A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEMORATE THE HONORABLE DANIEL BIRD (BYRD), A FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE MEMBER AND NATIVE SON OF SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS GREAT STATE.

 

Whereas, born April 23, 1844, former South Carolina House member Daniel Bird was the son of Spencer and Rebecca Miller Bird. In God's good time, he became the husband of Patsy Ford Bird and the father of Horace and James "Jim" Bird; and

 

Whereas, with the election of Wade Hampton as governor, former Confederate General William Wallace organized Wallace House on November 28, 1876, during the struggle for possession of the State's legislative branch. Wallace was elected speaker of the House for the Democratic Hampton faction which prevailed in the end. Representative Bird, a member of Wallace House, demonstrated enthusiastic commitment to the citizens of Fairfield County during Reconstruction. The members of the Bird family (now rendered "Byrd") down through the years are to be commended for their efforts to preserve history, as well as commitment of service to family, faith, and community; and

 

Whereas, further, Daniel exemplified a strong work ethic as a businessman, farmer, and landowner. With a keen business sense, he purchased eighty-one acres of land on December 15, 1869, and one hundred one acres on December 1, 1881, in the Greenbriar community of Fairfield County; and

 

Whereas, he worked to inspire and educate others and assisted in acquiring land for Blackjack Baptist Church and other churches in Fairfield County, with the intent of establishing a school; and

 

Whereas, this prominent man of faith found his spiritual home as a member of Blackjack Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He also served as a member of the Pythias Fraternal Order and Odd Fellows Benevolence Society; and

 

Whereas, having lived a life of courage and vision in service to God, family, and community, Daniel Bird passed away on August 6, 1917. He is buried at Blackjack Baptist Church in Winnsboro; and

 

Whereas, it is fitting and proper to honor Daniel Bird in tribute to his dedicated leadership in forging a better life for the people of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commemorate the Honorable Daniel Bird (Byrd), a former South Carolina House member and native son of South Carolina, for his many accomplishments and contributions to this great State.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of the Honorable Daniel Bird.

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