South Carolina Governors – Edward Rutledge, 1798-1800

Biographical Overview

• Born: November 23, 1749 in Charleston, South Carolina
  
• Died: January 23, 1800 in Charleston, South Carolina
  
• Buried: Internment at St. Philip's Church churchyard in Charleston, South Carolina
  
• Religion: Anglican
  
• Political Party: Federalist
  

Education

• Middle Temple - London, England 1767
  

Occupations

• Captain, South Carolina Militia
• Lawyer

Major Events and Accomplishments, 1798–1800

• The office of comptroller was established
  
• 1800 – Governor Rutledge died in office
  

Other Government Positions

• Continental Congress, 1774-1777
  
• South Carolina House of Representatives, 1778
  
• US House of Representatives, 1782-1796
  
• South Carolina Senate, 1796-1798
  

Other Accomplishments, Honors, Distinctions

• 1776 – Rutledge signed the Declaration of Independence
  
• 1780 – Rutledge was taken prisoner by the British at the surrender of Charleston
  
• Rutledge's brother John Rutledge also served as governor
  
• A ship used by the US Navy in World War II was named for Edward Rutledge
  

Election Results

• On December 18, 1798, the South Carolina General Assembly elected Rutledge for governor by secret ballot.
  

Web Resources

• Biographical information - US Congress
  
• Biographical Sketch - National Park Service