The History of Pamplico, South Carolia

I feel that I need to clarify some points about this document, The History of Hymansville, Marion County, South Carolina by Phillip Morris Hyman of Cross, South Carolina. Phillip, Donna's 2nd cousin, published the book Hymansville, South Carolina. In the book, Phillip added this document as The History of Hymansville. But the actual authors, Phillip's aunt, Magdalen "Maggie" Hyman Duncan and Ruby Evans Bostic, clearly titled it 'Historical Data About Pamplico, South Carolina and Vicinity'. If you look at the map (lower Marion County, Cain Parish, in 1882, you don't see Pamplico at all. That's because Pamplico, South Carolina had not been established yet. That doesn't happen until 1909-1910. Although there were people and businesses there prior to 1910, The actual town of Pamplico wasn't officially established until 1910.

The towns of Hymansville and Hyman, South Carolina had already been established. That was prior to 1820. There doesn't seem to be much recorded history of Hymansville and Hyman, South Carolina. We do know, from wills and deeds, that 2 sons of John Dunston Hyman Jr. (John Eaton and Laurence Hyman) and possibly a third son (Thomas J. Hyman), came to the Big Swamp area of Marion County prior to 1820. The 1820 Census only accounts for John Eaton and Laurence Hyman. It seems that the older brother, Thomas had left Marion county, never to return. More on this as I dig deeper into it. - John Paul Jones

The rest of this document is directly from the book 'Hymansville, South Carolina' by Phillip Morris Hyman.

Things Change: At this point in time, I do not have enough information to write the history of Hymansville as I would like to. The history of Hymansville would cover over a century in time, beginning in the early nineteenth century, and fading into oblivion in the early twentieth century. The demise of Hymansville as a thriving commerce center, can best be blamed on the golden rule, "he who has the gold, makes the rules", and that is the governing rule of all economics.

This area, which is now referred to as "Old Marion County", encompassed places with such names as Big Swamp, Hymansville, Prospect, Hannah, Salem, Dewitt’s Landing, Orum, Claussen, Gibbs Cross Roads, Friendfield, and Evergreen. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century these names meant something, but, as they say things change. Today, and through most of the twentieth century , the only name that has stood out in now eastern Florence County is "Pamplico", a bought and paid for mill town, his town, "Dargan's Town".

My great aunt, Magdalen "Maggie" Hyman Duncan, after a life time of hobnobbing around the country, returned to home ground to await her fate in life, the inevitable. In the year 1974, with time to kill, assisted by Ruby Evans Bostick, they put together the only written history that I know of, of the area once known as Cain Township, Marion County, which is now a part of eastern Florence County.

Out of respect for my Aunt "Maggie", the following I copied verbatim, no editing, no ad-libbing, and may she now rest in peace. Phillip M Hyman, 2001

The citizens of Marion County who lived on the west side of the Great Pee Dee River complained of thegreat difficulty they were experiencing in getting to the County Seat located in Marion, South Carolina. Toreach their destination for Jury duty, tax business, deed registrations or other Court House duties one had tofollow a route through Darlington County using horse drawn vehicles.

Some work was done towards forming a new county in 1883, but nothing was accomplished. In 1886 agroup of interested citizens met and appointed a committee of fifty men to work towards the formation of a new county. We believe the following members of the committee were from Cain's Township: Mr. P.I. Bostick, Mr. L.S. Bigham, Mr. John H. Cain, Mr. R.F. Coleman, Mr. J.L. Finklea, Mr. W.E. Finklea, Mr. B.F. Frier, Mr. A.A. Myers and Mr. B.B. McWhite.

A bill to create a new county was introduced in the House by Mr. R.G. Howard, of the Claussen area, and in the Senate by Mr. T.C. Moody, of Marion, S.C., in 1888. It became law December 22, 1888. The new county, which was named Florence County, was formed from that portion of Marion County lying west of the Great Pee Dee River and portions of Darlington and Williamsburg Counties. This was accomplished during Governor Richardson's term of office.

