CAIN Family Tree*
Related Surnames: Bigham, Dewitt, Exum, Finklea, Flowers, Gibbs,
Holland, Hyman,
Keefe, Keith,
Munn, Turner
The earliest mention of the Cain surname I have found in South Carolina records is a John and Ann O'Cain who were living in the Prince Frederick Parish of SC in the late 1730s and early 1740s. During this time period, the couple was listed as the parents of at least three children in the Prince Frederick Parish Church register.
The Cain family of the Pee Dee area has been traced back to a William O’Cain who lived in the Halifax District (Martin Co.), North Carolina as early as 1780s. This William O’Cain and his wife, Joyce, are the known progenitors for this family line which most probably hailed originally from Ireland. A Thomas O'Cain (Cain) also of Martin Co. may have been a brother to William. NOTE: There was also a John O'Cain (1791-1856) of Orangeburg District, SC , but I don't know the relationship if any to the Cain family in Marion/Florence area.
It appears the William O’Cain (Cain) family moved to the Marion District of South Carolina in the early 1800s. In South Carolina, William dropped the 'O' from his name and is mainly listed in records as Cain. By the 1850s, this family line was so numerous around the Pee Dee river (in present day east Florence County) that the name “Cain Township’ was used by the Census Bureau.
A little contemporary Cain family history concerns Woodrow and Anita Cain of Florence County. They operated a small country store near Pamplico during the 1940s. At that time they mailed 3 cent post cards throughout the community announcing monthly barbecue dinners which became a favorite neighborhood fare. More than fifty years later, Cain’s Barbecue of Florence still offers the best tasting pork, hash-rice, and hushpuppies this researcher has ever had.Note: If you would like to share or exchange information on the Keefes or related surnames, please use my email on the main page.