Autographs
William Williams Signer of the Declaration of Independence
WILLIAM WILLIAMS. Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut.
An original Autograph Document Signed, “Wm Williams”, no date, no place, 1 page, 7.25” x 6.25”, Very Fine. Handwritten by Williams, “Mr. Treas. Please to pay of Contents to Ez. Williams Esq Wm. Williams”. This is regarding school money. The other side of page is written and signed by Ez. Williams. Some ink drizzle along the right portion. Boldly written in deep rich brown.
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.