Edward Rutledge (1749–1800)

Signer of the Declaration of Independence and brother of John Rutledge, born in Charleston, SC, on the 23rd of November 1749. He studied law at the Temple, London, and practiced at Charleston. He was chosen to the first Continental Congress, and in 1776 was a member of the board of war. When the British began hostile operations in South Carolina, Rutledge commanded a company of artillery. But in 1780 he was captured at Charleston and remained a prisoner for a year. After his exchange he resided at Philadelphia. When the British withdrew from Charleston in 1782, he returned home and served in the legislature. In 1798 he was elected governor of South Carolina, but, before the expiration of his term, died on the 23rd of January 1800.