Nathaniel Gorham

About Me : 

     I was born on May 27, 1738, in Charlestown, Massachusetts as the eldest child of my family. I had public school education. At age fifteen, I was sent to be apprenticed to a merchant in New London, Connecticut, where I learned how to import and export businesses.  I quit in 1759 and went back to my hometown to start a business, which was soon successful. In 1763, I married lovely and sweet Rebecca Call, and we have nine wonderful children together. I started my career as a notary, and I soon won the election to the colonial legislature in 1771. I was part of the Continental Congress in 1782-1783 and 1785-1787. I am proud to represent Massachusetts in the Constitutional Convention with Elbridge Gerry, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong. 

State I represented :

 Massachusetts, a large northern state. 

Birth :

May 27, 1738 in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Age at Convention :

49

Marital Status :

 Married to Rebecca Call

Children :

 9

Education :

Local/public schools

Occupation : 

Merchant, Speculator, Politician, Public Security and Interests, Real Estate

Military and/or political service :

       I was in the Colonial Legislature (1771-1775), the State Upper House of Massachusetts in 1780, the Provincial Congress (1774-1775), the Commonwealth Board of War (1778-1781), the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention (1779-1780), the Lower House of Massachusetts (1781-1787) and Speaker (1781-1785), the Judge of Middlesex County court of common please (1785-1796), Confederation Congress (1782-1783) & (1785-1787), the President of Confederation Congress in June 1786-January 1787. I was also the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Committee of Detail, Second Committee of Representation, Committee of Trade, and Committee of State Commitments in the Constitutional Convention.  

Interesting Facts :

      My father was a boat operator. I was apprenticed to a merchant, Nathaniel Coffin, in 1754. I am the decedent of John Howland, a Pilgrim who traveled on the Mayflower. I, along with Oliver Phelps, bought 2,600,000 acres for $1,000,000 in western New York, and it left me in financial problems and debts when I was unable to meet my payments. I am one of the signers of the United States Constitution.  

Friends :   

• George Washington
• John Adams
• John Hancock
• Oliver Phelps
• Rufus King
• Elbridge Gerry
• Caleb Strong

Favorite books/writings : 

• Common Sense (1776) - Thomas Paine
• The American Crisis (1776) - Thomas Paine 
• Federalist Papers (1787-1788) - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Favorite Quotes : 

• "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry
• "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." - Nathan Hale
• "These are times that try men's souls." - Thomas Paine, The American Crisis
• "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." - Thomas Paine

Hobbies :

• Spending time with my wife and children
• Having morning walks in the beautiful state of Massachusetts
• Practice giving speeches and improving my writing skills
• Reading and learning, especially about politics 
• Having quiet time for myself and enjoying a nice, hot cup of tea