101 South Edisto Avenue
Former Residence of Governor Duncan Clinch Heyward
A former rice planter, businessman and governor of South Carolina (1903 until 1907), Heyward retired to Columbia's growing Rose Hill neighborhood, where he rented this residence from 1927 until 1932. Lower Street, the former southern boundary to the city of Columbia and northern border for the neighborhood, was renamed Heyward Street in his honor in 1931.
Duncan Clinch Heyward
Born June 24, 1864, in Richland County, South Carolina, Duncan Clinch Heyward established himself during his early years as a Lowcountry rice planter. In 1903, Heyward was elected governor after previous, if minor, involvement in South Carolina politics. The record indicates that he was selected as a non-controversial candidate with no strong political affiliation. Despite mild political inclinations, Heyward nonetheless won a bid for reelection the following year. His time in office was spent promoting education and expanding the general interests of the state.
After completing his tenure in 1907, Heyward worked to improve Lowcountry rice cultivation, but returned to various business schemes in Columbia after 1911. A mainstay in his professional repertoire, Heyward eventually to returned rice cultivation by writing and publishing Seed from Madagascar, a study of South Carolina’s rice customs. In 1913, he was appointed a tax collector for the Federal Internal Revenue by President Woodrow Wilson, and by 1915, Heyward is listed as residing at 1 Gibbes Court and later 1800 Senate Street. Heyward died January 23, 1943 in Columbia while living at 1608 College Street, where he settled eight years earlier.