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Higher Office(s) Served: Senator

DAVID L. MORRIL, the sixteenth governor of New Hampshire, was born in Epping, New Hampshire on June 10, 1772. His education was attained at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he earned a teaching certificate in 1791. He also studied theology with his grandfathers, as well as studying medicine with an uncle. Morril then established a successful medical practice in Epsom, New Hampshire. He also served nine years as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Morril first entered politics as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, a position he held from 1808 to 1817 and from which he also served as speaker in 1816. He was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1817 to 1823, and served as a member of the New Hampshire State Senate from 1823 to 1824. Morril next secured the Democratic-Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in the 1824 general election. He was reelected annually until 1826. During his tenure, road construction was advanced; and educational improvements were endorsed. After running unsuccessfully for reelection in 1827, Morril retired from political life. He later became the editor of the New Hampshire Observer. Governor David L. Morril passed away on January 28, 1849, and was buried in the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire.

Sources:

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.