Edward Rutledge
Edward Rutledge (b. November 23, 1749; d. January 23, 1800) is an American founding father, captain of Charleston Battalion of Artillery, prisoner of war, Governor of South Carolina, delegate to the Continental Congress from South Carolina who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Early Life
Edward was born in Charleston, South Carolina the youngest of the Dr. John Rutledge's seven children. He had a classical education and his older brother John would mentor him in law studies. He was a student of Oxford school in England. Also, spent four years in the houses of parliament. With his English bar he returned to Charleston. All this was accomplished by his early twenties.
Rutledge married the wealthy Henrietta Middleton, and they had three children
Independence
Edward became the youngest member of the Continental Congress, at age 27. He was selected to sit on the important War and Ordinance Committee. Rutledge opposed independence and was singled out as the person responsible for delay the vote. [1] He would vote for independence. Becoming the youngest of the Signers. Six-months later, joined the South Carolina militia. Subsequently, he was re-elected but did not return to Philadelphia. Edward and his brother-and-law were imprisoned when Charleston was captured by the British. Edwards was imprisoned at St. Augustine.
After the war Rutledge became the governor of South Carolina in 1798. He would only live two more years, dying before his term was complete.
