William Gray | |
|---|---|
 Portrait byGilbert Stuart | |
| 9th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts | |
| In office 1810–1812 | |
| Governor | Elbridge Gerry |
| Preceded by | David Cobb |
| Succeeded by | William Phillips, Jr. |
| Member of the Massachusetts State Senate for Suffolk County | |
| In office January 12, 1812 – March 1813 | |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Gorham |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for Essex County | |
| In office 1785–1785 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 27, 1750 (old style; July 8, 1750new style) |
| Died | November 4, 1825(1825-11-04) (aged 75) |
| Resting place | Mount Auburn Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Chipman |
| Profession | Merchant |
| Signature |  |
William Gray (June 27, 1750 (old style; July 8, 1750new style)– November 4, 1825) was aMassachusettsmerchant andpolitician. Born into a lower-class family inLynn, Massachusetts, he managed to build his own business and rise through the state's political ranks, becoming the richest man inNew England, and in the eyes of many the richest man in all of America. Prior to theWar of 1812, William Gray had the largest private fleet in the United States with 60 square-rigged vessels.[1]
Gray first served as a statesenator, before becoming the ninthlieutenant governor of Massachusetts, serving from 1810 to 1812. He married Elizabeth Chipman (May, 1756 - September 24, 1823) in 1782. Elizabeth was a pioneer inphilanthropy, volunteering a significant portion of her time to helping the poorest citizens of Boston.
In 1820, he was elected a member of theAmerican Antiquarian Society[2]
He owned Gray's Wharf in Charlestown.[3] In Boston "he lived onSummer Street, in the mansion previously occupied byGovernor Sullivan."[4] For a time,Nathaniel Prime served as his coachman.[5] He was also a part owner of theDedham Manufacturing Company and was president of the Boston branch of theBank of the United States from 1816 to 1820.[6]
_by_Gilbert_Stuart%2c_c._1800%2c_oil_on_canvas_-_Peabody_Essex_Museum_-_DSC06984.jpg)
Elizabeth and William had five sons and one daughter:
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts 1810–1812 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Massachusetts State Senator January 12, 1812–March 1813 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Member of theMassachusetts House of Representatives 1785–1785 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
