Barnwell in Barnwell County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Barnwell Ring Monument

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

1. The Barnwell Ring Monument
The Barnwell Ring

Inscription.

The Barnwell Ring Monument. . The Barnwell Ring In 1941 Barnwell County was home to four of the most powerful men in South Carolina government. Serving for a time simultaneously, Edgar A. Brown, Chm. of the Senate Finance Committee J. Emile Harley, Governor Pres. Pro Tem of the Senate Solomon Blatt, Sr., Speaker of the House, and Winchester Smith, Chm. of the Ways and Means Com., comprised the legendary Barnwell Ring: Loved, Feared, and Fought! Was it real or fiction? Three members of the Ring lived in sight of Collins Park. Gov. Harley lived across Main Street to the north, Sen. Brown fifth house west of the Park on Main Street and Re. Blatt sixth house south of the Park on Marlboro Avenue. The Barnwell Ring continues to catch the attention of political scientists, politicians, historians, and the media. , Solomon Blatt Born February 27, 1895, in Blackville, SC, Barnwell County Died May 14, 1986 Married Ethel Green, Sumter, S.C., March 18, 1920 1 child, Sol. Blatt, Jr. Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives 1933-1986 Speaker Pro Tempore 1935-1937 Speaker 1937-1946, 1951-1973 Speaker Emeritus, July 31, 1973, until his death Lawyer first with Governor J. Emile Harley in the form of Harley and Blatt, 1917-1934, and thereafter as the senior partner in the firm of Blatt and Fales, 1935-1986. Trustee, Barnwell School district, 34 years Trustee, University of South Carolina 1936-1948 Recognized throughout the State of South Carolina as "Mr.Speaker," he loved his State and County, particularly his birthplace, as well as his family and his Alma Mater, the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in Law, 1917. He reputedly served as Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives longer than any other person had served as presiding officer of any legislative body in America, and, at the time of his death, Speaker Blatt had served a total of 53 consecutive years in the House of Representatives, an accomplishment which won him recognition by the National Council of Governments as the country's longest serving legislator. Along with "The Bishop of Barnwell," state Senator Edgar Brown, the longtime Senate president pro tempore, Solomon Blatt helped fashion much of South Carolina's modern state government. In 1982, the House dedicated the legislative session to Solomon Blatt. "I've tried to do the best I could for the state," Blatt responded, "a state I love so much." , Edgar Allan Brown Born July 11, 1888, in Aiken County Died June 26, 1975 Married Annie Love Sitgraves 1 child, Emile MaBurney (Mrs. R.M. Jefferies, Jr.) Court Stenographer, 2nd Circuit, 1908-1918 Member of the House of Representatives, 1921-1926 Speaker of the House, 1925-1927 South Carolina Senator, 1929-1972 Senate President Pro Tempore, 1942-1972 Chairman, Senate Finance Committee, 1942-1972 Clemson University Board of Trustees Member, 1934-1947 Live Member, 1948-1975 President of the Board, 1966-1975 President, S.C. Bar Association, 1947 Chairman, Democratic Party, 1922-1926, 1952-1953 A career of public service dedicated to the people of Barnwell County and the State of South Carolina, whose name is synonymous with fiscal responsibility in government, an efficient highway system, and advanced educational opportunities for people of Barnwell County and the State of South Carolina. More than any other simple individual through the years, the Senator from Barnwell, for fifteen years now as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has insisted upon spending the taxpayer's money in the right places at the right times in the right amounts. Much more often then not, he determined efforts to keep not only the State budget in balance, but a better balanced State economy have been successful. The Hon. Sol. Blatt at Senator Brown's Senate Portrait Unveiling. Known affectionately as: Colonel "Senator" That Man Brown Kingfish Mr. Prime Minister and The Bishop from Barnwell , Joseph Emile Harley Born, September 14, 1880, in Williston, South Carolina Died February 27, 1942,while serving as Governor Married Agnes Richardson 3 children, Joseph Emile Harley, Jr., William Hummel Harley and Martha Jaudon Harley Piper Veteran, Spanish-American War, 1989 Member, South Carolina House of Representatives, 1905-1908 Re-elected, 1927-1930 Mayor, City of Barnwell, 1910-1920 Chairman, House Judiciary Committee, 1929-30 Elected Lt. Governor, 1934 Re-elected Lt. Governor, 1938 Appointed Governor, 1941-42 Special Judge by Appointment of the Supreme Court Staff of Governor Thomas McLeod For many years, Joseph Emile Harley was one of the leading lawyers of the State and was prominently active n public affairs.His record as a legislator is one of effective and useful service. Much od his work represented a definite constructive contribution to civic programs. Emile Harley was a public servant in the truest sense of the term. He was a man of utmost honesty and integrity who was a friend to all. His home on the corner of Main Street and Marlboro Avenue was always open to anyone who needed his help. , Winchester C. Smith, Jr. Born August 15, 1896,in Williston, South Carolina Died June 1, 1972 Married Helen Willis 3 children, Norman M. Smith II, Winchester C. Smith III, and Thomas W. Smith Farmer at Williston, South Carolina Member of S.C. House of Representatives, 1930-1942 Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee, 1938-1942 Member, State Budget Commission Chairman, State Democratic Party, 1946-1952 Delegate to Democratic National Convention Member, South Carolina Public Service Commission, 1942-1962 Life Member, Clemson University Board of Trustees, 1954-1972 Member, Barnwell County Hospital Board of Trustees Known locally as "Win" or "Mr. Win," he was a man without pretension. His legislative biography simply states, "Farmer at Williston." His greatest joy was to be able to help the Barnwell County people that he loved and served, and he would often ride the countryside asking what he could do to help..

