The post office seen below forms the heart of the rural Hampton County community of Early Branch. Though the origins of the town’s name remain uncertain, Palmetto Place Names, a study compiled in 1941 by the Work Projects Administration, offers two theories to explain why the village is called Early Branch. The first is that, in 1861, a General Early set up camp at a nearby branch, or creek, during the Civil War. The second is that a man by the name of Early surveyed the land for the South Carolina government in 1806.
As to the first theory, we have been unable to locate the existence of any Civil War general with the surname “Early” aside from Jubal Early of Mississippi, and there is no record of his having fought near this location during his career. We also have been unable to locate a battle near Early Branch in 1861. The nearest battle to take place that year was at Port Royal, some 34 miles away.
Another theory, offered by Doug McTeer below, states that it was actually an officer in the Revolutionary War for whom the community was named. We have been unable to verify this information either, but records from the American Revolution are much less complete and harder to locate.
Do you know how Early Branch got its name, or do you have any information you can share about the town? If so, please send it to the South Carolina Picture Project. Thank you!
Reflections on Early Branch
Doug McTeer, a native and lifelong resident of Early Branch, writes:
“Early Branch was established in the early 1870s. The Port Royal to Augusta Railroad was being built, and sawmill towns sprouted up along the route. Civil War officers Colonel William Stokes and Captain John Henry Steinmeyer established one such sawmill. Stokes had a home where the Harris family now lives. Steinmeyer had a home where Clark and Daisy lived (the house that burned.) The sawmill manager, Appleby, lived in the house we live in. [My grandparents] moved into the house when they married.
“Regarding the naming of the town, I don’t believe the General Early story is accurate. I have seen a map (undated) that I’m pretty sure predates the Civil War that refers to the area as Early’s Branch.
“I have heard that the name came from a Revolutionary War officer named Early who camped there. I believe this is most likely. I have never heard the story about the surveyor, though maybe it’s possible.
“By the way, the McTeers had already been in the area for about 150 years, but there was no post office or any settlement.”
I am helping put together a family tree for someone. His grandfather’s name was Ezekial Hicks, of African descent. He is deceased.
Was Ezekiel Hicks born in about 1920? I have an Ezekiel Hicks from Early Branch in my tree if you need help or if this is the same Ezekiel I would be glad to assist. Thank you!
My biological grandfather grew up in Early Branch area. His name was Clyde Carroll Lane, son of Thadious “Thad” Lane. All of this information is new to me.
I am Ronald Taylor. I was born in Ridgeland but lived on the H..L (Laud) Taylor, Sr.’s farm on Pocatology Road, Possom Corner Road, and Bussy Koth Road. My father was H.L. Taylor, Jr. (“Junior”). He worked his father’s farm. I was born in 1939. Went to Early Branch School. In the third grade, we moved to Beaufort. My Mother was Martha Crews Taylor. Her father was J.O. Crews of Barkerville. He had a farm on Pocataligo Road. His farm is next to Kress Plantation. Grandfather Crews is related to the Cope Family. Clarence was Mayor of Yemassee. His brother is Lamar Cope.
I was wondering where the Mega Farm was going.
Grandfather Taylor sold the farm to the Gibson Bothers in 1946. I am retired from the Navy and attended Limestone College. My brother, H.L. Taylor III (“Buddy”), wo recently passed away due to the virus, gave me a book named “A Place Called Home” written by Sonny Bishop of Beaufort. It has a lot of history of Early Branch. I’m Ron Taylor of Cottageville. My phone is 843-835-2482. My grandfathers are buried next to each other behind the Mount Olive Church. My email is rtaylor421 @ lowcountry.com.
My grandmother and her siblings were all born in Early Branch. They were moved to St. Augustine, Florida by their mother’s brother after their mother’s death in the 1920s. The family name was Blake.
My father Ernest R. Cope, Sr. was boyhood friend of Doug McTeer. Grandfather Clarence E. Cope, Sr., Minnie Lee Crews, and Daisy Murph Cope buried at New Salem in Early Branch. I am son of Ernie Cope, Sr. Born 1948, still alive! Living in Elloree SC where father married mother, Emily Kenny Cope, of Early Branch area. Clarence was stationmaster in Yemassee; had farm also in Coosaw area. I can remember as a child some of the Crews family, especially Fred and Aunt Annie of Johns Island. Hr was a Confederate who defended Charleston so I was told … he was over 100 years. I RECALL watching wildcats in his backyard as small boy. I am so glad there is info out there; so many things get lost in the fast paced lives we’ve lived. I remember doing many more things and, with daughters help, am trying to get more written down. It has been interesting! Haven’t found any horse thieves yet! 843-534-6097 or erc5750 @gmail.com. Thanks you’all!
My great-grandfather is listed in the 1880 census as a high school teacher in Early Branch: Washington Muller. He was the father-in-law of a minister named George Hough. Has anyone heard of these names there?
Both of my Grandparents were born in Early Branch. I’ve heard of this place from family members all my life. My grandfather’s name was Benjamin Youmans, my Grandmother’s name was Leslie Adams, they both later moved to Yemassee.
I live close by if anyone needs pics of the post office, let me know, I will shoot them and email and you can share all you want no consent needed.
That would be wonderful, thanks so much! Would love to see your photos! My email is brandon@sciway.net
I lived at McTeer Plantation where my father was manager for L.J.Williams of Yemassee- lived there from five-years-old until about 14. I believe location was NE on/off Mt. Olive Road.
My Grandfather, William Melvin Davis, was born in Early Branch, SC. Graves at Zahler’s Cemetery are of family members…Davis, Youmans, Zahler, Heape, Ulmer, Gatch. Searson Cemetery also has family.
My father was born in Early Branch in 1925. I have relatives still there who live in walking distance of the post office. Are you related to Daisy Davis?