Alston, Joseph

By 1770 Joseph Allston owned the land later named Fairfield which measured 700 acres on the Waccamaw River north of Hobcaw Barony. His son, William, dropped an “L” from his last name, and William’s descendants are known as Alstons. Alston built a four room house and installed an overseer to manage the plantation. The house was enlarged in 1793, and Alston, after fire destroyed his Clifton Plantation, moved his large family here. Between 1839 and 1881 Fairfield was the home of his son, Charles Alston, and remained in the Alston family until 1936. Sold to George Vanderbilt, Fairfield became the first part of Arcadia.

The Joseph Alston historical marker on Brookgreen Drive, tells briefly about the life of Joseph Alston (1779-1816). Alston was “educated at the College of Charleston and at Princeton. He inherited The Oaks Plantation and in 1801, married Theodosia, daughter of Aaron Burr. Alston was a member of the S.C. House (1802-12), its speaker for 5 years, (1814-16). He is buried at The Oaks Cemetery about 2 miles west”.

This tombstone in the Allston family cemetery at the Oaks plantation, is for Joseph Alston, his wife, Theodosia and son, Aaron Burr Alston. The inscription reads, “the loss of this Citizen was no common one to the State. To its service he devoted himself from his early years. On the floor for its legislature, he was distinguished for his extensive information and correct decisions: And everywhere, he was distinguished for his zealous attachments to republican principles. In the capacity of Chief Magistrate of the State, when both the honor and the responsibility of the trust were heightened by the difficulties of the War of 1812, he by his indomitable activity and his salutary measures earned new titles to the respect and the Gratitude of his fellow citizens”.

The northwest chimney outline for Joseph and Theodosia Alston’s house was uncovered and photographed in this undated photo. Joseph Alston (1779-1816), had inherited the property from his grandfather, who was known as “Joseph of the Oaks”.