Gen Arnoldus Vanderhorst

• American

Christ Church Patriot

Arnoldus Vanderhorst was a South Carolina planter, militia officer, and public official whose career spanned the late colonial, Revolutionary, and early statehood periods. Born in Christ Church Parish to Arnoldus Vanderhorst and Elizabeth Simons, he inherited Lexington Plantation on the Wando River and later, through marriage to Elizabeth Raven, acquired Kiawah Island. Rising from captain to colonel under General Francis Marion, he rebuilt his estates after wartime destruction and became a prominent Charleston merchant and civic leader. He served in the General Assembly, the State Senate, and twice as intendant (mayor) of Charleston before becoming the 38th governor of South Carolina, advocating public education, legal reforms, and strengthened defenses. A wealthy planter who enslaved more than 100 people, he manumitted several individuals — including Hagar Richardson and her family — near the end of his life. Vanderhorst died on Kiawah Island and was buried at St Michael's Church Cemetery in Charleston. - AsNotedIn

Lineage

• Father Arnoldus Vanderhorst