In 1889 County Officers were nominated to serve until the next General Election which was in 1890. Those from this area elected to serve in the State Legislature were Mr. L.S. Bingham to the Senate and Mr. B.B. McWhite to the House. Mr. W.E. Finklea, Mr. Maxie T. Evans and Mr. Herbert T. Floyd also served in the House, but no definite date could be established.

The County Seat was set up in Florence, S.C., a town of about 3000 population already established in that portion of Darlington County which had been included in Florence County. The town of Florence was an important junction of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad on the route between New York and Florida. An expenditure of $525,000.00 was authorized to build the first Court house. Recently a new City County Complex has been completed at a cost of $6,000,000.00.

From a blueprint prepared by Johnson and Wisewall, Civil Engineers of Marion, S.C., with additions made by Adams & Ervin in 1911 and 1914, for the Dargan Lumber Company, we can get a reasonably good picture of this vicinity; running north to Evergreen, east to the Great Pee Dee River, south to the Salem area and west to Lynches River. It shows many familiar landmarks.

The principal shopping facility for this area, except during the season when the tobacco was hauled to Florence to be sold on the markets there, was the C.C. Finklea Company located at Hyman, S.C. This business was owned by Mr. C.C. Finklea and Mr. Furman H. (Big John) Finklea. They carried a good supply of what the farmers needed, including food, clothing, and farm implements. The other store in Hyman, S.C. was one owned and operated by Mr. J. Walter Finklea. The Hyman. S.C. Post Office was located in this store. It was later moved to the C.C. Finklea store.

Marion County, South Carolina circa 1882

Dr. N.B. Finklea, one of the first doctors who practiced in this community, had his office in Hyman . S.C. and it is still standing as a landmark on Highway 51.

ln the early 1900's Mr. Benton D. Dargan and Mr. Henry F. Dargan began buying timber rights in this area for the Dargan Lumber Company. We can say, from personal knowledge, it was a boost to the farmers who had been dependent on the low prices for their tobacco - lc to 10c per pound - and their cotton - 8c to 10c per pound - to raise and educate their families.

About 1908 or 1909 the Dargan Brothers were looking for a satisfactory mode of transportation to get their timber to the sawmill in Effingham, S.C. Perhaps they had visions of developing a town, but it seems certain that they needed a terminal for a tram road they were building to haul their timber to the sawmill. Whatever their plans, on June 5, 1909, they purchased from Mr. M.T. Evans a tract known as the "Charlotte Place”. According to the deed this tract contained 160 acres for which they paid Mr. Evans $1,700.00. Then on June 6, 1909, they purchased the "Larry Cain" tract, formerly owned by J.L. and E.L. Hyman, from the C.C. Finklea Company. This tract contained 80 acres, more or less, and the purchase price was $2,000.00. This tract lay on the south side of the road running from the River Road to Hyman S.C. The M.T. Evans tract bordered the C.C. Finklea Company tract on the south.

On November 18, 1909, Mr. John L. Hyman died. He left his heirs a tract of land which lay on the north side of the road running from the River Road to Hyman, S.C. and was bound on the west by Pamplico Branch. This tract contained 175 acres. On December 23, l9O9, Mr. Henry F. Dargan bought from the heirs of John L. Hyman, J.S. Hyman, Mrs. Kittie Hyman Hutchinson, E.L. Hyman, Mrs. M.E. Calcutt, W.A. Hyman, J.E. Hyman and Mrs. Rosabell Hyman Calcutt, the entire tract for the sum of $625.00 paid to each heir, a total of $4,375.00. By present values this would seem to be a small sum, but it was the "going rate" in 1909.

Another road branched from the River Road and ran through, or by the side of, lands owned by Mr. H.P. Kirton, Mr. W.A. Keefe, Mr. R.M. Flowers, Mr. C.B. Hyman, Mr. B.J. Hyman, Mr. R.B. Turner, the John L. Hyman tract, the C.C. Finklea Company tract, the M.T. Evans tract and on to the Mt. Zion and Salem areas. These two formed a Cross-Roads in about the center of the lands now owned by H.F. and B.D. Dargan. The only main house on these three tracts of land of land was the home of Mr. John L. Hyman where he had lived for many years and reared his family. This house is still standing and is now owned and occupied by his grand-son, Mr. Myrl Hyman.

