On April 18, 1731, William Williams was born into a family of Congregationalist ministers. Both his father, Solomon Williams, and his grandfather, William Williams, graduated from Harvard College and led churches in Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. And young Williams planned on also serving people’s hearts. He studied theology under the guiding hand of his father after he completed his studies at Harvard College. 

William Williams’ plans were disrupted, however, by the French and Indian War. He joined his uncle, Col. Ephraim Williams, and fought against the French and its allies. Tragically, Col. Williams was killed in battle when his regiment was ambushed at the Battle of Lake George. He was shot in the head. His regiment hid his body to prevent it from being desecrated. They retrieved it later.  

Mr. Williams’ interaction with English from the home country shifted his view about them. He found the British officers to be condescending, believing colonists to be inferior. He chose to become a merchant instead of following his original plan to the ministry. The monies he earned from his business he used to support causes that advocated for the constitutional rights of the colonists, which were being ignored by the crown. He also made the argument for freedom in the press. 

His leadership in the community extended to holding positions in public service. At 25 years of age, he was elected town clerk. He was a selectman (town official) in Lebanon from 1760-85. In general, he served at the local, provincial, and state levels. Of note, he became speaker of the lower house of Connecticut’s General Assembly. It was this body that selected him to be a delegate to the Second Continental Congress to replace Oliver Wolcott who had become seriously ill. He did not arrive in Philadelphia until after the debate about Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence and its vote. The journey to the city was “the most sultry and fatiguing journey I ever performed, by much.” He was present for the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

The cost of fighting for freedom and the sentiment accompanying it was quickly realized when Long Island fell to the British in August. In a letter to Jonathan Trumbull, Mr. Williams’ brother-in-law, he wrote, “Our Affairs are truly in a critical Situation, but far I hope from desperate. My trust & hope is in a merciful & just God, who with one Volition of his Will can change their appearance. No Means for our defense & Safety must be omitted &; may God grant Our Officers & soldiers, great Wisdom, Understanding, Courage & Resolution.”  

Even though, William Williams decided not to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a minister, his belief in the “aid and guidance from the Deity” was on his mind throughout the conflict. In another letter to his brother-in-law, he wrote, “we must be strong in the Day of our approaching Conflict, & may the Lord of Hosts be on our Side & vindicate our righteous Cause [against] our most unjust & more than Savage Foes.”

After the war ended, William Williams played a role in ratifying the Constitution of the United States for the state of Connecticut. In his later years, he served as a county judge. In 1810, Solomon, his eldest son, died. The tragedy and the grief clung to him for the rest of his life. The event affected his health permanently. As he was approaching his last day on earth, he lost the ability to speak. It was believed he would never speak again, but the imprint of his deceased son is revealed in Mr. Williams calling out for his Solomon to attend to him as he was dying. He died the same day of this occurrence, August 2, 1811. 

William Williams lived to be 80 years of age.