John Drayton

John Drayton (* June 22, 1766 in Charleston, South Carolina, † November 27, 1822 ) was an American politician and Governor of South Carolina.

Early years and political rise

John Drayton was born near Charleston on the plantation " Drayton Hall ." He attended the College of New Jersey, today's Princeton University, and then studied in London Jura. In 1807 he studied at the co-founders of University of South Carolina. his political career began in 1792 when he was elected to the House of Representatives from South Carolina. he retained his seat until 1798, when he was elected lieutenant governor under Edward Rutledge. After his death in January 1800 Drayton had to take over the governorship. he finished first the opened his predecessor's term and was elected in the fall of 1800 even for two years as governor. Politically, he was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson.

Governor of South Carolina

Drayton completed two non-contiguous terms. The first phase began on January 23, 1800 after Rutledge's death and lasted until 1 December 1802. During this time, the Santee Canal was completed. In 1801, the South Carolina College was founded, later the University of South Carolina emerged from the. In addition, the division of South Carolina was realized in various legal areas. The country's constitution did not allow for immediate re-election after the end of a full term of office. For this reason, he could not stand for re- election in 1802. Instead, he sat from 1805 to 1808 in the Senate of South Carolina, before he was re-elected governor. His new term of office began on 10 December 1808 and ended exactly two years later on 10 December 1810. During this time, he campaigned for the improvement of the school system. In addition, the right to vote was extended to all white men in South Carolina, regardless of the status or wealth of the person.

At the same time the system of slavery was even more firmly. A liberalization of this system was prohibited by law. Meanwhile, the burgeoning economy of the state had become dependent on this institution. The main products such as cotton, rice, sugar and other agricultural products could be planted only with the help of slaves and harvested. This trend continued until the beginning of the civil war continued.

Further CV

After the end of his term Drayton was appointed by President James Madison to the judge at the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina in 1812. This office he held until his death in 1822. He was married to Hester Rose Tidyman, the couple had seven children.