Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Rutledge was born on November 23, 1749, so he was 26 years old when he signed the document in 1776. He represented South Carolina in the Second Continental Congress alongside his older brother, John Rutledge, who did not sign the Declaration.
Although young, Edward Rutledge was an active lawyer and political delegate. He initially argued for delaying independence until colonial support was stronger, but he ultimately voted for and signed the Declaration.
Rutledge later served as governor of South Carolina. He is sometimes confused with Thomas Jefferson because Jefferson was the principal drafter, but Jefferson was 33 years old in 1776 and was not the youngest signer.