extracts from
History of OLD CHERAWS
by the Rev. Alexander Gregg. D.D.
Bishop to the P. E. Church in Texas
formerly Rector of St. David's Church, Cheraw, SC.
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This is where I purchased my copy. History of the Old Cheraws,
RRW WSH-110 author: Alexander Gregg with Indians of Pee Dee,
1 st White Settlers growth & prog of area written 1991 (1867)
pages 625 $38.50 includes
families: Aulds, Wilson, Rogers, Wades, Marhills.
Available from the Boyd Publishing Company 1-800-452-4032 1-912-452-4020
John R. Harrington
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The First White Settlements in North & South Carolina
(Pedee area) extending from about A. D. 1730 to 1810 p104 - 105
Henry William Harrington emigrated from England to the West Indies. After remaining a short time at Jamaica, he came to South Carolina, and settled on the Pedee. He took up his residence first on the river, opposite Cheraw Hill, but soon after went down to the Welch Neck. while living there, he married Rosanna, daughter of Major James Auld, of Anson County, North Carolina. The fruits of this marriage were, Rosanna, who married Robert Troy; Henry William*, James Auld, who married Eleanor Wilson; and Harriet, who married Belah Strong. In 1776, Mr Harrington removed to Richmond County, North Carolina, where he continued to reside through life. Of his name frequent mention will be made in connexion with his eminent public service, and devotion to his country.
General Henry William Harrington
Arthur Hart, a relative of General Harrington, emigrated, about the same time with the former, from England. He settled in Virginia, and there married, remaining, however, but a short time. From Virginia he came to Pedee, and settled on lands on the east side of the river, in the neighborhood of the Welch Neck. His second wife was Elizabeth, a daughter of the Welch Neck.
Colonel H. W. Harrington
* To Colonel H. W. Harrington, of Richmond County, the author is
indebted for much interesting traditional matter, and for valuable
manuscripts in connexion with the family and the Revolutionary era.
The larger part of the private journal and other papers of General
Harrington were unfortunately destroyed by the Tories in one of
their plundering forays to the neighborhood of his residence. A
few manuscripts of interest were preserved.
p 105
Arthur Hart, a relative of General Harrington, emigrated, about
the same time with the former, from England. He settled first in
Virginia, and there married, and went to the Pedee.
p. 175
On the 30th of April, of this year (1770), at a meeting of the
Freeholders of the Parish, the following gentlemen were elected
Church offers, viz.: - John Kimbrough, Ely Kershaw, Jesse
Counsell, Henry William Harrington, John Pleder, and William
Ellerbe, Vestrymen; William Godfrey and WIlliam Pegues, Wardens.
p. 178
On Easter Monday, April 4th, 1774, the Church Offers elected
were as follows, vis: Henry Counsell, John Andrews, Thomas Bingham,
Burwell Boyakin, Aaron Daniel, John Hewstess, and William Henry
Harrington, Vestry men: ...
p 179
The following Church Offers were elected April 24th, 1775.
Aaron Pearson, William Dewitt, William Ellerbe, ...
Vestrymen: Henry William Harrington and William Pegues. ...
p 197
The Presentments of the Grand Jury for Cheraws District, made on Monday
the 16th, 1772 were ordered to be published in the general Gazette of
the Province, and were as follows:
I. We present, as a grievance, the want of a Law to cleanse the
River of the great number of trees and logs which interrupt the
navigation.
II. We present, as a grievance, the want of a Bridge over
Thompson's Creek, near Yorkshire Mills; and another over
Black Creek, as small distance above the Ferry, known by the
name of Douglas’s Ferry.
III. We present, as a grievance, the want of a Freeshool in
the District.
IV. We present, as a grievance, that neither the Laws of the
Province, nor the Statutes of Great Britain, now in force,
are printed or published in such a manner as to be procured
by the inhabitants of the District.
V. We present Edward William’s, late a constable, for suffering
Ralph Sutton, charged with Felony, and John Williams, the
Prosecutor, to escape from him, - by the information of
Col. Charles Augustus Steward.
"Charles A Steward, Forman. L.S.
