Sir Richard Everard, 4th Baronet facts for kids

Sir Richard Everard (born June 24, 1683 – died February 17, 1733) was an important British leader. He served as the fourth governor of North Carolina from 1725 to 1731. During this time, North Carolina was a colony of Great Britain. A governor was like the main leader of the colony, chosen by the King or the owners of the land.

Early Life and Beginnings

Where Was Sir Richard Born?

Richard Everard was born on June 24, 1683. His birthplace was Langleys, a place in Great Waltham, England. He was the oldest son of Sir Hugh Everard and Mary Browne.

Sir Richard's Military Career

As a young man, Richard became a captain in the British Army. He might have been part of a big event in 1704. This was when the British captured Gibraltar, a very important place. He stayed there for about a year and a half. After that, he went back to Britain.

Becoming a Baronet and Family Life

In January 1706, Richard's father passed away. Richard then inherited the title of "Baronet." This was a special honor, like being a knight, that could be passed down in the family. After becoming a Baronet, he left the army.

On June 13, 1706, he married Susannah Kidder. Her father was Richard Kidder, a religious leader. A few years later, in 1710, Sir Richard sold his family home. He did this to pay off some money he owed. He then bought a smaller house nearby.

Leading North Carolina

Why Did Sir Richard Become Governor?

The governor before Sir Richard was named George Burrington. He was removed from his job in 1725. Many people in the colony complained about his actions. The owners of the colony, called the Lords Proprietors, decided to replace him.

Sir Richard Everard asked for the job. He was given the position and sailed to America. On July 17, 1725, he officially became the governor. He was also the main commander of the colony's military.

Challenges as Governor

Soon after becoming governor, Sir Richard faced problems. In November 1725, he stopped a meeting of the Assembly. The Assembly was like the colony's law-making group. He did not explain why he stopped their meeting.

The Assembly members were upset. They said his action was against their freedom. They even complained to the Lords Proprietors. They also said they missed the old governor, Burrington. They worried about Sir Richard's leadership.

Sir Richard also had disagreements with other people. He argued with a religious leader named Rev. Thomas Bailey. This leader had supported the previous governor.

Arguments with the Former Governor

George Burrington, the old governor, was still in the colony. He and Sir Richard had many arguments. On November 15, 1725, Burrington spoke badly about Sir Richard. He called him names and said he was not fit to be governor.

Burrington even went to Sir Richard's house on December 2, 1725. He demanded to see him, but Sir Richard would not let him in. Burrington shouted more insults at him. These arguments were so serious that they led to legal actions.

The Assembly met again in April 1726. They listed many complaints about Sir Richard. He quickly stopped their meeting again. Sir Richard also had arguments with other important people in the colony.

Sir Richard's Main Achievement

Sir Richard Everard did achieve one important thing. He helped settle a long-standing disagreement. This was about the border between North Carolina and Virginia. For a long time, the exact line between the two colonies was unclear. Sir Richard helped to fix this.

Why Was Sir Richard Unpopular?

Many people found Sir Richard's rule even less popular than the previous governor's. People also complained about his children. They said his children were rude and caused problems daily.

The colony's main council also had concerns. They said Sir Richard was questioning people's servants. He asked them under oath if their bosses had said disrespectful things about him. This made many people uncomfortable.

End of His Time as Governor

In 1729, the Lords Proprietors sold the colony to the King of England. The King then chose George Burrington to be the new governor again. Sir Richard stayed in office for two more years. He waited until Burrington was ready to take over.

In 1731, Sir Richard retired and moved back to London. He passed away two years later, in 1733. He was buried in Much Waltham, England.

Family Life

Sir Richard Everard and his wife, Susannah, had four children:

• Sir Richard Everard: He became a Baronet after his father died. He never married and passed away in 1742.
• Sir Hugh Everard: He became a Baronet after his older brother died. He also did not have children. When he passed away in 1745, the Baronet title ended.
• Anne Everard: She married George Lathbury. We do not know much more about her.
• Susannah Everard: She married David Meade. One of her children was Richard Kidder Meade. He became an important helper to George Washington, a famous leader in American history.