George Johnston (British Marines officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Johnston
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Lt. Col. George Johnston, 1810 watercolour portrait by R. Dighton: State Library of NSW
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| Born | 19 March 1764 Annan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland |
| Died | 5 January 1823 (aged 58) Sydney, New South Wales |
| Years of service | 1776–1811 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | New South Wales Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War
Castle Hill convict rebellion Rum Rebellion |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 7 (including Robert) |
George Johnston (born March 19, 1764 – died January 5, 1823) was a British army officer. He became the acting governor of New South Wales, Australia. This happened after he led a famous event called the Rum Rebellion.
Johnston started his career as a young marine officer. He fought in the American Revolutionary War. Later, he joined the First Fleet to New South Wales. He became an important leader in the New South Wales Corps. He helped stop the Castle Hill convict rebellion in 1804. In 1808, he led his troops to remove Governor William Bligh. This event is known as the Rum Rebellion. Because of this, he was removed from the military. He later returned to New South Wales. He lived as a private citizen and started a successful farm.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Growing Up in Scotland
George Johnston was born on March 19, 1764. His birthplace was Annan, in Scotland. His father was Captain George Johnston. His father worked for a powerful person named Lord Percy.
Joining the Military Young
When George was just 12 years old, Lord Percy helped him. George became a second lieutenant in the Royal Marines. This happened on March 6, 1776.
Fighting in America
Johnston went to America with his army group. He fought in the American Revolutionary War. He served in New York and Halifax in 1777 and 1778. After this, he was promoted to first lieutenant. During the war, his father was killed. Lord Percy, who was now the Duke of Northumberland, became George's guardian.
Service in the East Indies
Later, Johnston worked as a recruiting officer in the United Kingdom. In 1781, he served on a ship called HMS Sultan. This was in the East Indies. He was badly hurt while fighting against the French.
Journey to New South Wales
After recovering, he was sent to duty in Portsmouth. He then chose to join the New South Wales Marine Corps. This group would travel with the First Fleet to Australia. He sailed to Australia on a ship called Lady Penrhyn in 1788.
Life in New South Wales
Early Roles and Promotions
When Johnston arrived in New South Wales, he worked for Governor Arthur Phillip. He was like a special assistant, called an adjutant. In 1789, he was promoted to Captain-Lieutenant of Marines. In 1791, he joined the local army group, the New South Wales Corps. He became a captain in this group.
Land and Family Life
Johnston received large areas of land. These areas are now suburbs like Petersham, Bankstown, and Cabramatta. He also got land that is now the suburb of Annandale. He named his property Annandale after his Scottish birthplace. He lived and farmed there with Esther Abrahams and their children.
Challenges and Leadership
In 1796, Johnston became a special assistant to Governor John Hunter. In 1800, he was given the rank of major. Later that year, he faced charges. He was accused of not following orders. He was sent to England for a trial. But it was hard to have a trial with witnesses so far away. So, the charges were dropped. Johnston returned to New South Wales in 1802.
In 1803, Johnston temporarily led the New South Wales Corps. He became involved in disagreements between Governor Philip Gidley King and the military. In March 1804, he showed strong leadership. He commanded the soldiers who stopped a rebellion. This was the Castle Hill convict rebellion. When his senior officer left, Johnston became the main commander of the New South Wales Corps.
The Rum Rebellion
On January 26, 1808, Johnston played a big part in Australian history. He led the only successful takeover of a government in Australia. This event is known as the Rum Rebellion. He worked closely with John Macarthur. Johnston led his troops to remove Governor William Bligh. He then took control as the acting governor. He also removed other government officials.
Johnston was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on April 25, 1808. However, a more senior officer, Joseph Foveaux, took over from him on July 28. Johnston sailed to England in March 1809. He faced a military trial in May 1811. He was found guilty of mutiny, which means rebelling against authority. His punishment was to be removed from the military. This was called being "cashiered." The court likely believed he was influenced by others.
Later Life and Legacy
Johnston came back to New South Wales in May 1813. He was now a private citizen. In November 1814, he married Esther Abrahams. She was a Jewish convict he had met on the Lady Penrhyn ship. They already had seven children together. They lived on his farm at Annandale Farm in Sydney.
George Johnston passed away on January 5, 1823. He was well-respected and left a large family. He was first buried on his Annandale property. Later, his remains were moved to a new burial place. This was at Waverley Cemetery in 1904.
The suburb of Georges Hall is named after a farmhouse. This farmhouse was on land Johnston received. It is one of Australia's oldest houses still standing. Johnston and Esther Abrahams lived and farmed at Annandale until the 1870s. Then, the property was sold and divided into smaller blocks for homes. The main street in Annandale is named after Johnston. The original gates of their property are now at Annandale Public School.
Images for kids
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Johnstons Creek pedestrian bridge
