Happy New Year! 2011 ~

"The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of the new year. What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me?

Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength:

W.R. Hunt
A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.


A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.


A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.


A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.


An understanding heart.


A sight of the eternal hills and unbelting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand has made.


A sense of humor and the power to laugh.


A little leisure with nothing to do.


A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God.


And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to know them when they come."

Christmas Town, USA ~ McAdenville

Christmas was in full "glow" in Christmas Town, USA.

Our annual ride through McAdenville was always much anticipated and enjoyed.

This year with a white snowfall, it was made all the more beautiful.

Harvey Lee Barber

Son of William M. Barber and Margaret McCarter Barber.

Born December 25, 1872 in York County, South Carolina and died

June 13, 1913.

Age at death from death certificate was 40 years, 5 months and 20 days.

Married Minnie Ledwell.

Memories of Grandma ~

She was a fine lady, a lady with principles and kind words toward others.

She giggled over the simplest of things and was a joy to be around.

She looked for the good in others and wasn't often disappointed.

She cared for others and put herself and her own needs behind others endlessly.

A wonderful Grandmother.

I miss her.

She was one special lady.

Family Bible Marriage Record ~ Mary Martha Barber Barrett

Mary Martha Barber, sister of Nannie Barber, daughter of  William M. Barber and Margaret Ann McCarter Barber.

Mary married William Monroe Barrett on December 15th, 1903 in Clover, York County, South Carolina.

Christmas Reflections In The Mirror ~

Sarah Isabella Barber Neely~ Milas Neely

Sister to Nannie Barber.  Husband was Milas Hance Neely.
Daughter of William M. Barber and Margaret Ann McCarter Barber.

Buried at Woodside Cemetery in Clover, South Carolina.

Christmas on the Square ~ Dallas, N.C. ~

Lamp on the Square

Old Dallas Courthouse

Dallas was incorporated in 1863 and is the oldest incorporated town in Gaston County, N.C. It served as the original county seat for Gaston County from 1846 until 1911. The old Gaston County courthouse, renovated in 1868 after a fire, still stands in the main square of the town and serves as the Police Department.


The Dallas Historic District, bounded by Holland, Main, Gaston and Trade Streets, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.










The District consists of eight buildings, including the former Gaston County Courthouse (built in 1848), former Gaston County Jail (1848), the Smyre-Pasour House (1850), Rhyne Store (1850), and the Hoffman Hotel (1852).

The Hoffman Hotel is now home to the Gaston County Museum.

Thanksgiving at Grandma's ~

We always gathered at my Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. Her potato salad was the BEST! She would fuss and muss over the cooking and finally sit after everyone else had started to eat. She would be tired but satisfied that she had done her best.

I sure miss gathering around that large table spread with good eats. But, most of all, I miss sharing that day with my grandparents. Grandpa smiling and saying funny things and Grandma scowling at his antics.

That smell of a fine Thanksgiving meal is unmistakable. It hangs in my memories like a turkey filled mist.

I am thankful this day, of those precious memories of my childhood days spent at Grandma's.

Thanksgiving ~

Forever on Thanksgiving Day, The heart will find the pathway home.~Wilbur D. Nesbit

In Search of 2nd Great Aunt Sarah Parrott

Noah Tyre Parrott and wife, Mary Nichols had a daughter named Sarah. Sarah "Sallie" M. Parrott. Sarah was sister to Robert Samuel Parrott, Sr., born July 28, 1852. Robert Samuel was my Great grandfather.

Sarah was born October 05, 1853. She married Francis Marion Lynn on February 26, 1878. I have info on at least six children that were born to this couple, and lived to adulthood.

Sarah and husband, Francis are buried alongside one another in the country near Filbert, South Carolina, at Kings Mountain Chapel Cemetery. A peaceful area near peach orchards.

We struck out yesterday afternoon in search of her. We were not disappointed. It was hazy and humid. Very hot, almost too hot, to be rambling in a cemetery, but we went ahead anyway. I just wanted to find her! The ride in the country was nice, with the air moving in an open car the day was tolerable, but when the car stopped, the air hung over your head like a wet tarp. Hot and heavy. Just as sticky as okra freshly cut, yes, that kind of day. Grin.

