William Cosby | |
|---|---|
 portrait by Charles Jervas | |
| 24th Colonial Governor of New York | |
| In office August 1732 – March 1736 | |
| Monarch | George II |
| Preceded by | Rip Van Dam |
| Succeeded by | George Clarke |
| 6th Colonial Governor of New Jersey | |
| In office August 1732 – March 1736 | |
| Monarch | George II |
| Preceded by | Lewis Morris, President of Council |
| Succeeded by | John Anderson President of Council |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1690 Stradbally Hall, Queen's County, Ireland |
| Died | 10 March 1736 New York City |
| Spouse | Grace Montagu |
| Children | William, Grace, Elizabeth, Grace, Henry |
| Profession | Army Colonel, Governor |
Brigadier-General William Cosby (1690–1736) was an Anglo-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.