Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society.
(1745-1781) Hayne was born in Colleton County, the son of Isaac Hayne and Sarah Williamson. Hayne married Elizabeth Hutson and they had seven children. He represented St. Bartholomew’s Parish in the Commons House of Assembly and in the state Senate.
Hayne, a loyal patriot, fought as a private in the Siege of Charleston, when he was captured by the British. After the Continental Army had surrendered Charleston to the British, the captured soldiers were allowed to return home, but as prisoners under parole. After a couple of months on parole he was called into Charleston to take an oath of allegiance to the British crown or else he would be punished. Hayne reluctantly complied after being threatened with prison and told he would not be required to fight. The British then demanded that Hayne take up arms against the patriots. Hayne considered this a breach of parole agreement and rejoined the American forces.
Isaac Hayne was hanged for espionage and treason against the British crown. The oath of allegiance he signed had ultimately led to his hanging. Word of his unjust death quickly spread through Charleston and inspired many men to join the American cause.
