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The Fripp family of South Carolina

Notes


William "Good Billy" Fripp

William was one of area's wealthiest nineteenth century planters. He was the son of Captain John Fripp and Martha Scott. A family sketch of William can be found in a booklet "Some Historic Families of South Carolina" by his great-grandson, Frampton Ellis of Atlanta. The book says: "He was a polished scholar, an extensive traveler, and a thoroughly Christian gentleman. He was generous and open-hearted, a large part of his income being set aside for the poor of his county. In fact, so well known were his benevolences and purity of life that he was known all over the state as 'Good Billy Fripp.'"

In 1836 he travelled to Engalnd, where he met a "cousin", Edward Bowles Fripp, in Bristol, who was said to have been Mayor of Bristol at that time. Records show that Edward, a soap & candle manufaturer, was never Mayor but his 1st cousin, William Fripp Jr., was Mayor in 1836.

At present, there is no documented evidence of any relationship between William & Edward, but Edward's branch seems to be the most likely connection.

On 7th September 1838, Edward wrote to William with news that his daughter, Maria, had passed away.

William's reply, on 17th November 1838, appears to be his first correspondence since his trip to England. He thanks Edward for the "urbanity and Christian Courtesy which was so liberally extended towards me by yourself and your relatives." He then apologises for his long silence, and for his procrastination in obtaining: "The Old Family Expositor, which I spoke of when in Bristol." He then regrets that his efforts in procuring information relative to his Great, Great Grandfather, who first settled in this Country has been unsatisfactory. He wrote "The Book contains nothing more than the records of the marriage of my Grandfather, John Fripp, with a few marriages of his children." He then gives a list of his grandfather's descendants. It is clear that William had no knowledge of any previous generations.

This letter was returned to William after Edward's death, with a miniature picture of William painted in London.

William Fripp married Sarah Harriett Reynolds Prentiss, a widow with many possessions, in May 1820. At the time of his death, Fripp is reported to have owned more than 3,000 acres of land on St. Helena Island, encompassing nine plantations and 313 Negro slaves.

A copy of his will was also in the possession of Frampton Erroll Ellis. The will was not dated but mentions his wife and children as follows:
To William Fripp and Sarah Harriet Reynolds were born the following children:
1, William Washington Fripp (see notes)
2, Juliana Matilda Fripp (see notes)
3, Dr. Clarence Augustus Fripp (see notes)
4, Alviro A. Fripp (see notes)
5, Phoebe Caroline Fripp (see notes)
6, Joseph Eddings Fripp (see notes)

During the War of Secession the Fripp family gave ample evidence of it's volor and it's patriotism. Five of them gave up their lives for the lost cause, four of them being killed in battle and one dying from exposure. A tablet in the St. Helena Episcopal Church commemorates the lives of those brave soldiers who wore the Gray. Besides the names of the 33 St. Helena soldiers who met death in the ranks of the confederacy, the tablet bears this inscription:
"The triumphs of might are transient; they pass and they are forgotten. The sufferings of right are graven deepest on the chronicles of nations."

William owned a large house in Beaufort called "Tidewater". A picture of it can be found at this site: Tidewater

The Fripp family is documented as having owned the property at the time of the Direct Tax auction of 1862. Subsequent to the war, a Tax Claim was filed by his wife Sarah H. Fripp and daughter Juliana Prioleau. The house was acquired in 1936 by W. Brantley Harvey, Sr., a prominent Beaufort attorney who served in the South Carolina Senate. It remained in the Harvey family until 1997.



Passport Application (courtesy E.A. Fripp III) Ed-180
May I present --- Mr. William Fripp, aged 47 on the date of April 13, 1836, at a mature height of 5ft 5 1/2 inches; with ordinary forehead, blue eyes, small nose, round chin, brown hair, dark complexion, and oval face. Requesting passport on bequest of William I (J) Grayson.

This application shows he did not arrive in UK until May or June at the earliest. We know, from the 1838 letter, that he left England about 3 Sep 1836, so the longest he could have stayed in the UK is 3 months.



1850 Census: Town of Beaufort, SC (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, M, 61, Planter
Harriett Fripp, F, 50
Elviro Fripp, M, 19
W. Clarence Fripp, M, 18
Eddings Fripp, M, 15
Sam'l Preoleuse (Prioleau), M, 24, Planter
Julia Prioleau, F, 22
Harriet Prioleau, F, 4
Sam'l W. Prioleau, M, 2

1860 Census: Town of Beaufort, SC (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, Sr., 70, Planter
Harriet Fripp, 60
Julia Prioleau, 32
Phoebe Prioleau, 13
Lynch Prioleau, 12
Sam’l Prioleau, 9
William Prioleau, 8


Sarah Harriett Reynolds

Her will, which was in the possession of F.E. Ellis, was dated 14 January 1861 and left her entire estate to her daughter Juliana Matilda Fripp Prioleau.