The Barnwell Ring
In 1941 Barnwell County was home to four of the most powerful men in South Carolina government. Serving for a time simultaneously,
Edgar A. Brown, Chm. of the Senate Finance Committee
J. Emile Harley, Governor
Pres. Pro Tem of the Senate
Solomon Blatt, Sr., Speaker of the House,
and Winchester Smith, Chm. of the Ways and Means Com.,
comprised the legendary Barnwell Ring:
Loved, Feared, and Fought!
Was it real or fiction?
Three members of the Ring lived in sight of Collins Park.
Gov. Harley lived across Main Street to the north,
Sen. Brown fifth house west of the Park on Main Street
and Re. Blatt sixth house south of the Park
on Marlboro Avenue.
The Barnwell Ring continues to catch the attention of political scientists, politicians, historians, and the media.

Solomon Blatt
Born February 27, 1895, in Blackville, SC, Barnwell County
Died May 14, 1986
Married Ethel Green, Sumter, S.C., March 18, 1920
1 child, Sol. Blatt, Jr.
Member of the South Carolina
House of Representatives 1933-1986
Speaker Pro Tempore 1935-1937
Speaker 1937-1946, 1951-1973
Speaker Emeritus, July 31, 1973, until his death
Lawyer first with Governor J. Emile Harley in the form of Harley & Blatt,

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1917-1934, and thereafter as the senior partner in the firm of Blatt & Fales, 1935-1986.
Trustee, Barnwell School district, 34 years
Trustee, University of South Carolina 1936-1948
Recognized throughout the State of South Carolina as "Mr.Speaker," he loved his State and County, particularly his birthplace, as well as his family and his Alma Mater, the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in Law, 1917. He reputedly served as Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives longer than any other person had served as presiding officer of any legislative body in America, and, at the time of his death, Speaker Blatt had served a total of 53 consecutive years in the House of Representatives, an accomplishment which won him recognition by the National Council of Governments as the country's longest serving legislator.
Along with "The Bishop of Barnwell," state Senator Edgar Brown, the longtime Senate president pro tempore, Solomon Blatt helped fashion much of South Carolina's modern state government.
In 1982, the House dedicated the legislative session to Solomon Blatt. "I've tried to do the best I could for the state," Blatt responded, "a state I love so much."

Edgar Allan Brown
Born July 11, 1888, in Aiken County
Died June 26, 1975
Married Annie Love Sitgraves
1 child, Emile MaBurney (Mrs. R.M. Jefferies,

The Barnwell Ring Monument<br>Solomon Blatt image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

2. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Solomon Blatt

Jr.)
Court Stenographer, 2nd Circuit, 1908-1918
Member of the House of Representatives, 1921-1926
Speaker of the House, 1925-1927
South Carolina Senator, 1929-1972
Senate President Pro Tempore, 1942-1972
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee, 1942-1972
Clemson University
Board of Trustees Member, 1934-1947
Live Member, 1948-1975
President of the Board, 1966-1975
President, S.C. Bar Association, 1947
Chairman, Democratic Party, 1922-1926, 1952-1953
A career of public service dedicated to the people of Barnwell County and the State of South Carolina, whose name is synonymous with fiscal responsibility in government, an efficient highway system, and advanced educational opportunities for people of Barnwell County and the State of South Carolina.
More than any other simple individual through the years, the Senator from Barnwell, for fifteen years now as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has insisted upon spending the taxpayer's money in the right places at the right times in the right amounts. Much more often then not, he determined efforts to keep not only the State budget in balance, but a better balanced State economy have been successful. The Hon. Sol. Blatt at Senator Brown's Senate Portrait Unveiling.
Known affectionately as:
Colonel
"Senator"
That Man Brown
Kingfish
Mr.

