Thomas Williams

Thomas Williams (died November 30, 1785), originally from Albany, New York, settled in Detroit, Michigan, in 1765. Williams was a merchant, landowner, and was active in civic and political affairs. Goods were transported to Detroit from Albany via canoe, which could take a number of months for a round-trip.

Williams petitioned for equitable opportunities to engage in trade at Fort Niagara and Detroit. In his role as justice of the peace, he was charged to uphold the law and punish those who were deemed to have broken the law. As notary, he executed legal documents for the settlement. He was also town crier and took the 1782 census. He married Cecile Campeau from the prominent Campau family that had settled in Michigan in 1700s. Their son, John R. Williams, was the first mayor of Detroit under the second charter.

Early life

Williams was born in Albany, New York, on November 30, 1785.