James Williams

by

The one-time Albany area resident known as James Williams was born prior to 1740. His name has been encountered in a number of variations in the community-based record. We have yet to connect him to the Albany-based Williams family. Thus, we seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany.

In November 1759, James Williams was married to one Elizabeth Crofton at St. Peter's Anglican church. Over the next two years, two sons were christened there. Perhaps he was the "James Williamson" who was listed among the members in 1771.

In May 1760, the name of James Williams appeared on the muster roll raised for Captain John Van Vechten's company in Albany County. That individual was listed as 39 years old, a native of Ireland, and had been recruited out of "Staats" company. That document also identified him as a "bellismaker" and that he was 5'6", of "dark" complexion, with blue eyes and black hair. Thus, that individual probably would have been born during the 1720s.

In May 1767, the name "James Williams" appeared on the roster of an Albany Militia company. At that time, he was identified as one of four sergeants in the company captained by Abraham C. Cuyler.

During the 1760s, the first ward property of a "James Willimson" was valued modestly on the city assessment.

In 1793, the name of James Williams was listed among the creditors of the estate of William Charles.

After that, the name of "this" James Williams has not been found in an Albany context. Without defining demographic information, we move on for now without making perhaps tenuous connections to same or similarly named (including Williamson) contemporaries at-risk in the region.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of this James Williams has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 4/30/15; 8/17/15