Chester County

(These obituaries have been copied exactly as they appeared when printed

in the newspaper, including misprints and errors.)

Francis ATKINSON

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

August 1996

Chester - Services for Francis Lansing Atkinson, 77, of 930 Lola Drive, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Bethel United Methodist Church with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Holler and Will Brown will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Barron Funeral Home in Chester. Memorials may be made to Chester County Hospital Memorial Fund, 1 Medical Park, Chester, 29706.  Mr. Atkinson died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1996, at Providence Hospital in Columbia. Born Jan. 11, 1919 in Chester, he was a son of the late Ernest Alexander and Elise Grant Atkinson. He was retired from the Coca-Cola Company with 35 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member of Armenia United Methodist Church. He was a Chester High School graduate, a member of Chester Masonic Lodge # 18 and past patron of Order of the Eastern Star, Chester Chapter # 15.  Surviving are his wife, Lola Hodge Atkinson, Chester; sons, Frances L. (Lannie) Atkinson, Chester, Douglas J. Atkinson, Chester, Ernest A. Atkinson II, Matthews, NC; six grandchildren.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Alvin O’Neal BANKHEAD

The Herald, Rock Hill, SC

September 2, 1999

BLACKSTOCK - Mr. Alvin O. Bankhead, 70, of 4647 Mountain Gap Road died Tuesday, August. 31, 1999, at Palmetto Baptist Medical Center in Columbia.  A Graveside service with Masonic rites will be 11 a.m. today at Hebron Presbyterian Church cemetery, with the Rev. John Rumford officiating.  A native of Fairfield County, Mr. Bankhead was a son of the late William McLin Bankhead and Esther McKeown Bankhead. He was a retired supervisor with J.P. Stevens Co. and owner of Alvin Bankhead Construction Co. He was a graduate of Great Falls High School and attended Berry College in Rome, Ga. He was a member of Great Falls Masonic Lodge No. 277, Hejaz Shrine Temple and the Rossville Volunteer Fire Department.  Surviving are his wife, Martha Simpson Bankhead; three daughters, Lynn B. Jackson of Manning, Susan B. Andrews of Lamar and Pixley B. Roberts on of Lexington; two brothers, William Bankhead and Karl Bankhead, both of Blackstock; his sister, Elizabeth Cornwell; and six grandchildren.  Memorials may be made to Palmetto Baptist Cancer Institute, Taylor at Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29220 or Shriners Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home is in charge.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Mary Gaither McDonald BANKHEAD

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

March 3, 2001

BLACKSTOCK (--) Services for Gaither McDonald Bankhead, 85, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Hebron Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 6-7:30 today at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home.  Mrs. Bankhead, widow of James Marion Bankhead, died Thursday, March 1, 2001. Born in Chester Co., she was a daughter of the late Martin Yongue McDonald and Mary Gaither (McDonald) McDonald. She was formerly a nurse at Pryor Hospital in Chester. She was a member of Hebron Presbyterian Church.  Surviving are daughters, Eunice Boon, Patricia Beer; grandsons, Brian, James Beer; sisters, Betty Moore, Joyce Orban.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Louise McKeown BEAM

The Chester News, Chester, SC

November, 11 1930

Mrs. Louise McKeown Beam, about 23 years of age, died at her home near Columbia Sunday following an illness of only several days.  Mrs. Beam was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam McKeown, of Chester, R. F. D.

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at four o'clock at Bethlehem church near Blackstock, and interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.  Surviving Mrs. Beam is her husband, two small children, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam McKeown, and two brothers, Meador and Hoyt McKeown, both of Chester.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Miss Minerva BIGHAM

The Greenville News

24 January 1926

Body Of Miss Bigham Is Laid To Rest.

Chester - Jan. 23 - ( Special) - Funeral services for Miss Minerva Bigham, 50, who died after being in declining health for some time was conducted by the Rev. J. E. Jones, a Baptist minister and burial was in Bethany graveyard.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Edna Inez ODOM BLIZZARD

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

Friday, April 22, 1994

Services for Edna Inez Blizzard, 63, of 3534 Covenant Road will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Talbert-Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Mrs. Blizzard died Wednesday, April 20, 1994. Born in Great Falls, she was a daughter of the late Dempsey and Nancy Brazzell Odom. She was a member of Holly Hill Pentecostal Holiness Church.  Surviving are her husband, Robert Blizzard; a son, Ronnie Blizzard of Columbia; daughters Wanda Baker and Saundra Campbell, both of Columbia; a sister, Gertrude Motley of Elgin; and four grandchildren.

*contributed by Melissa Gandy

John BRAKEFIELD

The Chester Reporter

January 5, 1905

Mr. John Brakefield of Armenia died on 22nd of December, aged about 77 years. Mr. Brakefield was a faithful Confederate soldier, serving throughout the war in Co. B, 4th South Carolina Cavalry. He was a member of Armenia Church. Funeral service was held there by the pastor, Rev. J. M. Fridy, assisted by Rev. C. W. Salte.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

McGriff BRAKEFIELD

The Chester Reporter

September 4, 1879

Death of Aged Citizen.

Mr. McGriff Brakefield , of the Armenia neighborhood, died on last Saturday morning, aged about 74 years. For the last five years he had suffered greatly from that distressing malady, cancer, which attacked his eye and destroyed the sight some time before his death. Mr. Brakefield was prosperous and had accumulated a competency. For a number of years he was a member of the Methodist church. He was also one of the original members of the Sandy River Grange and was buried with the honors of the order.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Agnes BRICE

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

8 June 2002

Chester - Services for Agnes Hinton Brice, 80, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Armenia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. A viewing will be from 3-9 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday at King's Funeral Home. Mrs. Brice, widow of David Brice, died June 5, 2002. Born in Chester, she was a daughter of the late George and Nancy Hinton. Surviving are sons, Joe, Ernest, Thomas and Larry Brice; daughters, Ruby Hall, Beatrice Brice, Helen Young; brother, Roosevelt Hinton; sister, Georgiana Sanders; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Tom BROOKS

The Greenville News

24 January 1926

Tom Brooks, of Chester, Receives Last Call.

Chester -Jan. 23- (Special) -  Many friends were grieved to learn of his death, which occurred after an illness of some time. Mr. Brooks was a well-known resident of Chester.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mrs. Rebecca CALLAWAY

Mrs. Rebecca Callaway (whose maiden name was Cockrell) was born March 4th, 1803, in Chester Dist., S. C., and died March 11th, 1868, in Noxubee co., Miss., at the residence of her son-in-law, Judge J. J. Beauchamp. She was married to the Rev. Elisha Callaway, now a member of the Mobile Conference, Jan. 27th, 1825. In 1839 she became a resident of Macon... J. Bancroft (Southern Christian Advocate  Issue of April 3, 1868)

*contributed by Helen Skipper

M.A. CARPENTER

Brooksville Journal

Hernando, Florida

30 June 1930

M.A. Carpenter, 73 yrs. old, of Chester, SC died. Buried Brooksville Cemetery. Survivors a dau. Mrs. F.B. Couglar of Brooksville and his wife. Rev. I. W. Senterfill in charge. (Monroe Alvin Carpenter)

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mary Lou CARTER

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

24 January 1999

Great Falls - Services for Mary Lou Orr Carter, 66, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Great Falls, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery, Fort Lawn. Mahaffey Funeral Home is in charge.  Mrs. Carter died Saturday, Jan. 23, 1999. Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late Altee Edward and Ola Mae Hammond Orr. She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.Surviving are her husband, C. W. Carter, Great Falls; sons, Eric W. Carter and E. Lee Carter of Lancaster; daughters, Cathy Sanders of Lancaster, Rene’ Jordan of Fort Lawn; eight grandchildren; brother, James Harold Orr of Catawba.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Lillian Bell McKeown CAUTHEN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

June 24, 1996

Lancaster - Services for Lilly Bell McKeown Cauthen, 93, will be held Monday, 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery, Rev. Ken Snead will officiate.  Cauthen Funeral Home, Lancaster Chapel is in charge.  Mrs. Cauthen died Saturday, June 22.Born in Fort Lawn, she was the daughter of the late Theodore Perry and Ellen Elizabeth Bell McKeown.  She was the widow of William Lewis Cauthen.  Surviving are daughters, Kathryn Lambert and Joyce Ormand, both of Lancaster; sisters, Myrtle Culp and Lucille Harper, both of Lancaster; one grand-child and two great-grandchildren.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Lillie CHRISTOPHER

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1995

FORT LAWN – Services for Lillie Belle Christopher, 85, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Fort Lawn United Methodist Church, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at Mahaffey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the church of Calvary Baptist Church of Cheraw building fund.  Mrs. Christopher, wife of the late Sidney F. Christopher Sr., died Monday, Feb. 27, 1995. Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late James B. and Irene McWaters Broome. She was a member of Fort Lawn United Methodist Church. Surviving are sons, Sidney Jr. and James Christopher, both of Fort Lawn; daughters, Carolyn Harding of Fort Lawn and Loretta McAbee of Clarks Hill; brothers, Chevis, Blair and Thomas Broome, all of Great Falls; sisters, Sadie Crosby of Rock Hill, Edna Williams of Columbia and Dorothy Looper of Great Falls; and two grandchildren.

