List of colonial governors of Pennsylvania facts for kids

This article tells you about the people who led the Pennsylvania Colony and the Lower Counties (which is now Delaware) a long time ago. These leaders were called proprietors and governors. They were in charge from when the colony started until the American Revolution (when America became independent).

Who Were the Proprietors?

The proprietors were like the owners of the Pennsylvania and Delaware colonies. The Penn family owned these lands for many years.

William Penn and the Start of the Colony

William Penn was given the land for the new colony in 1681 by Charles II of England. The King gave him this land to pay back money owed to William Penn's father. This new colony was called a proprietary colony, meaning it was owned by a private person (the proprietor) rather than directly by the King.

After William Penn became sick in 1712, his second wife, Hannah Callowhill Penn, took over as the acting proprietor.

The Penn Family Continues as Proprietors

After William Penn passed away in 1718, his three sons with Hannah inherited the ownership. These sons were John Penn "the American", Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn, Sr.. John Penn inherited the biggest share and became the main proprietor.

When John Penn died without children, his brother Thomas inherited his share and became the main proprietor.

Later, when Richard Penn, Sr. died, his share went to his son, Governor John Penn. When Thomas Penn died, his share (and the main proprietorship) went to his son, John Penn "of Stoke".

Here is a list of the main proprietors and how their ownership changed:

Governors of Colonial Pennsylvania

The day-to-day running of the Colonial Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties was handled by a group of administrators. These people acted on behalf of the proprietors. They held titles like Deputy Governor, President of Council, or Lieutenant Governor.

Here is a list of the governors and other main administrators:

See also

• List of governors of Pennsylvania

Sources

• Miller, Randall M. and William Pencak, eds. Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2002.
• Treese, Lorett. The Storm Gathering: The Penn Family and the American Revolution. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1992. ISBN: 0-271-00858-X.