Nicholas Gilman

Nicholas Gilman was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention and was from New Hampshire. Nicholas Gilamn was born in Exeter, New Hampshire on August 3,1755. Gilman was the second son in a family of eight. His brother, John Taylor Gilman, served as New Hampsire's governor for 14 years. Nicholas recieved his education in local schools.

Gilman worked at his father's general store. When the War for Independence began, he enlisted in the New Hammpshire element of the Continental Army, soon won a captaincy, and served throughout the war. Nicholas was an officer in the Continental Army. He served on George Washington's staff through the dark days of Valley Forge to the victory of Yorktown. Mr.Gilman also, served on the Committee on Postponed Matters.

Gilman arrived too late to participate in the debate over representations of states but, was present for the signing of the Constitution. He was never much of a debater, he made no speeches and played only a minor part in the deliberations. On his way home from Washington after the 1814 Senate recess, Nicholas Gillan died. Nicholas Gilman's switched from the Federalists to the Republican- Democrat's wing. He for instance referred to the supreme law of the land as the best that could meet the needs of the states whether delivered through agreement or compromise, imperfections not with standing. This makes Gilman a soldier- statesman with accomplishments that have helped shape United States as a democratic and flexible nation. Mr. Gilman was also a U.S Representative in the First U.S Federal Congress (1789-1791). In the years 1805-1808 and 1811-1814 he held the office of the state treasurer. In 1804 as a Democratic-Republican Nicholas, won the election to the U.S Senate. Sadly, he was still serving when he passed away.