Vandiver, Edward Pinckney

Fewer are better known in Anderson and in Anderson County than Mr. Vandiver, and few have been more successful in his chosen field, banking. For almost a decade he was now been president of the Carolina National Bank of Anderson, which he founded and which has grown under his very able and carefull management into one of the leading and most substantail financial institutions of South Carolina. For many years, Mr. Vandiver has also been prominently active in religious, educaitonal, fraternal, and social circles and indeed, in every respect he ranks as one of the most substantial, most representative and most useful citizens of Anderson County.

Edward Pinckney Vandiver was born in Anderson County, a son of the late Edward and Sarah Jane (Haynie) Vandiver, both natives of Anderson Conty, and both now deceased. His father, who was born in 1806, and who died in 1881, was a prominent planter. Mr. Vandiver's mother was born in 1829, and died in 1887. One of a family of three children, all of whom are living, Mr. Vandiver received his early education in the public shools at Neals Creek and and Belton, Anderson County, and then attended Patick Military Academy, from which he was graduated in 1895. Having completed his education, Mr. Vandiver, in partnership with his brother, D. S. Vandiver, engaged in the mercantile business at Anderson under the firm name of Vandiver Brothers. They continued successfully in business for eight years and until 1907, when Mr. Vandiver was elected cashier of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank at Greenville. The cause of religion and of education has always been very close ot Mr. Vandiver's heart, and for many years he has worked constantly to futher both. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church, in the work of which he has been prominently active ever since his young manhood. He is a teacher of a Bible class, in which capacity he has served for fourteen years, his class now having a mbembership of two hundred. He is also a member of the general board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and Moderator of the Saluda Baptist Association, as well as a trustee of the Connie Maxwell Orphanage at Greenwood, and of the Anderson College at Anderson. For many years prominently active in Masonic affairs, he belongs to numerous Masonic bodies, including the following: Hiram Lodge No. 68, Ancient Free Masons,; Anderson Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Anderson Council, Royal and Select Masters; Anderson Commandery, Knights' Templar; and Kejax Temple of Greenville, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Other organizations in which Mr. Vandiver maintains membersip include the Anderson Rotary Club, as well as the Electic City Country Club. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party. For serveral years he has served as a trustee on the Anderson Grade School. His favorite form of recreation is walking.

Mr Vandiver married, in 1890, Sudie G. Watson, of Anderson County, a daugher of Dr. D. S. and Carrie Watson. Mr. and Mrs. Vandiver have three children: 1. Sanford W., born in 1891, who was graduated from Furman University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1922, and is now associated with banking business with his father, being vice-president of the Carolina National Bank of Anderson. 2. Edward Pinckney, Jr., born in 1903, likewise a graduate of Furman University from which he holds the degrees of Bachelor and Arts, and Masters of Arts. He received the degrees of Doctor and Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, of the faculty of which institution he is also a member. 3. Evelyn Gary Vandiver, born in October, 1917.

REF: The History of South Carolina - Biographical Volume. 1934, New York. The American Historical Society, Inc.

Vanderhorst L. (?? - ??)

Villepigue, Brig. Gen. John Bordenave

Brigadier-General John Bordenave Villepigue was born at Camden, S.C., July 2, 1830, of French descent. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1854, with a brevet lieutenancy in the dragoons; a year later was promoted to second lieutenant, and in 1857 to first lieutenant. His military service of about seven years in the old army was rendered in the Second dragoons, mainly on the frontier in Kansas and Nebraska, participating in the Sioux expedition of 1855 and the march to Fort Lookout, Dakota, in 1856. He took part in the Utah campaign of 1857-58, and then after a period spent at the Carlisle cavalry school, was on duty in Utah until he resigned, March 31, 1861, to enter the service of the Southern Confederacy. He received the commission of captain of artillery from the government at Montgomery, and soon afterward was promoted colonel in the provisional army, and assigned to the Thirty-sixth Georgia regiment. In command of Georgia and Mississippi soldiers he first attracted attention by his heroic defense of Fort McRee, Pensacola harbor, during the bombardment of November 22, 1861. General Bragg reported at that time that for the number and caliber of guns brought into action it would rank with the heaviest bombardment of the world. The buildings of the fort were several times on fire, and Villepigue was seriously wounded, but his coolness inspired his volunteers to fight with the tenacity of veterans. Said Bragg: "An educated soldier, possessing in an eminent degree the love and confidence of his officers and men, he had been specially selected for this important and perilous post. The result fully vindicates the fortunate choice, and presents for our admiration, blended in perfect harmony, the modest but heroic soldier with the humble but confiding Christian." Villepigue was appointed chief of engineers and artillery on the staff of General Bragg, was for a time in command at Pensacola, then was at Mobile, and joining Bragg was promoted brigadier-general early in 1862. He was assigned to command at Fort Pillow on the Mississippi, General Beauregard sending him there as "the most energetic young officer" at his command. Week after week he held the open batteries, and kept back the enemy's superior land and naval forces until ordered to retire, when he blew up his fortifications and brought off his command in safety, June 4th. He was given command of a brigade of the army in Mississippi, under General Van Dorn, and at the battle of Corinth in October was distinguished both in the attack and in the protection of the rear during the retreat. Soon after this arduous and dispiriting campaign the young soldier was prostrated by a severe illness, which resulted in his death at Port Hudson, November 9, 1862.

REF: Confederate Military History Vol. 5, pg. 422

Vincent W. E. (?? - ??)