Here is a transcription, kindly sent by Norma Armstrong:
State of South Carolina In the name of God Amen I Sarah Harriet Fripp Widow of the late William Fripp of Beaufort in the State aforesaid do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and testament as follows. First I give devise and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Julia Prioleau all my real and personal Estate and choses in action of ever description which I may be possessed of and entitled unto at the time of my death to be held used and enjoyed by her for and during the term of her natural life and without impeachment of waste not to be subject how ever in any manner to the debts contracts or engagements of any husband she may marry, And from and after her death I give devise and bequeath the same to such of the children of my said daughter as may be then living at the time of her death share and share alike if more than one the child or children of any deceased child to take among them the share which their deceased Parent would have been entitled unto had he or she been then living. Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said daughter Julia Prioleau sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other and former wills by me at any time heretofore made. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal to this my will this the Eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and sixty one. Sarah H. Fripp (seal) Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us who in the presence of the testatrix Sarah Harriet Fripp and at her request have subscribed our names as Witnesses to this her Will. Susan W. Webb, C. R. Brewster Probate in common Form before George Buist Judge of Probates of Charleston District on the Fourth day of January anno Domini 1866 on the Twenty fourth day of January A D 1866 qualified Julia M. Priileau Executrix to said Will and Codicil as therein named. Sarah Harriet Fripp Codicil Aiken, August 25th 1865. I make this codicile to my will now in the hands of C R Brewster Esq of Charleston, S. C. I desire that all the little of my property now remaining shall belong to my daughter Mrs. J. M. Proileau to do with as she pleases. My clothing bedding, bed clothes curtains blankets and silver and whatever else however small or trifling I possess I give to her. Hoping that she will ultimately get my landed Estate Hunting Island, House in Beaufort Plantation on St. Helena Island and whatever portion of property coming from my Husbands Estate or divisions of Lands now due me from the property undivided by consequence of the war coming on Signed in the presence of Mrs. S. Harriet Fripp Mrs. # A. Gibbes, Mrs. Georgia Harbers, Mrs. H. Harbers Probate January 24th 1866



1850 Census: Town of Beaufort (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, M, 61, Planter
Harriett Fripp, F, 50
Elviro Fripp, M, 19
W. Clarence Fripp, M, 18
Eddings Fripp, M, 15
Sam'l Preoleuse (Prioleau), M, 24, Planter
Julia Prioleau, F, 22
Harriet Prioleau, F, 4
Sam'l W. Prioleau, M, 2

1860 Census: Town of Beaufort, SC (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, Sr., 70, Planter
Harriet Fripp, 60
Julia Prioleau, 32
Phoebe Prioleau, 13
Lynch Prioleau, 12
Sam’l Prioleau, 9
William Prioleau, 8


Joseph Eddings Fripp

From "SHFoSC": Joseph died in the Confederate Army in 1862.

From "Tombee":
p. 708: 3 March 1858 "Eddings Fripp elected 3nd lieutenant" with footnote: Pvt. Joseph Eddings Fripp died at Port Royal Ferry in 1862.

This was probably the battle at Port Royal Ferry on 1st Jan 1862. See: http://www.awod.com/gallery/probono/cwchas/ptrylfer.html

He is also mentioned in the book "Letters from Port Royal, 1862-1868" by Elizabeth Ware Pearson
In September 1863, it mentions that Dr. Clarence Fripp was in jail for trying to escape (from the Yankees ?). It says that he did not want to leave, but was carried off by his brothers, one of whom, Eddings, had since died.



1850 Census: Town of Beaufort (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, M, 61, Planter
Harriett Fripp, F, 50
Elviro Fripp, M, 19
W. Clarence Fripp, M, 18
Eddings Fripp, M, 15
Sam'l Preoleuse (Prioleau), M, 24, Planter
Julia Prioleau, F, 22
Harriet Prioleau, F, 4
Sam'l W. Prioleau, M, 2

Phoebe Caroline Fripp

From "SHFoSC:"
Phoebe died at the age of eleven.


George Washington Morrall

NOTE: The 1880 census for George's son, Albert, shows Albert & his mother were born in South Carolina, but his father is shown to be born in FRANCE. However, George's daughter, Florida, has the correct details.

He was born at Georgetown, South Carolina, and became an attorney in law. He practiced at Grahamville and at Beaufort, South Carolina.

His ancestors emigrated to South Carolina from England.


Phoebe Jenkins Fripp

Notes from Julianne Fripp Moak indicate that Phoebe never married.


Capt. John W. Fripp

Notes from "Some Historic Families of South Carolina" by Frampton Erroll Ellis:
Son of John Fripp and Martha Scott:- Capt. John Fripp of St. Helena married Elizabeth McKean and left four children: Joseph J. Fripp, Elizabeth Katherine and Ella Corine (who married in succession Albert V. Chaplin), and Ellen Charlton, who married William Kirkwood Browne, now of Boston.

