Edward Rutledge

Edward Rutledge (English: Edward Rutledge, November 23, 1749 - January 23, 1800) was a statesman, slave owner, and South Carolina native in the early days of American independence. He was born in Charleston. His brother John Rutledge was a member of the convention that established the United States Constitution. He studied law at Oxford University and was admitted to the bar in England, later returning to South Carolina to practice law and marry Henrietta Middleton. He participated in the Continental Congress with his brother, and initially opposed the United States' independence from Britain. Later, when others agreed to independence, he also signed the Declaration of Independence, becoming the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. After independence, he was elected to Congress. When the British invaded again, he participated in the army defense and was captured by the British and imprisoned until 1781. After his release from prison, he was elected to the state assembly, serving from 1782 to 1796. In 1798, he was elected as the 39th governor of South Carolina, but died before completing his first term.