Henry Middleton was one of the wealthiest planters in the South, the patriarch of the most powerful families anywhere in the nation and elected America’s second president. His public spirit was evident from early age. From 1774 - 1747, he served as a member of his state’s Common House. The last two of those years he served as a speaker. During 1755 he was the King’s Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Until 1770, he was member of the South Carolina Council. His valor in the War with the Cherokees earned him a wide recognition throughout the colonies. He was elected as a delegate to the first session of the Continental Congress.

When Peyton Randolph resigned from presidency, his peers immediately went to Henry to complete the term. He served as president from October 22, 1774 until May 10, 1775 when Randolph was able to complete his duties. After that he was a member of the Congressional Council of Safety. Then he began to establish the young nation’s policy toward the support of education. In the February of 1776 he resigned his political duties in order to prepare his family for the inevitable war. But he was replaced by his son who eventually became the signer of the Declaration of Independence and the articles of Confederation. He also served as an English prisoner of war and was twice elected Governor of his state.