Cathedral Church's Hidden Genius

      I had always assumed that mainly big grave monuments held the most prominent people, but I was proved wrong when I chose to research an individual with a modest marker. Stephen Elliot was born in Beaufort, South Carolina on November 11, 1771. Although he suffered the tragedy of loosing his parents at a young age, Elliot was very intelligent and determined to succeed. He graduation from Yale University and was also awarded honorary law degrees from Yale, Harvard, and Columbia as well as an honorary M.D. from MUSC. 

     After returning from Yale University, he started conducting experiments and collecting data using his personal plantations he inherited. During this time, he met Ester Habersham whom he would later marry and have thirteen children with. Elliot would go on to be a South Carolina legislator, during his time serving in the State Senate, he helped pass the Free School Act and wrote an act which created the Bank of the State of South Carolina. Elliot left his position to become president of the bank, and he held the position until his death. While he is well known for his work as a legislator and banker, he is best known for his contributions in the field of Botany that can be seen in his many published books on the subject. While his contributions in this field was his life's work, he was also very knowledgable on ichthyology, conchology, and entomology.

      Elliot's passion for education stuck with him, he was a founder of the Medical University of South Carolina and was the first professor of natural history and botany at the University. Elliot was not only dedicated to improving the education system, but also the Charleston community as a whole; he was president of the Literary and Philosophical Society of South Carolina, helped oversee the Orphan House and launched the Southern Review with Hugh Swinton Legare. 

     Elliot died on March 30, 1830;  As I found in a memorial article written by Clara Childs Puckett, he was an "enlightened leader, enthusiastic promoter and supporter of every movement aiming at intellectual or spiritual enrichment or advancement."

      He is buried in Cathedral Church of Saint Luke and Saint Paul, the graveyard is well kept and holds many intricate and diverse grave markers. His memorial is a headstone that includes his parents’ names, William Elliot and Mary Barnwell Elliot, as well his occupations “Botanist, Banker, Planter, Legislator, Teacher.” 

     I began my search for a historic Charlestonian by looking for the biggest and most extravagant gravestones, while still writing down the names of those with more humble markers to have options. In my research, I found that the individuals with extravagant markers had less information out and made less of an impact than I expected. 
     Although I had no prior knowledge of Elliot and he had a rather plain marker, I expected to find information about his life due to his many occupations. However, I had no idea how big of an impact he had on the scientific field of botany and on Charleston’s education. Although his marker does not make as big of an impression as Elliot himself, it creates a mystery for what other inspiring individuals are hidden in Charleston’s many grave-sites.

Stephen Elliot

Stephen Elliot's headstone

A Presidents Secret Treasure Buried in Cougar Mall

    The College of Charleston campus is regarded as one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in the nation. When most people think of the unique and aesthetic details around campus, they probably think of various fountains, gardens, and sculptures, however, The College has many treasures unknown to most.

    One of these incredible finds includes the grave of the mother of a former U.S. President! Andrew Jackson's mother rests in Cougar Mall beside the Robert Scott Small building. Her headstone is very small, so the hustle of class-bound students and confused tourists can often overshadow it, making it a secret scavenge.

   Elizabeth Jackson was born in circa 1740 in Ireland according to History of American Women. She came to America with her husband and children. As I found in the Post and Courier, Elizabeth Jackson came to Charleston to care for her two sick nephews before becoming ill with cholera. Her grave stone reads "Near this spot is buried, Elizabeth Jackson, mother of president Andrew Jackson. She gave her life cheerfully for the independence of her country on an unrecorded date in November 1781. And to her son Andy this advice: "Andy, never tell a lie, nor take what is not your own, nor sue for slander, settle those cases yourself."

Grave marker of Elizabeth Jackson

What I Am!

    My name is Tiana Cute, I was born in central New York and lived in New Mexico before attending high school and college in South Carolina.

    I chose to attend College of Charleston because of my love for the city. I love the historic, beautiful buildings, as well as the many opportunities of being in a city. I hope to major in Biochemistry while minoring in biomedical physics; eventually I aspire to build a career in the biotechnology field producing medical tools. 

    I enjoy to read, especially about neuroscience and philosophy. I also enjoy watching movies, The Shining is my favorite movie, and Stanley Kubrick happens to be my favorite director. I enjoy old reality TV shows from the early 2000s, especially Flavor Flav’s Flavor of Love and The Simple Life, featuring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. My favorite genres of music are rap and classic rock, I particularly enjoy Jim Morrison and Travis Scott. 

    I also enjoy to cook and clean, my favorite food to eat is homemade spaghetti and meatballs. At home with my family I have a cat named Sampson Frangoli who recently turned eight years old, as well as a yorkie-poo named Pippa who is turning two.