Lemuel Williams Jr.

Lemuel Williams (June 5, 1782 – November 16, 1869) was an American lawyer and politician who served in the Massachusetts General Court and was a Collector for the United States Customs District of New Bedford and the Port of Boston.

Early life Williams was born on June 5, 1782, in New Bedford, Massachusetts (then part of Dartmouth, Massachusetts) to Lemuel Williams Sr. and Rebecca (Otis) Williams. He graduated from Brown University in 1804 and studied law at the Litchfield Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1808. After 30 years in New Bedford, Williams moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, however, he stayed for only two years. In 1840 he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and opened a law office in Boston. In 1848 he moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. He retired in 1852. In 1827, Williams served in the Massachusetts Senate.

Williams was a longtime friend and supporter of John C. Calhoun. Once Andrew Jackson's victory in the 1828 United States presidential election became certain, Williams publicly claimed Calhoun's friendship and joined the Jacksonians. During the campaign for the appointment, Williams and Freeman came to blows on the street. Williams served as collector for 8 years. The New Bedford Customhouse was constructed during Williams's time in office.

From 1844 to 1845, Williams served as collector of customs at the port of Boston.

In 1850, Williams condemned Daniel Webster's "Seventh of March" speech and defended slavery on biblical grounds.

Later life After retiring, Williams remained in Worcester, where he died on November 16, 1869.