GOOCH, Sir William, bart., governor of Virginia, born in Yarmouth, England, 21 October, 1681; died in London, 17 December 1751. He served with distinction under Marlborough in the low countries, and rendered important services in the rebellion of 1715. In 1727 he succeeded Sir Hugh Drysdale as governor of Virginia, in which office he continued until 1747. In 1740 Governor Gooch joined Admiral Vernon in his expedition against Cartagena, New Grenada (See ESLABA, SEBASTIAN), was severely wounded, and contracted the fever from which many of the English squadron died. He returned to Virginia, and in 1746 was appointed brigadier-general in the army raised to invade Canada, but declined to serve. The same year he was created a baronet and appointed major general. In 1749, after twenty years' service as governor of Virginia,, he returned to England "amid the blessings and tears of his people, among whom he had lived as a wise and beneficent father." In April, 1745, Governor Gooch made an address opposing all religious organizations except the established Church, and proposing punishments for other bodies that should convene in public for religious purposes.