This was the home of Colonel O.M. Dantzler, 22nd South Carolina Infantry. He was killed on the Howlette Line near Chester Virginia in 1864. The house is located in Calhoun County ---Here is an interesting letter written to his children from his home : At Home, May 21st, l861 TO MY DEAR CHILDREN; I enlisted in the war for the Independence of the South on the llth of April last, and expect to leave soon for Virginia, which State the North is threatening to invade. If I should not survive the war, and shall not be spared to give you my counsel as you grow up, and when you enter on the practical duties of life, I desire now to say a few words to you for your future guidance: Be obedient to your mother, and to your teachers when at school, be studious, be just, be truthful, scorn to tell a falsehood under any circumstances. Be peaceful (not quarrelsome), particularly with your neighbors, be industrious, be energetic, attend to whatever business you undertake with vigor, and do provide for yourselves and families. Dont squander your property; dont go security for any one, except a few of your neighbors, and only those that are safe beyond a doubt. I would advise you all to take some profession, even if you do not follow it; and always after you settle in life, read and try all the time to be improving your minds. A great deal can be accomplished in this way, much more than you suppose. I have no better mind than any of you, and by study and perseverance I have obtaineed some position. The most important act of your life will be that of marriage. Do, my dear boys, dont marry beneath yourselves. Select a lady in your sphere of life who is naturally smart and whose relations are smart and one who has been well educated. Leet her possess a GOOD constitution, and from healthy (not consumptive) parentage, and whilst I would not have you set your hearts too much on worldly things, marry at least as much property as you have and more if you can get it honestly. Dont think me selfish and cold-hearted, my dear boys, but mark what I tell you, this poor world of ours is governed very much by the Almighty dollar. I could write you a volume if I had the time, but my counrry calls me. I must tell you something, however, that I came near forgetting. Be brave, A coward is the contempt of mankind. Avoid a quarrel but bein in, son conduct yourself that your opposer may beware of you. Dont disgrace my name by a cowardly act. Adieu, my dear angel boys, adieu. Your devoted father, O.M. DANTZLER
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 14:53:54 +0000
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