We ventured into the side yard near the church and parked and got out. There was a fellow cutting the grass. He was kind enough to stop his work and venture over to speak to us. He was Mr. Richard Alexander, grounds caretaker and member of the church. We spoke and he directed us straight to the Lynn's and the Parrott's buried there in the cemetery behind the church.

Not far from Sarah Parrott Lynn and her husband, there is another family member buried.

Andrew Jackson Parrott and his wife, Nancy Ella Jeffreys. Andrew Jackson was born the son of Curtis McKenzie Parrott and Mary Lavinia Jackson. Andrew Jackson's parents are both buried at Woodside Cemetery in Clover, South Carolina. Curtis McKenzie Parrott was a brother of Sarah Parrott Lynn and my Robert Samuel Parrott. So, Andrew Jackson was Sarah and Robert Samuel's nephew. He was also my first cousin, twice-removed.

We were invited inside to look at the church sanctuary and I was so excited at getting to see it. Mr. Alexander was most gracious to allow us access. We have searched quite a few cemeteries and this was the FIRST invitation to see the sanctuary that we have had, but this was one sanctuary that I needed to see !

The stained glass windows were beautiful in the streaming sunlight and I just had to take pictures.

As I went around the sanctuary snapping pictures, I noticed that most of the beautiful panes were in honor or memory, of someone. I made my way around to the back, ever hopeful, but not really expecting anything, and there it was.

A stained glass panel that was dedicated, in memory of my 2nd Great Aunt Sarah and her husband Francis. My heart skipped a beat! I could not believe it.

There is a protective covering over the windows to prevent damage, that does not allow you to see the full beauty of these panes from the outside of the church, let alone the details of the glass. There is just no way, without being inside, that I would have seen this stained glass panel dedicated to my family. It was just fate that kind, Mr. Alexander, was there when we got there, allowing us inside to look.

It had to be another case where there was an 'unseen' angel taking care of the details.

I have had so many wonderful things like this to just 'happen', while I was out looking.

Thank you, kind angel on my shoulder. It was ever so much appreciated!

Russ walked alongside me to the car when we were leaving, and said.."I can't get over it. "

"Someone wanted you to see inside that church and see that window." I smiled and said, "I know", nodding my head in agreement.

I am just tickled I have my angels.

I wish I could have talked with the lady and learned more about who she was. She could tell me so much about my 2nd great grands and what they were like.

I wished that so much, but I am content to have walked where she once walked today.

I am content to touch my fingertips to her engraved name and whisper a 'hello' to her.

Lady that lived long before me.

Keep sending me an angel to guide my way, back to the past. I am one happy girl, today.

William J. Parrott ~ Civil War Soldier Killed In Action

Birth:
1843 ~ York County, South Carolina, USA

Death:
Jul. 27, 1864 ~ Petersburg, Petersburg City, Virginia, USA

William J. Parrott, a private in the 17th SC Infantry Regiment, Evans Tramp Brigade, Company E, Indian Land Tigers of York County, SC, was killed in action on July 28, 1864, in Petersburg , Virginia.

William was a brother to our Robert Samuel Parrott, a Great Grand Uncle to me.

"Supplement to Confederate Veterans Enrollment Book of York, County, S.C. - 1902"William Parrott b. ca. 1843, son of Noah Tyree McKinsey & Mary (Nichols)

William's final resting place is not yet known.

Parrotts Laid to Rest in Beth Shiloh Cemetery ~

Mary Adeline Parrott

married Franklin Hill Youngblood on

December 19, 1867.

Mary Adeline was the daughter of

Noah Tyre McKinsey Parrott and

Mary Nichols.

Mary Adeline was a sister to Robert Samuel Parrott.

Robert Samuel was my Great grandfather.

~

Mary Nichols Parrott, my 2nd Great grandmother, shares a marker with her grand daughter, Addie Harvey.

Cocker Machine Shop Gastonia~

This was the Cocker Machine Ball Team, Circa 1940, Gastonia, NC.



Cocker Machine Ad from the Gastonia Directory. Grandpa Wilburn L. Parrott worked there.

Rhyne's Cemetery ~ In Search of Barbara Hoyle Rhyne

>

Peter "Heyl" Hoyle was the German pioneer to this area that built the Historic Hoyle house in Gaston County, that I have mentioned before. He is my 6th great grandfather through my Mother's side of the family.

