When asked, very few people can name the three men who represented New Hampshire at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, i.e.:
– William Whipple.
– Matthew Thornton.
– Josiah Bartlett.
Even fewer people can name those New Hampshirites who signed the Constitution of the United States. (Now after reading this article, at least YOU should be able to). The two men were:
– Nicholas Gilman.
– John Langdon.
On September 17, 1787, the Constitutional Convention came to a close in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Seventy (70) individuals attended the meetings. Fifty-five (55) men attended most of the meetings, and ultimately only thirty-nine (39) delegates actually SIGNED the Constitution. Because New Hampshire did not provide funds, its two delegates, John Langdon and Nicholas Gilman, did not arrive at the Convention until July 23, 1787, and had to pay their own way.
– Nicholas Gilman. (1755-1814)— Nicholas Gilman, son of Nicholas & Ann (Taylor) Gilman was born 3 August 1755 at Exeter NH and died 2 May 1814 at Philadelphia PA. A merchant and lawyer, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives (1789-1797), and was a United States Senator (1805-1814). He never married. He is buried at Exeter Cemetery, in Exeter NH (NOT Winter Street, see burial correction comment).
– John Langdon (1741-1819)— son of John & Mary (Hall) Langdon was born 26 June 1741 in Portsmouth, Rockingham Co NH and died 18 September 1819 in Portsmouth NH. He was a farmer and local politician who served as a United States Senator for twelve years (1789-1801), and served as governor of New Hampshire from 1805-1812 (with the exception of the year 1809). He is buried in the Langdon Tomb, in the North Cemetery, Portsmouth NH. John Langdon’s house in Portsmouth NH still stands, and is open for visitors.
Janice
*Additional Reading*
–The Gilman Family of Exeter NH–
–Governor John Langdon–
– Gov. John Langdon Tomb, Old North Cemetery, Portsmouth NH
–U.S. Constitution Primer–
–United States Constitution–
–American Indians & The United States Constitution–
–The Influence of the Great Law of Peace–
–Wikipedia: The Constitution–
