Category:Ancrum Family

The Ancrum family of South Carolina descends from Northumbrian immigrants originating in Ancrum, Roxburghshire, who settled in Charleston during the mid‑18th century. The family’s patriarch, William Ancrum (1722–1808), was a prominent Charleston merchant and planter whose firm, Ancrum, Lance & Loocock, played a major role in the rice and indigo trade, and in facilitating the establishment of Camden, South Carolina, which greatly contributed to the settlement of inland South Carolina.^[1] The family owned significant lands, including plantations on the Congaree, Santee and Wateree Rivers. In the 19th century, descendants expanded their influence as planters, lawyers, and military officers, intermarrying with other distinguished South Carolina lowcountry families such as the Porcher, Calhoun, Douglas, Brisbane, deSaussure, Cantey, and other families, many of whom were of French Huguenot origin.^[2] The family’s military tradition continued through the 20th century, with figures like Calhoun Ancrum Sr., a longtime U.S. Marine Corps officer; William Alexander Ancrum III, a U.S. Navy officer; and Calhoun Ancrum Jr., an OSS intelligence officer in World War II awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and later married to Princess Xenia of Russia. Today, the Ancrums are remembered for their contributions to South Carolina’s mercantile, agricultural, and military history, with sites like Ancrum’s Ferry, Rossdhu Plantation, and Redbank Plantation tied to their legacy.^[3]