Robert Witherspoon

Robert Witherspoon (January 29, 1767 – October 11, 1837) was a U.S. Representative from South Carolina, great-great-grandfather of Robert Witherspoon Hemphill.

Robert Witherspoon
Member of the South Carolina Senate from Claremont District
In office November 27, 1821 – December 20, 1821
Preceded by	Charles Miller
Succeeded by	Stephen Decatur Miller
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Williamsburg District
In office November 24, 1806 – June 29, 1808
In office November 22, 1802 – May 16, 1804
In office November 26, 1792 – May 12, 1794
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1811
Preceded by	David R. Williams
Succeeded by	David R. Williams
Treasurer of South Carolina
In office 1800–1802
Governor	John Drayton
Personal details
Born	January 29, 1767 near Kingstree, Province of South Carolina, British America
Died	October 11, 1837 (aged 70) near Mayesville, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Profession	planter, politician

Witherspoon was born near Kingstree in the Province of South Carolina as the son of a Scots-Irish father, Robert Witherspoon (1728–1778) who was born in County Down, Ireland and settled in the Province of South Carolina. His mother was Elizabeth Heathly Witherspoon (1740–1820), who was born in South Carolina. Robert Witherspoon attended local schools.

Witherspoon was elected State treasurer in 1800 and served one term. He was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1792 to 1794 from 1802 to 1804 and from 1806 to 1808.

Witherspoon was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Eleventh Congress (March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1811). He declined to be a candidate for reelection. He had large planting interests in Sumter County, South Carolina. He opposed the nullification act in 1832. He died near Mayesville, South Carolina, October 11, 1837. He was interred in the Salem Brick Church Cemetery.

Sources

• United States Congress. "Robert Witherspoon (id: W000661)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.