Bill 1251

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                    1251
Type of Legislation:            Senate Resolution SR
Introducing Body:               Senate
Introduced Date:                19980521
Primary Sponsor:                Wilson
All Sponsors:                   Wilson, Setzler, Courson, Ryberg,
                                Lander and Giese 
Drafted Document Number:        pt\1970dw.98
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:   19980521
Subject:                        Clayton B. Kleckley,
                                Resolutions

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________

Senate  19980521  Introduced, adopted

A SENATE RESOLUTION

HONORING THE MEMORY OF LEXINGTON COUNTY'S BELOVED HISTORIAN CLAYTON B. KLECKLEY AND EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TO HIS FAMILY AND COUNTLESS FRIENDS.

Whereas, with the death of Clayton B. Kleckley on Saturday, May 9, 1998, at the age of seventy-seven, a storehouse of historical knowledge about part of Lexington County covered up by rapid development also passes on; and

Whereas, Clayton Kleckley was born in West Columbia and was the son of the late Milledge Nathaniel and Addy Roof Kleckley; and

Whereas, he is survived by his wife, Peggy H. Kleckley; daughters, Dr. Gretchen N. Kleckley of West Columbia and Nancy A. Kleckley-Hughey; sons, Dr. David M. Kleckley of Atlanta and Dr. Clay R. Kleckley of State College, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren, Rebecca C. Kleckley, Saul E. Saylors, and David K. Hughey; and

Whereas, he was a United States Army Veteran and retired from the Federal Civil Service after forty-five years; and

Whereas, Mr. Kleckley was a patriot, churchman, and family man, but his passion was history -- local history; and

Whereas, Mr. Kleckley's imprint was left firmly on three historical institutions in this area. He was Chairman of the Lexington County Museum Commission when the museum was established on Fox Street in Lexington and was the first civilian curator at the fledgling Fort Jackson Museum. When the Cayce Historical Commission was trying to establish its museum, members quickly turned to Mr. Kleckley to help them -- asking him to start a museum on Cayce's history was throwing the rabbit into the briar patch. While knowledgeable about the whole county, his speciality was the colonial history of Cayce, West Columbia, and the rest of eastern Lexington County. He was instrumental in providing recognition for the St. John Baptist Church of Dixiana and for placing numerous historical markers throughout the community. He assembled military memorabilia for the display cases donated by Vince Egan for Camp Moore at Styx, South Carolina, which is now the site of the Pine Ridge National Guard Armory where the firing range wall is being restored in his memory; and

Whereas, the house in which Clayton Kleckley was born, on U.S. Highway 378 near Interstate 26, was still his home when he died. He identified it as on the route Sherman followed in February 1865 following the burning of Lexington en route to the burning of Columbia. The place still stands as a handsome, tree-shaded home surrounded by the plastic and concrete of commercial development. It was on this small family farm that he was first inspired toward history from listening to tales passed along by "Uncle Tom" Fridayburg, son of ex-slaves who worked for Mr. Kleckley's father; and

Whereas, two years ago, he visited the land of his ancestors in Switzerland and returned with a book's worth of knowledge about his family's own history. As always, he was eager to share it; and

Whereas, Mr. Kleckley was and continues to be known by many as one of Lexington County's most distinguished and knowledgeable historians; and

Whereas, he was actively involved in church endeavors, as evidenced by his service as a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Past Master of the Sinclair Masonic Lodge No. 154, AFM, and Grand Royal Patron-Order of the Amaranth Trinity Court No. 6 of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Clayton B. Kleckley epitomized what society has come to love and respect in their most dedicated public servants and will long be remembered for his gentle personality; and

Whereas, this dear and caring man will be sorely missed by all whose lives touched his; and

Whereas, we express appreciation for Clayton B. Kleckley's life, and his accomplishments and dedication will live long in our memory. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the memory of Lexington County's beloved historian Clayton B. Kleckley and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and countless friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to his family.