Joseph Morton (governor) facts for kids
Joseph Morton (died September 1721) was an important early settler and leader in the Province of Carolina, which is now South Carolina. Even though he wasn't one of the colony's owners (called Lords Proprietors), he helped convince many people, especially those with different religious beliefs, to move to the new colony.
In 1680, Morton led a group of these settlers to what is now South Carolina. They made their home on Edisto Island. He later became the governor of the colony, but his time in office was short because of disagreements with the Lords Proprietors.
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Joseph Morton: Early Carolina Leader
Joseph Morton played a big part in the early days of the Carolina colony. He helped bring new settlers and even served as governor twice. His story shows some of the challenges and changes that happened as the colony grew.
Settling a New Colony
In 1680, Joseph Morton led a group of people who wanted to practice their religion freely. They traveled to the new colony of Carolina. They chose to settle on Edisto Island, which became an important early community in what is now South Carolina. This move helped the colony grow and become stronger.
Challenges as Governor
Joseph Morton was appointed governor of Carolina in 1682. He was the sixth person to hold this important position. However, he had disagreements with the Lords Proprietors, who owned the colony. Because of these issues, he was replaced as governor in 1684.
He got a second chance to be governor in 1686. But this time, his term lasted only one month! He was replaced by James Colleton. Morton had been planning an attack against Spanish Florida. The colonists believed that pirates were hiding there and attacking their settlements. However, England and Spain were at peace at the time. Governor Colleton immediately stopped Morton's plans for the expedition.
Later Life and Contributions
Even after his time as governor, Joseph Morton continued to serve the colony. In 1697, King William III appointed him as a judge for admiralty cases. This meant he handled legal matters related to the sea and ships.
Because of this important role, he was not allowed to become governor a third time in 1701. Morton was a strong supporter of education and libraries in the colony. He believed these were important for the settlers. He married into the family of Joseph Blake, who also served as a governor of the province. Joseph Morton had two children and passed away in September 1721.
