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Near Little Rock in Dillon County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Selkirk Farm

 
 
Selkirk Farm Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
1. Selkirk Farm Marker
Inscription. David Satterwhite was granted 177 acres here in 1789 by Charles Pinckney, Governor of S. C. In 1855 this tract passed into the hands of The Rev. James A. Cousar, who added a three acre tract in 1858 on which he built the present house, gin house and outbuildings. The name originated from a nearby post office which was discontinued in 1901.
 
Erected 1975 by Dillon County Historic Preservation Commission. (Marker Number 17-5.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1789.
 
Location. 34° 28.068′ N, 79° 30.072′ W. Marker is near Little Rock, South Carolina, in Dillon County. Marker is on Cashua Ferry Road (Local Road 17-28) just west of Centerville Road (Local Road 17-38), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Latta SC 29565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pine Hill A.M.E. Church / Pine Hill Rosenwald School (approx. 2.3 miles away); Joel Allen House (approx. 3.9 miles away); Blenheim Mineral Springs (approx. 4.6 miles away); Saint Paul Methodist Church (approx. 5.7 miles away); Catfish Creek Baptist Church
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(approx. 7.1 miles away); James W. Dillon House Museum (approx. 7.4 miles away); a different marker also named James W. Dillon House Museum (approx. 7.4 miles away); Brownsville Baptist Church (approx. 7.4 miles away).
 
Also see . . .  National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (1974). Form prepared by John C. Henagan and John W. Califf, III. “Selkirk Farm, built in 1858, was the home of Reverend James A, Cousar and has continuously been occupied by his descendants. The house is near the site of Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church where Reverend Cousar had his first ministry. Reverend Cousar was noted for his work with black congregations. The original portion of Selkirk Farm was built by Case Cousar, Reverend Cousar’s slave.

Architecture: The house has been occupied continuously since its construction in 1858; unlike many houses of the region, this particular structure has remained relatively unchanged since 1858 and the front section is untouched except for the addition of steps and underpinning. The simplicity and rather classic proportions of the Selkirk Farm house is rather unusual in a county which has many heavier late Victorian and stylized Greek Revival buildings, The high chimneys, reminiscent of those of the Caroli-na lowcountry, the sidelighted and transomed front entrance,
Selkirk Farm Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
2. Selkirk Farm Marker
and the raised and open front porch create a general impact of lightness and harmony.

“Agriculture: In 1850, a Presbyterian minister’s salary from Synod was only $300 per year; for this reason, Reverend Cousar supplemented his salary with his farm of 177 acres. He later purchased a cotton gin, and generally improved his estate. During this period, the upper Pee Dee region of South Carolina was heavily settled by Scottish Presbyterians, similiar to Reverend Cousar, who became the most prosperous planters and traders in the area.

“Social/Humanitarian/Black History: Both before and after the abolishment of slavery, Reverend James A. Cousar was active in the organization of black congregations. The policy of helping blacks build their own churches was controversial, and church property was often destroyed by vigilantes who disagreed with this practice. Before the War Between the States about half the members of Harmony Presbytery, Reverend Cousar’s district, were slaves. He donated land for two black churches, one in Bishopville and one on his own property.

“Religion: Reverend James A. Cousar, son of a Presbyterian minister, served as the clerk of the Harmony Presbytery of South Carolina, in the Pee Dee area. Reverend Cousar studied at Oglethorpe University and graduated from the Columbia Theological Seminary.
Selkirk Farm, as Seen from the Road image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
3. Selkirk Farm, as Seen from the Road
He was licensed to preach in 1855. His first field consisted of two country churches—the Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church and the Carolina Presbyterian Church. Between 1868 and 1882 he ministered in other churches—the Little Pee Dee Congregation, the Red Bluff Congregation, the Mayesville Congregation, and two churches in Conway, fifty miles from his home.” (Submitted on April 11, 2009.) 
 
Selkirk Farm Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 2011
4. Selkirk Farm Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,300 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on April 11, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.   4. submitted on July 19, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
 
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Mar. 19, 2024