Singleton's Graveyard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Singleton's Graveyard
|
|
 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Wedgefield, South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 2.1 acres (0.85 ha) |
| Architect | Ottaviano Gori |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001713 |
| Added to NRHP | May 13, 1976 |
Singleton's Graveyard is an old and important cemetery located in Wedgefield, South Carolina. It is found in an area known as the High Hills of Santee. This historic graveyard was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1976. This means it is recognized as a place with a lot of history and importance.
History of Singleton's Graveyard
Singleton's Graveyard served as the family cemetery for the wealthy and well-known Singleton family. This family came from Colonel Matthew Singleton (1728–1787). He moved to this area in the mid-1700s.
The graveyard is part of what was once Melrose Plantation, built in 1760. Today, only the graveyard remains of the plantation. There are 43 known graves here, with dates ranging from 1794 to 1944. Many of these graves belong to members of the Singleton family, including Matthew Singleton himself.
Important People Buried Here
One of the most famous people buried here is Governor George McDuffie (1790–1851). He was the husband of Mary Rebecca Singleton. Her father was Colonel Richard Singleton. Governor McDuffie's grave marker was designed by a famous sculptor named Ottaviano Gori from New York City.
It is also believed that William Tennant (1740-1777) is buried here. He was a well-known Presbyterian minister and politician. His wife wrote in their family Bible that he died at "Captain Singleton's High Hills of Santee" in 1777.
The Singleton-Van Buren Family Connection
The Singleton family has a connection to a United States President. Sarah Angelica Singleton was the daughter of Colonel Richard Singleton. She married Abraham Van Buren on November 27, 1838. Their wedding took place at her parents’ home in Wedgefield.
Abraham Van Buren's father was Martin Van Buren. At the time of the wedding, Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States. Sarah Angelica Singleton Van Buren served as the First Lady of the United States for the rest of his time in the White House.
