Joseph Alston (1779–1816) was educated at the College of Charleston and at Princeton. He inherited The Oaks Plantation and in 1801, married Theodosia, daughter of Aaron Burr. Alston was a member of the S.C. House (1802–12), its speaker for five years, governor (1812–14), and Senator (1814–16). He is buried at The Oaks Cemetery about 2 miles west.