was a labor of love and whose sole aim was to do full
justice to the people of Marlboro, their noble ancestry, and beautiful region of
country. He loved his native land with a patriotic devotion, and loved the
people of his native county as a father loves his children. To the labors of
Bishop Gregg, Captain Thomas was largely indebted, and drew from the "History of
the Old Cheraws" much valuable material, pertaining to the history of Marlboro,
for which he gives full credit to that accomplished writer. No section of South
Carolina, distant from the sea-coast, is richer in Revolutionary tradition and
deeds of high renown, than the region of the Old Cheraws on the upper Pee Dee,
in the heart of which is Marlboro. Much of her history is forever lost, and for
such as has with difficulty been rescued from oblivion, the residents owe a debt
of gratitude to Gregg and Thomas, worthy sons of a proud ancestry and faithful
laborers in the vineyard of our Saviour.

  It is sad to know that much of the history of South Carolina has been entirely
lost or remains unwritten through the indifference of her citizens. Efforts to
perpetuate her proud record were made by Moultrie, Ramsay, Drayton, Johnson,
Carroll and Simms, in none of whose histories was a full record made of the
memorable deeds of prowess done on her soil, and least of all, of the valorous
deeds of the men of the Pee Dee region, not because of indifference or
partiality of the writers, but solely from the scantiness of information
furnished. This induced Bishop Gregg to write the "History of the Old Cheraws",
after years of assiduous labor in gathering material from every available
source, and the same patriotic motive induced the Rev. J. A. W. Thomas to write
this piece of local history of a people loyal to the State, valorous in war, law
abiding, industrious and thrifty in time of peace. The people of Newberry owe a
debt of gratitude to O'Neal and Chapman for their local histories, and to Gregg
a like debt of gratitude is due from the people of upper Pee Dee, whilst to our
author the citizens of Marlboro should feel deeply indebted for the history of
the people who have ever been true to themselves and their State in time of war,
and who, in peace, by quiet industry and exemplary thrift have made Marlboro the
garden spot of the State.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

A HISTORY OF MARLBORO COUNTY,
WITH
TRADITIONS AND SKETCHES OF NUMEROUS FAMILIES.

REV. J. A. W. THOMAS, AUTHOR.

A wonderful stream is the river Time
  As it runs through the realms of tears 
With a faultless rhythm and a musical rhyme,
And a broader sweep and a surge sublime
  As it blends with the ocean of years.
                        —TENNYSON.

ATLANTA, GA.:
THE FOOTE & DAVIES COMPANY,
Printers and Binders.
1897.


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