Edward Hyde (Governor of North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Hyde
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| 1st Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office 24 January 1712 – 8 September 1712 |
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| Monarch | Anne |
| Preceded by | Thomas Cary (as Deputy Governor of North Carolina) |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Pollock (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1667 Cheshire, England |
| Died | 8 September 1712 (aged 45) Chowan Precinct (present-day Bertie County), North Carolina |
| Cause of death | Yellow fever |
| Spouse |
Catherine Hyde
(m. 1692) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Oxford University (dropped out) |
Edward Hyde was an important British leader. He became the first governor of North Carolina in 1712. His time as governor was very challenging. There was a big fight called Cary's Rebellion. Also, a war with Native Americans, the Tuscarora War, happened. He died in office in 1712.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Edward Hyde was born in 1667 in England. His family was well-known and important. He was a cousin of Anne Hyde, who was married to King James II of England.
Edward's parents died when he was only about three years old. So, his grandmother raised him and his two sisters. He went to Oxford University in 1683. However, he did not finish his degree there.
In 1692, Edward Hyde married Catherine Rigby. Her family was also important in England. Later, a man named William Byrd described Catherine as having "an abundance of life."
In 1702, Queen Anne chose Hyde for a job in Jamaica. He was appointed as the provost marshal. This was a legal role, but Hyde never actually traveled to Jamaica for it. He found that the job did not pay very well.
Becoming Governor of North Carolina
The land between Virginia and the Cape Fear River was called "north" Carolina. This was as early as 1689. But for many years, both North and South Carolina were part of one big area. It was known as the Province of Carolina. The main governor lived in Charleston.
A special leader called a deputy governor was in charge of the northern part. This changed when Edward Hyde was chosen for the role. When Hyde arrived in Virginia, he learned that the main governor, Edward Tynte, had died. Hyde was supposed to get his official papers from Tynte.
Even without his official papers, Hyde went to North Carolina. He found the area in great trouble. People were very unhappy, and fighting was about to start.
Challenges and Conflicts
Before Hyde arrived, a man named Thomas Cary was the Deputy Governor of North Carolina. He was in charge of the northern part. For a while, another leader, William Glover, took over.
Many Quakers lived in northern Carolina. They had different beliefs from the Church of England. The Church of England wanted to be the official church of the colony. Quakers could not swear oaths, which was required for officials. This caused a lot of tension.
Thomas Cary came back and said he was still the rightful leader. He had support from the Quakers. From 1708 until Hyde arrived in 1710, there was fighting and arguments over who should be in charge. This period was known as Cary's Rebellion.
Finally, Hyde's authority was made clear. The governor of Virginia, Alexander Spottswood, sent soldiers to help Hyde. In July 1711, royal marines also arrived. Cary's supporters stopped fighting and accepted Hyde as the leader.
Death
Edward Hyde died on September 8, 1712. He passed away from yellow fever. This happened in Chowan Precinct, which is now Bertie County, North Carolina. He was 45 years old.
Family Life
Edward and Catherine Hyde had several children. However, only one daughter, Anne Hyde, lived longer than them. Anne later married George Clarke. He became the acting governor of New York.
Honors
A place in North Carolina was named after Edward Hyde. This area is called Hyde Precinct, which is now Hyde County.
Images for kids
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Edward Hyde, the first Governor of North Carolina.
