History: Laurens County's most famous resident went on to become Governor of Tennessee, Vice-President of the United States under President Abraham Lincoln, and upon Lincoln's assassination, the 17th President of the United States. While in Laurens, President Johnson owned and operated a tailor shop on the town square.
Location: Originally located on the Public Square in Laurens. A replica of the historic shop is currently under construction in Laurens.
The county's name derives from the Honorable Henry Laurens of Charleston, president of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and later an ambassador to France.
The town of Laurens (known as Laurensville well into the 1800s) became the county seat and the first courthouse was erected in 1786. By 1820, Laurens was known for its trade of tailor-made clothes, which is what drew Andrew Johnson, a future U.S. president, and his brother to Laurens. They arrived in 1824 and established a tailor shop.
By 1840, the area was booming. The local landmark courthouse on the square was built that year and later enlarged in 1857. Businesses in the area included medical practitioners, a fancy confectionery and fruit store, carriage, buggy and wagon shops, tailoring establishments, building contractors, flour and corn mills, and 81 registered whiskey distilleries.
No military action occurred in Laurens County during the Civil War, but many native sons were casualties of the war. During Jefferson Davis's flight from Richmond, he passed through Laurens County and gave a speech to the residents of Mountville.
By the end of the nineteenth century, textiles were becoming very important in Laurens County and the upstate. The Laurens Cotton Mill was established in 1895. Mercer Silas Bailey built the first cotton mill in Clinton in 1896, and both Lydia Mill and Watts Mill were established in 1902. Today, textiles have been displaced by a wide variety of industries: plastics, automotive, and advanced manufacturing.
There are two museums in Laurens County.
-
Clinton Museum--located at
400 North Broad Street in the
Griffin family home in
Clinton.
For information, call (864) 938-1099. -
Gray Court-Owings Historical
Society--located at 4711 N.
Old Laurens Road in Gray
Court.
For more information, call (864) 876-2667.
The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce provides the links below as a public service. We make no warranty as to the suitability of the products or services offered. LCCC is not liable for any problems or losses that may occur from the use of any product or service listed.
(Old Rock Church) Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church, built ca. 1842, is one of the earliest examples of rural church architecture in the upper part of the state. Its unadorned simplicity and solid stone construction are characteristic of buildings erected by early Scotch-Irish settlers in the Southeast. A simple rectangular building constructed of irregular stones, the church stands as a reminder of mid-nineteenth century rustic church architecture. The gable end is the main entrance façade and is centered with double doors flanked by two narrow windows at a slightly higher level. Its simplicity, uncomplicated symmetry, and fine stone masonry are features that make it a valuable record of upcountry rural architecture. One of the few changes made in the church was the removal of the original rear slave gallery in the first third of the twentieth century. Many churches in Laurens County are “daughters” of this old church as members of its congregation left to establish new churches in neighboring areas. The church is situated on a wooded site and is flanked by a cemetery containing carved stone markers of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers. The earliest grave dates from 1776. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1973.
DUNCAN CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -
Picture & information from church website
This cemetery is located 5 miles east of Clinton near Newberry line in Laurens County, South Carolina. This church was organized in 1764.
