Williams, William
William Williams was born in Lebanon, Windham County, Connecticut, on April 8, 1731. He was the son of Rev. Solomon Williams, whose paternal ancestor came from Wales in 1630. Solomon was pastor of the Congregational church in Lebanon for fifty-six years. He was a man of consistent and uniform piety, of liberal and expansive views, and believed religion to be the foundation of rational liberty.After completing his preparatory studies, William entered Harvard College and graduated in 1751. He sustained a high reputation for correct deportment, untiring industry, and academic lore. His father then directed his theological course preparatory for the sacred desk. But his talents were too diversified for a clerical life. He had a taste for classics, architecture, mechanics, mathematics, and general science.
In 1755, Williams accepted a commission in the staff of Colonel Ephraim Williams, a relative of his and founder of Williams College at Williamstown, Massachusetts.
The French war cost the Americans much blood and treasure. It was a matter of allegiance, not of interest. The Colonies won the Canadas for Great Britain. The pilgrim fathers were long treated and used as vassals of the English crown. Blended with the unparalleled cruelties of the hired minions of the mother country was damning ingratitude, the concentrated essential oil of Pandora that drives back the rushing blood upon the aching heart.
During the campaign, Mr. Williams became disgusted with the hauteur of the British officers towards native Americans, who were by far the most efficient troops against the Indians and French, whose mode of warfare they better understood. Released from the army, he resolved never again to submit to such indignities. He returned home and commenced the mercantile business. Soon after, he was elected town clerk, a member of the assembly, and appointed a justice of the peace. These were unsought favors, purely a tribute to merit. For a long time, he was either speaker or clerk of the House of Representatives, serving nearly one hundred sessions. For fifty years, he faithfully served in a public capacity.
Williams was an active member of the Council of Safety and, on the second Thursday of October 1775, was appointed a delegate to the Continental Congress. He entered zealously into the deliberations of that revered body and made himself truly useful. He was ever ready to go as far as anyone to obtain the liberation of his suffering country from the serpentine coils of tyranny. He was in favor of bold and vigorous measures and advocated the Declaration of Rights from its incipient conception to its final adoption. He was incredibly instrumental in dispelling the doubts of many whose motives and desires were as pure but whose moral courage was less than his. He was well-versed in the different forms of government, international law, and the routine of legislation. When he spoke in public, he was listened to with profound attention. He was a member of Congress from 1776 to 1777.
During the winter of 1781, Williams gave up his house to accommodate the officers of the legion of Col. Laurens. He did all in his power to render officers and soldiers comfortable. His industry was equal to his patriotism, seldom retiring until after twelve and up again by dawn.
Mr. Williams was a member of his state's convention when the Federal Constitution was adopted and gave it his hearty sanction. He died on August 2, 1811.