“Building with Winnsboro blue granite reached Washington D.C. – The Washington Monument” The Yorkville Enquirer reported using a report from the Winnsboro paper, on March 7, 1888 – “At the granite quarries in Fairfield Co., 50 common labors are employed. There are twenty block makers, 19 of whom are Scotsman. The block makers earn between $3-4.00 per day.”
City Directories and History: In the early 20th century, Charleston banker, R. Goodwin Rhett purchased this property, along with the old Anderson Quarry, and made his cousin, Benjamin Huger Heyward (1860-1930), the general manager – the new Winnsboro Granite Corporation. In 1930’s Daniel Heyward became president of the company until his death in 1941 when his brother, John T. Heyward took over the complex and began an extensive building program of new homes and an improved work complex. In 1938, he also hired NC stone mason, Earle Eisenhower to construct dwellings for members of the management team; C.E. Glover, E.J. Miner and Earle Minor.
The site is part of the Rockton – Rion Railroad Nation Register site and the Fairfield County Railroad Museum offers tons of fun and information on the train and quarry.
The Rock Hill Journal reported on Oct. 17, 1902 – “That a representative of the Winnsboro Granite Co., was in Rock Hill and stated they had been awarded the largest granite contract ever in S.C., which is granite work on the new Penn., capitol building to be erected in Harrisburg. The granite is worth about $1,000,000. of the approximate $5,000,000. building cost.” Link to the Penn. Capitol Building
ANDERSION – RION HISTORY
Benjamin Huger Heyward (son of Daniel and Elizabeth Rhett Heyward of Lucknow Plantation on the Savanna River) came to Fairfield County in 1903 to take up the management of the Winnsboro Blue Granite (Anderson-Kincaid) Quarry. In 1930, Ben was killed in a tragic accident when a derrick holding up several tons of granite failed and the load crushed to the bottom of the quarry where he had been standing. His sons Daniel and John Tabb Heyward took over management of the quarry. Dan, who was married to Nancy Witherspoon (of York County) was then killed in a tragic accident in 1941 when he ran through a stop into a pulpwood timber truck near the quarry. He was 49 and the couple had no children. Nancy committed suicide in the basement of Heyward Hall, which was the plantation home built by James Kincaid in 1774 http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/fairfield/S10817720019/ . Heyward Hall was later renamed Fairfield by Crosby and Cleo Lewis who beautifully restored the house and the landscaping in the 1970s. The Lewises have just recently sold the place to a doctor from Charleston. Dan’s nephews, Ben Heyward, III, George M. Heyward, and John Tabb Heyward, Jr. inherited the quarry and John Tabb’s widow, Flo Buchanan Heyward of Columbia now owns the shuttered operation. Courtesy of Pelham Lyles – 8.9.16
*** Also see listings on Anderson Quarry Road for other and similar sites. This page is a misc. collection of data provided by the survey team of historic properties in Fairfield County in 1983.
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Charles E Glover Jr says
I am the son of C.E. Glover who is listed as C.D. Glover. Which should be C.E. and not C.D. in your Rion Quarry Community in Fairfield County. I was born in the Glover house in Feb of 1940. I remember those listed in your write up. Have enjoyed looking at pictures and I can relate to a lot of them.
Charles E Glover Jr
1627 Pinopolis Rd
Moncks Corner S.C. 39461
rradmin says
Have made the correction, many thanks!
R&R
rradmin says
You recently submitted a correction to R&R. You may also supply images, work history, etc., of your father’s life and his work. We hope you will take a minute to share this interesting information.
Brandon johnston says
Is there any contact information as to who I speak with to gain access to photograph this beautiful area?
rradmin says
I am sorry we do not have that information. We suggest you speak with someone at the Fairfield Co Museum. Would love to post your images on R&R!
Wade@R&R.com