Manuscript Collection

The Winthrop University Manuscript Collection (over 1800 collections) contains unique private papers donated to the Archives by individuals and records from organizations and businesses. These collections not only document local, regional, and state history, but also transcend South Carolina’s borders to include collections that are of broader historical interest. Genealogy is a prominent theme within the collection with these collections containing valuable family history information, including genealogy charts, family histories, scrapbooks, letters, diaries, wills, grants, indentures and biographical data. Much of the material is unpublished and varies in quantity and content from collection to collection.

Browse Authors within the Manuscript Collection

Click a letter below to browse finding aids alphabetically.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

York County Cross Reference Directory - Accession 317

York County, SC
Accession 317
The York County Cross Reference Directory, City and Rural Coverage covers York County, South Carolina consisting of Rock Hill, SC, York, SC, Clover, SC, Hickory Grove, SC, Fort Mill, SC, Sharon, SC, and other small communities in York County, South Carolina. The directory is divided into a street section and a numerical phone section.
York County Deeds - Accession 603 - M263 (312-313)

York County, SC
Accession 603 - M263 (312-313)
The York County Deeds collection consists of real estate deeds registered in York County, S.C. with the exception of one from Iredell County, N.C., one arrest warrant, a court summons, a certificate of guardianship, and a sheriff’s title. Principle people involved in the transactions were Franklin H. Brown, Henry l. Killam, Samuel C. Youngblood, and member of the Fewell, Johnson, and Moore families.
York County Development Booklets - Accession 926 - M417 (468-469)

York County, SC
Accession 926 - M417 (468-469)
The York County Development Booklets Collection consists of three books that pertain to the development of York County and Rock Hill. It includes Soil Survey: York County, South Carolina (1965); Land Use Plan, 1965-1985 (1966); A NEW York County (1972); a population density map for the Charlotte, North Carolina area (nd), a map showing the property owners in downtown Rock Hill (1967) and a Rock Hill land use map (1965). The A NEW York County publication includes images of the building of Interstate 77 and the construction of Carowinds Amusement Park.
York County History - Accession 68 - M30 (42)

York County, SC
Accession 68 - M30 (42)
The York County History collection consists of a brief summary of York County, SC history from its settlement in 1750 to the Great Depression in the 1930s. The author is unknown.
York County Land Records - Accession 382 - M156 (197)

York County, SC
Accession 382 - M156 (197)
The York County Land Records collection consists of positive photocopies of land plots, deeds, and wills of Thomas D. Spratt and his family and of James McKee, Hugh White, and Robert Harris. These lands are in the same general area along the Catawba River and in the lands once belonging to the Catawba Nation. Other names mentioned in records are James Jackson, Joseph F. White, and John Merritt.
York County Lease Holders Land Plat Map - Accession 549

York County, SC
Accession 549
The York County Lease Holders Land Plat Map (69 ¾” x 48”) consists of a partial listing of people to whom grants of land, located in the Catawba Indian Boundary, were made by the commissioner of locations for York District, South Carolina during the years 1841-1842. Other grants were made upon expiration of leases as late as 1855 to surviving heirs, assignees, and transferees of earlier leaseholders. This map was prepared by Mr.& Mrs. J. Thomas Williams, Sr. from existing information obtained from plats on file in the York County Courthouse as of July 30, 1983.
York County Photographs - Accession 38 - M13 (23)

York County, SC
Accession 38 - M13 (23)
One photograph depicts, the “Klan Oak” located 2 miles south of Fort Mill, Route #36. Tradition says the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern part of York County in late 1800s gathered here. The other photograph is of the school established on Saluda Street by Willie Chisholm for purpose of training African-American females as maids.
York County, S.C. Map - Accession 699 - M315 (366)

York County, SC
Accession 699 - M315 (366)
The York County, SC Map Collection consists of a map of York County, S.C. done by Jones and Walker of Rock Hill, S.C. The map shows the townships and school districts of the time, public roads, neighborhood roads, R.F.D. routes, telephone lines, railroads, transmission lines of the Southern Power Co. and individual residences. The map measures 28”X 38 ½” and is on a scale of 1” = 1 mile.
York County, South Carolina Report on Examination of Financial Statements - Accession 929 - M418 (469)

York County, SC
Accession 929 - M418 (469)
This collection consists of York County, South Carolina Report on Examination of Financial Statements which was an examination of financial statements conducted by certified public accountants Clarkson, Harden and Gantt of Columbia, South Carolina for York County, South Carolina for fiscal year 1984-1985 covering both revenue and expenditures, budge, and actual. The report offers a comprehensive account of York County, SC’s budget.
York County, S.C. Human Services Demonstration Project Report - Accession 660 - M291 (342)

