William Hopton (1723-1786)
J.P., of Charleston & Starvegut Hall; Merchant & Deputy Naval Officer for the Colony
He lived between his townhouse on Meeting Street, Charleston, and his plantation on the Wando River that he named "Starvegut Hall". He was a successful merchant, Deputy Naval Officer for the Colony, and was appointed Public Registrar in 1748. In 1744, he married Sarah Ward, widow of Gillson Clapp, and they had five children (listed). Sarah, was an avid gardener and corresponded with the famous botanist William Bartram who visited their plantation in 1765. Their daughter married Nathaniel Russell and lived at the famous Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston.