R. Goodwyn Rhett
R. Goodwyn Rhett | |
|---|---|
Mayor of Charleston | |
| In office 1903–1911 | |
| Preceded by | James Adger Smyth |
| Succeeded by | John P. Grace |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Goodwyn Rhett March 25, 1862 Columbia, South Carolina |
| Died | April 16, 1939 (aged 77) Charleston, South Carolina |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouses | Helen Smith Whaley
(m. 1888; died 1904)Blanche Salley (m. 1906) |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia (M.A. in 1883; LLB in 1884) |
| Profession | Lawyer, bank president |
| Signature |  |
Robert Goodwyn Rhett (1862–1939) was the fiftieth mayor of
History
Robert Goodwyn Rhett was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1862 to Albert Moore and Martha Goodwyn Rhett. He grew up in Charleston[1] where his father was a pioneer in fertilizer manufacturing, following the discovery of phosphate rocks near Charleston in the 1860s.[2] After attending the Porter Military Academy and Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, he entered the University of Virginia in 1879 and graduated in 1883 with a Master of Arts. The following year he earned his law degree and returned to practice law in Charleston where, in 1886, he formed the partnership with George Macbeth Trenholm (1859 - 1902).[1][2] He played baseball while at the University of Virginia, and upon his return, was the first pitcher known to throw a curve ball in South Carolina.
Outside of his law practice, Rhett actively participated in the phosphate industry, constructing factories and assuming leadership roles until ownership consolidated into the
Rhett began his political career as an
On December 8, 1903, he was elected to become the fiftieth mayor of
Rhett continued in political service, later becoming the president of the
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Personal life and death
On November 15, 1888. Rhett married Helen Smith Whaley, daughter of William B. and Helen Smith Whaley, of Charleston. Together, they had four children, Helen Whaley, Margaret Goodwyn, William Whaley (died in infancy) and Robert Goodwyn Jr. After his first wife died in April 1904, he married Blanche Salley, the daughter of D. Hammond and Ida Prothro Salley, of Aiken County, South Carolina, on August 8, 1906. Of this union there were two children, Blanche and Albert (known as "Boots").[2]
In 1902, he purchased the historic John Rutledge House, and lived there until his death.[5]
Rhett died on April 16, 1939, and was buried at Magnolia Cemetery.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "R. Goodwyn Rhett Mayoral Papers, 1903-1911". The City of Charleston, SC. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "R. Goodwyn Rhett, Facts About Latest Entry in Senatorial Race". Yorkville Enquirer. Yorkville, SC. June 16, 1908. p. 4.
- ^ a b "Robert Goodwyn Rhett". Preservation Society of Charleston. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ "Council Holds Final Meeting". Charleston News & Courier. December 13, 1911. p. 5. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ "John Rutledge House - Charleston, South Carolina". South Carolina Information Highway. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- ^ Preservation Society of Charleston
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