In the South Carolina Capitation Tax records, an undated record for Gabriel Barrow gives his address as 26 Mazyck Street.
Samuel Weston put forth Barrow's name for membership on December 8, 1847, and he was unanimously accepted into the Clionian Debating Society. On December 15, 1847, the Society minutes included a thanks for Barrow's donation of "a quire of paper."
On February 2, 1848, the Society decided that the next debate question would be, "Which is the more useful - literary or romance reading?", with Barrow in favor and F. H. Oliver against. In the same February 2 meeting Barrow was appointed Reporter protem. Barrow was also thanked for the gift of some candles to the Society.
On February 16, 1848 Barrow was appointed to argue in favor of Alexander of the question “Which was the greatest and most virtuous general, Washington or Alexander?" against E. G. Beaird. Beaird won on February 23, 1848.
On March 15, 1848, Barrow was elected to the Committee of Queries.
On March 22, 1848, Barrow was chosen to argue the negative side of the question, "Was it ambition that led Napoleon to battle or not?" against E. Beaird. Because the debate started late, on March 22, 1848 it was deferred. On June 7, 1848 Beaird won the debate. With E. Beaird, Barrow offered a resolution at the May 17, 1848 meeting to change the meeting times of the Society from once a week to once a month.
On September 18, 1848, Barrow was chosen to take the negative side against Simeon Beaird on the question, "Will the acquisition of California be of any great use to the US?" Beaird won on December 19, 1848.
On March 21, 1849, Barrow was chosen to take the side in favor of the question, "Is the Republic of France likely to remain permanent?" against J. Hyames. The question was debated on March 28, and the negative side won.
On April 11, 1849, Barrow was chosen to argue against E.G. Beaird that Brutus was in the wrong in condemning his to death when he was tried for treason. He lost the argument on May 21.
On the question "Which is the better, a mechanical or professional pursuit?", Barrow was chosen to argue in favor of professional against E.G. Beaird on August 15, 1849. He won the argument on August 22, 1849.
Barrow was chosen to argue in favor of the question, "Is war the proper means for the gratification of national revenge?" against Henry Cardozo in the November 5, 1849 meeting.
For the question, "By whom has the most good been effected, Martin Luther or George Washington?", on April 3, 1850 Barrow was chosen to argue in favor of George Washington against W. O. Weston. Weston won the argument on April 10, 1850.
At the July 24, 1850 meeting, Barrow was appointed to argue in favor of Cicero for the question, "Who accomplished the greatest good for his country, Demosthenes or Cicero?" against E. G. Beaird. Beaird won on July 31, 1850.
On October 14, 1850, Barrow was chosen to argue against the question "Was the conduct of the Roman General Regulus commendable?" against E.G. Beaird. Beaird won on November 4, 1850.
The question "Which has the greatest beneficial influence upon society, intellectual or moral excellence?", Barrow was chosen to argue in favor of intellectual against Henry Cardozo at the July 29, 1851 meeting. The argument was made at the August 11, 1851, but because of the impassioned nature of the debate it was deferred to the following meeting. Barrow won on September 8, 1851.
Job Bass was listed as operating a dry goods store in the 1819, 1822, and 1825 Charleston city directories. His address was 325 King Street in 1819, 152 King in 1822, and simply King Street in 1825.
Bass was elected as an honorary member on January 5, 1848.
He was presented to the Society as the "Orator" January 1, 1849 meeting, wherein he gave a well-received speech and donated a Bible.
Bass presented six books to the Society on December 26, 1849: Scenes in Spain, the works of James Kirke Paulding, two volumes of William Wragg Smith's Sketches of the Seminole War, Thomas Carlyle's The French Revolution, and William Grimshaw's History of France.
In the South Carolina Capitation Tax records, an undated record for Enoch Beaird gives his address as Coming Street, near Cannon Street.
Beaird was appointed Reporter on November 9, 1847.
During the December 1, 1847 meeting, Beaird was chosen to argue in favor of military for the question "Which is the most desirable, literacy or military glory?" against W. O. Weston. Weston won on December 22, 1847.
On January 12, 1848, Beaird was appointed in favor of moderns in the question "Which excelled most in literary pursuit, the moderns or the ancients?" against J. J. Greene, Jr. Beaird won on January 19, 1848.
On February 2, 1848, Beaird was appointed Treasurer protem. He was elected Quarterly Orator by a plurality on February 16, 1848. He was unanimously elected treasurer on March 15, 1848.
At the March 22, 1848 meeting, Beaird was appointed to argue in favor of the question "Was it ambition that led Napoleon to battle or not?" against Gabriel Barrow. Because the debate started late, on March 22, 1848 it was deferred. On June 7, 1848 Beaird won the debate.
With Barrow, Beaird offered a resolution at the May 17, 1848 meeting to change the meeting times of the Society from once a week to once a month.
Beaird was elected president on July 19, 1848.
At the March (7) meeting, Beaird was chosen to argue against the question "Was England right in banishing Napoleon Bonaparte to the Island of St. Helena?" against Simeon Beaird. Simeon Beaird won on March 14, 1849.
For the question, "Was Brutus right or wrong in condemning his to execution for treason?" Beaird was chosen to argue in favor against Gabriel Barrow at the April 11, 1849 meeting. Beaird won on May 21, 1849.
On June 6, 1849, Beaird was chosen to argue against the question "Were the Athenians right in condemning Socrates to death?" against Simeon Beaird. Enoch Beaird won on June 20, 1849.
Beaird filled in as vice president at the June 20, 1849 meeting, as the regular vice president was filling in for the president who was out sick.
At the August 15, 1849 meeting, Beaird was appointed to argue in favor of mechanical for the question, "Which is the better, a mechanical or professional pursuit?" against Gabriel Barrow. Barrow won on August 22, 1849.
On September 27, 1849, Beaird was appointed to argue the latter portion of the question, Which is the more interesting, ancient or modern history?" against Simeon Beaird. Simeon Beaird won on November 5, 1849.
Beaird was declared the Society's "Orator" on January 1, 1850.
Beaird was re-elected as president on March 20, 1850, which required that he resign as reporter.
