Roselawn, a spacious three story ante-bellum home of Mr. and Mrs. Don Sharp, built by the late Rev. Joseph Alexander Lawton in 1873, reflects the Mississippi architec­tural influence transferred to this area by the builder, who original­ly came here from that state.

Roselawn is of particular historical interest as it served as headquarters for General Kilpatrick's Cavalry during the War Between the States, during which time the Rev. and Mrs. Lawton occupied a small room in the rear of the building.

Interesting stories of that era, and experience, can be retold by Mrs. Sharp, great granddaughter of the builder. Despite the sharing and division of heirlooms at Roselawn for several generations, the house is ade­quately and exquisitely furnished in original furniture. Thus, Roselawn is typically and genuinely representative of its original era.

The Sharps operate a large grain and cattle plantation, Mr. Sharp specializes in certified seed and is an active officer of the S. C. Growers Association.

GENERAL HUGH JUDSON KILPATRICK CONFISCATES ROSELAWN

On his devastating sweep through South Carolina, Brigadier-General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick accompanied General Sherman. General Kilpatrick, known in military circles as "Kill Cavalry," is said to have aroused more animosity, fear and contempt, than any other Federal Officer. When General Sherman was ap­prised of this report, his reply was, "I'm aware of his reputation. He is just the type I want."

To General Kilpatrick is attributed the saying, "South Carolina is a hell-hole of secession." Naturally, believing this to be true, he wreaked vengeance when and where he could. With all of this in mind, it seems the irony of fate that "Little Kill" selected the elegant Southern home of the Rev. Joseph Lawton and family, in the vicinity of Buddenville or Old Allendale, for his headquarters. "Roselawn" was the epitome of elegance in furnishings, and of gracious living. Probably the fact that the Rev. Lawton was a typical Southern gentleman, General Kilpatrick delighted in humiliating him by allowing him and his family to occupy one small room, with an outside entrance through a side door to their quarters. However, the beautiful old place was not abused nor was it destroyed by Sherman's Army.

In nearby Gravel Hill Plantation, the spacious house is report­ed to have been the headquarters of Sherman's men. However, that place was neither destroyed by Shermans Army, nor, if occupied by His troops, nor was it abused.
Both Roselawn and Gravel Hill have withstood the ravages of time and the elements, and are cherished relics of a wonderful past era.