Joseph Williams II
Brigadier General, Connecticut Militia

Joseph Williams II was born on 14 March 1753 in Norwich, CT, the son of Captain Joseph Williams and the former Eunice Wheeler.

A Norwich native and merchant, Joseph Williams began his career by selling necessities to Revolutionary War soldiers. By 1778 he had switched to privateering and the West Indies Trade as well as other maritime enterprises. Williams soon owned two warehouses, a shipyard and a fleet of over twenty vessels. He married Abigail Coit on 30 May 1778.

Williams subsequently became actively involved in government and military affairs. In 1783, he was appointed a Lieutenant of the Home Guards, and in 1796, he was appointed Brigadier-General of the Third Brigade, Connecticut Militia. He was a friend and correspondent of George Washington, Putnam, and Gov. Trumbul as well as a partner in the purchase of the site where Cleveland stands.

Eventually his vessels began to feel the ill effects of the French Revolution: Many were either lost at sea or seized by the French and Williams' wealth declined until his death.

Death and Burial

Brigadier General Joseph Williams II died on 23 October 1800. He is buried at Norwich City Cemetery in Norwich, CT.