Euphradian Society

The Euphradian Society was formed as a result of the division of the Philomathic Society, which formed within weeks of the opening of the college in 1805 and included virtually all enrolled students. At the Synapian Convention in February 1806, the members of Philomathic decided to split into separate societies, one of which became known as Euphradian Society, while the other became known as Clariosophic Society. The society ceased operations on February 25, 1862, because of the Civil War. Alumnus Robert W. Shand served as its president until student officers were installed on March 31. A member of the Lambda Delta Epsilon committee, Colonel Fitz W. McMaster, secured and removed the society's records and constitution, fearing that their contents could be used by the post-war government to sully the name of the society. == Symbols and traditions ==

The society's name, Euphradian, means "eloquence" or "correctness of speech". == Society hall ==

Initially, the society met in the College Chapel. The society decorated this newly constructed space which was dedicated on December 7, 1848. Member and professor James H. Thornwell gave the address. One visitor to the space noted, "The hall was then newly furnished and equipped and presented a beautiful, attractive, brilliant, and imposing appearance. The impression upon a boy from the backcountry upon beholding the gaudy and dazzling spectacle on being conducted into the hall was simply overwhelming." == Activities ==

The Euphradian Society met on Saturday nights after supper. These meetings included at least one formal debate, with topics being assigned two weeks in advance. In addition, one member was selected as an orator and would deliver a full-length address each month. Their debates with the other campus societies covered political, religious, and social issues of the day, including the issue of slavery in 1826, 1827, and 1852. == Notable members ==

• Richard H. Anderson (Honorary) – General in the Confederate States Army • Robert Woodward Barnwell – United States Senate and Confederate States of America Senate • William H. Brawley – United States representative and United States district judge • James Henry Carlisle – President of Wofford College • William F. Colcock – United States House of Representative • Stephen D. Lee (Honorary) – Lieutenant general in the Confederate States Army • John Lawrence Manning – Governor of South Carolina • William McWillie – Governor of Mississippi and United States House of Representative • John Murphy – United States House of Representative • Madison S. Perry – Governor of Florida • William C. Preston – United States Senate and president of the University of South Carolina • John Peter Richardson II – Governor of South Carolina and United States House of Representative • Thomas J. Robertson (Honorary) – United States Senate • Charltes Henry Simonton – United States circuit judge • J. Marion Sims – pioneer surgeon • James Henley Thornwell – theologian and academic • Samuel W. Trotti – United States House of Representative • John A. Wharton – lawyer and Confederate General • Samuel Williamson – President of Davidson College • Thomas Jefferson Withers – politician and circuit judge • Isaac Donnom Witherspoon – Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina ==Notes==