Individual Details
Rev. John Renwick Sr.
(1735 - 20 Aug 1775)
Reverend John Renwick was apparently born of a very religious family that had been very involved at one time in the religious wars of Scotland. His relative was James Renwick the last covenanter leader martyr of Scotland. Due to this fact the Renwick families along with many other supporters were forced out of Scotland, some were put onto ships and exiled to the colonies. Others took refuge in northern Ireland, as ours relatives were said to have done according to the family history written below. There are still a number of Renwick (pronounced "Renick" by the Irish) in areas of Belfast. They are probably still the protestant "Orange Men" that the Irish Catholics have long fought against.
There was a John Renwick, "convenanter" that was exiled out of Scotland for the colonies as early as 1684, which is four years before James Renwickwas to have been martyred. Our particular relative was not supposed to have come to the colonies until 1767, or roughly a hundred years later. He apparently had a congregation in Antrim before coming to South Carolina and brought part of his congregation in 1767. He made a trip again in 1770 when he brought another group including his wife who gave birth to their son, John Renwick Jr. on ship board. John Renwick did come to carry on the mission of the Presbyterians by establishing several churches in Newberry County, South Carolina. He worked as an itinerent preacher in the Cannon's Creek and King's Creek Churches. His son, John Renwick Jr., who follows his father's work, marries Jane Bothwell. The Bothwell family was also very prominent in the Scottish history around the time of the Convenanter Raising.
More on the Convenanters of Scotland
This tribute to John Renwick was given in Newberry County, South Carolina in a 1988 article in the Newberry County newspaper.
"Born in Ireland of Scottish Ancestry. Family of James Renwick, last Covenanter martyr of Scotland, 1688. Brought his Anti-Burgher congregation from County Antrim, Ireland to Newberrry County, South Carolina in 1767-1770. founder of King's Creek and Cannon's Creek Churches. Elizabeth, his wife, buried beside him. The Reverend Timothy Hood, Pastor of Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N. C., presided over the service. In his introductory remarks, "Why Gather," he stated the purpose of the dedication.
The Reverend Robert Carlisle, Pastor of Startex United Methodist Church, Startex. S. C., offered prayer.
Mr. Renwick Bradley of Savannah, Georgia, delivered an address "Concerning James Renwick." He stated that it was most appropriate to gather here in this 300th anniversary year of the death of James Renwick, the last of the covenanter martyrs of Scotland, for it was on February 17, 1688 that the 26 year old Renwick "glorified God in the Grassmarket of Edinburgh by there laying down his life for Christ's Crown and Covenant.'
Mr. Dan Titus of Atlanta in colorful regimental Highland uniform, played "Foures of the Forest" on the bagpipes, setting the Scottish tone for the service. The main address, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness-- A Tribute to John and Elizabeth Rewick", was presented by Dr. Charles H. Carlisle, Vice President of Business Administration, Erskine College, Due West, S. C., who is a great-great-great-grandson of Reverend John Renwick Sr.
... of Renwick's congregation arrived in the same community. The first Communion service held for the congregation in America was in Patrick Carmichael's barn near Boyd's Crossing between Newberry and Prosperity.
John Renwick, Sr. was an Anti-Burgher pastor. In Scotland and Ireland this was of great importance. An Anti-Burgher was one who believed it was wrong for any of their number to swear the oath of office to become a Burgher ( that is a town councilman) if that oath had a religlious claus in it. In America, this was not so important and soon the Presbytery that was formed had both Burgher and Anti-Burgher pastors. Dr. Thomas Clark of Cedar Springs was a Burgher pastor.
According to the A. R. P. Centennial History, John Renwick, Sr. died August 20, 1775 at the age ...
...that her (Elizabeth Renwick) estate shows that she owned four Negro slaves means that she had accumulated some financial assets. She willed one slave to Agnes, one to John and one to William. She also gave each one a good feather bed which shows the value of feather beds. Why the second daughter, Anne, didn't get a slave or a feather bed and makes one think that she was well provided for by her husband. Elizabeth had cows, calves, hogs, horses, sheep, and household goods.
There were four children of John and Elizabeth Renwick. The oldest was Agnes (sometimes called Nancy) born in Ireland in 1768. She married and had a daughter named Leah. I do not know her husband's name. Her daughter married John Machen of Greenville, S. C. and the family moved to Alabama. " ["Memorial Marker Dedicated At Cannon's Creek Cemetary", Newberry S. C. Newspaper, Friday, June 24, 1988, ]
1763-1775 - The Annals of Newberry give a history of the churches in Newberry along with the important ministers.
