Robert Barclay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Barclay
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| 2nd Governor of East Jersey | |
| In office September 1682 – 3 October 1690 |
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| Deputy | Thomas Rudyard, Gawen Lawrie, Lord Neill Campbell, Andrew Hamilton |
| Preceded by | Philip Carteret |
| Succeeded by | Edmund Andros (Dominion of New England) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 December 1648 Gordonstoun, Moray |
| Died | 3 October 1690 (aged 41) Ury House, Kincardineshire |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse | Christian Molleson |
| Children | Robert, Patience, Catherine, Jane, Christian, David, John |
| Alma mater | Scots College, Paris |
| Occupation | Writer, apologist, politician |
| Signature | .png) |
Robert Barclay (born December 23, 1648 – died October 3, 1690) was an important Scottish Quaker writer. He was a member of the Clan Barclay. His father was Colonel David Barclay, and his mother was Lady Katherine Barclay. Robert Barclay was the governor of the East Jersey colony in North America for most of the 1680s, even though he never actually lived there.
Contents
Robert Barclay's Life Story
Early Life and School
Robert Barclay was born in Gordonstoun, Scotland. His father, David Barclay, had been a soldier. Robert's mother was Katherine Gordon. He was the oldest of five children.
Robert went to school at the Scots College in Paris, France. His uncle was in charge of the school. Robert was a very good student. His uncle even offered to make him his heir if Robert would stay in France and join the Roman Catholic Church.
Joining the Quakers
In 1667, Robert followed his father's lead and joined the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers. This was soon after he returned to Scotland. He quickly started writing to explain and defend the Quaker movement. In 1670, he published Truth cleared of Calumnies.
In 1670, he married Christian Mollison, who was also a Quaker. They had seven children together: three sons and four daughters.
Barclay believed that all people can be guided by an "Inward Light of Christ." He thought this inner light helps people understand truth. His writings have been printed many times. He was a dedicated student of religion and a very smart person. He became a leading defender of Quaker beliefs.
His most famous work is An Apology for the True Christian Divinity. It was first published in Latin in 1676. He translated it into English in 1678. This book is considered one of the most important religious writings of that time.
Even with his writings, Quakers faced unfair treatment. Barclay himself was put in prison several times after traveling in Europe. He traveled with famous Quakers like William Penn and George Fox. However, he was usually released quickly and was well-liked by the King's court.
Political Connections
Later in his life, Robert Barclay had a lot of influence with King James II. King James had given the land of New Jersey to Sir George Carteret and John Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton.
After Carteret died, his part of New Jersey (called East Jersey) was sold in 1682. It was bought by twelve people, and eleven of them were Quakers. William Penn was one of these Quaker owners. This group of owners chose Robert Barclay to be the governor of East Jersey.
Governor of East New Jersey
Barclay was a governor who never actually visited the colony. He managed East Jersey through other people called "deputy governors." These deputies handled the daily running of the government.
Deputy Governors
The first deputy governor under Robert Barclay was Thomas Rudyard. He was a lawyer from London and was appointed in 1682. Rudyard was the main leader in East Jersey. During his time, four counties were created: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth.
Rudyard had disagreements about how land should be given out. The owners in England did not approve of his actions. So, in 1683, they appointed Gawen Lawrie as the new deputy governor. Rudyard stayed on as a secretary.
During Lawrie's time, the owners in England tried to create a new set of rules for East New Jersey. However, the local council and assembly in East Jersey did not agree with these new rules. They decided to keep their old rules.
The owners in England became worried about Lawrie's secret dealings. They decided to remove him from office. In 1686, Lord Neill Campbell became the new deputy governor.
Lord Neill Campbell was also from Scotland. He served only for a short time because he had to return to Britain. He chose Andrew Hamilton to take his place as deputy governor in 1686.
Andrew Hamilton was Barclay's last deputy governor. He was a merchant from Edinburgh. He was sent to East Jersey to help find people to settle there.
Later, when Sir Edmund Andros took control of the Jerseys, Hamilton sailed back to England. He was captured by the French on his journey, which delayed his return to London until 1690.
Later Life and Death
Robert Barclay spent his final years at his home, Ury House, where he passed away.
Family and Legacy
Robert Barclay had a son named David Barclay of Cheapside (1682–1769). This son became a very rich merchant in London. David married Priscilla Freame, whose father was a banker.
Robert Barclay's grandson, David Barclay of Youngsbury (1729–1809), was one of the people who helped start what is now Barclays Bank. He also freed enslaved people on an estate in Jamaica.
A more distant relative was Priscilla Wakefield (1751–1832). She was an English Quaker writer and helper. Her mother was Barclay's granddaughter.
Robert Barclay's Writings
Robert Barclay wrote many books and papers explaining Quaker beliefs. His most important work was:
- 1676: An Apology for the true Christian Divinity, as the same is held forth and preached by the people called, in scorn, Quakers; being a full Explanation and Vindication of their Principles and Doctrines... This book explained and defended the Quaker faith.
Images for kids
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Robert Barclay's signature
See also
In Spanish: Robert Barclay para niños
