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| On this tract was formerly a tavern known as Rays, from the name of the proprietor. I barely remember the house, which stood on the right of the road, nearly opposite a fountain which may still be seen on the left. Who, or whence Ray was, I know not. He was a sportsman, a jockey and a good judge of horseflesh. He owned a horse named Splintertail from some peculiarity about the tail which looked as if it had been an after thought, not contemplated in the original design of the animal. This horse was celebrated for his fleetness in a single'mile heat. It happened that while the St. Stephen's Jockey Club were holding their annual meeting at what is now known as the Pineville Race Course, a party of drovers arrived at Ray, among whose horses was one in every respect the counterpart of Splintertail, except that his tail had been docked. Ray conceived the idea of speculating with this horse, and took the drovers into confederacy with him. Spintertail's tail was cut off and fastened to the other horse, which was taken to the course and entered by the name of Splintertail As he was well known for his fleetness every one was willing to be largely on him, and the confederates were busy taking up all bets. The deception was perfect and so was rose to eminence in the new States of the West. Wilton afterwards became the property of John Ravenel, Esqr., who held it until his death in 1833. He was the youngest son of Rene Ravenel of Pooshee. He married Susan, daughter of Dr. Robert Wilson of Charleston. One daughter survived them. The place then fell into the hands of Ransom D. McKelvey, son of Col. Robert McKelvy. He married the daughter of Robert Kirk, Esqr. |
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