Benjamin R. Tillman House

Benjamin Ryan “Pitchfork Ben” Tillman (1847-1918), governor of S.C. from 1890 to 1894 and U.S. senator from 1894 to 1918, bought this farm just before leaving the governor’s office in 1894 and lived here until his death. A farmer himself, he became deeply concerned about the economic problems facing agriculture in S.C. and entered politics in 1885 as the principal advocate for farmers. A spirited and controversial orator, he was a champion to the many small farmers who elected him governor in 1890. He called the convention that drew up a new state constitution in 1895, was instrumental in establishing Clemson College and Winthrop College, and helped create a state liquor dispensary system. He is buried at Ebenezer Church cemetery just south of here.

Trenton, South Carolina · United States