*OWENS, Robert died Jan. 1, 1848, age about 56 (b. 1792)
*OWENS, Martha Jane, wife of R. S.. Owens, dau. of Charles & Elizabeth Ferguson Nov. 8, 1825 - July 12, 1853
*OWENS, Florella Jane, youngest daughter of Martha & Robert S. Owens 1853 - Oct. 1857
*OWENS, Ma?? died in the year 1823
*OWENS, Thomas, husband of Alicy Owens 1789 - July 10, 1828
*OWENS, Thomas Nov. 1811 -(broken)
*OWENS, Mattie Lou, dau. of T. & S. Owens 1870 - 1884
*OWENS, John Robert, son of T. & S. Owens 1863 - Jan. 1887
*OWENS, Susan, wife of Thomas Owens Jan. 25, 183? - June 14, 1882 The following three persons are on the same stone:
*BEASLEY, Lydia Owens, dau. of Thomas & Aligy Owens, and wife of B.C. Beasley Nov. 28, 1818 - June 12, 1845
*BEASLEY, Thomas, son of B.C. & Lydia Beasley died 1840, age 9 months
*BEASLEY, Infant daughter of same died 1845, age 3 weeks
*GLASGOW, John L., buried between Thos. & Mattie Lou Owens Sept. 15, 1824 - Oct. 18, 1858
*GLASGOW, Winfield Scott, son of John L. & Sarah E. Glasgow died 1852, age 2 yrs. 7 months, 22 days
*GLASGOW, Infant son of same couple born & died 1851
*GLASGOW, Infant son of same couple Born & died 1854
*HILL, Mary Polina, dau. of James & M.A. Hill 1852 - 1853
*HILL, Lewis Richard, son of James & M.A. Hill born & died 1856
*HILL, James Thomas, son of James & M.A. Hill born & died 1855
*LONG, Samuel died Nov. 15, 1776, age 19
*CRAIG, William (E. R..) died Oct. 13, 1824, age 64 (1760)
*CRAIG, Jane, his wife died July 1, 1822, age 54 (1768)
*CRAIG, James, Dr. died Nov. 5, 1826, age 26 yrs. 8 months
*CRAIG, John (E. R..) died Oct. 19, 1843, age 50
*CRAIG, William (D.C.) died Oct. 9, 1824, age 64 (1760)
*CRAIG, Susanna died May 7, 1834, age 72 (1762)
*COPELAND, Elenor Craig, wife of Samuel Copeland & daughter of Wm. & Jane Craig E. R.. died Oct. 12, 1825, age 21
*COPELAND, William H., son of E. T.. & C. A. O.. Copeland 1854 - 1855
*COPELAND, James died Aug 15, 1869, age about 26 yrs.
*COPELAND, Elizabeth, wife of James, Sr. died Nov. 29, 1844 (b. Aug. 27, 1799)
*COPELAND, Leisel Watson, son of R.J. & M.E. Copeland died July, 1871, age 8 months
*COPELAND, L. W. ., 1st S.C. Dau., C. S. A.. March 14, 1825 - Dec. 27, 1894
*COPELAND, Infant daughter of L. W.. & L. T. . Copeland died July 1879
*COPELAND, George Berly, twin son of L. W. . & Lena T. Copeland July 1874 - Sept. 1875
*COPELAND, Sarah Eliza, dau. of L. W.. & S. J. Copeland d. Aug. 4, 1866, age 15
*COPELAND, Martha Jane, dau. of L. W. & S. J. Copeland d. Jan. 1854, age 10 months
*COPELAND, Nannie J., dau. of L. W. & S. J. Copeland d. June 13, 1864, age 3 years
*COPELAND, Sarah Jane, wife of L. W. Copeland & dau. of Robert & Sarah Owens died Dec. 24, 1860, age 30 years, 8 mos., 24 days
*COPELAND, R. H., son of G. P. & M.A. Copeland March - July 1856
*TAYLOR, Irine Owens, daughter of Dr. E. F. & F. F.. Taylor 1893-1895
*TAYLOR, Dr. Edgar F. 1852-1936 *TAYLOR, Fannie C. 1858-1897
*TRIBBLE, Cornelius, son of Elijah & Nancy Aug. 14, 1836 - Jan. 18, 1863 at Richmond, Va.