*contributed by Vickie Ellisor

W. Joseph CLOUD

The Chester Reporter

January 5, 1905     

Mr. W. Joseph Cloud died December 24, of paralysis, at his home in Chester at the age of 28 years. He was a member of Chester Baptist Church. Funeral at the home, December 26, by Rev. John Bass Shelton; burial in Evergreen cemetery.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mrs. Margaret COLVIN

Chester Reporter

8 July1880

Mrs. Margaret Colvin of Halsellville died last Friday from the effects of a fall about 3 weeks ago. She was something over 80.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Nellie CONRAD

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

24 November 2004

Chester - Services for Nellie Mae Conrad, 103, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday (viewing will begin at 1 p.m.) at Barron Funeral Home with burial in Zion Cemetery. Born in Chester County to John and Margaret McCants Conrad, she died November 23, 2004. She retired as a school teacher and was a member of Purity Presbyterian Church. Surviving are nieces and nephews.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Esther Elizabeth Bankhead CORNWELL

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

July 2004

CHESTER, SC -- A graveside service for Elizabeth Bankhead Cornwell, 82, widow of Clyde Cornwell, is 11 a.m. Tuesday in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 6-7:30 tonight at Barron Funeral Home. Born in Blackstock to William and Esther Bankhead, she died July 18, 2004. Surviving are children, Mary Gordon, John, William, C. Hughes Cornwell; five grands; six great-grands; brother, Karl Bankhead.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Allen B. CROSBY

Confederate Veteran Vo. XVII

July 1909

Allen B. Crosby was a native of York County, S.C., having been born in Blairsville in 1844. He died at Russellville, Ark., in Jan. 1909. He received his military training in King’s Mountain Military School, under that illustrious educator, Col. Asbury Coward, and was a cadet of that Institution at the breaking out of the war, when he became a volunteer of Company B, 6th South Carolina Infantry. As he was only 15 and half years old when entering service, he was discharged on account of his youth. He returned home and remained a few months, then volunteered again, entering Hampton’s Cavalry of M.C. Butler Brigade and served to close of the war. Upon his second enlistment, his father sent a negro servant with him, and faithful was  Uncle Dan to his young master, staying with him to the close. Comrade Crosby engaged in different occupations after the war, finally settling on his farm near his old home , leading a peaceful and prosperous life. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary B. McCullough of Ga., d/o the late Jude William McCullough, who survives him with 7 daughters, only two of whom are unmarried. He was faithful to all trusts imposed in him, and honored and respected by all who knew him.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mary CURRIE

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

11 April 1994

Great Falls - Services for Mary Wade Currie, 92, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home.  Mrs. Currie, wife of the late Alton B. Currie, died Sunday, April 10, 1994. Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late Martin and Elizabeth Galloway Wade. She was a member of the Chester County Selective Service Board and Great Falls Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a son, Dr. Alton Currie, Jr. of Charleston and two grandchildren.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Ainsley Winfield DARBY

Spartanburg Herald

7 November 1929

Chester, Nov. 6 - Ainsley Winfield Darby , 82, Confederate veteran, died at his home in the New Hope section of Chester county and the funeral services were conducted from the New Hope Methodist Episcopal Church by the pastor, Rev. George T. Hughes and the burial was made in the graveyard of the church. Mr. Darby is survived by two children; Z. Darby and George Darby and by 2 half brothers, Smith Darby and T.J. Darby and a half-sister, Mrs. Obe Roberts. He was a member of Capt. John Hardin's Company in the Confederate War.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Jeanette DARBY

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

9 November 2004

CHESTER - Services for Jeanette Brakefield Darby, 94, widow of Ainsley Darby, are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Barron Funeral Home with burial in Armenia United Methodist Church Cemetery. Born in Chester Co. to John and Ida White Brakefield, she died Nov. 8, 2004. She retired from Springs Industries. Surviving: sisters, Helen Bradford, Elizabeth Woodle, Doris Brakefield; 11 nieces and nephews.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mrs. Carrie DAWKINS

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

Sunday, January 24, 1982

DAWKINS RITES.

WINNSBORO – Services for Mrs. Carrie Dawkins will be held at 2 p.m. today at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. Daniel Charles. Mrs. Dawkins, 95, died Tuesday at her home in Baltimore, Md. Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Hall. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Ada Alston of Winnsboro, Mrs. Marie Hayes of Baltimore and Mrs. Carrie R. Coles of Great Neck, N. Y.; a son, Marion Lewis Dawkins, Baltimore; two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth McBride of Baltimore and Mrs. Lucy H. Robinson of Winnsboro; and a brother, Johnnie Davis of Chapel Hill, N.C. Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home is in charge.

*contributed by Vickie K. Ellisor

(Mrs.) Clarence N. ESTES

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

May 15, 1977

Chester – Mrs. Mary Gregory Estes, 60, wife of Clarence N. Estes, died Saturday at a Columbia hospital.  Services will be at 3:30 p.m. to day at the Baron Funeral Home, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

*contributed by Marlene K. Walker

Burton FORD, Sr.

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

27 August 1997

Great Falls - Graveside services for Burton Alexander Ford, Sr., 81, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethesda United Methodist Church Cemetery in Great Falls. The Rev. Tony Medlin will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7-9 tonight and 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Bethesda United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 463, Great Falls, 29055.  Mr. Ford died Monday, August 25, 1997 in Charlotte. Born June 7, 1916 in Great Falls, he was a son of the late Barber Ferguson and Margaret Glass Ford. He was parts manager for the Chevrolet Automobile Dealership in Great Falls. After moving to Beaufort, he operated a pest control business. He was a graduate of Great Falls High School, attended the University of South Carolina and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.  Surviving are his wife, Doris H. Ford; daughters, Dr. Marsha D. Ford of Charlotte and Dr. Harriett H. Ford of Lexington, Ky.; son, Burton Alexander “Lex” Ford of Lancaster; brothers, John F. Ford of Charlotte and Julian Ford of Columbia; sister, Dorothy Manzilillo of Severna Park, Md.; and grandchildren., Jake and Will Ford of Lancaster.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Jake FRANKLIN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 7, 1996

Chester - Services for Mr. John Green “Jake” Franklin, 79, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Parkway Baptist Church with burial in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Edgemoor. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at Barron Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Medicine Fund, Chester County DSS, P.O. Box 488, Chester, 29706.  Mr. Franklin died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 1996. Born in Chester County, he was a son of John Franklin, Sr. and Lottie Jordan Franklin. He was a retired postal carrier with 38 years service.  Surviving are a son, John Franklin of Chester and three grandsons.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mrs. Mattie GAINS

The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC

July 20, 1937

Mrs. Mattie Gains Passes in Chester

Special to The Record - Chester - July 19 - Mrs. Mattie Gains, 61, died Sunday afternoon at he home in the Great Falls community of a heart attack.  Mrs. Gains is survived by the following sons and daughters; Mrs. Maggie Pressley, Mrs. Janie Chasteen, L. B. Gains, J. E. Gains, and F. M. Gains, all of Great Falls; R. L. Gains of Chester; Mrs. Katie Deese of Rockingham N.C.  The following brothers and sisters likewise survive: Rufus Stricklang; Mrs. Viola Coward and Mrs. Emma Nipper, all of Columbia, Mrs. Lizzie Johnson of Pontiac; Mrs. Hattie Nipper of Florence, Ala.; Mrs. Maggie Munn of Georgia and Mrs. Laura Massey of Salisbury, N. C. Sixteen grandchildren also survive. Her husband died a number of years ago. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock about eight miles from Columbia. (Mattie Goins is buried at Jackson Creek Baptist Church)

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mabel GATES

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

1 April 1997

Great Falls - Services for Mabel Ingle Gates, 81, of 37 Walnut Street, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 1997, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Great Falls with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Father Harry E. Lawhorn will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 521, Great Falls, 29055.  Mrs. Gates died Monday, March 31, 1997 in Charlotte. Born April 8, 1915 in McAdenville, N.C., she was a daughter of the late George Holland and Virginia Florentine Teague Ingle.  She was a member and Women’s Secretary of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, a graduate of Lowell ( N.C.) High School and a homemaker.  Surviving are her husband, Charlie W. Gates; daughter, Jane Gates Suthard of Great Falls; sons, Charles R. Gates of Lancaster, Richard W. Gates of Honolulu, Hawaii, Jack R. Gates of Myrtle Beach, John L. Gates, Sr. of Las Vegas, Nev., Joe D. Gates of Darlington, Ronnie H. Gates of Rock Hill; brothers, Rufus M. Ingle of Lincolnton, N.C., Marvin H. Ingle of Leceister, N.C.; sisters, Frances I. Dagenhart and Lucy I. Neely, both of Mount Holly, N.C.; 23 grandchildren; 20 great -grandchildren.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Elizabeth Susan McKeown GLADDEN

The Chester News, Chester, SC

June 4, 1920

Many friends throughout the country will be grieved to learn of the death of Mrs. Henry Gladden, which occurred at the home on Lancaster road, about seven miles from Chester, Wednesday afternoon at five o'clock. Mrs. Gladden was a devoted wife and mother and a kind and loving neighbor and will be solely missed by a large circle of friends. Her illness was of only a few days duration.  She is survived by her husband and nine children: Mrs. Frank Drennan, Misses Estelle, Henri, Sallie and Annie Mae Gladden, and Messrs. John C, James and Mayo and Master Wilson Gladden. Also the following brothers and sister: Mr. John McKeown, Blackstock; Mr. Sam McKeown, Cornwell; Mr. Hayes McKeown Lancaster; Mr. Will McKeown, Fort Lawn; Mr. Hamp McKeown, Bascomville; and Mrs. Robt. Nunnery of Fort Lawn.  The funeral services were held at the home yesterday afternoon at one o'clock and were conducted by Revs. J. R. Moore and L. McB. White. The burial was made at Cedar Shoals.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Hennie McKeown GLADDEN

The Chester News, Chester, SC

April 12, 1967

Death Takes Mrs. Gladden

Miss Hennie McKeown Gladden 71, died Tuesday morning at Chester County  Hospital after an illness of several months.  Miss Gladden was a native of Chester County and a daughter of the late Henry Gladden and the late Bessie McKeown Gladden.  She was a member of Cornwell Presbyterian Church and had made her home with Mrs. W. O. McKeown for a number of years.  Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. F. B. Drennan of Bascomville and Miss Teen Gladden of Chester; three brothers James T. Gladder and Wilson Gladden of Chester, and Mayo Gladden of Tampa, Florida.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Thursday morning at Cornwell Presbyterian Church. Reverend Kenneth L. Barnes will be in charge, assisted by Reverend A. B. Plexico. Interment will follow in Cedar Shoals Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Henry Bell, Thomas C. McKeown, Wylie Boyd, James Boyde, Jr. and A. O'Neal McKeown.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of Cornwell Presbyterian Church.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

John Calvin GLADDEN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

August 29, 1962

John Calvin Gladden, 70, died Monday morning at the veterans Hospital in Columbia after an illness of several years.  Mr. Gladden was a native of Chester, son of the late Henry and Bessie McKeown Gladden. He operated Gladdens Grocery Store for a number of years before his retirement due to ill health, and was a member of the First Baptist Church and a Veteran of World War I.  Survivors include his wife, the former Miss Annie Elliot; one daughter Mrs. Steve McCord of North Wilkesboro N. C.; three brothers Wilson Gladden, James T Gladden both of Chester, Mayo Gladden of Tampa. Fla.; three sisters, Miss Estelle Gladden, Miss Hennie Gladden both of Chester and Mrs. Maude Drennan Of Richburg and a number of nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were conducted at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday from the Chapel of Barron Funeral Home with the Rev. William R. Bussey officiating, assisted by Rev. A. Plexico.  Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Active pallbearers were Floyd Elliott, Frazier Grant, Tom Elliott Jr., Lindsay Grant, Wylie Sugart, and John C. Elliott.  Honorary pallbearers was Dr. Marion Lynn L. C. Horner, Glenn Gallman, Joe H. Sanders W. A. Foote. Moffatt White, Dr. W. R. Wallace, Hoyt Hendricks, R. W. Coleman Sr., Dr. W. K. Magill, Charlton Howze, Clyde Carter, C. W. McTeer, Jake Colvin, H. M. Tharington, and representative group from Masons and Legions.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

James Henry GLADDEN

The Chester News, Chester, SC

June 26, 1934

Mr. James Henry Gladden, 67, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his son James T. Gladden at Cornwell, Chester county, following an illness of ten days.  He is survived by four sons and five daughter, John C. Gladden of Chester, James T. Gladden of Cornwell, Major Gladden of Tampa, Fla., Wilson Gladden of Chester, Mrs. C. S. McDowell of Tampa, Fla., Mrs. J. W. Bell of Chester, Miss Tennie Gladden of Cheater, Miss Hennie Gladden of Cornwell, and 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers and four sisters, W. T. Gladden of Fort Lawn, Paul H. Gladden of Asheville, N. C., Frank Gladden of Quebec, Canada, Mrs. A. N. Keistler of Great Falls, Mrs. W. H. McKeown of Richburg Mrs. William Lumpkin of Philadelphia Pa., and Mrs. Jack Walters of Columbia.

