Henry Lee Scarborough House

This elegant historic home was built in 1909 by prominent local farmer and businessman, Henry Lee Scarborough (1866-1929). Scarborough was also involved in the city's civic affairs, serving as Sumter County Commissioner of Public Works and in other roles. The house is one of the few surviving examples of early 20th century Classical Revival architecture in the city. It is two-stories tall and features a large porch with Corinthian columns, leaded glass in a diamond pattern directly above the entrance doors, and a small balcony above the main entrance. The house is currently occupied by a law office.

Henry Lee Scarborough was born in 1896 in the town of Bishopville, which at the time was part of Sumter County. As a young man, he attended The Citadel military academy for one year then at the University of South Carolina for two years. It is unclear what he studied but eventually, Scarborough became one of the most successful farmers in the county. He also got involved in the cotton and lumber industries, and served as the president of Rocky Bluff Lumber Company and vice president of the Travelers Protective Association of America. In 1889, he married his wife, Leonora. They at least had one child, a son name Alfred (b. 1893).

As for local affairs, Scarborough served as County Treasurer from 1894 to 1902, and then as Sumter County Clerk of Court from 1902 to 1929. As noted above, he was also County Commissioner and under his tenure the city built its first water system. Additionally, he was a member of the YMCA, the Masons, the Woodmen of the World, and the Knights of Pythias. He attended First Presbyterian Church and served as school superintendent and choir director.

Scarborough died in the house in 1929. Alfred inherited the house and became an influential figure in his own right. He was also a farmer and became a lawyer as well. In 1932, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served as chairman of the Agricultural and Banking and Insurance Committees. During his time in office, he introduced the idea putting electrification under state control. Alfred also established twelve regional cooperative banks and became president for the one that served the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia. Alfred moved back to Sumter in 1938 and was later elected to the state senate in 1942 and again in 1950. In Sumter, he was also a prominent member of First Presbyterian Church. It appears he lived until at least 1995, when the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

"Henry L. Scarborough House." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed June 2, 2021. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=29202.

ichardsonian, Katherine H. "Henry Lee Scarborough House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

January 20, 1995. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/50e43003-a9d9-4a9e-a1d6-f6247f866938.