Thomas Boone (governor) facts for kids

Thomas Boone (born around 1730 – died September 25, 1812) was an important leader in America's early history. He served as the 7th Royal Governor of New Jersey and later as the 28th Royal Governor of South Carolina. A "Royal Governor" was a person chosen by the King of England to lead a colony. The town of Boonton in New Jersey is named after him.

Early Life and Family Connections

Thomas Boone was born in England around 1730 or 1731. His father, Charles Boone, was a merchant who traded with places like the East Indies. His family also owned a lot of land in the colony of South Carolina. Thomas's mother, Elizabeth Garth Boone, came from a military family.

The Boone family had strong connections to powerful people in England. For example, they were close to the Duke of Newcastle, who was a very important political figure. Thomas's older brother, Charles, was a member of the British Parliament for many years.

Thomas Boone went to famous schools in England, including Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1752, he traveled to South Carolina to claim land and titles he had inherited from his family. He went back to England in 1754 and returned to South Carolina in 1758. That's when he married Sarah Ann Tattnall Perroneau.

Thomas Boone's Political Career

Thomas Boone became involved in colonial politics, possibly with help from his brother Charles.

Governor of New Jersey: A Short Stay

In 1759, Thomas Boone was chosen to be the Governor of New Jersey. However, he didn't arrive in New Jersey until May 10, 1760. He met with the colony's assembly (a group of elected representatives) for the first time on October 30, 1760. He didn't stay in New Jersey for long. Just six months later, he was appointed as the Governor of South Carolina.

Governor of South Carolina: Challenges and Conflicts

Boone arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, in December 1761. He took over from the acting governor, William Bull II. His time as governor in South Carolina was marked by a major disagreement with the colonial assembly.

The Dispute Over Christopher Gadsden

In 1762, a new assemblyman named Christopher Gadsden was elected. However, Governor Boone refused to let Gadsden take his oath of office. Boone said that Gadsden's election was not valid. Without taking the oath, Gadsden could not join the assembly.

The assembly strongly disagreed with Governor Boone. They believed they had the right to decide who could be a member. When the assembly protested, Governor Boone decided to dissolve (end) the assembly and call for new elections.

Assembly's Stand for Their Rights

After the new elections, the assembly met again. This time, Christopher Gadsden was able to take his seat. The assembly then passed a resolution (a formal statement) that criticized Governor Boone's actions. They clearly stated that only the assembly had the power to decide if its members' elections were valid.

Governor Boone argued that he was acting under his authority as the representative of the British Crown (the King of England). However, Boone and the assembly could not agree. The assembly refused to do any business with the Governor until their complaints were addressed. They even refused to pass tax bills or approve money to pay government workers.

Boone's Departure from South Carolina

Eventually, Governor Boone gave up. He took advantage of an earlier offer for a leave of absence and sailed back to England. In May 1764, he left Lieutenant Governor Bull in charge as acting governor and returned home.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving South Carolina, Thomas Boone worked as a commissioner of customs in England for many years, a job he resigned from in 1805. His properties in South Carolina were taken by the government after the American Revolutionary War. He passed away in Lee, which was then part of County Kent, on September 25, 1812.