Peter had a son named Michael that married Catherina Margaretha Dellinger. She is buried alongside of Michael in the family plot not far from where I live. I wrote about finding her in the Samuel Best Cemetery in the middle of a soy bean field.

She and Michael had at least eleven children that lived until adulthood. One of those was a daughter named Barbara "Barbery" Hoyle. Barbery, as she was called, married Michael Rhyne. The Rhyne family was a prominent Dallas area family.

I had a lady to stop here at the house one day and ask about a cemetery that was located on the road that I live on. I asked her who she was looking for and Russ said to the lady, "Now if you are looking for a cemetery, this is the gal to talk to", and he motioned toward me.

I thought instantly, OH, GOODIE! ...another QUEST!

So I searched and found a notation about a 'Rhyne' cemetery. Sure enough, just right up the road..It was like someone rang a bell , DING! and I was off in a flash.

We talked to a lady that lived in a small apartment, and according to my info, the cemetery was in the trees behind her property. She said she had heard that there was a cemetery back there, in the brambles but had never been back there, herself.

You just have to stop and wonder about those people that do NOT go into the dark, unknown woods, with all the spiders, ticks, and vermin, hiding in every nook and cranny, just waiting to get you. I mean what in the world are they thinking?

There are souls back there, buried in sacred ground , just waiting to be discovered again! Grin.

Not many people are quite as excited about doing something like that as I am, apparently. Russ goes just to keep me in check , well I am excited, and to just generally watch over me, I am sure.

One trip into the woods landed me with quick swelling lips. lots of itching, and some sort of allergic reaction, not so good at the time. After a quick trip to the emergency room, I was all better. Never saw whatever it was that got me. Probably just as well that I never saw it. ;-)

We made our way into the undergrowth and there were young sprouts of poison ivy, just everywhere. Yikes! and of course, I had on sandals. But I inched my way and carefully placed each foot fall and made my way in.

People clear the land, well meaning, I am sure, but that just lets the weeds and such take over, in the woods. The gate was located on the other side from where we were, of course. The gate opened onto an open field. If you were to drive past , you would never dream a cemetery was in there. The woods have grown in around the area, high and tall, and the vines have pulled down a lot of the markers.

The earth is claiming the stones, one by one, as it's own, and pulling them under, and out of sight. Many will be lost before too long. The periwinkle grows thick and verdant in the shadows beneath the old trees. Cool and dark, with dapples of sunshine falling on the fallen tombstones.

Barbery Hoyle Rhyne rests here in the cool grass. She rests, alongside her beloved husband, Michael. Her son, Jacob Miles Rhyne is also buried here. His date of birth was October 4, 1793. Barbery was 33 at the time of his birth.

I stopped and wondered about this lady. Living during the time she did, she must have been tough. I imagined what their home must have been like, wondered were it once stood, somewhere close by.

Now, here I am, living just up the road, just a scant distance from where she is buried. She is my 4th Great Grand Aunt through my mother , and she is my 1st cousin, 6 times removed, from Dad's side. She was Dad's 1st Cousin, 5 times removed, the same kinship for you, if you are family, and from his generation. Imagine what this lady saw in her lifetime.

Barbery's sister Catherine, married George Huffstetler, and their daughter Mary Anne Huffstetler, married a McCarter in South Carolina and she became my 3rd Great Grandmother.

Imagine my surprise when my tree search doubled back on it's self! You have to remember that there were only so many pioneer families and eventually through the generations, they were bound to intermarry.

So in retrospect, I was elated to locate Catherina Margaretha Dellinger Hoyle in the soybean field, when I thought she was just my 5th Great Grand Aunt, but imagine how exciting when I realized she was also my 5th Great Grand Mother!

How many people have been allowed to experience that wonderful moment, finding the ancestor's grave so close by, resting and waiting, all that time?

I feel my angel guided me that day, for sure.

I ran into a fellow at a local old fashioned 'drive- in' for old cars, not long ago. Our conversation led from one thing to another and suddenly he said, " I have seen your car at cemeteries before." I said, "Well, most likely you have."

He smiled and said, "I am doing the same, researching my family tree." The course of conversation took a sudden turn, and no longer did it involve Russ and "four barrel carburetors and fuel injections."

Russ just smiled and we were off in a totally different direction. This burly, balding man standing beside his rebuilt '50 Chevy, had the biggest smile on his face.

