White Brothers
GENERAL MERCHANDISE, AND SHIPPERS OF COTTON

In a town of the nature and size of Abbeville there are houses by their enterprise, economy and power of discerning the future which have tended in a great measure to foster, build up and increase its importance as a centre of supply, and which collectively may be classed as the pillars of its financial solidity. Prominent among and perhaps standing at the head of these is the house of White Brothers, which was established in 1865 as White, Smith & Company, the name being afterwards changed to White, Smith & White.

In 1872 Messrs. White having bought Mr. Smith's interest, the present style name was adopted. The premises occupied, in the centre of business activity in town, consist of a handsome 2-story brick structure, erected before the war, which is divided into two stores, each 24x80 feet in dimensions, well arranged and admirably adapted for conducting the large trade being constantly carried on.

In the one store, the grocery department, contains a full supply of teas, coffees, sugars, spices, butter, cheese, country produce, canned meats and fruit, flour and feed, table delicacies, and in fact all classes of merchandise used in any way for nourishment of man or beast; a complete line of hardware, including iron, steel, metals, carriage and blacksmith's supplies, nails, cordage, and the latest patterns in agricultural implements, farmers and plantation supplies generally.

In the dry goods store the best woolen goods of foreign and domestic manufacture, cotton and white, gents furnishing, dress goods, notions, etc., are kept, and a varied assortment of ladies, gents’ and children's boots and shoes in sizes to suit all wearers. In fact there is almost nothing in the wide domain of merchandise, however small or unique, however large or ordinary, that cannot be obtained at this establishment at market prices. The institution requires a force of seven assistants and clerks to accommodate the trade which ramifies all through this county and into Edgefield and Anderson. Their stock will run in value from $20,000 to $35,000, according to the season. In cotton they do about the largest business in the county, handling 3,000 bales annually, and make liberal advances on liens. The members of this prosperous house, Messrs. L. W. and Geo. White, are both natives of the county.

In the late war they served the Confederate Cause, being present at many leading battles in Virginia, North Carolina and this State.

From its inception this house has been identified with the growth and advancement of this community, and has always enjoyed a high reputation for liberal dealing, strict integrity and financial solidity, and with a business from $110,000 to $120,000 annually, it may be safely said to have few superiors in this State.