Robert Johnson (Governor)

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Robert Johnson (* 1682 in England , † May 3, 1735 in Charleston , Province of South Carolina ) was a British colonial governor of the Province of South Carolina.

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Robert Johnson was a son of Nathaniel Johnson , who was also governor of South Carolina between 1703 and 1709. He later became the brother-in-law of future colonial governor Thomas Broughton , who had owned his sister Ann. He spent part of his youth in the Antilles , where his father was also colonial governor in the second half of the 1680s. He then came to South Carolina with the father, where the father acquired larger lands that the son later inherited. In 1717, the younger Johnson succeeded Robert Daniell as the new governor of the Province of South Carolina. He held this office until December 21, 1719. He was the last governor of the so-called Proprietary Period of the colony, which lasted from 1670 to 1719. After his tenure, the so-called Royal Period began , which lasted until the end of the British colonial era in 1776. Johnson also took action against the pirates. He managed to arrest some of the leading pirates. In Charleston, many of the pirates were hanged to death. Johnson also encouraged the settlement of new colonists and how expanding the colony westward. Domestically, the colony was split into two camps. There were efforts to subordinate the colony directly to the British Crown, which then happened. There was strong opposition to these movements. This then resulted in tension and turmoil. In December 1719 Johnson, who then refused to take the step to the royal colony, was replaced by James Moore II .

In 1724, Robert Johnson returned to England temporarily. In 1729 he was appointed royal governor of the Province of South Carolina. This practically returned to his previous office, where he succeeded Arthur Middleton on December 15, 1730 . In the colony he enjoyed general confidence in the political forces. He supported the establishment of the new British colony of Georgia south of South Carolina. This created a buffer between South Carolina and Florida in Spain . In addition, he continued his efforts to expand the settlement area. At that time, a new concept for the establishment of new settlements and places emerged. His so-called Township Plan facilitated the defense against Indian raids, promoted the local economy and encouraged European emigrants to settle in South Carolina. In addition, Johnson managed to pacify his colony after years of internal tension and unrest. In addition, the debt could be reduced. Johnson held office until his death on May 3, 1735.

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personal data
SURNAME Johnson, Robert
BRIEF DESCRIPTION British politician; Governor of the Province of South Carolina
DATE OF BIRTH 1682
PLACE OF BIRTH England
DATE OF DEATH May 3, 1735
Place of death Charleston , Province of South Carolina