Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mrs. James Williams
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
1. Mrs. James Williams Marker
Mrs. James Williams
Born Elizabeth Blackburn
Widow of a Revolutionary Officer of Ga.
and Mother-in-Law of
Chan. Waddy Thompson
was Buried Here.
Her's was the First Grave in this Cemetery
Once the Chancellor's Garden.
Erected by Nathaniel Greene Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Education • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 34° 51.283′ N, 82° 23.8′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and Elford Street on North Main Street. Plaque is located on the front entrance of the Springwood Cemetery main gate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 N Main St, Greenville SC 29601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Greenville County Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Springwood Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Eighty Unnamed Soldiers (within shouting distance of
this page online
Also see . . . Springwood Cemetery. Springwood Cemetery is locally significant for its association with a number of persons important to the early history and development of Greenville, and for its funerary art and distinctive landscape design which reflect the rural cemetery movement of the mid to late nineteenth century. (Submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Springwood Cemetery: A Historic Tour
A Short History
1784 - The original site of cemetery was land granted to John Timmons.
1807 - Land purchased by Chancellor Waddy Thompson.
1812
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
2. Springwood Cemetery -
National Register Medallion
National Register Medallion
1817 - Thompson sold land to Francis H. McLeod (charter member of Presbyterian Church of Greenville Courthouse).
1829 - Old Village Graveyard of Village buying Ground land sold for $1 to City Commission of Streets and Markets for "sole and exclusive use of a cemetery or graveyard, to be appropriated entirely as a repository for white persons."
1872 - Size of cemetery increased when Elford Cemetery was added as a result of the settlement of C.J. Elford's estate.
1876 - "Springwood Cemetery" was designed by architect, Godfrey L. Norman.
1881 - Cemetery gates and fencing installed.
1898 - The price of grave sites was six for $56.00.
• There are an estimated 2,200 family plots in Springwood Cemetery.
• It is unknown how many people are actually buried on site.
• All grave sites are sold; however, sites are resold for $2,500 or more.
• A foreign place of birth is noted on at least sixty-seven tombstones with eleven countries being represented.
The Tour
Section A:
1) Unknown Soldier's Graves: A bronze tablet marks the burial section of 80 Confederate soldiers. Each individual grave bears a white granite marker. More than 120 other
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 27, 2010
3. National Register Nomination Form
and Mrs. James Williams Marker
and Mrs. James Williams Marker
2) Charlotte (11/26/1837-5/28/1915): George W. Charlotte fought in Stuart's brigade with General Lee. After the war he became a newspaper editor in North Carolina. Later in his career, he served as editor for newspapers in Bishopville and Rock Hill, Sc. He died 6 months away from his golden wedding anniversary. His son John M. Charlotte started the Daily Herald that later became the Greenville Piedmont and was also the managing editor of the Greenville News.
3) Elford (5/11/1820-5/25/1867): Col. Charles J. Elford raised the 16th regiment in the Civil War. He was the owner of the land that was part of the original Springwood Cemetery. His house on North Main Street became the first Poinsett Club.
4) Plot for Southern Baptist Seminary: The Southern Baptist Seminary was located in Greenville from 1859 -1877. The Seminary purchased a plot in Springfield where faculty members could be buried. William Williams was on the faculty, which included Toy, Whitsett, Boyce, Broadus, Manly and Pettigru.
5) Cauble (11/15/1789-1/17/1877): Peter C. Cauble, Sr. was a blacksmith on the corner of Main and West Coffee Street. The alley through his property from South Main and Fall Street was called Pig Tail Alley. Mr. Cauble was a slave owner who was also a Legal Guardian of several free blacks.
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
4. Springwood Cemetery Entrance -
Mrs. James Williams Marker on Left
Mrs. James Williams Marker on Left
6) Plot for Furman University: Furman purchased 84 plots in 1863. Notables buried in the plot are Charles Judson, (first professor hired by Furman University when the school moved to Greenville and the 12th President of the Greenville Female College) and Mary Camilla Judson (the principal of the female college); Furman University Presidents Edwin Poteat and Dr. W.J. McGlothlin.