On July 24, 1850 Beaird was appointed to argue for Demosthenes in the question, "Who accomplished the greatest good for his country, Demosthenes or Cicero?" against Gabriel Barrow. Beaird won on July 31, 1850.
On October 14, 1850, Beaird was chosen to argue in favor for the question "Was the conduct of the Roman General Regulus commendable?" against Gabriel Barrow. Beaird won on November 4, 1850.
Beaird filled in as vice president at the June 23, 1851 meeting, as the regular vice president was out of town.
For the question of "Which is the most responsible for an article, the composer of the publisher?" Beaird was appointed to argue in favor of the publisher against Simeon Beaird at the June 23, 1851 meeting. Enoch Beaird won on July 14, 1851.
Simeon Beaird is mentioned in several undated South Carolina Capitation Tax records. His address is described variously as Coming Street near Cannon, Coming Street between Duncan and Vanderhorst, and the west side of Coming near Vanderhorst. After the Civil War Beaird moved to Augusta, Georgia and worked as a Methodist minister and teacher. He served as a member of the Georgia State Constitutional Convention from 1867 to 1868, and in 1870 chaired a delegation of African American Georgians expressing their grievances to Ulysses S. Grant at the White House. He was a minister in Aiken, South Carolina by 1873, and eventually became treasurer of Aiken County. He died in 1894.
Beaird was elected president on March 15, 1848. He was elected secretary and treasurer on July 19, 1848.
On September 18, 1848, Beaird was chosen to take the side in favor on the question, "Will the acquisition of California be of any great use to the US?" against Gabriel Barrow. Beaird won on December 19, 1848.
At the March 7, 1849 meeting, Beaird was chosen to argue in favor the question "Was England right in banishing Napoleon Bonaparte to the Island of St. Helena?" against Enoch Beaird. Simeon Beaird won on March 14, 1849.
For the question, "Has the Pope's banishment been or is likely to be of any advantage to Rome?" Beaird was chosen to argue against, with Augustus Horry arguing in favor. Beaird won on April 11, 1849
On June 6, 1849, Beaird was chosen to argue in favor for the question "Were the Athenians right in condemning Socrates to death?" against Enoch Beaird. Enoch Beaird won on June 20, 1849.
Beaird was appointed to argue against the question "Was the treatment of the English to the Irish tyrannical?" against W. Weston at the August 1, 1849 meeting. Weston won the argument at the August 8, 1849 meeting.
On September 27, 1849, Beaird was appointed to argue the former portion of the question, "Which is the more interesting, ancient or modern history?" against Enoch Beaird. Simeon Beaird won on November 5, 1849.
Beaird was named Orator at the December 26, 1849 meeting.
Beaird was named president at the July 17, 1850 meeting.
At the September 18, 1850 meeting, the Society adopted a resolution in recognition of Beaird's services as secretary and treasurer (see below).
Beaird was appointed Chairman of the Committee on General Interests on December 2, 1850.
For the question of "Which is the most responsible for an article, the composer of the publisher?" Beaird was appointed to argue in favor of the composer against Enoch Beaird at the June 23, 1851 meeting. Enoch Beaird won on July 14, 1851.
September 18, 1850
The prevailing sentiment of the present age unfortunately has been to blind or in a manner to place upon the same platform the services of those who are truly meritorious, with those who are merely of an ordinary character. Among those who stand prominent in performing duties of an unexceptionable character, and of a rightly deserving description, and whose qualification are of the rarest character, there stands prominent the name of S. W. Beaird, endeared as he is to us all by the relations that has existed between us as members, but more particularly as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Clionian D Society. his actions need no commentary, they are indellibly written upon the minds of each and every one, they are as familiar as the records of the Society, he being associated with it in such a great degree, yea from its origin throughout its different phases, to its now flourishing condition, and we have always beheld for ourselves this good deportment his business activity and his timely counsel in the most requisite hour. Deeming then his services while in that capacity as truly beneficial in its tendency to enhance the prosperity of the institution, and that his ever untiring industry in every post of duty whether laborious or tedious has tended in a great degree to place upon a firm foundation the financial and the literary condition and the respectability of the Society's reputation, and above all newing the cheerfulness with which the performed these onorous duties for the space of eight long terms, it is next that we should show forth some token of our appreciation of his valuable services. Therefore be it resolved unanimously.
1st That we fully regard the long-extended services of our late Secretary and Treasurer, and tender to him our sincere thanks for the ability and the zeal which he always evinced in the discharge of his onerous duties.
2nd That we tender to hims our best wishes for the fulfilment proposed of the new sphere of duties which the Society has tendered him
3rd That the following Preamble and resolution he entered upon the Journals of the Society.
Signed W. O. Weston
R. L. Deas
W. H. Gaillard
A. M. Bland, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was unanimously voted in as an honorary member on December 22, 1847.
Henry Cardozo, Jr. was born in Charleston in 1830 to an enslaved mother, Lydia Weston, and Sephardic Jewish father, Isaac Cardozo. In 1855 he married Catherine F. McKinney. In the 1875 Charleston City Directory his address was given as 19 Coming Street. In 1884 it was listed as 42 Beaufain Street, and his profession was pastor of Bethel Church. Two undated capitation tax records lists him as living at Inspection Street near Marsh. While he primarily worked as a Methodist minister, he also worked as a tailor, a carpenter, and a shipbuilder. He moved to Cleveland with his family at the start of the Civil War. Cardozo returned to Charleston when the war ended in 1865 and become Charleston County Auditor. He later served as the South Carolina State Senator for Kershaw County from 1870 to 1874. He later moved to Cincinnati and died in 1886.
Cardozo was unanimously elected a member of the Society at the February 28, 1849 meeting.
At the March 14, 1849 Cardozo was chosen to debate in favor on the question "Are there any benefits derived from riches?" against W. Gaillard. Cardozo won on March 21, 1849.
At the May 30, 1849 meeting Cardozo was chosen to argue the first portion of the question "Which will a man hear first, the prayer of his wife or mother?" against W. H. Gaillard. Cardozo won on June 6, 1849.
