Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749 – January 23, 1800), was an American politician and youngest signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. He later served as governor of South Carolina.
Like his eldest brother John Rutledge, Edward was born in Charleston. He was the youngest of seven children born to Dr. John Rutledge (1713-25 December 1750) and Sarah Hext (born 18 September 1724). He studied law at Oxford University, was admitted t...
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Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749 – January 23, 1800), was an American politician and youngest signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. He later served as governor of South Carolina.
Like his eldest brother John Rutledge, Edward was born in Charleston. He was the youngest of seven children born to Dr. John Rutledge (1713-25 December 1750) and Sarah Hext (born 18 September 1724). He studied law at Oxford University, was admitted to the English bar (Middle Temple), and returned to Charleston to practice. He married, on 1 March 1774, Henrietta Middleton (17 November 1750-22 April 1792), daughter of Henry Middleton. The couple had three children;
Rutledge had a successful law practice with his partner, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. He became a leading citizen of Charleston, and owned more than 50 slaves.
Along with his brother John, Rutledge represented South Carolina in the Continental Congress. Although a firm supporter of colonial rights, he was initially reluctant to...
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