Arthur Middleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Middleton
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Middleton in a 1771 portrait
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| Born | June 26, 1742 |
| Died | January 1, 1787 (aged 44) "The Oaks" near Charleston, South Carolina
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| Resting place | Middleton Place Gardens and Tomb, Charleston |
| Alma mater | Trinity Hall, Cambridge |
| Known for | signer of the United States Declaration of Independence |
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Arthur Middleton (born June 26, 1742 – died January 1, 1787) was an important person in early American history. He is known as a Founding Father of the United States. He helped create the country by signing the United States Declaration of Independence. He represented the state of South Carolina.
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Arthur Middleton's Life
Arthur Middleton was born in Charleston, which was then part of the British colony of South Carolina. This was in 1742. His parents, Henry Middleton and Mary Baker Williams, were from England.
He went to school in Britain. He studied at famous schools like Harrow School and Westminster School. He also went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge university. Later, he studied law and traveled a lot in Europe. These travels helped him learn about books, music, and art. In 1764, Arthur and his wife, Mary Izard, made their home at Middleton Place.
Becoming a Patriot Leader
Arthur Middleton cared deeply about South Carolina. He had stronger ideas about independence than his father. He became a leader of the American Party in Carolina. This group wanted America to be free from British rule.
He was a brave member of the Council of Safety. This group worked to protect the American colonies. In 1776, Arthur was chosen to take his father's place in the Continental Congress. This was a meeting of leaders from the American colonies.
Signing the Declaration of Independence
At the Continental Congress, Arthur Middleton signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This document declared that the American colonies were free and independent. Also in 1776, he helped design the Great Seal of South Carolina. This seal is an important symbol for the state.
During the American Revolutionary War, Middleton helped defend Charleston. In 1780, the British took over the city. Arthur Middleton was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was sent to St. Augustine, Florida. He was held there with other important leaders like Edward Rutledge and Thomas Heyward Jr.. He was finally set free in July 1781.
Death and Family Legacy
Arthur Middleton passed away on January 1, 1787. He was 44 years old. He was buried in his family's tomb at Middleton Place Gardens. A newspaper at the time described him as a "tender husband and parent" and a "steady unshaken patriot."
His oldest son, Henry, inherited the family plantation. Henry later became the governor of South Carolina. He also served in the U.S. Congress and as a minister to Russia.
Arthur Middleton was an ancestor of the actor Charles B. Middleton. This actor played the character Ming the Merciless in the old Flash Gordon movies from the 1930s.
The United States Navy honored Arthur Middleton. A ship, the USS Arthur Middleton (AP-55/APA-25), was named after him.
See also
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of Arthur Middleton
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The tomb of Arthur Middleton at Middleton Place