For the question "Which tends most to the diminution of murders 'capital' punishment or 'lifetime' imprisonment?" Cardozo was chosen to argue in favor of capital punishment against W. H. Gaillard at the June 20, 1849 meeting. Cardozo won on July 5, 1849.
Cardozo was appointed to debate in favor of the question "Were the French right in interfering with the late affairs at Rome?" against G. Hyames on August 22, 1849. Hyames won on August 29, 1849.
Cardozo was chosen to argue against in the question, "Is war the proper means for the gratification of national revenge?" against Gabriel Barrow in the November 5, 1849 meeting.
He was elected Quarterly Orator for February 1850 on November 5, 1849. He was elected president on December 3, 1849, and chairman of the Committee on General Interests on March 20, 1850.
On December 3, 1849, Cardozo was chosen to argue the affirmative portion of a question that was not listed in the minutes against J. M. F. DeReef. Cardozo won on January 7, 1850.
Cardozo was chosen to debate DeReef again at the April 10, 1850 meeting, this time to argue in favor of country life for the question "Which is the more conducive to moral purity, a Country or City life?" Cardozo won on April 17, 1850.
At the August 14, 1850 meeting, Cardozo was appointed to argue in favor of the first part for the question, "Which was calculated to shed the brightest lustre and influence on Grecian manners and character, The Laws of Solomon Lycurgus or [unnamed second text]?" against J. M. DeReef. Cardozo won on September 4, 1850.
On December 2, 1850, Cardozo was chosen to argue in favor of the question, "Is education beneficial to society?" against J. M. DeReef. DeReef won on February 3, 1851.
For the question "Which has the greatest beneficial influence upon society, intellectual or moral excellence?", Cardozo was chosen to argue in favor of moral against Gabriel Barrow at the July 29, 1851 meeting. The argument was made at the August 11, 1851, but because of the impassioned nature of the debate it was deferred to the following meeting. Barrow won on September 8, 1851.
William Clark was listed as a tailor in the 1822 Charleston City Directory, and then as a carpenter in 1825 and 1835. His address was given as 17 Archdale Street in 1822, 33 Beaufain in 1825, 15 College in 1835, and 21 College in 1840. However, because the name was common it is unclear if this is the same William Clark that appeared in the Clionian Debating Society minute book. Clark was also a member of the Brown Fellowship Society, and was listed in the 1868 voter rolls for Charleston County in the Fifth Electoral Precinct.
Clark was unanimously voted in as an honorary member on the recommendation of Simeon Beaird on September 13, 1849.
In the 1835 Charleston City Directory Robert Deas was listed as a butcher living on Charlotte Street. In 1859 his profession was given as a porter, with his address on Charlotte Street near Meeting. In the 1861 City Census Deas lived at 24 Wall Street. Several undated capitation tax records alternately give his address as Charlotte near Elizabeth, Charlotte near Meeting, and 24 Wall Street. He is listed in city voter rolls in 1868 and 1877, the latter of which gives his address as the corner of Vernon Street and Marsh Street.
Deas wrote a letter to the Society asking to be admitted as a member, which was unanimously accepted at the September 27, 1849 meeting. He and another new member, Benjamin Hampton, were introduced at the October 8, 1849 meeting.
At the March 20, 1850 meeting Deas was elected Assistant Librarian.
For the question "Who deserves the greater need of praise, the inventor or improver of a project?", Deas was chosen to argue in favor of the inventor against W. F. Gaillard on April 17, 1850. Deas won on May 22, 1850.
Deas donated a copy of F. W. Caper's address to the Citadel Cadets on April 17, 1850, and a copy of N. Mitchell's address to the 4th of July Association on May 22, 1850.
At the September 4, 1850 meeting, Deas was appointed in favor on the question "Was Cromwell right in usurping the reins of government in England?" against W. Gaillard. Gaillard won on September 11, 1850.
At the November 4, 1850, Deas was appointed to the Committee to Examine the Books of the Secretary and Treasurer.
For the question "Which had the greatest influence on Grecian character, their Poetry or their Philosophy?" Deas was appointed to debate in favor of poetry against W. H. Gaillard. Gaillard won on February 3, 1851.
On March 31, 1851 Deas donated two pamphlets to the society.
Deas was unanimously elected Semi-Annual Orator on May 7, 1851. He respectfully declined on June 9, 1851.
He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on General Interest on July 29, 1851. He was also elected to fill a vacancy on the Committee of Queries on August 11, 1851.
On August 11, 1851, Deas donated two more pamphlets, a speech by W. D. Porter and a sermon by Reverend Miles.
Deas filled in for the vice president at the August 25, 1851 meeting. At the same meeting Deas was chosen to argue in favor of deleterious for the question "Has the Intellect been beneficial or deleterious to man's happiness?" against J. M. DeReef. DeReef won on September 8, 1851.
Joseph Moulton Francis DeReef was born in Charleston in 1802, the brother of fellow Society member Richard Edward DeReef. The DeReefs were a wealthy mixed-race family, and DeReef worked as a wood factor with his brother out of DeReef's Wharf. He and Richard were also members of the Brown Fellowship Society, in whose cemetery they were later buried. He appeared in the 1868 voter rolls living in the fourth electoral precinct. The 1835 and 1854 City Directories list him as a wood dealer living at Mary Street and Brown's Wharf, later moving to Amherst Street near America in 1859. In 1869 and 1872 DeReef was listed as a county assessor living at 35 Bogard Street, and in 1874 and 1875 he was a clerk living at 7 Ashley Avenue. He passed away in 1876.
At the December 1, 1847 meeting J. J. Greene recommended DeReef for membership in the Society, and he was unanimously voted in.
He was elected Reporter at the March 15, 1848 meeting.
On December 3, 1849, DeReef was chosen to argue the negative portion of a question that was not listed in the minutes against Henry Cardozo. Cardozo won on January 7, 1850.
DeReef was chosen to debate Cardozo again at the April 10, 1850 meeting, this time to argue in favor of city life for the question "Which is the more conducive to moral purity, a Country or City life?" Cardozo won on April 17, 1850.
At the August 14, 1850 meeting Dereef was appointed to argue in favor of an unlisted literary work against Henry Cardozo in the question, "Which was calculated to shed the brightest lustre and influence on Grecian manners and character, 'The laws of Solomon Lycurgus' [or unknown]?" Cardozo won on September 4, 1850.
