Society asks former S.C. governor's relative to speak

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE – The only governor of South Carolina to live in Lee County will be the topic when members of the Lee County Historical Society and their guests meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the South Carolina Cotton Museum. And that means those at the July meeting are in for a real treat, said President Marion Messier.

Thomas Gordon McLeod, great-grandson of Gov. Thomas Gordon McLeod, will be the guest speaker.

"I've been trying for years to get someone from the McLeod family to speak to us," Messier said. "We are really excited about having him here on Tuesday. He will share information about Gov. McLeod and his family, years in politics, memories that have been passed down by family members, the house on Church Street and the family in Lynchburg."

Born in 1868 in Lynchburg, McLeod served as governor of South Carolina from 1923 to 1927. His political career began when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1900. McLeod became the first state senator of the newly formed Lee County in 1902. In 1906, he was elected to serve as lieutenant governor and was re-elected in 1908.

After serving as governor, McLeod returned to Lee County and lived in Bishopville, where he became president of the Bishopville Telephone Company. He died on Dec. 11, 1932, in Bishopville.

His great-grandson, a preservationist and historian, works with Palmetto Trust.

Historical society members and the general public is invited, Messier said. There is no admission charge.

The monthly meetings, always held on the second Tuesday of each month, are designed to provide members with important information about the history of the county.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.