Clemson University - Taps Yearbook (Clemson, SC)

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The Qalhoun-Qlemson Friendship Calhoun was United States Senator and fifty-six, while Clemson was a Scientist and thirty-one when he became the son-in-law of Calhoun. The charming Harriet Lane, niece of James Buchanan, brought Mr. Clemson and Miss Calhoun together. The relations between Calhoun and Clemson ever remained intimate and confidential. Clemson became a disciple of Calhoun and thoroughly Southern in his sentiments. Mr. Clemson con- ducted a correspondence with Calhoun when he was abroad. Both were interested in agriculture. Even after Calhoun ' s death Clemson declared that he was one of the best farmers he had ever known. Clemson became a practical farmer and for a time had charge of the Fort Hill farm and Cal- houn ' s mining interests. Clemson was abroad at the time of Calhoun ' s death in i8s , but thirty-six years later in his will he provided that Calhoun ' s old home should be preserved as a memorial to him. Both were scholars. Cal- houn ' s interests were political and governmental; Clemson ' s were scientific and educational: Calhoun was frail of body; Clemson was giant-like. Their correspondence reveals respect, admiration and friendship.

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The Qalhoun - Mansion The home with which Calhoun ' s memory will ever be asso- ciated is Fort Hill, which he bought when he and his wife decided to live in the South instead of in Washington as they once thought of doing. Part of the house was old, but additions were made from time to time. From the dining room, behind the impressive row of white columns, one could look across the grass-covered yard with its venerable oaks at remains of the old fort which General Pickens built in Revolutionary times to overawe the Cherokees. It is from this fort that the plantation got its name. Calhoun loved his farm. In one of his letters to his brother- in-law we find this statement, I consider my absence from my farm one of my greatest sacrifices. The great statesman made daily inspections of the work on the plantation during the time he was able to stay at home. These trips were made with a long stick in hand and strides as long, writes one of his friends who some- times accompanied him. The new farming methods which he in- troduced to this state and the improved breeds of live-stock which he imported greatly aided agriculture in the whole up-state. The practical way in which Calhoun managed his farm is most surpris- ing for one with such a theoretical mind. It is appropriate, then, that there should be located at Fort Hill a technical school. The Calhoun Mansion is carefully pre- served by the college as a memorial to the great statesman whose life should be an inspiration to every student.

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Enoch Walter Sikes, Ph.D., LL.D. President of Clemson College