Gurdon Saltonstall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gurdon Saltonstall
25th Governor of Connecticut Colony
In office 1708–1724
Preceded by	Fitz-John Winthrop
Succeeded by	Joseph Talcott
Personal details
Born	(1666-03-27)27 March 1666 Haverhill, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Died	20 September 1724(1724-09-20) (aged 58) New London, Colony of Connecticut
Profession	Governor
Signature

Gurdon Saltonstall (born March 27, 1666 – died September 20, 1724) was an important leader in early America. He served as the governor of the Colony of Connecticut from 1708 until his death in 1724.

Saltonstall came from a well-known family. He first became a respected pastor in Connecticut. After Governor Fitz-John Winthrop passed away in 1707, Saltonstall was chosen to take his place. He was then re-elected every year until he died.

Early Life and Becoming a Pastor

Gurdon Saltonstall was born into the Saltonstall family, a very important family in Massachusetts. His parents were Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Ward) Saltonstall. His family had been active in politics since the 1630s.

He went to Harvard Divinity School and earned his first degree in 1684. He studied theology, which is the study of religious beliefs. He then earned his master's degree in 1687.

Around this time, Saltonstall began preaching at the First Christ Church in New London. The people there were very impressed with him. They soon made him the main pastor for the town.

Saltonstall became good friends with Connecticut's governor, Fitz-John Winthrop. He didn't just advise the governor on religious matters. He also helped with government decisions. When Governor Winthrop became ill, Saltonstall started taking on some of the governor's duties. He was married to Mary Whittinghame.

Gurdon Saltonstall's Political Career

After Governor Winthrop died in 1707, the Connecticut legislature (the group that makes laws) chose Saltonstall to be the new governor. Some people were surprised by this choice because he was a clergyman (a religious leader).

Saltonstall himself wasn't sure about leaving his church to become governor. So, the state assembly helped his church find a new pastor. Voters approved his selection in May of that year. He was then re-elected every year until his death.

Being governor was just one of Saltonstall's important roles. He was also made the commander of Connecticut's militia (a group of citizens who act as soldiers). He also became the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, which is the head judge.

Leadership Style and Beliefs

Saltonstall strongly believed in the power of traditional authority. This was a key part of his time as both a pastor and a governor. He did not like different Christian groups. He thought the church and government should work closely together. This idea was written down in the Saybrook Platform, a plan mostly created by him.

The governor also disliked it when people opposed his government or argued within it. He often threatened to resign if disagreements continued.

Supporting the British Cause

Saltonstall's support for established authority was also clear during Queen Anne's War. This was a big war between European powers fighting for control of North America. The governor was very loyal to the British side. He worked to reduce any opposition to the war effort in the colonies.

He helped the war by increasing the number of Connecticut militiamen. He also made sure they had enough equipment to fight the French forces. Connecticut eventually sent 4,000 soldiers to the war. This was a large number, considering the colony only had about 17,000 people.

The war was very expensive, and Connecticut's money situation became difficult. However, Saltonstall's strong support for the Crown (the British government) greatly improved Connecticut's relationship with Great Britain.

Resolving Border Issues

Governor Saltonstall worked closely with Massachusetts Governor Joseph Dudley. Together, they peacefully solved a problem called the "Equivalent Lands" dispute. This was just one of many border disagreements that Saltonstall had to deal with during his time as governor.

Images for kids

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  Gurdon Saltonstall, Governor of Connecticut.

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  Gurdon Saltonstall's signature.