York County, S.C. Human Services
Accession 660 - M291 (342)
The York County, S.C. Human Services Demonstration Project Report consists of a directory of the services provided by the public and private agencies participating in the South Carolina Human Service Demonstration Project. The report includes information and services of the following: Human Development Center, Catawba Public Health District, Catawba Center for Growth and Development, Speech and Hearing Center of York and Chester County, Inc., York County Department of Social Services, South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, South Carolina Commission for the Blind, MR/DD Board of York County, Camp ARC, York County Council on Aging Inc, Carolina Community Action, Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Rock Hill Comprehension Day Care Center, New Horizons Tri County Developmental Center, Children’s Attention Home Inc., Episcopal Church Home for Children, boys Home of York County Inc., Rock Hill Girls Home Inc.
York County Informational Booklet - Accession 1540 M750 (807)

York County, SC; Rock Hill, SC; and York County Economic Development Board
Accession 1540 - M750 (807)
This collection consists of a spiral bound volume produced by the York County Economic Development Board that offers 69 pages of statistical and demographic information including directories, maps, and other material related to York County, South Carolina. The publication consists of sections titled “General Information,” “Transportation,” “Utilities and Fuel,” “Education and Recreation,” “Manufacturing and Labor,” and “Taxes.” The “General Information” sections cover: location; topography; climate; population; government; business activity; financial institutions; motels and hotels; newspapers; television; radio; churches; community planning; housing; law enforcement; fire protection; medical services; The “Transportation” section covers: air service; rail service; motor freight service; ports; highways; bus transportation; local transportation; package express; The” Utilities and Fuel” section covers: electricity; gas; water; sewer; telephone; The “Education and Recreation” section covers: public school; private schools; colleges; technical education; public libraries; recreation; cultural facilities; The “Manufacturing and Labor” section covers: labor supply; Right To Work Law; Employment Security Commission; industries; The “Taxes” section covers: state taxes; local taxes. The volume appears to have been published in 1988 and contains data from 1980 through 1988, but also includes projections up to 2000.
York County Sheriff's Receipt Book - Accession 874

York County Sheriff's Receipt Book
Accession 874
This collection consists of microfilm copies of the original York County Sheriffs Fee Book (1854-1855) and York County Sheriff Receipt Books (1863-1866) purchased from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History describe the series as, “records receipts for executions, judgments, costs and the like. Information includes the receipt date; amount; purpose; and the names of the sheriff, deputies, and person giving receipt.”
York County Soldiers Board Of Relief Records- Accession 825

York County Soldiers Board of Relief Records, Confederate Veterans, and American Civil War
Accession 825
This collection consists of 6 duplicate rolls of microfilm, all of York County Soldiers Board of Relief Papers (1862-1863). This collection “consists of petitions to the soldiers' board of relief, orders by the board to pay, and receipted accounts of the board. Information on the petitions include name of the petitioner, relationship of petitioner to soldier in Confederate service, name of soldier, statement of petitioner's sole dependency on the absent soldier for support, other people in the household, and number of children. Some give time and amount of last money received from the absent soldier, nature and extent of resources available to the petitioner, and the ages and gender of the children. Each petition contains a statement certifying its truth. Many are annotated to show that they were granted and the amount granted. The receipted accounts and orders to pay are generally for provisions provided to the board's clients. Information includes nature and cost of provisions provided, name of recipient, name of payee, date of transaction, and date of receipt.”*

*South Carolina Department of Archives and History: Collection Number 000046, Series Number .L 46115. https://scarchcat.rediscoverysoftware.com/MADetailS.aspx?rID=000046/.L%20%2046115&db=series&list=parent&dir=SCARCHIVE
York County History Collection - Accession 1446 - M709 (765)

York County, South Carolina
Accession 1446 - M709 (765)
The York County History Collection consists of a brief history of York County from 1750s-1930s titled, “York County” by an unknown author and two pamphlets titled, “The Background of The History of York County, South Carolina: A Radio Address at WBT Charlotte, N.C., July 21, 1933, in the series of the South Carolina Economic Council” by Albert M. Grist of York, South Carolina.
York County Voter Registration Book - Accession 852

York County Voter Registration Book
Accesssion 852
The York County Voter Registration Book collection consists of microfilm copies purchased from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The Voter Registration Book microfilm is organized by precinct in York County and lists the voters’ names, ages, occupation, and residence. Also includes the date and the certificate number. The first part of the microfilm is organized in alphabetical order by precinct; however, the order starts over a few more times in the second half.
York General Hospital Auxiliary Records - Accession 145

