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Gen. Francis Marion Memorial Day celebrated in Pineville
Berkeley County's own (late) Sen. Bill Mescher was responsible for S.C. setting aside February 27 of each year as a legal day for remembrance and recognition as General Francis Marion's Day. Carolyn Meistrell, regent of the DAR Chapter, stated, "Francis Marion's grandfather, Benjamin, the emigrant, and his wife Judith Baluet came to South Carolina previous to 1693- 94 and settled in the Goose Creek District on a portion of what is now known as the Oaks Plantation. "Francis's father, Gabriel, married Esther Cordes of St. John's Berkeley, and they had Esther, Isaac, Benjamin, Gabriel, Job, and the youngest, Francis. Francis was born in 1732 at Goatfield Plantation, which later became known as North Chachan. "Marion's infancy was unpromising. At birth, Francis was puny and diminutive in a remarkable degree. It was certainly little supposed he should live to manhood and become a hero! But as we all know, he was an American Revolutionary war hero, nick- named the 'Swamp Fox' by the British because of his elusive tactics. "By the time he was 12, his constitution underwent a change. His health became good, the bracing exercises and hardy employments of country life invigorated his frame and with improvement brought with it an increase of energy. "Marion served in two campaigns against the Indians. In 1761, he distinguished himself as a lieutenant of militia by defeating the Cherokees. In 1775, Marion was elected to the S.C. Provincial Congress as a representative. "In 1780, as a lieutenant colonel in the Conti- nental service, Marion led an attack on Savannah. In August 1780, Marion commanded guerrilla warfare against the Loyalists along the Pee Dee and Santee rivers. Marion chased away three Loyalist groups. After the Continentals returned to S.C., Marion served as brigadier general of the militia under Gen. Nathaniel Greene. "Marion was quiet and moody, yet extremely humane and forgiving. He rose from private to brigadier general because of his intuitive grasp of strategy and tactics. Daring and elusive, he usually struck at night and then vanished into the swamps. "Marion only received thanks from S.C. for leading the partisans. He represented his parish (St. Stephen's) in the State Senate and the Constitutional Convention. He voted for a federal union. After marrying Mary Esther Videau in 1786, he lived at his plantation, Pond Bluff, and there he died on February 27, 1795, at the age of 63." Kitty Mescher, historian, along with Sylvia Daniel of the local chapter of DAR, placed a wreath on PGleendegrael oMf aAriloleng'si agrnacvee. The was then recited, followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Ellen Berry, chaplain of the DAR Chapter, closed the celebration with this prayer: "O God, our help in ages past, and our hope for years to come, we invoke your blessing upon our assembly today as we gather to recognize and offer thanksgiving for the inheritance which is ours through the labors and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. "Inspire us with your Holy Spirit and help us to remember the dedication and sacrifice of that great patriot, Francis Marion. Help us to see, O Lord, that in claiming and reclaiming again and again the values of our heritage, we enrich the present and lay strong foundations for our future. "Even as this place has endured the passage of time through the loving service of the one we honor today, help us to be aware and thankful for our liberty and the opportunity we have to serve our country. We make our prayer in your name, O Lord, remembering our heritage and this great patriot, Francis Marion. Amen." |
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