Benedict Leonard Calvert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benedict Leonard Calvert
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Benedict Leonard Calvert painted by Francis Brerewood at the Calvert home of Woodcote Park, Surrey, c. 1726
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| 4th Governor of Restored Proprietary Government | |
| In office 1727–1731 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Calvert |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Ogle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 20, 1700 Surrey, England |
| Died | June 1, 1732 (aged 31) |
| Parents | Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore Charlotte Lee, Lady Baltimore |
| Occupation | planter, politician |
Benedict Leonard Calvert (born September 20, 1700 – died June 1, 1732) was an important leader in the early American colony of Maryland. He served as the 15th Proprietary Governor of Maryland from 1727 to 1731. His older brother, Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, chose him for this role. Benedict was named after his father, Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore. Sadly, Benedict Calvert had a serious illness called tuberculosis. He passed away from it at age 31 while sailing back to his home in England.
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What Was Benedict Calvert's Early Life Like?
Like many young noblemen in the 1700s, Benedict Calvert went on a "Grand Tour" of Italy. This was a long trip to learn about art and culture. He traveled there between 1724 and 1725. During his tour, he studied Italian buildings and old artifacts. He collected many items and sent them back to his family's home, Woodcote Park, in Surrey, England.
How Did Benedict Calvert Become Governor of Maryland?
In 1727, Benedict Calvert's older brother, Lord Baltimore, sent him to Maryland. His job was to become the new governor. He took over from his cousin, Captain Charles Calvert. The change in power between the two cousins was not completely smooth.
Captain Calvert wanted to keep half of a special tax on tobacco. This tax was 3 pence per pound. Benedict was not happy about this. His younger brother, Cecilius, wrote that their family in England was shocked by Captain Calvert's actions. Lord Baltimore himself said that Benedict should get all of the tax money.
Benedict Calvert's time as governor ended in 1731. Samuel Ogle took his place. When Ogle arrived in Maryland, he wrote to Lord Baltimore about Benedict's health. He said Benedict was "much worse than I imagined." He also noted that Benedict took a lot of medicine.
In March 1731, Benedict Calvert was chosen as a fellow of the Royal Society. This was a great honor for his scientific interests.
How Did Governor Calvert Die?
Benedict Calvert suffered from tuberculosis, a serious lung disease. He died from this illness on June 1, 1732. He was on the family ship, The Charles, sailing back to his home in England. He was buried at sea. Benedict left a large amount of money, about ten thousand pounds, to his younger brother, Cecilius Calvert. This was a very big sum of money at that time.
What Is Benedict Calvert's Legacy?
Benedict Calvert did not have any children of his own. However, he was the godfather to Elizabeth Calvert. She was the daughter of his cousin, Captain Charles Calvert. In his will, which he wrote before leaving Maryland, he left her a young slave boy named Osmyn.
The town of Leonardtown, Maryland is named in his honor.
