York, SC – After serving as the official custodian of court records in York County for over 25 years, David Hamilton, the Clerk of Court, has decided to retire. Hamilton, a skilled accountant, dedicated himself to maintaining the integrity of countless documents, ranging from property deeds to custody orders. His name adorned every filing seal, and his meticulousness earned him the distinction of being recognized as South Carolina’s top clerk in 2018. Now, at the age of 67, Hamilton seeks to devote more time to his family, bidding farewell to the responsibilities of managing extensive records and overseeing 65 employees across five offices in York and Rock Hill.
On his final day, the Moss Justice Center courthouse in York witnessed a gathering of hundreds of individuals, who, at the close of business, expressed their gratitude to Hamilton for his unwavering service. Recognizing the incredible efforts of his dedicated staff throughout the years, he commended their contributions in ensuring the smooth operation of the clerk’s office for the benefit of the community.
The position of clerk of court, mandated by state law in all 46 counties of South Carolina, is an elected office that necessitates re-election every four years. Hamilton, a Republican, emerged victorious from a competitive pool of candidates in 1996, securing the position unopposed in subsequent elections. As he steps down, Angie Bryant, a longstanding deputy clerk, assumes the role under an appointment by Governor Henry McMaster to complete Hamilton’s term until the 2024 election.
Beyond his role as clerk, Hamilton assumed responsibility for all county courthouse buildings, including the historic York County Courthouse in downtown York, the Moss Justice Center in York, the Family Court in Rock Hill, as well as the register of deeds and passport offices. He spearheaded efforts to modernize these courthouses, enhancing public access to legal information. Hamilton also faced difficult decisions, advocating for substantial public funding to renovate the York courthouses, upgrade computer systems, and improve infrastructure. He tirelessly campaigned for the construction of a new Family Court facility in Rock Hill. Furthermore, he chose not to reinstate Confederate memorabilia in the main courtroom of the York County Courthouse following renovations.
