John Lawson

John Lawson (27 December 1674 – 16 September 1711) was an English explorer, naturalist and writer. He played an important role in exploring the interior of colonial North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, publicizing his expeditions in a book. He founded two settlements in North Carolina: Bath and New Bern, both located on rivers in the coastal plain. He was killed by Tuscarora people during the outbreak of the Tuscarora War. Early life and education John Lawson was born in England. Little is known definitively about his early life. He appears to have been the only son of Dr. John Lawson (1632–c. 1690) and Isabella Love (c. 1643–c. 1680). Both were from London. The family owned land near Kingston upon Hull, where Lawson may have been educated in his youth. He attended lectures at Gresham College, where the Royal Society often met. His education seems evidenced by his book. His freedom to explore and take charge suggest he was well-placed in society. After an acquaintance in London assured him that "Carolina was the best country", Lawson as a young man sailed for the North American colonies, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina on August 15, 1700. Exploration Beginning December 28, 1700, Lawson participated in a small expedition out of Charleston in the Carolina Colony to the interior. They traveled up the Santee River by canoe, and then on foot, to explore the Carolina backcountry. Along the way he was guided by American Indians; he took careful note of the vegetation, wildlife and, in particular, the many Indian tribes he encountered. He traveled nearly 600 miles through the wilderness, ending his journey near the mouth of the Pamlico River in what was later designated as North Carolina. After his expedition, Lawson settled near the Pamlico River, where he earned a living as a private land surveyor. In 1705, he was appointed deputy surveyor for the Lords Proprietor of Carolina. In 1708, he succeeded Edward Moseley to become surveyor-general of the colony, a lucrative position.