Abel Edwards L.S.
Thomas Edwards. L.S.
Henry William Harrington L.S.
p201
At the November Term, 1773, Chief Justice Gordon and Justice
Savage presided. Up to the time, the name of Thomas Turner
appears as Clerk for Cheraw District, and James Johnston
Deputy-Clerk. The latter place was filled on the occasion
by Henry Wm. Harrington.
p209
The Resolutions required the Representatives elected to
assemble in Charles-town on the 11th of January, 1775;
and also set forth the objects of the meeting, vis. to
received an account of the proceedings of the Continental
Congress, to elect delegates for another Congress, to be held
in the ensuing May, to elect a new General Committee, and to
establish such regulations as the exigencies of the times
might render necessary.
The following gentlemen were elected from St. David's Parish,
vis. Honorable George Gabriel Powell, Claudius Pegues,
Henry Wm. Harrington, Alexander M'Intosh, Samuel Wise, Esq.,
and Col. George Pawley.
p217
This early declaration of their rights, as American freemen, and
of determined resistance to the encroachments of the British
Crown to the last extremity, reflected immortal honor upon the bold
and inflexible patriots of the Old Cheraws! Carolina set forth no
timelier or more fearless voice from her borders. Nor were the
Grand Jury, to who the charge of his Honor was more specially
directed, wanting in the spirit befitting such a crisis. They
took the matter into anxious consideration, and on the 19th of
November, the day following the address of the Petite Jury,
made their Presentments in these words (relating first to
local matter.
I. We present, as a grievance, the want of a Law for clearing
Pedee Rive, and to prevent trees being felled therein, its
navigation at present being unsafe.
II. We present, as a grievance, the want of a Law to prevent
the hunting of deer by fire in the night time, by which means
many houses and neat cattle are destroyed, to the great damage
of the owners.
III. ...
IV. We present, as a grievance of the first magnitude, the
right claimed by the British Parliament to tax us, and by
their acts to bind us in all cases whatsoever. When we
reflect on our other grievances, they all appear trifling in
comparison with this; for if we may be taxed, imprisoned, and
deprived of life, by the force of edicts to which neither
we or our Constitutional Representatives have ever assented
no slavery can be more abject that ours.
"We are, however, sensible that we have a better security for
our lives, or liberties, and fortunes, than the mere will of
the Parliament of Great Britain; and are fully convinced that
we cannot be constitutionally taxed but by Representatives of
our own election, or by any laws than those to which
they have assented.
"This right of being exempted from all laws but those enacted
with the consent of Representatives of our own election, we
deem so essential to our freedom, and so engrafted in our
Constitution, that we are determined to defend it at the
hazard of our lives and fortunes; and we earnestly request
that this Presentment may be lied before our Constitutional
Representatives, the Commons House of Assembly of this Colony,
that it may be known how much we prize our freedom, and how
resolved we are to preserve it.
"We recommend that these Presentments be published in the
several Gazettes of this Province. +
Alexander McIntosh, Foreman. L.S.
Henry W. Harrington L.S.
Thomas Ayres. L.S.
... (abt. 17 other names.
"Whereupon the following orders was passed, viz. South Carolina.
p220
It was to be expected, that a Judge, who could speak in tones of
such eloquent defiance, would be speedily removed from the Bench;
and accordingly, he was superseded the next month (December),
by a more subservient successor.
The important part performed by Judge Drayton in preparing the
way for Independence, has not in later times been fully estimated.
The left a kingly bench only to shine with more brilliant luster,
if possible, as Chief Justice of a Republican Court; and from the
high position to be transferred to the Continental Congress by
the united voice of his countrymen. While engaged in the
active labors of that body in Philadelphia, in Sept 1779, his
honored life was prematurely brought to a close, not having
completed by a few days his thirty-seventh year. Seldom indeed
has such a man, at so early an age, gone down to the grave,
after a career of labor and a reputation like his. The sounds
of universal mourning were heard, and Carolina grieved as
mother for her favorite son!
In the midst of the excitement of which the decussion of the
momentous questions of political rights and constitutional
liberty gave birth, the debt of charity which common
sufferings in a common cause created, was not overlooked.