7) Furman: James Clement Furman, first President of Furman University, and James C. Furman II and their wives are buried adjacent to the Furman University plot.
8) Williams/Thompson: Mrs. Elizabeth Blackburn Williams, widow of a Revolutionary War officer, was the first person to be buried in Springwood Cemetery. Mrs. Williams was the mother-in-law of Chancellor Waddy Thompson, one of Greenville's early civic leaders. She was buried in 1812 in one of the Chancellor's gardens which is now part of the cemetery. Chancellor Thompson and his wife are buried near Mrs. Williams.
9) Murphy (1/15/1801-6/30/1877): Samuel Moseley Murphy was a cabinetmaker, piano tuner and tombstone engraver. Mr. Murphy's tombstones were known throughout the country because of the placement of his "brand" on each tombstone he engraved. When Mr. Murphy died his estate was worth only $10.25, thus providing funds only sufficient for a marker that was modest in
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 27, 2010
5. Springwood Entrance and Sign
10) Dunham (3/6/1786-3/15/1853): Benajah Dunham was the President of Greenville Manufacturing Company as well as a tinsmith, a mechanic and a farmer. He was also the Commander of a Militia Calvary Regiment and one of the founders of the Southern Patriot, a (pre-Civil War) unionist newspaper. Mr. Dunham was the first Intendent (or Mayor) of Greenville.
11) Chick (1/15/1776-1/25/1847): Dr. Burwell Chick of Charleston bought land at Lick Springs in 1840 where he founded Chick Springs Mineral Springs Resort. By the 1850s, 100 people a day were visiting his resort that had become Chick Spring Hotel.
12) Unknown Childrens Grave: In 1912, two children of a local sharecropper were buried on this site after being moved from the vault of a mausoleum that was needed by the owner.
Section B
13) Turner (6/27/1833-9/15/1903): J.C.C. Turner served in the Civil War. He manufactured black walnut and metallic coffins and caskets. He partnered with James F. Mackey in Turner and Mackey Furniture Store.
Section C
14) Mackey Family: JamesF.Mackey (7/16/1849-8/16/1916) - James F. Mackey was a pioneer of mortuary science in Greenville and founded Mackey Mortuary in 1882. (wife: Sarah Bullard Mackey 2/27/1822-1/26/1897) James J. Mackey (1/26/1817-4/27/1901) - James J. Mackey was a gunsmith and
Photographed By Brian Scott, March 19, 2010
6. Map of Springwood Cemetery
15) Garraux (11/28/1828-3/25/1909): Elizabeth Garraux, born in Berne, Switzerland, came to Greenville in 1872 from Asheville, North Carolina. Mrs. Garraux was a gardener and a winemaker. In 1883 she grew 5,000 lbs. of grapes and made 700 gallons of red wine.
Section D
16) Fred W. Symmes (6/9/1879-5/23/1957): Fredrick W. Symmes, community leader and philanthropist, was the President of Nuckasee Manufacturing Company, Piedmont Plush Mill, Greenville chamber of Commerce as well as Director of the First National Bank, S.C. and Community Chest.
17) Parker (8/18/1876-5/16/1898): Wade Hampton Parker was the first soldier from Greenville to die in the Spanish-American War. Soldiers from the Butler Guards under Capt. F.B. McBee led the funeral procession which included a military salute for Parker.
18) Heldman (3/25/1819-10/3/1892): George Heldman was a saddlemaker who came to Greenville from Germany in 1846. He became one of the wealthiest men and largest land owners in the county. Since Heldman's house was located next to the jail, he was able to charge folks a fee to watch hangings from his outbuildings.
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
7. Mrs. James Williams (d. 1812) Tombstone
Mother-in-law of Chancellor Waddy Thompson
Mother-in-law of Chancellor Waddy Thompson
19) Ansel (12/12/1850-8/23/1945): Martin Frederick Ansel was an attorney and County Judge. He was also the first native Greenvillian to be elected as Governor of South Carolina. He was elected in 1906 and served two terms.
