A senate RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor the life of Mr. bishop Elvin cleveland of walhalla and celebrate his achievement as the first black man to drive a car in the town of walhalla.

 

Whereas, while he resided in Walhalla, which was designated in 1868 as the county seat, Bishop Cleveland made an impact on this charming Upstate community that is rich in heritage; and

 

Whereas, Bishop Cleveland was employed by C. R. Houchins who owned a livery and also owned the first car in Walhalla, which was a two-cylinder Maxwell. The Maxwell was one of the three best-selling cars in the nation at the time.  The car was so popular that a song was written about it in 1915: "Mack's Swell Car Was a Maxwell"; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Cleveland was taught how to drive the car by a gentleman by the name of Mr. Ozzie White. Mr. Cleveland took upon himself the additional responsibility of caring for the two-cylinder Maxwell by meticulously washing it so that it would shine; and

 

Whereas, when the roads in Walhalla were in good condition, he would drive the car to the Biemann Hotel, a prestigious summer resort on South Main Street, to allow the hotel's patrons to use it; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Cleveland served in the United States army during World War I. A military marker was erected at his grave at Flat Rock Baptist Church. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the life of Mr. Bishop Cleveland of Walhalla and celebrate his achievement as the first black man to drive a car in the town of Walhalla.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Bishop Cleveland.

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