One of the resolutions passed at the General Provincial Meeting
in Charles-town, in Jul 1774, was in these words, vis. -
"Resolved, That while the oppressive acts relative to Boston are
enforced, we will cheerfully, from time to time, contribute towards
the relief of those poor persons there, whose unfortunate
circumstances may be thought to stand in need of most assistance."
Before this time, indeed, subscriptions had been opened in
Charles-town to relieve the suffering and poor of Boston, who
had been usually employed in the trade of that town, and were now
by the acts of the British Government deprived of employment.
On the 29th of June, 204 barrels of rice were sent from
Charles-town for their support, while the subscription was still
promoted, as a source of future supply. There was a general
response throughout the Province.
p 221 (Next page continued)
The following interesting record remains to do honor to the
patriotic sympathies of the people of the Pedee. The list
embraces the names chiefly of person in the middle and
upper parts of St. David's Parish. Other similar
subscriptions were doubtless circulated.
Account of Cash received for the Poor of Boston, by Henry
W. Harrington. Dec 27, Dec 30, Jan 2, ...
p. 222
Thus the year, 1774, in its eventful progress, drew to a close
a year for ever memorable in the history of St. David's Parish
and the "Old Cheraws".
To the first appeals in behalf of liberty, a hearty response
was made by their inhabitants.
p225
(1775) The names of the Magistrates for Cheraw District, as
published, were these. ... Wm. Henry Harrington ...
In the list of his Majesty's Justices for Cheraws, are found
the names of some who had already become conspicuous from
their opposition to the encroachments of the Crown.
p234
One of the Circular Letters sent out to call the Congress
together was as follows, viz -
"To the Committee for the Parish of St. David.
"To the care of Henry Wm. Harrington, Esqr. ...
p238
"In Committee of Observation.
"Mr. John Mitchell having signed the under-written advertisement,
it was ordered that the same be immediately published in the
several Gazettes of this Province.
"By order of the Committee,
"Henry William Harrington, Chairman."
p239
On the 3rd of August (1776), Wm. Henry Harrington received a
commission as Captain of a Volunteer Company in St. David's
Parish.
p242
Mr. Harrington examined the petitions request for building
a Stockade Fort at the Cheraws, and after examining the
for and against information, decided the fort would be
entirely useless.
"And are further of opinion, that the keeping a guard of
300 men in June and July last, and of 50 men in August
and the present month ...
p254
Signs a letter.
"I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
"HENRY WILLIAM HARRINGTON"
p255
On the 12th, a committee, of which Mr. Harrington was one,
"was appointed to consider and report upon the best method
for promoting the manufacture of saltpetre in the colony."
p256
On the 18th, Col Powell and Cap. Harrington, with others,
were placed on a committee to report upon the militia,
its division, regulations, &c. This important subject
urgently demanded attention. The haste with which it had been
necessary to devise certain measures for defense, had
involved the military affairs of the colony in more or less
confusion.
The situation of Charles-town, as was now most apparent,
demanded immediate aid from the country for its protection. And
notwithstanding the difficulties attending such a step,
the Congress voted on the 19th of February, that 1050 men
of the country militia should be immediately drafted and
marched down. And three days after, the military establishment
was augmented by the resolution to raise two Rifle Regiments,
one of seven, and the other of five hundred men.
...
p257
Henry William Harrington was elected Sheriff for Cheraws
District, and the following gentlemen were nominated as
suitable persons to fill the offices of Justices of the
Peace for the same.
... Henry Wm. Harrington ...
p268
On the 7th of June he wrote to his friend, Henry William
Harrington, Esq., of Pedee, giving some account of the state
of things up to that date.
"I am now," he said, "at the lower end of the island with 210
men, while fifty vessels are so nigh that we can see their men;
and since I began to write, they have got under way, and are
apparently intending to come in. It gives me pleasure to
inform you our men are in the highest spirits. Let the
event be what it will, or regiment wishes to engage. The
shipping are within random shot, and certainly coming in.
