Biographical Sketches: The Treasurers of the Colony and State of New Jersey, 1704-2026

With An Abbreviated History of the Department of the Treasury

The biographies of New Jersey’s Treasurers, together with this brief history of the Department of the Treasury, trace the office’s evolution from colonial bookkeeping to modern financial administration. Over more than three centuries, it has guided the Garden State through major changes—from financing the Revolutionary War and supporting industrialization to managing a multibillion-dollar state budget.

The Department of the Treasury has consistently served as a fundamental component of New Jersey's state government, providing essential support to residents and acting as the primary steward for the State’s financial requirements. Established after the 1776 constitution, the State Treasurer’s Office is New Jersey’s second oldest government unit. This history of the Treasurer’s Office provides a clear and concise overview of the Department of the Treasury’s evolution and transition from Royal Colony to a wealthy state. It includes biographies of past State Treasurers and outlines how this New Jersey executive department evolved from its colonial roots into an important part of state government. A review of state archives, library materials, and primary and secondary sources from digital databases highlights the significance of the state treasurer’s office. Today, the New Jersey State Treasurer serves as the state government’s chief financial officer.

Russell K. Dutcher III

2026, 6" x 9", paper, 268 pp.

ISBN: 9780788458804

101-D5880