Singleton and Related Genealogy Pages
A history of many families.
1854 - 1936 (81 years)| Name | Julius Andrew MOOD [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] | |
| Prefix | Dr. | |
| Suffix | M. D. | |
| Birth | 22 Apr 1854 | Lincolnton, North Carolina  [11] |
| Gender | Male | |
| Education | enter Wofford in 1871- graduated with an A. B. degree in 1875; he entered the Medical College of Charlesotn, where he was graduated in 1879 [12] | |
| HIST | Julius’s father was pastor, in Lincolnton, N. C., at the time of his birth. In 1881 Julius Mood with his family came to Sumter to establish a practice of medicine. They lived at first on the corner of South Sumter and Dugan Strrets, with a small office in the rear. Dr. Julius A. Mood, early Sumter Renaissance manDr. Julius A. Mood Posted: Sunday, April 4, 2010 6:00 am | Updated: 10:55 am, Mon Apr 5, 2010. By SAMMY WAY Sumter will not forget Dr. Mood, for his life and work there gave it an advantage over most communities. .... The News and Courier, 1936 The Mood family probably has its roots in Germany where the original spelling seems to have been "Muth." The first members of the family arrived in America about 1750. They entered the country through Pennsylvania and eventually worked their way down to the Carolinas where Julius Andrew Mood was born in Lincolnton, N.C. His father Henry served as pastor of the community at this time and was very concerned about the poor health of his young son. It was not long before Julius gained in physical strength and intellectual curiosity. He displayed a strong interest in primarily reading about plants and animals. In 1865 the family moved to South Carolina, where Henry was being called to Goshen Hill, a church in Union County. He later received additional assignments that caused him to move to several different communities across the state. Julius was required enter into an apprenticeship when he was 12 years old as a "printer's devil" in order to raise money for college, because, as a minister, his father was poorly compensated. Julius earned more than enough for his first year of college. He was also able to contribute to his family, who were in financial straits during Reconstruction. Young Julius enrolled at Wofford College in 1871 and soon established an outstanding academic record while also gaining a reputation as a practical joker. These qualities enabled him to make many friends who became very influential leaders in South Carolina. He graduated in 1875 with an A.B. degree and became a public school teacher in Laurens. In 1876 while visiting his parents in Spartanburg he had a chance encounter with Alma Archer, a young woman he had met at Wofford. Julius was very attracted to Alma and soon talked her into eloping. This sudden wedding between Mood, then 22, and Alma, 20, was well received by the Mood family; however, the bride's family was extremely unhappy and it was reported that "angry words were exchanged causing a breach which was never entirely healed." The young couple returned to Laurens where they built a home, with Julius doing the carpentry with Alma's assistance. She had high aspirations for her husband and was successful in persuading him to study medicine. He entered the Medical College of Charleston and graduated in 1879. On Aug. 1, 1881, Mood moved his family to Sumter, where he hoped to establish a medical practice. He opened his first office in a small building at the rear of his home on the corner of South Sumter and Dugan streets. It was difficult finding enough business to pay his bills in this new community. He was able to supplement his income by writing editorials for The Watchman and The True Southron until his practice was established. The Moods became the parents of three talented daughters, Marian, Laura and Julia Alma. They also had a who sadly died in infancy. The youngest daughter Julia Alma (Peterkin) became one the country's most illustrious writers, winning the Pulitzer Prize for her book titled "Scarlet Sister Mary." Within a year of their arrival in Sumter, Alma's health began to rapidly deteriorate and in September of 1882 his beloved wife died. News of her death was reported in the following article printed in a Spartanburg newspaper: "Mrs. Alma Kennedy Mood, wife of Dr. Julius Mood, and a daughter of Mr. John Archer of Spartanburg, South Carolina, died at her father's residence, April 22, 1882, in the twenty-eighth year of her age. In the bloom of womanhood, she possessed personal charms which won the admiration of her friends. Beautiful, quiet, timid yet sprightly, tender, loving, she made home happy with those domestic virtues that drew to her the affection of the family. She fell asleep in hope, leaving her immediate family, a husband and three tender children. Her body reposes in the cemetery in this place." Despondent and disheartened following the death of his wife and best friend, Mood moved his office to the second floor of the Ricker Building on Main Street. His living quarters were in the rear of the building adjoining the office and printing shop of The Watchman and Southron newspaper. He would spend hours writing editorials that helped supplement his income while he dealt with the stress and loneliness of single parenthood. The rapid growth of his medical practice soon required him to bid farewell to his editorship and focus the majority of his time on his medical duties. In March of 1883 he was called to the home of John Ingram Brogdon who had injured his arm in an accident at his cotton gin, according to family members, or at a sawmill, according to historian Cassie Nicholes. Mood was required to perform surgery that resulted in the removal of Brogdon's arm. He was assisted by Miss Janie Brogdon, John Ingram's sister, who was a trained nurse. She was able to impress Mood with her skill and knowledge of medical affairs and soon after a brief courtship the couple married on March 12, 1883. On February 12, 1884 Janie gave birth to Henry Ashleigh Mood, who later became a physician following in his father's footsteps. In 1894 Mood established a private medical institution known as the Mood Infirmary located on Washington Street. He paid the expenses of its upkeep in excess