*LEAK, Nancy J., consort of Robert B. Leak April, 1829 - Oct. 24, 1855
*LEAK, Robert Bluford Aug. 17, 1818 - Feb. 22, 1859
*LEAK, Martha A., daughter of R. B. & N.J. Leak 1853 - Aug. 1855
*LEAK, David Thomas, son of R. B. & N.J. Leak Oct. - Dec. 1851
*LITTLE, James July 12, 1803 - Oct. 11, 1854
*LITTLE, Matilda, his wife Jan. 25, 1803 - Oct. 23, 1854
*LITTLE, J. S., dau. of Thomas & J. E. Oct. 1849 - May 1850
*LITTLE, David R., son of James and Matilda March 1834 - May 1854
*LITTLE, Robert J. R., son of John W. & Eliza May 1854 - Jan. 1855
*LITTLE, Cynthia A., dau. of James & Matilda July 1841 - June 1857
*LITTLE, Joseph E., son of Thomas & Jane E. Little Jan. - June 1862
*LITTLE, Thomas H., C. S. A. Dec. 19, 1836 - Dec. 7, 1862 at Lynchburg, Va.
*LITTLE, Chany John, son of J. W. & E. J. Little March 1862 - Oct. 1878
*LITTLE, John W. Feb. 10, 1832-May 1, 1914
*LITTLE, Eliza Jane, his wife July 17, 1832-Dec. 14, 1905
*LITTLE, David Sept. 25, 1802 - March 7, 1852
*LITTLE, Sarah, his wife Jan. 16, 1812 - July 8, 1871
*LITTLE, John died Jan. 11, 1844, aged about 38 years
*LITTLE, David, Sr. of Ireland Nov. 11, 1767-Nov. 17, 1812
*LITTLE, Mrs. Charity, his wife 1770 - Nov. 6, 1826
*JACKS, John P. Jan. 24, 1819 - Oct. 26, 1867
*JACKS, Mrs. N. A., his wife Aug. 17, 1832 - Nov. 22, 1882
*JACKS, Sarah A.O., daughter of J.P. & N. A.., B. & SD. 1854
*JACKS, J. H. Feb. 1856 - Oct. 1920
*JACKS, W. J. Nov. 1861 - Jan. 1927
*FERGUSON, Elizabeth, wife of Charles Ferguson born March 18, 1793, married Aug. 1806, died May 23, 1869
*FERGUSON, Lucinda, wife of S. Ferguson and daughter of George & Frances McCrary March 13, 1813 - Oct. 22, 1848
*FERGUSON, Charles M., son of S. & L. Ferguson Dec. 1843 - Nov. 1854
*FERGUSON, Henry, son of S. & L. Ferguson Oct. - Nov. 1848
*NICOLS, Betsey, wife of D.C. Nichols died July 19, 1905, age 57 years, 11 months, 18 days
*FINNEY, John R. Sept 27, 1844 - July 9, 1881, C. S. A.
*FINNEY, Mary A., his wife, and dau. of T. D. & E. J. Young Sept. 6, 1846 - July 27, 1867
*SETZLER, Dr. F. M., C. S. A. Aug. 22, 1845 - Oct. 17, 1923
*SETZLER, Mary Young, his wife April 17, 1849 - Oct. 17, 1923
*HUGHES, Lettitia Y. Oct. 31, 1831 - March 15, 1917 *LUKE, John, Sr. March 14, 1767 - Jan. 14, 1848
*LUKE, Jane, his wife Dec. 5, 1789 - Nov. 14, 1844
*LONG, Robert 1760 - Jan. 20, 1840
*LONG, Elizabeth, wife of Robert Long 1756 - Sept. 4, 1823
*LONG, Miss Susan 1783 - Nov. 12, 1873
*LONG, Mary, daughter of Robert & Elizabeth Long died July 20, 1817 (b. 1789), age 28 also on her left hand lies her niece Martha Monfoord.
*LONG, Martha, daughter of Robert & Elizabeth Long died Oct. 29, 1825
*WEIR, Nancy Long 1799 - July 17, 1875
*WEIR, Dr. Thomas 1800 - July 14, 1880
*WEIR, George W. Jan. 1, 1881 - Jan. 12, 1930
*WIER, Dr. Thomas Withrow Oct. 29, 1830 - April 26, 1908 C. S. A.