For the question "Is education beneficial to society?" DeReef was selected to argue that is is not against Henry Cardozo at the December 2, 1850 meeting. Cardozo won on January 6, 1851.
On August 25, 1851 DeReef was selected to argue in favor of beneficial for the question “Has the Intellect been beneficial or deleterious to man’s Happiness?" against R. L. Deas. DeReef won on September 8, 1851.
Richard Edward DeReef was born in Charleston in 1798, the brother of fellow Society member Richard Edward DeReef. The DeReefs were a wealthy mixed-race family, and DeReef worked as a wood factor with his brother out of DeReef's Wharf. Richard was considered one of the richest people of color in Charleston during his lifetime. He and Joseph were also members of the Brown Fellowship Society, in whose cemetery they were later buried. Charleston city directories listed him as a wood dealer or wood factor between 1835 and 1859, and on Hanover Street between 1835 and 1837 and at DeReef's wharf from 1852 to 1859. He enslaved upwards of forty people. In the 1861 city census DeReef was listed as the owner of several properties throughout Charleston, living at 52 Washington Street. In 1868 DeReef was appointed a city alderman by the Reconstruction-era military government. He passed away in 1876. DeReef Court and DeReef Park are named after him and the DeReef family.
DeReef was unanimously elected as an honorary member on December 19, 1848.
In the 1852 city directory Alexander Forrester was listed as an engineer living at 58 Anson Street.
At the June 30, 1851 meeting, the Society received an application for membership from Forrester and was elected. He officially joined at the July 29, 1851 meeting.
For the question, “Which is the most advantageous, desirable and beneficial—a married or single life?" Forrester was chosen to argue in favor of married life against William Gaillard on September 8, 1851. Forrester won on September 22, 1851.
The 1854 city directory lists W. H. Gaillard as a bricklayer living at 36 Bull Street.
Gaillard was chosen to argue in favor on the question "Should the liberty of the press be allowed or not?" against W. E. Marshall at the January 19, 1848 meeting. Marshall won on February 2, 1848.
At the February 2, 1848 meeting Jacob Green "shoved Mr. Gailiard [sic] against the mantle piece," a note that was crossed out by secretary protem W. O. Weston.
Gaillard was appointed treasurer on February 9, 1848.
On March 1, 1848 Gaillard was selected to answer the first part of the question "Which is of the most service to man, those machines that fly upon the water or land?" against W. O. Weston. Gaillard won on March 22, 1848.
For the question "Which nation fought on the most just side, the United States or Mexico?" Gaillard was chosen to argue in favor of the United States against W. E. Maxwell on June 7, 1848. Gaillard won on September 18, 1848.
Gaillard was elected to the Committee of Queries on July 19, 1848, and appointed president protem in the president's absence.
He was elected "Quarterly Orator" on December 26, 1848.
At the March 14, 1849 Gaillard was chosen to debate against on the question "Are there any benefits derived from riches?" against Henry Cardozo. Cardozo won on March 21, 1849.
Gaillard was presented as the "Orator" at the May 30, 1849 meeting, where he spoke "upon the subject "Neglected Genius" in the most beautiful and figurative language that ever was hearn from a member before, just at the conclusion of which every member sighed; thus regretting that it ended so soon."
At the May 30, 1849 meeting Gaillard was chosen to argue the second portion of the question "Which will a man hear first, the prayer of his wife or mother?" against Henry Cardozo. Cardozo won on June 6, 1849.
For the question "Which tends most to the diminution of murders 'capital' punishment or 'lifetime' imprisonment?" Gaillard was chosen to argue in favor of capital punishment against Henry Cardozo at the June 20, 1849 meeting. Cardozo won on July 5, 1849.
On January 7, 1850 Gaillard was appointed to argue for the first part of the question, "Which tends most to a nation's benefit its agricultural or commercial advantages?" against J. Hyames. Gaillard won on February 4, 1850.
Gaillard was elected Annual Orator on February 4, 1850.
For the question "Who deserves the greater need of praise, the inventor or improver of a project?", Gaillard was chosen to argue in favor of the improver against R. L. Deas on April 17, 1850. Deas won on May 22, 1850.
At the May 1, 1850 meeting Gaillard donated a copy of Professor Bumby's address on geology to the Society.
Gaillard was chosen to argue in the negative for the question, "Was Cromwell right in usurping the reins of government in England?" against Robert Deas on Septempber 4, 1850. Gaillard won on September 11, 1850.
In his role as Annual Orator, Gaillard gave a speech at the January 1, 1851 anniversary meeting on "the manner in which Knowledge may be obtained, and eloquently portrayed the happy effects resulting therefrom." The speech "was frequently brightened by the many striking historical illustrations brought forward, which rendered it doubly impressive, after encharming the the attention of the audience for a considerable time on this most interesting subject, he failed not to congratulate his fellow members on the return of another Anniversary, and to recommend to their principle of self-application as the true path to Knowledge and consequently usefulness."
At the January 6, 1851 meeting Gaillard was temporarily appointed Vice President. At this same meeting Gaillard was also chosen to argue in favor of philosophy for the question, "Which had the greatest influence on Grecian character, their Poetry or their Philosophy?" against Robert Deas. Gaillard won on February 3, 1851.
Gaillard temporarily served as president in the regular president's absence on July 14, 1851.
On September 8, 1851 Gaillard was chosen to argue in favor of single life for the question “Which is the most advantageous, desirable and beneficial—a married or single life?" against Alexander Forrester. Forrester won on September 22, 1851.
In the records this individual's name is alternately spelled Green or Greene.
For the question of whether the "present War with Mexico" would benefit the United States, Jacob J. Greene, on November 16, 1847 was selected to argue in favor against Stephen J. Maxwell. Maxwell won on November 23, 1847.
At the February 2, 1848 meeting Greene "shoved Mr. Gailiard [sic] against the mantle piece," a note that was crossed out by secretary protem W. O. Weston.
Greene provided a letter of resignation to the Society on February 23, 1848.
In the records this individual's name is alternately spelled Green or Greene.
