Peter Oliver (loyalist)
Peter Oliver (March 26, 1713 – October 12, 1791) was Chief Justice of the Superior Court of the Colony of Massachusetts from 1772–1775. He was a loyalist during the American Revolution and its lead-up, and left Massachusetts in 1776, settling in England.[1]
Early life
Peter Oliver was born in Boston on March 26, 1713, to well known parents. He graduated from Harvard University in 1730. He co-ran a Boston importing business with his brother Andrew Oliver for several years, although his interests were in science and literature. Oliver bought an iron works in Middleborough, Massachusetts in 1744. This company made household items made of cast-iron as well as cannonballs. With this company, Peter Oliver accumulated enough money to build Oliver Hall. Oliver Hall was Peter Oliver's mansion and was one of the most elegant residences in all of colonial New England.Yes well ha ha welcome to me website hehe
Court career
Oliver was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1744. He then made the Court of Common Pleas in 1747. He was named a justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court in 1756. Oliver supported the idea that colonists should be taxed and more effort should be put into preventing smuggling to pay for the French and Indian War.
Oliver was one of three judges during the trials for the Boston Massacre. Thomas Hutchinson was pleased with the work that Peter Oliver did, and made him chief justice of the Superior Court in 1772. Oliver complained often about how low his salary was as chief justice. The British proposed a plan to raise the justice's salary, paid for by the crown. All of the justices declined this offer except for Oliver. Oliver was in turn impeached, in 1774, because of the public outrage against him.
Colonial uprising
Originally starting in 1765, the Sons of Liberty used threats and violence as a tool to manipulate the actions of Peter Oliver and his brother, Andrew Oliver. Peter Oliver was forced to do things such as refusing to sit in court. Oliver was a strong supporter of the Stamp Act, which caused him to be harassed even further.
Later life
Oliver departed from the colonies when the British evacuated their troops and any loyalists from Boston in 1776. Oliver sailed to England and lived there until his death on October 12, 1791.
References
- ^ "Peter Oliver - Loyalist". The American Revolution Home Page. Retrieved 9 March 2010.
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