William Ancrum
William Ancrum | |
|---|---|
| Third General Assembly, Rep. District Eastward of Wateree River | |
| In office 1779–1780 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January , 1722 Scremerston, Northumberland, England |
| Died | February 24, 1808 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Relations | George Ancrum (brother), William Ancrum, Jr. (nephew), John Ancrum (cousin), William Alexander Ancrum (3rd-great nephew) |
William Ancrum (c. 1722—February 24, 1808) was a wealthy American merchant, slave trader and indigo planter from Charleston, South Carolina who served in the Third General Assembly during the Revolutionary War (1779—1780). His interest in the economic potential of the Carolina backcountry led to his involvement in the formation of the present-day town of Camden, South Carolina. Of particular value to historians are the William Ancrum Papers, 1757–1789, which are made up of Ancrum's letters and personal account books, currently held by the South Carolina Library at the University of South Carolina. This collection provides insight into the economic impact of the American Revolution on Charleston planters and merchants, from the prices of slaves to restrictions on imports and exports.