Mr. Gladden was a native of eastern Chester County, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jas. B. Gladden. He was a member of the Methodist church. He was a resident of Chester for about eight or ten years.  Funeral services were conducted at the home of his son, James T. Gladden at Cornwell at three o'clock yesterday afternoon. Burial was at Cedar Shoals Presbyterian Church - graveyard near Bascomville. Rev. S. A. Ewart pastor of Concord Presbyterian Church, assisted by Rev. W. A. Kennedy, pastor of Hopewell A. R. P. Church, was in charge.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Teenie Estelle GLADDEN

The News And Reporter, Chester, SC

October 5, 1977

Miss Teen Gladden Dies In Rock Hill

ROCK HILL - The funeral for Miss Teen Estelle Gladden, a native of Chester County, was conducted at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, from the Chapel of Bass Funeral Horne in Rock Hill, with burial made in the Cedar Shoals Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Chester County.  Miss Gladden, 84, died Sunday, October 2, in a Rock Hill nursing home.  Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Gladden and the late Mrs. Elizabeth McKeown Gladden. A former resident of Tampa, Fla., she was a retired practical nurse.  Survivors include a brother, Mayo Gladden of Silver Springs. Fla., a sister, Mrs. Frank Drennan of Bascomville, Chester County; and several nieces and nephews.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Louisa GLENN

Southeran Christian Advocate

July 5, 1871

Sister Louisa Glenn was born in Chester Co., S. C., August 30th 1834 and died in York Co., 7th May 1871. She leaves her husband, Dr. Glenn, and a son some thirteen year old. M. A. C.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Betty HAMMOND

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

15 July 2005

Chester - Services for Betty Holroyd Hammond, 83, widow of Chaplain Edward Hammond, U.S.N. (Ret.), 11 a.m. today at Armenia UM Church; burial in Philadelphia UM cemetery. Barron Funeral Home is in charge. Born in York County to Raymond and Maggie Holroyd, she died July 13, 2005. Surviving; children, Edward and Holroyd Hammond, Margaret Burnette ; 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; sister Jean Hoyle.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Edward Peeples HAMMOND

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

25 November 1970

N.C. Wreck Kills Man From Chester

Water Rock Knob, N.C. –

A 46 year-old Chester S.C. man was killed near here when his car plunged down a steep embankment off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Jackson County, N. C., Coroner Dr. Emil Henning identified the dead man as Edward Peeples Hammond, Sr. He said that Hammond’s body was found Sunday and that apparently he had been dead for several days. Mr. Hammond was the only person in the car, the coroner said.  Mr. Hammond was the son of Mrs. Alma Mauldin Hammond and the late Clifton Harold Hammond. He was a graduate of Erskine College and Emory University School of Theology and was the former pastor of Alice and Arial Methodist Church of Easley and the Stephenson Memorial Methodist Church in Taylors. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a chaplain for 17 years and was a member of the U.S. Conference Methodist Church of Pensacola, Fla. He retired from the Navy with the rank of commander. Mr. Hammond served as chaplain aboard the USS Nautilus, the first submarine to reach the North Pole under the polar ice cap.  Funeral services with be held today at 3 p.m. in Philadelphia Methodist Church in York County.  Surviving are his mother; his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Barber Holroyd Hammond; two  sons, Edward P. Hammond, Jr. of Columbia and Holroyd Hammond of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter, Mrs. Margaret H. Conley of New Castle, Del.; and two brothers, Harold and Richard Hammond of Anderson.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Sig HAMMOND

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

21 June 1997

Rock Hill – Services for William C. “Sig” Hammond, 69, will be held at 2 p.m. today at Greene Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Forest Hills Cemetery.  Mr. Hammond died Thursday. Born in Chester, he was a son of the late Arthur and Ola Sutton Hammond. Surviving; wife, Mary Ellen F. Hammond of the home; son, William M. Hammond of Texas; daughters, Patricia H. Cornwell, Denise H. Fisher, both of Rock Hill; brother, Jack L. Hammond of Rock Hill; sisters, Ramona H. Moore, Joanne H. Bishop, Janice H. Whisonant, all of Rock Hill; six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Benson F. HARDIN

Confederate Veteran, Vol. XVIII, No. 10

August 1910

Benson F. Hardin was born in Chester County, S.C. in October 1844 and died April 23, 1910, at his home in Weston, Tex., where he had moved his family in 1894. He entered the Confederate service in 1861 as a private in Company D , 1st South Carolina Regiment of Cavalry, under Col. John Logan Black, afterwards being assigned to Wade Hampton's brigade. He had three brothers with him in the same company, Ebb, William and Adam, the latter being the only one now living and the youngest. There were first in service on the coast of South Carolina, but were sent to Virginia in the latter part of 1862, remaining there till 1864, when they were sent back to South Carolina. This comrade was in many noted battles , among them Gettysburg and was with Johnston's army at the surrender at Greensboro, N.C., April 26, 1865.  They fought the enemy thirteen days after Lee had surrendered. After the war, he devoted himself to farming. He was twice married, and is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter.

(another article)

Benton Fletcher HARDIN

Weston News, April 26, 1910

B. F. Hardin who has been sick for the past month died Saturday morning. His remains were laid to rest in Cottage Hill Cemetery Sunday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. B. Bayless.

(another article)

Benton Fletcher HARDIN

Daily Courier Gazette, McKinney, Texas

Saturday, April 30, 1910

On April 24, 1910 the remains of Mr. Hardin of near Weston, Texas were buried and services conducted by Rev. W. B. Bayless. We extend our sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives and friends. Cottage Hill, April 25, 1910.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

David Neely HARDIN

The Chester Reporter

DEATH OF D. N. HARDIN

Mention was made, in THE REPORTER last week, of the critical illness of Mr. David Neely Hardin. His death occurred on Saturday night, December, 20th, at his home near Capers Chapel, at the very advanced age of 95 years and four months.  Mr. Hardin was born August, 11, 1807, within less than two miles of the place of his death. His entire life was spent in that immediate vicinity. He was one of eight brothers, all of them remarkable for physical strength and robust health. He was the last survivor of the entire family, his sister, Mrs. Dorsey, having died a few months ago.  Mr. Harding often spoke with great pleasure, of the fact that he was a member of the military company which went from Chester to Columbia in 1825 to join in the honor paid the distinguished General Lafayette, of the Revolutionary War, on the occasion of his second visit to the United States. During nearly all his long life Mr. Hardin was a Methodist, firm and decided in his convictions, loyal and devoted to the polity and doctrines of the church of his choice. Away back in the years of half a century ago, and more, his house was the home of the "circuit riders" of the Winnsboro Circuit, extending then within a few miles of Columbia almost to Yorkville. In that home the preacher had always a hearty welcome. Mr. Hardin was of quiet, unobtrusive turn of mind, and was unwilling to be conspicuous in the church or in the community, but he was a man of sterling integrity of character which won for him a large place in the respect and esteem of every man who knew him. In his family he was kind and affectionate, as a neighbor he was generous and helpful.  For nearly two years immediately preceding his death Mr. Hardin was almost totally blind and deaf, but bore his affliction with great fortitude and resignation.  Funeral service was conducted on Sunday by Rev. J. Married Friday; burial in the churchyard at Capers Chapel, of which Mr. Hardin was a communicant for half a century. (Died 12-20-1902 )

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Dora Outlaw HINSON

The State

Tuesday, May 25, 1999

Lenoir, N.C. -Services for Dora Outlaw Hinson, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be 7-8:30 tonight at the funeral home. Mrs. Hinson died Sunday. Born in Great Falls, she was a daughter of the late Henry Outlaw and Ollie Price Outlaw. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist Faith. Surviving are her husband, A.P. Hinson; daughters, Dolly Hinson, Barbara McCreary, Carol Johnson, Rachel Worley; brother, Jay Outlaw; sisters, Lillie Bell Deas, Vic Northcutt.

*contributed by Sherry Massengale

Mrs. James HORTON & children

Chester News

Tuesday, May 14, 1918.

DEATH CLAIMS FOUR OF FAMILY IN WEEK.

Fairfax, May 10- Mrs. James Horton and her three little sons, aged 5 years, 3 years, and the youngest 15 months, died here in the same house within exactly one week.  Five weeks ago today J.M. Sullivan, chief marshal, was stricken with paralysis and two days later there was a birth in the family and Mrs. Horton, sister of Mrs. Sullivan, left her country home, 2 miles away and came here to help take care of her sister and brother-in-law, bringing her 3 handsome, rosy cheeked little sons with her. After being here a few days Mrs. Horton and her 3 children contracted measles which in each case was followed by a fatal attack of pneumonia. The eldest child died Thursday of last week, the baby died last Sunday and both the mother and the other little boy died yesterday and were buried today at the Primitive Baptist Church, 2 miles from Fairfax. Mrs. Horton who is survived by her husband and parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Deacon and only sister, Mrs. Sullivian, was an estimable woman, who was ever willing to help others, regardless of her own welfare and comfort.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Manerva Hancock HUDSON

The Christian Advocate

Nashville, Tennessee

May 5, 1859

MANERVA HUDSON dau. of William and Tabitha Hancock born Chesterville /sic/ Dist., So. Carolina, May 14, 1817; married Arther Hudson, Dec. 25, 183l; died Oct. 31, 1858. Their son, Jacob W. Hudson born Jan. 16, 1854; died Dec. 23, 1858.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Henry Grafton JACKSON

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

December 4, 1937

GREAT FALLS - Henry Grafton Jackson, Sr., 63, died suddenly Wednesday morning while at work as superintendent of the Rocky Creek power plant.  He was born in Chester County, a son of the late Gideon Glaze and Katie Allen Jackson and had worked for 42 years as - an operator and was superintendent of Rocky River plant at the time of his death.  Mr. Jackson was a member of the Woodmen of the World, Bethesda Methodist Church and served as a steward and chairman of the official board for a number of years.  Funeral services were conducted at 3 PM Thursday from Bethesda Methodist Church by the Rev. Barney Fowler, the Rev. E. H. Heape and the Rev. W. Y. Cooley. Burial was in the church cemetery.  He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lila McKeown Jackson; one daughter, Mrs. James H. Bailey of Great Falls; four sons, Henry G. Jackson, Jr., of Spartanburg, Ephriam G. and Thomas A. Jackson of Great Falls, and J. R. Jackson of the Army; three brothers, E. A. Jackson of Timmonsville and Joe T. and N. Clyde Jackson of Great Falls; two sisters, Mrs. Walter Scott, Sr. and Mrs. Harvey Ford, both of Great Falls; nine grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

James Richard JACKSON

The News And Reporter, Chester, SC

September 20, 1978

James Richard Jackson, Sr. Dies In Glenn Allen, Virginia

A former Great Falls resident died Sunday in Virginia. Mr. James Richard Jackson, Sr., 53, of Glenn Allen, Ga. died while a patient at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Richmond.  Funeral Services will be held Wednesday (today) at 3:00 PM at the Bethesda Methodist Church with the Rev C William Powell and Rev Denver Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Born in Chester County, Mr. Jackson was the son of Lila McKeown and the late Henry G Jackson. He was a construction foreman and an army veteran of WWII.