"From the years 1763 to 1775 the elements of Cannon's Creek and King's Creek Churches, from which grew Prosperity and Head Spring, came from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in the fertile region between Enoree and the Dutch Fork, centering near the creeks from which the churches took their names. In the year 1767 a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation came from Ireland and settled in Newberry County. In 1770, a larger portion, with their pastor, came over and settled near the others; and in 1772 there came a third colony. We thus see that the first Associate Reformed preacher and pastor of the churches in Newbery was the Rev. John Renwick, was born at sea on the passage over, December 31st, 1770. The Lord's Supper was first administered to these Christians in Newberry, in Patrick Carmichael's barn, near what is now known as Boyd's Crossing between Newberry and Prosperity. This Rev. John Renwick is believed to have been a descendant of the family of Rev. James Renwick, the last martyr of Scotland, who suffered February 18th, 1688. Rev. James Renwick preached at Cannon's Creek and King's Creek Churches, which were founded at the same time, in 1772. He died August 20th, 1775. After his death there was little preaching, owing to the troublous times, until the year 1790. In that year, or the year before, the Revs. David Bothwell and James Rogers arrived, and they were also present at that time Revs. Thomas Clark, Peter McMullen and John Boyce, ministers, with James McBryde and William Dunlap, elders. Mr. Rogers became pastor of Cannon's and King's Creek Churches on the 23d of February, 1791, and served in that capacity for twenty-four or twenty-five years; for though the pastoral relation had been formally dissolved in 1801, yeat they having no settledd pastor, he continued to serve them in so faar as he was able, until the year 1814. In 1802 Prosperity Church was built and the congregation organized, with Abram Carmichael and Abram Youn, elders. Rev. John Renwick, son of the first pastor, and who, as has been already mentioned, was born at sea, December 31st, 1770, was licensed to preach January 1st, 1807 -- missionated two and a half years and settled at Gilder's Creek-- was five years pastor and continued to preach there and elsewhere as long as he was able, until he was superannuated a few years before his death, which occorred about the close of the year 1836. " [O'Neall. part II, p674-5] 1770 - 80 - John Renwick was a Covenanter and an Associate minister at the Canon Creek, Head Spring and Prosperty churches in Newberry Dist. of South Carolina about 1770-1780. [Hanna p. 130] 1770 - John Renwick is listed as minister of the Presbyterian Churches on a ship to South Carolina. One researcher indicates that he is bringing with him a number of parishsoners to settle in South Carolina area of Newbery from Antrim, Ireland. page 67 [Marshall page 67]
"During this period (1763 -1775) the original elements of what has been long known as Cannon and King’s Creek Churches, out of which Prosperity and Head Springs subsequently sprang, came from the vicinity of Ahoghill and Randallstown, County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in this fertile section of country lying between Enoree and what I’ve familiarly known as the Dutch Fork, and centering near the creeks from which these churches took their names. From information furnished me by your committee appointed for the purpose of collecting facts and forwarding them to the speakers on this occasion and William Renwick, Esq., it appears that a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation came to America and settled in Newberry County in 1767. In 1770 a larger portion of the same congregation, with their pastor, came and settled in the vicinity of those who had proceeded them. And in 1772 a third colony. This date has been satisfactorily and unmistakably determined; for a letter from Rev. T. Thompson of North Ireland, regarded quite an antiquity, and now in the possession of Mr. William Renwick after giving some account of the former life and labors of this pioneer minister of the Gospel (to which we shall again refer) says of his removal “that when there was much going to America, he removed there about or after 1770.” [Rev. Sloan]
1775, Aug 20th - Rev. John Renwick dies in Newberry Co., South Carolina. He is buried in the Cannon's Creek Old Cemetery, Newberry County. The photo of the stone is from the Newberry Genealogy Trails. The cemetery was surveyed and photographed by Donna Brummett. I have not been able to contact her for permission to use her photo, but thanks in advance. "Here lies the Body of The Reverend John Renwick who died August 20th A.D. 1775 “Aetatis Suae 40” (his age 40 - Latin) Old Cannon Creek Cem for ARP Mission Church is three miles southeast of Newberry at these cordinates n34 16.717 , w81 32.167. 1790 - The Bothwell family come over later than the Renwicks. This family is still under study but David Bothwell is found to be a minister of the Cedar Springs Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Abbeville Co., South Carolina in 1790. He could be a brother to John Renwick Jr.'s wife Jane Wright Bothwell. The church had five hundred members by 1802. [Seller, Hazel Crowson. p. 111] 1796 - Elizabeth Nichols makes a will in Newberry County, S. C.
Will of Elizabeth Nichols. In the name of God amen I Elizabeth Nichols of Newberry County in the district of Ninety six and state of South Carolina widow being of perfect mind & memory make this my last will & testament in which I bequeath & dispose of my Temporal Estate in the folowig manner. Afer the payment of my funeral charges & all my debts To my eldest daughter Agnefs Renwick I bequeath one Negro child named sarah, twenty guineas one good feather Bed well furnished & one hald of my Body cloaths & likewise to my eldest son John Renwick I bequeath one negro fellow named prince one Bay horse and one feather Bed well furnished And like wise To my son William Miller I confirm the conveyance of Solomon Nichols my deceased Husband (made to me & said William Miller my son & to be confirmed to said William Miller at my deather viz The conveyance of this tract of land on which I live a Negro Winch named Bet one Black mare & sorrel horse & two Cows & calves & I further bequeath unto said William Miller one good fether Bed well furnished. And Likewise to my sone in law John Cary Boyston I bequeath five shillings sterling like wise to my daughter Anne Boyston I bequeath five shillings and one half of my Body cloaths. To Jabus Gault son of said Anne Boyston & my grandson I bequeath fourteen pounds and likewise to Solomon Boyston my grandchild I bequeath fourteen pounds. The residue of my estate goods chattel arrears or debts with all other property I allow to be divided into four equal parts one of which part I bequeath to Agnefs Renwick my eldest daughter, Another of said part I bequeath to my eldest son John Renwicdh, The third of said parts I bequeath to William Miller & the fourth of the above memtioned parts I bequeath to Jabus Gault & Solomon Boyston my grand children to be equally divided between them to be left in the hands of my executors til the said children come of age to be by the executors put into their pefsefsion with all the profits thence resulting. I do hereby appoint John Renwich my eldest son & My son William Miller as Executors ## of this my last will & Testament & do hereby utterly revoke difallow & disanull all former bequest wills & legacies by me here to fore in any wise left or made declaring Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my last will & Testiment I witnefs whare of I have here unto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety six Signed sealed published & declared by the within named Testatrix Elizabeth Nichols as & for her last will & Testiment in the presence of us, who at her request & in her presence & in the presnce of each otehr have signed the same as witnefses The word Son being interlined Test her William Taylor Elizabeth X Nichols (SEAL) James Hays John Martin Taylor No Record Date Proved Jan. 15 - 1807 Samuel Lindsey. Ordinary of Newberry District Box. 14 Pkg. 30 Est. No. 326 [South Carolina Will Transcripts, Newberry County, Ninety Six Dist. , Estate packet: box 14, Pkg. 21, record #S108093, ] "On this site stood the first log structure called the "Old Irish Church." this congregation of Scotch-Irish Seceders from County Antrim, Ireland was organised who followed Renwick to South Carolina in 1767, 1770, & 1772, is interwoven with the turbulent years of the Revolution. Renwick served both Kings's Creek and Cannon's Creek A. R. P. Churches, until his death, in 1775. (He was buried at Cannon's Creek churchyard.) About 1790 rev. David Bothwell, and probationer James Rogers came from Scotland to the churches, and Rogers succeeded to the pastorate, until 1814." [Renwick, Robert M., History of King's Creek A. R. P. Church, Newberry Co., S. C. ]
A memorial stone has been erected by his relatives at the Cannon Creek Cem. with this inscription.
