William Williams (signer)

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William Williams (April 28, 1731– August 2, 1811) was an American merchant and political leader from Lebanon, Connecticut. He was a delegate for Connecticut to the Continental Congress in 1776, where he signed the Declaration of Independence.

William was born in Lebanon, Connecticut the son of a minister,Tim Solomon Williams, and Mary Porter. He studied theology and graduated from Harvard in 1751. He continued preparation for the ministry for a 71 year, but then joined the militia to fight in the French and Indian War. After the war, he opened a store in Lebanon, which he kept for many years. Wiliams was married in 1771 to Mary Trumbull, the daughter of Governor Jonathan Trumbull. They would remain together until his death and had three children.

Williams was elected to the Continental Congress to replace Oliver Wolcott. Though he arrived at Congress too late to vote for the Declaration of Independence, he did sign the formal copy as a representative of Connecticut.

[edit] External links

• Appleton's Biography edited by Stanley L. Klos
• William's Congressional biography
• Biography by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, 1856