Edward Rutledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Rutledge
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 39th Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office December 18, 1798 – January 23, 1800 |
|
| Lieutenant | John Drayton |
| Preceded by | Charles Pinckney |
| Succeeded by | John Drayton |
| Delegate from South Carolina to the Continental Congress | |
| In office 1774 – 1776 |
|
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from Charleston |
|
| In office November 28, 1796 – December 6, 1798 |
|
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Charleston |
|
| In office January 6, 1783 – November 28, 1796 |
|
| In office March 26, 1776 – October 17, 1778 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 23, 1749 Charleston, South Carolina, British America |
| Died | January 23, 1800 (aged 50) Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Resting place | Saint Philip's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Charleston |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouses | Henrietta Middleton Mary Shubrick Eveleigh |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America State of South Carolina |
| Branch/service | South Carolina militia |
| Years of service | 1778–1781 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
Edward Rutledge (born November 23, 1749 – died January 23, 1800) was an important American leader. He was one of the Founding Fathers and the youngest person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence. He also signed the Continental Association. Later in his life, he became the 39th governor of South Carolina.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Rutledge was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the youngest of seven children. His father, Dr. John Rutledge, was a doctor from Scots-Irish descent. His mother, Sarah Hext, was born in South Carolina and had English roots.
Like his older brothers, Edward studied law in London, England. He attended a famous law school called the Inns of Court. In 1772, he became a lawyer in England. Soon after, he returned to Charleston to start his own law practice.
On March 1, 1774, Edward married Henrietta Middleton. They had three children together:
- Henry Middleton Rutledge (born 1775)
- Edward Rutledge (born 1778)
- Sarah Rutledge (born 1782)
Edward Rutledge had a very successful law practice with his partner, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. He became a well-known person in Charleston. He was a wealthy landowner and owned many enslaved people, which was common for wealthy people in that era.
Career as a Leader
The American Revolution
During the American Revolution, Edward Rutledge played a key role. He represented South Carolina in the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1776. His brother John also served there.
At first, leaders in South Carolina were not sure about declaring independence. So, Edward was told to vote against it. However, he later changed his mind. At just 26 years old, he became the youngest person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence. This document declared the American colonies free from British rule.
,_by_John_Trumbull.jpg)
In November 1776, Rutledge returned home to South Carolina. He joined the state's General Assembly. He also served as a captain in the South Carolina militia, which was a local army. He fought in the Battle of Beaufort in 1779.
In May 1780, during the Siege of Charleston, British forces captured Edward Rutledge. He was taken as a prisoner to St. Augustine, Florida, along with other signers of the Declaration of Independence. They were released in July 1781 as part of a prisoner exchange.
After the War
After being released, Edward Rutledge returned to the General Assembly. He served there until 1796. He was known as a very active lawmaker. He supported taking property from people who had remained loyal to Britain during the war.
Like his brother John, Edward Rutledge did not like the Jay Treaty. This treaty was between the United States and Great Britain. He felt it favored Britain too much. In the 1796 United States presidential election, Rutledge voted for Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pinckney.
Edward Rutledge was not close with the winner of that election, John Adams. However, he agreed with Adams's plans to defend America against France during the Quasi-War. Rutledge became upset with Vice President Jefferson and other Republicans. He felt they were too friendly with France and not focused enough on American interests. After this, he stopped communicating with Jefferson.
Rutledge then served two years in the state senate. In 1798, he was elected as the governor of South Carolina.
Later Life and Death
.jpg)
While serving as governor, Edward Rutledge became ill with gout during an important meeting in Columbia. He had to be sent home. He died in Charleston on January 23, 1800, before his term as governor ended. Some people at the time believed he died from shock after hearing the news of George Washington's death.
See also
