Born in Byfield in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, he attended Governor Dummer Academy and graduated from Harvard College in 1772.

He tended the wounded patriots following the Battle of Bunker Hill then for the next year served as Surgeon's Mate alongside Massachusetts troops.

Upon retiring from Congress, he continued to pursue literary, historical, and scientific studies and died in Exeter in 1816; interment was at the Winter Street Burial Ground.

Tabitha's father Samuel Gilman died in 1778 and it is believed she stayed at home helping to raise her six younger siblings.

In 1801, while living with Samuel in Washington D.C., Tabitha wrote and published her most recognized work, Female Quixotism: Exhibited in the Romantic Opinions and Extravagant Adventure of Dorcasina Sheldon.