Nathaniel Heyward (1766-1851)

Rice Planter, of the Bluff Plantation etc., South Carolina

He was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up at Old House in Beaufort County before touring Europe for 18-months after the Revolution. In 1788, he married Henrietta, daughter of Speaker Peter Manigault, and using her $50,000 dowry he invested in land and other assets which led to him becoming one of the leading practitioners of tidal culture rice, and therefore the wealthiest rice planter in South Carolina. He owned and leased 35,000-acres in Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort Counties. He was the largest slave owner in the history of the South, with some 2,000-slaves. His worth was estimated at just over $2 million, making him if not the wealthiest, then the among the wealthiest planters in antebellum South Carolina. He and his wife were the parents of seven children (listed) who lived to adulthood.

Parents (2)

Lt.-Col. Daniel Heyward

J.P., of "Old House" Beaufort Co., South Carolina

1720-1777

Jane (Gignilliat) Heyward

Mrs Jane Elizabeth (Gignilliat) Heyward

1743-1770

Spouse (1)

Henrietta (Manigault) Heyward

Mrs Henrietta (Manigault) Heyward

1769-1827

Children (7)

William Manigault Heyward

of Charleston, South Carolina

1789-1820

Nathaniel Heyward Jr.

Planter, of Beaufort, South Carolina

1790-1819

Joseph Manigault Heyward

of the Elms Plantation, Goose Creek, Berkeley Co., South Carolina

1794-1824

Ann (Heyward) Manigault

Mrs Ann (Heyward) Manigault

1800-1855

Charles Heyward

of Rose Hill Plantation, South Carolina

1802-1866

Arthur Manigault Heyward