Charles Garth facts for kids
Charles Garth (born around 1734 – died March 9, 1784) was an important person in British politics. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent an area in the British government. He also worked as a Colonial Agent for some American colonies before the American Revolution.
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Who Was Charles Garth?
Charles Garth played a role in the relationship between Britain and its American colonies. He served in the British Parliament. He also acted as a special representative for colonies like South Carolina and Georgia. This was during a time when these colonies were still under British rule.
Early Life and Education
Charles Garth was born in about 1734. His father was John Garth, who was also a Member of Parliament. Their family lived in Devizes, a town in Wiltshire, England. His mother was Rebecca. Her grandfather was Sir Richard Raynsford, a very important judge.
Charles went to Merton College at Oxford University. After that, he studied law at the Inner Temple in London. In 1758, he became a lawyer, which is called being "called to the bar."
His Work as a Colonial Agent
From 1763 to 1775, Charles Garth worked as a Crown Agent. This meant he represented the interests of several American colonies in Britain. He worked for the Province of South Carolina and the Province of Georgia. For a short time, he also represented the Province of Maryland. His job was to speak for these colonies to the British government.
Serving in Parliament
In 1764, Charles followed in his father's footsteps. He became the Member of Parliament for Devizes. He was re-elected several times, in 1765, 1768, and 1780. In November 1780, he left his position as an MP. He then became a Commissioner of Excise for the King. This was a role involved in collecting taxes. He also served as the Recorder of Devizes, which was a judicial role in his hometown.
Charles Garth lived at his father's home, Brownston House, in Devizes during the 1760s and 1770s. He passed away on March 9, 1784, while living in Walthamstow.
Family Life
Charles Garth had a family of his own.
- In 1764, he was married to Fanny. She was the daughter of John Cooper.
- One of his brothers was General Thomas Garth. He was a chief equerry, a special assistant, to King George III.
- Another brother was General George Garth. He was a general in the American Revolutionary War. He was also the Colonel of the 17th Regiment of Foot, a military unit.
- Charles also had a son named Captain Thomas Garth. His son married Charlotte Maitland. She was the daughter of General Frederick Maitland.
