William Burnet (physician)

William Burnet (physician) (March 1688 – 7 September 1729) was a British physician and colonial administrator who served as governor of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Burnet was born in The Hague, Netherlands, the son of Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, and his second wife Mary Scott. He received his education at Leiden University.

Burnet's career in colonial administration began in 1720 when he was appointed Governor of New York and New Jersey. He served in this role until 1728. During his tenure, he focused on securing the allegiance of the Iroquois Confederacy, a crucial strategic alliance for the British colonies. He also worked to restrict French influence and trade in the region, particularly through efforts to control the fur trade. His policies often created friction with local merchants who benefited from trade with the French.

In 1728, he was transferred to become Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, succeeding William Dummer. This appointment proved controversial, as Burnet faced opposition from the Massachusetts assembly regarding his salary. He insisted on a fixed salary, independent of the assembly's annual grants, which the assembly resisted fiercely as an infringement on their rights. This dispute dominated his brief administration.

Burnet died in Boston on September 7, 1729, from a fever after a short illness. His death occurred during the height of the salary dispute, which remained unresolved. He was interred in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. He was married twice: first to Maria Van Horne, and after her death, to Anna Maria States. He was succeeded as governor of Massachusetts by Jonathan Belcher. Burnet was a Fellow of the Royal Society.