A group of individuals from across upcountry S.C. have been working both separately as well as collectively, to accurately outline, the travels of both CSA Pres. Jefferson Davis and that of his wife, Varina. Roots and Recall is the platform on which much of this data will eventually be shared through its Jaunt program. Thus, we too have been working to collect information and digitize reliable resources on their travels across the state. If you are unfamiliar with this phase of history; it was at the close of the Civil War, that each of them took different routes to evade capture by Union forces. Both parties were exposed to circumstances that, we doubt either had dreamed of
L.L. Young took Jefferson Davis into his home, while the CSA President was crossing Laurens County. Reportedly, Jeff Davis slept in the right hand second floor bedroom. R&R Image – 2018
previously. Fleeing into the unknown, with their freedom in peril, one might pity each, but we find them both courageous, interesting, and determined. One must admire the fortitude of Varina!
Once the body of work is completed, their routes across S.C. will be outlined, explored, mapped, and easily following on the pages of R&R. During this research, dozens of questions have arisen concerning their exact routes, their frame of mind, living conditions, daily choices, and certainly their long-term goals. Mrs. Davis had left Richmond well ahead of her husband and traveled by train until she could go no further, the Chester, S.C. depot. Up until that point her travels had been routine but for the next three days, she and her party of children, slaves, ladies, and escort guards were forced to weather terrible conditions, taking refuge in churches and eating at homes along the way. It was a long, dirty and wet walk across S.C.’s red hill country, with little food, sleep, or rest. We look forward to bringing this chapter to the pages of Roots and Recall later in 2019 and deeply appreciate the individuals & institutions, freely sharing their knowledge, images, and research. Oh, there are so many who claim Jefferson Davis stopped at their ancestral home, but little evidence to support it.
It is the thrill of the hunt that makes this group of researchers so interested and dedicated to local history. No, we are not looking for Confederate gold, rather the tidbits of information that bring history to life. Details that have been overlooked, connections that make history meaningful, family ties, images that bring history to life, and the ability to accurately provide a story digitally for everyone. As one author, scholar and historian recently stated, “I spend hours looking for the name of someone who lived in at a specific address or house. It is so rewarding to uncover it, after researching for hours!” At R&R.com, our time is not only spent in loading data, images and information but also looking for details that bring the pages of R&R to bear fruit. Part of this is linking data across county lines, linking topics and individuals. The R&R Thread Links found on thousands of pages do far more than just open new pages for discovery but open windows to new ways to enjoy local history. The ability to link names, data, and topics is one of, if not it’s best feature. Though most pages have no Thread Links, many have four or more. Have you opened one recently?
Beyond the thrill of finding little known information, perhaps the delight that drives me, as R&R’s manager, is making friendships with individuals and historians. That to me is the biggest reward. Finding these resources, those who are freely open to sharing, rather than hoarding their personal collections of images, history, and knowledge is icing on the cake. What a reward to be entrusted with someone’s life work, their shoe box of history, and oh such a responsibility! Do you too have a shoe box full of history you wish to share? If it were not for the hundreds who routinely do, the pages of R&R would be rather dull. A big thanks to all who have shared so openly of their collections, homes, family images, and knowledge to build the pages of R&R over the previous six years.
Just a few pages to explore: The Blaine Farm, Widows and Orphans, and Anderson’s Mill
R&R NOTE: Exploring the history of S.C. on the pages of R&R is indeed an adventure thousands enjoy monthly. To keep it free, R&R does need to receive regular financial donations. Your support is always needed and deeply appreciated! If you enjoy the website and have profited from those who donate of their time, talents, and collections, take a minute to financially contribute: Donate to R&R
