Robert WITHERSPOON, Congress, SC (1767-1837)

WITHERSPOON, Robert, (great-great-grandfather of Robert Witherspoon Hemphill), a Representative from South Carolina; born near Kingstree, Williamsburg County, S.C., January 29, 1767; attended local schools; elected State treasurer in 1800 and served one term; was a member of the State house of representatives, 1792-1794, 1802-1804, 1806-1808, 1816-1817; elected as a Republican to the Eleventh Congress (March 4, 1809-March 3, 1811); declined to be a candidate for reelection; had large planting interests in Sumter County, S.C.; opposed the nullification act in 1832; died near Mayesville, Sumter County, S.C., October 11, 1837; interment in the Salem Brick Church Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present