"Rev. John Renwick, 1735-1775. Born in Ireland of Scottish Ancestry. Family of James Renwick, last Covenanter martyr of Scotland, 1688. Brought his Anti-Burgher congregation from County Antrim, Ireland to Newberry County, South Carolina in 1767-1770. . Founder of King's Creek and Cannon's Creek Churches. Elizabeth, his wife died 1807 and is buried beside him."
1800 - David Bothwell was assigned a ministry at the Cedar Springs Church in Abbeville. He was also minister of Buckhead and Big Creek along with churches in Jefferson and Burke Counties in Georgia. He died in 1801 and John Renwick Jr. apparently marries his widow, Mary Wight Bothwell. She is buried at the Kings Creek Church cemetary. David Bothwell 's parents were David and Margaret Bothwell. He was educated at University of Edinburgh where he studied divinity then moved to Mohanagan, Ireland from which he emigrated to Georgia. [Rev. H. T. Sloan p. 64] New information from the University of Glasgow states that David Bothwell was a native of Ireland and had gone to Glasgow for his divinity education. 1807, January 1 - "Rev. John Renwick, Jr., son of the first pastor, born at sea, as already mentioned, December 31, 1770, was licensed to preach January 1st, 1807, missionated for two and a half years, then settled at Gilder's Creek in Laurens Co. as its pastor for five years and continued to preach there and elsewhere as long as he was able, until he was superannuated a few years before his death, about the year 1836." [Brown, W. C. A Short Sketch of the Cannon's Creek Church] According to David Bothewell, "Present day knowledge indicates that the Rev. Dr. David E. Bothwell was the son of David and Margaret Bothwell who were tenant farmers in Monaghan Co., Ireland. He went to Scotland to study (_NOT_ Edinburgh, but Glasgow - see copy of email following) but was not _OF_ Scotland. We know that the Bothwell's originated in Scotland and went to Ireland at some point during, or immediately thereafter, the "Plantation" period - but we do _NOT_ know precisely when. Nor do we know much about his parents or siblings. However, we do know that a younger brother, Samuel C. Bothwell and his family at the time (several sons at the very least) appear to have emigrated to Georgia about five years after the Reverend (abt 1794)." [correspondence from David Bothwell, May 31, 2010] 1812- John Renwick, Jr is a minister for Warrior's Creek(now Bethel) until November 11th, 1825 and Gilder's Creek until March 1st, 1814 when it was dissolved. [Sloan p. 334 and 606] 1845- Will of Jane Renwick
State of Carolina In the name of God Amen I, Jane Renwick, of aforesaid State and district of Newberry Calling to mind the uncertainty of life and feeling desirious to to dispose of all the Earthly goods which God in his kind providence of all the Earthly goods which Gd in his kind providence hat seen proper to blefs me with do make Constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following To Wit Primses. To my beloved son Ebenezer Bothwell I give abd bequeath Fifty Dollars, to him and to his heirs forever Secondly. To my other three beloved sons, namely John W. James J. & David E. Bothwell I give and bequeath Fifty Dollars, Each of the them and their heirs forever. Thirdly to my beloved son William W. Renwick I give and bequeth Ten Dollars, to him and to his heirs forever Fourthly To my beloved daughters Ann, Eliza, and Rosannah H. Renwick I give and bequeath all my Interest in the Commercial Bank of Columbia S. Ca. also my entire Claims as Legatee in the Estate of James Lairy Decsd or in certain portions of Property formerly the property of my deced daughter Martha J. Clairy, Consisting of one negro woman Mathildey and her four children notes of hand household furniture etc, etc, also the residual or remaining part of my Estate of whatsoever nature character kind or Quality of which I may be legally seized and in pofsefsion of at the time of my death to them and to their heirs forever Lastly I do hereby nominate, Constitute, and appoint, William Mars Executor to this my last will declareing this to be my last will & testement and revokeing all former wills by me made in witnefs whereof i have set my hand and seal this Twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Forty five Signed sealed declared and published by the Said Jane Renwick to be her last will and Testament in the presence of us and signed in the preence of Each other as witnefses. Jane Renwick (LS) page 2 Witnesses : Hiam Glasgow John H. Hatton Samuel Anderson Recorded in Will Book No. 1 Page 334 "Records of Wills" Approved January 8th 1848 recorded January 10th 1848 N. K. Boyd Ordinary Newberry District Box No. 106 Pkg. No. 279 Est. No. 2723 [South Carolina Archives. S108093 MSS Will: Will book 1, page 334] 1850 - US Census, Newberry Co., Newberry. page 250.
