Peter Manigault facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Manigault
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Speaker of the South Carolina House of Commons | |
| In office 1765–1772 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 10, 1731 Charleston, Province of South Carolina, British America |
| Died | November 12, 1773 (aged 42) London, England |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Wragg
(m. 1755; |
| Parents | Gabriel Manigault Ann Ashby Manigault |
Peter Manigault (born October 10, 1731 – died November 12, 1773) was an important person in colonial South Carolina. He was a lawyer, a plantation owner, and a leader in the government. At the time of his death, he was one of the wealthiest people in the British North American colonies. He owned many enslaved people who worked on his plantations. His father-in-law, Joseph Wragg, was also very involved in the trade of enslaved people.
Early Life and Education
Peter Manigault was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 10, 1731. His family was wealthy and came from France. They were Huguenots, which means they were French Protestants who had to leave France because of their religion.
His parents were Gabriel Manigault and Ann Ashby Manigault. His grandparents also played a big part in the family's success. His grandfather, Pierre Manigault, was a successful rice planter. His great-uncle, Thomas Broughton, was even a governor of South Carolina.
Peter Manigault received a private education in South Carolina and England. He traveled a lot in Europe. He also studied law in London and became a lawyer in 1752.
A Successful Career
In 1754, Peter Manigault came back to South Carolina. He started working as a lawyer. He also became a very successful merchant and banker. He managed his family's large plantations, where many enslaved people were forced to work.
By 1774, Peter Manigault was known as the richest person in the British North American colonies. His wealth was about £33,000 in 1770. This would be like having about $4 million today.
Manigault also served in the government. He was a member of the South Carolina House of Commons from 1755, and again from 1766 to 1773. From 1765 to 1772, he was the Speaker of the House. This meant he was the leader of the assembly. He strongly disagreed with the British Stamp Act of 1765. This law made colonists pay a tax on printed materials. He was seen as a supporter of the "Patriot cause." This group wanted more freedom for the colonies from British rule.
His Letters Home
While Peter Manigault was studying and traveling in Europe, he wrote many letters to his parents. These letters were later published in a magazine. They give us a look into his life and thoughts during that time.
Family Life
.jpg)
In 1755, Peter Manigault married Elizabeth Wragg (1736–1773). Her father, Joseph Wragg, was a very large merchant involved in the trade of enslaved people in British North America.
Peter and Elizabeth had several children:
- Gabriel Manigault (1758–1809)
- Anne Manigault Middleton (1762–1811)
- Joseph Manigault (1763–1843)
- Henrietta Manigault Heyward (1769–1827)
In 1773, Peter Manigault's health became very poor. He traveled to England hoping to find a cure. Sadly, his wife Elizabeth died on February 19, 1773. Peter's health did not get better, and he died in London on November 12, 1773. He was buried in Charleston, South Carolina, at the French Protestant Huguenot Church Cemetery.
His Descendants
Peter Manigault's family continued to be important in Charleston. His great-grandson, Arthur Manigault, bought the city's daily newspaper, The Post and Courier, in 1896. This shows how the Manigault family remained a part of Charleston's history.
