Marinus Willett

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Marinus Willett (July 31, 1740 – August 22, 1830) was an American soldier and political leader from New York City. Marinus was born in Jamaica, New York on Long Island, the great-grandson of Thomas Willett who had immigrated to New York and also served as mayor of the city.

Marinus Willett fought with the militia during the French and Indian War. His role in this war receives brief mention in the Newbury Award winning children's book The Matchlock Gun. He was a lieutenant in General James Abercrombie's expedition to Fort Ticonderoga in 1758. A leader of the Sons of Liberty in New York City, he became captain in General Richard Montgomery's force, then as Lieutenant Colonel of the 3rd New York Regiment. When the Revolutionary War started, he entered the Continental Army, and Captain Willett accompanied Richard Montgomery in the attempt to capture Canada. He was a member of General Washington's army in New Jersey (1778) and General John Sullivan's in (1779). Elected to the State Assembly for the terms 1780-1784, and as sheriff of New York for 1784-1792. He was appointed as brigadier-general, but declined. He then became Mayor of New York for the period 1807-1808 after De Witt Clinton was removed from office. Willett later became Lieutenant-governor.

In 1790 he was sent by President Washington to the Creek Indians to persuaded their leader Alexander McGillivray to continue treaty efforts. Willett was successful and a delegation of Creeks under McGillvray visited New York City, then capital of the United States, resulting in the Treaty of New York.

A street in Albany, New York bordering Washington Park is named for Willett. A memorial plaque commemorating Willett was fixed to a boulder in 1907 in the park. The boulder and its plaque was moved from the interior of the park to the corner of State and Willett Streets in 2006 to give the memorial a more prominent place in anticipation of the park's 200th anniversary.