The legend of Manse Jolly

There is a road in Anderson, SC that I pass each time I go to work and again when I return home. This got me started thinking about roads named for people and what that person meant to the community for a road to be named for them. This road, Manse Jolly Rd, was named for a Confederate soldier from Anderson.

Manse was known to be a brave soldier and he survived until the end of the war. What got him into legendary status was his actions after the war when he returned to Anderson. At the end of the war, the Union set up a garrison in Anderson. Manse was upset about losing his five brothers during the war and seeing these soldiers occupy his town irritated him further.

Manse made it his mission to take the life of five Union soldiers for each of his brothers lives.
The stories I have read say that his legend has grown over time. He isn't viewed as a criminal or murderer. He is sometimes described as a Robin Hood for the way he defended all the local people against the soldiers. One story describes him killing two Union soldiers that were guarding some stolen cotton and then Manse returned the cotton to the owner. The soldiers of the garrison were known to loot and pillage the area and Jolly went after each one.

The story says that the soldiers became terrified of Manse Jolly and back up was brought into the area. Knowing that he was a wanted man, Manse fled to Texas, taking more Union lives as he left. On his way out of Anderson, he rode his horse straight through the Union camp firing his rifle into the air and making a bunch of noise. The troops became so scared they scattered and ran as if they were attacked by an army.

I can't find an exact number of people he killed, but all accounts say that he revenged his brothers deaths times five (25) and then some before leaving.

His life ended a few years later in Texas. He was crossing a flooded river on horse back and one story said that his horse became tangled in some vines, killing horse and rider.

There is a lot of information on this local hero if you are interested to read more.
THIS is about his last ride through town.
THIS is a summary of information available on Manse Jolly.


While I was reading about Manse, I came across this song written by Jeff Rose of the Cane Creek Bluegrass band.

Now when I cross Manse Jolly Rd each day I am reminded of this important legend of local history.