of what was not paid by his patients. This endeavor became Sumter's first hospital and proved successful primarily due to the efforts of Mrs. Janie Mood who served as superintendent, anesthetist and for several years prepared all the meals for patients admitted to the facility. These meals were cooked in the kitchen of her home next door to the medical facility. The infirmary remained in use for nearly 20 years and consolidated with the Sumter Hospital after it was chartered. This facility eventually became Tuomey Hospital due to the munificence of the Tuomey Estate which named Mood a life trustee. Mood introduced a nurses' training program at the infirmary with some of its most distinguished graduates being "Miss Rosa Brogdon, Miss Gregg, Miss Nettie Powell, and Miss "Edie" Evans (Mrs. Charles Mason). Neither intelligence nor judgment are creative. If a sculptor is nothing but science and intelligence, his hands will have no talent. ... Antoine de Saint-Exupery Mood was described by his contemporaries as a "pioneer in various fields." He was both a doctor of medicine and a surgeon with history crediting him as the first doctor to perform an appendectomy in the Sumter community. The patient saved by this procedure was Mrs. Pauline Sanders Huger. Mood was a voracious reader and maintained an extensive personal library of rare books on a number of subjects. He closely monitored the addition of any new drugs into the medical field, which allowed him to address and treat more illnesses. Mood enrolled in the Medical College of New York, where he completed his postgraduate studies. He was instrumental in bring the first X-ray machine to Sumter, as he was convinced that this new technology would completely transform surgery and assist in saving countless lives. He had a close relationship with his patients and did not promote the practice of excessive "dosing," as he contended that illnesses were often psychosomatic. He was often called to deliver babies in the community and several families proudly proclaimed that Mood was responsible for bringing three generations of their children into the world. Mood was a patriot and did not hesitate to enlist in the Second South Carolina Regiment of Infantry, where he held the rank of major while serving as a surgeon. He was ordered to active duty during the Spanish-American War and also served as a member of Wade Hampton's "Red Shirts" during the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. He was deeply religious but maintained the position of being a "teacher not a preacher." His service as a citizen in the community was extensive. The Item noted in 1916 that "Prior to 1888, he served as warden of the town of Sumter, and in 1888, he became the first mayor of the town under its new charter, serving as a member of its city council from 1886 to 1888, and as chairman of its School Board continuously from 1889 for more than 35 years." Mood was also an avid hunter, and even after the age of 80 he could be found periodically spending the night in the local swamps with his friends and other hunting groups. He also enjoyed hunting birds, ducks and deer, and many of his friends remarked that "he loved his dogs and understood them perfectly." He is credited with owning and operating Sumter's first automobile. He declared the machine was a mechanical wonder "Why just think," he said, "how superior this is to a railroad engine, which after every trip has to be sent to the roundhouse for oiling, greasing and adjustments and can only travel over a path of rail, while this machine will go anywhere and needs but little care and just oil, gas and water at times." Mood is also recognized as promoting the first automobile race held in South Carolina on a course that originated at Dingle's Mill and continued down Main Street with the finish line located at the courthouse. The race is described as a "gala event," with cars reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour, traveling down people-lined streets, filling the air with dust and excitement. Shortly after World War I Mood purchased the first airplane owned in the Sumter community. He hired a young pilot, who had flown during the war, to take him to various destinations around the state. On one occasion he requested to be flown to Richmond, Virginia, to visit his friends. The pilot refused to fly a plane that could barely exceed 100 miles an hour over such a long distance. "The trip was off: the plane was sold," The Item noted. Mood served as a charter member of the Sumter Rotary Club and served as president. He was also asked to serve as chairman of the local Exemption Board and the Direct Exemption Board during World War I. He was one of the charter members of the Fortnightly Club, and in 1933 he spoke to the club concerning the recollections of his life which was reprinted in The State in Columbia, on Dec. 13, 1933. Mood died on Friday, Feb. 7, 1936, at his home in Sumter. Julius Alfred Mood had practiced medicine for 54 years and passed away at the age of 82 after an extended illness. News of his death drew coverage from newspapers across the state. He was survived by his wife Janie Brogdon Mood, who died two years later, and his children and family. A tribute provided by The Daily Item offered a fitting encapsulation of the life this remarkable man lived: He was a many sided man and his interests were wide and his literary ability was marked and many of his essays and addresses on various topics were able and artistic productions. He was not a place seeker, but whatever and whenever there was a call to perform a public duty he responded promptly and gave of his time and ability generously without stint. The author of Reflections used the Item Archives in the preparation of this document. Posted in Looking back, Reflections on Sunday, April 4, 2010 Automobiles had early impact on Sumter ITEM FILE PHOTO Automobiles had early impact on Sumter Two men were captured zooming through Sumter at several miles per hour in this undated photo. BY SAMMY WAY Item Archivist Dr. Julius Mood called the automobile "a mechanical wonder." The horseless carriage had quite an impact on the Sumter community. