Jacob Leisler
Leisler, Jacob (1640?–1691), the leader of a revolt in colonial New York, 1689–91. He was born in Germany and became a merchant after arriving in New York about 1660. When William and Mary, who were Protestants, won the English throne from James II, a Roman Catholic, there was fear in the colonies that colonial officials appointed by James would try to impose a Catholic regime. A staunch Protestant, Leisler led the militia in overthrowing the colonial government. Maintaining that he was acting for William and Mary, he assumed rule of the colony and suppressed all opposition.
William and Mary sent a new governor to the colony in 1691 and he sent troops against Leisler. After holding out in a fort on Manhattan Island for several months, Leisler surrendered. He was tried for treason and hanged.