BLACK OAK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 7 



and many made fortunes large for the times and cir- 

 cumstances. Among the planters most successful 

 at this business was Peter Sinkler, who, without any 

 property with which to begin life, went daily with 

 his hoe-cake and axe to his labor. At his death 

 about twenty-five years afterwards, he left for his 

 children three valuable plantations and upwards of 

 three hundred slaves. He died in Charleston a 

 prisoner to the British, under the most cruel treat- 

 ment. Before he was carried from his plantation 

 he was made to witness the destruction of the fol- 

 lowing property, viz. : twenty thousand pounds of 

 mdigo worth one dollar and fifty cents a pound 

 one hundred and thirty head of cattle, one hundred 

 and fifty-four head of sheep, two hundred head of 

 hogs, three thousand bushels of grain, twenty thou- 

 sand rails, household furniture valued at ^2,500- 

 besides carrying off fifty-five negroes, sixteen blood 

 horses, and twenty-eight mares and colts. 



Peter SiakJer was a man remarkable for wonder- 

 ful endurance, industry, and skill in the pursuit of 

 his business. His parent could afford him only six 

 months' schooling, when the necessities of a widowed 

 mother and sister required the labor of himself and 

 brother at home. When the Revolution broke out 

 he devoted himself to the service of his country 

 From strong traits of character he soon possessed 

 much influence among his fellow-citizens. This the 

 enemy became aware of, and determined to make an 