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AUTOMOBILE The history of the automobile can be traced back to 1672, when Ferdinand Verbiest built a steam-powered vehicle and presented it to the Chinese emperor. Research notes that this was probably the first working, steam-powered vehicle to be produced. Other similar devices began to appear around the globe as early as 1769 with the first internal combustion engine being constructed in 1806. By 1865 England had passed the Locomotive Act which required that when a self-propelled vehicle traveled the roads, a man must precede it carrying a red flag and blowing a horn to warn the citizenry. By the 1870s the Russian Ivan Kublin had completed work on a human-propelled (by pedaling) carriage with a steam engine. The controlling Czarist government saw no demand for such an implement and thus research on the concept was terminated. In 1885, also known as the beginning of the modern era of auto development, the petro-fueled internal combustion engine became the power source of choice for most automobile developers. The first American developer to receive a patent was Oliver Evans in 1789. By 1805 the first successful self-propelled vehicle, which was also amphibious, was demonstrated in the United States. Most historians regard the first "real" automobile as the vehicle produced by Amedie Bollee. The auto was not only self-propelled, it also had the ability to carry passengers. NEW TECHNOLOGIES During the latter part of the 19th century, numerous changes were made to the automobile by a number of gifted inventors. Karl Benz, known as the inventor of the modern automobile and a master technician, obtained one of the many German auto patents for his company. Not long after this, Rudolf Diesel perfected the four-stroke diesel engine while Nikolain Otto worked on the four-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine. U.S. AUTOMAKERS During the early 20th century, Ransom Olds and his Olds Motor Vehicle Company (Oldsmobile) would mass produce early American automobiles. By 1902 there were large-scale production lines running in the country. The world's second mass-produced autos were thought to be the Ramblers, which accounted for a large percentage of autos on the highways during this era. By 1903 Cadillac was putting thousands of vehicles on the highways. During this era a significant number of technological advances made their way into the autos being produced worldwide. The advent of multi-valve engines, overhead camshafts, 4-wheel drive, drive shafts, pedal brakes, and improved glassware made the automobile increasingly appealing to the general public. The Studebaker Brothers, who had led the country in the manufacture of horse-drawn vehicles, were making the transition to gasoline-powered vehicles by 1904. The Studebaker would become one of the more popular autos sold to the American public. From 1908 to 1927 Henry Ford would make extensive use of the assembly line to orchestrate the Model T's, making them the most widely produced and available auto in the country. A popular Ford motto during in 1909 was "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants as long as it is black." The Model T was soon followed by the Model A, produced in 1927 to 1931. It proved to be the best-selling car of that era with sales of at least 4 million vehicles. THE AUTO COMES TO SUMTER The following is a series of articles that appeared in The Watchman and Southron as well as The Sumter Daily Item. These pieces all pertain to the arrival of the automobile in the Sumter community. Many residents believe that the automobile arrived circa 1910; however, The Item archives contains material dated as early as 1903 related to use of the machine in this area. This new invention would usher in a period of dramatic change to the Sumter community and completely revolutionize the mode of travel as it rapidly replaced the horse and wagon. Dr. Julius Mood is thought to be the first resident of Sumter to own an automobile. He also became interested in auto races and would help form the first auto club in the community. One of the first articles to appear in The Watchman and Southron on March 25, 1903, related E.A. Jenkins' "locomobile" accidentally "attempting to climb the steps of the courthouse" due to the driver of the vehicle mistakenly opening the throttle instead of shutting it down, a common error made with this steam machine. The damage done to the machine was slight - the "steering mechanism thrown out of line, making it hard to guide." Another incident that illustrated that many local residents harbored an intense dislike for these "new-fangled machines" was found in an article published on March 1, 1905. The incident occurred when three men who were leaving Manning and attempting to make a rapid return to Sumter happened upon a farmer who took offense at the automobile to approaching his horse and wagon at a rapid speed. The farmer fired several shots from his pistol over the heads of the travelers and ordered them to stop, which they did immediately. The driver talked to the farmer and was soon able to defuse the situation and continued to motor toward Sumter. The vehicle rolled into the city "having covered the 20 miles in one hour and 20 minutes in spite of all the delays - bad roads and others." By 1905 it was advertised in The Watchman and Southron that local residents could purchase the Ford (The Car of Satisfaction) from J. A. Schwerin Motors located at 108 South Main St. Part 2 of this article examining the beginning of auto racing in Sumter and the growing popularity of the automobile in personal transportation and racing will appear next Sunday. The author of Reflections used information obtained from The Item archives, Wikipedia Encyclopedia and research conducted by the late Mayor Bubba McElveen in preparing this article. Reach Item archivist Sammy Way at (803) 774-1294. Posted in Reflections on Sunday, September 4, 2011 Part 2: Automobiles' popularity grows BY SAMMY WAY Item Archivist EDITOR'S NOTE: The conclusion of the overview of the early impact of automobiles on Sumter looks at private ownership of cars and the beginning of racing in the community. On Nov. 11, 1905, it was announced that "the automobilists of the