Joseph Nourse

Who was Joseph Nourse?

Joseph Nourse was the first United States Register of the Treasury whose career spanned forty years and six presidential administrations. He played a key role in administering the finances of the new Republic.

Nourse first served during the American Revolution as military secretary to General Charles Lee. He returned for a short time to his family's farm in Berkeley County, Virginia. He settled in Philadelphia in 1779, where he served as Assistant Auditor General for the Board of Treasury. He was elected Register in 1781, where he assumed responsibility for keeping the financial records and accounts of the new government. He also authenticated each piece of Continental currency by personally signing it.

In 1800, he moved with the federal government from Philadelphia to the City of Washington. He purchased a residence in the Georgetown area, first at 3101 P Street and later acquired Cedar Hill in 1804. As Register of the Treasury, he worked closely with four administrations and early political leaders of the new nations.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President in 1829, Joseph Nourse was forced from office.