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Reesor, Epps, Klein and Swope families papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 1163

Collection Overview

This collection contains the family papers of the Reesor, Epps, Klein and Swope families of Conway, South Carolina.

The first series consists of family records including legal, financial, professional, educational, and birth records of the families. They are accompanied by genealogical research, memoir writings, and baby books.

The second series contains extensive correspondence of various members of the family from the late 19th through late 20th centuries. Most of these are letters, but there are also cards, postcards, and telegrams.

The clippings and ephemera series features clippings, programs, pamphlets, and business/calling cards of family members. Of note are clippings of Annette Reesor's articles for newspapers written from the 1960s-1980s.

The photographs series contains family photographs starting in the late 19th century. They are arranged in chronological groups; some are labeled. There is also a wrapped photo album of the wedding of Agnes Reesor and Fred Swope.

Dates

  • Creation: 1861-2007
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1907-1985

Creator

Language of Material

Materials are in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Biographical Note

The Reesor, Epps, Klein and Swope families are representative of the intermarriages between Jewish South Carolinians and their gentile neighbors. James Jacob Klein immigrated to South Carolina, became a merchant, and married Caroline Silverman; they settled in Walterboro. Their daughter Agnes (nicknamed Day) married gentile pharmacist Charles J. Epps of Conway but did not convert to Christianity. Their children were Florence, Annette (Dickie), and Charles K. Epps. Florence became the first speech therapist in South Carolina. Annette married Delbert A. (Red) Reesor and had twins, Judith and Thomas, and a younger daughter named Agnes. Agnes married Fred Swope and became the mother of Caroline Swope, the donor of this collection. The family had long associations with Conway and Myrtle Beach.

Extent

5.0 linear feet (11 document boxes, 1 scrapbook, 1 photograph album, 1 oversize folder)

Abstract

Assorted family papers of the Reesor, Epps, Klein and Swope families of Walterboro and Conway, South Carolina. Materials consist of family records, extensive correspondence, clippings, family photographs, and ephemera.

Collection Arrangement

  1. Records, 1909-1995
  2. Correspondence, 1892-1999
  3. Clippings and ephemera, 1861-2007
  4. Photographs, approximately 1880s-1990s

Acquisitions Information

Materials donated 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022 by Caroline T. Swope.

Processing Information

Processed by Lauren Bickel, June 2023.

Source

Subject

Title
Inventory of the Reesor, Epps, Klein and Swope Families Papers, 1861-2007 (bulk 1907-1985)
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Lauren Bickel; finding aid created by: Lauren Bickel
Date
2023
Description rules
Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections
College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424
(843) 953-8016
(843) 953-6319 (Fax)