Major general in the Continental Army. President of New Hampshire (1786-88; 1789-90).

Studied law in Portsmouth, was admitted to the bar and began to practice in Durham (1760). Major in the state’s militia (1772). Delegate to the Continental Congress (1774-75; 1780-81).

Appointed brigadier general (1775). Promoted to major general (1776). Served until he was forced to resign from the army due to poor health (1779).

Member of the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention (1782). Attorney general of New Hampshire (1782-86). Speaker of the state’s Assembly (1785, 1788). Chairman of the state ratification convention (1788). Judge of the United States District Court of New Hampshire (1789-95).

Born in Somersworth, New Hampshire.