DUNCAN CLINCH HEYWARD was born in Richland County, South Carolina. After attending Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia from 1882 to 1885, he became one of the most successful rice growers in South Carolina. He also served as Captain of a cavalry company in Colleton County, South Carolina. During his gubernatorial administration, the state legislature passed the Brice Act, which permitted counties to vote out the liquor dispensary system that had been established during the administration of Governor Benjamin Tillman. A two-term governor, Heyward was vocal about the lack of gubernatorial power, stating that the “governor is practically powerless where the details of the enforcement of law are concerned…” In addition, a State Department of Agriculture was established during Heyward’s administration. After leaving office, Heyward was appointed Collector of Federal Internal Revenue Taxes for the District of South Carolina.