New Hampshire
Gov. Meshech Weare
- June 15, 1776 - June 1, 1785
- June 16, 1713
- January 14, 1786
- New Hampshire
- Harvard University
- Married twice--Elizabeth Shaw, Mehitable Wainwright
- Resigned
About
MESHECH WEARE, the first governor (then called president) of New Hampshire, was born in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire on June 16, 1713. His education was attained at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1735. He studied law, and then established his legal career. Weare first entered politics as town moderator, a position he was elected to in 1739. He served as a member of the State House of Representatives, as well as serving three times as speaker and eight years as clerk. He also served as a delegate to the 1754 Albany Congress. After independence from England was declared, Weare served as the first president of New Hampshire. He was reelected to a one-year term in 1784. Weare also held dual roles as chief justice of the Superior Court, serving from 1776 to 1782; and was the presiding officer of the Governor’s Council from 1776 to 1784. Because of his outstanding leadership, he was often referred to as “the father of his state.” After completing his final term on June 1, 1785, Weare retired from public service. Governor Meshech Weare passed away in Hampton Falls on January 14. 1786.
Source
Shipton, Clifford K. Sibley's Harvard Graduates. Vol. IX. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1956.