J. A. Renwick 36 m Physician $5000 So., Caolina next door J. S. Renwick 35 m Farmer $800 " " Mary Renwick 30 f J. W. Renwick 11 m Hugh " 7 m Marcilla " 5 m Rosanna " 2 m next door Elizabeth Renwick 70 f So. Carolina John Glenn 53 m Nancy " 47 f Rosanna " 22 f William " 21 m Casey " 8 f John G. " 14 m James " 5 m 1857, Nov. 13th. Died, Mrs. Mary Renwick, wife of James Renwick, Esq. and daughter of John Cunningham elder of the Mt. Olivet concregation, Ky. .... She leaves a husband and one infant child. [SC Magazine. Vol. VIII., No. 4, Fall, 1980. Asso. Reformed Presbyterian Death & Marriage Notices, 1843-1863. page 77] 1860 - US Census, Newberry Co., Newberry. Series M653, Roll 1224, page 258. James A Renwick 48 m Physician $10, 000 $115,000 John Glenn 25 m Overseer Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 124, page 279 Jas A Renwick (? Murther) 50 m w Farmer $25,400 $39,700 So. Carolina William Clamp 23 m w Overseer Katharine " 40 f w Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 124 Page 262 John S. Renwick 47 m Farmer $14,000 $144,000 So. Carolina Mary Renwick 43 f Hugh T. " 16 mMarcella " 14 m Rova " 12 f Emma " 10 f Lattella " 7 f Miss Fannie E. Johnson 21 f School mistress Georgia Elizabeth Renwick 78 f - $13,000 So. Carolina
Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 1224, page 274 John S. Renwick (no age listed) (no occupation) --- $20,000 So. Carolina Union Co., Goshen Hill PO, Roll 1227, page 185 Sarah Renwick 68 f farmer S. C. Jane " 44 f Semetress (sic) S. C. Nancy " 39 f Semetress (sic) S. C. Sarah " 25 f Semetress (sic) S. C. same page W. W. Renwick 49 m farmer $30,000 $40,000 So. Carolina John " 12 m S. C. James " 12 m S. C. unoccupied unoccupied1865- A description is written of Dr. James A. Renwick, physician of Newberry in 1895.
"Dr. James A. Renwick, a descendant of the old Scotch Covenanters, than whom the world never produced a braver or more liberty-loving race, after a not very long but useful career as a physician and a man, died on the 13th of March 1865. He was a brother of Col. John S. Renwick, and like him, a consistent member of the Church of his fathers. " [John Belton O'Neall, The Annals of Newberry, p. 833]
Colonel John S. Renwick p.605 "This very excellent man, a native of Newberry County, and who spent his long life as one of its citizens, was of Scotch descent, and a not very remote descendant of James Renwick, the last Scotch martyr. He became a member of King's Creek Church in early manhood and remained in connection with it until the day of his death. The circumstances of his early life prevented him from acquiring a first-rate education, but he knew its worth and gave his sons and daughters the best that could be obtained. He was the first to suggest to Dr. Bonner, then in charge of the Female Academy at Due West, the propriety of converting that institution into a Female College. He had no politcal asperations, but was content to do his duty as a private citizen, a farmer and member of the Church, in which he was a Ruling Elder for nearly the whole of his life. This good man died March 19th, 1889, in the 76th year of his age. " [John Belton O'Neall, The Annals of Newberry, p. 605] 1872 - p. 193 William W. Renwick was born c. 1812 and died in 1872. He was the sone of the Reverend John S. Renwick Jr. (1770-1836) of the Kings Creek A. R. P. Church area of Newberry County and the grandson of the Irish pioneer to this country (1735-1775). Renwick married Rosannah P. Rogers (19 January 1812- 4 January 1850), daughter of John A. Rogers Jr. (1764-1847) and Rosey M. Rogers (1778-1841) of Orange Hall plantation. They were all members of Kings Creek Church and, like the local Reids and Caldwells, all descended from Scots-Irish dissenting Prestyterian emigres frm County Antrim, Ireland. [Kibler p. 422]
Elroy's Ireland History 17th and 18th C.
Elroy's Covenanters History| Brian Orr's Covenanter History
Sources :
"Memorial Marker Dedicated At Cannon's Creek Cemetary", Newberry S. C. Newspaper, Friday, June 24, 1988, Bradley, Renwick (1993-95), 1430 North Camden Circle, Savannah, GA 31406,(912) 354-4527 Brown, David A. records and web site for the Bothwell family http://www.bothwell.cx/wc04/wc04_245.htm Brown, Dr. W. C. A short Sketch of the Cannon's Creek Church. printed 1942. Newberry Asso. Reformed Brumett, Donna. photo from genealogytrails.com/newberry/cemeteries Presbyterian Church web site. http://newberryarp.org/ Dobson, David. The Original Scots Colonists of Early America, 1612-1783. Gen. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, MD 1989 Hanna, Charles. Scotch-Irish or The Scot in North Britain, North Ireland and North America. Vol. II. G. P. Putnam & Sons, New York 1902 Kibler, James E. Our Father's fields, A Southern Story. University of South Carolina Press, 1998 Newberry County, SC records and other information - Marshall, William Forbes. "Names of Some Ministers, Licentiates, Students, or Emigrants Who Went from Ulster and Served in the Ministry of Presbyterian Churches in North America during the Period 1680-1820, with the Presbytery of Oversight, or District of Origin Where These have Been Ascetained, The Date or Approximante Date of Arrival, and the Provinces or States Where They Excercised Their Ministry." in Ulster Sails West. Belfast(Ireland): The Quota Press, 1943, pp.61-67 Renwick, Robert M., History of King's Creek A. R. P. Church, Newberry Co., S. C. O'Neall, John Belton. The Annals of Newberry," originally pub. Newberry, S. C., Aull & Houseal, 1892, reprinted Gen. Pub. Co., MD. Sellers, Hazel Crowson. Old South Carolina Churches. Crowson Printing Co., Columbia, SC 1941 Simpson, Robt. Life of Rev. James Renwick, the Last Scottish Martyr. John Johnstone, Highstreet, Edinburgh. 1843 Sloan, Rev. H. T. Centennial Address in 1872 at Cannon's Creek. on the Cannon's Creek Presbyterian Church web site. http://newberryarp.org/ South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Reseach, Vol. 1-20. South Carolina Will Transcripts, South Carolina Archives and History online records. -www.archivesindex.sc.gov
There was a John Renwick, "convenanter" that was exiled out of Scotland for the colonies as early as 1684, which is four years before James Renwick
More on the Convenanters of Scotland
This tribute to John Renwick was given in Newberry County, South Carolina in a 1988 article in the Newberry County newspaper.
