Meshech Weare

Meshech Weare (born June 16, 1713 in Hampton Falls , Rockingham County , New Hampshire Colony , † January 14, 1786 ibid) was an American politician and from 1776 to 1785 the first President of New Hampshire. He practically exercised the office of governor , which was only introduced in the state a few years later.

Early years and political advancement

Meshech Weare grew up as a British citizen in what was then the colony of New Hampshire. He studied at Harvard University until 1735 and originally planned to become a clergyman. He gave up this plan after his marriage. After later studying law, he began to work as a lawyer.

Wore's political rise began in 1739. That year he was hired by the city of Hampton Falls as a "Town Moderator". In the following years he became a member of the colonial House of Representatives. He was its president ( speaker ) three times and secretary (clerk) for eight years . In 1754 he was a delegate to the Albany Congress . Weare supported the American independence movement. He was instrumental in drafting the first, still provisional state constitution of New Hampshire. This came into force in January 1776, more than six months before the United States declared independence . New Hampshire was the first colony to break away from England. This constitution was valid until 1784 and did not yet provide for an express separation of powers. The executive branch was merged with the legislature and was led by a so-called Committee of Safety , of which Weare became chairman.

President of New Hampshire

Meshech Weare held the title of President of New Hampshire as chairman of the safety committee. At the same time he was the chief judge of the new state from 1776 to 1782. He held these offices throughout the American Revolutionary War . In 1782 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences . After a new state constitution came into force in 1784, he was elected the first official governor of this state for one year, who still carried the title of "President". It was not until Josiah Bartlett , who was head of government of New Hampshire between 1790 and 1794, that the title "President" was abolished and replaced by "Governor". Taken together, Meshech Weare directed the politics of New Hampshire between June 15, 1776 and June 1, 1785. He was later often referred to as "the father of his state".

After the end of his tenure, he retired to Hampton Falls, where he died in January 1786. Meshech Weare was married twice.

Web links

• Weare in the National Governors Association (English)
• Online biography (English)