TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SAMUEL L. DUNCAN, FORMER MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FOR HIS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THIS GREAT STATE.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate take great pleasure in honoring those who give their lives for the betterment of their community and whose contributions make the Palmetto State a better place to live; and
Whereas, South Carolina's history is filled with many contributions from its citizens of African American heritage and whose contributions played an integral role in the state's development, like Samuel L. Duncan; and
Whereas, born into slavery in Fort Motte, Samuel L. Duncan was an educator, farmer, and minister. An advocate for his people, he campaigned for the education of African Americans in his community and state. He helped organize Good Samaritan Lodge Hall, which served as a school for African Americans in the Fort Motte community until the late 1920s; Sandy Lawn School; and Sandy Lawn Baptist Church; and
Whereas, after the Civil War, great progress was made in the fields of national, state, and local governments as former slaves and their descendants took their rightful seats in the highest offices of state and federal governments; and
Whereas, during the Reconstruction era, Samuel L. Duncan further advocated for African Americans in his community and state during his service in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1872-1876 and in the South Carolina Senate from 1876-1880. In addition, he served as the chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party from 1874-1882; and
Whereas, he continued his service to his country when he was commissioned Captain of Company H, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division of the National Guard on October 29, 1873; and
Whereas, it is a fitting and proper tribute for the South Carolina Senate to honor Samuel L. Duncan, who was a true leader and reformer, and provided great leadership during a tumultuous period in the history of our State and nation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Samuel L. Duncan, former member of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives, for his many accomplishments and exemplary service to this great State.