Middleton, Arthur

Middleton, Arthur,

1742–87, political leader in the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence, b. near Charleston, S.C.; son of Henry Middleton. He was educated in England, returning to America in 1763. Middleton was elected (1776) to succeed his father as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He also fought at Charleston (1780), where he was captured by the British. After being exchanged, he again served (1781–83) in the Congress.