Gilman, Nicholas (1755-1814) Signer of the Constitution: Nicholas Gilman was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on August 3, 1755. He acquired scholarly tastes and methodical habits at a young age, and these inclinations were encouraged by the guidance of his father. When he was twenty-one years old, he joined the army, as adjutant in Colonel Scammell's regiment, and served with distinction until the end of the war. After working with Gen. George Washington, he was given the duty of taking account of the prisoners surrendered by Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. In 1780, Gen. Benedict Arnold offered Gilman a position on his staff, which Gilman declined. From 1786 to 1788, Gilman served in the Continental Congress, and was a delegate to the 1787 Convention in Philadelphia. After signing the Constitution, he promoted its ratification. Gilman was a popular man, considered graceful, elegant, action-oriented, kindly and generous. He was a member of the US House of Representatives, from 1789 until 1797; and was a US Senator from 1805 until his death on May 2, 1814, in Exeter, New Hampshire.
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