Reclaiming Heirs' Property: One Landowner's Story

A South Carolina man fights to preserve his family's generational land rights

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a rural landscape object repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the reclamation of family land and the fight against systemic barriers to generational wealth.A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the perseverance and determination of South Carolina landowners reclaiming their family's heirs' property.Charleston Today

Joseph Hamilton, a South Carolina landowner, has spent years navigating the complex legal process of reclaiming his family's 'heirs' property' - land that was passed down without a clear title. Despite losing the majority of his family's original 900-acre plantation, Hamilton has found a new passion in sustainable forestry and advocating for other landowners in similar situations.

Why it matters

Heirs' property is a major issue facing many African American families in the South, leading to the loss of generational wealth and land rights. Hamilton's story highlights the challenges, but also the determination, of those working to preserve their family's heritage and rightful ownership.

The details

In 1865, General William Tecumseh Sherman's 'Special Field Order No. 15' granted land to formerly enslaved people in the coastal South. One of those recipients was an enslaved person of Dr. Thomas Lining, a South Carolina plantation owner who signed over his land. However, over the generations, the property became 'heirs' property' without a clear title, leading to a loss of most of the original 900 acres. In 2010, Hamilton, Lining's great-grandson, visited the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation in Charleston to begin the process of reclaiming the land. Though he was only able to retain 44 acres, Hamilton has become an advocate, sharing his story and knowledge to help other families in similar situations.

  • In 1865, General William Tecumseh Sherman issued 'Special Field Order No. 15' granting land to formerly enslaved people.
  • In 2010, Hamilton visited the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation in Charleston to begin the process of reclaiming his family's land.

The players

William Tecumseh Sherman

A Union general during the Civil War who issued 'Special Field Order No. 15' granting land to formerly enslaved people in the coastal South.

Dr. Thomas Lining

A former slave owner in South Carolina who signed his land over to an enslaved person, making that person the owner of the property.

Joseph Hamilton

The great-grandson of the enslaved person who received the former plantation from Dr. Lining. Hamilton has worked to reclaim his family's 'heirs' property' and advocate for other landowners in similar situations.

Center for Heirs' Property Preservation

An organization in Charleston, South Carolina that helps families navigate the complex legal process of reclaiming 'heirs' property.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know [a] heirs' family [that] has 400 people. Two separate families, all living within probably 20 minutes of each other.”

— Joseph Hamilton, Landowner

“I fell in love twice. First when I returned from the US Air Force and met my wife—we've been together 48 years. The second time, during research to clear the Heir's property title…I loved the history of the area and the determined perseverance of my forefathers.”

— Joseph Hamilton, Landowner

What’s next

Hamilton plans to continue advocating for other landowners facing heirs' property challenges, sharing his knowledge and experience to help families preserve their generational land rights.

The takeaway

Joseph Hamilton's story highlights the ongoing struggle for many African American families to maintain ownership of land that has been passed down for generations. Despite the obstacles, his determination to reclaim his family's property and share his expertise with others demonstrates the power of perseverance in the face of systemic land loss.