“R” is for Richards, John Gardiner, Jr. (1864-1941). Governor. A native of Kershaw County, Richards was an early supporter of Pitchfork Ben Tillman. After serving eight years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, he made to other unsuccessful runs for the governorship. And, on his fourth attempt Richards succeeded in 1926. He vowed that his administration would have “one great purpose…to place South Carolina upon a pedestal where she can be proclaimed by the world as a leader in righteousness.” He ordered any business open on Sunday to be closed and ordered Sunday golfers arrested. The legislature and the state supreme court responded by curtailing his authority. By the time John Gardiner Richards, Jr., left office, South Carolinians were more concerned about obtaining the necessities of life than with his narrow moral code.
“R” is for Richards, John Gardiner, Jr. (1864-1941)
