James C. Hicklin, FC Canal Lock Keeper
City Directories and History: The history of navigation along the Catawba River from the upcountry to Camden and even to Charleston has been a topic of interest to investors and historians. A rare look at the Fishing Creek Canal….. note the letter from Wallie Izard on Wm. Carter’s behalf (right), explaining the repairs needed at the Fishing Creek canal:
The original Fishing Creek Canal record book from 1836 – 1837, remains in private hands and is unavailable. However, through the generous contributions of the Pettus Collection of digital information, shared with Roots and Recall, a portion of the canal history and toll book is available here as a PDF. This book was preserved by the Hicklin family and is an invaluable source of data on the individuals who used the canal. Unfortunately, the records do not list the owners of the commodities being shipped but do record those individuals, such as the barge operators “Patroons” and their schedules through the canal. The S.C. Dept. of Archives and History also has a copy of the materials as a microfilm of the account book.
R&R.com is working to create a usable spreadsheet of this data for usage and a better understanding of how the canal functioned.
Additional names listed in the Hicklin Lock Keeper’s Book: Nathaniel Crawford (Columbia, S.C.), James B. Magill, Joseph Carter, Benj. F. Whitner (Supt. of Public Works – 1833), J.R. Abernathy, J.C. Nims, J. Wall, J. Johnston, J. Barkley, William Clark, P. Cobb, T.H. Nixon (Supt of Public Works – 1834), D. Huffman, S.R. Gibson, J. Starks, McClure and Brawley, Thomas McClure, Wylie P. Harris, Bradford, Nelson and Brooks, (signed by James Brooks), Samuel R. Gibson, Thomas Stark, William Wall
From the Yorkville Enquirer, June 18, 1885
We report the death of Major Benjamin F. Briggs, who lived six miles northeast of Yorkville. He was born near Fairmount Waterworks in Philadelphia in 1819. His father was an architect and builder who in 1823 was engaged by the State of South Carolina to work on the locks connected with the State Canal near Beckhamville in Chester County. He lived nearby in Lancaster County for a few years, then moved to Columbia. There he built the first permanent bridge ever erected at Columbia over the Congaree River. He then superintended the construction of the iron furnace at the Cherokee Iron Works and moved to York County. He acquired an interest in the iron works and lived there until his death. His son Benjamin worked as a clerk in the store at the iron works and then began working at iron works in Gaston County on the property of All-Healing Springs. In 1863 it was sold to Garrett Brothers. He also, previous to the war, was engaged in other mining enterprises and for several years operated the Kings Mountain Gold Mine. He moved to Yorkville in 1855. In the war, he raised a company in North Carolina. After the war, he served as a York County Commissioner, was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1870, and later served as County Auditor. After 1887, he retired to his farm where he was a successful farmer.
The book Historic Canals & Waterways of South Carolina by Robert J. Kapsch (USC Press, 2010) mentions Benjamin Brigg’s father (page 100-101). In the discussion of the canals on the Catawba River, the Catawba Canal (also known as the Fishing Creek Canal) was the first of three constructions at the Great Falls area. The state Board of Public Works contracted for the construction of this canal in 1820. The contractors listed were Thomas and Briggs. “A contract
has been made with Messrs. Thomas and Briggs, who erected some of the locks on the Schuylkill, for the first section [Fishing Creek Canal] covering three miles and requiring six locks.” By 1821, about one and one-half miles had been completed. By the end of 1822, work was nearing completion. “There have been constructed on this canal five stone locks of the best materials and superior workmanship. The contractors are entitled to the highest credit for the skill and faithfulness with which they have executed this work.” (Quotes are from the yearly report of the Board of Public Works).
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.
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!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: