Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-03-23
HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
From the First Settlement to the Close OF
the Revolution.
BY REV. ROBERT LATHAM, ID. ID.
From the Yorkville Enquirer Of 1875.
INSTALLMENT XIV.
Governor Tynte.

INSTALLMENT XIV.
Governor Tynte.
The gubernatorial career of Nathan
iel Johnson, commenced in 1908, and
terminated in 1903. He was succeeded
by Col. Edward Tynte. 1t Is difficult
to say why this change was made
Johnson had not, so far as the records
show. in the least offended the proprie-
tors. NO doubt 1t was the policy OF
the proprietors to make frequent
changes in the chief officer of the colo
nv. There Is also another circum-
stance, which in all probability, had
something to do in the removal OF
Johnson and the appointment Of Tynt-
Lord Granville died and William Cra-
ven became Palatine. Craven was de-
cidedly a man of more liberal views
than Granville Craven had the pros
perity of the colony at heart; whilst
Granville seems to have made every
thing else Of secondary Importance to
the establishing of High Churchism In
the province. Probably, 1t was thought
that 1t would have a tendency to oblit-
crate all the bad feelings which had
been engendered In the colony by the
passage Of laws respecting religion.
Johnson's Achievements.
1t Is due to the memory of Nathan-
iel Johnson to say, that whilst he was
not free from faults, he was both
good citizen and excellent governor
BY birth he was an Englishman, and
at one time was a member OF the
House Of Commons. For a period OF
three years-from 1856 to 16S9-he was
governor of the Leeward Islands. He
was what we are accustomed to call
an English gentleman: high-toned and
dignified in his intercourse with his
fellowmen, but withal, not remarkable
for his talents. He had received a
military education, and In this res
pect he proved a great blessing to the
colony. It Is due to his memory To
say that he put the colony In condi-
spired the people with confidence In
themselves. In common with many OF
his age, he did not have liberal notions
re spectiag religion, and unfortunately
became connected with others less lib
eral than himself.
He came to the province In 1859, and
at once engaged in developing the re-
sources of the country. He engaged
in the manufacture of silk. in the max
ing Of salt and in raising grapes. His
experiment with silk was. all things
considered. a success; and 1t Is said he
made wine. perhaps prior to the time
that he was governor, but In What
quantity and of what quality. we have
no means of ascertaining. Whether
he succeeded I'm making salt or not
we do not know. All that we certainly
know is, that he engaged In making
salt on Sewee Bay. To Nathaniel
Johnson more, perhaps, than to any
other man, were the early settlers OF
South Carolina indebted for their sue
cess in raising rice. He Introduced
several kinds of rice. and experimental
with them In order to discover which
kind was best adapted to the soil and
climate.
Governor Johnson's defects were two
He was exclusive I'm his religious no
tions, and being educated an English
gentleman. he had ideas which were Ill
adapted to a people who had chosen a
forest for their home. Impelled by the
first idea, we find him assisting In en-
acting a law, which to all intents and
purposes, reduced dissenters to state
of vassalage. Influenced by the latter
notion, he was often led to say to the
people whom he governed, when they
would demand a reason for his manner
of procedure, that ii was none of their
business. AS much as to say you are
tenants, and have no right to demand a
reason for anything from a nobleman.'
Having been removed from office
Governor Johnson returned to his plan
tation near Charleston, and died In
1713. His remains were inferred on
his premises. In after years a brick
wall was built by Gabriel Manigault
to perpetuate his memory. The male
line of Nathaniel Johnson has become
extinct.
An Era of Prosperity.