By Betsy Finklea
Wrought iron fencing that surrounds the graves of a South Carolina governor and his family is being stolen from the Haselden Cemetery (established 1825) off Gum Swamp Road in Sellers.
Sgt. Dewitt Coleman of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office first discovered that a portion of the fence was missing on March 17th.
At this time, about 18 feet of the fence was missing. It is believed that this fence may have been taken sometime between January 1, 2012 and March 17th.
On April 30th, Sgt. Coleman returned to the cemetery and discovered that much more of the fence had been stolen during a two-week period from April 15th until April 30th. This measured approximately 54 feet plus a three foot gate was stolen.
The estimated value of the missing fencing is approximately $3,500.
Coleman visited several scrap metal businesses and showed them photos of the fence, but all businesses said they had not bought any of the wrought iron fencing.
The fencing is being taken from around the graves of William Haselden Ellerbe and his family.
Ellerbe (April 7, 1862-June 2, 1899) was governor of South Carolina from January 18, 1897 until June 2, 1899, when he died of consumption during his second term. Ellerbe also served as Comptroller General of South Carolina from 1890-1894.
Anyone with any information as to who may have taken this fencing or to the location of this fencing is asked to call the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 774-1432.