"Born in Ireland of Scottish Ancestry. Family of James Renwick, last Covenanter martyr of Scotland, 1688. Brought his Anti-Burgher congregation from County Antrim, Ireland to Newberrry County, South Carolina in 1767-1770. founder of King's Creek and Cannon's Creek Churches. Elizabeth, his wife, buried beside him. The Reverend Timothy Hood, Pastor of Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N. C., presided over the service. In his introductory remarks, "Why Gather," he stated the purpose of the dedication.
The Reverend Robert Carlisle, Pastor of Startex United Methodist Church, Startex. S. C., offered prayer.
Mr. Renwick Bradley of Savannah, Georgia, delivered an address "Concerning James Renwick." He stated that it was most appropriate to gather here in this 300th anniversary year of the death of James Renwick, the last of the covenanter martyrs of Scotland
Mr. Dan Titus of Atlanta in colorful regimental Highland uniform, played "Foures of the Forest" on the bagpipes, setting the Scottish tone for the service. The main address, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness-- A Tribute to John and Elizabeth Rewick", was presented by Dr. Charles H. Carlisle, Vice President of Business Administration, Erskine College, Due West, S. C., who is a great-great-great-grandson of Reverend John Renwick Sr.
... of Renwick's congregation arrived in the same community. The first Communion service held for the congregation in America was in Patrick Carmichael's barn near Boyd's Crossing between Newberry and Prosperity.
John Renwick, Sr. was an Anti-Burgher pastor. In Scotland and Ireland this was of great importance. An Anti-Burgher was one who believed it was wrong for any of their number to swear the oath of office to become a Burgher ( that is a town councilman) if that oath had a religlious claus in it. In America, this was not so important and soon the Presbytery that was formed had both Burgher and Anti-Burgher pastors. Dr. Thomas Clark of Cedar Springs was a Burgher pastor.
According to the A. R. P. Centennial History, John Renwick, Sr. died August 20, 1775 at the age ...
...that her (Elizabeth Renwick) estate shows that she owned four Negro slaves means that she had accumulated some financial assets. She willed one slave to Agnes, one to John and one to William. She also gave each one a good feather bed which shows the value of feather beds. Why the second daughter, Anne, didn't get a slave or a feather bed and makes one think that she was well provided for by her husband. Elizabeth had cows, calves, hogs, horses, sheep, and household goods.
There were four children of John and Elizabeth Renwick. The oldest was Agnes (sometimes called Nancy) born in Ireland in 1768. She married and had a daughter named Leah. I do not know her husband's name. Her daughter married John Machen of Greenville, S. C. and the family moved to Alabama. " ["Memorial Marker Dedicated At Cannon's Creek Cemetary", Newberry S. C. Newspaper, Friday, June 24, 1988, ]
1763-1775 - The Annals of Newberry give a history of the churches in Newberry along with the important ministers.
