Daniel Robertson (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Robertson
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| Colonial Secretary of the Gambia | |
| In office 1849 – c. 1865 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Lewis Ingram |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1813 Scotland |
| Died | 1892 Gateshead, England |
| Children | James Robertson |
Daniel Robertson (born 1813, died 1892) was an important British official. He worked in a place called The Gambia, which was a British colony in Africa. From 1849 to about 1865, he was the Colonial Secretary there. This was a very important job, like being a chief administrator. He also briefly served as the Acting Governor of The Gambia in 1851 and again in 1859.
Contents
Who Was Daniel Robertson?
Early Life and Career
Daniel Robertson was born in Scotland in 1813. He moved to The Gambia in 1832. His first job there was as a surgeon. He worked for a special department that helped Africans who had been freed from slavery. In 1838, he became the main Colonial Surgeon.
Working for the Government
In June 1849, Daniel Robertson got a big promotion. He became the Colonial Secretary of The Gambia. This meant he was a top administrator, helping to run the colony. He worked with several governors during his time. These included Richard Graves MacDonnell and Arthur Kennedy.
Facing Challenges in The Gambia
During a conflict called the Soninke-Marabout War, things got tough. One of the governors, Luke Smythe O'Connor, faced a defeat. Robertson quickly gathered and armed government workers and loyal citizens. He also sent urgent messages to nearby British areas for help.
Serving as Acting Governor
Robertson stepped in as Acting Governor of The Gambia more than once. He took charge when the main governor was away. He served as Acting Governor in 1851. He also held the position from April to September 1859. This was the time between Governor O'Connor leaving and Governor D'Arcy arriving.
Later Life
In 1865, Daniel Robertson was asked to speak to a special committee. This committee was part of the British Parliament in London. They wanted to hear about his experiences governing in West Africa. He was the only person called who had worked in The Gambia.
Daniel Robertson passed away on November 24, 1892. He died in Gateshead, England. His son, James Robertson, became a doctor.
