Peter Timothy

Lewis worked for Benjamin Franklin and learned the trade in Philadelphia before moving to Charleston, South Carolina (called Charles Town before the American Revolutionary War.

His parents ran the South Carolina Gazette, which was turned over to Timothy after his father's death, his mother's period of operating the printing business, and after he became of age.

Afraid that his printing press would be damaged or confiscated, there were periods of time, such as during the Siege of Charleston when he had suspended publishing.

"[10] He became increasingly interested in South Carolina politics and was elected by St. Peter's Parish to the Twentieth Royal Assembly from 1751 to 1754.

[1] A patriot, during the events leading up to the American Revolution, he published political opinions, such as condemnation of the British governments actions during the Boston Massacre.

[1] He became increasingly interested in the concept of the freedom of the press and began to print radical tracts in his columns and letters to the editor.

Fearing that British soldiers would take or destroy his printing press, Timothy stopped publishing the South Carolina Gazette newspaper.

[9] Timothy was a military observer who was stationed at the St. Michael's Church steeple to identify of the arrival of the British fleet at the start of the Siege of Charleston on March 29, 1780.

[1] In May 1780, British soldiers were unable to ascertain the loyalty oath from Timothy and captured him and other prominent patriots from Charles Town.

[1] He left his estate to Ann, and three of his children: Sarah (an unmarried daughter), Robert (disabled), and Benjamin Franklin Timothy.