Section F
20) Gilreath (7/9/1836-1/28/1912): P.D. Gilreath served in the Civil War with Col. Elford's 16th. He was a farmer until he was elected sheriff at age 40. He never carried a gun; his courage and integrity were so widely respected that he never needed one.
21) Shumate (11/28/1827-6/25/1916): W.T. Shumate served as a Captain in the Civil War. Mr. Shumate was a partner in Shumate, Grady & Nichols, builder/contractors. He was a depot agent for the Air Line Railroad and served as sheriff.
Section G
22) Carpenter Family Plot: A.B., T.S., J.L., and W.B. Carpenter established Carpenter Brothers Drug Store in 1889. The Carpenter bothers owned a total of five drug stores with the most well-known located on Main Street across from the Poinsett Hotel. This
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
8. Springwood Cemetery -
Looking East
Looking East
23) Ligon (8/31/1837-3/30/1908): James Blackburn Ligon served as the "model" for the Confederate Soldier Monument just outside Springwood Cemetery. Mr. Ligon was the first volunteer with Company G ofthe 4th South Carolina Volunteers and the Police Chief in Greenville.
24) Infant Burial Site: This is the burial site for infants of transients and paupers.
25) Miller Family: Tweetie Miller Carter (1875-1931) - Second wife of R.B. Carter and daughter of prominent physician W.S.D. Miller of Butler township. When she died, funeral services were held on the lawn of the Miller plantation and she was buried in the Miller family plot in Springwood.
26) Mills (2/22/1840-7/23/1915): Otis Prentiss Mills was one of the first captains of industry in Greenville. Born in North Carolina, he served in the Confederate Army and married Thomas Gower's daughter, Susan. Mr. Mills ran a successful dairy, Millsdale Stock Farm. He was of the opinion that large cows gave the finest milk and the most butter. He organized Mills Mill or Mills Manufacturing and became its President and Treasurer.
27) World War I Veterans' Burial Site: The first soldier to be buried in the plot was Fred Kirk (11/7/1917). Also buried in the plot are twenty soldiers from Camp Sevier that died during the Spanish influenza
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
9. Springwood Cemetery
28) Stevenson Family: Mary Payne and Richard Stevenson's dogs Brownie and Blackie were embalmed and buried separately in infant vaults in the Stevenson's plot. Both have markers "Son of Mrs. Mary P. Stevenson ... gone but not forgotten".
29) Phillips Family: Mrs. Phillips requested that her cat be buried on top of her since the cat always slept on her stomach.
30) African-American Burial Site: Some known and many unknown Mrican Americans are buried in this area.
Gantt: Captain W.H. Gantt, freed slave, barber and owner of property in Greenville, Pickens and Piedmont.
Snead (11/15/1847-3/6/1889): Virginia Snead was probably a freed slave of Chancellor Waddy Thompson.
Talley (1799-1/16/1872): Dudley Talley, an ex-slave and drayman, brought his freedom and land between Court and Broad Streets from George F. Townes. (Source: Springwood Cemetery: A Historic Tour, brochure by the Historic Greenville Foundation and City of Greenville Parks and Recreation available just inside the cemetery entrance.)
— Submitted February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
2. Springwood Cemetery
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
10. Springwood Cemetery -
Looking West
Looking West
Springwood Cemetery occupies approximately thirty acres in downtown Greenville. The cemetery is bounded on four sides by public streets: Main Street to the west; Elford Street to the south; Church Street to the east; and Academy Street to the north. The Kilgore-Lewis House, a restored nineteenth century home and surrounding gardens, also borders Springwood to the north, along Academy Street. Greenville’s central business district begins just one block south of Springwood. A small Confederate Monument park, relocated to its present location in 1923, lies just outside the Springwood boundary along Main Street. Immediately north of the cemetery is McPherson Park (formerly Greenville City Park). Historic Richland Cemetery, the city-owned African American burial ground, is located diagonally across Church Street.
