Andrew Belcher (merchant)

Andrew Belcher (July 22, 1763 – November 17, 1841) was a British North American merchant, politician and justice of the peace from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Andrew Belcher, by Robert Field, Government House (Nova Scotia)

Belcher was born in Halifax to father Jonathan Belcher, who was Nova Scotia's chief justice from 1754 to 1776. He died when Andrew was young and his life was influenced by Alexander Brymer,[1] a prominent Scottish-born businessman located in Halifax.

In 1892 he married Mary Ann Geyer (1770-1817) in Boston.

Belcher had many years as an important part of the Nova Scotia business and political community. He was briefly a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia for Halifax in 1800 and then appointed to the Legislative Council of Nova Scotia from 1801 to 1811. After retiring to England he suffered serious financial setbacks due to some questionable investments and a recession. Belcher return to Halifax in 1829 to attempt to recover his wealth. He fled Halifax with his family in 1835, but died nearly destitute in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France.

One son, Edward Belcher brought some positive recognition to the family name as leader of an Arctic expedition to search for Sir John Franklin.

References
  1. Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online - Alexander Brymer


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