Books and Manuscripts

Lebanon, March 25, 1771. One sheet, 12 x 7 1/2 in. (304 x 190 mm) Partially-printed document, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut, William Williams, as Justice of the Peace, authorizing a sale of land between Jacob Buell of Goshen, and Williams's own father, the Rev. Solomon Williams; additionally docketed by Williams on verso; counter-signed by Williams's brother Thomas, and brother-in-law Timothy Stone. Creasing from old folds; unevenly toned, rust stains from now removed paper clip in right edge. In mat and in frame, 18 3/4 x 14 1/4 in. (476 x 362 mm).

Williams was a staunch advocate of independence in the years prior to and during the American Revolution. He was active in the Sons of Liberty, served on the Connecticut Committee of Correspondence, and was elected to the Continental Congress in July of 1776. Although he arrived in Philadelphia too late to partake in the official vote for independence, he signed the engrossed copy of the Declaration for his state later that August.