History
The Forgotten Declaration of Independence Signers Who Lost Everything for Signing
July 4th celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yet these men lost most everything for signing and defying the British Crown.
Edward Rutledge
Public Domain Edward Rutledge, like his older brothers John and Hugh, studied the law in Britain; successfully passing the bar in England before returning to his home of Charleston, South Carolina where he was a practicing attorney.
Rutledge served along with his brother John as a representative of South Carolina at the Continental Congress. Edward Rutledge, at 26, was the youngest signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
Rutledge’s youth did not spare him serious repercussions for his acts of rebellion against the Crown. Rutledge was captured by the British at the Siege of Charleston. Edward Rutledge spent over a year in British captivity, eventually releasing him as part of a prisoner exchange.
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Thomas Hayward Jr.
Wikicommons A South Carolina native, Thomas Hayward travelled abroad to England to receive his training in law and to pass the bar. Hayward upon his return, was elected to the Continental Congress for South Carolina and signed the Declaration.
Following a brief time as judge, Hayward took up arms to lead a militia force but was ultimately taken prisoner by the British at the Siege of Charleston.