This must have seemed like a good location for a "Mile Square" town, since Florence was twenty milesaway, so wheels started turning toward that end.

Mr. Henry F. Dargan, President, Mr. Benton D. Dargan, Secretary, and Mr. James D. Evans of Florence,S.C., as owners, formed the Pee Dee Land and Development Company for the purpose of developing and selling this property. A Charter of Incorporation was granted by Mr. R.M. McCown, Secretary of State, May10, 1910.

Probably the first thing to be built was a pump, water being a necessary commodity. It was located verynear the Cross-Roads. The pump is, of course, long gone but the well (pipe) is still there, covered with a pile of coal. It is located at the rear of the car wash shed of the Service Motor Company and is still used bysurveyors as a "center of town" mark.

The second construction was, we think, the lattice "Round House” built over the pump. According toMr. W. Wallace Keefe, the "Round House" had a bench, or benches, around the inside and it provided a"meeting place" for the men of the community on Sunday afternoon, or whenever they had some spare time.

The third construction job probably was a two-room wooden building, stained brown, which was used for the first office of the Dargan Lumber Company. This building later became the first post office building.

The next six years, 1910-16, were busy years for the Pee Dee Land and Development Company ingeneral and for Mr. Benton D. Dargan, the resident manager, in particular. Many changes were made andwhat had been tobacco, cotton and corn fields were now being developed into a town.

A plat was made by Adams & Ervin, Civil Engineers of Florence, S.C. Streets were surveyed and named lots were marked off and numbered and the town was given the name of Pamplico, presumably for Pamplico Branch, the western boundary of the lands owned by the Pee Dee Land and Development Company. The story is told that Pamplico Branch got its name from a band of Indians who once lived in this area. Indian Artifacts have been found, but we found no way to authenticate the story.

Between Christmas 1910 and the New Year many lots were sold during an auction sale, mostly to residentsof this area.

The tram railroad from Effingham, S.C. was completed in 1910 with a terminal near the Cross-Roads.

The first business, the Pamplico Supply Company, was built in 1912. It was a stock company with eightstockholders: Mr. W.A. Coleman, Mr. W.W. Coleman, Sr., Mr. Morris A. Coleman, Mr. Liston B. Coleman,Mr. Charlton Cain, Mr. Evander S. Finklea, Mr. B.J. Hyman and Mr. Lewis A. Hyman, Jr. This store servedthe residents of this area with food, work clothing and most of the items needed in the home and on thefarm. It was a landmark on the comer of Fourth Avenue (Main Street) and Walnut Street for fifty-seven years. It closed its doors in 1969.

It was about this time (a definite date could not be established) that the Dargan Lumber Company begansetting up its operations: sawmill, planning mill, dry kiln and offices. This was the first industry established in Pamplico and was located on the edge of town, just beyond Sixth Avenue. Sometime during the completion of this industry, Mr. Charles B, Wagoner of Concord, N.C., joined the Dargan Lumber Company and became its president. The name was changed to Dargan-Wagoner Lumber Company. Down the line it has had different owners and different names: Amazon Manufacturing Company, Marsh Furniture Company and Marsh Plywood Corporation. Under one name or the other it is the one industry, in the early history of Pamplico to survive and continue to support the economy of Pamplico. The Dargan Brothers are now dead, but their dreams and ambitions for Pamplico and the area live on.

Because of the lumber business, in 1914 the Seaboard Air Line Railroad built its line through Pamplico,connecting McBee, S.C. with Poston, S.C. The name is now Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, and it is stillservicing Pamplico but it no longer has six trains (four passenger and two freight) each day as it did in theearly days. Paved roads, fast automobiles and heavy trucks have changed the mode of transportation in thisarea.

In 1914 Dr. W.H. Poston and Mr. John Ely McGough organized the first drug store and named it PeoplesDrug Store. In this store Dr. Poston had his office and his supply of drugs (few prescriptions were written then). Mr. McGough was the first Postmaster of Pamplico, appointed July 13, 1914. His office was alsomaintained in the Peoples Drug Store. A fountain, a first for Pamplico, was installed and many miscellaneousitems were stocked. Mr. McGough resigned March 8, 1915 and returned to his native State - Georgia. Themiscellaneous items were discontinued, but Dr. Poston maintained his office in the building until his death in1950.