"From the years 1763 to 1775 the elements of Cannon's Creek and King's Creek Churches, from which grew Prosperity and Head Spring, came from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in the fertile region between Enoree and the Dutch Fork, centering near the creeks from which the churches took their names. In the year 1767 a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation came from Ireland and settled in Newberry County. In 1770, a larger portion, with their pastor, came over and settled near the others; and in 1772 there came a third colony. We thus see that the first Associate Reformed preacher and pastor of the churches in Newbery was the Rev. John Renwick, was born at sea on the passage over, December 31st, 1770. The Lord's Supper was first administered to these Christians in Newberry, in Patrick Carmichael's barn, near what is now known as Boyd's Crossing between Newberry and Prosperity. This Rev. John Renwick is believed to have been a descendant of the family of Rev. James Renwick, the last martyr of Scotland, who suffered February 18th, 1688. Rev. James Renwick preached at Cannon's Creek and King's Creek Churches, which were founded at the same time, in 1772. He died August 20th, 1775. After his death there was little preaching, owing to the troublous times, until the year 1790. In that year, or the year before, the Revs. David Bothwell and James Rogers arrived, and they were also present at that time Revs. Thomas Clark, Peter McMullen and John Boyce, ministers, with James McBryde and William Dunlap, elders. Mr. Rogers became pastor of Cannon's and King's Creek Churches on the 23d of February, 1791, and served in that capacity for twenty-four or twenty-five years; for though the pastoral relation had been formally dissolved in 1801, yeat they having no settledd pastor, he continued to serve them in so faar as he was able, until the year 1814. In 1802 Prosperity Church was built and the congregation organized, with Abram Carmichael and Abram Youn, elders. Rev. John Renwick, son of the first pastor, and who, as has been already mentioned, was born at sea, December 31st, 1770, was licensed to preach January 1st, 1807 -- missionated two and a half years and settled at Gilder's Creek-- was five years pastor and continued to preach there and elsewhere as long as he was able, until he was superannuated a few years before his death, which occorred about the close of the year 1836. " [O'Neall. part II, p674-5] 1770 - 80 - John Renwick was a Covenanter and an Associate minister at the Canon Creek, Head Spring and Prosperty churches in Newberry Dist. of South Carolina about 1770-1780. [Hanna p. 130] 1770 - John Renwick is listed as minister of the Presbyterian Churches on a ship to South Carolina. One researcher indicates that he is bringing with him a number of parishsoners to settle in South Carolina area of Newbery from Antrim, Ireland. page 67 [Marshall page 67]
"During this period (1763 -1775) the original elements of what has been long known as Cannon and King’s Creek Churches, out of which Prosperity and Head Springs subsequently sprang, came from the vicinity of Ahoghill and Randallstown, County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in this fertile section of country lying between Enoree and what I’ve familiarly known as the Dutch Fork, and centering near the creeks from which these churches took their names. From information furnished me by your committee appointed for the purpose of collecting facts and forwarding them to the speakers on this occasion and William Renwick, Esq., it appears that a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation came to America and settled in Newberry County in 1767. In 1770 a larger portion of the same congregation, with their pastor, came and settled in the vicinity of those who had proceeded them. And in 1772 a third colony. This date has been satisfactorily and unmistakably determined; for a letter from Rev. T. Thompson of North Ireland, regarded quite an antiquity, and now in the possession of Mr. William Renwick after giving some account of the former life and labors of this pioneer minister of the Gospel (to which we shall again refer) says of his removal “that when there was much going to America, he removed there about or after 1770.” [Rev. Sloan]
1775, Aug 20th - Rev. John Renwick dies in Newberry Co., South Carolina. He is buried in the Cannon's Creek Old Cemetery, Newberry County. The photo of the stone is from the Newberry Genealogy Trails. The cemetery was surveyed and photographed by Donna Brummett. I have not been able to contact her for permission to use her photo, but thanks in advance. "Here lies the Body of The Reverend John Renwick who died August 20th A.D. 1775 “Aetatis Suae 40” (his age 40 - Latin)
Will of Elizabeth Nichols. In the name of God amen I Elizabeth Nichols of Newberry County in the district of Ninety six and state of South Carolina widow being of perfect mind & memory make this my last will & testament in which I bequeath & dispose of my Temporal Estate in the folowig manner. Afer the payment of my funeral charges & all my debts To my eldest daughter Agnefs Renwick I bequeath one Negro child named sarah, twenty guineas one good feather Bed well furnished & one hald of my Body cloaths & likewise to my eldest son John Renwick I bequeath one negro fellow named prince one Bay horse and one feather Bed well furnished And like wise To my son William Miller I confirm the conveyance of Solomon Nichols my deceased Husband (made to me & said William Miller my son & to be confirmed to said William Miller at my deather viz The conveyance of this tract of land on which I live a Negro Winch named Bet one Black mare & sorrel horse & two Cows & calves & I further bequeath unto said William Miller one good fether Bed well furnished. And Likewise to my sone in law John Cary Boyston I bequeath five shillings sterling like wise to my daughter Anne Boyston I bequeath five shillings and one half of my Body cloaths. To Jabus Gault son of said Anne Boyston & my grandson I bequeath fourteen pounds and likewise to Solomon Boyston my grandchild I bequeath fourteen pounds. The residue of my estate goods chattel arrears or debts with all other property I allow to be divided into four equal parts one of which part I bequeath to Agnefs Renwick my eldest daughter, Another of said part I bequeath to my eldest son John Renwicdh, The third of said parts I bequeath to William Miller & the fourth of the above memtioned parts I bequeath to Jabus Gault & Solomon Boyston my grand children to be equally divided between them to be left in the hands of my executors til the said children come of age to be by the executors put into their pefsefsion with all the profits thence resulting. I do hereby appoint John Renwich my eldest son & My son William Miller as Executors ## of this my last will & Testament & do hereby utterly revoke difallow & disanull all former bequest wills & legacies by me here to fore in any wise left or made declaring Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my last will & Testiment I witnefs whare of I have here unto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety six Signed sealed published & declared by the within named Testatrix Elizabeth Nichols as & for her last will & Testiment in the presence of us, who at her request & in her presence & in the presnce of each otehr have signed the same as witnefses The word Son being interlined Test her William Taylor Elizabeth X Nichols (SEAL) James Hays John Martin Taylor No Record Date Proved Jan. 15 - 1807 Samuel Lindsey. Ordinary of Newberry District Box. 14 Pkg. 30 Est. No. 326 [South Carolina Will Transcripts, Newberry County, Ninety Six Dist. , Estate packet: box 14, Pkg. 21, record #S108093, ] "On this site stood the first log structure called the "Old Irish Church." this congregation of Scotch-Irish Seceders from County Antrim, Ireland was organised who followed Renwick to South Carolina in 1767, 1770, & 1772, is interwoven with the turbulent years of the Revolution. Renwick served both Kings's Creek and Cannon's Creek A. R. P. Churches, until his death, in 1775. (He was buried at Cannon's Creek churchyard.) About 1790 rev. David Bothwell, and probationer James Rogers came from Scotland to the churches, and Rogers succeeded to the pastorate, until 1814." [Renwick, Robert M., History of King's Creek A. R. P. Church, Newberry Co., S. C. ]
A memorial stone has been erected by his relatives at the Cannon Creek Cem. with this inscription.