city met last night in the armory of the Sumter Light Infantry and perfected the organization of the Sumter Motor Club. The officers elected were Dr. J.A. Mood, President; Dr. Walter Cheyne, Vice President. Mr. H. Harby, Secretary and Treasurer." The prime objective of the club was to "dissipate" the public's hostile opinion regarding the use of automobiles. Auto operators were to have regard for the rights of the public, and several social features of the club were considered. The long-range plans of the club include having a club house built where members could meet and enjoy a "pleasant evening." The success of the club was ensured because of the increase in autos arriving to the community in the next few years. In April of 1910, Sumter residents were provided the opportunity to purchase "the popular E.M.F. Touring Car from the Shaw & Drake Motor Company located at 10, 12 and 14 Sumter Street." The Shaw and Drake Company would also serve as agents for Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties for those interested in purchasing one of their touring cars. AUTO RACES COME TO SUMTER In December of 1905, the Sumter Light Infantry (the local militia) sponsored a carnival to raise funds and hopefully encourage residents from the surrounding communities to come to Sumter and shop, which would prove beneficial to local businesses. The events were held on the courthouse grounds, then located across from the Opera House on Main Street. There were numerous activities, including a high dive and two races participated in by women only. The first was a horse-driving contest which required the participants to drive their horses between two rows of people where they demonstrated their control of the animals and then performed an unknown activity known as a "turn out." Following the conclusion of the competition, Mrs. C.L. Stubbs was named the winner while Mrs. E.E. Rembert finished second. The most memorable activity was the automobile-driving contest. Mr. T.B. Jenkins, an auto and bicycle dealer, was in charge of this activity. The race started in the afternoon on Warren Street, and the lady contestants drove south to Liberty past large numbers of spectators who lined the street. The race was deemed a tie between Mrs. R.L. Wright and Mrs. I.C. Strauss, and the winners were thought to have reached speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour. The race proved to be the most popular event held at the carnival, and it would not be long before the men became involved in the sport. Series of races begins Sumter was embarking on a series of auto races in 1916 and was led by the efforts of Ervin Shaw, for whom Shaw Air Force Base is named, who acted as promoter of the event. The 1916 race was held at 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon, and the sponsors expected a large, enthusiastic crowd. Shaw issued the following statement concerning the racing surface: "The race track measured slightly over a mile and was located near the brick making plant in the proximity of the Florence Highway." Shaw stated "Fords, Chalmers, Buick and other cars have been entered and requests from various points indicate that cars of other makes will also be entered. Willie Wiles of Columbia, probably the best known racer in the state, will be on hand in his Buick. Bergerson of Charleston, another well-known racer, has signed the entry blank. Locally, Al Keels, Bethea and Jim Burkett, all well-known auto drivers of nerve and experience, will race in E.D. Shaw's cars." Dabney Shaw proved to be the overall winner while driving Ervin Shaw's car and also won the prestigious 30-mile race defeating the favored Willie Wiles, who dropped out after being lapped. The race track was located at the old fairgrounds located between Moses Road and the Brick Yard. Fans were directed to follow East Calhoun Street and turn prior to reaching the Brick Yard. Auto repair shops open for business In 1917, Mr. D.C. Shaw, owner and manager of the Shaw Motor Company, was scheduled to build a repair and testing shop to service Ford autos sold in the area. "The plan is one of Henry Ford's in order that agents for his cars will be in position to give the cars proper attention and make all repairs necessary on them. Mr. Ford has made it compulsory upon agents to purchase machinery and install the repair shops and, furthermore, he has set a standard price for all work on Ford cars." The new repair shop would be the first in this area of the state. Similar shops were placed in various cities and were designed to meet the needs of Ford owners across the state. In 1920 Sumter would witness the opening of its first auto exchange facility. This business would make it possible for local residents to purchase "tested second-hand cars, which prevail in large automobile centers such as Detroit, Atlanta and other prominent cities." The purpose of this exchange was to protect the buyer by ensuring that the used cars purchased were suitable and thoroughly inspected. The decades of the 1920s and '30s would see a massive influx of automobiles and dealerships to the Sumter community. The advent of paved roads and "filling stations" became embedded into the American lifestyle and will be the topic of a future edition of Reflections. The author of Reflections used information obtained from The Item archives, Wikipedia Encyclopedia and research conducted by the late Mayor Bubba McElveen in preparing this article. Reach Item archivist Sammy Way at (803) 774-1294. Posted in Reflections on Sunday, September 11, 2011 Mood silversmiths topic at historical society FROM STAFF REPORTS The Sumter County Historical Society will close out its year of monthly meetings with a program on the Mood family silversmiths and their Sumter and Clarendon county connections. The 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26 presenter will be Summerton native Frank Mood. Mood's talk will include ancestors with whom many Sumterites are familiar, among them the Rev. William Mood, who arrived in Sumter in 1852, and will include information on Dr. Julius Mood, a well-respected Sumter doctor for whom a wing at the original Tuomey Hospital was named; Julia Mood Peterkin, Julius' daughter, who