Aberdeen gifted to City of Camden

Camden, SC (9/29/21) – The bequest of his home on Broad Street that local businessman and caterer extraordinaire Jack Brantley made to the City of Camden back in January, 2017 is now complete. This week, Brantley gifted Aberdeen - the historic Monument Square property he’s owned since 1975, to the City to preserve and operate as a museum. Brantley is an avid collector of paintings, porcelain, china and even Christmas figurines dating back centuries lining every corner. The house and contents will remain intact, per Brantley’s wishes. 

"I just never wanted to have one of those tag sales,” Brantley said this week. “All of this will be left intact. The city will do all they can to make it available for everyone to enjoy as much as I have.”

Brantley credits his catering company Aberdeen Catery and the work he's done for locals all the way to the former President and First Lady, for making it all possible.

According to Katherine Richardson, Director of Camden Archives and Museum, "We will do a wonderful job helping make Jack's dream come true. People will be able to come through and admire his collection and admire the beautiful architecture of this house and the great history that it has here in Camden.” Richardson provided a history lesson on original Aberdeen owner, Samuel Mathis

“Aberdeen stands on lots purchased from Col. Joseph Kershaw’s estate in 1805 and was adjoined, according to Richardson, “by 273 acres spanning the distance from Broad to Campbell streets and Laurens to Chesnut streets. Mathis had married Margaret Cathcart Miller in 1793”, she added, “and had two daughters. When Mathis died at age 83 in 1823, Richardson said, “he left his ‘Aberdeen’ property to Margaret, thus we know that it was so named by him during his lifetime.”

Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford said, “This gentleman is the poster child for social justice for caring, for loving, for giving, for forever putting all others before himself.” 

Camden City Council passed an ordinance in January 2017 accepting the bequest, which was executed this week.