A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR George "Trotting Sally" Washington Mullins.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize George Washington Mullins, known as Trotting Sally, a famous South Carolina folk legend and violinist; and

Whereas, a native of the Oakland Plantation near Greenville, Trotting Sally was born into an enslaved family in 1856. After the Civil War, his father, Samuel, relocated the family to Spartanburg County, where they adopted the surname Mullins. They settled on farmland called the Mullins Plantation, where his father had been born and raised; and

Whereas, Trotting Sally began playing the fiddle in his early adulthood. His personality sparkled as he pulled the bow across the strings. He named his instrument Rosalie and began performing street shows to make money. He was a natural entertainer; and

Whereas, according to legend, he received his nickname after outrunning a horse by the name of Sally. From that day on, locals called him Trotting Sally, a name that serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit that resonated through the rhythm of his life and music; and

Whereas, Trotting Sally married Lizzie in 1880, and together, they had six children. The couple became tenant farmers and Trotting Sally also worked odd jobs to provide for his growing family. By the turn of the century, he was known as a man who could outwork three men half his age and could outrun horses, automobiles, and trains; and

Whereas, a Trotting Sally performance was special, combining dance and melody, occasionally punctuated by jokes or making his fiddle "talk." He traveled with his fiddle strapped across his back, often stopping to play with other musicians along the dusty crossroad communities around Spartanburg County and parts of North Carolina; and

Whereas, Trotting Sally died on September 20, 1931. He is buried in an unmarked grave near Boiling Springs; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and vigor that Trotting Sally has contributed to the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor George "Trotting Sally" Washington Mullins.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Trotting Sally.

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