He told me of his finds, high atop of mountains. He told me how he stumbled into locating a grave, many before him, had not been able to find. He had a faraway gleam in his eye, when he spoke of his search and his ancestry. "Rewarding and heartfelt" were words that he used in his descriptions.

I felt a instant kindred spirit and he did , too.

We are out there, everywhere, us semi-crazy people that are searching for people long gone. Who they were, and how they lived, and loved.

We are really serious about it, folks.
So, " just don*t get me started", Russ advises, or we will be there all night, talking about it.

Big Grin. Be forewarned: You may bump into this graveyard rabbit anywhere, anytime.

The Unknown Ancestor

Found among my grandmother's things were a number of old photos. Among them were snapshots of the grandchildren, mixed in with school photos from all of us kids. Some of her own children as well. The normal mixed bag that just about anyone's grandma has tucked away in a top dresser drawer.

"The Top Dresser Drawer" File.

The musty smell of the mixed lot of photos tells the story.

They were kept for awhile. For years, they were treasured.

Among the old photos were some that were especially worn and tattered. All were cherished, despite their condition.

There is one that I keep returning to, pulling it back out, for yet another close look.

I have scanned them all into my computer, putting them in a special folder, marked "grandma's pics". My very own version of the "Top Dresser Drawer" file.

The picture is an old tin type. I looked at it in the bright sunlight, several times, scanning every inch of it.

Searching for a name. An initial. Some indication as to the identity of this man in the picture.

He sits in what appears to be a straight backed chair. Beside a table with a curtain and window behind him. This could be a back drop of a photography studio, hard to tell.

He wears a wide brimmed hat. His hands are placed somewhat carefully on his legs, only a hint of a smile, if any at all. He has determined look, as he gazes out from under dark brows. A light colored pocket appears to have been added to his jacket. He wears a vest as well.

This man is important. He figures into my family tree and meant enough to my Grandmother to be placed with the other cherished photographs in the Grandma File.

Just who he is haunts me. He may be an ancestor I have already located. I may already know him pretty well. I may have visited him and just not know it. But the not knowing is unsettling to the 'Graveyard Rabbit' I have become. This just makes my nose twitch a little..giggle.

Grandma did not know for certain this man's identity or she would have marked it somehow.

I feel like he is from her side of the family, why I think that I am not totally sure. Maybe something she told me long ago?

He has been taken out and looked at so often that I feel like I know him.

He is now so familar to me.
He sits above me, on the desk and peers down at me..taunting me somehow.

"You keep looking, girl." " You can find out who I am, if you keep trying".

Maybe one day I will. Sure won't quit trying.


If this picture is familiar to you, please contact me.

Meanwhile he will sit here and maybe tell me something with his piercing gaze..
Well, I can hope can't I? Grin.

John Fewell ~ Fifth Great Grandfather

John Fewell, Sr. ~ Fifth Great Grandfather
***********************************
John Fewell owned extensive lands and planted on a large scale.

He is buried in Ebenezer Church Cemetery, Rock Hill, South Carolina .

Court of Equity case 232, Bill for Partition.

Martha Fewell had 10 children in 1847.

The Fewell Family came to America from Wales in about the year 1700.

They had just started the manufacture of iron in this country and a number of Scotch and Welch iron workers came over to show them how it was done.

The Fewell's were a part of this group.

John and William were the brothers that first came over, and they were probably joined by others later.

William settled in Virginia and John settled in Pennsylvania. Several of their descendants served in the Revolutionary Army , among who were Nathaniel Fewell, Edward Fewell and John Fewell, Jr.