The cemetery’s main gate is positioned at the corner of Main and Elford streets. It features a large central arch under which the main driveway passes, as well as two smaller arched entries on either side for pedestrian access. The name “Springwood” is engraved atop the central entablature. A plaque on the gate erected by the Nathanael Greene Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution identifies Mrs. James Williams’s 1812 grave as the first in the cemetery. A portion of historic iron fencing runs in either direction from the main gate. The
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
11. Springwood Cemetery -
Liberty Square in Background
Liberty Square in Background
Springwood features a formal, planned design. A series of winding paved roads run throughout the cemetery and dissect it into several sections labeled chronologically from A to T. The oldest section, A, is located nearest the main entrance. Concrete sidewalks (most likely installed during the 1914 beautification) traverse the individual sections further defining the landscape. In the oldest sections, walkways are arranged irregularly around some of the earliest gravesites. Sections dating from the mid to late nineteenth century feature circular and semi-circular walks designed by Gottfried L. Norrman, a landscape architect inspired by the rural cemetery movement. The most recently developed sections feature rectilinear sidewalks, evenly-spaced plots and modern markers more typical of lawn cemetery designs.
Family plots are identifiable by a variety of design elements including trees, plantings and other natural features; stone, brick and marble edging; wrought and cast iron fencing; and contemporary fencing materials. Many of the plots feature the family name engraved in the stone borders. According
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
12. Springwood Cemetery -
Liberty Square in Background
Liberty Square in Background
Gravemarker types and materials vary dramatically from natural fieldstones to raised brick tombs to elaborate Victorian monuments to Greek peristyles and sculptures to contemporary marble headstones. The variety and style of monuments reflects the long history of Springwood Cemetery as well as the socio-economic diversity of those buried there. Manufactured funerary art includes monoliths, engraved tablets, ledgers, table markers and ornamental headstones. Symbolic images are evident throughout the cemetery: angels; lambs, doves and other birds; tree stumps and broken columns; clasped and praying hands; open books; wreaths, ivy and other flowers; urns; and architectural motifs such as gates and arches. Biblical and personal inscriptions are common as well.
Springwood Cemetery features small knolls and gradual slopes which afford a number of dramatic views of the architectural and natural scenery. The landscape includes a variety of tree and plant
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
13. Springwood Cemetery -
Greenville Skyline in Background
Greenville Skyline in Background
Springwood Cemetery continues to operate as a municipal burial ground, although all available plots have long since been sold.
Integrity
Springwood has experienced growth and alteration throughout its nearly 200 years of existence,
reflecting local tastes and development. A nineteenth century masonry sexton’s house once stood near Main Street but was razed ca. 1970. In April 1969, the creation of Academy Street
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
14. Springwood Cemetery
Despite its evolution, Springwood Cemetery retains its historic integrity. Springwood is situated in its original location and still features its historic rural cemetery design elements and park-like setting. Because of the variety of stone used, the material condition of funerary art within the cemetery varies dramatically. The mortar on early nineteenth century brick graves has deteriorated in places.
Inscriptions on many of the oldest tablets and table stones have faded. Some monuments, particular ornate monoliths, have toppled or separated from their base. The overwhelming majority of original materials, however, are extant and in fair condition. The original workmanship of stone carvers is evidenced by the variety of historic gravemarkers. The 1876 landscape design of Gottfried L. Norrman is unchanged. With the exception of acquiring additional acreage, the site has not been significantly altered since its creation. Visually and physically, the cemetery retains the same historic feeling as it did during its periods of historic significance. Springwood Cemetery maintains a strong, traditional association with many of Greenville’s most influential families and individuals.
Significance
Springwood
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
15. Springwood Cemetery
Criteria A and B: Community Planning and Development
The first burial in what would become Springwood Cemetery occurred in 1812, when Elizabeth Blackburn Williams was buried in the garden of her son-in-law and daughter, Waddy and Eliza Thompson. Thompson, a prominent attorney from Washington, Georgia, acquired this land in 1807 and constructed a house near the intersection of Elford and Church streets. Thompson resided there with his wife, Eliza, and her mother, Elizabeth Blackburn Williams. On July 15, 1812, Elizabeth Williams was buried behind the house in the Thompson’s garden, in accordance with her wishes. Ms. Williams’ raised brick grave was the first burial in what would become Springwood Cemetery.
