Leverett, John [key], 1616–79, American colonial governor, b. Boston, England. He went to Boston, Mass., with his father in 1633, but went back (1644) to England to serve in the parliamentary army in the English civil war. He returned (1648) to Massachusetts, served a term in the General Court, was appointed one of the commissioners sent to Maine to bring it under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and represented (1653–62) Massachusetts in England. On his return to Massachusetts he served in the General Court or the governor's council until 1671, when he was appointed deputy governor. He became governor in 1673 and continued to serve until his death. During his administration he successfully directed the colonial forces in King Philip's War (1675–76). His knighthood, c.1676, has not been definitely established.
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