| 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 , he attended Harvard University . His wife was the daugther 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. There is a town in western Massachusetts named for him, Belchertown . He was the uncle of Lt. Gov Andrew Oliver and Chief Justice Peter Oliver; and was also the great-grandfather of Admirial Edward Belcher . His great-nephew Peter Oliver was the husband of daugther of Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson . |