City Directories and History: This impressive structure originally had double flights of exterior stairs leading to a second floor landing between the center columns.
Winnsboro, S.C., in 1908. Courtesy of the Fairfield Co. Museum Collection
Built by David Campbell, it was purchased in 1856 by the Rev. Josiah Obear, rector of St. John Episcopal Church, for use as a school. During the last month of the Civil War, many refugees were taken in by the Obears and Ms. Kate Obear recorded these exciting times in her book, Through the Years in Old Winnsboro. On the evening of Feb. 17, 1865, the occupants of this house saw the reflection in the sky of Columbia, S.C. as it was burning. On Feb. 18th, under General Wheeler, federal troops entered Winnsboro and ate much of the food prepared for Sunday dinner. On Monday stores were looted and burned in Winnsboro. Troops broke into the Obear home but retreated hastily when they found one of the children sick with what they suspected as Scarlet fever.
Click on the More Information > link to find additional data – A Fairfield County Sketchbook, by J.S. Bolick, 2000 (Courtesy of the FCHS)
Today this building serves as Winnsboro’s Town Hall. [Courtesy Chamber of Commerce]
Informative link: National Register
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.
R&R HISTORY LINK: SIMILAR STYLES ONCE DOTTED SC – DORCHESTER CO SC
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.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the comments link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall. Help preserve our heritage by telling your family’s stories and posting images.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: