our history
Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc. has been serving the insurance needs of upstate South Carolina since 1908. Founded as the Hopkins Agency, it was purchased in 1915 by J.W. Byrd who changed the name to the Byrd Agency. Mr. Byrd's son, Joe L. Byrd joined his father in 1924. They truly had a business vision for Oconee County. Together, in 1925, as an addition to the services offered by the Byrd Agency, they formed Seneca Savings & Loan Association. It is known today as Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association. The S&L and the Agency operated and grew together until January of 1955 when Joe hired Robert N. McLellan. Bob was then the "Special Agent" in South Carolina with the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company. It was his expertise the Agency needed. Our name changed again to Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc. and we operate as such today. Federal banking laws soon changed and the organization split. Joe moved on to be the CEO of Seneca Savings and Loan. Bob took charge of Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc.
The agency flourished through the years and grew with Oconee County. Bob was involved in the Seneca Presbyterian Church, the Rotary Club, a member of the Board of Directors of Oconee Federal savings and Loan and an avid golfer. In the insurance industry he was an avid technician. He served as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of SC in 1975 and on to their national level of State National Director from 1973 Til 1976.
In 1976 he decided to enter politics and was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and served until 1990. He was Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee from 1985 through 1990. He retired from the Agency in 1993. He served as Director of the SC Department of Highways and Public Transportation from 1993 until 1995. He served on the University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees from 1996 until his death in 2005.