William Cosby

(1690-1736)

British colonial official

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Brigadier-General William Cosby (1690–1736) was an Irish soldier who served as the British colonial governor of New York from 1732 to 1736. During his short term, Cosby was portrayed as one of the most oppressive governors in the Thirteen Colonies. In 1735, Cosby accused publisher John Peter Zenger of sedition and libel for publishing unflattering reports about Cosby. In spite of Cosby's efforts, Zenger was acquitted of all charges and the case helped to establish the concept of freedom of the press.

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Born	1690 Stradbally Hall, Queen's County, Ireland
Died	1736 (aged 45) New York City
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Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton · Grandson · 1735-1811 · BRitish noble edit info

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George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton · Great-grandson · 1760-1844 · British politician edit info

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