Notes from John Tison:
Captain John Fripp was one of the wealthiest landowners in the District and was a Union sympathizer. He was noted for humane treatment of his slaves and before he left St. Helena in 1861 briefed them on the consequences of "freedom" and advised them what to expect and how to act in his absence. He died in Columbia.

He is probably the Captain John Fripp who owned the Mulberry Hill plantation in 1862.

He is mentioned several times in the book "Letters from Port Royal, 1862-1868" by Elizabeth Ware Pearson. - Page 326 shows a letter written by Edward S. Philbrick in Jan 1866. The letter states that a C. F. Williams is sharing out the land on St. Helena Island, and sold the whole of Fripp Point in small lots to the now freed negroes. He says the whole place only measures 460 acres and was bought for 750, and that Captain John Fripp place is only 460, instead of the 1,000 that he (Edward) bought it. He then says that the old man (Capt. John Fripp) is now dead, leaving his 3 daughters in poverty, to earn their living as best they may.

1830 Census (1st June): St Helena Parish, South Carolina
John Fripp - Head of Household
1 male 40-50 (should be 30-40) Capt. John W. Fripp
1 female 0-5 (Martha Sarah Fripp - Daur)
1 female 5-10 (Caroline Elizabeth Fripp - Daur)
1 female 30-40 (Mrs. Caroline Fripp nee Chaplin - 1st wife)


Elizabeth J. McKean

Obituary from the Palmetto Post, Beaufort, 4 october 1888, p.3
(Courtesy of the Beaufort County Public Library System, Beaufort, SC).

Death of Mrs. Elizabeth J. Fripp

This venerable lady departed this life in Port Royal, on the morning of October 3, aged 70 years. Mrs. Fripp was the relict of Capt. John Fripp, one of the wealthiest of the South Carolina sea island cotton planters, who lost a handsome competency from the results of the war and confiscation.

In her reduced circumstances she bore the reverses of fortune with the fortitude of the Spartan matron. She had been in feeble health for some time, but the immediate cause of death was undoubtedly from the sudden shock she received when lightning struck the Live Oak Hotel at which she was residing.

She was an affectionate mother and left one son, Mr. J.J. Fripp, who was with her and ministered to her last earthly wants, a daughter, Mrs. Brown, now in Europe, besides several grandchildren in Savannah.

The funeral obsequies took place at St. Helelana's Episcopal Church, Beaufort. Rev. P.D. Hay, the rector, officiating. The remains were interred in the consecrated ground connected with the church. The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Clarence Chaplin, Jos. S. Reed, J.M. Rhett, W.W. Elliott, W.P. Danner, Daniel Crocker and B.B. Calhoun.

Our sincerest condolence is extended to the relatives of deceased and our especial sympathy is directed to our friend, Mr. J.J. in the hour of his bereavement.


Probable family:
1880 Census: Beaufort, Beaufort, South Carolina
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Joseph TRIPP Self S Male W 36 SC Express Runner SC SC
Elizabeth TRIPP Mother W Female W 57 SC Keeping House SC SC
Connie TRIPP Sister S Female W 26 SC At Home SC SC
Nellie CHAPLIN Niece S Female W 3 SC SC SC
Sarah BAYNARD Other S Female W 16 SC Servant SC SC


Joseph John Fripp

1880 Census: Beaufort, Beaufort, South Carolina
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Joseph TRIPP Self S Male W 36 SC Express Runner SC SC
Elizabeth TRIPP Mother W Female W 57 SC Keeping House SC SC
Connie TRIPP Sister S Female W 26 SC At Home SC SC (Probably Corrine)
Nellie CHAPLIN Niece S Female W 3 SC SC SC
Sarah BAYNARD Other S Female W 16 SC Servant SC SC


Sarah Harriett Reynolds

Her will, which was in the possession of F.E. Ellis, was dated 14 January 1861 and left her entire estate to her daughter Juliana Matilda Fripp Prioleau.