Surviving are his wife Betty Beauser Jackson of Glenn Allen; one son, James Richard Jackson, Jr. of Lancaster, one daughter Mrs. Pamela Sistare of Lancaster; his mother, Mrs. Lila McKeown Jackson of Great Falls; three brothers. Ephriam Jackson and  Thomas A Jackson, both of Great Falls and Henry G Jackson, Jr. of Spartanburg; one sister, Mrs. Bill (Lila Jean) Bailey of Great Falls; and eight grandchildren.  Pallbearers were Tommy Lewis, Tom Raines, Ronald Thomason, Hal Jackson, Mike Sanders, Hanks Jones, Lonnie Bingham and Doug Lathan.

Dantzler-Baker Funeral Homes was in charge of services.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

John JACKSON

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

30 August 1900

John Jackson was laid to rest in the Cemetery at Fort Lawn on Friday evening, the 24th instant. He was about 71 years of age and had been in failing health for several months. In peace and in war he was ever ready to do what he considered to be his duty. In the fall of 1861, entered the Confederate army as a member of CO. E 17th S.C.V., and was surrendered at Appomattox, April 19, 1865. In the early days of 1862, he was placed in the Ambulance Corps of the 17th Regiment, which position he filled with remarkable courage and fidelity until the close of the war and was never absent from his post in any engagements where the 17th Regiment was under fire. Many a wounded soldier owed his removal from the field to a place of safety and succor to the faithfulness of John Jackson and his brave litter corps. His father was Lemuel Jackson who will be remembered by all the old people of the Richburg section. His mother's maiden name was Jane Blake, sister of Joshua, John, Dr. Green Blake, Mrs. Backstrom and Mrs. James Heath. He was twice married, both times to widows. The first wife was Mrs. Jane Robinson whose maiden name was Walker. His father's name was William, known in east Chester as Blacksmith Billy Walker, who together with John Rodman was murdered at Rodman's store in the early 30s by John Ferguson who was hanged in the town of Chester for the crime. This double murder created a great sensation in Chester county. Rodman's store stood very near the residence of the late Dr. John B. Gaston, now owned by Mr. Kirkpatrick. When John Jackson and Mrs. Robinson were married she had one child, a little girl, who is now Mrs. F. M. Chisholm of Chester. They afterwards reared one son and two daughters. The son Furman Jackson, married daughter of Amzi Triplett and died several years ago. The daughters are Mrs. Carroll of Chester and Mrs. Kitchens of Lewisville. His second wife was Mrs. Culp, whose maiden name was Susan McFadden, a daughter of H.D. McFadden who together with his wife lies buried in the cemetery at Fort Lawn. Another veteran of the army of the immortal R.E. Lee has gone to his reward and has answered to the roll call beyond the dark cold stream. No truer, braver or more loyal South Carolinian ever marched under the Bonnie Blue Flag than John Jackson. Farewell old comrade for only a little while; only a few more years will bring us all to the crossing. As years go by, one by one the old Confederate soldiers are fast passing away and very soon, none of us will be left to tell the tale of those four long bloody years for 61 to 65, when the South laid upon the altar of liberty her property, her manhood and the nobler specimens of true womanhood that the world ever produced. -- W.H. Edwards.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mrs. Geneva Gunter JACOBS

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

December 1, 1951

Jacobs Rites Set at Spears Creek

Great Falls, Dec. 1 - Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday for Mrs. Geneva Gunter Jacobs, 72, of Great Falls, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. Goings, here last night after a long illness. The services will be conducted for the Spears Creek Baptist church, near Pontiac, of which she was a member, by the Rev. A. G. Madden, of Great Falls with interment in the church cemetery.  Mrs. Jacobs is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Goings, Mrs. F. E. Couick of Rock Hill and Mrs. J. C. Hollis of Lancaster; one son, Ernest Jacobs of Great Falls; 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her husband, Elmore Jacobs, died a number of years ago.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Rebecca JOHNSEY

Southern Christian Advocate

November 25, 1870

Rebecca Johnsey died in Harris Co., Ga., 18th Oct 1870. She was born 13 May 1813 and was married to  A. D. Donald in Chester District S. C., on Dec. 30th 1825.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Lawrence C. JOHNSON

THE SOUTH - August 25, 1909

Judge Lawrence C. Johnson has died at Beauvoir. He was born in Chester County, South Carolina Aug. 21, 1821. He lived in Marshall County many years. He was a Lt. in Capt. McGowen's Waterford Company in the War Between the States. His residence here is now the President's home at Rust College. (Marshall Co. Ms.)

Source: The Gray Ghost, Vol XVIII, No. 4 July-Aug 1999 By Bobby J. Mitchell 

*contributed by Helen Skipper

R. Dennis KENNINTON

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

7 November 1994

Fort Lawn - Services for R. Dennis Kennington, 38, will be held at 3 p.m Tuesday at Second Baptist Church of Great Falls, with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery of Great Falls.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home of Great Falls.  Mr. Kennington died Saturday, Nov. 5, 1994.  Born in Chester, he was a son of Helen Gardner Kennington and the late Crawford “Sonny” Kennington. He was an inventory auditor with H. W. Close Comforter Plant and a member of the National Rifle Association and Second Baptist Church.  Surviving are his wife, Robin G. Kennington; a son, Danny Kennington of Rock Hill; stepsons, David and Stephen Hensley, both of Fort Lawn; his mother of Fort Lawn; brothers, Jeff Kennington of Charlotte and Sam Kennington of Lancaster; a sister, Cindy Williams of Heath Springs and maternal grandmother, Bleaker Gardner of Columbia. 

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mary Ellen KILLIAN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

3 December 1999

Great Falls - Services for Mrs. Mary Ellen Brazell Killian, 41, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 1999 at Woodward Baptist Church in Chester with burial in the church cemetery.   The Rev. Tommy Roper will officiate. The family will receive friends 7-9 tonight at Pope Funeral Home in Winnsboro, which is in charge. Memorials may be made to Woodward Baptist Church Building Fund, 1570 Ashford Rd., Chester, SC 29706.  Mrs. Killian died Tuesday, November 30, 1999. Born June 21, 1958, in Fairfield County, she was a daughter of the late Ruby Rollins and Lewis Burrell Brazell, Sr. She was a member of Woodward Baptist Church.  Surviving are daughters, Sherry Dove, Teresa Nicole Dove, both of Chester; brothers, Lewis. Brazell, Jr., Albert H. Brazell, both of Winnsboro; sisters, Linda Thompson of Great Falls, Phyllis Craft of Winnsboro, Cheryl Broome of Lake Wateree.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Robert Alexander LEWIS

The Chester News, Chester SC

October 6, 1931

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR ROBERT A. LEWIS

Funeral services were held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock at the Bethlehem Methodist church near Woodward for Mr. Robert Alexander Lewis. Rev. G. W. Burke, pastor of the church conducted the services, assisted by Rev. S. A. Ewart. Interment was made in the graveyard of the church.  Mr. Lewis, who was 62 years of age, passed away Saturday afternoon about five o'clock at his home near Woodward following a long period of declining health. He was a native of Fairfield county, and was a prominent farmer and merchant of the Woodward section. He was married to Miss Sara Agnes McKeown, of Woodward, who died in 1918.  He is survived by four sons and three daughters, Y. G. Lewis, of Avon; Roy A. Lewis, of Winnsboro; Herbert 11. Lewis, of Tabor, N. C.; Mrs. Robert Banks, of Avon; Mrs. Walker Leitner, of Winnsboro; Mrs. Clifton Cota, of Palmer, Mass., and Robert A. Lewis, Jr., of Woodward. Three surviving brothers and four sisters are: J. L. Lewis, of Great Falls; T. W. Lewis, Mrs. E. F. McKeown and Mrs. W. T. Sanders, of Winnsboro; Mrs. W. H. McKeown, of Great Falls, and Mrs. L. H. Glass, of Covington, Tenn. Fourteen I grandchildren also survive.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Judge Anderson MAYO

Florida Baptist Witness

July 30, 1885

Judge Anderson Mayo died July 15, 1885, at his residence near Lake Lindsay, Hernando County, Fla. He was one of the oldest and most useful citizens of Hernando County. He was born in Chester County S.C. September 12, 1812, and moved to Florida in 1851. He was on of nature's noblemen, whose qualities of mind and heart made him alive to everything that would elevate society. He served his county for many years, and was always faithful to the trusts reposed in him. His extensive reading and good judgment mad him a wise counselor, his advice was eagerly sought by all. He was a man, who without any sacrifice, reached down to the humblest, white and black; and his delight was to entertain God's servants. His hope was alone in the atonement made by Christ for sinners, and in this he often expressed a belief in the doctrines of the anti- missionary Baptists. He leaves a pious widow, an only daughter and numerous relatives and friends. -H.H. Sturgis

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Ira R. MCCLUNEY

Chester News, Chester, SC

November 9, 1917

Mr. Ira R. McCluney of Lackhart (Lockhart), formerly of Chester, died at his home last Sunday and was buried Monday at New Bethel Baptist Church. He is survived by his widow, who was Miss Katherine Quinton before marriage, and four daughters, also one brother, Mr. J. J. L. McCluney, of Chester, and one sister, Mrs. T. J. McKeown, of Chester, Route 4.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

William MCCLUNEY

Columbia Telescope, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.