The Barnwell Ring Monument<br>Edgar Allen Brown image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

3. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Edgar Allen Brown

Prime Minister
and
The Bishop from Barnwell

Joseph Emile Harley
Born, September 14, 1880, in Williston, South Carolina
Died February 27, 1942,while serving as Governor
Married Agnes Richardson
3 children, Joseph Emile Harley, Jr., William Hummel Harley and Martha Jaudon Harley Piper
Veteran, Spanish-American War, 1989
Member, South Carolina House of
Representatives, 1905-1908
Re-elected, 1927-1930
Mayor, City of Barnwell, 1910-1920
Chairman, House Judiciary Committee, 1929-30
Elected Lt. Governor, 1934
Re-elected Lt. Governor, 1938
Appointed Governor, 1941-42
Special Judge by Appointment of the Supreme Court
Staff of Governor Thomas McLeod
For many years, Joseph Emile Harley was one of the leading lawyers of the State and was prominently active n public affairs.His record as a legislator is one of effective and useful service. Much od his work represented a definite constructive contribution to civic programs.
Emile Harley was a public servant in the truest sense of the term. He was a man of utmost honesty and integrity who was a friend to all. His home on the corner of Main Street and Marlboro Avenue was always open to anyone who needed his help.

Winchester C. Smith, Jr.
Born August 15, 1896,in Williston, South Carolina
Died June 1, 1972
Married

The Barnwell Ring Monument<br>J. Emile Hurley image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

4. The Barnwell Ring Monument
J. Emile Hurley

Helen Willis
3 children, Norman M. Smith II, Winchester C. Smith III, and Thomas W. Smith
Farmer at Williston, South Carolina
Member of S.C. House of Representatives, 1930-1942
Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee, 1938-1942
Member, State Budget Commission
Chairman, State Democratic Party, 1946-1952
Delegate to Democratic National Convention
Member, South Carolina Public Service
Commission, 1942-1962
Life Member, Clemson University
Board of Trustees, 1954-1972
Member, Barnwell County Hospital Board of Trustees
Known locally as "Win" or "Mr. Win," he was a man without pretension. His legislative biography simply states, "Farmer at Williston." His greatest joy was to be able to help the Barnwell County people that he loved and served, and he would often ride the countryside asking what he could do to help.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 27, 1895.

Location. 33° 14.667′ N, 81° 21.55′ W. Marker is in Barnwell, South Carolina, in Barnwell County. Marker can be reached from Main Street (State Highway 3). Monument is located in Collins Park and is not visible from the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Barnwell SC 29812, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance

The Barnwell Ring Monument<br>Winchester C. Smith, Jr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

5. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Winchester C. Smith, Jr.

of this marker. Barnwell (a few steps from this marker); Collins Park (a few steps from this marker); William Gilmore Simms (within shouting distance of this marker); The Police Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Sundial” (approx. 0.3 miles away); Barnwell County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bank Of Barnwell / Edgar A. Brown Law Office (approx. 0.3 miles away); Solomon Blatt, Sr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Edgar A. Brown (approx. 0.4 miles away); Barnwell County Revolutionary War Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barnwell.

More about this monument. Note: The date given for the Spanish American War in the Harley biography, 1989, is incorrect. It should read 1898.

Also see . . .
1. Barnwell Ring. The so-called "Barnwell Ring" was a grouping of influential Democratic South Carolina political leaders from Barnwell County. The group included state Senator Edgar A. Brown, state Representative Solomon Blatt, Sr., Governor Joseph Emile Harley, and state Representative Winchester Smith, Jr. Together, the four occupied the most powerful positions of South Carolina government in 1941. (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Solomon Blatt, Sr.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

6. The Barnwell Ring Monument
The Barnwell Ring

Solomon Blatt (February 27, 1895 – May 14, 1986) was a long time Democratic legislator of South Carolina from Barnwell County during the middle of the 20th century. He was a principal member of the so-called "Barnwell Ring." (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

3. Edgar Allan Brown. Edgar Allan Brown (July 11, 1888 – June 26, 1975) was a long time Democratic legislator of South Carolina from Barnwell County who served South Carolina from 1922-1972. He was a principal member of the so-called "Barnwell Ring." (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

4. Joseph Emile Harley. Joseph Emile Harley (September 14, 1880 – February 27, 1942) was the 100th Governor of South Carolina from 1941 to 1942 and a member of the "Barnwell Ring." (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

5. Winchester C. Smith. Find-a-grave entry including obituary. (Submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

7. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Solomon Blatt

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

8. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Edgar Allen Brown

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

9. The Barnwell Ring Monument
J. Emile Hurley

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

10. The Barnwell Ring Monument
Winchester C. Smith, Jr.

The Barnwell Ring Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

11. The Barnwell Ring Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 832 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on June 14, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.