"B" is for Bennett, Thomas, Jr. [1781-1865]. Governor

"B" is for Bennett, Thomas, Jr. [1781-1865]. Governor. With his father, Bennett built a lucrative lumber and rice mill business in Charleston. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and served as a director of the Bank of the State of South Carolina, and the Louisville, Cincinnati, and Charleston Railroad. He was mayor of Charleston and served six terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives—and was its Speaker. He was elected to the State Senate in 1819, but resigned a year later when he was elected Governor. As governor he is best remembered for his message to the General Assembly during the Denmark Vesey Crisis. Thomas Bennett, Jr., criticized Charleston officials for their handling of the affair, especially using questionable evidence as a basis for the execution of 35 accused conspirators.