Updated November 25, 2022
Background
The origin of the name Fairfield is not known, but local legend attributes it to a remark by Lord Cornwallis about the "fair fields" of the area. The county was formed in 1785 as a part of Camden District. The town of Winnsboro, which was settled around 1755, is the county seat. Fairfield County lies between the upcountry and the lowcountry areas of the state, and it was settled both by Scotch-Irish immigrants from colonies to the north and by English and French Huguenot planters from the lowcountry. In the colonial period this area was a center for the Regulator movement, which sought to bring law and order to the backcountry. During the Revolutionary War, Lord Cornwallis made his headquarters in Winnsboro from October 1780 to January 1781; the county was also invaded by General Sherman's troops during the Civil War. Cotton production was the major economic activity of the area, but the county also produced Winnsboro Blue Granite.
Overview
Wills
Will of Jordain Gilliam
24 Mar 1840
In the name of God Amen. I Jordain Gilliam of Fairfield District being of sound mind and memory but weak in body do make and ordain this my last will in manner following, that is to say I desire after my decease for all my just debts, funeral and other necessary expenses paid. Then I give to my wife Mary and two daughters Elizabeth and Priscilla all household and kitchen furniture also all stock that I may have at my decease to dispose with as they please. And I further desire for all money due to my estate which is twelve hundred and forty two dollars, to be kept at interest and the interest to go to the maintenance of my afore said wife and two daughters and if the interest is not enough to give them a decent maintenance my desire is to take of the principal as much as will be sufficient during their lives and after all three of their deceases if there is any remains of my estate, my desire is that my son William, Harris, Francis, and Palestine to have one dollar each and the remains to be heirs of the aforesaid Elizabeth Gilliam forever.
And lastly I do constitute and appoint my said wife Executrix and my friends Thomas Crosby and Thomas B. Cook sole executors of my last will and testament by me heretofore made. I testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 24th day of March 1840.
Sig: Jordain [his X mark] Gilliam
Signed, sealed and declared to be the last will and testament of the above named Jordain Gilliam in the presence of us: William Crosby, Jacob Feaster, Ann McCully.
Fairfield District Will Book R, Vol. 19, Page 15; Estate Packet: File 72, Pkg. 19, 1 Frame.
SC Archives Series Number: S108093, Reel: 0012, Frame: 00189, Item: 00
[Son of Harris Gilliam and Elizabeth Jordan, his wife. Jordan married Mary McLemore.]
Sources
- Fairfield District Will Book R, Vol. 19, Page 15; Estate Packet: File 72, Pkg. 19, 1 Frame. SC Archives Series Number: S108093, Reel: 0012, Frame: 00189, Item: 00