December 6, 1833

At Tomsville, in Chester District, on the 21st ult., William McCluney, in the 99th year of his age, a native of Ireland. He came to this State about the commencement of the Revolution, and when the British Army invaded the State, he volunteered in her defence ....

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Addie Beam MCKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

August 2003

BLACKSTOCK -- Mrs. Addie "Beam" McKeown, 91, of 2255 Beam Drive died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003, at Chester County Hospital in Chester.  The funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Blackstock, with the Rev. Richard Totherow officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.  A native of Blackstock, Mrs. McKeown was a daughter of the late Samuel E. Beam and Mary Wright Beam. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Blackstock, where she was formerly a Sunday school secretary. She was retired from Chester High School as cafeteria treasurer and was an Avon representative. She was a graduate of Blackstock High School. She was the widow of Hoyt S. McKeown.  Surviving are three grandchildren, Chris McKeown, Eric McKeown and Sam McKeown, all of Blackstock; and six great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Barron Funeral Home in Chester.  Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Blackstock, c/o Mr. Dewey Traylor, 1958 Boyd Road, Blackstock, SC 29014.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Addison Uriah McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

July 1, 1915

A. U. McKeown.

Special to The State

Blackstock, June 30 – A. U. McKeown died Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock.  He had been sick for a long while. He is survived by his wife and father, Theodore McKeown of Fort Lawn, one daughter, Mrs. Sam Weir, and two brothers, S. S. McKeown and John McKeown.  He was 59 years of age and will be buried at Hopewell cemetery Thursday morning at 11 o’clock.  The Rev. R. L. McKeown will conduct the services.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Anderson Mayo McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

October 17, 1942

A. M. McKeown, 84.

Dies at Blackstock

Chester, Oct. 16 – (Special) – Anderson Mayo McKeown, 84, one of Chester county’s oldest citizens and prominent planter of the Blackstock community and raiser of blooded Guernsey cattle, died today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Miner Smith, at Spartanburg of a heart attack.  His sudden death came as a great chock to his host of friends in Chester and throughout the county where he was well known and popular.  Although his health had not been very good for some time, he was able to be up.  Funeral services will be conducted from the Bethlehem Methodist church, Chester county, Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, with interment in the church cemetery.  The Rev. S A. Ewart of the Blackstock Presbyterian church and the Rev. W. A. Kennedy of Hopewell ARP church will officiate.  Mr. Keown married Miss Annie Norwood Elder of Blackstock, who died about five years ago.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Kirk McKeown of Blackstock and Mrs. Miner Smith of Spartanburg; a brother, Sam O. McKeown of Cornwell, and two granddaughters, Mrs. Samuel Royster McKeown of Baltimore, Md., and Miss Susie Norwood McKeown, teacher a Emory university, Emory, Ga.  His son, Addison McKeown, widely known district farm demonstration agent, died two years ago.  He is also survived by a granddaughter, Lillian Elizabeth McKeown of Baltimore.  Mr. McKeown was a member of the Blackstock Presbyterian church.  He took a great interest in Guernsey cattle.  He was a leading member of the celebrated “Red Shirts” under Gen. Wade Hampton in 1876.  While he never sought public office he was widely interested in politics in an effort to see that good men were elected.  He was a familiar figure at the Chester county Democratic conventions, often speaking.

NOTE:  In 1876, "gun clubs", whose members began calling themselves Red Shirts, began a systematic campaign to terrorize blacks and Republicans so Hampton could win the governorship.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Ann Dorsey HOWZE McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

September 23, 1907

DEATH OF MRS. C. B. McKEOWN

Estimable Lady of Fort Lawn Dies After Lingering Illness.

Special to The State

Chester, Sept. 22 – Mrs. Dorsey House McKeown, wife of Dr. C. B. McKeown, a prominent physician in the eastern part of the county, died yesterday afternoon at her residence in Fort Lawn from a painful and critical illness of nearly a year, in the 46th year of her age.  She was universally beloved for her excellent qualities.  She is survived by her husband, a grown daughter, Miss Maud McKeown; three sisters, Miss May Howze and Mrs. J. M. Jackson of Bascomville, this county, and two brothers; W. H. Howze of New York and E. C. Howze of Union.  She was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. H. Wilson and Rev. J. J. Brown and held today; interment at Fort Lawn.  Of the pallbearers four were nephews of this estimable lady.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Calvin Brice McKEOWN, M. D.

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

October 13, 1915

Dr. Calvert Brice McKeown.

Special to The State

Chester, Oct. 12 – Dr. Clavert Brice McKeown, for years on of the county’s most prominent phycicians, died in this city yesterday morning.  The remains were taken to Fort Lawn for interment today at Cedar Shoals church.  Dr. McKeown was born in the Cornwell neighborhood and was 63 years of age.  His literary education was obtained in the public schools in this county and at Davidson college, and his medical training at the Charleston and Louisville medical colleges.  Dr. McKeown practiced for a short time in Union county, and then located at Fort Lawn, where he continued to practice until failing health compelled him to desist about three years ago.  Mrs. McKeown, who was Miss Dorsey Howze, died about seven years ago, leaving on daughter, Mrs. M. J. McFadden of Clinton.  Dr. McKeown is also survived by one brother S. T. McKeown of Cornwell.  Dr. McKeown was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and for years had been an elder at Fort Lawn.  He was a splendid physician and was a man of lofty character.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Calvin Mayo MCKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

September 18, 1961

Lancaster - Calvin Mayo McKeown, 64, died in the local hospital Sunday.  He was born in Chester County, a son of the late Theodore Perry and Ella Bell McKeown and was foreman of the carpenter shop at the Springs Cotton Mill.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jessie Lynn McKeown; three daughters, Mrs. Clyde Mobley of Lancaster, Mrs. Alvin Usher of Pageland and Mrs. H. W. Lockwood of Miami, Fla.; two sons, Bobby McKeown of Lancaster and Charles McKeown of Abilene, Texas; nine grandchildren and six sisters, Mrs. M. Robert Harper, Mrs. Paul Culp, Mrs. Jim Ghent, Mrs. Lillie Bell Cauthen and Mrs. Elmer Bennett, all of Lancaster and Mrs. Melvin Caldwell of Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Monday from the First Baptist Church by Dr. Daniel W. Cloer, the Rev. H. S. Sinclair and the Rev. Roy Dickert.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Ephraim Fant MCKEOWN

Spartanburg Journal, Spartanburg, SC

July 3, 1942

Chester, June 2- Funeral services for Ephraim Fant McKeown,  76,  a native of and resident of Chester county, who died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. W. A. Collins, at Greenwood, following a critical  illness of one week, were conducted yesterday from the Bethlehem Methodist church in Chester county, interment was made in the cemetery of the church.  He is survived by his widow; Mrs. Emma Lewis McKeown, formerly of Chester county; four daughters, Mrs. J. C. Lewis, Blackstock, Mrs. W. A. Collins of Greenwood, Mrs. H. G. Jackson, Great Falls and Mrs. John Leitner, Elberton, Ga.; three brothers, J. P. and H. C., both of Blackstock and W. L., of Great Falls and two sisters; Mrs. C. R. Shirley and Mrs. John Swearingen, of Blackstock.  A native of Chester county, s/o the late John S. and Sarah Dove McKeown. He was a member of the Greenbriar Methodist church and had served as stewards. He was a prominent farmer for many years but had retired from active duties in recent years.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Elizabeth Bethenia McKeown MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

February 9, 1966

Mrs. Elizabeth McK. McKeown, 85, widow of W. C. McKeown of Blackstock, died Thursday afternoon at the Mary Black Hospital in Spartanburg after an extended illness.  Mrs. McKeown was born at Blackstock April 4, 1880, daughter of the late T.B. McKeown and the late Mrs. Nannie Robinson McKeown. She was a graduate of Linville College and taught in the Chester County Schools for a number of years and was a member of the Blackstock Baptist Church.  Surviving are one son, S. Royster McKeown of Pauline; one daughter, Mrs. Anna M. Ford of Pauline one sister, Mrs. T. S. Royster of Bessimer City; four half brothers, Alex McKeown, Ferris McKeown, Mayo McKeown, Roy McKeown all Okl.  Funeral services were conducted at 2 p m. Saturday from the Blackstock Baptist Church with her pastor, Rev. Warren D. Steppe, officiating Interment followed in the Elmwood Cemetery at Fort Lawn. Active pallbearers were Wylie Douglas, W.S. McCarley, Lawrence Weir, Robert Taylor, Edward Kennedy, Andrew Sterling,  A.T. Weir, and Wilbur Douglass.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Elmira Jane Lewis MCKEOWN

The Chester News, Chester, SC

February 6, 1940

Mrs. Elmira McKeown Dies

Mrs. Elmira Jane Lewis McKeown, 74, widow of Sam Scott McKeown, died at eleven o'clock last night at her home in the Blackstock community of Chester county of heart trouble. She had been sick since May 14th.

Funeral services will be conducted this (Tuesday) afternoon at 4 o'clock at Bethlehem Methodist church, after which burial will be made in the church cemetery. The Rev. W. A. Kennedy, pastor of the Blackstock Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, will conduct the services.  Mrs. McKeown was born in the Bethlehem church community, being a daughter of John Q. Lewis and Mrs. Elizabeth Wages Lewis. She was a member of the Bethlehem Methodist church.  Surviving are the following seven children: Ralph Scott McKeown of Chester; Mrs. F. A. Moseley of McBean, Ga., Miss Gladys McKeown, Miss Nona McKeown, Miss Irene McKeown, Miss Lula Mae McKeown, Sam 0. McKeown, all of Blackstock; and five brothers, one sister, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Esther James McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 8, 1911

Mrs. W. O. McKeown.

Special to The State

Chester, Feb. 7 – Mrs. Esther J. McKeown, wife of W. O. McKeown of Cornwell, died on the 6th inst. after a very brief illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. B. Boyd.  The funeral services were held at Pleasant Grove church yesterday afternoon by Rev. G. G. Brown, pastor, Mrs. McKeown having been an earnest member of the congregation.  The husband and the following children survived; H. J. and A. B. McKeown and Mrs. W. Banks Boyd of Cornwell; S. C. McKeown of Sumter and Mrs. W. H. Simpson of Chester county.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

George Washington McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

November 25, 1916

George Washington McKeown.

