Sir Robert Eden, 1st Baronet, of Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Eden
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Sir Robert Eden, 1st Baronet, of Maryland
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| 23rd Governor of Restored Proprietary Government | |
| In office 1769 – 23 June 1776 |
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| Preceded by | Horatio Sharpe |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Johnson (as Governor of Maryland) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 September 1741 Durham, England |
| Died | 2 September 1784 Annapolis, Maryland |
| Political party | Loyalist (Movement) |
| Spouse | Caroline Calvert |
| Relations | Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore (father-in-Law) |
| Occupation | politician |
Sir Robert Eden was an important British official. He was the last British governor of Maryland. This was before the United States became its own country. He was governor from 1769 until 1776. Even though he was liked, the American Revolution changed everything. He was asked to leave Maryland in 1776. He went back to England and became a "baronet" (a special title). Later, he returned to Maryland and passed away in 1784. He was buried in Annapolis. His son, Frederick, took over his baronet title.
Contents
Early Life of Robert Eden
Robert Eden was born in Durham, England. His birthday was September 14, 1741. He was the second son in his family. His father was also named Sir Robert Eden. Robert had brothers who became important people too. He was also related to Charles Eden, who was a governor in North Carolina.
Becoming Governor of Maryland
In 1763, Robert Eden married Caroline Calvert. She was the daughter of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. He was the owner of Maryland at that time. Robert and Caroline had a son named Frederick in 1766.
Three years later, in 1769, Robert Eden became the Governor of Maryland. He was only 28 years old. He took over from Horatio Sharpe. Being governor was the most important job in the province. As governor, Eden tried to keep control of Maryland. This was during the difficult years before the American Revolution.
Maryland and the American Revolution
Governor Eden did not believe that forcing people would make them loyal to Britain. In the 1770s, people in Maryland became more and more against British taxes. The governor's power started to weaken.
On April 19, 1774, Governor Eden had to close the Colonial Assembly. This was the last time it would meet. After this, the government of Maryland was mostly run by people who supported the Revolution.
On October 19, 1774, a ship called the Peggy Stewart was burned. This happened in Annapolis harbor. It was a protest against tea taxes. This event was like the famous Boston Tea Party that happened in 1773.
On December 30, 1774, Governor Eden wrote:
The desire to resist the Tea Act, or any internal tax, is as strong here as ever. I truly believe they will suffer any hardship rather than agree that the British Parliament has that right. They will continue their plans to stop importing and exporting goods. This is true even with all the problems they will face and the total loss of their trade.
Even though Eden understood some of the colonists' complaints, he was against fighting the British King. Maryland was the only state that did not force its last colonial governor out of office. Instead, they had a polite transfer of power.
By 1775, the Annapolis Convention had taken over most of Eden's power. The Maryland Council of Safety eventually asked Governor Eden to step down. The Continental Congress wanted Maryland to arrest Eden. But Maryland chose not to. They wanted to avoid such an "extreme" action.
They said:
This Convention, and the Council of Safety, were the only proper judges. They decided if Governor Eden should leave this Province. They made their decision based on evidence that satisfied them. The Virginia convention did not have this information.
Finally, the Maryland Convention formally asked the governor to leave. Governor Eden left Maryland for England on the ship Fowey. This happened on June 23, 1776. He was given the title of baronet on October 19, 1776.
Family and Connections
On April 26, 1763, Eden married Caroline Calvert. She was the daughter of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. In 1769, he became Governor of Maryland. Caroline's half-brother was Benedict Swingate Calvert. He was a judge and shared Eden's love for horse racing. Benedict Swingate Calvert soon became part of the Governor's Council.
His son was Sir Frederick Morton Eden. He was the 2nd Baronet of Maryland (1766–1809). Frederick was a pioneering writer. He wrote a famous book called The State of the Poor in 1797.
Death and What He Left Behind
Robert Eden passed away on September 2, 1784. He was buried in Annapolis, Maryland. His oldest son, Frederick, became the next baronet. Robert Eden was an ancestor of Anthony Eden. Anthony Eden later became a British Prime Minister in the 20th century. The town of Denton, Maryland, was originally called Edenton or Eden Town. It was named after him.
Images for kids
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Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, Eden's father-in-law.
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Sir Robert Eden, 1st Baronet, of Maryland coat of arms
