A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE NEWTON FAMILY MEMBERS ON THEIR FAITHFULNESS IN RENEWING FAMILY TIES BY GATHERING EACH YEAR AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR COMMITMENT TO FAMILY AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR ONE HUNDREDTH REUNION IN AUGUST 2026.

 

Whereas, in a time when mobility and displacement from family roots make family relationships more difficult to sustain, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in commending the efforts of the Newton family to maintain family identity and fellowship in their upcoming 2026 reunion; and

 

Whereas, the members of the Newton family are able to trace their roots back to Giles Newton Sr. from the time he migrated to the Marlboro District in South Carolina in 1785, only two years after the Revolutionary War ended. Newton ancestors served in this war and in following wars to keep our country safe and free, and the family takes great pride in their ancestor Giles Newton's recognition as a "Patriot" by the Daughters of the American Revolution; and

 

Whereas, the Newton family, an important part of Marlboro County history, has continuously lived in that county and can trace the limbs of its family tree as branches have spread across South Carolina, North Carolina, and beyond; and

 

Whereas, held for the descendants of Giles Newton Sr. and Elizabeth ("Betty") Terrell, the Newton Family Reunion was started in 1927 and has been held every year since. Interestingly, the reunion was held on a Wednesday until the 1950s, at which time it seemed better for all families to change it to a Sunday. For many years now, the first Sunday in August has been the family's reunion day, a grand tradition family members hope will continue and grow past their 2026 centennial; and

 

Whereas, moreover, several descendants of Giles Newton have been involved in public service, such as South Carolina Representatives Hope Hull Newton Sr. and Brandon Newton, Family Court Judge Robert Newton, and Probate Court Judge Walter M. Newton. In addition, South Carolina Representative Jason Luck is married to a descendant of Giles Newton, and South Carolina House Sergeant at Arms Jeffrey Tolar and South Carolina Senate Sergeant at Arms Jackson Tolar are also Newtons; and

 

Whereas, past reunions have included visits from local and national political figures, including the late Senator Strom Thurmond; and

 

Whereas, the 2026 Newton Family Reunion will be held Sunday, August 2, at the Boykin United Methodist Church in Marlboro County in celebration of a century of family gatherings; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of the Newton family and wishes its members much happiness as they experience the blessings of their upcoming family reunion. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Newton family members on their faithfulness in renewing family ties by gathering each year and acknowledge their commitment to family as they celebrate their one hundredth reunion in August 2026.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Newton Family Reunion.

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