won the 1929 Pulitzer Prize for book, "Scarlet Sister Mary." Frank Mood's program will extend back to his earlier family, including the second Peter Mood, who, according to the late local historian Cassie Nicholes, "came to Charleston about 1785 and, following the longstanding tradition of the family, began a silversmithing business." In addition to discussing the history of the early Mood family, the presenter will talk about their craftsmanship and show some examples of their work in silver from the collection he has been assembling through the years. Peter Mood Sr., who lived from 1766-1821, and his son John Mood, 1792-1864, are linear ancestor of the speaker. Frank Mood's grandfather was a Summerton doctor and a first cousin of Julius Mood, which means he has a connection with the Sumter Moods as well as one with the Sumter Harvins through his mother. Frank Mood graduated from The Citadel in 1960 and received his L.L.B. (law) degree from the University of Virginia in 1963. He practiced law for 38 years at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and its predecessors, where he served as managing director for eight years. After serving as senior vice president and general counsel at SCANA Corporation, he rejoined Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office as special counsel. From 2003-04, Mood was interim dean of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees by both USC and The Citadel. He is also a past chairman of The Citadel's governing board, past president of The Citadel Foundation and past chairman of the S.C. Board of Bar Examiners. Mood and his wife, the former Jane Hammond McLaurin, have three sons, one daughter and six grandchildren. The Sumter County Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the Heritage Education Center of the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. Frank Mood will speak on "The Mood Family Silversmiths." The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will be served. For more information call (803) 775-0908 or write the society at P.O. Box 1456, Sumter SC 29151. Posted in Panorama on Sunday, April 22, 2012 Early Residents shaped Sumter in all areas Posted: Sunday, November 23, 2014 6:00 am BY SAMMY WAY WAYSAMMY@YAHOO.COM Reflections continues to highlight the achievements and contributions of Sumter citizens who helped make our community successful and productive. The group highlighted in this issue comprises individuals selected at random and are not the only candidates worthy of mention. Reflections will continue to prepare additional biographical sketches of those who have worked to improve the economic and cultural life of the Sumter community and feature them in future articles. Information used in preparing this presentation was obtained from The Sumter Item archives and the writings of Cassie Nicholes. Neil O'Donnell (1859-1937) was born in Ardora Parrish, County of Donegal, Ireland, and came to America where he settled in Pennsylvania. He came to Sumter and took employment with William Bogin, later taking over this successful mercantile business. O'Donnell and Company was incorporated in 1906, and O'Donnell became active in a number of civic and commercial concerns. He was a principal benefactor of Tuomey Hospital, serving as president of its Board of Trustees, president of the First National Bank (later South Carolina National 1930), and board member of the City Schools for 43 years, served one term on city council and served on numerous boards of several local industries and business concerns. Dr. Samuel H. Edmunds (1870-1935) was born at Millgrove Plantation, Richland County, and moved in 1877 to Sumter, where he spent the bulk of his life. He attended Davidson College, graduating in 1890, and was later selected as assistant principal of the Sumter graded school, serving two years in that position. He became the headmaster of the Presbyterian High School in Rock Hill for two years prior to accepting the superintendence of the Sumter City Schools, where he remained for almost 40 years. He pursued postgraduate work at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Presbyterian, Wofford and the University of South Carolina. He was a member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations. He was instrumental in founding the local YMCA; it was noted that "his interest was not limited or restricted to the schools but any and every movement for the good of Sumter received his active support." Dr. Julius Mood (1854-1936) "He was the oldest physician of Sumter in years and length of active service in his profession; besides being an outstanding citizen, he was honored and beloved by the entire community to which he gave a lifetime of devoted service." He served on the City Schools Board for more than four decades and possessed acute literary abilities. He was a charter member of the Fortnightly Literary Club organized in 1916; he was a charter member and president of the Sumter Rotary Club in addition to serving in numerous other civic, social and fraternal organizations. He established and conducted a private hospital for nearly 20 years prior to its merging with the Sumter Hospital (now Tuomey Regional Medical Center). James D. Blanding was born in Columbia in 1821 and studied at the Academy there. Following graduation from South Carolina College in 1841, he read law with his uncle, William DeSaussure. Blanding moved to Sumter in 1843 to practice law, only to have his career interrupted by the Mexican War in 1848. He became one of Sumter's leading lawyers and practiced the profession for 35 years. He also served in the Legislature on the Education and Judiciary Committees and as mayor of Sumter. Before the signing of the Ordinance of Succession he raised the first company of volunteers in the Sumter District. He was a devoted church member and participated in a number of civic and fraternal activities. His home once stood on the current site of Memorial Park. