Trenton in Edgefield County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Benjamin R. Tillman House

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

1. Benjamin R. Tillman House Marker (front)

Inscription. [Front] Benjamin Ryan “Pitchfork Ben” Tillman (1847-1918), governor of S.C. 1890-94 and U.S. senator 1894-1918, bought this farm just before he left the governor’s office in 1894. He lived here until his death. Tillman, a farmer himself, grew deeply concerned about the economic problems facing agriculture in S.C. He became politically active in 1885 as the farmers’ principal advocate.

[Reverse] A spirited and controversial orator, Tillman was a champion to the many small farmers who elected him governor in 1890. He called the convention which drew up a new state constitution in 1895 and was also instrumental in establishing Clemson College and Winthrop College and in creating a state liquor dispensary system. He is buried at Ebenezer Church cemetery just south of here.

Erected 2002 by the Trenton Development Association and the Trenton Garden Club. (Marker Number 19-15.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 33° 44.819′ N, 81° 50.827′ W. Marker is in Trenton, South Carolina, in Edgefield County. Marker is on Pine House Rd. (State Highway 121), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Trenton SC 29847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Darby (approx. 2 miles away); John Gary Evans (approx. 4.7 miles away); Benjamin Ryan Tillman (approx. 4.8 miles away); James Strom Thurmond (approx. 4.8 miles away); John Calhoun Sheppard (approx. 4.9 miles away); Milledge Luke Bonham (approx. 5 miles away); M60A3 Main Battle Tank (approx. 5 miles away); Francis Wilkinson Pickens (approx. 5.1 miles away).

Also see . . . Governor Benjamin R. Tillman - SCIWAY. (Submitted on March 10, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Benjamin R. Tillman House Marker (reverse) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

2. Benjamin R. Tillman House Marker (reverse)

Old Home Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

3. Old Home Site

Pitchfork Ben Tillman Grave Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

4. Pitchfork Ben Tillman Grave Site

Ebenezer Church and Cemetery is located on E Wise St. in Trenton. Grave Site is near the street side of the cemetery.

Ben Tillman's Head Stone (front) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

5. Ben Tillman's Head Stone (front)

Inscription reads: Benjamin Ryan Tillman Born August 11, 1847 - Died July 3, 1918 Patriot Statesman Governor of South Carolina 1890 - 1894 United States Sentor 1895 - 1918 In the World War Chairman-Senate Committee Naval Affairs. A Life of Service and Achievement.

Ben Tillman's Head Stone (left side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

6. Ben Tillman's Head Stone (left side)

Loving them, he was the friend and leader of the common people. He taught them their political power and made possible for the education of their sons and daughters. Clemson Agricultural College - Winthrop Normal and Industrial College

Ben Tillman's Head Stone (right side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

7. Ben Tillman's Head Stone (right side)

In the home: Loving, Loyal. To the state: Steadfast, True. For the nation: The country belongs to us all and we all belong to it. The men of the North, South, East, and West carved it out of the wilderness and made it great. - Let us share it with each other, then, and conserve it. Giving it the best that is in us of brain and brawn and heart.

Sallie Tillman's Head Stone (reverse side of Ben Tillman's) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cindy Bullard, March 5, 2010

8. Sallie Tillman's Head Stone (reverse side of Ben Tillman's)

Sallie Stark, Wife of Benjamin R. Tillman. Born September 11, 1845 - Died January 27, 1928. Her life was a benison and a blessing.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2010, by David Bullard of Seneca, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,981 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 6, 2010, by David Bullard of Seneca, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.