"Rev. John Renwick, 1735-1775. Born in Ireland of Scottish Ancestry. Family of James Renwick, last Covenanter martyr of Scotland, 1688. Brought his Anti-Burgher congregation from County Antrim, Ireland to Newberry County, South Carolina in 1767-1770. . Founder of King's Creek and Cannon's Creek Churches. Elizabeth, his wife died 1807 and is buried beside him."
1800 - David Bothwell was assigned a ministry at the Cedar Springs Church in Abbeville. He was also minister of Buckhead and Big Creek along with churches in Jefferson and Burke Counties in Georgia. He died in 1801 and John Renwick Jr. apparently marries his widow, Mary Wight Bothwell. She is buried at the Kings Creek Church cemetary. David Bothwell 's parents were David and Margaret Bothwell. He was educated at University of Edinburgh where he studied divinity then moved to Mohanagan, Ireland from which he emigrated to Georgia. [Rev. H. T. Sloan p. 64] New information from the University of Glasgow states that David Bothwell was a native of Ireland and had gone to Glasgow for his divinity education. 1807, January 1 - "Rev. John Renwick, Jr., son of the first pastor, born at sea, as already mentioned, December 31, 1770, was licensed to preach January 1st, 1807, missionated for two and a half years, then settled at Gilder's Creek in Laurens Co. as its pastor for five years and continued to preach there and elsewhere as long as he was able, until he was superannuated a few years before his death, about the year 1836." [Brown, W. C. A Short Sketch of the Cannon's Creek Church] According to David Bothewell, "Present day knowledge indicates that the Rev. Dr. David E. Bothwell was the son of David and Margaret Bothwell who were tenant farmers in Monaghan Co., Ireland. He went to Scotland to study (_NOT_ Edinburgh, but Glasgow - see copy of email following) but was not _OF_ Scotland. We know that the Bothwell's originated in Scotland and went to Ireland at some point during, or immediately thereafter, the "Plantation" period - but we do _NOT_ know precisely when. Nor do we know much about his parents or siblings. However, we do know that a younger brother, Samuel C. Bothwell and his family at the time (several sons at the very least) appear to have emigrated to Georgia about five years after the Reverend (abt 1794)." [correspondence from David Bothwell, May 31, 2010] 1812- John Renwick, Jr is a minister for Warrior's Creek(now Bethel) until November 11th, 1825 and Gilder's Creek until March 1st, 1814 when it was dissolved. [Sloan p. 334 and 606] 1845- Will of Jane Renwick
State of Carolina In the name of God Amen I, Jane Renwick, of aforesaid State and district of Newberry Calling to mind the uncertainty of life and feeling desirious to to dispose of all the Earthly goods which God in his kind providence of all the Earthly goods which Gd in his kind providence hat seen proper to blefs me with do make Constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following To Wit Primses. To my beloved son Ebenezer Bothwell I give abd bequeath Fifty Dollars, to him and to his heirs forever Secondly. To my other three beloved sons, namely John W. James J. & David E. Bothwell I give and bequeath Fifty Dollars, Each of the them and their heirs forever. Thirdly to my beloved son William W. Renwick I give and bequeth Ten Dollars, to him and to his heirs forever Fourthly To my beloved daughters Ann, Eliza, and Rosannah H. Renwick I give and bequeath all my Interest in the Commercial Bank of Columbia S. Ca. also my entire Claims as Legatee in the Estate of James Lairy Decsd or in certain portions of Property formerly the property of my deced daughter Martha J. Clairy, Consisting of one negro woman Mathildey and her four children notes of hand household furniture etc, etc, also the residual or remaining part of my Estate of whatsoever nature character kind or Quality of which I may be legally seized and in pofsefsion of at the time of my death to them and to their heirs forever Lastly I do hereby nominate, Constitute, and appoint, William Mars Executor to this my last will declareing this to be my last will & testement and revokeing all former wills by me made in witnefs whereof i have set my hand and seal this Twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Forty five Signed sealed declared and published by the Said Jane Renwick to be her last will and Testament in the presence of us and signed in the preence of Each other as witnefses. Jane Renwick (LS) page 2 Witnesses : Hiam Glasgow John H. Hatton Samuel Anderson Recorded in Will Book No. 1 Page 334 "Records of Wills" Approved January 8th 1848 recorded January 10th 1848 N. K. Boyd Ordinary Newberry District Box No. 106 Pkg. No. 279 Est. No. 2723 [South Carolina Archives. S108093 MSS Will: Will book 1, page 334] 1850 - US Census, Newberry Co., Newberry. page 250.
