William Williams (Continental Congress)

William Williams
Born April 23, 1731
Lebanon, Connecticut
Died August 2, 1811 (aged 80)
Lebanon, Connecticut
Occupation politician
Known for signer of the United States of America Declaration of Independence
Signature

William Williams (April 23, 1731 – August 2, 1811) was a merchant, and a delegate for Connecticut to the Continental Congress in 1776, and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Williams was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, the son of a minister, Tim Solomon Williams, and Mary Porter. He studied theology and achieved law school from Harvard in 1751. He continued preparing for the ministry for a 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 called The Williams Inc.

On February 14th, 1771, and almost 40 he married Mary Trumbull, age 25. She was daughter of Jonathan Trumbull, Royal Governor, and an American politician who served as the second speaker at the United States House of Representatives. Mary Trumbull and William Williams had three children, Solomon, born 1772; Faith; 1774; and William Trumbull; 1777.

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.

The Reverend Charles A. Goodrich in his book, Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence (1834), stated that "[William Williams] made a profession of religion at an early age, and through the long course of his life, he was distinguished for a humble and consistent conduct and conversations. While yet almost a youth, he was elected to the office of deacon, an office which he retained during the remainder of his life. His latter days were chiefly devoted to reading, meditation, and prayer."

Williams was also pastor of the First Congregational Church in Lebanon, Connecticut and a successful merchant.

Williams' home in Lebanon survives and is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.[1][2]

References

  1. ↑ Charles W. Snell (June 18, 1971), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: William Williams House (1755–1811) (pdf), National Park Service. Accompanying 2 photos, exterior, from 1968 and 1971. PDF (856 KB)
  2. ↑ "William Williams House". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-10-03.

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