United States Congressman from South Carolina

Member of the Secession Convention in 1860 and signer of the Ordinance of Secession

(1798-1882) Born in Laurens, S.C., he graduated from South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) at Columbia in 1816. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1819 and began practice in Pendleton, S.C. He served as a major during the Seminole War in 1835. Was a member of the South Carolina State Senate, 1835-41. Served as a Democratic U.S. Congressman, 1843-49. He was a member of the Secession Convention in 1860 and signer of the Ordinance of Secession.

Signature: 4 x 5/8, in ink, R.F. Simpson.

WBTS Trivia: The State of South Carolina was the first to secede from the Union when she adopted the ordnance of secession on December 20, 1860.