Carter Braxton (1736-1797) was a Virginia planter, merchant, and politician who signed the Declaration of Independence. Born on September 10, 1736 into a wealthy family, he was educated in the colonies and in England before entering public life. Braxton served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and later in the Continental Congress, where he replaced Peyton Randolph after his death. Although a supporter of American independence, Braxton was considered more moderate than some of his fellow revolutionaries. His business ventures suffered during the Revolutionary War, leaving him in financial difficulty by the end of his life.