Josiah Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josiah Martin
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Martin, c. 1775
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| 9th Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office 12 August 1771 – 4 July 1776 In exile 4 July 1776 – September 3, 1783 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Preceded by | James Hasell (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Vacant (American Revolution) (Title next held by Richard Caswell) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 April 1737 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 13 April 1786 (aged 48) London, England |
| Resting place | St George's Hanover Square Church, London, England |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Martin
(m. 1761) |
| Profession | Military officer, official |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1756–1769 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | |
| Battles | |
Josiah Martin (born April 23, 1737 – died April 13, 1786) was an officer in the British Army. He later became a government official. He is best known as the ninth and last British governor of North Carolina. He served in this role from 1771 until 1776, when the American Revolution began.
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Who Was Josiah Martin?
Josiah Martin was an important figure during the time leading up to the American Revolution. He was the last person appointed by the British King to govern the colony of North Carolina. His time as governor was filled with challenges as the colonists grew more unhappy with British rule.
Early Life and Military Career
Josiah Martin was born in Dublin, Ireland. His family was well-known, with his father being a successful planter on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Josiah had several important relatives, including a half-brother who worked for the British Treasury in London and another brother who was a high-ranking naval official.
In 1756, Josiah decided to join the British Army. He quickly moved up through the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant-Colonel by 1769. During his military career, he fought in major conflicts like the Seven Years' War and the French and Indian War. He took part in important battles such as the Siege of Louisbourg and the Battle of Quebec. He also served in the Anglo-Spanish War, including the Battle of Havana.
Becoming Governor of North Carolina
On March 1, 1771, Josiah Martin was chosen by the British King to be the new Governor of the Province of North Carolina. He took over from the previous acting governor, James Hasell. Due to an illness, Governor Martin couldn't arrive in North Carolina right away. He finally reached the governor's palace in New Bern on August 12, 1771.
Governor Martin wanted to provide fair and helpful leadership to the people of North Carolina. However, he faced many difficulties. Some of these problems were left over from the previous governor. They included:
- The effects of the War of the Regulation, a conflict where colonists protested unfair taxes and corrupt officials.
- Disagreements over the border between North and South Carolina.
- Problems with the colony's court system and laws.
- Conflicts between the colonial assembly (the House of Commons) and the governor.
- Disputes over who should choose important government officials – the King or the local assembly.
Facing the American Revolution
As tensions grew between the American colonies and Great Britain, Governor Martin's position became very difficult. In April 1775, his home was attacked by colonists who supported independence, known as Whigs. He sent his family to safety in New York and then sought refuge on a British warship, the HMS Cruizer. He moved his headquarters to Fort Johnston on the Cape Fear River.
When the Mecklenburg Resolves were published in May 1775, which declared some independence from British rule, Martin sent a copy to England. He described it as a plan to overthrow the King's government. He then asked for weapons and supplies from General Thomas Gage in Boston.
In July 1775, a plan by Governor Martin to arm enslaved people was discovered. In response, a group of colonists led by John Ashe attacked Fort Johnston on July 20. Governor Martin was forced to escape again aboard the HMS Cruizer, and the colonists destroyed the fort. Martin stayed off the coast of North Carolina, trying to organize colonists who remained loyal to Britain, known as Loyalists. He supplied them with weapons from England.
Later Years and Legacy
After two attempts to regain control of North Carolina during the Carolina campaign failed, Josiah Martin's health declined. He was very tired and unwell. He left for Long Island and then returned to England.
Josiah Martin died in London in April 1786. He was buried at St George's Hanover Square Church in London.
Honors
Martin County, North Carolina, a county in the state he once governed, is named after him.