It positively gives me fresh spirits/"
p 269
On the 22nd of June he wrote again:
"I don't know if I am right in my conjecture, but I do conceive
that the longer we are kept in the face of an enemy, the less
we dread fighting them; but, as our situation here is looked
on by every officer in our case as desperate, and that we must
certainly fall a sacrifice, I expect we shall either fight
like a tiger pent up, or take the marsh for it. However, our
officers chiefly declare the first will be their choice, and
that they would not quit the island were they certain of
death. But it is my hope that our Great Creator, who has
appeared so evidently in the behalf of America, will not desert
us, thought I assure you, it is clear to me we cannot prevent
their landing without a direct interposition of heaven.
My opinion has been, and still is, that they will land on the
lower point of this island from Long Island.
"They have two pieces of cannon mounted, and are this day
mounting three more, which will cover their landing in spite
of all we can do.
"I did not get over, however, before yesterday morning. I was
appointed officer of our advance-guard, and my lieut. was
kind enough to officiate for me until I landed.
"Between Long Island and Sullivan's there is at low water a
circular sand bar or island about 200 yards across. On this
side the creek is not fortable. On the other side I am
told it is. Here I went with a canoe yesterday, with Lieut.
Smith, and walked to the farther side of the sandbar, and was
there within shot of the enemy. I took one Regiment to be
Highlanders and the other to be Cornwallis' (common slaves),
with some artillery. After I returned, Smith, with Wm. Jordan,
one of my privates, went over again, which brought on a small
skirmish, seven or eight of their Highlanders running down
as fast as possible towards them, with a view of getting between
them and the canoe. Smith fired at them without effect.
Jordan likewise fired, and his man fell, but whether to dodge,
or because wounded, I know not. The enemy fired fourteen
guns without effect, crying to smith in Scotch, 'Stop,
you cowardly rascal; on which he, suiting his actions to his words,
said, I retreat like a Guinea Lion. He deigned not to run,
which made me uneasy for him. He likewise had a private of the
artillery with him, without arms, who fell down at every shot,
and caused much laughter to the enemy, as they thought they had
killed him.
"We fired five shots from our two field-pieces, which were very
well directed, and nearly reached their main body, but did no
damage.
"One of the enemy's bullets came very nigh me. I really wished
to engage them, the more so when I found them to be a set of
people who have ever been friends to tyrants.
...
p300
More about General Harrington
Mrs. Harrington's --- skirmish in Anson County
p383
Adventure of General Harrington
General Harrington's character and death.
After the war General Harringotn was elected a member of the
Legislature of North Carolina.
p399
In person, General Harrington was small, but well formed and
handsome. His education was good, and his mind highly
cultivated. After a life of eminent public service and
private virtue, he died at his seat in Richmond County, on
the 31st of March 1809, in the sixty-second year of his age;
spoken of in the papers of the day, "as an active and useful
officer, who had acquired honor in the Revolution, which
secured to this country its independence."
p408
Harrington Wm. Henry, commanding South Carolina Militia, both
sides of Pedee, November 1782.
Norwood, John, captain of Marion's Brigade, in Samuel, private,
in 1782.
p536
Index of History of The Old Cheraws
Harrington, Henry William emigrate to Pedee, his family, 104, 105
note commissioned captain, 239, and note.
" " " at Haddrell's Point 274
" " " elected Member of Assembly, 275
" " " writes to Colonel Kershaw, 289, 290
" " " military promotions, 296, 297
" " " head-quarters, where, 297
" " " marches NC Miltia to Charles-town 301
" " " writes to Mrs Harrington 302
" " " loss of and notice of valuable Negro, 313, note
" " " suit after war for Negro 313, note
" " " sends detachment with Negro to Anson 321
" " " account of his servant, Toney 321, note
" " " movements after Gate's defeat 330, 331
" " " arrives at Harley's Ferry, and Cheraw, 336
" " " moves up river, and to Grassey Creek, Gosnoke, 347
" " " adventure with robber, 397-399
" " " character and death 399
" Mrs., adventure with British, 312
" " " with Tories, and suit, 329, 330 and note
" " " safe conduct to Cross Creek, 320
" " " notice of 399.