William Markham (governor) facts for kids

William Markham (born 1635 – died 12 June 1704) was an important leader in the early days of Pennsylvania. He served as the deputy governor and was the acting governor for two different periods: from 1681 to 1682, and again from 1693 to 1699. Markham was a member of the Church of England, and he often supported the rights of smaller religious groups in Pennsylvania, which was mostly settled by Quakers.

Markham's Start in Pennsylvania

On 10 April 1681, William Markham was chosen by his cousin, Governor William Penn, to act as governor. This happened while Penn was still in England. Markham quickly sailed to America. He first arrived in Boston and then traveled to New York. There, he showed his official papers and took control of the Delaware territories, which were also part of Penn's land.

Arriving in the Colony

Markham reached Upland (now called Chester, Pennsylvania) on 3 August 1681. At that time, Upland was the only town in the new colony. He set up a governing council to help him lead. This council included six Quakers and three other early settlers.

Key Decisions as Governor

As governor, Markham made several big decisions. He helped choose the perfect spot for the city of Philadelphia. He also bought land from the Native American tribes along the Delaware River and near Pennsbury Manor. Markham also started talks with Lord Baltimore to settle a disagreement over the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Markham's Later Roles

William Penn himself arrived in Pennsylvania in October 1682. When Penn arrived, Markham's time as acting governor ended. Markham then became a representative for Pennsylvania in England. He worked hard to help the colony in its border dispute with Maryland.

Different Jobs in the Colony

Markham held many other important jobs. He was the secretary of the province and also secretary to William Penn. He helped sell lands and checked the colony's financial records. Markham also supported John Blackwell during a disagreement over who should be governor.

A Second Time as Acting Governor

In 1691, the Delaware territories became a separate colony. Markham then became the acting deputy governor of this new colony. Around this time, William Penn temporarily lost control of Pennsylvania because of political changes in England.

By 1693, the English crown gave official control of Pennsylvania to Benjamin Fletcher. However, Markham served a second term as acting governor, working as Fletcher's deputy. Penn got his control back in August 1694. Markham continued to lead the colony until Penn returned from England in December 1699.

Challenges and Criticisms

Markham faced several challenges with the colony's law-making body. He tried to solve these problems by creating his own version of the Frame of Government of Pennsylvania. This new plan gave more power to the General Assembly, which was the lower house of the legislature. It also reduced his own power as governor and the power of the upper house, called the Council.

Markham also faced criticism from other officials. Some people, including other governors, were concerned about challenges with law and order. For example, there were issues with dealing with pirates, as Pennsylvania did not have a strong military to protect the Delaware Bay. William Penn also had disagreements with Markham about money matters. Despite these issues, Penn still arranged for Markham to be appointed as the register-general of wills in 1703.