James W. Cahoon is the 18th mayor of Columbia since 1929, research by Rhett White, town manager and clerk, has revealed.

White presented to the board of aldermen on December 4 a list of mayors taken from the minute books in his office. He said the list is incomplete and that earlier records do not exist.

One mayor held office more than 24 years, two died in office, and two resigned. The average time in office was 5.2 years.

Below are the names, dates in office, and other information on the mayors:

• William J. White, 13 May 1929 (26 votes and unopposed )through 2 June 1930 (resigned).
• Benjamin S. Davis, 16 Jul 1929 through 12 Oct 1929 (presided as mayor pro-tem).
• Walter N. Norman, 16 Jun 1930 through 4 May 1931.
• Benjamin S. Davis, 11 May 1931 through 7 May 1934.
• Samuel James Holloway, 7 May 1934 through 26 Nov 1934 (died in office).
• Sam S. Woodley, 17 Dec 1934 (appointed) through 21 May 1935.
• Ernest Norris, 21 May 1935 through ?.
• Warren M. Laughinghouse, before 6 Dec 1943 through 2 July 1951.
• Paul L. Liverman, 2 July 1951 through 4 August 1958.
• H.T. “Jack” Davenport, 8 Sep 1958 through 5 July 1965.
• Orville A. Howett, 5 July 1965 through 1 July 1969.
• John W. Everett, 1 July 1969 through 1 July 1971.
• Clarence F. Cahoon, 1 July 1971 through 30 Sep 1974 (resigned).
• George R. Rowsom, 30 Sep 1974 through 3 De c 1979.
• A.W. “Bill” Jarman, 3 Dec 1979 through 7 Dec 1981.
• John A. Hardison, 7 Dec 1981 through 13 June 1983 (died in office).
• George G. Owens Sr., 13 June 1983 through 3 Dec 2007.
• Michael Griffin, 4 Dec 2007 through 4 Dec 2017.
• James W. Cahoon, 4 Dec 2017 to present.