Patrick Gordon (governor)
Encyclopedia
Patrick Gordon was Deputy Governor
of the Province of Pennsylvania
and the Lower Counties on the Delaware from 22 June 1726 to 4 August 1736. He was deputy to the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, the heirs of William Penn
, rather than to a governor. Since the Proprietors were usually in England, he was essentially the Governor.
Gordon had a military, rather than political background, having been a Major in the regular army. Gordon resided in what is now Mont Clare
. Note that another Patrick Gordon resided in Mont Clare (in a cave) from 1757.
Peace and prosperity prevailed during Gordon’s administration as Deputy Governor. An important lawsuit was settled in 1732 that (temporarily) defined the boundaries between Pennsylvania and the Province of Maryland
. Also, Chester County was split during his rule, creating Lancaster County. Construction of the first State House, today’s Independence Hall
, began in 1732. Prior to 1735 in this incomplete new building, members of the state Assembly had met in private homes or at Quaker Meeting Houses.
Deputy Governor
A Deputy governor is a gubernatorial official who is subordinated to a governor, rather like a Lieutenant governor.-British colonial cases:In the British empire, there were such colonial offices in :...
of the Province of Pennsylvania
Province of Pennsylvania
The Province of Pennsylvania, also known as Pennsylvania Colony, was founded in British America by William Penn on March 4, 1681 as dictated in a royal charter granted by King Charles II...
and the Lower Counties on the Delaware from 22 June 1726 to 4 August 1736. He was deputy to the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, the heirs of William Penn
William Penn
William Penn was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an early champion of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful...
, rather than to a governor. Since the Proprietors were usually in England, he was essentially the Governor.
Gordon had a military, rather than political background, having been a Major in the regular army. Gordon resided in what is now Mont Clare
Mont Clare, Pennsylvania
Mont Clare is a village in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA. The village is located on the left bank of the Schuylkill River, opposite Phoenixville, at the site of the former Jacobs' ford. Mont Clare hosts the only functional lock and one of only two remaining...
. Note that another Patrick Gordon resided in Mont Clare (in a cave) from 1757.
Peace and prosperity prevailed during Gordon’s administration as Deputy Governor. An important lawsuit was settled in 1732 that (temporarily) defined the boundaries between Pennsylvania and the Province of Maryland
Province of Maryland
The Province of Maryland was an English and later British colony in North America that existed from 1632 until 1776, when it joined the other twelve of the Thirteen Colonies in rebellion against Great Britain and became the U.S...
. Also, Chester County was split during his rule, creating Lancaster County. Construction of the first State House, today’s Independence Hall
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets...
, began in 1732. Prior to 1735 in this incomplete new building, members of the state Assembly had met in private homes or at Quaker Meeting Houses.