Celebrate Independence Day with the Signers

Latest update: 14 July 2023 - Grace Cordial, BDC Manager

"The most ardent revolutionary from the Beaufort District," Thomas Heyward, Jr. signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Here's a little bit of information about native son, Thomas Heyward, Jr. from the Library's former "Famous People of Beaufort County" web page that was taken down when the Library system switched website software companies in 2016:

Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746-1809): A Revolutionary War soldier and politician, Heyward was a member of the Council of Safety in 1775-1776 and of the Continental Congress from 1776-1778 (he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence). In later years, he became a circuit court judge in South Carolina.

The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in his honor. In 2007 the Chapter gave the Beaufort County Library a document signed by Thomas Heyward in his capacity as a circuit court judge. Just set up an appointment and we'll be happy to show it to you. 

In addition, the BDC holds vertical files on the Thomas Heyward, Jr. Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a file on the extensive Heyward descendants family (a number of whom still reside in the area). In 2012 we posted an online  bibliography of materials about him that has been periodically updated.

If you're interested in the four signers from South Carolina (Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Edward Rutledge, and Arthur Middleton)  as well as the other Signers who helped birth the United States of America we recommend you consult the National Park Service's Signers of the Declaration Biographical Sketches website.