“P “is for Pope, Thomas Harrington, Jr. (1913-1999)

“P “is for Pope, Thomas Harrington, Jr. (1913-1999). Attorney, legislator, historian. Born in Newberry County, Pope won his first election to the state House of Representatives from Newberry in 1936. With America's entry into World War II, Pope was called to active duty and served in North Africa and Italy. When one of Newberry's seats in the General Assembly became vacant in the spring of 1945, local supporters arranged his election in his absence. In 1949, Pope was elected Speaker of the South Carolina House. of Representatives. In 1950, he resigned to run for governor but lost the election to James F. Burns. Pope resumed his law practice and remained active in legal, business, and military circles. Tomas Harrington Pope, Jr.’s interest in local history led him to write the two volume History of Newberry County.