John Mathews Governs South Carolina's Post-War Transition
Updated 8/29/21
John Mathews was a signer of the Articles of Confederation and Governor of South Carolina.
Additionally, he worked on the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress before being elected as Governor of South Carolina.
John Mathews
During the 1770’s, John Mathews quickly built his credit as a revolutionary.
Mathews found his way into the South Carolina Provincial Congress where he was chosen as Speaker of the House following independence. Now a leader in his State, John was selected to attend the Continental Congress.
Soon after his arrival, the new government of the United States was approved.
At 34-years-old, Mathews signed the Articles of Confederation.
Marine Committee
Mathews had a knack for organizing the military. He was appointed to the Marine Committee as well as acting as an advisor for the Board of War.
In these offices, John assisted in assigning troops to certain destinations.
He helped recruit pilots to help General Washington in the North on expeditions against New York. His correspondence with Washington included lengthy discussions on recruitment and unified participation from the State Governments.
Furthermore, Mathews assisted the Southern Department in the failed defense of Savannah. Afterward, he moved men to defend Charleston, although this city was also lost to the British.
Governor
Despite these setbacks, Mathews was soon elected as Governor of South Carolina. He was trusted with leading the State through the transition from a revolutionary government to a more permanent solution.
Additionally, John oversaw the removal of British soldiers and Loyalists from the State during his tenure. He also assisted Washington in maintaining order in the South.
Afterward, Mathews spent several years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. During his final years, John was appointed to many important judicial positions in the State Government.
To learn more about signers of the Articles of Confederation, try one of our pieces on William Clingan and Andrew Adams.
This article is only part of my regular publications, so…
If you want to keep up with all the Founders, make sure you subscribe to my daily newsletter here:
Check out this new American Revolution themed shirt!
It has a fun, stylized Betsy Ross Flag on the front includes the phrase ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ on the back.
It is just one of a handful of products I’ve begun offering recently.
If you see something you like, pick it up to support this site!
