“M” is for Moore, James, Jr. (ca.1682-1774)

“M” is for Moore, James, Jr. (ca.1682-1774). Governor. South Carolina's first native-born governor, Moore was the eldest son of former governor James Moore, Sr. James, Jr., established himself as a prosperous planter and represented Berkeley and Craven Counties in the Commons House of Assembly. He participated in the 1713 expedition against the Tuscarora Indians. During the Yamassee War, Moore--now a lieutenant general of the colonial militia--contributed greatly to colonists’ eventual victory. In December 1719 the proprietary government of South Carolina was overthrown in the bloodless revolution of 1719. As a recognized war hero and longtime leader in the anti-proprietary party, Moore was chosen as provisional governor. In 1721, James Moore, Jr., thwarted an attempt by friends of the proprietors to retake control of the colony and he successfully delivered the government safely to the first royal governor.