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was born on July 10, 1875, near Raccoon Road, which at one time served as the main highway between Camden and Georgetown. She was the 15th of 17 children and received the majority of her early education in Mayesville under the tutelage of Emma Wilson. Her obsession with education led her to become a schoolteacher and eventually found Bethune-Cookman College in Florida. She later became friend and confidant of Eleanor Roosevelt, leading to her appointment to several advisory boards. Bethune became a member of the "Black Cabinet," where she advised President Roosevelt on the status of African-Americans in America. She became a member of the National Youth Administration and helped draft the United Nations Charter, an act she considered to be her highest national honor. Mary McLeod Bethune died on May 18, 1955, near her school, a place that had remained dearest to her heart. Noah Graham Osteen (1843-1936) "One of the pioneers in the history of Sumter's Press was born on Jan. 25, 1843. He entered the newspaper business in 1855 at the age of 12 when he took a job with The Sumter Watchman. When he finished his five-year apprenticeship, he was given the task of publishing a Conway paper his company owned. He entered the military when the paper ceased publication and Sherman's army was approaching Columbia; following the conflict, he returned home to Sumter with his new wife. He later purchased half interest in The Sumter News (which became The True Southron)." In 1881 He purchased from Darr his interest in the True Southron and purchased at the same time The Sumter Watchman, later consolidating the two papers into the Watchman and Southron. In 1894 he began publishing a daily paper, The Sumter Item, and the Watchman and Southron became a semi-weekly newspaper and continued until 1933. He remained active in the newspaper business until he died as a result of an accident in 1936. Thomas Sumter (1734-1832) Sumter County's namesake was born in Hanover County, Virginia, Aug. 14, 1734, and came to South Carolina in 1762, married Mary (Cantey) Jameson in 1767, became a planter and engaged in the mercantile business. He served in the Provincial Congress in 1776 and was made a lieutenant colonel in the 6th S.C. Regulars. He was appointed brigadier general of the South Carolina militia Oct. 6, 1780, and was in command of all militia in South Carolina during the Revolution. He was elected to serve as a member of the Continental Congress, 1783-1784, and the House of Representatives from 1789-1793 and 1797-1801. Sumter served as a United States Senator from Dec. 18, 1801 to Dec. 19, 1810. Sumter lived in Stateburg, which he helped found in 1793, until he died at age 98 on June 1, 1832. John K. Crosswell was a native of Lee County north of Bishopville reared near what is now Lee State Park. He was the son of John R. and Susan Wright Crosswell; however, little is known about him prior to his coming to Sumter to work for a relative. He started Crosswell and Company in Sumter in 1901 which became the "largest wholesale business in eastern South Carolina." The business was initially located on the southwest corner of Main and Liberty streets; later he had three buildings constructed on South Sumter Street. He and his brother gained control of the Coca-Cola rights on syrup, which was sold to bottlers in many cities. His business interests continued to grow until his death in 1929. One of the conditions of his will was the establishment of an orphanage to be constructed for the children of Sumter. This organization continues to exist in the city, and due to Crosswell's planning, the facility continues to fulfill its mission. John Blount Miller (1782-1851) Anne King Gregorie describes John B. Miller as "One of the most useful and influential citizens of Sumter." Born in Charleston on Oct. 16, 1782, he moved to Sumter in December of 1805, the same year he was admitted to the Bar. Records indicate that he was probably the first lawyer to reside in the Sumter community and became its initial Notary Public. He was later admitted as Commissioner and Registrar of the First Court of Equity in the Sumter District. He helped organize the Sumterville Library Society, became a noted orator, veteran of the War of 1812, writer and strong advocate of public education. Evidence of this was his conveying one acre of land for "the improvement of the children of said village and its vicinity," leading to the eventual building of three separate schools. He was an advocate of building a branch of the High Hills Baptist Church in Sumterville, which later became First Baptist. "He would devise a system of filing and labeling important papers relevant to the countless number of legal cases he handled." In addition to his numerous accomplishments he still found time to publish two books. Reach Item Archivist Sammy Way at waysammy@yahoo.com or (803) 774-1294. Reflections by Sammy Way: Dr. Julius Alfred Mood: A man who possessed many talents Dr. Julius A. Mood was born in North Carolina in 1854 and moved to Sumter in 1881. He practiced medicine in Sumter and served as editor of The Watchman and Southron. SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Posted Saturday, January 25, 2025 6:00 am By SAMMY WAY Sumter Item archivist and historian Reflections revisits Dr. Julius Mood, a man of myriad talents. Dr. Mood was noted as one of the more skilled doctors of his era; furthermore, he was briefly an editor of The Watchman and Southron and very knowledgeable of autos and airplanes. Information and photos used to prepare this piece were obtained from The Sumter Item archives, the writings of Dr. Anne King Gregorie and Cassie Nicholes and primarily from Barbara Ester Outlaw. A degree of editing has been required; due to the length of the article, and it will be presented in two parts. "Julius Alfred Mood was the second child and first son of Methodist minister Henry McFarlane Mood and Laura (Clark) Mood. He was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on April 22, 1854. Later, Julius was baptized by Rev. Samuel Lander Sr. At the age of 3, he was described as a healthy child who greatly enjoyed Sunday school. In September of 1857, he was going through his catechism for the second time that year and learning a hymn each Saturday." At the age of 7, one of his greatest pleasures was to watch the afternoon stage pass. He would sit on a hillside overlooking the