Monday, January 26, 2015

So Many Rhetts

There are so many Rhetts associated with Charleston - it can be hard to keep them straight.

Colonel William Rhett - 1666-1722

  • Colonel of the Provincial Militia
  • While in command of the colony ships in 1706 William repelled a French and Spanish squadron's attach on Charleston
  • In 1718 he captured the gentleman pirate, Stede Bonnet
  • Buried across the street from St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC






Robert Barnwell Rhett (1800–1876)


This Rhett isn't really a Rhett - Born Robert Barnwell Smith, he and his brothers changed their last name to Rhett to their capitalize on their famous ancestor William Rhett.

What makes  this Rhett notable? He was a:
  • Congressman
  • U.S. Senator 
  • South Carolina attorney general
  • Secessionist "Fire Eater"
  • Co-Owner of Charleston Mercury
  • Buried in Magnolia Cemetery


    Robert Barnwell Rhett Jr. 1828-1905

    • Editor of Charleston Mercury
    • Secessionist 
    • Harvard Graduate
    • Managed father's Plantations
    • Member of SC Bar
    • Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL


    A.B. (Andrew Burnet) Rhett 1831-1879 - Married to Henrietta Aiken

    • A.B. and his wife Henrietta inherited the Aiken-Rhett house from Henrietta's father William Aiken
    • A.B's sons I'On Rhett and Andrew Burnet Rhett, Jr continued to live in the Aiken Rhett House after Henrietta and A.B. died.


    Dr. Robert Barnwell Rhett 1883-1901

    Buried in Magnolia Cemetery











    Dr. Robert Barnwell Rhett 1891-1841 
    • Served as a physician  in with the British Military in WWI
    • Detained in a German Prison camp
    • Buried in St. Phillips  - Charleston, SC


    Rhett Butler from Charleston

    Fictional charter from Gone With the Wind





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