Mrs. Lottie Grey Myers was appointed Postmaster March 9, 1915 and probably occupied space in the drugstore building until she moved the post office into the small two-room brown building on Fourth Avenue (Pamplico's Main Street) formerly occupied by the Dargan Lumber Company. The building and lot were sold to Mr. A.A. Myers May 10,1920 for the sum of $80.00.

When the Post Office Department decided more space was needed the Pamplico Post Office was movedinto the front end of the Masonic Building. Mrs. Myers retired June 30, 1946 and Mrs. Vendetta G. Finkleaassumed charge July 1, 1946. On September 1, 1947 Mr. Raymond W. Coleman assumed charge and wasconfirmed April 2, 1948. Since 1961 the Pamplico Post Office has occupied a modern building located atThird Avenue and North Trade Street.

Another important service began in 1914 when the Farmers and Merchants Bank was organized with Mr. Cottingham, President, and Mr. C.W. Boyd, Cashier. This was the first bank in Pamplico but on June 6, 1918, the Bank of Pamplico was organized with Mr. George J. Steele, President. and Mr. J.W, Gregg, Cashier. Then on January 20, 1931 the Board of Directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank: Dr. W.H. Poston, J.E. Myers, M.T. Evans, J. Helong Poston and J.P. Bellflowers and the Board of Directors of the Bank of Pamplico: J.M. Hyman, H.S. Hyman, W.J. Gibbs, L.A. Hyman, Jr. and A.A. Munn voted to consolidate and form a new bank which was named Farmers Bank of Pamplico with Mr. W.J. Gibbs, President and Mr. Ludie M. Coleman, Cashier. Sometime later (a definite date was not established), the Farmers Bank of Pamplico liquidated.

In 1933 the Pamplico Cash Depository was organized with Mr. C.D. Munn, President, and Mr. GraddickStokes, Cashier. The Depository served the people of Pamplico and the community until 1945 when the Pamplico Bank and Trust Company was organized with Mr. C.D. Munn, President, and Mr. A.A. Coleman,Cashier. At the present time (1974) The Pamplico Bank and Trust Company, with Mr. C.D. Munn,President, and Mr. A.A. Munn III, Executive Vice-President and Cashier, is adequately serving this area.

Up until 1916 the town of Pamplico had been mostly governed by Mr. D.B. Dargan. as Secretary and Resident Manager of the Pee Dee Land and Development Company, with the help of Mr. B.J. Hyman, also known as "Judge Hyman" - who was Magistrate of Cains Township and an early resident of Pamplico.We believe that Mr. Dargan and Judge Hyman were the total "Law and Order" in Pamplico for the period 1910-1916.

On December 1, 1916, an election was held in the town of Pamplico and the following men were elected togovern: Benton D. Dargan, Intendent, and Jesse W. Finklea, C.W. Boyd, W.W. Coleman, Sr. V. A. Burnesand M.A. Coleman. Wardens. The titles were later changed to Mayor and Councilmen. The town of Pamplico was incorporated December 5, 1916.

Others who have served the town of Pamplico as mayors are: L.W. Coker, C.D. Munn, W.W. Purvis,C.M. Wilkinson, Lawton Bennett, C.B. Peebles, W.W. Coleman, Jr., Coleman W. Cain and Lavern Ard,present mayor.

In 1916 the Wagoner Lumber Company joined the lumber industry in this area and set up their plant acrossthe railroad tracks from Dargan-Wagoner Lumber Company. Mr. Charles B. Wagoner and Mr. H. M. Propst of Concord, North Carolina were the owners. Mr. Propst operated this business until his retirement in 1946.

It was about this time that the Clement Veneer Manufacturing Company set up its business. They were located on the east on the east side of the railroad tracks, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. This companybuilt a two-story building on the south side of Fifth Avenue for their offices. The upstairs rooms were used for the officers of the company and for men who carne to Pamplico on business with the Clemet VeneerManufacturing Company. No over-night public accommodations were available.

