Nathaniel Johnson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathaniel Johnson
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Engraving of a portrait of Johnson by an unknown artist.
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| 14th Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office March 1703 – 26 November 1709 |
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| Monarch | Anne |
| Preceded by | James Moore |
| Succeeded by | Edward Tynte |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 April 1644 near Kibbelsworth, Durham |
| Died | 1 July 1712 (aged 68) Berkeley County, South Carolina |
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Sir Nathaniel Johnson (born April 7, 1644 – died July 1, 1712) was an important figure in early American history. He was a soldier and a Member of Parliament (MP) in England. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the government. Later, he became a governor in two different places: the Leeward Islands and the Province of Carolina.
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Early Life and Career
Nathaniel Johnson was born on April 7, 1644. His birthplace was near Kibbelsworth, in Durham, England. When he was young, he joined the British Army. This was a common path for many young men at the time.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
After his military service, Johnson entered politics. He became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. He served as an MP from 1680 to 1689. This role meant he helped make laws for England.
Governor of the Leeward Islands
In 1686, Nathaniel Johnson received an important new job. He was appointed governor of the Leeward Islands. These islands are in the Caribbean Sea. As governor, he was in charge of several islands. These included Saint Kitts, Montserrat, and Antigua. His job was to manage the colonies there.
Governor of Carolina
Johnson moved to the Province of Carolina in 1689. This was an English colony in North America. In 1703, he became its governor. He served in this role until 1709.
Defending Charles Town
One of Johnson's key actions was defending the colony. In 1702, while he was governor, Charles Town was attacked. French and Spanish forces tried to take the town. Governor Johnson successfully led the defense. He protected the colony from this attack.
The Apalachee Expedition
In 1704, Governor Johnson supported a military action. This was called the Apalachee expedition. It was aimed at Spanish interests in Florida and Louisiana. This showed his commitment to protecting and expanding the colony.
Creating the Parish System
Governor Johnson also helped organize the colony's government. He created the Parish system in Carolina. This system divided the colony into smaller areas. Each area had its own local church and government. This helped manage the growing colony better. He also worked to establish rules for how people could participate in the colony's government and church.
Family and Later Life
Nathaniel Johnson finished his term as governor in 1709. He passed away on July 1, 1712. He died in Berkeley County, South Carolina.
Johnson had at least two children. His son, Robert, also became a future Governor of South Carolina. His daughter, Ann, married Governor Thomas Broughton. This shows his family's continued involvement in the colony's leadership.
