City Directories and History: Mr. Hiram Hutchison of York Co., S.C. was one of S.C.’s most interesting entrepreneurs of the mid 19th century. He was born in the
R&R HISTORY LINK: Springfield Plantation
upcountry to Scots-Irish parents, on the banks of the Catawba River in York County, S.C., Hiram Hutchison became one of the state’s most influential financiers in the South, traveling extensively for weeks at a time exploring the region and making wise business investments. He regularly worked with John Springs of Fort Mill, S.C., Charles Beck of Columbia – builder & manufacturer, as well as William Gregg of Charleston – Graniteville. As head of the Bank of S.C. at Hamberg, a state sponsored financial institution, Hiram Hutchison was able to widely travel and purchase substantial holdings.
Portrait of Hiram Hutchison, I of Hamberg, S.C. and New York City. Courtesy of the Hutchison Family – 2016
Prior to moved to New York City in the early 1850s, he also purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars in Southern railroad, mining, gas light companies and manufacturing concerns. Upon his death a significant amount of his fortunes were left to his two of his closest York County relatives. However, they were unable to collection of their inheritance until after the Civil War, a financial blessing for the families.
The loan of $40. to William Kelly in 1827, is one of his earliest documented transactions. His papers are at the Un. of South Carolina and Lacy Ford’s excellent publication dealing with his extensive work, is available by clicking on Mr. Hutchison’s highlighted name or opening the MORE INFORMATION / History link on this page.
Hiram Hutchison, President of the Bank of Hamburg, and John I. Gracy, of Columbia, were merchants of Newberry. Mr. Hutchison, I think, began business at Newberry in 1819, and Mr. Gracy in a short time afterwards. They both removed to Columbia about ’28 or ’29 Mr. Hutchison in 1831 sold out his stock as a merchant, and became the first Cashier of the Commercial Bank; he resigned that post and transferred his position to Cheraw, there he was blessed by uniting to his growing fortunes the amiable and accomplished lady, Miss Collins. He afterwards became Cashier and finally President of the Bank of Hamburg; he lives now in Charleston a ‘man of fortune. Long may he enjoy the fruits of his labors, which, directed by intelligence and perseverance, have so fully succeeded.
(Information from: The Annals of Newberry Co., SC – O’Neall and Chapman, Aull and Houseal Publishers – 1892)
R&R HISTORY LINK: A.E. HUTCHISON – ROCK HILL SC
R&R HISTORY LINK: The Historic White Home in Rock Hill, S.C.
R&R HISTORY LINK: The Gregg Connection in Charleston, S.C.
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