G. B. Greene served as the first secretary of the Society, recording its minutes from the very first meeting on November 8, 1847.
Greene resigned on February 23, 1848.
Benjamin Hampton was listed as a teamster living at 13 Kirkland Lane in the 1859 Charleston city directory. He shared the home with his mother Daphne, sister Ellen, and wife Sarah. By 1860 Benjamin worked as a tailor. His sister and wife also worked in the garment industry as a mantua maker and milliner, respectively.
Hampton request for membership was unanimously approved by the Society on October 4, 1849, and he officially joined at the October 8, 1849 meeting.
For the question "Who was the most patriotic, Demosthenes or Socrates?" Hampton was chosen to argue in favor of Socrates against Alexander Horry at the February 4, 1850 meeting. Hampton won on March 4, 1850.
Hampton was elected Reporter at the March 20, 1850 meeting.
At the June 12, 1850 meeting, Hampton was appointed to argue in favor of Greek for the question, "Whose learned men had contributed most to the advancement of civilization, those of the Greeks or Romans?" against S. J. Maxwell.
On September 18, 1850, Hampton was chosen to argue in favor of the statesman for the question, "Who has the greatest chance to show forth his patriotism in time of war, the statesman in the hall of power, or the soldier on the field of battle?" against S. J. Maxwell. Maxwell won on October 2, 1850.
Hampton was appointed to argue in favor for the question "Have the late Revolutions of Europe tended much to benefit the condition of the people of that continent?" against Stephen Maxwell on March 31, 1851. Either Hampton or Maxwell was absent at the June 9, 1851 meeting where the question was debated, but the pro side won when the question was presented to the membership at large to argue.
Hampton served as the temporary vice president in the regular vice president's absence on July 14, 1851.
Charles H. Holloway was born in Charleston in 1814 to Richard and Elizabeth Holloway. His wife was named Mary M. Kougley Holloway, and they were parents to Catherine Holloway (1846-1923) and James Harrison Holloway (1849-1913). The 1852 Charleston city directory lists him as a "carter" living at 29 Beaufain Street. Later directories give his career as a carpenter (1872, 1879, 1883, 1884) and driver (1878).
His address in these years was alternately given as 33 or 35 Beaufain Street, which was likely the same residence as 29 Beaufain given the renumbering of street addresses around this time. Holloway's name is listed in the 1868 voter rolls, and he is also listed at the 33 Beaufain address in the 1877 voter rolls. The home at 33 Beaufain was known for being the Holloway family home, and was built by Charles' father Richard around the 1830s. The family also ran a school for free people of color, fellow Society member Daniel Payne being among their members.
Holloway taught Sunday school at the Trinity Methodist Church, and was also a member of the Friendly Moralist Society and Brown Fellowship Society, in whose cemetery he is buried. He is one of several Clionian Debating Society members who owned slaves. He died of old age in Charleston in 1885 at the age of 71, where his address was still listed as 33 Beaufain.
He was unanimously voted as an honorary member of the Society on March 15, 1848.
Holloway led the concluding prayer of the third anniversary meeting on January 1, 1851.
Augustus L. Horry was listed as a tailor in the 1859 and 1860 Charleston city directories, with his residence given as 15 Wall Street and near the corner of Judith and America Streets.
The Society received Horry's application for membership on February 13, 1849 and he was unanimously elected.
For the question, "Has the Pope's banishment been or is likely to be of any advantage to Rome?" Horry was chosen to argue in favor against Simeon Beaird. Beaird won on April 11, 1849.
On July 5, 1849 Horry was chosen to argue in favor of intemperance for the question, "Which tends most to the ruin of the human race, Dishonesty or Intemperance?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on July 12, 1849.
At the July 25, 1849, Horry presented a "beautiful maple painted turned feet Table and Four very suitable and comfortable arm chairs" to the Society.
Horry was chosen to argue the first part of the question, "Which the greater protection against a foreign foe, a nation's Military or Naval force?" against S. J. Maxwell at the August 29, 1849 meeting. Maxwell won on September 13, 1849.
For the question "Who was the most patriotic, Demosthenes or Socrates?" Horry was chosen to argue in favor of Demosthenes against Benjamin Hampton at the February 4, 1850 meeting. Hampton won on March 4, 1850.
Horry was elected Quarterly Orator at the March 27, 1850.
On May 22, 1850 Horry was appointed to argue against the question, "Was Caesar right in usurping the government of the Roman Empire?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on June 12, 1850.
At the August 14, 1850 meeting Horry "with much self command delightfully entertained the audience for some time on the subject of 'Perseverance' in the course of which he displayed a depth of intellect worthy of being cultivated."
For the question "Are afflictions in any manner beneficial to humanity?" Horry was selected to argue against, with J. A. Hyames arguing in favor at the September 11, 1850 meeting. Hyames won on September 18, 1850.
Horry filled in as vice president at the February 3, 1851 meeting. At the same meeting Horry was appointed to argue against for the question, "Were the allied nations of Europe justifiable in banishing Napoleon?" against J. A. Hyames. Horry won on March 31, 1851.
He was appointed president protem at the April 14, 1851 meeting.
At the September 22, 1851 meeting, Horry was appointed to argue in favor of condemnable for the question “Was the conduct of Gen. Lopez commendable or condemnable?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on September 22, 1851, as shown in the second volume of the Society minutes.
Benjamin Huger was listed in the Charleston city directories living at 192 King Street in 1822, 110 King in 1825, 42 Coming in 1830/31, 103 King in 1835/36, and 60 Calhoun in 1852. In each of these years his profession was given as a tailor. Huger was known to have owned slaves before the Civil War. His name was also listed in the 1868 voter rolls.
Huger was proposed as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting and was unanimously approved.
He was appointed Annual Orator at the March 7, 1849 meeting. The Society received a letter from Huger on May 23, 1849 in which he declined to serve.
J. A. Hyames officially joined the Society at the February 2, 1848 meeting.
Hyames was appointed secretary protem at the February 16, 1848 meeting, and treasurer at the February 23, 1848 meeting.
