The Biographical Dictionary of America/Allston, Robert Francis Withers

ALLSTON, Robert Francis Withers, governor of South Carolina, was born in All Saints' Parish, S. C., April 21, 1801. He was graduated from West Point in 1821, standing high in his class, was appointed lieutenant of artillery, served one year, resigning his commission in 1822. Returning to South Carolina he practised the profession of civil engineering and also managed an extensive rice plantation. He was surveyor-general of the state from 1823 to 1827, and in 1828 was elected to the legislature as a member of the lower house. He was chosen state senator in 1832, and was from 1847 to 1856 presiding officer of the senate. He was elected governor of the state in 1856, serving two years. He was especially interested in rice culture, and wrote an interesting and useful book on the subject. From 1831 to 1838 he was trustee of South Carolina college, and in 1847 published "Report on Public Schools." In politics he was a "state's-rights" man. He died April 7, 1864.