Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Gorham, Shubael

GORHAM, Shubael, soldier, b. in Barnstable, Mass., 2 Sept., 1686; d. at Louisburg, 20 Feb., 1746. He took an active and efficient part in obtaining the grants made by the legislature of Massachusetts to the officers and soldiers of King Philip's war. He was the chief promoter of the settlement of Gorhamtown, Me., and gave much time and money to this purpose. On 2 Feb., 1745, he was commissioned colonel of the 7th Massachusetts regiment in the Louisburg expedition, being also captain of the first company. He died in the service.—John, his eldest son, b. in Barnstable, Mass., 12 Dec, 1709; d. in London about 1752. He removed to Falmouth (now Portland), Me., in 1742, and for a time resided in Gorham, where he built the first mills in the town and owned much land. In 1744 he was at Annapolis, Nova Scotia, commanding a company of Indian rangers. This fort being threatened by the French and Indians in 1745, he was sent to Boston for succor, and while there was invited to raise a number of men to join the expedition against Louisburg. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel in his father's regiment, 20 Feb., 1745, and was also made captain of the second company. Upon the death of his father he became colonel, and, returning to Annapolis, was placed in command of the Boston troops sent to Minas with Col. Arthur Noble. In 1748 he commanded Gorham's independent company of rangers, stationed in Nova Scotia. He visited England in 1749, being sent by Gov. Shirley to explain the condition of military affairs in the colonies, and, it seems, also to prosecute his claims for recognition and recompense for expenses incurred in the Louisburg expedition.