Middleton, Henry

Middleton, Henry, 1717–84, American Revolutionary leader, b. near Charleston, S.C. A wealthy, influential planter, he held many official positions before resigning (1770) in protest against the British trade policies. He was a member (1774–76) and president (1774–75) of the Continental Congress, but he opposed independence and resigned. His son Arthur Middleton took his place. The elder Middleton returned to South Carolina and continued to hold public offices. Although he resumed allegiance to the crown after the fall of Charleston (1780), his estates were not confiscated.