Waddy Thompson sold three acres of his land to David Henning in 1814. Three years later, he sold some 60 acres to Francis McLeod. In 1829, McLeod opened an acre of his land to public burial. In 1833, McLeod conveyed an additional tract of land
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 27, 2010
16. Unknown Confederate Dead
Springwood is presumably named for the wooded area surrounding a natural spring that once was on the grounds. Over the years, Springwood has been known by various names including Elford Cemetery, the Old Graveyard and the Old Village Burial Ground.
Criterion B
Springwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Greenville’s most prominent citizens.
Many of the upcountry’s most successful businessmen during the nineteenth century are buried in Springwood. In 1840 Dr. Burwell Chick (1776-1847), a native of Charleston, established the widely popular Chick Springs Mineral Springs Resort (later Chick Springs Hotel) at Lick Springs. Samuel Moseley Murphy (1801-1877) was a very successful cabinet maker and tombstone engraver, credited with the design of several elaborate headstones in Springwood Cemetery. Ironically, at the time of his death his diminished estate provided only for a modest personal marker. George Heldmann (1819-1892)
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 27, 2010
17. Springwood Cemetery -
Stone Angel
Stone Angel
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
18. Waddy Thompson (1769-1845) Tombstone
to the Memory of
Waddy Thompson
who was born in Cumberland County, Virginia
on the 18th November 1769
and died in this place on the 8th February 1845.
He held the office of chancellor of the state
for twenty three years with signal ability and
was an able and virtuous magistrate and
an upright and honorable man.
In addition to teachers, professors and other administrators from around the upcountry, Springwood Cemetery contains the graves of several former Furman University leaders. The school acquired 84 plots in 1863. Among those buried in the Furman plots are Charles Judson, the first professor at Furman’s Greenville location and a president of the Greenville Female College; Mary Camilla Judson, principal of the Female College; and Edwin Poteat and Dr. W.J. McGlothlin, former presidents of the university. Also buried in Springwood in a family plot is James Clement Furman, the first president of Furman and the son of Richard Furman, namesake of the school, and several Furman family members.
Springwood is also the burial place several individuals important to the early settlement and organization of Greenville and the upcountry. Among the important civic, legal and political leaders buried in the cemetery
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
19. Eliza Blackburn Thomson (d. 1830) Tombstone
Wife of Waddy Thompson
Wife of Waddy Thompson
Photographed By Brian Scott, February 2, 2009
20. Two Little Children Tombstone
Names Unknown
Found in Old Vault 1912
Names Unknown
Found in Old Vault 1912
Springwood contains the graves of veterans from every significant American military conflict. Patriots of the American Revolution rest in Springwood, as does Robert A. Joyce, killed in 1847 in the Mexican War. In addition to the many graves of prominent officers who served in the Civil War, a commemorative plaque identifies a section of the cemetery near the main gate where eighty unmarked Confederate graves are located. Though Greenville servicemen did not see action in the Spanish-American War, they organized and served in Florida in support of the war effort. At least one of those men, Wade Hampton Parker, is buried in Springwood. The cemetery also contains a section for World War I veterans, the first of whom to be buried was Fred Kirk in November 1917.
Twenty soldiers who died from the Spanish influenza epidemic at Camp Sevier in 1918 are buried in this section. Several veterans of World War II are buried throughout the cemetery. In December 1947, a tree was dedicated to the men who gave their lives in that war. Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars are also buried in Springwood Cemetery.
Criterion C: Areas of Significance: Art; Landscape Architecture
Art:
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
21. Otis Prentiss Mills (1840-1915) Tombstone
The design of funerary monumentation gained standing as a professional trade, and craftsman like Samuel Murphy took great pride in their work. Springwood contains numerous examples of elaborate Victorian cemetery art. Twentieth century cemetery design continued to feature elaborate monuments, particularly classical designs. Overall, grounds were organized more symmetrically than before. Regular sections, plots and markers
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
22. Susan C. Gower (1848-1936) Tombstone
O.P. Mills
Dec. 8, 1845
July 4, 1936
Landscape Architecture: Rural cemeteries became popular in the United States during the 1830s.
