City Directories and History: “Millwood, the plantation home of Colonel James Edward Calhoun, is located about one and a half miles south of Highway 72 and three miles west of Calhoun Falls. Admiral William L. Calhoun gives the following explanation as how “Millwood” got its name: “The place was so named from the fact that the mill-race cut through a small and rather dense woods, lying right along the Savannah River. Behind and all around it stretched a more or less even mesa or prairie. The old “grist – commeal,” stone grinding, water power mill was the center of all activity. The plantation was extensive, tenants coming from miles around to the mill in the woods, and this probably suggested the name Millwood.”
Also: “Millwood Plantation, one of the largest in the area, stretched along the Savannah River from just below the Latimer community to a point south of the town of Calhoun Falls. The plantation house, located about two miles south of Calhoun Falls, has completely disappeared. Most people are under the impression that this plantation was owned by the Calhoun family; however, the owner of Millwood was Colonel James Edward Calhoun (1796-1889), a brother-in-law of John C. Calhoun.
Calhoun Falls, named for the Calhoun family and the falls, found in nearby Savannah River, was chartered on January 9, 1908. The present owner of most of this property is Duke Power Company. The name of Millwood Plantation is believed to be derived from the grits and com mill located on the property.”
Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC
“Calhoun, Col. James Edward of “Millwood,” Savannah River, plantation. Bom July 4, 1798 (S.C.) ; married 1839, Maria Edgeworth Simkins (1817-Apr. 17, 1844); died Oct. 31, 1889. Educa-tion: U.S. Navy midshipman. Church: Nonmember, a freethinker. Public Service: Lieut. Col. (Gov. Noble’s staff). Close adviser to his brother-in-law, John C. Calhoun. Slaves: 201 (Abbeville District).”
The Last Foray, C. Gaston Davidson, SC Press – 1971
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