For those who were asking, this is what I have found so far on the
history of Dorchester, Dorchester Co., SC (the present day town). It
comes from "Dorchester County Centenial, 1897 - 1997"
Please note that the town was once named Rosses. It also no longer has a
charter to be a township, due to mismanagement of funds. (So I was told)
The town still has a post office and several country stores that are in
operation. Also a volunteer fire department.
I am waiting to hear from someone who is actively involved in area events
for more information. She has more history, which has been told by
elderly members of the community.

Karen 

DORCHESTER
By Phyllis Hughes
	There is no record to show when the first settlement was made at
Dorchester.  However, there are records showing that one John Way had
extensive land holdings at the location in the late 1700's.  Two of his
grandsons fought in the Civil War, and many of his descendants still live
in the community.
	As the railroad was completed, the town once called "Elmsville"
and at one point, "Lick Pot," began to prosper.  Rice, cotton, and other
crops were cultivated here and cows and hogs, raised in abundance, were
driven to Charleston markets on foot.  Lumbering was a major industry,
and turpentine, logs, and lumber were floated down the Edisto to the
Charleston harbor.  A steam-driven
sawmill was operated by Mr. A. Myers on one of the five mill ponds in
nearby Indian Field Swamp.  A surviving barrel of tar from Mr. George
Simon's turpentine still was unearthed during the construction of Billy
Clayton's home.
	Another of the growing businesses was a general store and tavern
owned by a man named Ross.  The railroad erected a depot nearby, a rough
shed open on one side with a board nailed on for a seat, and identified
as Ross Station.  When the first post office opened around 1875, the post
office was dubbed "Rosses." In the early 1900's, the railroad company
wished to change the name of the town to one that would identify it
precisely.  Mr. Coburn, the railroad agent, asked Mrs. Agnes Wharton
Mims, postmistress at the time, for her suggestion to be submitted to the
Post Office Department and to the railroad company.  She submitted the
name "Dorchester," stating that she considered this a proper name since
the county of Dorchester had recently, been formed.  Her suggestion was
accepted, and the town officially became Dorchester.  The voting precinct
there continues to be known as Rosses.
	As the town became more unified, civic interest grew.  A charter
was applied for and the town was incorporated in 1914 with I.S. Hutto as
mayor.  Though Dorchester no longer functions as an incorporated town,
the community remains close-knit and active, maintaining a most
attractive appearance.



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