Influenced by the picturesque gardens of Europe, American landscape architects began to incorporate natural designs and romantic themes into planned cemeteries. The first of these, Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established the rural cemetery movement and had a profound impact on all aspects of landscape design. Though it began as a small family burial ground, Springwood Cemetery exhibits many of the design features that characterized the rural cemetery movement. Its park-like qualities are the result of a planned landscape design from shortly after the Civil War. The site itself, just north of the center of present-day Greenville, is typical of many rural cemeteries. The topography, too, accommodates a scenic landscape: gentle hills provide pleasing vistas and scattered concentrations of vegetation provide for a natural environment in which manufactured monuments coexist in harmony. Such a connection between life and death, man and nature, were central
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
23. Jane Gower Mills (1875-1967) Tombstone
C.P. Hammond
December 27, 1875
August 15, 1967
Springwood became a formal, planned landscape when in 1876 Gottfried L. Norrman, a Swedishborn architect practicing in Spartanburg, designed the streets and plots. The Daily Enterprise reported on September 5, 1876 that “Mr. G.L. Norman, architect, has just completed a survey and the laying off into squares and drives of Springwood Cemetery, and the work appears to have been well executed. We examined the plat yesterday in his office. The work was done under instruction of Council.”
Norrman also may have designed the entrance, though it was not completed until much later. The entrance was constructed of Indiana limestone by J.R. Lawrence as part of a significant beautification effort by the city in 1914. The Greenville Daily News credited Alderman Henderson, the chairman of the cemetery committee, and Mrs. C.M. Landrum, founder of the Springwood Cemetery Association, for bringing about the many improvements to the cemetery. In addition to the new entrance, a two-story dwelling built of brick veneer with a granite foundation and fitted out with all modern conveniences was constructed to house
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
24. Charles P. Hammond (1875-1952) Tombstone
Criteria Consideration D
Springwood Cemetery satisfies Criteria Consideration D for cemeteries because it contains the graves of a number of people of transcendent importance who helped determined the course of events in Greenville, particularly in the areas of commerce, education, industry, law, military and politics/government. Springwood Cemetery also contains a comprehensive register of cemetery materials and styles and exhibits distinctive design features that embody the principles of an aesthetic movement through its overall plan, landscaping, gravemarkers and funerary sculpture.
Conclusion
Springwood Cemetery is locally significant as a culturally, architecturally and historically significant site. The development of Springwood Cemetery was directly linked with the establishment and growth of Greenville. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the most
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
25. Margaret Cooper Hammond (1911-1987) Tombstone
are lovely...think
on these things." Phil. 4:8
Aug. 4, 1911 - July 23, 1987
— Submitted March 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
3. Downtown Cemeteries go National
by Melissa Blanton
The Greenville Journal
Chuck Gilreath tilts his head as he silently counts the number of relatives buried at Springwood Cemetery in downtown Greenville. He stops when he gets to 30. There may be more.
Mac Carpenter gazes at the white Georgia marble headstones that mark his family members’ graves. He knows of at least seven, including his father, once a prominent Greenville doctor.
“Unfortunately, there’s no room for me,” he said.
Carpenter serves as president of Friends of Springwood Cemetery, a citizens group aimed at preserving the downtown site. Gilreath is the organization’s treasurer.
Both want the cemetery to be around for their grandkids. And they believe a spot on the National Register of Historic Places will help one of Greenville’s
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
26. Tweetie Miller Carter (1876-1931) Tombstone
In July, the state historic review board unanimously approved both Springwood and Richland cemeteries for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
For the past year, city officials have been working on a proposal that would include the two cemeteries on the register.
City Council took a trip to Boston in 2000 and visited a well-preserved cemetery in the Boston area.
“We were inspired,” said council member Chandra Dillard.
Soon after the trip, City Council passed a resolution creating the Friends of Richland and Springwood Cemetery.