About this time, it became apparent that there was a need for public accommodations. ln 1916 Mr. GeorgeJ. Steele constructed a two-story building on the comer of Fourth Avenue and North Trade Street and it became the Pamplico Hotel.

Mr. W.W. Coleman, Sr. was the first proprietor. In 1917 and 1918 it did a thriving business. When Mr.Coleman discontinued his efforts in this line, Mr. James Steele decided to take over for a while. After Mr.Steele came Mr. Peter D. Kirven, and he operated it until it burned in 1927. Since this hotel burned. Pamplicohas not had over-night accommodations.

In 1916 a new Peoples Drug Sore was organized. It was located on Fourth Avenue (Main Street) in the building now occupied by J & J 5 & l0 store. Its stockholders were George J. Steele, John G. Hyman, B. J. Hyman, L.A. Hyman, Jr. and W. W. Coleman, Sr. Dr. John G. Hyman was the Pharmacist and Manager. In 1921 the name was changed to Hyman Drug Company, Inc., and the business was moved to its present location. After fifty-eight years this business is still operating, with Mr. Johnny J. Poston - who succeeded Mr. M.R. Cusack - as Manager. and is rendering a needed service to Pamplico and the Community.

The Pamplico Mule Company opened for business about 1917. It was owned and operated by Mr. L.A. Hyman Jr. and later assisted by Mr. J. Monroe Myers. It sold a commodity the farmers needed before theycould afford tractors and automobiles. This company closed early in 1949.

The Farmers Tobacco Warehouse Company was organized in 1918. The Directors were Dr. N.B. Finklea, W.W. Coleman, Sr., B.J. Hyman, L.B. Coleman and L.A. Hyman, Jr. A Charter was issued April 5, 1918, and the elected officers were Dr. N.B. Finklea, President, L. A. Hyman, Jr., Vice-President and W.W. Coleman Sr., Secretary-Treasurer. It was dissolved January 9, 1923. Also, the Pamplico Warehouse Company was organized and received its Charter July 5, 1918. The owners were H.F. Dargan, B.D. Dargan, A.A. Munn and W.W. Purvis. These markets must have been a great service to the farmers of this area who had previously had to haul their tobacco to the Florence warehouses. There have been other tobacco warehouses over the years but the ones in operation now (1974) are Independent Warehouse, Pamplico Banner Warehouse and Planters Warehouse.

On June 10, 1919, the Pee Dee Land and Development Company deeded the following streets to the townPamplico: First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Coleman, Steele, and Munn Avenues,Palmetto, Hickory, Walnut, Pine, Elm and Trade Streets and that certain portion of Trade Streetdesignated on the plat as "Dargan Place".

Sometime during the latter part of 1919, the Assets of the Pee Dee Land and Development Company weresold to Mr. A.A. Munn. (A definite date could not be ascertained)

The Methodist Church was organized in 1915 and the church building was erected in 1917.

The Baptist Church was organized in 1920 and the church building was erected n 1926.

The first brick school building was erected in 1920.

Mr. W.A. Myers organized the Farmers Trading Company, a general merchandising store, in 1920 andoperated it until 1945.

In 1922 the Service Motor Company was organized. The principal stockholders were Mr. Ludie M.Coleman. Mr. John G. Hyman, Mr. Lewis C. Finklea and Mr. Charlie Heustess. Over the past fifty-two years it has grown and has done an excellent job of "sell and service" Chevrolets in this area. At the present (1974) it occupies approximately one-half block on Fourth Avenue and helps the economy by employing fourteen people.

In 1924 Mr. A.B. Coleman and his brother, Mr. J.J. Coleman set up the Pamplico Light and Power.Previously Pamplico's source of electricity came from a small plant operated by the Dargan - Wagoner Lumber Company. The Coleman Brothers operated the Pamplico Light and Power until 1930 when it was sold to the Carolina Power and Light Company.

