Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He gained recognition as an American patriot during the American Revolutionary War, representing South Carolina. Born near Beaufort in Saint Luke's Parish, South Carolina, he used the "junior" suffix to differentiate himself from his father's younger brother of the same name. Coming from a wealthy family, he was able to study law in England, where he discovered that the English looked down on Americans. Returning to South Carolina, he established a successful law practice, built a plantation called White Hall, and in 1772, was elected to the South Carolina legislature. In 1773, he married Elizabeth Mathews, sister of South Carolina Governor John Mathews; together they would have five children. In February of 1776, he was elected to the Second Continental Congress. While angry with England, Heyward was uncertain if America was ready for independence. At the first trial vote on July 1st, South Carolina voted to reject independence, but the next day, at the actual vote, they switched sides and voted for independence, not to dividing the country. After signing the Declaration of Independence, Heyward returned to South Carolina to fight the British, joining the militia. In 1779, he was wounded during the successful battle of Port Royal Island, near Beaufort, South Carolina. He recovered, and a year later, helped to defend Charleston. When the British were finally successful in capturing the city in May of 1780, he was among those captured. While Heyward was imprisoned in Saint Augustine, Florida, the British raided his plantation, burning White Hall and taking his 130 slaves for sale to the sugar plantations in Jamaica. When he was eventually freed, he became a judge and a state lawmaker in South Carolina. His wife, Elizabeth Mathews Heyward, would die in 1782, and four years later, he married Elizabeth Savage, with whom he would have three more children. Hayward died in 1809, at the age of 62.
Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He gained recognition as an American patriot during the American Revolutionary War, representing South Carolina. Born near Beaufort in Saint Luke's Parish, South Carolina, he used the "junior" suffix to differentiate himself from his father's younger brother of the same name. Coming from a wealthy family, he was able to study law in England, where he discovered that the English looked down on Americans. Returning to South Carolina, he established a successful law practice, built a plantation called White Hall, and in 1772, was elected to the South Carolina legislature. In 1773, he married Elizabeth Mathews, sister of South Carolina Governor John Mathews; together they would have five children. In February of 1776, he was elected to the Second Continental Congress. While angry with England, Heyward was uncertain if America was ready for independence. At the first trial vote on July 1st, South Carolina voted to reject independence, but the next day, at the actual vote, they switched sides and voted for independence, not to dividing the country. After signing the Declaration of Independence, Heyward returned to South Carolina to fight the British, joining the militia. In 1779, he was wounded during the successful battle of Port Royal Island, near Beaufort, South Carolina. He recovered, and a year later, helped to defend Charleston. When the British were finally successful in capturing the city in May of 1780, he was among those captured. While Heyward was imprisoned in Saint Augustine, Florida, the British raided his plantation, burning White Hall and taking his 130 slaves for sale to the sugar plantations in Jamaica. When he was eventually freed, he became a judge and a state lawmaker in South Carolina. His wife, Elizabeth Mathews Heyward, would die in 1782, and four years later, he married Elizabeth Savage, with whom he would have three more children. Hayward died in 1809, at the age of 62.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
Inscription
1746 1809
IN MEMORY OF
THOMAS HEYWARD JR.
PATRIOT STATESMAN
SOLDIER JURIST
MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS 1775 -
MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL
OF SAFETY OF S.C. 1775 -
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4TH 1776 -
SIGNER OF THE ARTICLES OF
AMERICAN CONFEDERATION IN BEHALF
OF THE STATE OF S.C. JULY 9TH 1778 -
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF
COMMON PLEAS 1778 -
At the siege of Charleston May 12, 1780
he commanded the Charleston,
Battalion of volunteers and in the
surrender of the city was taken
prisoner and was confined at
St. Augustine, Fla. for one year -
MEMBER OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF S.C. 1790.
He was the son of Col. Daniel Heyward-by
Maria daughter of William Miles Esq.
ERECTED BY THE STATE OF S.C.
Family Members
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