At the February 23, 1848 meeting, Hyames was appointed to argue in favor of Hannibal for the question, "Which was the most skillful general, Hannibal or Napoleon?" against R. Legare. Legare won on March 1, 1848.
Hyames offerred his resignation on March 1, 1848, which was accepted.
He reapplied to the Society on March 5, 1849 and was unanimously reelected.
On March 21, 1849, Hyames was chosen to take the side against the question, "Is the Republic of France likely to remain permanent?" against Gabriel Barrow. Hyames won on March 28, 1849.
On July 5, 1849 Horry was chosen to argue in favor of intemperance for the question, "Which tends most to the ruin of the human race, Dishonesty or Intemperance?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on July 12, 1849.
Hyames was appointed to debate against for the question "Were the French right in interfering with the late affairs at Rome?" against Henry Cardozo on August 22, 1849. Hyames won on August 29, 1849.
At the October 4, 1849 meeting Hyames temporarily served as vice president.
On January 7, 1850 Hyames was appointed to argue for the second part of the question, "Which tends most to a nation's benefit its agricultural or commercial advantages?" against W. Gaillard. Gaillard won on February 4, 1850.
On May 22, 1850 Horry was appointed to argue against the question, "Was Caesar right in usurping the government of the Roman Empire?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on June 12, 1850.
For the question "Are afflictions in any manner beneficial to humanity?" Horry was selected to argue against, with J. A. Hyames arguing in favor at the September 11, 1850 meeting. Hyames won on September 18, 1850.
At the October 14, 1850 meeting Hyames temporarily served as vice president.
At the February 3, 1851 meeting Hyames was appointed to argue in favor for the question, "Were the allied nations of Europe justifiable in banishing Napoleon?" against Alexander Horry. Horry won on March 31, 1851.
At the September 22, 1851 meeting, Horry was appointed to argue in favor of condemnable for the question “Was the conduct of Gen. Lopez commendable or condemnable?" against J. A. Hyames. Hyames won on September 22, 1851, as shown in the second volume of the Society minutes.
J. Johnson was accepted as an honorary member of the Society at the January 5, 1848 meeting.
R. F. Legare officially joined the Society at the February 2, 1848 meeting.
Legare temporarily filled the position of vice president at the February 23, 1848 meeting. At the same meeting, Legare was appointed to argue in favor of Napoleon for the question, "Which was the most skillful general, Hannibal or Napoleon?" against J. A. Hyames. Legare won on March 1, 1848.
Hyames resigned from the Society on March 1, 1848.
Florian Long was listed alternately as a shoemaker and boot maker in Charleston city directories from 1840 to 1859. His address was given as 113 King Street in 1840/41, Tradd Street in 1852, and specifically 42 Tradd from 1854 to 1859.
Long was accepted as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting.
W. E. Marshall was listed as a barber and "fruiterer" in the 1859 and 1860 Charleston city directories, respectively, living at 50 Coming Street. His name was listed in the 1868 voter rolls. In the 1866 and 1869 directories he was once again listed as a barber, then living at 68 Coming Street. Marshall was still living at the 68 Coming Street address when he passed away of phthisis pulmonalis in 1871 at the age of 43.
Marshall was unanimously accepted into the Society at the November 23, 1847 meeting.
At the January 19, 1848 meeting, Marshall was appointed to argue the negative side of the question "Should the liberty of the press be allowed?" against W. H. Gaillard. Marshall won on February 2, 1848.
He was elected vice president at the March 15, 1848 meeting.
For the question "Which the more useful, Telegraphic or Steam power?" Marshall was chosen to argue in favor of steam against S. J. Maxwell at the July 25, 1849 meeting. Maxwell won on August 1, 1849.
On September 13, 1849 Marshall was appointed to argue in favor of punishment for the question, "Which the greater incentive to exertion, punishment or reward?" against W. O. Weston. Weston won on September 27, 1849.
At the December 26, 1849 meeting, the Society formed a seven-member committed to ask Marshall "his candid intentions of acting as he had been for some time as a non-attending and non-arrear paying member." At the January 7 1850 meeting, "The Chairman of the Committee appointed to write a letter of request to Mr. Wm. E. Marshall a member now read the answer to said letter, and he Mr. Marshall having appeared and met all demands upon motion of S. W. Beaird and being seconded, the letter was put and unanimously received."
For the question, "Whether a man condemned to die, though unjustly, can, without a Crime escape from justice and the laws?" Marshall was chosen to argue that he cannot, against Stephen Maxwell at the March 4, 1850 meeting. Marshall won on April 3, 1850.
Marshall temporarily served as vice president at the March 27, 1850 meeting.
At the July 17, 1850 meeting, Marshall was appointed to argue in favor for the question, "Was Themistocles right in committing suicide rather than assist an enemy of his country?" against W. O. Weston. Weston won on July 24, 1850.
For the question, "Will the Worlds Fair bring about the contemplated union of intercourse among the nations of the earth?" Marshall was selected to argue in favor against W. O. Weston at the June 9, 1851 meeting. Marshall won on June 23, 1851.
In 1859 Stephen Maxwell was listed as a Bricklayer living at "Morris Street above King Street" in the Charleston city directory. His address was given as 12 Morris Street from 1877 to 1890, wherein his profession was given as a bricklayer in 1877, 1878, 1879, 1882, 1886, and 1890. He was listed simply as a laborer in 1883 and brick mason in 1884. Like several other Society members Maxwell was a member of the Brown Fellowship Society.
Maxwell was appointed to the Committee of Queries at the Society's first meeting on November 9, 1847.
At the November 16, 1847 meeting Maxwell was selected to argue the negative side of the question whether the "present War with Mexico" would benefit the United States," against Jacob J. Greene. Maxwell won on November 23, 1847.
Maxwell was elected treasurer at the March 15, 1848 meeting.
For the question "Which nation fought on the most just side, the United States or Mexico?" Maxwell was chosen to argue in favor of Mexico against W. H. Gaillard on June 7, 1848. Gaillard won on September 18, 1848.
For the question, "Whether a man condemned to die, though unjustly, can, without a Crime escape from justice and the laws?" Maxwell was chosen to argue in favor, against W. E. Marshall at the March 4, 1850 meeting. Marshall won on April 3, 1850.