York General Hospital Auxiliary
Accession 145
The York County Hospital Auxiliary Records consist of correspondence, minutes, bylaws, reports, financial records, newsletters, newspaper clippings, and photographs relating to the activities and duties of the York General Hospital Auxiliary volunteer group. The auxiliary was organized in 1956 in Rock Hill, South Carolina as a community mission project of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church of Rock Hill, SC. In 1958 the auxiliary joined the American Hospital Association and the South Carolina Hospital Association. The auxiliary was a volunteer group that tried to promote and advance the welfare of the York General Hospital, the American Hospital Association, the South Carolina Hospital Association, and associations throughout the state and country.
York General Hospital Records - Accession 399

York General Hospital and Piedmont Medical Center
Accession 399
The York General Hospital Records consist of records, minutes, and newspaper clippings related to York General Hospital from 1938-1978. The minutes begin with the “Organization Meeting” on May 18, 1938 and extends through 1978. The York General Hospital was opened on May 15, 1940 which was in the corporate limits of the Town of Ebenezer (now part of Rock Hill, SC) and included a nursing school and a home for nursing students. It was approved by the American College of Surgeons on February 2, 1944. It was eventually replaced by Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill which was built in 1983.
History of York - Accession 122 - M57 (66)

York, SC
Accession 122 - M57 (66)
The History of York Collection consists of a history of York, SC issued by the York Chamber of Commerce. The written history of York(ville), SC covers the period from the Revolutionary War to 1860.
Rose Hotel Collection - Accession 1048 - M472 (523)

York, SC
Accession 1048 - M472 (523)
The Rose Hotel Collection consists of photocopies and typescripts of information regarding William Edward Rose (1813-1893) and the Rose Hotel which he built in York, South Carolina in 1852. The collection includes biographical material and timelines concerning William Edward Rose and his role in founding the hotel and his work as stockholder and president of the King’s Mountain Railroad. He also owned 7 hotels in Columbia, SC including the Congaree Hotel.
York, S.C. City Directory - Accession 924

York, S.C.
Accession 924
This collection consists of a 1990 York, SC City Directory. The volume includes phone numbers and addresses of the inhabitants of York, SC. Also included is a buyers’ guide and classified business directory, alphabetical directory, street directory of householders and businesses, and a numerical telephone directory.
York Architectural and Historic District Survey - Accession 1714 M827 (884)

York, SC and York Historic District
Accession 1714 - M827 (884)
This collection consists of a City of York Architectural and Historic District Surveys conducted to help determine the architectural and historical significance of districts, sites, objects, buildings, and other structures in York. The survey was conducted in 2007 and 2008 by Brockington And Associates, Inc. for the city of York and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History with the objective “to identify all aboveground historic architectural resources in the survey universe that retain sufficient integrity to be included in the Statewide Survey of Historic Places. This survey is a great source for anyone interested in the history and growth of York, SC. The survey offers a history of the City from its beginnings and of its historic homes, businesses, neighborhoods, and other properties.
York, SC Historic District Walking Tour Booklet - Accession 906 - M414 (465)

York, SC; York Historic District; Yorkville Historical Society; and Joseph Edward Lee
Accession 906 - M414 (465)
This collection consists of a walking tour guide of some of the historic sites and homes of the city of York, South Carolina. The guide titled Welcome to Historic York, South Carolina: Historic District Walking Tour contains historical information on homes, the railroad depot, the cemetery and churches. It was compiled by Dr. Edward Lee and the Yorkville Historical Society.

The Guide offers a brief history and information on the following historic structures in York, SC: Railroad Depot; Lewis House; Marshall House; Gordon/Moss House; Miller/Byrd House; Snell House; Rose Hill Cemetery; Grist/Jackson House; Mason House; Wiliford/Bailey House; Hart House; Saunders/Propst House; Wilborn/Abernethy House; Cartwright/Flack House; Stroup Wiley House; Inman House; Patrick House; Jones/Langford House; Old Settlers Cemetery; Yorkville Female Academy/York Graded School/McCelvey Center; Snyder/Kates House; McElwee/Baker House; Ashe/Bradford Cottage; Dr. j.M. Lowry House; Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd; Circus Winter Quarters/ Corner Trinity and East Jefferson Street; Trinity Methodist Church; Fergus Crossroads; Jail/Wilson House; Latta House; Rose Hotel; Jefferson Davis Flight Historic Marker; First Baptist Church; Mary Whitesides Cottage; Smith/Hart House; Withers House; Witherspoon/Hunter House; Walker House; Neely House; Gillespie House; First Presbyterian Church; Moore House; W. Bedford Moore Building; Brandon House; Old Enquirer Building; Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; Herndon House; McCorkle/Moore Howard House; Marion House; Cannon/Smith House; Witherspoon House; Frances Moore House; Carroll/Wallace House; Moore Park; Lindsay/Medlin House; Hambright House; Abiding Presence Lutheran Church; Riddle/McCrae House; Hart/Jackson House; Finley/Ferrell House; Houston/Lee House; Barron/Mulkey House; General Allison House; Allison/Moore House; Gist/Hill Home; Spencer House; McDowell/Enright House; Parrott House; Margaret McCorkle House; Wallace/Rossy House; Lawrence House; Kings Mountain Inn; McDow/Spratt Home; Kings Mountain Military Academy/Episcopal Church Home for Children; Divine Saviour Roman Catholic Church; Howacyn/Lee House; Munn House; Lindsay/Morton House; Lowery House; McConnell House; Ivy Hill Cottage; Judge Gettys Nunn House; Logan House; Mauney House; White Rose Café;
York Soil and Water Conservation District Cooperative Records - Accession 855

