William Gray (Massachusetts politician)

For other people with the same name, see William Gray.

William Gray
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, 1750 new style) Lynn, Massachusetts
Died	November 4, 1825(1825-11-04) (aged 75) Boston, Massachusetts
Resting place	Mount Auburn Cemetery
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Spouse	Elizabeth Chipman
Profession	Merchant
Signature

William Gray (June 27, 1750 (old style; July 8, 1750 new style)– November 4, 1825) was a Massachusetts merchant and politician. Born into a lower-class family in Lynn, Massachusetts, he managed to build his own business and rise through the state's political ranks, becoming the richest man in New England, and in the eyes of many the richest man in all of America. Prior to the War of 1812, William Gray had the largest private fleet in the United States with 60 square-rigged vessels.

Gray first served as a state senator, before becoming the ninth Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, serving from 1810 to 1812. He married Elizabeth Chipman (May, 1756 - September 24, 1823) in 1782. Elizabeth was a pioneer in philanthropy, volunteering a significant portion of her time to helping the poorest citizens of Boston.

In 1820, he was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society

He owned Gray's Wharf in Charlestown. In Boston "he lived on Summer Street, in the mansion previously occupied by Governor Sullivan."

Elizabeth Chipman Gray

Elizabeth and William's son, Francis Calley Gray, was also a politician.

Further reading

• Gray, Edward.: William Gray, of Salem, merchant: a biographical sketch (.1914)