At the June 12, 1850 meeting, Maxwell was appointed to argue in favor of Romans for the question, "Whose learned men had contributed most to the advancement of civilization, those of the Greeks or Romans?" against Benjamin Hampton.
Hampton stood in for the vice president while he was out of town at the August 14, 1850 and September 11, 1850 meetings. Maxwell was also elected regular Orator at the September 11 meeting.
On September 18, 1850, Maxwell was chosen to argue in favor of the soldier for the question, "Who has the greatest chance to show forth his patriotism in time of war, the statesman in the hall of power, or the soldier on the field of battle?" against Benjamin Hampton. Maxwell won on October 2, 1850.
Maxwell was appointed to argue the negative side for the question "Have the late Revolutions of Europe tended much to benefit the condition of the people of that continent?" against Benjamin Hampton on March 31, 1851. Either Hampton or Maxwell was absent at the June 9, 1851 meeting where the question was debated, but the pro side won when the question was presented to the membership at large to argue.
As the orator, Maxwell gave a speech at the April 14, 1851 meeting. In the minutes Henry Cardozo described the speech as follows: "The speaker then arose and introduced that most interesting subject "Education" with a few preparatory remarks, and then proceeded to show with great success the importance of learning in preparing Man to act his part in the great drama of life and in opening his mental eyes to the works of nature particularly as exhibited in the starry firmament above, which the happy speaker proud to be the source of the greatest exercise of the mind, and the highest flights of the imagination, after having illustrated his subject with many beautiful figures and striking facts he closed his excellent address which from beginning to end was characterized by great depth of thought and a flow of elegant language that would do honour to one of greater advantages. And thus he sat down amid the applause of the audience after which Mr. W. M. Gailliard arose and paid a deservedly high compliment to the speaker and then moved that a copy of his address be requested, which was seconded by Mr. S. W. Beaird, put to the house, and unanimously carried."
William McKinlay was born in 1807, and was married to Sarah Jane McKinlay. He was a tailor and real estate investor who also operated a school until 1834. Like many free people of color thwarted by strict antebellum manumission laws, McKinlay is known to have owned several slaves for the purposes of de facto, if not legal, emancipation. In 1837/38 the Charleston city directory listed McKinlay as a tailor living at 130 King Street. He was listed at 44 Coming in 1840/41, 54 Coming in 1859, and 76 Coming in 1866 with his profession still given as tailor. The 1859 directory listed the address of his tailor shop as 138 King Street. The 1861 city census gave his address as 72 Coming, though he owned several rental properties throughout the city. The McKinlay Building (left), which still stands at 139 Market Street, was owned by McKinlay and his brother Archibald from the 1840s to 1875.
His name was listed in the 1868 voter rolls, the same year McKinlay served as a delegate to the South Carolina Constitutional Convention, was elected to the state legislature, and elected to the Charleston City Council. Like many Clionian Debating Society members, McKinlay was also a member of the Brown Fellowship Society. By 1872 McKinlay was the secretary and treasurer of the Enterprise Railroad, living at 1 Limehouse Street. He died of "organic disease of liver" in 1873 at the age of 65, his address still given as 1 Limehouse.
McKinlay was unanimously elected as an honorary member at the December 19, 1848 meeting.
John Mishaw was listed as a grocer in the 1816, 1818, and 1825 Charleston city directory. He was listed as a shoemaker in 1819 and 1822, and then alternately recorded as a shoemaker or boot maker between 1830 and 1852. His address was given as 55 Queen Street in 1840/41 and 76 Meeting Street in 1852. He was a member of the Friendly Moralist Society, a fellowship society of free African Americans similar to the Brown Fellowship Society.
Mishaw was unanimously elected as an honorary member of the Society on December 22, 1847.
A. F. Mood attended the January 19, 1848 meeting, where he "made several appropriate and instructive remarks on the debate question, which were multum in parvo [numerous in a small amount of time]."
The 1830/31 Charleston city directory listed John Mood as a storekeeper living at 11 Liberty Street. In the 1861 city census his address was given as 336 King Street.
At the December 15, 1847 meeting Samuel Weston suggested "that an invitation be extended to Mr. John Mood Jr. on his arrival in the City allowing him the privilege of attending meetings of the Society; unanimously received," essentially granting Mood honorary member privileges.
Mood accepted this invitation and attended the January 12, 1848 meeting. He "then addressed the Society in beautiful and expressive terms, commending the advancement and advising them to continue in their laudable engagements."
F. H. Oliver was appointed to the Committee of Queries at the Society's first meeting on November 9, 1847.
For the question of whether the United States was right in declaring independence, Oliver was chosen to argue in favor against Samuel Weston on November 23, 1847. Weston won on December 1, 1847.
On December 22, 1847, Oliver was appointed to argue for monarchial for the question, "Whether a Republican or Monarchial government tends most to the happiness of a people," against W. H. Gaillard. Gaillard won on January 5, 1848.
On February 2, 1848, the Society decided that the next debate question would be, "Which is the more useful - literary or romance reading?", with Gabriel Barrow in favor and Oliver against. No winner was decided at the February 4, 1848.
Oliver resigned at the February 23, 1848 meeting.
John Parker was listed as a "collector" living at 13 Back Alley in the 1849 Charleston city directory. He was a member of the Brown Fellowship Society.
Parker was unanimously appointed as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting.
He was appointed as annual orator at the June 7, 1848 meeting. Due to scheduling conflicts Parker was excused from the honor.
Daniel Payne was born in Charleston in 1811 to London and Martha Payne, part of a family of mixed Black, European and Native American ancestry. He opened a school in Charleston in 1829 at the age of 18, but had to close it after legislation following the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831 made educating people of color illegal. He moved to Pennsylvania in 1835 and attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first wife died shortly after their marriage in 1847, and Payne remarried Eliza Clark in 1854.
Payne was an influential figure in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, which he joined around 1840. He was named historiographer of the church in 1848, and became the sixth bishop of the denomination in 1852. He was on the founding board of directors for Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, founded in 1856. He became the first Black president of a college in the United States when he took over the position at Wilberforce in 1863. He served in the position until 1877.
