Robert Gibbes facts for kids

Robert Gibbes (born January 9, 1644 – died June 24, 1715) was an important English leader in the early days of the South Carolina colony. He held the title of Landgrave, which was a special rank given to large landowners. He also served as a chairman and was the acting governor of South Carolina from 1710 to 1712.

Gibbes was chosen as acting governor after the previous governor, Edward Tynte, passed away. The Executive Council, a group of leaders, voted for a new governor. Gibbes won by just one vote against his opponent, Thomas Broughton. This close election caused a big disagreement between their supporters.

Eventually, the Lords Proprietors, who owned the colony, said that Gibbes's election wasn't fair. Even so, they let him continue to govern for almost a year. In 1711, they chose Charles Craven to be the new governor, who arrived in South Carolina in 1712.

Robert Gibbes: A Colonial Leader

Early Life and Career

Robert Gibbes was born in Sandwich, Kent County, England, on January 9, 1644. His parents were Robert Gibbes and Mary Coventry. Later, he moved to Barbados.

Before 1670, Robert and his brother, Thomas, tried to start a settlement in Cape Fear, North Carolina. This effort was for the Lords Proprietors, but it didn't succeed.

Gibbes then started gathering land in the South Carolina area. He was one of the first people to settle in Charles Town, South Carolina, in 1670.

Robert Gibbes began his work in government in 1684. He became a Sheriff for the Carolina colony. In 1692, he was chosen to be a member of the First Commons House of Assembly. He represented Colleton County.

In 1698, he was named a Proprietor's Deputy. This meant he was a representative for the colony's owners. He also became a member of the Grand Council and was appointed Chief Justice later that same year.

Becoming Governor

After Governor Edward Tynte died in June 1710, the Executive Council needed to choose a new acting governor. Robert Gibbes was elected for this role. He won by just one vote over his rival, Thomas Broughton.

Both Broughton and Gibbes believed they had the right to lead the Council. Many people in the colony supported Gibbes.

There was a time when Broughton brought armed men and enslaved people from his plantation to Charles Town. He wanted to show that he had the right to be part of the government council.

Gibbes questioned why Broughton arrived with armed men if he truly believed he was the rightful governor. Broughton explained that they came because people in the province were worried. They felt that the people did not want Gibbes to be in charge.

Gibbes then refused to let Broughton enter the city. As a result, some of Broughton's men rode around the city walls. Many sailors who supported Broughton gathered on ships in the port. They planned to damage the drawbridge. Gibbes and his supporters stood against them, but they were told not to shoot.

This led to a tense situation between the two candidates and their supporters. There were some injuries on both sides. The drawbridge was lowered, and some of Broughton's men entered. They took control of the guard house on Broad Street. Some of the sailors were captured.

Some militia members fired their weapons, even though their leaders had not given the order. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

Broughton continued his march for a short time. He then announced himself as governor, and his supporters cheered. They went to the city fortress and tried to force their way inside.

Several knights tried to stop them from entering, which led to Broughton's group retreating towards the bay.

After many discussions between both sides, the Lords Proprietors decided not to fully support either Gibbes or Broughton. However, Gibbes continued to act as governor during this time.

The Lords Proprietors later declared that Gibbes's election was not valid. But they still allowed him to govern for almost a year.

Challenges and Changes

During Robert Gibbes's time as governor, the Tuscarora War started in North Carolina. Gibbes sent help from South Carolina. He sent Colonels James Moore and John Barnwell to assist the people in the Albemarle region.

Many local Native Americans left the area after the war began. They took all the Tuscarora people captive, except for one girl who was sold into slavery in South Carolina. Colonel John Barnwell had quick success during the war.

Barnwell wrote to Governor Robert Gibbes in Charles Town. He told Gibbes that they had won the war and had many supplies, including fruit trees.

Gibbes governed South Carolina until March 19, 1712. He was replaced when the new governor, Charles Craven, arrived in the colony. Craven had been chosen in 1711.

Robert Gibbes passed away on June 24, 1715, in South Carolina.

Personal Life

Robert Gibbes was married three times. His first two marriages happened in Barbados.

• His first marriage was to Jane Davis on October 24, 1678. They had two children: Mary and Robert Gibbes.
• His second marriage was to Mary Davis on January 12, 1688. They had three children: William, Elizabeth, and John Gibbes.
• His third and final marriage was to Elizabeth Rixam in 1710, in South Carolina.