Phillip Calvert (governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phillip Calvert
|
|
|---|---|
| 5th Proprietary-Governor of Maryland | |
| In office 1660–1661 |
|
| Preceded by | Josias Fendall |
| Succeeded by | Charles Calvert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1626 England |
| Died | c. December 22, 1682 (aged 55–56) Maryland Colony |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Resting place | "Chapel Field", St. Mary's City, Maryland |
| Spouses | Anne Wolsely Jane Sewell |
| Parents | George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore Joane Calvert |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Phillip Calvert (born around 1626, died around December 22, 1682) was an important leader in the early days of the Maryland Colony. He served as the fifth Governor of Maryland for a short time in 1660 or 1661. He was chosen by Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, who was the owner of the Maryland colony. Phillip Calvert took over from the previous governor, Josias Fendall, as a temporary leader.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Phillip Calvert came to Maryland with the very first group of settlers. This group was led by Leonard Calvert, who was the first colonial governor. Leonard was also the younger brother of Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, who was the second owner of Maryland.
In 1656, Phillip Calvert became the Secretary of the Province. This meant he was in charge of official records and letters. He also became one of the colony's Councillors, who were like advisors to the governor.
Becoming Governor
After Governor Fendall was removed from his position, Phillip Calvert became governor in 1660. He showed kindness by forgiving Fendall for his actions.
In 1661, Captain Charles Calvert became the new governor. He was the son of the colony's owner. Phillip Calvert was then appointed as Deputy-Lieutenant and continued as a Councillor.
Important Negotiations
Phillip Calvert played a key role in several important agreements for Maryland.
- He helped make a deal with the Dutch. This agreement meant the Dutch left land that Maryland claimed near the Delaware River.
- He was part of a group that worked out a treaty with local Native Americans. This helped keep peace between the settlers and the tribes.
- He also helped settle the border between Maryland and Virginia. They agreed on a boundary line along the south side of the Potomac River.
Family and Legacy
Phillip Calvert was the son of George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, who was the first Lord Baltimore. His mother was Joane.
Marriages and Children
Phillip Calvert was first married to Anne Wolsely Calvert. She passed away in 1680. He then married Jane Sewell Calvert. Jane was the stepdaughter of his nephew, Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore. In 1682, Jane gave birth to a child. Both Phillip Calvert and this infant died in 1682.
Discovery of Remains
In 1990, something amazing happened. The bodies of Phillip Calvert, Anne Wolsely Calvert, and the infant were found. They were in lead coffins inside a brick tomb. This tomb was located in the ruins of an old chapel in St. Mary's City, Maryland. St. Mary's City used to be the capital of the colony.
Studying these remains helped scientists and historians learn a lot about what life was like in Maryland in the 1600s. In 2016, DNA tests showed that the adult male and the infant were father and son. This confirmed the baby was Phillip Calvert's child. Scientists believe the baby died about three months after his father, in the spring of 1683. They figured this out by looking at the types of pollen found in the baby's coffin.
