Andros, Sir Edmund

Andros, Sir Edmund ănˈdrŏs [key], 1637–1714, British colonial governor in America, b. Guernsey. As governor of New York (1674–81) he was bitterly criticized for his high-handed methods, and he was embroiled in disputes over boundaries and duties (see New Jersey), going so far as to arrest Philip Carteret. When James II, partly influenced by Edward Randolph, consolidated all the New England colonies into the Dominion of New England, he named (1686) Andros governor. In 1688, New York and the Jerseys were also put under his control. The suppression of charters and colonial assemblies, interference with local customs and rights, and Andros's overbearing ways caused intense friction. After news of the overthrow of James II in 1688 reached the colonies, the colonials in Boston rebelled (1689), seized Andros and other officials, and sent them to England as prisoners. He was soon released and later was governor of Virginia (1692–97) and governor of Guernsey (1704–6).

See V. F. Barnes, Dominion of New England (1923).

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