The Yorkville Enquirer contained an ad on March 11, 1863 – “Richard Hare is fully prepared to supply every article in the marble line, foreign and domestic marble is one hand in large supply. I can also supply iron railing in any pattern for fencing and balconies.”
City Directories and History: 1958 and 1966 – Arthur V. Snell
An antebellum building with a low hip roof, was once, one of East Liberty streets most stunning structures. Four columns on brick piers support a one-story open porch with a flat roof. Two 9/9, ceiling-to-floor windows are on the front. A recessed transom and sidelights frame the main door. The exterior is stucco, and the property is
R&R HISTORY LINK: RAWLINSON HOUSE IN EBENEZER
landscaped. Originally, this was a two-story house on a raised basement burned in 1905. The remaining lower structure was not destroyed due to the brick construction. A roof was put over the lower floor, and it remains this form today (2012).
Originally, the house was similar to the Hart House (Tour #12) across and up the street. Outside circular staircases with carved wood banisters led from the ground to each end of the upper porch. (See attached pictures.) Cement open arches enclosed the front opening of the ground floor porch and entrance to the lower floor. A picket fence enclosed the yard, and wisteria climbed on the front of the house. Near the rear of the house, and a little to
1912 image of East Liberty street, just east of the location of Rose Hill Cemetery.
the east, was a building which housed the “marble yard”, where the late Thomas J. O’Farrell cut and lettered granite and marble tombstones. (This was most likely Thomas [John] O’Farrell 1816-1893. It was T.J. O’Farrell who had married into the Hare family who was primarily involved in tombstone construction by the mid 19th century.) This was the forerunner of Wiley Brothers Marble and Granite, located on the east side of the cemetery. The house was later bought by Mr. Arthur Veeder Snell and his wife Jennie (Hart) as a retirement home. Mr. Snell is thought to have been the first City Manager in the United States, holding that position in Sumter, S.C. He was Executive Director of Chambers of Commerce in South Carolina, Florida, Pittsburgh and Chattanooga before retiring and returning to Yorkville. (Please see comments and corrections on this page.)
[Courtesy of the Yorkville Historical Society – 2002]
Yorkville Enquirer, Thursday, November 7, 1861
Contributions for needy families of soldiers
A long list of contributors was printed. The total raised was $207.25 and was for three months supplies for needy families of volunteers. The committee that carried out this benevolence consisted of James Jefferys, S. Sadler, J. A. Brown, T. S. Jefferys and J. R. Schorb.
Sixty-seven individuals responded to the subscription including Rev. J. Monroe Anderson, Dr. A. J. Barron, R. Hare, Rev. R. Lathan, several doctors, Mrs. S. W. Melton, Colonel R. G. McCaw, W. P. McFadden, S. Rainey, F. H, Simril, George Steele, J. R. Schorb, Colonel W. B. Wilson, Witherspoon and Williams. Eleven families consisting of thirty-six persons received supplies each week.
The YV Enquirer reported on Jan. 11, 1893 – “Mr. John N. O’Farrell and family have moved from one of Mr. W.H. Quinn’s houses on Kings Mountain Street to Mr. O’Farrell’s plantation near town.” (Location unknown.)
The Yorkville Enquirer on March 15, 1893 stated, Mr. Richard Hare, formerly of Yorkville, was here last week. Mr. Hare, who is eighty, is closely identified with the early history of the town. In years gone by he was a brick mason and contractor of distinguished reputation, and probably put up more masonry in the town than anyone who has ever lived here. Mr. Hare is now a resident of Chester County.
*** This fine dwelling was situated handsomely at the edge of Yorkville’s antebellum area. A highly successful farmer and contractor, B.F. Rawlinson built extensively throughout the region. Having grown up outside of Rock Hill, members of his family later make York their home (dates unknown). The basement section that remains of the original house is a wonderful reminder of just how prosperous Yorkville had become prior to the Civil War. Mr. Rawlinson was living in the Town of Ebenezer, just outside of Rock Hill, both in the 1850 and 1860 census and was most likely only the contractor of this dwelling and not it’s resident.
LIVERY STABLE
The undersigned would respectfully inform the Citizens of Yorkville that they have opened their LIVERY AND SALE STABLE on Dr. Lindsey’s Lot, where they always will keep Horses for Sale, and Horses and Vehicles to Hire. Persons can be accommodated with Horses and Conveyance to any point, on reasonable terms.
N.B. All Vehicles and Horses hired for cash. S. W. Jackson B. F. Rawlinson Yorkville Miscellany, May 24, 1851
RAWLINSON’S HOTEL, YORKVILLE, S. C.
Undersigned respectfully announces to the citizens of this and the adjoining counties, and the public generally, that he has taken charge of the House in Yorkville, formerly known as the “KING’S MOUNTAIN HOTEL,” and is fully prepared to accommodate, with Boarding and Lodging, all who may favor him with a call. The TABLE will be furnished with the best the market affords. On the arrival of rains, a carriage will be in attendance at the Depot, for the conveyance of passengers to this House, or any part of town. The proprietor is at all times prepared to furnish conveyance for passengers to points in the surrounding country, which cannot be reached by railroad. J.M. RAWLINSON. November 11, 1869
1875 – In a notice in the newspaper, Davies is described as the proprietor of the “Davies House,”
a hotel. Due to recently passed Civil Rights legislation, he and J. M. Rawlinson, another
hotelier, changed the name of their businesses. “J. M. Rawlinson, proprietor of Rawlinson’s
Hotel and Mr. Thomas Davies, proprietor of the Davies House, give notice that from this date
their houses will be closed as regular hotels or inns. They will hereafter be conducted as private
boarding houses for the accommodation of local or transient custom. This is deemed necessary
in consequence of the civil rights bill.” (Source: Yorkville Enquirer, March 11, 1875).
The Rock Hill Herald reported on Oct. 12, 1882 – “Mr. J. M. Rawlinson of Yorkville has been compelled to retire from the hotel business on account of his failing health. Mr. A.S. Withers will replace him as landlord of the Rawlinson House Hotel.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported Nov. 14, 1878 – “Mr. Richard Hare, formerly a citizen of Yorkville, but now of Meridian Mississippi, has had an attack of yellow fever, contracting the disease while acting as a nurse. At latest accounts he is recovering.”
B.F. Rawlinson of York and Rock Hill sold goods across the region. Including in 1859 to Ann H. White of Rock Hill. Courtesy of the White Family Collection – 2008
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Departed this life, at the “King’s Mountain Hotel, in Yorkville, S.C., on the 29th ult., Dr. John Ratchford. Dr. Ratchford was born in York District on 31st October 1821. At an early age, having completed his academical course of studies, he entered the South Carolina college; and after spending the ordinary period there, received his degree of A. B.. … . The Palmetto Standard, Chester, SC, Oct. 13, 1853. 1884 – Sanborn Map diagram of the Rawlinson Hotel on North Congress Street.
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