“History is rarely told from a single perspective. While we have already explored the state’s militarized response to the unrest at Rhems, another newspaper from the same era provides a starkly different—and deeply controversial—account of the events that led to the death of Tony Scott. To see the full picture of this pivotal moment, read our report on the ‘Threatened Race Riot at Rhems’ here, and compare it with the official ‘medical’ narrative presented below.”

THE TRO’BLE AT RHEM’S.

The Death of a Negro Arouses the Blacks

During an altercation occuring at Rhems, S. C., Saturday night, Tony Scott, a negro, was killed. It appears that Scott had driven up to the store and left his team in charge of his son, a young boy, who upon the animal becoming unmanageable, had tied it to one of the posts supporting the porch roof, and which was pulled down by the mule in an endeavor to get free: Mr. Rhem reprimanded the boy and a fight ensued in which both Scott and his boy were central figures and during which Scott received a slight cut just below the right temple, yet was not serious enough to cause death. At the coroners inquest, held Sunday afternoon, a thorough examination was made, but no wounds were found on the body sufficient to have caused death and it was pronounced by both physicians in attendance that death resulted from heart failure, due to excessive means excitement.

The negro element, unable to reconcile themselves to this decision became indignant and boisterous and formed in a mob around the store. It was deemed advisable, to prevent further trouble, that sufficient military support be sent to the scene in accordance with orders from Governor Ansel. An armed guard was sent from Georgetown yesterday morning and upon further evidence of impending trouble a second call was made and speedily responded to by our local organization, while the remainder were held in the Armory here subject to immediate call should the situation become more serious. At a late hour last evening the storm abated and the mob disbanded.

Why This Matters: This account of the 1907 Rhems incident highlights the immense social tension in the post-Reconstruction South. While the “official” medical narrative attributed Tony Scott’s death to “heart failure,” the immediate and massive mobilization of 400 to 500 Black citizens for his funeral cortege tells a story of profound community solidarity and resistance.

The mobilization of the Georgetown Rifle Guards and the direct involvement of Governor Ansel underscore how deeply the state feared Black collective agency. This record documents a pivotal moment of racial tension that remains an untold chapter of American history, preserved here to honor the memory of Tony Scott and the resilience of the Williamsburg County community.

“The Tro’ble at Rhem’s,” The Georgetown Daily Item (Georgetown, S.C.), May 21, 1907. [Source: Georgetown County Digital Library]

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