Special to The State

Chester, Nov. 24 – George Washington McKeown, about 54 years of age, died yesterday morning at his home at Fort Lawn of several days illness.  The funeral services were conducted today by his pastor, the Rev. J. R. Moore of the Fort Lawn Baptist church, and the burial occurred in the cemetery there.  Mr. McKeown was born in the Cornwell section of Chester county, and was the son of J. J. McKeown, aged 93, the county’s most aged citizen, and of the late Martha Jane McKeown.  He was a member of the Baptist church and was a loyal and consistent member of the Fort Lawn church.  Mr. McKeown devoted most of his life to agricultural pursuits.  In addition to being a resourceful planter he was a skilled mechanic.  He married Mrs. Mattie Kelsey, daughter of William Jordan.  Mr. McKeown, in addition to his wife and father, is survived by the following brothers:  Samuel S., John J., Hampton, William and Hayes McKeown, all of Chester county, and the following sister:  Mrs. Henry Gladden and Mrs. Robert Nunnery. 

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Hugh Seed MCKEOWN

Associate Reformed Presbyterian, page 183

March 22, 1888

Died, February 3rd, 1888, Mr. Hugh S. McKeown in the 34th year of his age leaves a wife and three children.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

John James MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

March 8, 1937

DEATH OF MR. JOHN J. McKEOWN AT BLACKSTOCK

Blackstock, March 8. -- Mr. John J. McKeown, 76, highly-esteemed citizen, died at his home here last night, after an illness of only about ten days, although his health had been failing for a much longer period.  The funeral service will be conducted at Hebron Presbyterian church this afternoon at four o'clock by Rev. H. G. Hammett, pastor of the First Baptist church of Great Falls, and Rev. J. M. Forbis, pastor of Great Falls Presbyterian church.   Mr. McKeown is survived by the following children: Mr. J. 0. McKeown, Great Falls; Mrs. W. M. Bankhead, Blackstock; Mrs. T. L. Dixon, Slater, Mrs. Janie Jackson, Marietta; Mr. K. E. McKeown, Blackstock. He also leaves the following brothers and sister, the survivors of a family of twelve: Mr. W. H. McKeown, Richburg; Mr. R. H. McKeown, Lancaster; and Mrs. R. S. Nunnery, Fort Lawn.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

John O'Neal MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

October 14, 1947

John O'Neal McKeown 51, died suddenly last night in Great Falls.  Mr. McKeown was the son of Mamie Jordan and the late John James McKeown.  Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday afternoon from The First Baptist Church of Great Falls by Rev. C. H. Hamby, burial will be in Hebron Presbyterian Cemetery.

Survivors include his mother, his widow Margaret Gladden Dixon McKeown, daughters, Ellen Black, FrancesBlack and Ann Hinson, three sisters, four step-children, Sarah Dixon, Tillman Lee Dixon and Edward Mobley Dixon and Estelle Dixon Gosnell and eight grandchildren, Carolina Gayle Black, John Roy Black, Stanley Black, Mark Randall Black, Lenora Black, Amelia Black, Margaret Hinson and W. S. Hinson all of Great Falls.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Margaret Gladden Dixon MCKEOWN

The News And Reporter, Chester, SC

February 4, 1976

Mrs. Margaret Gladden Dixon (Mag) McKeown, 93, of Great Falls died in the Chester County Nursing Center early Sunday morning.  Mrs. McKeown, a member of pioneer families in the area, was the daughter of the late John Frank and Sally E. Jackson Gladden. She was, twice married, first to the late Edward Dixon and later to the late O'Neal McKeown. She was a member of the Great Falls First Baptist Church.  Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Evins (Sarah) Dickerson, Mrs. Beech (Frances) Black, Mrs. Willie (Ann) Henson, all of Great Falls, Mrs. Willie (Estelle) Gosnell of Greenville, Mrs. Stacy (Ellen) Howie of Charlotte; two sons, Tillman Dixon of Great Falls and Edward M. Dixon of Williamston; one brother, Tom Gladden of Columbia; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.  Funeral services were held at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church by the Reverend James Overbay. Burial was in Hebron Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Stover.  Pallbearers were John Black, Stanley Black, Mark Black, Jimmy Dixon, V. S. Henson, Ralph Gwin, Larry Dominy, and Tillman L. Dixon, Jr.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Mary Emily Jordan MCKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 26, 1952

Chester Native, 84; Dies at Daughter’s Home in Slater

Chester, Feb. 26 – (Special) – Mrs. Mary Emily Jordan McKeowan, 84, widow of John James McKeowan, former resident of the Blackstock section of Chester county, died at 5 o’clock this afternoon at the home of a daughter.  Mrs. Janie Jackson, at Slater.  She had been ill for some time.  Mr. McKeowan died on March 9, 1937, and following his death Mrs. McKeowan had made her home with Mrs. Jackson.  She was born in the Fort Lawn section of Chester county on January 3, 1867, a daughter of the late M. E. and Janie Culp Jordan.  She was a lifelong and devoted member of the Baptist church.  Survivors include one son; Kirk E. McKeowan of Blackstock; three daughters, Mrs. Janie Jackson and Mrs. Estell Dixon, both of Slater, and Mrs. McLin Bankhead of Blackstock; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and on sister, Mrs. Ellen Stover of Lancaster.

Her body was brought to Barron’s Funeral home at Chester tonight to await funeral arrangements. 

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Mary Thompson McKeown MCKEOWN

The Chester News, Chester SC

May 19, 1965

Mrs. McKeown Passed Away

Mrs. Mary Thompson McKeown. 75, widow of Hugh Strong McKeown, died Sunday at the Chester County hospital.  Mrs. McKeown was born in the Cornwell section of Chester County, the daughter of the late A. B. and Lucy Boyce McKeown.  Surviving are three sons, Thomas C. McKeown, James Strong McKeown and T. O'Neal McKeown and one sister, Miss Ethel McKeown all of Cornwell section.  Funeral services were conducted at 4:00 P. M. Monday from the Hopewell A. R. P. Church with Rev. Don Elliott in charge assisted by Rev. A. B. Plexico. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery.  Active pallbearers were: W. 0. McKeown, Harry McKeown, Andrew Sterling, Wesley McKeown, J. Watt Weir and James Boyd, Jr.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Mary W. Elder MCKEOWN

The Chester News, Chester SC

August 23, 1932

MRS. MARY E. MCKEOWN PASSES IN OKLAHOMA

A message was received by relatives yesterday announcing the sudden death of Mrs. Mary Elder McKeown, wife of Mr. T. B. McKeown, at her home in Ada, Oklahoma. A message was received the night before telling of her serious illness, and a short time latter another message arrived, telling of her death.  Mrs. McKeown was 62 years of age, a native of the Blackstock section of Chester county and a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Elder.

Relatives have not yet been advised of funeral and burial arrangements, but it is probable that interment will be made in Ada. She is survived by one daughter, Miss Kate McKeown, of Ada, who was in the county visiting relatives at the time of her mother's death, coming especially to attend the McKeown family reunion last Thursday; four sons, Messrs. Ferris McKeown, Mayo McKeown, Alex McKeown and Leroy McKeown, all of Oklahoma; two step daughters, Mrs. Tom Royster, of Bessemer City, N. C., and Mrs. Bessie McKeown, of Blackstock; and step-son, Congressman Tom D. McKeown, of Ada, Okla., and two sisters, Mrs. A. Mayo McKeown, of Blackstock, and Mrs. Nannie E. Black, of Chester.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Nancy Sarah Gladden MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

January 29, 1964

Mrs. Nancy Gladden McKeown, 82, widow of Wade Hampton McKeown, died at her home in the Bascomville section of Chester County Tuesday night following an illness of sometime.  Born in Chester County, Mrs. McKeown, was a daughter of the late J. B. Gladden and the late Lenora Jackson Gladden.  Survivors include one daughter Mrs. Grady Edwards of Bascomville and one son. J. B. McKeown of Philadelphia, Pa. Her husband passed away April 8, 1983.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by the Barron Funeral Home.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Odean Bailey McKEOWN

Charlotte Observer

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Mr. McKeown, 79, of Charlotte, died Monday, October 30, 2006 at Carolinas Medical Center, Mercy Hospital.  He was born in Chester, SC, son of the late Georgia Bailey McKeown and Irma Brice McKeown.  Dean was a graduate of Oakhurst High School and attended Charlotte College.  He served honorably in the US Navy during WWII.  Dean retired from Armstrong World Industries in 1989 and was a long time member of Spencer Memorial Methodist Church.  Mr. McKeown is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Nancy Honeycutt McKeown; daughters, Nancy Karen McKeown of Hickory and Kathy Dean McKeown Niven and husband Malcolm of Charlotte; grandsons, Bailey Roddey and Brett Poteat; granddaughters, Audrey Wright and Grace Niven.  He was predeceased by his sister and two brothers.  A service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006 at Harry and Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte.  The family will receive friends from 2:00-2:45 p.m. prior to the service.  In accordance with Dean’s wishes, burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 303, Charlotte, NC 28202. 

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Rutherford Hayes MCKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

June 12, 1972

Lancaster – R. Hayes McKeown, 94, died Sunday in the Veterans Hospital in Columbia.  He was a son the late Theodore Perry and Martha Jane Peay McKeown.  Services will be at 4 p.m. today at Cauthen Funeral Home with burial in Fort Lawn Cemetery.  Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Dora J. McKeown; and two stepsons, Ben R. Horne of Lancaster and Harold C. Horne of Charlotte, N.C. 