John Fewell, Jr. ~ Fourth Great Grandfather ~ Revolutionary Soldier
*********************************************************
John Fewell, Jr. rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel and was cited for bravery at Yorktown. He was at one time attached to General Washington's staff.
The Fewell's migrated to the area of York County S.C. (known then as Indian Lands) around the year 1800. The Census of 1790 does not list anyone by the name of Fewell living here. It does, however, list Thomas Fewell living in the Wilmington District of New Hanover County, North Carolina.
The first mention of the name in the York County Courthouse records is in the Will of Laughlin Burns , which was probated on Oct. 1, 1804, in which he leaves certain properties to his daughter, Patsey Fewell. Not know is whether this is 'Patsey Burns Fewell' or 'Patsey Fewell'. No other record of her is found.
There were three Fewells (heads of families) living in what is now known as York County about this time-
John Fewell, William Fewell and Edmund Fewell. The probability is that they all moved to S.C. from Virginia , but whether these three were brothers or just kinsmen, has not been determined.
The earliest record of land transfers in the York County Courthouse shows that Edmund Fewell bought 50 acres of land on Rocky Allison Creek on Sept. 1, 1808, from Mosa Ferguson, and it mentions that this tract of land adjoins the tract of land belonging to John Fewell. John Fewell's land had evidently been purchased prior to this time, but no record has been found.
The first transfer on record for John Fewell was a purchase of 120 acres on Allison Creek from William Hogge on December 7, 1822. The first transfer on record for William Fewell was a purchase of 121 1/2 acres on Fishing Creek from Bennet Highfill on September 23, 1817 and later of 308 acres on Fishing Creek from J. M. Foster .
These three were all living in this Allison Creek area and owned land here at that time. Assuming that they lived on these tracts of land, John and Edmund lived side by side on Allison Creek joining the property of Col. William Hill who operated the famous Hill's Iron Works. William lived on Fishing Creek.
************************************************************************** ***************************
The following is the Last Will and Testament of John Fewell:
Will Of John Fewell
State of South Carolina
York County District
In the name of God Amen.
I, John Fewell, Planter of the State and District aforesaid, being of sound and disposing memory, but not knowing how soon I may depart this life, do make and ordain, this my last will and testament, in manner and form, following-
First. I direct that my body be decently interred without unnecessary form or expense and that all of my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.
Second. Having heretofore given to each of my children who have married a certain amount of property which I intended to be equal to the amount received by each of her brothers and sisters, one negro called , Matilda and one called Theressa, also one horse (her choice of my stock) saddle and bridle --Two cows--One bed and furniture --One table and one bureau -- The above property to be hers during her natural life , and at her decease, to be equally divided among her brothers and sisters, of their legal heirs, in the same manner and on the same terms, as my other property, hereinafter to be divided and provided for --also whatever else she may receive to be distributed among the same terms.
Third. I direct that as soon after my decease , as convenient an equal distribution of all my other property, take place, and that my sons, Alexander-- Robert and Stanly and my daughters, Betsey Nichols, Rachel Millinter, Amanda Fewell, Lavinia Barron, Arrabella May and Matilda Stedman -- and my daughter in law Nancy Fewell (widow of my son John) share alike in the above distribution. Item my will further is, that the distributive share falling to my son Robert and my daughters Betsey and Rachel at their decease, descend to their children and that my Executor to be hereinafter named shall take measures to ensure the principal to the children of the above named Legatees and that the above named Robert , Betsey, and Rachel shall have the use of the property bequeathed or the legal interest upon the same during their natural lives.
Item. I hereby confirm and make over to the use of my son Robert, the land on which he now lives, during his life, and in no case can be taken by debt and at his decease to descend to his lawful heirs.
Finally.
I hereby constitute and ordain my son Alexander Fewell, Executor of this my last will and Testament and should any dispute arise in the matter or manner about my legacy herein bequeathed between any Legatee or Legatees, or Executor, or any of the parties, then, they are to refer to this will with the matter to dispute to three disinterested persons to be chosen by the parties and the disputants are to abide the decision of the persons so chose, upon pain having their distributive share taken from them as my will is that there shall be no suit instituted in any court of Law or Equity whatsoever about any matter contained in this will.
Signed , sealed and delivered in presence of--
This 20 Jany 1844.
A. Wyte
A.T. Fewell
G.C. Barron
John Sturgis
Probated November 7, 1845
Will Book "3" Page 136
Case No. 5
File No. 1294
There was an article written about John Fewell in the July 1972 issue of the South Carolina Historical Magazine .
　
John Fewell, Jr. married Martha "Patsy" Burns.

These were my 4th Great Grandparents.
They had ten children.
One of which, was Elizabeth "Betsy" Fewell.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Fewell married Matthew Nichols. My 3rd Great Grandparents.


They had at least nine children. One of which was Mary Nichols.

Mary Nichols married Noah Tyre McKinsey. They were my 2nd Great Grandparents.


They had at least 12 children. The tenth child born of this union was Robert Samuel Parrott, Sr.