*WIER, Lou Buchanan Jan. 17, 1852 - Aug. 27, 1916
*WIER, Willie H., son of Dr. T. W. & L. B. Wier Dec. 19, 1883 - Feb. 26, 1887
*WIER, Nannie E., daughter of Dr. T. W. & L. B. Wier Dec. 21, 1885 - Feb. 26, 1887
*WIER, Mary Catherine 1834 - Oct. 5, 1838
*WIER, Elizabeth S.R., daughter of Dr. Thomas & Nancy Wier 1832 - Oct. 19, 1852
*WIER, William Preston 1838 - Nov. 7, 1856
*WIER, Lt. Robert Long died near Centerville, Va. Nov. 5, 1861, age 32, C. S. A.
*WIER, Lt. Samuel Laurens, fell in the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. May 5, 1864, age 21 (body lies in an unknown grave)
*WIER, Capt. Harrison Kern, fell in battle at Deep Bottom, Va., July 28, 1864, age 24, (born 1840)
*These three sons of Dr. Thomas & Nancy Long Wier died in communion of the Presbyterian Church and were martyrs to the Confederate War.
*BEASLEY George Dec. 16, 1842, killed and buried in Maryland July 11, 1863
*BEASLEY, B.C. Jan. 26, 1811 - May 2, 1883
*BEASLEY, Leanard, Virginia Military, Revolutionary War
*WILKISON, John Aug 18, 1784 - Feb. 15, 1809
*FOLKER, Eunice Penelope, consort of Rev. Patrick H. Folker & daughter of Rev. John B. Kennedy died Aug. 1, 1848, age 37 (born 1811)
*KENNEDY, Rev. John B., A Presbyterian preacher over 50 years. died Dec. 12, 1846, aged 81 (born 1765)
*KENNEDY, Rebecca, consort of Rev. J.B. Kennedy died July 29, 1846 (born 1771)
*ROSS, Sophia Franklin died Nov. 20, 1825, age 8 months
*Folker Three infant children of Patrick H. & Eunice P. Folker no date (about 1840)
*ROSS, Dr. George died Nov. 13, 1825, age 46 years, 11 months (born 1779)
*PERRY, Mary Ann, "Her months of affliction are o'er". died Aug 27, 1852, aged 16.
*KERN, Alfred Anthony Jan 20, 1808 - June 28, 1840
*KERN, John Frederick, born in Hamburgh, Germany, leaving a widow and 6 children Sept. 6, 1758 - Nov. 5, 1830
*KERN, Elizabeth, relict of J. F. Kern, Sr., born in London Aug. 19, 1766 - Feb. 11, 1834
*KERN, Paridon Daniel died June 21, 1826, age 28 years, 6 months
*BYRD, William Paradon, infant son of G.& E. C. Byrd died March 20, 1848, age 2 yrs., 6 months
*DUCKETT, Elizabeth died Sept. 3, 1822, aged 21
*UNDERWOOD, Mr. Isaac died Aug. 19, 1819, aged 37 Also near this marble stone is entered the bodies of his mother, Sarah Underwood, his sister, Sarah Holland, and his nephew and niece William and Sarah, son and daughter of his brother, John Underwood.
*GRAHAM, Nancy July 4, 1813 - Oct. 21, 1824
*COPELAND, John, Sr. died Sept. 7, 1826, aged about 78 years (born about 1748 in Ireland.
*COPELAND, Margaret (Blakely), consort of John Copeland, Sr. died Feb. 27, 1844, aged about 86 years.
