Peter Manigault (October 10, 1731 -- November 12, 1773) was a Charleston, South Carolina attorney, plantation owner, and colonial legislator. He was the wealthiest man in the British North American colonies at the time of his death.
Video Peter Manigault
Early life
Manigault (pronounced MAN-eh-go) was born in Charleston on October 10, 1731, and was part of a wealthy French Huguenot immigrant family. He was privately educated in the Province of South Carolina and in England, traveled extensively in Europe, studied law at London's Inner Temple, and was called to the British bar in 1752.
Maps Peter Manigault
Career
He returned to South Carolina in 1754, where he practiced law, became a successful merchant and banker, and managed his family's slaves and extensive plantation holdings. By 1774 Manigault was the wealthiest person in the British North American colonies, with his net worth of approximately £33,000 in 1770 equal to approximately $4 million in 2016.
Manigault served in the South Carolina House of Commons in 1755, and again from 1766 to 1773. From 1765 to 1772 he was Speaker of the House. He actively opposed the British Stamp Act 1765, and was identified with what became known as the Patriot cause.
In 1773 Manigault's health worsened, and he left South Carolina for England in an effort to find a cure.
Death and burial
Manigault's health did not improve, and he died in London on November 12, 1773. He was buried at French Protestant Huguenot Church Cemetery in Charleston.
Family
Manigault was a descendant of Pierre Manigault, a French Huguenot who settled in the Santee area and became a successful rice planter.
Manigault was the son of Gabriel Manigault (1704-1781) and Ann Ashby Manigault (1705-1782).
He was the husband of Elizabeth Wragg Manigault (1736-1773). Their children included: Gabriel Manigault (1758-1809); Anne Manigault Middleton (1762-1811); Joseph Manigault (1763-1843); and Henrietta Manigault Heyward (1769-1827).
Letters
During Manigault's studies in London and travels in Europe, he exchanged frequent letters with his parents. This correspondence was published as part of several articles over several years in the South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine.
See also
- List of wealthiest historical figures
- List of richest Americans in history
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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