The Munn Hardware Company, owned and operated by Mr. C.D. Munn, was opened for business in 1925.It is now owned and operated by Mr. C.D. Munn, Jr.

Dr. W.H. Poston was the first doctor to open an office in Pamplico but, there were others who have giventheir time and knowledge to this community, namely: Dr. Graham, Dr. Eaddy, Dr. Timmons, Dr. JesseW. Finklea (Dentist), Dr. J.H. Pearce (came in 1944 and on July 1 , 1974 he celebrated his thirtieth year ofservice), Dr. Hyer, Dr. J.W. Jones Jr. (Optometrist), Dr. W.L. Coleman, a native son began his practice inPamplico in 1963.

There are also a few business organizations that we're here in the early history of Pamplico, but no definiteinformation or dates could be established. They are as we remember them: Mr. V.W. Graham, the firsthardware store, Dr. Jesse W Finklea, general merchandise - including a millinery shop, and Mr. C.T.McDonald, groceries, etc. We do know all these were opened prior to 1917.

Mr. J. Rupert Campbell organized a business in 1930 which he continued to operate until 1973 when heretired. First, he sold groceries but gave it up for furniture and appliances.

Plowden Motors, Inc. opened his Ford Dealership in 1937 or 1938. They were first located on NorthTrade Street but later moved to their present location on Walnut Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues.Judging by the number of Fords on the streets and roads we believe it is helping the economy of Pamplicoand the surrounding area.

Mr. Morris Friedman came down from Boston, Massachusetts and opened the Pamplico Department Storein 1947. Mr. and Mrs. Friedman served a real need for many in this area for twenty-six years. He closed hisdoors and retired at the end of 1973.

Pamplico didn't "grow" any politicians, but several were developed in the area. Mr. Phillip B. Finklea ofHyman, S.C. served in the House from 1925-29 and again from 1951-55.

Mr. W. Clyde Graham married Miss Marguerite Hyman in 192l and settled in this community in 1922. In1933 he ran for office and was elected to the House. He served from 1934-38 and again from 1940-48. In 1949 he was elected to the Senate and served continuously from 1950 to 1968, a total of thirty years in the State Legislature. Many paved roads, which we are still enjoying, were among his accomplishments.

In 1961 Mr. Thomas E. Smith, Jr. from Laurinburg, North Carolina married Miss Betsy Munn of this community. Since 1965 they have been residents of Hyman, S.C. and Mr. Smith began his law practice in Pamplico. In 1967 he was elected to the State Legislature and served in the House 1968-1972. Since 1973 he has been a member of the Senate.

The new Health Center, located in "Dargan Place" facing Third Avenue, was dedicated in 1961. For several years prior to the dedication of the new building, this service was available in the building formerly occupied by Dr. W.H. Poston.

In 1966 the J.P. Stevens and Company, Inc. opened one of its plants on the River Road near Cain’sLanding. With a personnel count ranging from 600 to 623 it is a boost to the economy of Pamplico and thesurrounding areas.

ln September,1974 the new library building was dedicated. It is in "Dargan Place” facingFourth Avenue. We know that Mr. Benton D. Dargan would be very much pleased that this site was chosen for the library. We personally, heard Mr. Dargan say many times "we want to give Dargan Place to town of Pamplico to be used for a Park and Playground for the children". The library will benefit all, the children and the grownups. Everyone in Pamplico and the surrounding area deserve credit for this beautiful building butcredit should go to Mrs. Morris Friedman for her efforts in getting a library established in Pamplico. It opened in 1968.

At the present time (1974) a Town Hall is being constructed. It will house, the Town Office, the Ambulance, Fire and Rescue Squad equipment, and the Police Office and Jail. This is a part of the Revenue Sharing.

Through the efforts of many, the town of Pamplico from 1910 to 1974 has developed into a lovely residential town with modern facilities, a generous supply of good water, sufficient electric power, telephone service, the protection of a Police Force, a modern Ambulance, Fire and Rescue Squad, under the direction of Mr. C.G. "Tom" Haines, and friendly neighbors.

We believe its founders, Mr. Henry F. Dargan and Mr. Benton D. Dargan, would be very proud and pleased.