Shirley, William

(1693-1771). Born in Preston, England. Called to the English bar; removed to Boston, where he practised his profe ion. Governor of Ma achusetts, 1741-1745; planned the succe ful expedition against Louis bourg. Resided in England, 1745-1753. One of the commi ioners at Paris to settle the boundaries of Nova Scotia, 1750. Again appointed governor of Ma achusetts, 1753; commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America. Lieutenant-general, 1759; afterwards governor of the Bahama Islands. Returned to Ma achusetts, 1770, and resided at Roxbury until his death. Bib. : Cyc. Am. Biog. ; Campbell, History of Nova Scotia ; Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe .