Ware Shoals in Laurens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Martin's Store
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
1. Martin's Store Marker - Front
This store, first known as Daniel’s store or the “Beehive,” was built before the Civil War by James Wright Daniel (1814-1904) and several business partners. In 1878 James Martin (1815-1879) bought the store from the other partners and became sole owner until his death early the next year. Martin’s son J.C. Martin (1861-1949) and his grandsons ran this general store for the next 119 years.
The grandsons, J.Y. Martin (1906-1969) and J.H. Martin (1907-2000) continued to operate the store until it closed in 1997. It sold groceries, dry goods, automotive and farm supplies; was a polling place; housed a doctor’s office and was the site of many community gatherings. The Masons, the Grange, and the Woodmen of the World held meetings on the second floor for many years.
Erected 2004 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by the Laurens County Historical Society. (Marker Number 30-11.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers, and the South Carolina, Laurens County Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 34° 23.95′ N, 82° 11.817′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Upstate. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Western Laurens Volunteer Fire Department (approx. 1.2 miles away); The William T. Jones, III Bridge (approx. 1.6 miles away); Ware Shoals High School Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.4 miles away); Irvin Pitts Park / Ware Shoals (approx. 2.4 miles away); Ware Shoals School / Ware Shoals High School (approx. 2.4 miles away); Marion P. Carnell Bridge (approx. 2½ miles away); Benjamin DeWitt Riegel (approx. 2.8 miles away); Ware Shoals Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.8 miles away); Good Hope Baptist Church (approx. 4 miles away); Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ware Shoals.
Additional commentary.
1. James Wright Daniel
James Wright Daniel, a son of the Revolutionary soldier, was a native of Laurens County and was a merchant and farmer, a justice of the peace, and a man of the finest integrity and an unusual balance of character. James Wright Daniel married Eliza Anderson, whose grandfather, William Anderson, came from County Antrim, Ireland, to Charleston in 1792. He soon
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
2. Martin's Store Marker - Reverse
— Submitted October 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
3. Martin's Store Marker - Front
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
4. Martin's Store Marker - Reverse
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
5. Martin's Store Marker - Front
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
6. Martin's Store (Rear) and Marker
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 5, 2009
7. Martin's Store
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,117 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 3, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
