Gabriel Johnston (1699 – 17 July 1752) was a British colonial official who served as the sixth governor of North Carolina from 1734 until his death in 1752. He was the longest serving governor, holding the office for 18 years.[1]
Gabriel Johnston | |
|---|---|
| 6th Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office 2 November 1734 – 17 July 1752 | |
| Monarch | George II |
| Preceded by | Nathaniel Rice (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nathaniel Rice (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1699 Scotland |
| Died | 17 July 1752 (aged 53) Bertie County, North Carolina |
| Resting place | St. Paul's Church, Edenton 36°03′40.6″N 76°36′31.8″W / 36.061278°N 76.608833°W |
| Profession | Physician, writer, professor |
Early life and career
editJohnston was born in Scotland in 1699. He was a physician, political writer, and professor of Oriental languages at the University of St. Andrews.[1]
Governor of North Carolina
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Johnston was greatly disturbed by the conditions he found in the province and deplored what he considered the moral laxity, the disregard for law, the inadequate educational facilities, and the oppression of the poor. His administration witnessed an increase in wealth, population, and development of resources.
The United Brethren purchased 100,000 acres of land and settled Wachovia. Another group emigrating in large numbers, and with especial appeal for the governor, were the Scots, who settled in the Cape Fear region. The union with England and a breakup in the clan system, as well as a pardon to all Scottish rebels who would emigrate, greatly stimulated their settlement in America. The General Assembly exempted all new settlers from taxation for ten years. It was probably motivated by a desire to increase immigration to the province, but doubtless the Scottish governor added weight to the measure.[1]
Honors
editSome years later the General Assembly of North Carolina provided for the erection of a fort on the south bank of Cape Fear and named it in honor of Johnston.[1] Johnston County was also named for him.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Crabtree, Beth G. (1958). North Carolina Governors, 1585–1958; Brief Sketches. Raleigh, North Carolina: State Department of Archives and History. pp. 35–36. LCCN 58063545. OCLC 4155985.
- ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States (Report) (2nd ed.). Washington: Government Printing Office. p. 170 – via United States Geological Survey.
External links
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Media related to Gabriel Johnston at Wikimedia Commons- Gabriel Johnston Papers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
