Henry Middleton

Henry Middleton (1717-1784) of South Carolina was the second President of the Continental Congress, and thus the leader of what was to become the United States, from October 22, 1774 until Peyton Randolph was able to resume his duties briefly beginning on May 10, 1775.

He was preceded in office by Peyton Randolph and succeeded first by Peyton Randolph for a few days, then by John Hancock.

While a delegate to the Continental Congress, he resigned in order to prepare for the coming war. He was replace by his son Arthur Middleton (1742-1787), who went on to sign the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

Arthur's son, also a Henry (1770-1846), had a long career in politics. He was Governor of South Carolina (1810-1812), U.S. Representative (1815-1819), and the Minister to Russia (1820-1830).