Jonathan Belcher
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Jonathan Belcher (January 8, 1682 – August 31, 1757) was colonial governor of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Nova Scotia.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he attended Harvard University. His father was Andrew Belcher. His wife was the daughter of Lt. Gov. William Partridge, and a sister was the wife of Lt. Gov. George Vaughn. In 1718, Belcher was elected to the Massachusetts council and became colonial governor when his predecessor died. Initially accepted by Boston, his popularity decreased when he brought the censure of the English government.
He was later appointed governor of the province of New Jersey and assisted in the founding of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University), including building the library for the new school.
Belchertown, in western Massachusetts, is named for him. His son, also named Jonathan Belcher, was the Lt. Gov of Nova Scotia. He was the uncle of Lt. Gov Andrew Oliver and Chief Justice Peter Oliver, and was also the great-grandfather of Admiral Edward Belcher.
His great-nephew Peter Oliver, Jr., was the husband of the daughter of Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Hutchinson. Thomas Hutchinson and his wife were descendants of Anne Hutchinson, a descendant of William the Conqueror. Margaret (Sanford) Hutchinson was a descendant of Rhode Island Governors Peleg Sanford and William Coddington.
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| Preceded by William Tailer (acting) |
Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony August 10, 1730 — August 14, 1741 |
Succeeded by William Shirley |
| Preceded by John Reading |
New Jersey Governor 1747–1757 |
Succeeded by John Reading |
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Categories: Canadian history stubs | New Jersey politician stubs | 1682 births | 1757 deaths | British Governors of Nova Scotia | Colonial governors of New Hampshire | Colonial Governors of New Jersey | Governors of Massachusetts | Harvard University alumni | People from Boston | People from Cambridge, Massachusetts
