Joseph West (politician) facts for kids

Joseph West was an English ship captain who became an important leader in early South Carolina. He served as a colonial governor multiple times in the late 1600s. He helped establish and guide the new settlement of Charles Town.

Life and Leadership

Early Life and Journey to Carolina

We don't know much about Joseph West's early life. In 1667, he became a captain of a ship called Jersey.

West worked closely with the owners of the Carolina colony, known as the "proprietors." One of these important owners was Lord Shaftesbury. In July 1669, West was given command of a small group of ships. His mission was to sail from London to a place called Port Royal in Carolina. He was to help set up a new settlement there.

West also had the job of being the "storekeeper" for the new colony. This meant he was in charge of all the supplies. He left England in August 1669 on a ship named Carolina. The group finally reached Port Royal in March 1670. A few months later, they started building a new settlement called Ashley River. This settlement later moved and became what is now Charles Town.

Becoming Governor of South Carolina

Even though Joseph West wasn't a farmer or "planter," he quickly became a leader. He helped Governor William Sayle, who was not in good health. When Governor Sayle died in March 1671, the local council chose West to be the new governor.

Later that year, another person named Sir John Yeamans claimed he should be governor. He said the proprietors had given him a special title called "landgrave." The council liked West's leadership and didn't want to replace him. However, an official order arrived from England naming Yeamans as governor. The colonists accepted this decision. West was then given the job of keeping all official records and documents.

But Governor Yeamans wasn't very popular with the settlers or the proprietors. He was also often sick. In early 1674, he left the colony. This opened the way for West to become governor again. In May 1674, the proprietors officially made West a "landgrave" and appointed him governor.

West's Time as Governor

As governor, Joseph West earned a salary for his work. People said he led the colony with "care, loyalty, and good judgment." He made sure to get official agreements from Native American chiefs for the land. He also created rules for the local army, roads, and how servants and enslaved people were treated.

In May 1682, he helped pass laws to stop "laziness, drunkenness, and bad language." Around the same time, the first English church was started in Charles Town. However, West made sure that people of all different religions were welcome. Many people in the colony were not part of the English church.

West was removed from his governor role in late 1682. It is thought that the proprietors were unhappy because he allowed Native American slaves to be sold and moved to other colonies. However, the proprietors soon regretted their decision. In September 1684, he was made governor again. But for personal reasons, he decided to resign and left the colony in the summer of 1685.

It is believed that he visited London and then returned to his land near the Ashley River. We don't know much about what he did after that. Joseph West passed away in 1691.