Arthur Middleton (1681–1737)

Arthur Middleton
Governor of South Carolina (acting)
In office May 7, 1725 – December, 1730
Preceded by	Francis Nicholson
Succeeded by	Robert Johnson
Personal details
Born	October 29, 1681 (1681-10-29) South Carolina
Died	September 17, 1737 (1737-09-18) (aged 55) South Carolina
Spouse(s)	Mary Williams Middleton Sarah Middleton
Children	Henry Hester Thomas William
Profession	planter governor

Arthur Middleton (October 29, 1681 – September 17, 1737) was a South Carolina planter and Acting Governor of South Carolina from May 7, 1725 to December, 1730.

Biography

In 1678, Middleton's father (Edward) and his uncle, Arthur, moved from Barbados to South Carolina, and settled on 1,780 acres of land 14 miles north of Charles Town. His father, Edward had purchased his uncle's share of the landgrant, plus another 3,130 acres, then settled with his wife, Sara, on the plantation; and named the plantation The Oaks.

Middleton was born on October 29, 1681. He married Mary Williams and Sarah Middleton.^[1]

Career

Middleton’s father died in 1685, leaving to his wife, Sara, and their young son, Arthur, the plantation. In the following decade, English colonists learned how to cultivate rice in fresh water swamps, with slave labor, by 1699, The Oaks plantation had begun to make money. By 1720, the estate consisted of over 5,000 acres and Middleton owned over 100 slaves.

A well-established member of the Carolina gentry, Middleton was also a respected member. In 1710, he traveled to London to discuss the political problems in the Carolinas.

Death

Middleton died on September 17, 1737 at the age of 56, and at that time he owned 107 slaves. Though he had eight children, only three survived. His widow, Sarah Middleton died on September 24, 1765.^[2]

References

External links

• J.D. Lewis - Arthur Middleton Royal Governor of South Carolina Province 1724 to 1729