Plumer, David (1738-1810)
oil on canvas
by Gullager, Christian (1759-1826) in circa 1787
Creator was a notable painter in Boston. Did portraits as well as set design work for Federal Theatre, Boston’s first theatre.
Subject was among the most ardent supporters of John Murray. His name is found among the subscribers for pews in the first Universalist Church, built in 1780; among the signers of the Charter of Compact in 1785, and of an earlier article of association; among the signers of an agreement to be taxed for John Murray's salary in 1788; and among the incorporators of the Independent Christian Church in Gloucester in 1792. During the Revolutionary War, Plumer was suspected of being sympathetic to the British and was made to declare in public his loyalty to the revolutionary cause. His later support of the Reverend John Murray again caused Plumer to fall from public favor. Plumer was a merchant by trade, owning a store on Front Street, and half of a ropewalk. BK Hough, Sr. was placed with David Plumer as an apprentice when he first came to Gloucester. BK Hough first married David Plumer's daughter, Elizabeth, who died 5 years later.
One of the most ardent supporters of Murray, he wa among the subscribers for pews in the 1st Universaist Church, built in 1780. He continued to support these efforts and became an incorporator of the Church in 1792. Mechant by trade and at his death his estate was extensive. His daughter married B. K. Hough I.
Donated by Burnham, Margerita M. (Plumer) in 1926
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