City Directories and History: (Crutchfield House) The Dantzler House is the oldest standing residence in St. Matthews. It is an excellent representative of Southern antebellum summerhouse construction and has been admirably adapted as a permanent residence. This one-story raised cottage with truncated, hipped roof was
In 2016 the Dantzler House has been unoccupied for decades and is in poor condition.
constructed ca.1850 as a seasonal residence for the Jacob M. Dantzler family of Orangeburg County. As originally built, the house was rectangular with identical side facades. The original cypress shingle roof has been covered with galvanized metal. The house sits seven feet above ground upon brick pilings with lattice framework between the supports. The northern f
Jacob Dantzler purchased two slaves in 1854 at a cost of $900. Courtesy of the Dantzler Collection – 2016
açade has wooden steps leading to a piazza with flat roof supported by six square paneled columns. In 1852 Olin Miller Dantzler, son of Jacob Dantzler, married and moved into this summerhouse as his permanent residence. Though a planter by profession in the Orangeburg district, Olin Dantzler served his state and country both politically and militarily. As a member of the South Carolina Senate in 1858, Dantzler tried to convince his fellow legislators that peaceful compromise was better than a military confrontation between the North and South. He offered several compromise proposals, but eventually joined the Confederate forces, though he was strongly opposed to the war. Several outbuildings, including a barn, several sheds, visitors’ cottage and a pigeon house are included on the acreage. Listed in the National Register March 30, 1973. (Courtesy of South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
“Dantzler, Hon. Olin Miller of St. Matthews. Born 1826 (S.C.); married July 10, 1850, Caroline Anna Glover (Dec. 24, 1829-Oct. 17, 1864); died June 2, 1864. Education: Randolph-Macon College, A.B., 1846. Church: Methodist. Public Service: Delegate to Southern Rights Convention, 1852; State Representative; State Senator. Other: One publication. Slaves: 101 (St. Matthew’s Parish, Orangeburg District).”
The Last Foray, C. Gaston Davidson, SC Press – 1971
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
NATIONAL REGISTER – IMAGE(S)
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!
