Williams, John R., 1782-1854

Williams was born in Detroit (Mich.) on May 4, 1782. In 1796 he served under Gen. Wilkinson in 1796 at Fort Marsac (Tenn.). In the War of 1812 he served as Captain of the artillery and was taken prisoner when Detroit fell. Later, Williams returned to Detroit, where he opened a general mercantile business. He was prominent in Michigan politics, serving as Delegate from the 1st District to the Constitutuional Convention of 1835; and as Delegate from Wayne Co. to the 2nd Convention of Assent, 1836. He was one of the first trustees of the University of Michigan in 1821. He prepared the first charter for Detroit, served as its first Mayor, and for six additional terms, 1824-1846. Williams was Senior Maj. Gen. of Michigan's State militia when he died on Oct. 20, 1854. (Information from Michigan Biographies v. 2, p.453.) John Winder (b. 1804) was U.S. receiver of public lands at Detroit (Mihc.), 1826-1828; bookkeeper of the American Fur Co., Mackinac Island (Mich.), 1828-1829; and clerk of the Michigan Territorial Supreme Court, 1829. (Information from Bentley finding aid.).

From the description of Correspondence, 1832. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 42787206

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