
Benjamin Belcher (July 17, 1743 – May 14, 1802) was a merchant, militia leader and political figure in
Nova Scotia. He was victorious in the
Battle off Cape Split during the
American Revolution. He represented Cornwallis Township from 1785 to 1793 and King's County from 1793 to 1799 in the
Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
He was born in
Gibraltar
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and came to Nova Scotia around 1760, settling at
Cornwallis years later. In 1764, he married Sarah Post. Belcher operated a general store and was involved in the trade with the
West Indies bringing eggnog to the continent of North America.
He was a lieutenant in the local militia. During the American Revolution, he was in command of the Success and on 21 May 1781, he made a daring attack on American Privateers, killing one crew member and capturing 30 others.
Belcher died with Cornwallis at the age of 58. In his will he indicated that he had slaves.
His grandson
Clement Horton Belcher was a publisher and book seller in
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Legacy
* namesake of Belcher St.,
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
See also
*
Military history of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia (also known as Mi'kma'ki and Acadia) is a Canadian province located in Canada's Maritimes. The region was initially occupied by Mi'kmaq. The colonial history of Nova Scotia includes the present-day Canadian Maritime provinces and th ...
References
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1743 births
1802 deaths
Nova Scotia pre-Confederation MLAs
Gibraltarian emigrants to Canada
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