City Directories and History: The old McCandless family home, circa 1845, once proudly faced the Saluda Road, where the larger and modern brick McCandless home is currently (2012) located. The original home was an outstanding example of Southern vernacular “I” house architecture, reflecting the the family’s interest in the best the region could offer, and of their continued agricultural and business success. Note the house was raised with ample ventilation which also served to increase the aesthetic quality of the overall home. The graceful fanlights and flanking sidelights on both levels were features commonly used by local “mechanics” and carpenters who were building in the area during the early 1840’s, but rarely prior to this period.
Early 20th century postcard taken at unidentified location in Chester County, S.C. The McCandless farm was one of the very prosperous sites of agricultural development and would have also looked similar to this image. Courtesy of the Davie Beard Collection – 2016
Many homes of this era were constructed with two front doors, one each leading to large downstairs rooms on the left and right sections of the interior. The McCandless’s home reflects both the architectural knowledge of the builder but as well, the technical know how of framing the structure to have only one central opening, a feature only a seasoned builder would undertake. It is thought that contractors were slow to make changes to their routine framing and design portfolios.
The home’s interior was appointed with a central hall, decorative moldings, simple mantle pieces, a central staircase leading to two large bedrooms on the second floor. Much of the house retained it’s original paint decor even in the 1980’s, prior to being demolished in the late 20th century. A large handmade and grain painted wardrobe from the second floor of the McCandless home has been preserved at Historic Brattonsville. Other architectural features were removed and salvaged to help preserve another historic home in Chester County.
“Old home (Image courtesy of the Chester Co. Library – Perhaps the McCandless House – the vicinity of), described as the log stagecoach inn which stood on the northwestern side of Saluda Road about three miles from town near Mitchell’s Branch. This old structure remained intact until the late 1930s when the State Highway Department dismantled it because part of it was on highway right-of-way.” (Information in part from: Chester County Heritage Book, Vol. I, Edt. by Collins – Knox, Published by the Chester Co Hist. Society – Jostens Printing, 1982)
For many years one piece of original McCandless furniture remained in the a second floor bedroom. In the 1980’s a family member was approached about potentially donating the mid 19th century grained wardrobe for display at Historic Brattonsville. The large wardrobe, had obviously not ever been moved from the room and for good reason, not only was it heavy but so large it would only come down the stairs with exhaustive engineering. The piece is now on display at the Homestead house at Brattonsville.
This lovely home was designed for the family by Rock Hill architect Alfred D. Gilchrist in 1929. Alfred D. Gilchrist was born and educated in Manchester, England and came to America in 1900. In 1912 he arrived in Rock Hill and began practicing architecture. Several building can be attributed to him; Ebenezer School – 1921, Stevenson Theater, Oakland Avenue Pres. Church, and several buildings at Winthrop University. His son, William P. Gilchrist worked as a designer and draftsman with the firm. Following WWII, Gilchrist associated with W. Lewis Cook in the firm Gilchrist and Cook. That firm had buildings including: Woodland Un. Methodist Church, Park Baptist Church and homes and schools. Ms. Bessie L. Garrison, Rock Hill Historical Research Papers #10 – 1952.
W. T. McCandless March 4, 1948
Coming as a distinct shock to his family and many friends was the sudden death of Mr. William T. McCandless, 65, at his home on Saluda Road just beyond the Eureka plant of The Springs Cotton Mills, yesterday (Wednesday) morning about two o’clock. We understand Mr. McCandless has been enjoying his usual health but arose Wednesday morning and complained of not feeling well and soon expired. Mr. McCandless was a native of Chester and was the last surviving son of the late Hamilton McCandless, Sr., and the late Mrs. Margaret Jane Caldwell McCandless. His father was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and came to Chester many years ago and became one of the county’s most prosperous farmers and largest landowners. He died August 2nd, 1904. Mr. McCandless’ mother died last June 10th, at the advanced age of 95 years. She was a native of Fairfield County.
R&R HISTORY LINK: CHESTER COURTHOUSE
His only brother, Hamilton McCandless, Jr., died several years ago. Up until a few years ago Mr. McCandless was one of the county’s largest farmers. During the past several years he had not farmed so extensively, although owning a large acreage. He was one of the county’s most substantial citizens and had many warm friends throughout this section. He is survived by his widow, the former Miss Dolly Triplett, and a niece, Miss Margaret Susan McCandless, student at Winthrop College. Funeral services will be conducted at the home tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at three o’clock by the Reverend C.N. Morrison, pastor of Uriel Presbyterian Church. Interment will be made in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery.
“Hamilton and Margaret Jane McCandless had two sons, William Thomas, born November 26, 1882 and Hamilton McCandless, Jr. born April 1, 1884. Later two other McCandless brothers, Thomas and John, came from Ireland and joined the McCandless family, who by now, had purchased a farm and home on Saluda Road adjoining the old stage coach inn property. John remained unmarried and continued to live with his brother Hamilton’s family until his death in 1916. He was a sheep farmer. Thomas married Miss Mary Montgomery, also a native of Ireland and aunt of Mrs. Willie Spence. They built and lived in a home on land adjacent to Hamilton’s property.
In addition to farming, Hamilton McCandless, Sr. operated a general store in a building in the side yard of his home. The story goes that he began his business with a barrel of molasses under the porch of the house, selling it by the jarful to his neighbors and finally he expanded to a country store that stocked everything from flour and cheese to nails and bridles. The “Old House” and “The Store” still stand at the rear of the present family home, built in 1925, on Saluda Road.
Mr. McCandless died August 2, 1904. Mrs. McCandless lived until June 10, 1947; she was ninety-five at the time of her death. William and Hamilton, Jr. farmed extensively as McCandless Brothers, their main crops being cotton, corn, and livestock. For many years, they furnished butter to the Southern Railroad for their dining cars. Hamilton, with horse and buggy, met the early morning train in Chester to deliver the butter which his mother had churned and molded in fancy butter molds. Both brothers were horse lovers and they took part in many harness racing events at nearby county fairs.
“Willie” and “Brother,” as they were called by their friends, were thought to be confirmed bachelors until 1928. That’s when Hamilton attended a picnic at the Knox home at Knox Station, Chester County. Rebecca Knox, an alumna of Columbia College, who was then teaching first grade at Lowrys Elementary School, Chester County, faithfully kept “Mr. Hamp’s” ice tea glass filled. After a brief courtship, H. McCandless was married on May 30, 1928 to Susan Rebecca Knox (born December 4, 1905), daughter of James Gill and Susan Victoria Hicklin Knox. Hamilton and Rebecca had one daughter, Margaret Susan, born May 7, 1929…..”
(Information in part from: Chester County Heritage Book, Vol. I, Edt. by Collins – Knox, Published by the Chester Co Hist. Society – Jostens Printing, 1982)
The home now standing at the McCandless Farm was designed by Rock Hill architect, Mr. A.D. Gilchrist in two section: 1924 and 1929. WU Pettus Archives – 2024
Informative link: Mills Map of Chester County SC
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R&R HISTORY LINK: STRINGFELLOW’S FARM AND HOUSE
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