The Richest Man in Charleston

James Adger the II was born in Ireland in 1777 but then migrated to the United States in 1794.  This was just the beginning of a very successful future in the United States of America.  James Adger the second was once known as the richest man in Charleston South Carolina, and the fourth richest man in all of America.  He obtained his money as a banker and a merchant.  He owned a very successful bank that him and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Ellison worked in.

James married Sarah Elizabeth Ellison in September of 1806.  Together James and Sarah successfully had nine kids together.  Besides banking James also was involved in the shipping industry.  He had a large fleet of sailing vessels which transported goods along the east coast.

Although James worked as a merchant and with shipping, those were not his main sources of income.  in 1818 he created a Hardware firm called James Adger & Company which made him enough money he didn't even know what to do with it.  Soon after Adger combined companies with James black which greatly increased the value of the company.  By 1850 James Adger was estimated to own $200,000 in real estate and eighteen slaves.

An Article on James Adger's steamship line. 

 James created a steamship line from charleston to new york that was making him even more filthy rich.  He named this steamship line the "Adger Line" which not surprising was just named after himself.  He created this in 1845 and by 1853 the companies estimated worth was already equal to $500,000.  Tons of merchants were lined up waiting to invest in his company.

James Adger was also involved in politics.  He used his wealth and power to try and sway the movements in Charleston.  He represented Charleston within the House of Representatives for a single term in 1826-1828.  He used his political power all for helping himself and his companies flourish.

James's very large headstone at the church

James Adger the second died at 80 years old in 1858.  He died in New York but was returned to Charleston to be buried.  He was Buried at the 2nd presbyterian church next to his wife.  He lived a very long life, and a successful life and his money is still within his family today.

2nd presbyterian church proposal

James Adger the 2nd was born in Ireland in 1777. He was once known as the richest man in Charleston South Carolina and the 4th richest in the United States.  He is buried at the 2n presbyterian church in Charleston South Carolina.  A full detailed report is going to be posted about him soon!!!

Magnolia Cemetery Field Trip!!

The magnolia cemetery was a huge shocker to me after arrival.   I wasn't expecting much from, the cemeteries that I have seen in the past but it was completely different.   Massive layout, elegant sculptures, and very prominent people of Americas past time, which made it that much more exciting.    As said the builders wanted to make it feel as if it was a park, which they succeeded in excellently.

The water added a very peaceful aspect to the cemetery.

The layout of the Cemetery like I said before was designed to seem like a park.  The cemetery is full of grand trees of all different times hanging over the graves.  A very large pond that surrounds the site.  The entire landscape is a whopping total of 150 acres which holds the 35,000 people that are buried there.

This grave belonged to Edward Walter Hughes, and to Virginia Randolph Pinckney.  They were husband and wife.  This was interesting to me because of the elegance and overall size of the sculpture.

This was my favorite gravesite by far belonging to Henry H. Lipinski.  (excuse the person in the picture).  The tomb is made completely of marble with stain glass windows.  Henry is not the only person buried in the tomb but also other deceased family members.  Henry is the original owner, born in 1912 and died in 1983.  

I chose this grave, not because of the architecture but because of the man that is buried here.  The man buried here is named Henry Edward Young.  He was a doctor who graduated from college in berlin Prussia then became a major for the confederate army then on to becoming a judge in Virginia. He is a man who has been around and seen many different things.

Overall my trip to Magnolia cemetery was a very informational experience and would highly recommend visiting to anyone with an interest in American history.