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Samuel O’Neal McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

October 31, 1943

Samuel McKeown

Dies in Chester

Rites Are Today

Chester, Oct. 30 – (Special) – Samuel O’Neal McKeown, 83, for 36 years an official of the Chester County Highway department and for many years superintendent of its chaingangs until it was discontinued, died at Pryor hospital around midnight last night.  He was known back in the dirt road building days as the greatest “dirt mover” in the state.  This county has many excellent roads that he directed the construction of and they are known as the “Sam McKeown” roads monuments to him as a road builder.  He was known to his hosts of friends as “Captain McKeown”.  He was born in the Cornwell community, January 5, 1860, in Chester county in.  When about 21 he worked with a railway at Augusta, Ga.  Mr. McKeown went to work for Chester county in 1902.  He is the last member of this prominent branch of the McKeown family.  Funeral services will be conducted from the Cornwell Presbyterian church, Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock, with Rev. S. A. Ewart, Rev. William Franklin Moore, Jr., and Rev. W. A. Kennedy officiating.  Interment will be in Bethlehem Methodist church cemetery.  He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mrs. William Leroy McKeown of Atlanta, Ga., and 12 nieces and 10 nephews.  His parents were the late Addison Porter and Elizabeth Jane McKeown.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

(additional article)

Samuel O’Neal MCKEOWN

The Chester News, Chester, SC

November 4, 1943

S. O. McKeown Died Friday Night

Mr. Samuel O'Neal McKeown, age 83, died at the Pryor hospital in Chester about midnight Friday. For about thirty-six years he was connected with the road building forces of Chester County and for many years was superintendent of the Chester county chain gang. After the abolishment of the chain gang he remained with the county's road forces for several years.  Mr. McKeown was born in the Cornwell section of the county January 5th, 1860 and was a son of the late Addison Porter McKeown and Mrs. Elizabeth Jane McKeown. He is the last member if his immediate family.  During the horse and buggy days Mr. McKeown was considered one of the best road builders in the state and gave Chester county a system of roads excelled in few places. He was outstanding in the building of brides.  He is survived by a sister-in-law Mrs. William Leroy McKeown of Atlanta, Georgia, and a number of nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were conducted from the Cornwell Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon with Rev. S. A. Ewart, Rev. W. F. More and Rev. W. A. Kennedy officiating, followed by interment in Bethlehem church cemetery.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Samuel Royster MCKEOWN

Spartanburg Herald Journal

Friday, March 12, 1999

Samuel R. McKeown, 82, husband of Anna Mayo Smith McKeown and son of the late Elizabeth Bethenia McKeown and William C. McKeown. He was born April 6, 1916 in Fort Lawn, SC and died March 9, 1999 in Charleston, SC. He was raised in Blackstock, SC and left there at the age of 15 to serve in as a page in Congress during the administration of Franklin Roosevelt. He worked for the Standard Oil Company in Baltimore, MD, served with the U. S. Army in the Pacific in World War II, and returned to SC after the war to work with the Spartanburg office of Standard Oil. After several years he chose to farm at Glenn Springs and there raised his family. He returned to political life as an assistant to Congressman James R. Mann, heading the Spartanburg office of the Forth Congressional District.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years; his children, Elizabeth M. Martin and Husband, Henry F. Martin of Charleston, SC, William M. McKeown and wife Denise Carro McKeown of Glenn Springs, SC, Samuel Kirk McKeown and his wife Joan Foster McKeown of Roebuck, SC and Marianna McKeown of Columbia, SC; niece, Frances A. Ford of Roebuck; and his grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Martin of New York City, William Mayo McKeown and his wife, Karen Lass McKeown of Charleston, SC, Erin Christianne, Kerry Denise and Daniel Kirkpatrick McKeown of Roebuck.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, March 12, 1999 at Floyd's N. Church St. Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Sat., March 13, 1999 at Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Samuel Scott MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

February 11, 1935

STROKE PROVED FATAL TO MR. S. S. McKEOWN

Samuel Scott McKeown, aged 70, died Friday at his home in the Hopewell A. R. P. church neighborhood, following a stroke of paralysis a week previously while in the field.  Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Methodist church, with Rev. W. Burke, of Chester circuit, and Rev. W. A. Kennedy, of Black' stock, officiating.  Mr. McKeown was a native of the Cornwell section of Chester county, being the son of Theodore Perry McKeown and Martha Peay McKeown. Except for six years that he resided in Tipton county, Tenn., he spent practically his entire life in the vicinity in which he was born. He was a member of Bethlehem Methodist church.  He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Elmira Lewis McKeown, and the following children: Mrs. Flossie Moseley Estes, Blackstock; Ralph Scott McKeown and Miss Lula Mae McKeown, Chester; and Miss Gladys McKeown, Miss Nonie McKeown, Miss Irene Patsy McKeown, and Sylvester Clyde McKeown, Blackstock, and Samuel O'Neil McKeown, Walhalla; three brothers and one sister, John J. McKeown, Slater; Hayes McKeown, Lancaster; Hamp McKeown, Bascomville, and Mrs. Anne Nunnery, Fort Lawn.  Mr. McKeown also leaves a large number of friends to mourn his loss.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Thomas Deitz MCKEOWN

Ada, Oklahoma

October 1951

MCKEOWN, Thomas Deitz, a Representative from Oklahoma; born in Blackstock, Chester County, S.C., June 4, 1878; attended the common schools, studied under a private tutor and attended lectures at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in 1898; was admitted to the bar in 1899 and began practice in Malvern, Ark.; moved to Ada, Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), in 1901 and resumed the practice of law; appointed a member of the first State bar commission and elected president in 1909; judge of the seventh district of Oklahoma 1910-1914; presiding judge of the fifth division of the supreme court commission in 1915 and 1916; elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-fifth and Sixty-sixth Congresses (March 4, 1917-March 3, 1921); unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1920 to the Sixty-seventh Congress; elected to the Sixty-eighth and to the five succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1923-January 3, 1935); unsuccessful candidate for re-nomination in 1934; moved to Chicago, Ill., and resumed the practice of law in 1935 and 1936; returned to Ada, Okla., in 1937 and engaged in farming and oil production; delegate to the Democratic State convention in 1942; county attorney of Pontotoc County, Okla., from April 1, 1946, to January 1, 1947; appointed county judge in 1947 and elected in 1948 and again in 1950 and served until his death in Ada, Okla., October 22, 1951; interment in Rosedale Cemetery.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Wade Hampton MCKEOWN

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

April 10, 1963

Wade Hampton McKeown, 87, retired farmer, died early Monday morning at his home in the Bascomville section of Chester County following an extended illness.  Mr. McKeown was a native of Chester County, was born April 23 1876, son of the late Theodore Perry and the late the Martha Ana Peay McKeown. He was a member of the Fort Lawn Baptist Church.  Survivors include his wife, the former Miss Nancy Sarah Gladden McKeown; one daughter, Mrs. Grady Edwards of Richburg; one son, James Brown McKeown of Philadelphia, Pa.; one brother R. Haze McKeown of Lancaster and a number of nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were conducted at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday from the Fort Lawn Baptist Church with his pastor, the Rev. Berkley in charge, assisted by the Rev. Ellis Oaks.  Burial was in the Cedar Shoals Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Active pallbearers were Roy Nunnery, W. J. Jordan, Henry Jordan, Claude Jordan, Jr., William Edwards and Emmett Anderson.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

William Leroy McKEOWN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 11, 1942

Chester County

Native Is Dead

Chester, Feb. 10 – (Special) – Will L. McKeown, 80, of Graphite, N. C., but a native of Chester county, died at a hospital at Marion, N. C. this afternoon following about a week’s illness of angina pectoris and complication.

The body was brought to Barrow’s Funeral home at Chester tonight.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Mr. McKeown was a native of the Cornwell section of Chester county.  In recent years he has made his home in Graphite.  Prior to that he lived in Atlanta, Ga.  Mr. McKeown is survived by his widow, who was Miss Bessie Castles of Blackstock, near Chester; two brothers, A. Mayo McKeown of Blackstock, RFD 1, and Sam O. McKeown of Chester, RFD 2.  He was a son of the late Addison McKeown and the late Mrs. Lizzie McKeown McKeown.  Mr. McKeown was widely known as traveling salesman and traveled up until several years ago, when he retired.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

M. P. MEDLIN

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 1994

Great Falls - Memorial services for M. P. Medlin, 62, of 10 Maple St. will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Great Falls. Memorials may be made to the church or Greenlawn Cemetery of Great Falls. Danzler-Baker Funeral Home is in charge.  Mr. Medlin died Thursday, Feb. 24, 1994. Born in Great Falls, he was a son of the late Milas P., Sr. and Rettie Love Medlin. He was a Marine Corps veteran and attended the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia. He was an administrative plant assistant and former industrial engineering director with J.P. Stevens Co., chairman of the Great Falls Zoning Board of Adjustments, and a member of First Baptist Church of Great Falls.  Surviving are his wife, Evelyn Baker Medlin; daughters, Marcia Baker and Donna Denton, both of Lancaster; a son, David Medlin of Taylors; brothers, Bill Medlin of Gastonia, N.C., Wayne Medlin of Belville, Ill. and Ray Medlin of Charleston; a sister, Janie Lindsay of Great Falls and one grandchild.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Annie MORROW

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

November 1992

Chester - Services for Annie Lee Helms Morrow, 97, of Cedarhurst Road, will be held at 11 a.m. today in Chester Memorial Gardens. Wright’s Home for Funerals is in charge. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Morrow died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1992. Born in Monroe N.C., she was a daughter of the late Bart and Lena Crooks Helms. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are sons, Allen Morrow of Chester and Bill Morrow of Elberton, Ga.; sisters, Ruby Horton of Charlotte and Virginia Ramsaur of Lincolnton, NC; five grandchildren; 11 great - grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. 

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Martha Jane McKEOWN NUNNERY

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

December 19, 1938

Mrs. R. S. Nunnery

Dies at Her Home

Lancaster, Dec. 18 – Mrs. Annie McKeown Nunnery, 62, died at her home in Fort Lawn today after a lingering illness.  Funeral services will be held at the Fort Lawn Baptist church Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock.  Mrs. Nunnery survived by her husband, R. S. Nunnery; one son, Roy; two brothers, R. H. McKeown, Lancaster, and W. H. McKeown of Richburg.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Robert Stewart McFadden NUNNERY

The Chester Reporter, Chester, SC

January 10, 1952

R. S. Nunnery Of Fort Lawn Taken By Death

R. S. Nunnery, 70, prominent farmer of Fort Lawn, Chester county, died suddenly at his home Tuesday afternoon of a heart attack. Funeral services were held at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Fort Lawn Baptist church, with the pastor, the Rev. E. L. Larsen, and the Rev. H. G. Wardlaw officiating. Burial followed In the Fort Lawn cemetery.   Survivors include his widow, the former Miss Lillie Catoe; one son, Roy Nunnery of Lancaster; one sister, Mrs. W. Pittman of Richburg; four brothers, Charlie Nunnery of Great Falls, Melvin Nunnery of Wesh, W. Va., Sam Nunnery of Roanoke, Va ., arid Wi11 Nunnery of Fort Lawn, and one grandson.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Guynella Varnadore OUTLAW

Charlotte Observer, (NC)

Monday, July 3, 1995

Chester - 82, of 730 Park Dr. died July 2, 1995, at Chester County Nursing Center. Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Second Baptist Church, where she was a member. The Rev. Steve Bishop will officiate. Burial will be in New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 9 tonight at Barron Funeral Home. Mrs. Outlaw, born in Chester, was the daughter of the late John and Ella Darby Varnadore. She was retired from Springs Industries. She attended Chester schools. Survivors are her husband, Cletus Outlaw; sons, Palmer Bell of Fairfield, Calif., Ray Bell; six grandchildren.