He didn't return to Charleston until 1865, where he helped establish AME churches and educate freedmen across the South. He died in 1893 at the age of 82.
"Rev. Daniel Payne [of] Baltimore" was unanimously elected as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting of the Society.
William Seymour was listed as a carpenter in the 1819 and 1822 Charleston city directory, then as a tavern owner in 1852 and 1854. The 1854 directory lists that the tavern was located at "Pond Point." His residence was listed as 92 Tradd in 1819, 80 Tradd in 1822, 135 Queen in 1830/31, 155 Queen in 1835/36, 109 Queen in 1840/41 and 101 Queen in 1852 and 1854. Some of these addresses may have been the same residences while the city was renumbering the streets. The 1861 city census gave his address as 99 Queen Street.
Seymour was unanimously elected as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting.
H. S. Weston was included as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting.
Jacob Weston and his brother Samuel operated a tailoring business called the "Firm of S & J Weston, Tailors," located at 100 Queen Street. Jacob was listed as tailors in the Charleston city directory between 1837 and 1859. His address was given as Coming Street in 1837/38, 104 Queen in 1840/41, 1 Green Street (now Green Way) in 1852, 48 Coming in 1854, and 46 Coming in 1859. The 1861 city census gave his residence as 56 Coming, though he owned other rental properties throughout the city. He was a slaveowner and member of the Brown Fellowship Society. He was married first to Sarah Ann Bonneau and then to his second wife Caroline. He died of complications of paralysis in 1871.
Weston was included as an honorary member at the December 22, 1847 meeting.
Samuel Weston and his brother Jacob operated a tailoring business called the "Firm of S & J Weston, Tailors," located at 100 Queen Street. Samuel was listed as tailors in the Charleston city directory between 1830 and 1872. He was later listed as a pastor from 1874 to 1877 and a reverend in 1881 and 1882. His address was listed as 15 Mazyck in 1866 and 1881, 16 Mazyck in 1869 and 1872, 17 Mazyck in 1874, 1875 and 1882, and 284 Meeting in 1877. The 1861 city census gave his residence as 15 Mazyck Street, though he owned other rental properties throughout the city. The Mazyck Street addresses were likely the same residence, as the city renumbered the streets during this time. Weston owned slaves for the purposes of de facto emancipation, as manumission laws made it virtually impossible to free one's slaves. He taught Sunday school at Trinity Methodist Church, and his wife was named Harriet. His name appeared in the 1868 voter rolls.
Weston was appointed "aegu-quarerly orator" on November 23, 1847. At the same meeting Weston was appointed to argue the negative side of the question on whether the United States was right in declaring independence against F. H. Oliver. Weston won on December 1, 1847.
On December 1, 1847, Weston was chosen to argue in favor of literacy for the question, "Which is the most desirable, Literacy or Military glory?" against E. G. Beaird. Weston won on December 22, 1847.
For the question, "Which is the happier, a civilized or savage life?" Weston was chosen to argue in favor of civilized against William Weston at the January 5, 1848 meeting. Samuel Weston won on January 12, 1848.
At the February 2, 1848 meeting Weston was chosen to argue in favor on the question, "Whether the application of steam to machinery has been of any disadvantage to mankind," against William Weston. Samuel Weston won on February 9, 1848.
Weston was appointed Quarterly Orator on February 16, 1848.
He led the prayer at the January 1, 1849 Anniversary Meeting of the Society.
William Weston was listed in the Charleston city directory between 1877 and 1906, as a pastor in 1892, and as a missionary in 1894 and 1895. Weston served the Methodist faith, and was also sometimes a tailor. His address was given as 98 Calhoun Street in 1877, 1878, 1881, 1882, and 1884, and as 130 Calhoun in 1886, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906. His wife was Monimia H. Weston. In 1868 Weston was elected to Charleston County Council. Weston died in 1907 at the age of 74, and was buried in Summerville.
Weston was appointed to the Committee of Queries at the Society's first meeting on November 9, 1847.
For the question, "Which is the happier, a civilized or savage life?" Weston was chosen to argue in favor of savage against Samuel Weston at the January 5, 1848 meeting. Samuel Weston won on January 12, 1848.
At the February 2, 1848 meeting Weston was appointed secretary protem. At the same meeting he was chosen to argue the negative side of the question, "Whether the application of steam to machinery has been of any disadvantage to mankind," against Samuel Weston. Samuel Weston won on February 9, 1848.
Weston was appointed permanent secretary at the February 9, 1848 meeting.
During the December 1, 1847 meeting, Weston was chosen to argue in favor of literacy for the question "Which is the most desirable, literacy or military glory?" against E. G. Beaird. Weston won on December 22, 1847.
On March 1, 1848 Weston was selected to answer the second part of the question "Which is of the most service to man, those machines that fly upon the water or land?" against W. Gaillard. Gaillard won on March 22, 1848.
Weston was appointed to argue in favor on the question "Was the treatment of the English to the Irish tyrannical?" against E. G. Beaird at the August 1, 1849 meeting. Weston won the argument at the August 8, 1849 meeting.
On September 13, 1849 Weston was appointed to argue in favor of reward for the question, "Which the greater incentive to exertion, punishment or reward?" against W. E. Marshall. Weston won on September 27, 1849.
For the question, "By whom has the most good been effected, Martin Luther or George Washington?", on April 3, 1850 Weston was chosen to argue in favor of Martin Luther against Gabriel Barrow. Weston won the argument on April 10, 1850.
ON April 10, 1850 Weston donated "three pamphlets of good speeches and valuable letters" to the Society.
At the July 17, 1850 meeting, Weston was appointed to argue against for the question, "Was Themistocles right in committing suicide rather than assist an enemy of his country?" against W. E. Marshall. Weston won on July 24, 1850.
Weston was elected annual orator at the January 6, 1851 meeting. He offered his resignation from the office at the February 3, 1851 meeting, which was unanimously rejected. He resigned again, which was eventually accepted.
For the question, "Will the Worlds Fair bring about the contemplated union of intercourse among the nations of the earth?" Weston was selected to argue against, against W. E. Marshall at the June 9, 1851 meeting. Marshall won on June 23, 1851.