[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1069-E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MARTHA M. RICH OF EDGEFIELD, SC

                                 ______


                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 1996

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, Martha M. Rich, who is known affectionately 
throughout Edgefield County as Miz Martha, has served the people of 
Edgefield County in many ways since moving here in 1956. In that year 
she began work with the South Carolina Highway Department. Previously, 
she had worked as a bank teller in Augusta, GA, and operated a 
restaurant and motel in McCormick County.
  It was in 1963 that Martha Rich was asked by then-County Commissioner 
Frank Timmerman to consider working for Edgefield County. Starting her 
county work in the tax assessor's office, she was involved that year in 
the very first property value reassessment program. In 1970, she was 
named assistant county administrator. During her 33 years with the 
county, she has served the public on matters as diverse as roads and 
bridges, emergency medical and fire operations, and waste disposal. Ms. 
Rich was a key figure in the transition to home rule, when county 
governments were gaining local control under new laws enacted at the 
State level. In the often trying political environment of country 
government, Ms. Rich has served six county administrators and numerous 
local elected officials. She has also remained a key contact person 
with State and Federal office holders on behalf

[[Page E1070]]

of Edgerfield County. Her professionalism and historical perspective of 
our county government will be missed tremendously now that she has 
decided to retire.
  Though her work schedule has remained heavy throughout the years, Mr. 
Rich has always made time for community and family. She has been active 
in the Senior Citizens' Advisory Council, Piedmont Technical College, 
the Edgefield County Red Cross, the Edgefield County Transportation 
Committee, and the Governor's Beautification Task Force. She is also a 
fixture at Red Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she participates in the 
WMU and the Edgefield Baptist Association. Away from public life and 
civic pursuits, Martha Rich occupies herself with family. She has a 
son, Jackie, and three daughters: Patsy Smith, Greenie Crowder, and 
Georgia Morris. she has one brother, Kenneth Morgan. Six grandchildren 
also keep here quite busy and bring her a great deal of joy. Ms. Rich 
looks to family as a first priority in her retirement.
  We wish Miz Martha the best in retirement, and we thank her for the 
work she has done on the behalf of Edgefield County.

                          ____________________