John Moultrie

Who was John Moultrie?

John Moultrie was a deputy governor of East Florida in the years before the American Revolutionary War. He became acting governor when his predecessor, James Grant, was invalided home in 1771. Moultrie again became a deputy under his successor, Patrick Tonyn, returning to England in 1784.

Moultrie was one for five brothers who became a doctor after obtaining a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1749.

Moultrie was married twice, first to Dorothy Mortin in 1753 and later to Eleanor Austin in 1762.

Moultrie moved to Florida in 1767 and became Lieutenant Governor of East Florida under Governor Grant. He was also a planter in Florida.

Following the Revolutionary War and the loss of Florida by the British, Moultrie left for England and died in 1798. He was buried at Shefnal Church in Shropshire, England. His daughter, Cecilia, married the naval officer John Bligh at St Marylebone on 17 August 1809.

His brothers were also key players on both sides the Revolutionary War:

William Moultrie was a Patriot General of the Continental Army during the Revolution

James Moultrie was Chief Justice of British East Florida