Women of Character, Courage and Commitment: Grimke Sisters

Angelina Grimke Weld and Sarah Grimke

The abolitionist ranks were populated with women of character, courage, and commitment.  Two of the most dedicated women to the cause of freeing the enslaved were Angelina Grimke Weld and Sarah Grimke who had connections to Beaufort District. Their brother Thomas J. Grimke practiced law at the Beaufort District Court in Coosawhatchie with his partner Robert W. Barnwell.  Some of the Grimke family properties were located in the upper reaches of the St. Peter's Parish straddling the boundaries of Beaufort and Barnwell Districts.

On March 5th, as part of the Created Equal film series, Penn Center is showing the documentary "Abolitionists" at 11 am in Frissell Hall.  That evening, meet Clelia Peronneau McGowan, abolitionist and suffragist, as she is brought to life by her descendant, Kelly McGowan at St. Helena Branch Library at 6 pm. 
 
On Thurs., March 20th, 2014, the Beaufort County Historical Society is hosting Dr. Amy Thompson McCandless, Dean of the Graduate School at the College of Charleston who will speak about these unlikely Charleston-born and reared sisters who became staunch advocates for abolition, civil rights, and women's rights. The lecture will occur at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, 30 Yacht Club Drive in Beaufort.  A light lunch ($) will be served at 11:30 am.  RSVP for the lunch to Linda Hoffman, 843-524-3942 or hoffman@earthlink.net. The free lecture is open to the public and will begin at Noon.  

BTW: Author Thomas O. Lawton,Jr. who was born on the Grimke Plantation devotes a chapter of Upper St. Peter's Parish and Environs to its history. We have copies to share in the local history sections and in the Research Room.