Great Grandpa Green Berry Bryant, some answers

We finally have some questions answered about my great-grandfather Green Berry Bryant, he was born to Francis Bryant and Catherine Thorton, he was born in Sanderson, Florida January 7, or June 7, 1870, the death certificate that I recieved from the State of Florida has some terrible handwritting on it, He died of Natural causes, and exposure, which leads to more questions about that, some research will need to be done at one of the local libraries to research the local papers around the time of death.

According to the 1920 Florida census, Frances Elizabeth (Hickox)Bryant claims herself as a widow, not true, separated, since the death certificate states that he died in 1925 and was married on the certificate.

I want to thank Roger Woods for finding his stone at the South Prong Cemetery in Florida and taking a photo for find a grave. I feel that with the help of family whom I haven't met yet we as a group have been able to answer some questions about this man, and have new questions that we'll have to find the answers to.

Sarah Adamson Ciples

Sarah was born sometime in 1788 in Camden, SC.
                Her father was John Adamson (b.1744-d.1816) her mother was Elizabeth (d. 1805)

Sarah married Lewis Ciples June 13.1811, they had no children.

                                                  This is the Adamson Family Plot

Sarah and her sister Ameila were members of the Methodist Church which now stands on Lyttleton Street.
They donated the land for the church, http://www.lsumc.net/ has more information on the sisters and their contributions to the church.

John Adamson's last will gave to Sarah, Two lots in the town of Camden, known as Market Square and lot N 715 Fair St., her father also gave her 32 slaves, and $2000.00. John was a planter in the town of Camden.

What would you like to know about Kershaw County?

We have so many famous people from this area, alot of it is already on the internet, is there something special that you would like me to look into for you?

Events coming up
Cemeteries
Newspaper Articles at the Archives
People who made a difference in Kershaw county, that are little known.

Suggestions?

                                                                    Sarah K. Ayer
                                                              Barnwell, South Carolina


                                                       Kershaw County Wanderer..........

Herbert J. Dunsmore

Herbert J. Dunsmore born to Rhoda Leticia Prescott and Richard Dunsmore September 9.1910 in Ionia, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan as a Civil Engineer, Herbert was one of the first environmental engineers, he has written over 20 books on the quality of air, he helped clean up the air in the "Smoky City" of Pittsburgh. Herbert also helped clean up the steel industries in Europe. Herbert was married to Vera M. Hurd, they had 2 sons David and Roger. Vera passed away in 1987, she was the daughter of Roy M. and Mona Morrison Hurd.



Herbert was hired by the city of Pittsburgh July 22.1948. At that time he was a noted expert in food and milk sanitation, he became their first Public Health Engineer. Herbert's hobbies were photography, and the restoration of buildings in his hometown of Ionia.

Richard, Rhoda, Ruth, Herbert, Alice, and George Dunsmore at the family home.

Herbert passed away Feb. 7. 1999

Sarah Ann Babcock-Mather

Sarah Ann Babcock was born in Chester, Mass. on March 20.1820. Sarah spent her lift educating others, Sarah was educated at the Wesleyan Academy in Wibraham, Mass. and became a teacher of language and literature. At the end of the Civil War in 1865, Sarah traveled to Camden, S.C. in 1867 she established a private methodist school for african-americans.


In 1887 The Browning Home and Mather Academy opened for girls, they were taught basic education skills, social,family and religion. In 1890 boys were allowed to enroll.

Sarah returned to her home in Plymouth, Mass, and married the Reverand James Mather in July of 1869, she continued her teaching in the Plymouth area until her death May 14.1901.

In 1983 the school was closed. The building were torn down in 1995.

There is a Facebook page for Mather Academy, and more information can be found on google books for Sarah, and her wonderful contribution to the community of Camden. SC.

Laura Elizabeth Platts-John Brook Harter

Laura Elizabeth Platts-Harter-Monden

                                         Born January 10.1876           Died March 20.1950

Born July 26. 1873    Died August 31.1913

Laura is buried next to her first husband in the family cemetery in Ulmer, South Carolina, she was my greatgrandmother. Laura married William Watson Monden after her first husband John Brook Harter was shot and killed in Lena, SC.
This is the Newspaper article about the murder of my greatgrandfather;

My greatgrandparents had 6 children, Newman, Leacy, Cuemilla,John Brooke, Laura, and John Dexter(grandfather).

Dr. Jesse Horace Thomas

Dr. Jesse Horace Thomas was one of the first African-American doctors to practice in Camden, South Carolina. Born August 11. 1882, he married Hattie Smith of Sumter, they had no children, Dr. Thomas died  December 28.1954.  Dr. Thomas graduated from Claflin College in Orangeburg, SC., he attended the medical school at Temple University.

Dr. Thomas purchased the house at 707 DeKalb St. in Camden, in 1911, he practiced next door. This house now serves as one of the best resturants in Camden, I've had dinner there, the "BEST" catfish that I've ever had. The resturant is still like a home, you pick a room to eat in, and they are still cooking in the original kitchen.

Dr. Thomas is buried at the Cedar Cemetery, this cemetery is about a mile north of the Quaker Cemetery.