(1755-1814)
Nicholas Gilman was born into a large and distinguished New Hampshire family.
He served in the Continental Army, returning home after the war to work in his father’s store and take part in state politics.
Gilman served in the Continental Congress, but had a poor attendance record.
He arrived late at the Philadelphia Convention and made no speeches, but served on the Committee on Postponed Matters.
Gilman was important in getting New Hampshire to ratify the Constitution.
He served in the House of Representatives as a Federalist and later won election to the Senate as a Democratic-Republican.
