Furman is a small community near the Wilcox county seat of Camden. This area was settled in the early 1800s by families from the Carolinas. The land was rich, and the early setlers were prosperous. We are left with reminders of their heritage in the beautiful buildings of the area.

Furman Methodist Church

The original church building was constructed in 1857 on the present site of land donated by Mrs. Sarah McCondichie. The current building was finished in 1882, and has served the Furman community since that time. It ceased to be an active church in 1998, but continues to have an annual service each April with many of the descendants of the original founders in attendance.

Bethsaida Baptist Church

Bethsaida Baptist Church was founded in 1831 at a site very close to the present building. Elder Hawthorne was the first pastor, and some of the founding families were the ALbrittons, Lees, Purifoys, McCondichies, and Fowlers. Mr. A . Scarborough sold  the property to Edward Hobdy and Dr. William Gulley, who then donated the property to the church. It was on this site that the present building was erected between 1858 and 1860. There were many "bondsmen" who worshipped in the upstairs galleries, with separate entrances to the upper and lower chambers. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the membership approached 150 members. In 1920, Furman was a bustling community with 7 medical doctors and numerous businesses. The 1999 church roster consists of 21 members.

Wakefield

This beautiful antebellum home is built in a one-of-a-kind Steamboat Gothic style. The nearly 6000 square feet of living area consists of 12 rooms and fireplaces, and unique porches on all sides. It was named "Wakefield" by the Gulley family which owned the home from its construction in the 1840s until  it was sold to Dr. E.G. Burson in 1943. John Gulley started construction around 1840 and depleted his resources by the time it was finished 7 years later. The construction cost was $12,000.  The current owner is only the fourth family to own this home.

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