Rutledge, Edward, 1749-1800

Edward Rutledge (November 23, 1749 – January 23, 1800) was an American Founding Father and politician who signed the Continental Association and was the youngest signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence. He later served as the 39th Governor of South Carolina from December 1798 until his death.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Rutledge was educated in law at Oxford and studied for and was admitted to the English Bar. Returning to Charleston, he had a successful law practice with his partner, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and became a leading citizen of Charleston. During the American Revolution Rutledge served along with his brother John representing South Carolina in the Continental Congress (1774-1776). He worked to have African Americans expelled from the Continental Army. Although a firm supporter of colonial rights, he (as a delegate) was instructed initially to oppose Lee's Resolution of independence; South Carolina's leaders were unsure that the time was "ripe." At age 26 he was the youngest delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence.

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