Colonel William Rhett
Colonel William Rhett, born in London in 1666, arrived at Charles Towne in 1694. In 1712 he built and lived at 54 Hasell Street, thought to be Charleston's oldest dwelling.
A capable military man and sea Captain, he was commissioned a Vice Admiral by the governor of Carolina to command a naval defense that repelled the Franco-Spanish invasion in 1706 and captured pirate Stede Bonnet in 1718. Rhett rose in the militia to Lt. General in 1719.
Among numerous public positions in Charles Towne, he was Commissioner of Fortifications and of Indian Trade, built a state house, governor's house, Free School, seawall, and became Speaker of Commons Home of Assembly.
Known for his charity, he served as warden and treasurer of St. Philip's Church, participated in its 1723 reconstruction, and donated the English communion silver used in services there.