Here is a transcription, kindly sent by Norma Armstrong:
State of South Carolina In the name of God Amen I Sarah Harriet Fripp Widow of the late William Fripp of Beaufort in the State aforesaid do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and testament as follows. First I give devise and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Julia Prioleau all my real and personal Estate and choses in action of ever description which I may be possessed of and entitled unto at the time of my death to be held used and enjoyed by her for and during the term of her natural life and without impeachment of waste not to be subject how ever in any manner to the debts contracts or engagements of any husband she may marry, And from and after her death I give devise and bequeath the same to such of the children of my said daughter as may be then living at the time of her death share and share alike if more than one the child or children of any deceased child to take among them the share which their deceased Parent would have been entitled unto had he or she been then living. Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said daughter Julia Prioleau sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other and former wills by me at any time heretofore made. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal to this my will this the Eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and sixty one. Sarah H. Fripp (seal) Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us who in the presence of the testatrix Sarah Harriet Fripp and at her request have subscribed our names as Witnesses to this her Will. Susan W. Webb, C. R. Brewster Probate in common Form before George Buist Judge of Probates of Charleston District on the Fourth day of January anno Domini 1866 on the Twenty fourth day of January A D 1866 qualified Julia M. Priileau Executrix to said Will and Codicil as therein named. Sarah Harriet Fripp Codicil Aiken, August 25th 1865. I make this codicile to my will now in the hands of C R Brewster Esq of Charleston, S. C. I desire that all the little of my property now remaining shall belong to my daughter Mrs. J. M. Proileau to do with as she pleases. My clothing bedding, bed clothes curtains blankets and silver and whatever else however small or trifling I possess I give to her. Hoping that she will ultimately get my landed Estate Hunting Island, House in Beaufort Plantation on St. Helena Island and whatever portion of property coming from my Husbands Estate or divisions of Lands now due me from the property undivided by consequence of the war coming on Signed in the presence of Mrs. S. Harriet Fripp Mrs. # A. Gibbes, Mrs. Georgia Harbers, Mrs. H. Harbers Probate January 24th 1866



1850 Census: Town of Beaufort (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, M, 61, Planter
Harriett Fripp, F, 50
Elviro Fripp, M, 19
W. Clarence Fripp, M, 18
Eddings Fripp, M, 15
Sam'l Preoleuse (Prioleau), M, 24, Planter
Julia Prioleau, F, 22
Harriet Prioleau, F, 4
Sam'l W. Prioleau, M, 2

1860 Census: Town of Beaufort, SC (courtesy E.A. Fripp III)
Wm. Fripp, Sr., 70, Planter
Harriet Fripp, 60
Julia Prioleau, 32
Phoebe Prioleau, 13
Lynch Prioleau, 12
Sam’l Prioleau, 9
William Prioleau, 8


William Reynolds

From "Some Historic Families of South Carolina" by Frampton Erroll Ellis:
William Reynolds Esquire, of St. Helena Island, Granville County, S.C., was a member of a prominent English family that settled on St. Helena many years before the revolution. He enlisted in Capt. Jenkins' company of volunteers and served in the early part of the revolution. In 1775 the Provincial Congress appointed him a member of the committee to carry into effect the plan for the Continental Association.

His will was dated 17 August 1798, and proven on 3 November 1798, indicating that he died in the latter part of October. A copy of the will, which was in the possession of F.E. Ellis, mentions his son Edward Thomson Reynolds and his daughter Sarah Harriet. Edward died at the age of five years.

In this will are also mentioned his wife Anne, his brothers Joseph Scott, Richard Scott and David Scott (probably half brothers). His brother-in-law, William Eddings, and his sister-in-law Mary Evans.


Judge Samuel Prioleau

"Bio. Dir. SC Hse. Rep." Vol5, p214

Judge Samuel's ancestors were French Huguenots, who emigrated to America after the revocation of the edict of Nantes.

He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, but did not graduate. He was admitted to the bar of Charleston in 1808, where he became an established lawyer. He was a member of the legislature for many years, chairman of the judiciary committee for several terms, and was active in 1820 in the preparation of the acts to "revise and amend the judiciary system of the state."

In 1821 he made a report in favor of the constitutionality of internal improvements by the United States. He became intendant of Charleston in 1824, and recorder in 1825, and held office until his retirement in 1836.

He was active in the promotion of educational and scientific enterprises, aided in establishing the Medical college of South Carolina, was one of its earliest trustees, and was an organizer of the Charleston literary club.

He is buried near his summer home, "Boscobel", in Pendleton, SC. The land is now a golf course.


Judge Samuel Prioleau

"Bio. Dir. SC Hse. Rep." Vol5, p214

Judge Samuel's ancestors were French Huguenots, who emigrated to America after the revocation of the edict of Nantes.

He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, but did not graduate. He was admitted to the bar of Charleston in 1808, where he became an established lawyer. He was a member of the legislature for many years, chairman of the judiciary committee for several terms, and was active in 1820 in the preparation of the acts to "revise and amend the judiciary system of the state."

In 1821 he made a report in favor of the constitutionality of internal improvements by the United States. He became intendant of Charleston in 1824, and recorder in 1825, and held office until his retirement in 1836.

He was active in the promotion of educational and scientific enterprises, aided in establishing the Medical college of South Carolina, was one of its earliest trustees, and was an organizer of the Charleston literary club.

He is buried near his summer home, "Boscobel", in Pendleton, SC. The land is now a golf course.