J. A. Renwick 36 m Physician $5000 So., Caolina next door J. S. Renwick 35 m Farmer $800 " " Mary Renwick 30 f J. W. Renwick 11 m Hugh " 7 m Marcilla " 5 m Rosanna " 2 m next door Elizabeth Renwick 70 f So. Carolina John Glenn 53 m Nancy " 47 f Rosanna " 22 f William " 21 m Casey " 8 f John G. " 14 m James " 5 m 1857, Nov. 13th. Died, Mrs. Mary Renwick, wife of James Renwick, Esq. and daughter of John Cunningham elder of the Mt. Olivet concregation, Ky. .... She leaves a husband and one infant child. [SC Magazine. Vol. VIII., No. 4, Fall, 1980. Asso. Reformed Presbyterian Death & Marriage Notices, 1843-1863. page 77] 1860 - US Census, Newberry Co., Newberry. Series M653, Roll 1224, page 258. James A Renwick 48 m Physician $10, 000 $115,000 John Glenn 25 m Overseer Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 124, page 279 Jas A Renwick (? Murther) 50 m w Farmer $25,400 $39,700 So. Carolina William Clamp 23 m w Overseer Katharine " 40 f w Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 124 Page 262 John S. Renwick 47 m Farmer $14,000 $144,000 So. Carolina Mary Renwick 43 f Hugh T. " 16 mMarcella " 14 m Rova " 12 f Emma " 10 f Lattella " 7 f Miss Fannie E. Johnson 21 f School mistress Georgia Elizabeth Renwick 78 f - $13,000 So. Carolina
Newberry Co., Newberry. Roll 1224, page 274 John S. Renwick (no age listed) (no occupation) --- $20,000 So. Carolina Union Co., Goshen Hill PO, Roll 1227, page 185 Sarah Renwick 68 f farmer S. C. Jane " 44 f Semetress (sic) S. C. Nancy " 39 f Semetress (sic) S. C. Sarah " 25 f Semetress (sic) S. C. same page W. W. Renwick 49 m farmer $30,000 $40,000 So. Carolina John " 12 m S. C. James " 12 m S. C. unoccupied unoccupied1865- A description is written of Dr. James A. Renwick, physician of Newberry in 1895.
"Dr. James A. Renwick, a descendant of the old Scotch Covenanters, than whom the world never produced a braver or more liberty-loving race, after a not very long but useful career as a physician and a man, died on the 13th of March 1865. He was a brother of Col. John S. Renwick, and like him, a consistent member of the Church of his fathers. " [John Belton O'Neall, The Annals of Newberry, p. 833]
Colonel John S. Renwick p.605 "This very excellent man, a native of Newberry County, and who spent his long life as one of its citizens, was of Scotch descent, and a not very remote descendant of James Renwick, the last Scotch martyr. He became a member of King's Creek Church in early manhood and remained in connection with it until the day of his death. The circumstances of his early life prevented him from acquiring a first-rate education, but he knew its worth and gave his sons and daughters the best that could be obtained. He was the first to suggest to Dr. Bonner, then in charge of the Female Academy at Due West, the propriety of converting that institution into a Female College. He had no politcal asperations, but was content to do his duty as a private citizen, a farmer and member of the Church, in which he was a Ruling Elder for nearly the whole of his life. This good man died March 19th, 1889, in the 76th year of his age. " [John Belton O'Neall, The Annals of Newberry, p. 605] 1872 - p. 193 William W. Renwick was born c. 1812 and died in 1872. He was the sone of the Reverend John S. Renwick Jr. (1770-1836) of the Kings Creek A. R. P. Church area of Newberry County and the grandson of the Irish pioneer to this country (1735-1775). Renwick married Rosannah P. Rogers (19 January 1812- 4 January 1850), daughter of John A. Rogers Jr. (1764-1847) and Rosey M. Rogers (1778-1841) of Orange Hall plantation. They were all members of Kings Creek Church and, like the local Reids and Caldwells, all descended from Scots-Irish dissenting Prestyterian emigres frm County Antrim, Ireland. [Kibler p. 422]
Elroy's Ireland History 17th and 18th C.
Elroy's Covenanters History
Sources :
"Memorial Marker Dedicated At Cannon's Creek Cemetary", Newberry S. C. Newspaper, Friday, June 24, 1988, Bradley, Renwick (1993-95), 1430 North Camden Circle, Savannah, GA 31406,(912) 354-4527 Brown, David A. records and web site for the Bothwell family http://www.bothwell.cx/wc04/wc04_245.htm Brown, Dr. W. C. A short Sketch of the Cannon's Creek Church. printed 1942. Newberry Asso. Reformed Brumett, Donna. photo from genealogytrails.com/newberry/cemeteries Presbyterian Church web site. http://newberryarp.org/ Dobson, David. The Original Scots Colonists of Early America, 1612-1783. Gen. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, MD 1989 Hanna, Charles. Scotch-Irish or The Scot in North Britain, North Ireland and North America. Vol. II. G. P. Putnam & Sons, New York 1902 Kibler, James E. Our Father's fields, A Southern Story. University of South Carolina Press, 1998 Newberry County, SC records and other information -
Events
| Birth | 1735 | Dervock, County Antrim, Northern Ireland | |||
| Marriage | Abt 1767 | Elizabeth Simpson | |||
| Burial | Aug 1775 | Cannons Creek Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newberry County, South Carolina |  |  | |
| Death | 20 Aug 1775 | Newberry District, South Carolina |
Families
| Spouse | Elizabeth Simpson (1739 - 1806) |
| Child | Agnes Renwick (1768 - 1835) |
| Child | Rev. John Renwick Jr. (1770 - 1836) |
| Child | Mary Anne Renwick (1773 - 1801) |
| Child | James William Miller Renwick (1775 - 1816) |
Notes
Burial
Tombstone inscription:Rev. JOHN RENWICK 1735 - 1775 BORN IN IRELAND OF SCOTTISH ANCESTRY FAMILY OF JAMES RENWICK, LAST COVENANTER MARTYR OF SCOTLAND, 1688. BROUGHT HIS ANTI-BURGHER CONGREGATION FROM COUNTY ANTRIM, IRELAND TO NEWBERRY COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA IN 1767 - 1770. FOUNDER OF KINGS CREEK AND CANYON'S CREEK CHURCHES
ELIZABETH, HIS WIFE, DIED 1807, AND IS BURIED BESIDE HIM.
ERECTED BY HIS DESCENDANTS 1988
Endnotes
1. Find A Grave Memorial# 19805789.