S.C. Code Ann. § 18-7-90: Return; effect of dead, insane, or absent magistrate.

If a magistrate whose judgment is appealed from shall die, become insane or remove from the State before having made a return, the appellate court may examine witnesses on oath as to the facts and circumstances of the trial or judgment and determine the appeal as if the facts had been returned by the magistrate. If he shall have removed to another county within the State the appellate court may compel him to make the return as if he were still within the county where the judgment was rendered.