*BELL, Martha McConathy, consort of John Bell Dec. 5, 1793 - Oct. 16, 1827
*M. B. 1896 or 06
*BELL, John Jan. 26, 1793 - Oct. 14, 1827
*MURDOUGH, Thomas 1728 - Aug. 15, 1809
*MCCRARY, S.C. Troops, Revolutionary War
*PHILSON, William Nov. 12, 1791 - May 21, 1871
*PHILSON, Agness, wife of William Philson. Married April 19, 1819. Had 9 children. 6 survived. died July 7, 1868, aged 68. Born June 29, 1800
*PHILSON, James Walton, son of William & Agnes Feb. 11, 1832 - Nov. 7, 1849
*FERGUSON, William Walton, son of Samuel & Agnes Ferguson April 10, 1859 - Sept. 5, 1892
*BOULAND, John May 5, 1760 - Feb. 2, 1820
*ADAIR, James First Settler) May 15, 1752 - Aug 18, 1818
*ADAIR, Hannah, wife of James Adair, Sr. Sept. 28, 1750 - Nov. 10, 1826
*FAIRBAIRN, Samuel M. died Aug. 2, 1817, age 41 years, 8 months (1806)
*ADAMS, Esther 1784 - June 24, 1854 *BELL, Mary died March 1, 1852, aged about 87
*COX, Elizabeth died May 3, 1848, aged 56 years, 6 months
*BRADDOCK, Francis died July 30, 1828, aged 60 years
*BRADDOCK, Ann, wife of above died Nov. 2, 1828, age 70
*BRADDOCK, Infant of James & Oney Braddock
*BRADDOCK, Mary P., dau. of James & Oney Braddock May 1834 - Nov. 4, 1854
*BRADDOCK, Martha A., dau. of James & Oney Braddock Aug. 16, 1831 - Nov. 6, 1854
*BRADDOCK, James F., C. S. A. Oct. 22, 1843-Oct. 5, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia on march to Manassas
*BRADDOCK, James McClure Jan. 13, 1794 - Nov. 24, 1885
*BRADDOCK, Oney, wife of James Braddock Sept. 21, 1809 - April 3, 1881
*BRADDOCK, Oney Susannah Oct. 21, 1845 - Nov. 5, 1881
*KELLY, Margaret Braddock, wife of W.F. Kelly and daughter of James & Oney Braddock April 21, 1848 - Dec. 13, 1927
*FAIRBAIRN, Alexander 1722 - June 15, 1798
*FAIRBAIRN, Catherine, wife of above 1740 - July 16, 1781
*FAIRBAIRN, Margaret died Aug. 21, 1794, age 25 years (1769)
*FAIRBAIRN, James died Aug. 3, 1830, age 60 years, 5 mo. 9 days (1770)
*BELL, James Dec. 28, 1770 - May 13, 1858
*BELL, Sarah 1773 - May 13, 1858
*BELL, William, son of James & Sarah Bell March 28, 1804 - Dec. 30, 1819
*BELL, Infant son of J.B. & M. B. Bell
*BELL, James, Jr. Dec 1, 1811 - Jan. 19, 1858
*BELL, Mary, wife of James Bell and daughter of Isaac Jacks Aug. 15, 1816 - March 3, 1899
*BELL, Isaac Aug. 26, 1836 - July 30, 1864
*WORKMAN, James I., son of C. J. & S. E. Workman Aug. 26, 1868 - Aug. 7, 1872
*WORKMAN, William C. July 16, 1871 - May 7, 1887
*WORKMAN, Josephine S.E. Sept. 26, 1847 - July 1, 1887
*WORKMAN, John B. Oct. 7, 1866 - June 1, 1895
*LITTLE, Thomas Aug. 1, 1809 - Sept. 5, 1872
*LITTLE, Jane E., his wife Feb. 1, 1822 - Dec. 27, 1871
*LITTLE, Annie, daughter of J. P. & S. A. Little July 1868 - Sept. 1873
*YOUNG, Major Samuel (Elizabeth's grandfather) Aug. 15, 1792 - April 8, 1865
