Military officer; born in
Kittery, Me., June 27, 1696.
His father, a Welshman, came to
New England as apprentice to a fisherman, where he married.
The son became a merchant, amassed a large fortune, and became an influential man. Fitted by temperament for military life, he was frequently engaged against the Indians, and attained much distinction.
About 1727 he was appointed one of his Majesty's council for the province of
Massachusetts, and held the office, by re-election, thirty-two consecutive years.
Appointed chiefjustice of common pleas in 1730, he be-
[
138]
came eminent as a jurist.
In 1745 he commanded the successful expedition against
Louisburg, and was knighted.
On visiting
England in 1749, he was commissioned colonel in the
British army;
became major-general in 1755; and lieutenant-general in 1759.
From 1756 to 1758 Sir William was acting governor of
Massachusetts before the arrival of
Pownall.
He died in
Kittery, Me., July 6, 1759.