06 November 2024

"Historically Speaking" 6.2: Sheriff Matty White

In the early 20th century, Beaufort County was riddled with violence and crime. Into the breach stepped lawman Matty White. Famed for his sporting skills and owner of a “fine pack of dogs,” White saw much during his tenure as a policeman, deputy sheriff, and sheriff (1912-1920): fires, murders, public executions and threats of lynchings and race riots. Come learn about some of Beaufort County’s rowdiest times and the man who tried to keep things under control with Neil Baxley, historian of the Sheriff’s Department. First come; first seated. Doors will open at 10:30 AM for seating for the lecture scheduled to begin at 11 AM. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Beaufort County Historical Society and the Beaufort District Collection.   

Speaker Bio: 

A native of North Carolina, Neil Baxley spent 4 years in the Marine Corps before joining the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department more than 35 years ago.  In 2013, Col. Baxley was put in charge of Beaufort County's Emergency Management Division.  In his spare time, he studies and writes history. He's given presentations at the South Carolina Archives and at area museums and libraries. He is the author of two Confederate regimental history books, Walk in the Light: The Journey of the 10th and 19th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry (2013) and No Prouder Fate: The Story of the 11th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry (2009) and the foreword to Confederate General Stephen Elliott: Beaufort Legend, Charleston Hero by D. Michael Thomas (2020).

Heads up: The Library system will be closed for Veteran's Day on November 11, 2024. 


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