Their purpose was to preserve Greenville’s history, said Dillard, who helped head up the Richland Cemetery group. Council member Michelle Shain took on the Springwood Cemetery project.
“We are kind of like the moms of the cemetery,” said Dillard.
In 2004, the city hired Palmetto Preservation Works to help complete the two separate national register applications. Before a property is considered for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet specific requirements.
Four broad requirements include significant people, events, unique construction and historic relevance.
Greenville is home to 41 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
But
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
27. Dr. W.S. Miller (1842-1915) Tombstone
April 13, 1915
Member of Butler Guards
Greenville 2nd S.C. Reg. C.S.A.
“The cemeteries themselves have to meet a specific criteria,” said David Arning, principal with Palmetto Preservation Works.
The proposal had to include evidence that the cemeteries were of significant importance to the community. Arning said because of the people buried at the sites, that criterion was fairly easy to prove.
Two additional requirements for cemeteries are a unique design and notable funeral art.
Springwood dates back to 1784. Richland was established in the late 1800s as a burial site for blacks.
While the city owns the land occupied by both cemeteries, upkeep of the plots is left to surviving family members. And that’s where preservation groups from both sides face their biggest challenge- finding family members. Many have moved, are deceased or simply don’t know they have a family buried at the sites.
As a result, many sites have fallen into disrepair. Over time markers have sunk into the ground, brick monuments have crumbled and decades of rain and wind have left lettering unintelligible.
To compound the problem, in 2000 vandals knocked over about 30 markers, said Gilreath.
The task of cleaning and repairing the hundreds of decrepit plots is both costly and time consuming. And that’s where the National Register
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
28. Keziah Walker (1849-1921) Tombstone
Keziah Walker wife of
Dr. W.S. Miller
July 4, 1848-Sept. 17, 1921
The listing may make corporations more willing to donate. The sites would also be eligible for federal historic preservation funds, said Dillard.
The next step in the process is a review by the National Park Service, the organization that overseas the register.
— Submitted March 20, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
4. Local Cemeteries' Historic Significance Set in Stone
by Lorando D. Lockhart
The Greenville News
November 17, 2005
The first cemetery for blacks in Greenville County and a cemetery that's the final resting place for a number of Greenville pioneers are now officially pieces of local history.
Last month, Richland and Springwood cemeteries were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On Wednesday, families of those buried in the two cemeteries and those who have worked to protect them joined city officials in a brief ceremony at Greenville City Hall marking the National Register achievement.
Winifred A. Lykes, president of the Friends of Richland Cemetery, said he's proud of the cemetery's historic status.
"We have so many prominent citizens buried there," Lykes said. "Restoring and making historical reference to that area is very important
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
29. Boyce Miller (1879-1962) Tombstone
Jan. 17, 1962
Edna Lowe said she has a family member buried at Richland and tries to attend all meetings held by the board.
"I think it's a great thing because moving from Philadelphia to Greenville, we used to go over to Richland all the time," Lowe said. "I didn't know so many people were buried there that I had met at one time. A lot of my friends have family members who are over there."
Brad Sauls, a spokesman for the state Department of Archives and History, said having the two cemeteries placed on the register encourages future generations to want to learn more about Greenville history.
"The extraordinary and ordinary people who rest in these cemeteries were once part of the life of this city and helped create what it is today," Sauls said.
Sauls also presented plaques to members of both cemetery boards to signify their inclusion in a group of more than 1,300 historic places in South Carolina.
Richland Cemetery, which is located at Fern Street and Oakwood Avenue, was established in January 1884 as the first local municipal cemetery for blacks in Greenville County.
The cemetery features a variety of art and cultural artifacts, which provide information about ethnic burial customs in the South.
The cemetery has four
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
30. Mary Peck (1883-1963) Tombstone
Boyce Miller
May 14, 1883
Jan. 27, 1963
The cemetery is the resting place for more than 1,400 documented grave sites and sits on about six acres.
Springwood Cemetery, which is located at 410 N. Main Street, was first used as a burial ground in 1812. The site was opened for public burial in 1829 and became a planned landscape in 1876.
