FIGHTING FOR REVIVAL - Clemson University

Against this cultural backdrop, Edgefield proved a fertile breeding ground for
political leadership during the early republic and antebellum period, for its voting
populace comprehended and encouraged such forms of public physical assertion of honor
as a necessary part of manhood. Edgefield’s rather rapid assent from the status of frontier
to the ranks of a plantation culture allowed for its concept of honor to be highly energized
and more frequently exercised.
Orville Vernon Burton makes the same connections between Edgefield culture
and broader Southern culture, though his focus is upon the family origin and dynamic of
this connection than the politicians’ conception and projection of the ethic of honor.
Notions of honor and virtue were characteristic of the southern family, and
the families of Edgefield were no different. Edgefield youths heard of
their virtuous ancestors and were taught that they also should live by a
moral code. Ideas of individual, family, and community honor were
instilled from youth. Honor generally connoted personal rectitude,
independence of spirit, and the courage to maintain these characteristics
against challenges. It meant living by one’s word, no matter what the
consequences. Finally, honor meant having to seek redress for grievances
and defending perceived “rights.” 81
Given this cultural foundation, it is little wonder that Edgefield’s political sons
exhibited a tendency toward this same sense of honor and violence. Names such as A.P.
Butler, George McDuffie, Preston Brooks, Francis Pickens, James Henry Hammond,
Louis T. Wigfall read like a who’s who of political stalwarts of the pre-war South, and all
called Edgefield home. All were frequently involved and well versed in the actions and
language of honor and violence. Duels, shootings, and personal affronts to honor were
81 Orville Vernon Burton, In My Father’s House, 90.
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