coach's road - a road which led to the center of Lenoir, North Carolina, the little village in which he lived - and listen eagerly for the sound of the driver's horn at Lower Creek, a mile away. The stage came from the south, through which part he didn't know, and departed over the mountain to some unknown destination. Its haste seemed an urge of "some compelling necessity" to him. During this period of young Mood's life, South Carolina seceded from the Union. Several other states followed, and with them came the news that a war was to begin. In the country which surrounded Lenoir, a mass meeting and a dinner were held so that the citizens might decide what part they were to play in this general movement in the South. Such enthusiasm was raised at these gatherings that young men hurried away to enlist. Regarding the impression he received when he saw these same young men later march away to battle, Dr. Mood wrote " and when the last of their rear guard had passed over the hill and out of sight, I saw the lips of many an old gray mountaineer trembling as he tried to pray, while salty tears of anguish fell from women's eyes." The Mood family was living in Columbia in 1865 when Gen. Sherman captured the city. The Rev. H. M. Mood was holding the office of president of Columbia Female College, now known as Columbia College. Mr. Tucker, a friend of Rev. Mood, heard of the sacking of the city and sent a team and wagon to transport the family to a cottage just across the Saluda River in Union County. Mrs. Mood, Mary Catherine, Sallie, Preston and Lula were sent to the cottage in the wagon, carrying with them household belongings and tobacco. As there was no room in the wagon for Rev. Mood and Julius, they were left behind, expecting to join the others soon. After nearly four weeks of waiting for some type of transportation, the two made the trip (about 60 miles) by foot. They took a milk cow and a sack of field peas with them. These supplies helped the family through many trying days. When 12 years old, Julius was apprenticed as a "printer's devil" to Derry, Cook and Perry, of Charleston, South Carolina. He remained there for several years, earning enough money to pay for his college education and to help support his family during the South's trying Reconstruction. He entered Wofford College in 1871, where he soon came to be known for his academic brilliance along with his practical joking. The latter was a source of much trouble for the Wofford authorities and a source of embarrassment for Rev. Henry Mood. Ernest and Frank Gary, two of Julius' Wofford schoolmates, were victims of his pranks on occasion. Upon his graduation from Wofford in June 1875, Julius delivered an address in the college chapel. Fifty years later, in 1925, he returned to make an address titled: "Human Welfare Depends Upon Traits of Manhood." Four other survivors of the Class of 1875 were present for the address. After graduation, Julius lived in Gray court, Laurens County, South Carolina. He gained employment as a teacher and became a popular figure within the county. While Julius was at Wofford College, he became very interested in Miss Alma Archer, the younger sister of one of his schoolmates. Alma and her older sister lived in Spartanburg with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Archer. Alma, who was her father's favorite daughter, was discouraged in her interest for the young man by her father, who believed that Julius was not able to support his daughter "in the manner to which she was accustomed." Julius' and Alma's interests in each other declined for a time, and Julius moved to Laurens County to teach school. On June 13, 1876, however, while on a visit to Spartanburg, he passed her in his buggy and offered her a ride. Before the ride ended, they had decided to marry. As no license was required then, they found a preacher who would perform the ceremony and eloped; he was 22 and she 20. Julius' family, though surprised, were satisfied with the marriage and happy for the couple. Alma's family was very angry, however, and an angry exchange of words ensued between Mr. Archer and Julius. The elopement caused a breach between the two that was never healed. Julius and his wife moved to Laurens County, where he again took the position of schoolteacher. They occupied the schoolhouse until school opened in September. They "camped" in that building until Julius secured a building lot. The two of them then built their house with their own hands, Julius doing the carpentry work and Alma standing to hand him the shingles and nails for the roof. Amused neighbors helped them. In his later days, Dr. Mood referred to these days as the happiest period of his life. Reflections by Sammy Way: Dr. Julius Alfred Mood: A man who possessed many talents, Part II This memorial photo and poem for Dr. Julius Mood was published in the 1936 Sumter High School yearbook. SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Posted Saturday, February 1, 2025 6:00 am Reflections revisits Dr. Julius Mood, a man of myriad talents. Dr. Mood was noted as one of the more skilled doctors of his era; furthermore, he was briefly an editor of The Watchman and Southron and very knowledgeable of autos and airplanes. Information and photos used to prepare this piece were obtained from The Sumter Item archives, the writings of Dr. Anne King Gregorie and Cassie Nicholes and primarily from Barbara Ester Outlaw. A degree of editing has been required. This is part two in a two-part series; read part one at www.theitem.com/reflections or in the Jan. 25-28 weekend edition. Alma Mood, realizing that her husband was unusually intelligent, persuaded him to study medicine as a profession. She asked for and received the aid of a friendly neighbor, a physician, who gave her husband preliminary medical instruction. For a fee of $50, the doctor agreed to let Julius "read medicine" under his instruction. The doctor set this fee to discourage the young man, but Julius faithfully studied in his spare time, and Alma made many sacrifices that he might finish the studies.Julius later entered the Medical College of Charleston, South Carolina, and graduated with his medical degree in 1879. He attended a reunion