The cemetery is significant as the burial place for many early Greenville pioneers and contains more than 10,000 graves. Elizabeth Blackburn Williams, who died in 1812, was the first person buried in Springwood Cemetery.
Barbara Bayne, who represents Friends of Springwood Cemetery, was especially proud of the historical designations for both cemeteries.
"I just think it's a wonderful thing for Greenville and for the people it represents," Bayne said. "I feel like it's the coming together of two souls, hearts and minds of Greenville."
— Submitted March 20, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
5. Politicians Buried in Springwood Cemetery
Clement Furman Haynsworth, Jr. (1912-1989) — also known as Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. — Born in 1912. Judge
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
31. Boyce Miller, Jr. (1913-1994) Tombstone
Jan. 29, 1994
Martin Frederick Ansel (1850-1945) — of Greenville, Greenville County, S.C. Born in Charleston, Charleston County, S.C., December 12, 1850. Son of John Jacob Ansel and Frederika (Bauer) Ansel; married, February 21, 1878, to Ophelia A. Speight (1858-1894); married, August 23, 1898, to Addie R. Harris. Democrat. Lawyer; member of South Carolina state house of representatives, 1882-88; Governor of South Carolina, 1907-11; defeated, 1902. Died August 24, 1945.
Charles Ezra Daniel (1895-1964) — of South Carolina. Born in Elberton, Elbert County, Ga., November 11, 1895. Democrat. U.S. Senator from South Carolina, 1954. Died in Greenville, Greenville County, S.C., September 13, 1964.
Roger Craft Peace (1899-1968) — also known as Roger C. Peace — of Greenville, Greenville County, S.C. Born in Greenville, Greenville County, S.C., May 19, 1899. Democrat. U.S. Senator from South Carolina, 1941. Died in Greenville, Greenville County, S.C., August 20, 1968.
John Jackson McSwain (1875-1936) — also known as John J. McSwain — of Greenville, Greenville County, S.C. Born near Cross Hill, Laurens County, S.C., May 1, 1875. Democrat. Served in the U.S. Army during World War I; U.S. Representative from South Carolina 4th District, 1921-36; died in office 1936.
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
32. Lillian Mays (1915-1980) Tombstone
Boyce Miller, Jr.
June 26, 1915
Nov. 22, 1990
George Norwood — of Greenville, Greenville County, S.C. Republican. Member of Republican National Committee from South Carolina, 1940; delegate to Republican National Convention from South Carolina, 1940, 1948.
— Submitted March 21, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
33. W. Saxby Miller (1887-1933) Tombstone
July 5, 1933
1st Lieutenant 89th Infantry
World War Veteran
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
34. Stevenson Family Plot
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
35. Efstration Monument
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
36. F.W. Galbraith, Jr. (d. 1923) Tombstone
Legionnaire
Quentin Roosevelt Post No. 86
American Legion
July 5th 1923
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
37. Venus Gantt (1817-1892) Tombstone
W.H. Gantt
Born
Dec. 25, 1817
Died
July 19, 1892
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
38. C.J. Holloway (1845-1897) Tombstone
C.J. Holloway
Born
Dec. 1, 1845
Died
July 18, 1897
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
39. James Blackman Ligon (1837-1908) and Martha Ann Rice (1845-1932) Tombstone
James Blackman Lygon
Aug. 31, 1837-Mar. 30, 1908
Martha Ann Rice
His Wife
Dec. 18, 1845-Dec. 12, 1932
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
40. McGee Mausoleum (left)
McKay Family Plot (right)
McKay Family Plot (right)
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
41. George W. Charlotte (1837-1915) Tombstone
May 28, 1915
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 11, 2009
42. Maggie M. Charlotte (1836-1922) Tombstone
Nov. 22, 1922
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 4,514 times since then and 111 times this year. Last updated on October 10, 2020, by Julia Cowart of Greenville, South Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on March 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on March 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7, 8. submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 9. submitted on March 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 10. submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. submitted on March 19, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42. submitted on March 20, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
