Williams family members served in a number of civic positions. Dr. Thomas Williams, for example, held a number of offices including Justice of the Peace; William Williams, town clerk; and Solomon Williams, Collector of the Direct Tax. Series V contains a variety of legal items including court actions and governmental body papers.
The official appointment of Thomas Williams to the position of Justice of the Peace may be found in Box 2, Folder 1. Among the items of interest in Box 2, Folder 2, is the testimony of William Symmes regarding the drunkenness of Col. Ebenezer Hinsdale (July, 1750). A series of court judgments settling the debts of one William Barnard, "absent and absconding debtor," who owed money to Esther Williams and John Williams, among others (1791) and a draft (1810) of a business partnership involving Henry Williams are also included. Most of the deeds contained in Box 2, Folder 3, were signed by Thomas Williams in his official capacity. Solomon Williams' tax collection instructions and reports may be found in Box 2, Folder 4. Solomon (1764-1836) was the son of Thomas.
Box 2, Folder 5 contains several local government documents, one of which is a copy of a resolution passed by the Provisional Congress of Watertown on May 8, 1775, concerning disarmament of those who remain loyal to Britain and are considered "Enemies to the Rights of Mankind and the Interest of America."
Materials in this series are arranged chronologically and most are in fair to good condition.
