Thomas Lloyd (lieutenant governor) facts for kids
Thomas Lloyd (born April 6, 1640 – died September 10, 1694) was an important leader in early Pennsylvania. He served as a lieutenant-governor and was also a Quaker preacher.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Lloyd was born in Wales. He was the third son of Charles I Lloyd, who came from a place called Dolobran in Montgomeryshire. His mother was Elizabeth Stanley, who was related to the Earls of Derby.
Thomas went to Ruthin School for his education. Later, he studied law and medicine at Jesus College, Oxford University, finishing his studies in 1661.
Becoming a Quaker and Moving to Pennsylvania
After college, Thomas Lloyd became a Quaker. At that time, Quakers often faced difficulties because of their beliefs. In 1664, Thomas was arrested and held in prison in Welshpool for eight years. He was finally set free in 1672 when a special declaration allowed more religious freedom.
Thomas became a successful doctor. However, because Quakers continued to face challenges, he decided to move to Pennsylvania in 1683. He traveled with William Penn, who was the founder of Pennsylvania.
Leadership in Pennsylvania
Once in Pennsylvania, William Penn gave Thomas Lloyd an important job as the master of the rolls. This meant he was in charge of keeping official records.
- Leading the Council: In January 1684, Thomas was chosen to represent Philadelphia County in the provincial council. This council was like a governing body for the colony. When William Penn went back to England in August, Thomas Lloyd became the president of the council. He was in charge of the government until December 1687.
- Executive Commission: After this, he was part of a special group of five leaders who ran the government for ten months.
- Return to the Council: In 1689, Thomas was elected to the council again, this time representing Bucks County. He took his seat even though the governor, John Blackwell, tried to stop him. Thomas and other Quakers had disagreements with Governor Blackwell.
- Lieutenant-Governor: Because of these issues, William Penn removed Blackwell from office. Thomas Lloyd was again chosen as president of the council. Then, from 1690 to 1693, William Penn appointed him as the lieutenant-governor. This meant he was the main leader of the colony under Penn.
During his time as lieutenant-governor, there was a disagreement among Quakers led by George Keith.
Thomas Lloyd also wrote some Quaker pamphlets, which are like small books or essays. Two of them were published later: "An epistle to my Dear and well beloved Friends of Dolobran" in 1788 and "A Letter to John Eccles and Wife" in 1805.
Family Life
Thomas Lloyd was married twice. His first wife was Mary Jones, who passed away in 1680. She was the daughter of Colonel Roger Jones. Later, he married Patience Storey, but they did not have children.
He might have been a cousin to David Lloyd, who was also a judge and politician in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Lloyd passed away in Pennsylvania on September 10, 1694.
