John Taylor Gilman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Taylor Gilman
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| 5th Governor of New Hampshire | |
| In office June 3, 1813 – June 6, 1816 |
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| Preceded by | William Plumer |
| Succeeded by | William Plumer |
| In office June 5, 1794 – June 6, 1805 |
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| Preceded by | Josiah Bartlett |
| Succeeded by | John Langdon |
| Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives | |
| In office 1810-1811 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 19, 1753 Exeter, Province of New Hampshire, British America |
| Died | September 1, 1828 (aged 74) Exeter, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Signature |  |
John Taylor Gilman (born December 19, 1753 – died September 1, 1828) was an important leader from Exeter, New Hampshire. He worked as a farmer and also built ships. He was a statesman, which means he was a skilled leader in government.
Gilman represented New Hampshire in the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783. He also served as the fifth governor of New Hampshire. He was governor for a total of 14 years. His terms were from 1794 to 1805, and again from 1813 to 1816.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Taylor Gilman was born in Exeter. This was in the Province of New Hampshire in 1753. His parents were Ann (Taylor) and Nicholas Gilman. His brother, Nicholas Gilman, later signed the U.S. Constitution.
The Gilman family was one of the first to settle in Exeter. John lived in the historic Ladd-Gilman House. This house is now part of the American Independence Museum. John Gilman had a limited education. He started working in his family's businesses. They built ships and traded goods.
When he was 22, on July 16, 1776, he read the Dunlap Broadside aloud. This was an early printed copy of the Declaration of Independence. He read it to the people of Exeter. The American Independence Museum celebrates this brave act every year. They have a festival where someone reads the Declaration.
Public Service Career
John Taylor Gilman was a Minuteman in 1775. Minutemen were citizen soldiers ready to fight quickly. He also served as a selectman in his town in 1777 and 1778. A selectman is a local government official.
He was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He served in this role in 1779 and 1781. In October 1780, he was a delegate to a meeting of states in Hartford, Connecticut. From 1782 to 1783, he was a member of the Continental Congress. This was the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution.
Gilman also held other important positions. He was the New Hampshire Treasurer in 1791. He served as a moderator for many years. A moderator leads town meetings.
Governor of New Hampshire
Gilman became the Governor of New Hampshire in 1794. He served for 11 years until 1805. He tried to be re-elected in 1805 but did not win.
He returned to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1810 and 1811. He ran for governor again in 1812 but lost. However, he was elected governor once more in 1813. He served another term until 1816. After this term, he chose not to run for governor again.
Other Important Roles
Besides being governor, Gilman was a trustee of Dartmouth College. He served on their board from 1794 to 1805 and again from 1813 to 1816. He was also elected a trustee from 1817 to 1819.
He was the president of the board of trustees for Phillips Exeter Academy. This is a famous school in Exeter, New Hampshire. He held this position from 1795 to 1827. He also donated land to the academy. In 1814, he became a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This group studies and preserves American history.
Family and Legacy
John Taylor Gilman was married to Deborah (Folsom) Gilman. Her father was Major General Nathaniel Folsom of Exeter. John Taylor Gilman passed away in Exeter on September 1, 1828.
It is interesting to note that no place in New Hampshire is named directly after him. The town of Gilmanton was named for the entire Gilman family. Many members of his extended family settled there.
See also
- New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 161: Ladd-Gilman House
