WILLIAMS, William, Congress, CT (1731-1811)

WILLIAMS, William, a Delegate from Connecticut; born in Lebanon, Conn., March 29, 1731; completed preparatory studies; was graduated from Harvard College in 1751; studied theology for a year; engaged in mercantile pursuits; town clerk of Lebanon 1753-1796; member of a military expedition to Lake George in 1755; member of the State house of representatives 1757-1762, 1763-1776, and 1780-1784, serving as speaker in 1775 and 1781-1783; Member of the Continental Congress in 1776 and 1777; a signer of the Declaration of Independence; member of the council of safety during the Revolution; judge of the county court of Windham 1776-1804; judge of probate for the Windham district 1776-1808; became an assistant councilor in 1780 and served as assistant and as councilor for twenty-four years; member of the Connecticut ratification convention in 1787; died in Lebanon, Conn., August 2, 1811; interment in the Trumbull Tomb, East Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present