*YOUNG, George C., son of Wm. & E. E. Young May 1842 - Aug. 1868
*YOUNG, Also infants of Wm. & E. E. Young born & died 1867 & 1870
*YOUNG, Robert Mc N Oct. 23, 1822 - Oct. 11, 1854
*YOUNG, Margaret Feb. 21, 1780 - May 23, 1853
*YOUNG, Elizabeth 1755 - Nov. 2, 1800
*YOUNG, George Sr. 1755 - Oct. 13, 1833
*YOUNG, Thomas 1781 - Feb. 21, 1824
*YOUNG, Christopher 1797 - Nov. 22, 1825
*YOUNG, George died Aug. 2, 1843, age 55 years (1788)
*YOUNG, Mary, wife of George Young, Jr. died Nov. 17, 1851, age 40 (1811)
*YOUNG, Elizabeth Aug. 1795 - June 2, 1856
*YOUNG, five infant children of Wm. & Elizabeth Young
*YOUNG, William Feb. 19, 1795 - Aug. 30, 1868
*YOUNG, Jane Elliott, daughter of W. & E. Young Dec. 24, 1820 - June 2, 1863
*BELL, Sallie, 2nd dau. of J. Wm. & Mattie Bell Dec. 1869 - Oct. 1872
*FERGUSON, Spencer, son of S. & L. Ferguson Oct. 1841-Feb. 1842
*CRAIG, John, S.C. Militia, Revolutionary War
*MCCRARY, Edwin April 7, 1811 - Feb. 13, 1873
*MCCRARY, Maria A., his wife Oct. 26, 1822 - April 20, 1867
*COPELAND, J. H., C. S. A. June 10, 1839 - Dec. 30, 1906
*COPELAND, Martha T., his wife May 20, 1842 - Dec. 17, 1919
*LEAKE, T. D. Jan. 4, 1850 - June 21, 1919
*LEAKE, Lou Finney, his wife Aug. 18, 1850 - April 26, 1899
*FINNEY, John Sept. 10, 1808 - Aug. 1, 1891
*FINNEY, Lucinda June 11, 1812 - March 30, 1881
*FINNEY, Mary S., daughter of John and Lucinda Feb. 25, 1836 - March 25, 1886
*FINNEY, Isaac W. Sept. 30, 1835 - Nov. 4, 1877
*FINNEY, Sallie E., his wife July 11, 1840 - March 23, 1879
*CRAIG, Thomas Feb. 8, 1873 - age 84
*CRAIG, Elizabeth died Feb. 5, 1851, age 56
*Children of Samuel and Ruth S. Craig:
*CRAIG, Susan M.E. Sept. 30, 1824 - May 18, 1855
*CRAIG, William H. Jan. 6, 1826 - May 21, 1835
*CRIAG, John M. June 29, 1829 - June 1, 1835
*CRAIG, Ruthe Jane Dec. 9, 1832 - May 16, 1835
*FILSON, Alexander, born in County Donegal, Ireland March 17, 1761 died Nov. 18, 1841
*ADAIR, Benjamin died Sept. 3, 1825, age 71 (1754)
*ADAIR, Joseph, Jr., S.C. Militia, Revolutionary War (also buried here Joseph Adair, Sr.)
*ADAIR, Susanna 1723- April 9, 1800
*RAMMAGE, John J. died Jan. 29, 1844
*RAMAGE, Nancy C. F. June 1842 - Feb. 1847
*RAMAGE, Isaac W. T. June 29, 1842 - Nov. 7, 1862, at Lynchburg, Va. Co A 13 S.C. Reg.
*RAMAGE, Infants of J. W. & M. E. Ramage
*YOUNG, Ella J., daughter of J. I. & O. Young June 1882 - Jan. 1890
*YOUNG, Lizzie T., daughter of J. I. & O. Young Feb. 1880 - Dec. 1889
*YOUNG, Robert Watts, son of J. I. & O. Young 1886 - 1887
*YOUNG, Dr. Thomas D., consort of Elizabeth J. Young March 3, 1818 - Nov. 27, 1854
*YOUNG, J.B., left a wife & 3 small children March 12, 1811 - Dec. 23, 1852
*YOUNG, Manon G. died Jan. 10, 1845, age 30 years, 11 months, 4 days
*YOUNG, Joseph W. Jan. 17, 1839 - Sept. 19, 1844
*YOUNG, M. L. ? April 1830? - Sept. 1842?