The Life and Times of Robert Carter III

This 3-part Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning (RILL) course examines the life of Robert Carter III (1728-1804), from his childhood and family life in Virginia to his religious conversions and momentous 1791 Deed of Emancipation.

Contact Sharon Drotleff at sdrotleff@rappahannock.edu to register or for more information.

May 4, 11, and 18 (Wednesdays); 1-3 p.m. Historic Christ Church, Weems; Instructor: Robert Teagle

Robert Carter III (1728-1804) was the grandson of Robert “King” Carter, the wealthiest planter in early 18th-century Virginia. Carter settled at Nomini Hall in Westmoreland County, where he and his wife, Frances Tasker Carter, raised a large family while operating tobacco plantations, mills, and other industries. Raised in the Church of England, Carter converted first to the Baptist faith before becoming a Swedenborgian in 1788. Three years later he drafted a “Deed of Emancipation” that provided for the gradual manumission of over 500 slaves; this was likely the largest single emancipation in the United States before the Civil War. This course will examine Carter’s life from his childhood through all these events.

Robert Teagle is the education director and curator at the Foundation for Historic Christ Church in Weems. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary, and a master’s degree in American history from Virginia Tech. His research and teaching interests focus on the history of colonial Virginia, including its architecture, the role of the Church of England, and the Carter family.