Robert Samuel Parrott was my great grandfather.


Robert Samuel Parrott married Nannie Barber and had son, Wilburn Larry Parrott.

My Grandfather.
　
　

Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery ~

John Fewell, Jr. was born in Virginia in the year 1769.

His parents were John Fewell and wife Sarah.

John and Sarah were my 5th Great Grandparents.

John Fewell, Jr.

married

Martha "Patsy" Burns

and they had ten children.
Six girls and four boys.

One of their boys was, Andrew Fewell, a brother to our Elizabeth "Betsy" Fewell.

This makes him our 3rd Great Grand Uncle.

He married Margaret Barron and died April 04, 1882.

There are a great many Barron's here in this cemetery.

John and Martha Fewell's daughter was Elizabeth "Betsy" Fewell.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Fewell was born in

York County, South Carolina, in 1797.

She grew up and married Matthew Nichols.

Matthew was the son of James Nichols and Jane Amberson.

They married and became the parents of at least nine children.
One of these was a daughter named Mary.

Mary Nichols.

Mary married Noah Tyre McKinsey Parrott and so, became the parents of our Robert Samuel Parrott, Sr.

John Fewell and wife, Martha Patsy Burns Fewell are both buried at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

John Fewell

and

Martha Patsy Burns

are

buried side-

by-side.

My 4th Great Grands.

There are a number of Fewell family plots, where the generations of descendants are buried here.

Also buried there is Jane Amberson Nichols.

I went to Ebenezer in search of the Fewell’s and the Amberson’s.

Jane Amberson was the mother of Matthew. My 4th great grandmother.


James Nichols' , (father of Matthew) burial location, is of now, unknown.

Apparently there was a survey done of the old cemetery, back in the 1930’s. The only Amberson with a headstone was William. His headstone is pictured below:

William was a brother to our Jane Amberson. He was our 4th Great Grand Uncle.

William Hamilton Amberson~

We went down to

South Carolina, one

bright, sunny day

to see Ebenezer

and I was in love

with the old cemetery

at first site.

Something about an

old cemetery with

beautiful

old markers.

Hallowed ground.

We made our way

down each row and

read the names.

Some were very easily read

while others are

simply, lost to time.


There are large expanses of the cemetery with, sadly,

no markers at all, and some field stones are scattered about.

Large cement crypts , large boxes that sit over a grave are pushed off to the side under trees.

At the base of one tree there is a marker being swallowed up by vines. Age has taken it’s toll on this cemetery, but I feel certain that my Amberson family are here.

Jane Amberson's father, James Matthew Amberson, Sr. is thought to be buried here, along with her mother, Mary Cooper Kelsey.

Jane Amberson’s grandfather was Francis Amberson. Francis was born in the year 1720. He married a young lady by the name of Martha Powell.


Francis was born, probably, in England. He immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled an area in Franklin County. There are records where he made an improvement to his land, most likely a home or building in the year of 1763. The lands he owned was called Amberson Valley and it is still called that today.

Francis and Martha Powell Amberson are my 6th Great Grandparents.

I recently found more info about Francis and that will be coming soon.!



**************************************************************
Ebenezer's History

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen and called it Ebenezer(the Rock of Help), saying "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us".(1 Samuel 7:12)

The particulars

concerning the

organization of

Ebenezer Church

are not known.

However, it was certainly in existence in the year 1785 (and possibly before). Originally called Indian Land, Ebenezer's first known pastor was the Rev. John Simpson. The first statistical report was sent to the Presbytery in 1808 when the church reported 59 on the roll.

Four buildings have served Ebenezer church. The first log structure was located somewhere in front of the present building across the road. The second structure, constructed in 1826, was a wooden frame building which stood to the left of the present sanctuary and faces what was then the road to India Hook. It was used until 1890, when a brick sanctuary was constructed. This building was used until 1955 when the current brick sanctuary was dedicated.

The cemetery adjacent to the church has been used as a community burial ground since the time of the first settlement. The oldest marked grave is that of Stephen McCorkle who died on September 22, 1790 at the age of 55. Ebenezer Memorial Association was organized in 1945 for the purpose of caring for the church and cemetery grounds.

If you are ever down in Rock Hill, I encourage you to stop and visit. Take a nice stroll among the family....