*contributed by Sherry Massengale

William PEAY

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

February 1993

Chester - Services for William M. Peay, 79, will be held at 3 p.m. today at Trinity Presbyterian Church with burial in Chester Memorial Gardens. Barron Funeral Home is in charge. Memorials may be made to the church.  Mr. Peay died Friday, Feb. 12, 1993. Born in Chester m he was a son of the late George Washington and Bessie Massy Peay.  He was retired from Springs Industries and was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church.  Surviving are his wife, Marguerite Peay; sons, William and George Peay, both of Chester; a daughter, Betty Weaver of Chester; stepdaughter, Mary Lou Griffith of Chester; brothers, John Peay of Rock Hill and Oscar, George and Robert Peay, all of Chester; sisters, Nina Boyd, Mrs. Ross Owens, Rose McKeown, Evelyn Bridges and Betty Wages, all of Chester; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

William PERRY

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

1 August 1998

Chester - Graveside services for William Benjamin Perry, 77, of 1635 Albert Road, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Steve Bishop officiating. Barron Funeral Home is in charge.  Mr. Perry died Thursday, July 30, 1998 at Chester County Nursing Center. Born in Chester County, Feb. 15, 1921, he was a son of William Perry and Clara Wages Perry. He was a farmer and attended the schools of Chester County.  Surviving are nieces and nephews.  Wright’s Home for Funerals is in charge.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

(Mrs.) L. W. QUENTION

Chester News, Chester, SC

December 18, 1928

Mrs. L. W. Quention, 84, died at the home of her daughter Saturday night after an illness of about a week. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at New Hope church by Rev. G. T. Hughes, assisted by Rev. James S. Graham, pastor of the Lockhart Baptist church. Burial was made in the New Hope church cemetery.  Mrs. Quention was a member of the Lockhart Methodist church. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Ira McCluney, Mrs. A. L. Cabaniss, Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Yarborough, four sons and about one hundred grand children and a number of great grand children.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Baron D. REFO, Jr.

Baron D. Refo Jr., 82, of 1309 Hagood Avenue, died Monday night in the Providence Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. today in the Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, conducted by the rev. Dr. Bryan Cranshaw.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Thomas A. Douglas, William S. Refo, Robert D. Redfearn, Carl T. McClendon, H. Woodrow Dennis and E. V. Lewis. Mr. Refo was born in Chester, the son of the late Baron D. and Eva Miller Refo.  He was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church and the Men’s Bible Class.  He was a graduate of The Citadel, Class 1911. He taught public schools for seven years, later joining the Southern Cotton Oil Co. from wihich he retired after 40 years of services. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary Bradham Refo; two daughters, Mrs. Eva Miller Nielson of New Paltz, N. Y., and Mrs. Mary R. Redfearn of Spartanburg; two sons, Furman B. Refo and Baron D. Refo III of Columbia.

*contributed by John Howell

Bertha PAUL REYNOLDS

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

Friday, July 9, 1993

LANCASTER -- Services for Bertha Paul Reynolds, 85, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Glenwood Heights Baptist Church with burial in Lancaster Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Mahaffey Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made the church.  Mrs. Reynolds, wife of the late Ollie Reynolds Sr., died Thursday, July 8, 1993.  Born in Chester County, she was a daughter of the late John and Sarah Black Paul.  She was a retired employee of Springs Industries and was a member of Eastern Star Chapter 146 and the Glenwood Heights Baptist Church.  Surviving are sons, Robert and Ollie Reynolds, Jr., both of Lancaster; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Charlie SHIRLEY

The Chester News And Reporter, Chester, SC

June 27, 2003

Mr. Shirley, 80, died Saturday, June 21, 2003, at Chester County Hospital.

Born in Fairfield County on Oct. 30, 1922, he was a son of the late Charlie Rawls Shirley and Janie McKeown Shirley. A member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church until its closing, Mr. Shirley was currently a member of Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church. A graduate of Blackstock High School, Mr. Shirley attended Clemson University and was a retired serviceman with Par Gas. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.  Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Estelle Banks Shirley; two sons, Charles Shirley and his wife, Phyllis, and Eddie Shirley, all of Blackstock; two grandchildren; one step-grandchild; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Sarah S. McDaniel of Carlisle.  Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Methodist Cemetery Fund, C/O Florie Boulware, 119 Hinton St., Chester or to Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, 1660 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Chester.

Barron Funeral Home, 133 Wylie St., Chester, was in charge of arrangements.

*contributed by Cynthia Amick

Mrs. Mary A. SIMPSON

The Greenville News

6 January 1926

Chester Woman Answers Summons.

Chester - Jan. 5– (Special) - Mrs. Mary A. Simpson, widow of the late George W. Simpson, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Brakefield in the Armenia neighborhood, at an early hour Monday morning.  Mrs. Simpson is survived by the following children; Mrs. J. A. Brakefield and Mrs. W. H. Brakefield of the Armenia section : Mrs. F. D. Hodges of Manning, and Walter and George W. Simpson of Chester.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Nathan B. SIMPSON

Chester Reporter

17 July 1879

Nathan B. Simpson at the home of his father, John Simpson, Sat, July 12, 1879, Buried Simpson Graveyard.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Cynthia A. STANFORD

March 22, 1879

Cynthia A. Stanford born Chester Dist., So. Carolina, 1816; died Tishomingo Co., Miss., Jan. 5, 1879.  

(Death Notices from the Christian Advocate, Nashville, Tenn 1877 - 1879 by Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith; copyright Jonathan K. T. Smith, 2000)

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Polly McMurray TRUE

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

4 March 1960

Mrs. W. C. True, 47, McConnells.

Chester– Mrs. Polly McMurray True, 47, wife of W.C. True of Route 1, McConnells, died late Wednesday afternoon at the York County Hospital in Rock Hill after and extended illness.  She was a native of Fairfield County, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James McMurray.  Survivors include her husband; one son, Jimmy True  and two daughters, Carol and Shirley True, all of the home; four brothers, W.B., Leroy, and Will McMurray, all of Great Falls and Perry McMurray of Rock Hill; and one sister, Mrs. Preston Greene of Great Fall.  Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday from the Armenia Methodist Church by the Rev. Charles R. Lawson, assisted by the Rev. Clarence Pittman and the Rev. John D. Love.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Wilbur Lamar WADE

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

August 31, 1968

Chester – Wilbur Lamar Wade, 72, died Friday at his home.  Funeral plans will be announced by Wrights Funeral Home.

*contributed by Marlene K. Walker

Judge George WEAR

The Jena Times

September 1, 1927

Judge Wear Dies at Columbia Monday, Funeral on Tuesday.

Judge George Wear, well known attorney and juris in this section for many years, died at his home in Columbia Monday night as a result of a fall sometime ago which fractured his skull. Judge Wear was well known and beloved by the people of LaSalle Parish, where he served at one time in the capacity as judge. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in Columbia under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity. It is said that the funeral was one of the largest ever held in this part of the state.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Mary Z. (Polly) Agnes WESTBROOK

Texas Christian Advocate

25 June 1896

Westbrook - Sister Mary Z. Westbrook was born in Edgefield district S.C., October 20, 1813; came to Texas forty-four years ago and settled in Navarro county. After a long and painful illness she died in sight of heaven May 25, 1896, aged eighty-two years, seven months and five days. She was converted and joined the Church at fourteen years of age. She has been a subscriber to the Texas Christian Advocate since its publication. She was faithful through near three score and ten years and God took her home. She leaves five living children -- one of whom is a faithful steward in the Methodist Church -- thirty-five grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren. Many others have passed on before her. God grant that all her children may follow her. W. H. Crawford Kerens, Texas.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Middleton WESTBROOK

Memphis, Arkansas & Ouachita Christian Advocate

Middleton Westbrook born Chester Dist., So. Carolina, Aug. 20, 1807; died in Aberdeen, Miss., Jan. 18, 1869; married twice; to Mary D. Jackson, Nov. 25, 1830; to Mrs. P. A. Walter, Nov. 13, 1849.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Zachariah WESTBROOK

Texas Christian Advocate

23 March 1878

WESTBROOK -- Bro. Zachariah Westbrook, was born in Chester District, South Carolina, Dec 25, 1829 (sic), where he was raised. When twenty-one years of age, in 1830, he was converted and joined the M.E. Church. In 1844, he went to the M. M. Church, South, in which church he lived an exemplary life and happy Christian. In 1835 he married Miss Mary Agnew. During the same year he moved to Mississippi, settling in Monroe County. Here they continued eighteen years. In 1853 he removed from Mississippi coming to Texas. He located in the northeast corner of Navarro county twenty-five years ago. Here he watched the seasons come and go from 1855 to 1878. Here, too, he witnessed the rise of the excellent community at and about Bazett (sic) postoffice. He witnessed also the prosperity of the church he loved and to build up which he so earnestly labored. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom preceded him to the other world. Three sons and three daughters, together with their aged and sorrowing mother, and many relatives and friends remain to morn their loss. Bro. Westbrook was taken sick on the 26th day of January, 1878. In the evening of the first day's he became very happy, saying that he was prepared to witness the dissolution of soul and body. For some time before his death he seemed to be in an unconscious state. On either side of his bed sat a grown son. He roused up just before he breathed his last, looking upon his sons, he exclaimed: "Get on board, boys! get on board!" "Get on board what, father? asked one of his sons. With his almost expiring breath he cried: "Get on board the ship and let us go to the promised land." Yes ! all ye children of Uncle Zachariah, get on the ship of Zion and sail for home! Bro. Westbrook suffered seven days with pneumonia. At four o'clock on the morning of the 1st of February, "he was not, for God had taken him." Thus a veteran soldier has fallen, and we are sad; but we rejoice to know that our momentary loss is his eternal gain. I would say to Sister Westbrook to cling to the cross a few more days and the battle will be fought with you. The summons will soon come, and with you all shall be well ! To his children, relatives and friends, I would say: "Get on board!" and sail for the "promised land." W. C. BRODIE

*contributed by Helen Skipper

Samuel WIER

June 9th, at his residence, near Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, Mr. Samuel Wier, in the 50th year of his age.  He was born in Chester District and moved to Monroe County in 1837.

[1859 Deaths Listed in the Charleston Mercury Newspaper, Charleston, SC]

*contributed by Helen Skipper

James Walter WILSON

The State Newspaper, Columbia, SC

July 10, 1952

James W. Wilson, Chester County, Dies; Rites Today

Chester - July 9  -(Special) James Walter Wilson, 62, former textile worker, who made his home with his niece, Mrs. Carl Thomas of Route 2, Richburg, died at her home this morning after an illness of several weeks.  Mr. Wilson was the son of the late Dan. H. and Mattie Wallace Wilson of Chester. Up to his final illness, he was an employee of the Monetta Mills at Lando. He was a member of Lando Baptist Church.  Survivors include one sister, Miss Ross Wilson of Spartanburg, two nieces and three nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:30 Thursday afternoon from the Lando Baptist Church by the Rev. Furman O. Kelley. Burial will be in the family plot at Evergreen cemetery, Chester. The body will be at the home of his niece, Mrs. Carl Thomas.

*contributed by Helen Skipper

This page was last updated: January 16, 2010