150 years ago this morning, I imagine Charles T. Lowndes was awake early due to the sounds of cannons booming in Charleston Harbor as the War Between the States commenced. Mr. Lowndes lived at 39 East Bay, a large house located just as the High Battery starts. From his home, he had an unobstructed view of the harbor and Fort Sumter. During this day, he and his family and friends probably gathered on the street and watched the bombardment from the porches of the houses along the Battery.
I can imagine C. T. being somewhat subdued. At age 52, he was more than likely fearful of what was to become. On the other hand, his son, Rawlins, age 22, was most likely wide-eyed with excitement with thoughts of rushing to sign up for the Confederate Army. (By the end of the War, he was a Captain and delivered General Wade Hampton’s surrender documents to the Union General.)
But on this day, C. T. Lowndes would have been concerned about the future of the insurance agency he had started 10 years earlier and wondering what was to become of his new business. It is certainly a tribute to the Mr. Lowndes that the agency survived. And I think Mr. Lowndes would be very proud to see what his business has become today.
Henry H. Lowndes, Jr.