US Congressman. He graduated from Harvard College in 1765, studied law, and became an attorney in Bristol and Worcester Counties. Williams was New Bedford Town Clerk from 1792 to 1800. In 1798 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Federalist and served three terms, 1799 to 1805. He did not run for reelection in 1804 and returned to practicing law, also serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1806. His son Lemuel Williams, Jr. (1782-1869) was a successful attorney in Bristol and Worcester Counties, a member of the state legislature, and the US Collector of Customs for Massachusetts in the 1820s and 1830s. The younger Williams' selection for customs collector was the first presidential nomination ever disapproved by the US Senate, with the vote being 34 no to 11 yes. On reconsideration, the Senate confirmed him 26 to 20.
US Congressman. He graduated from Harvard College in 1765, studied law, and became an attorney in Bristol and Worcester Counties. Williams was New Bedford Town Clerk from 1792 to 1800. In 1798 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Federalist and served three terms, 1799 to 1805. He did not run for reelection in 1804 and returned to practicing law, also serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1806. His son Lemuel Williams, Jr. (1782-1869) was a successful attorney in Bristol and Worcester Counties, a member of the state legislature, and the US Collector of Customs for Massachusetts in the 1820s and 1830s. The younger Williams' selection for customs collector was the first presidential nomination ever disapproved by the US Senate, with the vote being 34 no to 11 yes. On reconsideration, the Senate confirmed him 26 to 20.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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