South Carolina Governors – Henry Middleton, 1810-1812

Biographical Overview

• Born: September 28, 1770 in London, England
  
• Died: June 14, 1846 in Charleston, South Carolina
  
• Religion: Episcopalian
  
• Political Party: Democratic-Republican
  

Education

• Tutored in the classics at his family's plantation, Middleton Place; also studied for a year in England (returned to Charleston in 1787)
  

Occupation

• Planter

Major Events and Accomplishments, 1810–1812

• 1811 – General Assembly instituted free schooling for poor children
  

Other Government Positions

• South Carolina House of Representatives, 1802-1810
  
• South Carolina Senate, 1810
  
• US House of Representatives, 1815-1819
  
• US Minister to Russia, 1820-1830
  

Other Accomplishments, Honors, Distinctions

• Middleton's grandfather, also named Henry Middleton, was the second president of the Continental Congress from October 22, 1774 through October 26, 1774.
  

• Middleton's father Arthur – also a member of the Continental Congress – signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
  

Election Results

• On December 8, 1810, the South Carolina General Assembly elected Middleton for governor by secret ballot.
  

Web Resources

• Biographical information - US Congress
• Middleton family history
  
• Middleton Place - Middleton family plantation
  
• Whitehall - Henry Middleton's summer home in Greenville