Thomas Smith (Governor)

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Thomas Smith (* 1648 in Exeter , Devonshire , England ; † November 16, 1694 in the southern Province of Carolina, the later US state of South Carolina ) was an English planter, merchant, doctor and colonial politician.

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Thomas Smith was a son of Thomas Smith Sr. and Joan Atkins. Nothing is known about his youth and school education. In 1684 he emigrated with his first wife and two sons to the southern part of the English colony of Province of Carolina . There he acquired a considerable area of ​​land (48,000 acres). His entire estate was called the Wiskinboo Barony . Through his second marriage, he came into possession of the so-called Medway Plantation . He was not only active as a planter, but also as a trader and doctor. In the following years, not only did his wealth increase, but also his political influence in the colony. In May 1688 he was appointed head of the local customs authority (commissioner of customs). Later he was a member of the colonial parliament, which occasionally met in his Charleston home . In 1693 he was appointed to succeed Colonial Governor Philip Ludwell . He held this office from May 1693 until his death on November 16, 1694. During this time he had to deal with internal tensions between different religious groups. Another trouble spot was the contrast between the supporters of the Proprietors , the most important men of the colony, and their opponents. Smith advocated the end of the trade with Indians for the purpose of slavery and the reduction of trade relations with pirates.

Thomas Smith was the grandfather of Josiah Smith (1704–1781) a revival preacher known in colonial South Carolina.

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personal data
SURNAME Smith, Thomas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION English politician; Governor of the Province of Carolina
DATE OF BIRTH 1648
PLACE OF BIRTH Exeter , Devonshire , England
DATE OF DEATH November 16, 1694
Place of death Province of Carolina