of this class in 1929. The Moods lived in Laurens until August 1881. On the first day of that month, they moved to Sumter and resided on the southeast corner of Sumter and Dugan streets. Julius used an outbuilding in the yard for his office. By then, the couple had three daughters in the family - Marian, Laura and Julia. A son had died in infancy. On Aug. 1, 1881, it was announced in the first issue of two combined papers, The Watchman and The Southron, that the editorial department of that paper would be controlled by A. H. Anderson and Dr. J.A. Mood, "a graduate of the highest honor from Wofford College." In less than a year after they moved to Sumter, Alma Mood died. Her health had been failing for some time. She was buried in a Spartanburg cemetery. After his wife's death, Julius carried on his work as editor of The Watchman and Southron in addition to his medical practice. He resigned as editor on Tuesday, March 17, 1883, because of his increasing professional business. On one of his cases, Dr. Mood was called to the John B. Brogdon home to attend John I. Brogdon, who had lost his arm in a sawmill accident. Janie Brogdon, John's sister, was the nurse on this case, and the two worked together. On March 12, 1883, they were married. Julius and Janie had one child, Henry Ashleigh Mood, who became a practicing physician in Sumter. Dr. H. A. Mood was born Feb. 12, 1884. Sumter was indeed fortunate to have a citizen such as Dr. Julius Andrew Mood. He was a man capable of helping his fellow man and willing to do so. Before 1888, he served as warden to Sumter. From 1886 to 1888, he served as a member of its city council, becoming the first mayor of Sumter under its new charter. Dr. Mood also served as chairman of the school board continuously from 1889 for more than 35 years. Dr. Mood founded one of Sumter's first infirmaries, the Mood Infirmary, in 1894. This accomplishment was aided by the efforts of his wife, who acted as superintendent and aesthetician of the hospital. The infirmary opened at a time when trained medical help was almost impossible to obtain and when funds were limited. For several years, the food for the hospital's patients was prepared in the kitchen of Mrs. Mood's home under her supervision. Later, the Mood Infirmary merged with Sumter Hospital, which later became known as Tuomey Hospital. For a number of years, Dr. Mood served as chairman of the board of this hospital. Dr. Mood believed that much illness was imaginary and that the patient needed, in many cases, not medicine but a different state of mind. He had the power of relieving the patients of depression and boosting their morale. One patient related that when the time came for her to leave Dr. Mood's office after her visits, she had "forgotten where the pain was." Dr. Julius Andrew Mood practiced as a surgeon in Sumter for 54 years. He died at his home in Sumter on Feb. 7, 1936, after an illness of several months. During his illness, he remained cheerful. His wife, Mrs. Janie Brogdon Mood, died at her home on Washington Street on May 2, 1938. When Dr. Mood was asked how many children he had brought into the world, he did not know, but he replied that he had delivered three generations in some families. Many of Sumter's citizens never had another doctor in their lives. Dr. Mood was an excellent speaker. He had varied interests and colorful experiences, a knowledge of books and a keen memory; he was able to charm audiences. His personality was unforgettable. Besides being a man of marked literary ability, he was a pioneer in various fields. He owned and drove the first automobile in Sumter. He also owned the town's first airplane. Dr. Mood was deeply religious. It is said that the difference between his views and his critics was that Dr. Mood was progressive and constantly growing mentally, always enlarging his vision, while his critics were completely static, their outlook almost entirely retrogressive. His religious faith became more and more like that of the Mood forebears in his later years. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12] | |
| MILI | He served as surgeon with the Second South Carolina Regiment of Infantry with the rank of major during the Spanish-American War. He had also belonged to Hampton’s Red Shirts during Reconstruction. [13] | |
| Occupation | he practiced medicine in Sumter for 54 years; he served on the school board for 30 years (Sumter, South Carolina) [14, 15] | |
| _UID | 8A261341D6544A38A69092D953F19D326405 | |
| Death | 7 Feb 1936 | at his home, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [16] |
| Burial | Sumter Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Avenue, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [14] |
|
| Person ID | I82938 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 1 Feb 2025 | |
| Father | Reverend Henry McFarland MOOD, b. 14 Feb 1819, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina d. 2 May 1897, at his home, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina (Age 78 years) | |
| Mother | Laura Ann Clementine CLARK, b. 22 Feb 1823, Lowndesville, South Carolina d. 23 Dec 1902, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina (Age 79 years) | |
| Marriage | 15 Jan 1846 | Abbeville District, South Carolina [17, 18] |
| _UID | 3BC1CCE362DF418391ACE336F2A66C8F99BD | |
| _UID | 3BC1CCE362DF418391ACE336F2A66C8F99BD | |
| Family ID | F58171 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family 1 | Jane Adelaide “Janie” BROGDON, b. 25 Feb 1857 d. 2 May 1938 (Age 81 years) | |||
| Marriage | 12 Mar 1883 [19] | |||
| _UID | 776CD04160F34262842D81B56A4D80A2AB83 | |||
| _UID | 776CD04160F34262842D81B56A4D80A2AB83 | |||
| Children |
|
|||
| Family ID | F57589 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||
| Last Modified | 13 Aug 2003 | |||
| Family 2 | Alma ARCHER | |||||||||||
| Marriage | 1876 | Spartanburg, South Carolina [12] |
||||||||||
| _UID | 40F6E2A9FADC46D2A04EED974700FEC32923 | |||||||||||
| _UID | 40F6E2A9FADC46D2A04EED974700FEC32923 | |||||||||||
| Children |
|
|||||||||||
| Family ID | F72517 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||||||||
| Last Modified | 12 Aug 2003 | |||||||||||
| Notes |
|
| Sources |
|
