Josiah Hardy

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Josiah Hardy
12º Royal Governor of New Jersey
In office
Monarch George III
Preceded by Thomas Boone
Succeeded by William Franklin
Personal details
Born 1715
Died 1790
Occupation Merchant, Politician, Diplomat

Josiah Hardy (1715–1790) was a British merchant and colonial administrator who served as colonial Governor of New Jersey between 1761 and 1763. He was succeeded in the post by William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin. Hardy was later appointed as consul at Cadiz.[1]

Early life and education[edit]

Hardy came from a naval family. One of his brothers, Charles Hardy, became an admiral.


He became a merchant, emphasizing trade between Great Britain and the North American colonies. In 1761, he was appointed as Governor of New Jersey, serving until 1763. He was succeeded by William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin, who were both born in the colony of Pennsylvania.

Marriage and family[edit]

Hardy married, and he and his wife had several children.

Their fourth daughter, Louisa (1757–1853),[2] married the naval officer Lieutenant John Cooke on 15 June 1790 at St Leonard's, Shoreditch.[1] They had a single daughter together, born on 26 January 1797 at Stoke Damerel. Cooke was killed while commanding HMS Bellerophon at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.[2]


  1. ^ a b Tracy. Who's Who in Nelson's Navy. p. 95. 
  2. ^ a b Tracy. Who's Who in Nelson's Navy. p. 96. 


  • Skemp, Sheila L. William Franklin: Son of a Patriot, Servant of a King. Oxford University Press, 1990.
  • Tracy, Nicholas (2006). Who's Who in Nelson's Navy: 200 Naval Heroes. London: Chatham Publishing. ISBN 1-86176-244-5. 
Government offices
Preceded by
Thomas Boone
Governor of New Jersey
Succeeded by
William Franklin