Andrew Hamilton (New Jersey governor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrew Hamilton
4º Governor of East & West New Jersey
In office 1692–1697
Preceded by	Edmund Andros
Succeeded by	Jeremiah Basse
6th Governor of East & West New Jersey
In office 1699–1703
Preceded by	Jeremiah Basse
Succeeded by	Office abolished
4th Deputy Governor of East New Jersey
In office 1686–1688
Governor	Robert Barclay
Preceded by	Lord Neill Campbell
Succeeded by	Vacant
Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania
In office 1701–1703
Governor	William Penn
Preceded by	William Penn
Succeeded by	Edward Shippen, President of Council
Personal details
Born	Scotland
Died	20 April 1703 New Jersey
Spouse	Marie Chalmers
Children	John Hamilton
Occupation	colonial administrator and merchant
Signature

Andrew Hamilton (who passed away in 1703) was an important leader in early America. He served as the governor of both East and West New Jersey from 1692 to 1697, and then again from 1699 to 1703. He also held a leadership role as Deputy Governor in the nearby Province of Pennsylvania.

Andrew Hamilton's Life and Work

Early Life and First Steps in America

Andrew Hamilton was born in Scotland. He started his career as a merchant in Edinburgh. He was sent to East Jersey to help bring new settlers there. His good work led to him being recommended for a position on the New Jersey council.

In March 1687, he became the deputy-governor for East Jersey. This happened when the previous Deputy-Governor, Lord Neill Campbell, went back to England for business.

A Difficult Journey to London

Later, a leader named Edmund Andros took control over much of New England. Because of this, Hamilton sailed back to England. He wanted to talk with the owners, called "proprietors," of New Jersey.

However, during his trip, French forces captured his ship. This delayed his journey, and he didn't reach London until May 1690.

First Term as Governor of New Jersey

In March 1692, Andrew Hamilton was chosen to be the governor of both West Jersey and East Jersey. During his time as governor, New Jersey faced many challenges.

• Outside Pressure: The King's government tried to take power away from the proprietors. They wanted to combine New Jersey into a larger colony with New England.
• War with France: New York needed help defending itself during a war with France.
• Money Problems: Many people living in New Jersey refused to pay "quitrents." These were fees for using the land.

The Quakers in West Jersey were against giving money for defense. This was because they believed in peace and did not support war. However, Hamilton and the other council members who were not Quakers managed to get the money needed.

Even with these challenges, Hamilton stayed on good terms with the Quakers. This helped him pass several important laws. During his time as governor, he also started the first colonial postal service.

Why Hamilton Was Removed

Later, the Parliament decided that Hamilton could not be governor. They said that only someone born in England could hold a public position of trust or profit. Since Hamilton was Scottish, he was removed from his role.

Second Term and New Challenges

After a period of poor leadership by Jeremiah Basse, Andrew Hamilton was reappointed governor on August 19, 1699. By this time, the government was very weak.

During his second term, several riots broke out. These were often about taxes. Other riots happened because many settlers did not believe the government was legitimate.

Serving Pennsylvania

In 1701, Andrew Hamilton also became the deputy-governor of Pennsylvania. He was appointed by William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania.

One reason Penn returned to England was a new law being discussed. This law would change who governed the colonies. Although it didn't pass right away, a new law later required the King's approval for governors.

Hamilton also started preparing a defense force in Pennsylvania. This was to show Parliament that the Quaker-led government could help defend the colonies during Queen Anne's War.

His Final Days

While visiting New Jersey, Andrew Hamilton passed away on April 20, 1703.