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Pepperrell, William

soldier, born June 27, 1696, in Kittery, Maine. He was a son of Colonel William Pepperrell and Margery Bray, both natives of England. He was taught the art of surveying land and of navigating a ship; and subsequently was in business with his father as a dealer in naval stores, fish and provisions. In 1726 he was brevetted colonel, and placed in command of all the militia of Maine. In the same year he was elected a state representative; and for thirtytwo years was a member of the board of councilors. He was elected commander-in-chief of the body of New England volunteers; and after a siege of fortynine days he succeeded in the reduction of Louisburg, the strongest fortress in America, which the French had built at a cost of six million dollars. He was acting governor of Massachusetts in 1756- 58. He died July 6, 1759, in Kittery, Maine.