York Soil and Water Conservation District
Accession 855
This collection consists of the participant files in accordance with the business practices of the York Soil and Water Conservation District. Listed alphabetically by last name, with the years of operation ranging from 1937-1994. Included in each folder are the original signed contracts (to insure completion of irrigation and other improvements of the land), rough sketches and blueprints and plats of acreage, and some aerial photographs of the land.
Yorkville, SC City Schools Annual Report - Accession 1513 - M737 (794)

Yorkville City Schools; York, SC; and York, SC History
Accession 1513 - M737 (794)
This collection consists of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Report of The City Schools: A School dedicated to the Earnest Cultivation In Its Pupils of Good Health, Sound Learning, and Sincere Character: Yorkville, SC 1911-1912. This publication consists of school statistics, calendars, programs, school rosters from 1st grade through 10th grade, classes, and many photographs of classes, students, and school activities. A majority of the publication consists of information about Yorkville, SC (now York, SC) and images of the Yorkville Graded School, the Yorkville Colored Graded School, downtown York, Businesses and mills, streets, churches, orphanages, citizens, farms and fields, cotton scenes, Sulphor Springs, Shooting Range Camp, Kings Mountain Battlefield, and a couple images of African Americans. It also includes many advertisements from local businesses. This publication would prove invaluable to anyone researching education in the area as well as York(ville), SC history in the early 20th century.
Yorkville Enquirer - Accession 12

Yorkville Enquirer
Accession 12
The Yorkville Enquirer collection consists of bound weekly issues of the York County, South Carolina newspaper from 1931, 1933-1935. The newspaper, published in York, S.C., highlights news from York County, surrounding counties, and South Carolina.
Yorkville Female College Diploma - Accession 384 - M158 (199)

Yorkville Female College
Accession 384 - M158 (199)
The Yorkville Female College Diploma is a photocopy of the original which was awarded to Sarah Amanda Sandifer of York, SC on June 16, 1859. Signatures on the diploma include that of John R. Schorb, Professor of Astronomy at Yorkville Female College.
Yorkville Store Account Ledger - Accession 1743 - M832 (889)

Yorkville, SC
Accession 1743 - M832 (889)
This collection consists of pages of an account ledger from a Yorkville, SC store in November 9, 1827-December 10, 1827. The pages are believed to belong to the Hoke family at some time, and survived a fire. Each page lists the name of each customer, what they ordered, and the cost of item or items. This ledger would prove useful to researchers searching for Yorkville residents from the time period, what items were purchased by the residents in the first quarter of the 19^th century and how much these items cost. Prominent names include: Edwards; Effler; Ellis; Erwin; Galbraith; Gilmore; Givens; Gordon; Harris; Hart; Herron; Hill; Hogge; Hood; Hoover; Hutchison; Jamison; Jeffrey; Latta; Lee; Lindley; Little; Love; Lowry; Martin; McCall; McKee; McLauchlin; Meek; Mellon; Melton; Miller; Mills; Moore; Owens; Perry; Riley; Robinson; Rogers; Rooker; Rowell; Sadler; Senn; ; Sitgreaves; Smith; Springs; Suggs; Sweeny; Tate; Thompson; Walker; Wallace; White; Williams; Witherspoon;
The Celebration of Columbus Day: October 21, 1892 at Columbia - Accession 1569 M766 (823)

LeRoy Franklin Youmans and Columbus Day
Accession 1569 - M766 (823)
This collection consists of a publication titled, The Celebration of Columbus Day. October 21, 1892. At Columbia, S.C. With the Address of Hon. LeRoy F. Youmans published in Columbia, SC by Charles A. Calvo, Jr., printer in 1893. The address by LeRoy F. Youmans was discussed the meaning of Columbus Day and the history and evolution of the state of South Carolina from initial discovery in 1492 through 1892 the date of his address. The forward is written by then South Carolina Governor, Benjamin Ryan Tillman and the publication contains an ode by Edna Dean Proctor titled “Columbia’s Banner” which was read by John P. Thomas.