Gabriel Johnston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gabriel Johnston
|
|
|---|---|
| 6th Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office 2 November 1734 – 17 July 1752 |
|
| Monarch | George II |
| Preceded by | Nathaniel Rice (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nathaniel Rice (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1699 Scotland |
| Died | 17 July 1752 (aged 53) Bertie County, North Carolina |
| Resting place | St. Paul's Church, Edenton 36°03′40.6″N 76°36′31.8″W / 36.061278°N 76.608833°W |
| Profession | Physician, writer, professor |
Gabriel Johnston (born 1699 – died 1752) was an important British official who served as the sixth governor of the Province of North Carolina. He held this important job from 1734 until he passed away in 1752. He was the longest-serving governor of North Carolina, staying in office for 18 years!
Early Life and Education
Gabriel Johnston was born in Scotland in 1699. He was a very smart person who had many talents. He worked as a doctor, wrote about politics, and was even a professor. He taught about ancient languages at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Governor of North Carolina
When Gabriel Johnston became governor, he saw many things he wanted to improve in North Carolina. He felt that people weren't always following the rules, and he wanted better schools for everyone. He also wanted to help people who were struggling.
During his time as governor, North Carolina grew a lot. More people moved there, and the area became wealthier. New resources were also developed.
One big change was when a group called the United Brethren bought a huge piece of land (100,000 acres!) and started a settlement called Wachovia.
Another group that moved to North Carolina in large numbers were the Scots. Governor Johnston, being from Scotland himself, was especially happy about this. Many Scots moved to the Cape Fear region of North Carolina. This happened partly because Scotland and England had joined together, and also because the old clan system in Scotland was changing. Plus, Scottish rebels were offered a pardon if they moved to America.
To encourage more people to move to North Carolina, the General Assembly of North Carolina made a special rule. They said that all new settlers would not have to pay taxes for ten years! This helped the province grow even faster.
Honors and Legacy
Years after Gabriel Johnston's death, the General Assembly of North Carolina decided to honor him. They built a fort on the south side of the Cape Fear River and named it Fort Johnston. Also, Johnston County in North Carolina was named after him. These honors show how important he was to the history of the state.
