Constitution Signer

Nathaniel Gorham

1.     Early Life

a.     State of residence: Massachusetts

b.     Offices held: President, Continental Congress - 1786

Colonial Legislature 1771-1775, State Upper House of Massachusetts 1780, Provincial Congress 1774-1775, Commonwealth Board of War 1778-1781, Massachusetts Constitutional Convention 1779-1780, Lower House of Massachusetts 1781-1787 and Speaker 1781-1785, Judge of Middlesex County court of common please 1785-1796, Confederation Congress 1782-1783 & 1785-1787, President of Confederation Congress June 1786-January 1787

c.   Occupation: Merchant and Speculator, Public Security and Interests, and Real Estate

Date of Birth: May 27, 1738

Date of Death: June 11, 1796

Role in the Revolutionary War – no official role. During the war, British troops ravaged much of Gorham's property, though by privateering and speculation he managed to recoup most of his fortune.

2.     Participation in the Constitutional Convention – Contributions to the final document and final vote.

A moderate nationalist, he attended all the sessions and played an influential role. He spoke often, acted as chairman of the Committee of the Whole, and sat on the Committee of Detail. As a delegate to the Massachusetts ratifying convention, he stood behind the Constitution.

3.     Federal Government and Congress – he did not serve in the new government.

4.     Death and Legacy

Gorham died in 1796 at the age of 58 and is buried at the Phipps Street Cemetery in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Notes: Could not find anything noteworthy on his legacy.