Thomas Eastchurch
| Thomas Eastchurch | |
|---|---|
| 5th Governor of Albemarle Sound | |
|
In office 1675–1676 |
|
| Preceded by | John Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | John Jenkins |
| Personal details | |
| Died | January 1678 Jamestown, Virginia |
| Spouse(s) | Name unknown (married in 1677) |
| Occupation | surveyor general and governor of Albemarle County |
Thomas Eastchurch (? - January, 1678) was governor of Albemarle County, North Carolina between 1675 and 1676. During his time in office, he imprisoned the former governor John Jenkins for various offenses. Jenkins was later released from prison with the aid of his supporters and reclaimed his position as governor in the spring of 1676. After Eastchurch explained the situation in London to the Lords Proprietors, they reappointed him as governor. In 1677, he left London to celebrate your honeymoon in Nevis Island. During his absence, his fellow proprietary Thomas Miller acted as governor. Miller's crimes created a revolt and Eastchurch, upon return to Albemarle, was unable to help the government recover. In addition, the Anti-Proprietors' leaders decided to send an army to the northern part of the Albemarle County to prevent the new governor from accessing Albemarle. Although Eastchurch sought aid to invade the county, he never got it. He did not return to government of Albemarle until after the spring of 1676.
Many details about Eastchurch's childhood are largely unknown. A description provided by Lords Proprietors stated that Eastchurch was raised in a very wealthy family. In October 1669 he worked as surveyor general of Albemarle County (although he aspired to be Governor of Albemarle County). An influential relative of Eastchurch, Thomas Clifford, recommended Eastchurch to the Lords Proprietors for the government of Albemarle.
In the September 1675 Albemarle County elections, the faction of Eastchurch was elected to govern the General Assembly of North Carolina. Eastchurch was appointed Governor and Speaker of the Assembly. However, he only used this last title, never that of Governor. In fall 1675, after beginning his government, Eastchurch imprisoned Jenkins for various offences. However, in the spring of 1676, supporters of Jenkins helped him to get out from prison and return the charge of governor of the region. Eastchurch travelled to London, together to his fellow proprietary Thomas Miller, in order "to appeal to the Lords Proprietors".
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