Thomas C. Barnwell, Jr. was born on Hilton Head Island in 1935 and traces his family back to slavery in Beaufort County. Born to Thomas S. Barnwell, Sr. and Hannah White Barnwell, he grew up with an adopted brother and four foster children raised by his parents. Barnwell’s mother was the only professionally trained nurse and midwife on Hilton Head Island. As a child, Barnwell drove a horse and wagon transporting her to visit patients.