City Directories and History: The firm of Grafton and Beck, was one of the early 19th century contractors who provided professional services to many throughout S.C. “Robert Mills, the acting commissioner of the board of public works, advertised for proposals to be submitted to him before March 1, 1822, for supplying brick, lime, lumber, iron, and stone and different kinds of mechanical work, to be used in the execution of various courthouses and jails named in the advertisement as courthouses at Williamsburg, Newberry, Greenville, and York and jails at Union, York, and Lancaster. The contract was awarded to Grafton and Beck, (of Columbia, S.C.) contractors, to erect the courthouse for $10,000.” (Information from: The History of Newberry Co SC, Vol. I, 1749-1860 Thomas H. Pope – Un SC Press, 1973)
The S.C. Artisans Database also states: Camden Gazette, Oct. 19, 1820 “Grafton is the contractor for the Camden Court House and Mr. Beck “an able workman”, …. See Mesda Research Collection – 2011 #0,1,2
Charles Beck, a Columbia sash and door manufacturer and member of the Columbia Mechanics Society, is also credited with having built Ainley Hall Mansion as well and numerous other buildings in the state. One of S.C.’s wealthy entrepreneurs, Hiram Hutchison wrote him in 1848, requesting assistance in finding a mechanic worthy of building his brother, Eugene a home in York Co., S.C. Interestingly, Jacob Graves of Columbia is also credited with work on the Newberry Courthouse and other fine buildings throughout the Carolinas.
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