Josiah Hardy facts for kids

Josiah Hardy (1715–1790) was a British man who worked as a merchant (someone who buys and sells goods) and a colonial administrator. This means he helped manage a colony for a distant country. He served as the colonial Governor of New Jersey from 1761 to 1763.

After his time as governor, William Franklin took over. William Franklin was the son of the famous Benjamin Franklin. Later in his life, Josiah Hardy became a consul (a government official who lives in a foreign city to protect his country's citizens and business) in Cádiz, Spain.

Early Life and Family Background

Josiah Hardy came from a family with a strong connection to the navy. His father was Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Hardy. A vice-admiral is a high-ranking officer in the navy. One of Josiah's brothers, also named Charles Hardy, also became an admiral, which is an even higher naval rank.

Career as Governor

Josiah Hardy started his career as a merchant. He focused on trading goods between Great Britain and the North American colonies, which were territories controlled by Britain.

In 1761, he was chosen to be the Governor of New Jersey. A colonial governor was like the main leader of a colony, appointed by the King of Great Britain. They were responsible for managing the colony's affairs and making sure it followed British rules. Hardy served in this important role until 1763.

He was then replaced by William Franklin. William Franklin was the son of Benjamin Franklin, a very important figure in American history. Both William and Benjamin Franklin were born in the colony of Pennsylvania, which was next to New Jersey.

Hardy's Family Life

Josiah Hardy married a woman named Harriet, who was the daughter of Sir Thomas D'Aeth. Josiah and Harriet had five daughters together: Harriet, Elizabeth Sophia, Priscilla, Louisa, and Charlotte.

Their fourth daughter, Louisa (born in 1757, died in 1853), married a naval officer named Lieutenant John Cooke in 1790. They had one daughter. Sadly, John Cooke was killed in a famous sea battle called the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. He was commanding a ship called HMS Bellerophon during this battle.