What is Daniel Parke?

Daniel Parke (1663-1715)

Introduction

Daniel Parke was a British colonial administrator who served as the governor of the Province of New York from 1702 to 1708 and the governor of the Province of New Jersey from 1703 to 1708.

Parke's administration was marked by conflict with the New York Assembly and his attempts to increase the power of the governor's office. He was also a strong supporter of the Church of England and attempted to establish an Anglican church in New Jersey.

Early Life and Career

Daniel Parke was born in Ireland in 1663. He was the son of Robert Parke, a Protestant clergyman, and Mary Parke. Parke was educated at Trinity College Dublin and studied law at the Middle Temple in London.

In 1689, Parke was appointed attorney general of the Leeward Islands. He served in this position until 1692, when he was appointed governor of the Bahamas. Parke served as governor of the Bahamas until 1702, when he was appointed governor of New York.

Governor of New York

Parke's administration as governor of New York was marked by conflict with the New York Assembly. The Assembly was dominated by wealthy landowners who were opposed to Parke's attempts to increase the power of the governor's office.

Parke also clashed with the Assembly over his support for the Church of England. Parke attempted to establish an Anglican church in New Jersey, but he was met with resistance from the Assembly, which was dominated by Presbyterians.

Governor of New Jersey

In 1703, Parke was appointed governor of New Jersey. He served in this position until 1708. Parke's administration as governor of New Jersey was also marked by conflict with the Assembly.

The Assembly was dominated by Quakers, who were opposed to Parke's attempts to increase the power of the governor's office. Parke also clashed with the Assembly over his support for the Church of England.

Death and Legacy

Daniel Parke died in 1715. He is buried in Trinity Churchyard in New York City.

Parke's legacy is mixed. He was a strong supporter of the Church of England and attempted to establish an Anglican church in New Jersey. However, he was also a controversial figure who clashed with the New York and New Jersey Assemblies.