While at Harvard, he gained the attention of notable scientist and professor John Winhrop, whom Williams accompanied shortly before his graduation to observe the 1761 transit of Venus.

In 1780 he dedicated himself full time to scientific pursuits, trading his pastorate in Bradford for a post as Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Harvard.

His teaching was commemorated by the likes of John Quincy Adams, a pupil of his, and his papers were published by the APS and American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

[3] Like many of his contemporaries, his writing and lectures spanned various fields and topics, ranging from astronomy, heat, electricity, air, magnetism, earthquakes, eclipses, and weather phenomenon.

Despite such high honors, Williams’ career came crashing down when he was accused of mishandling funds, spending too much money on his wife, and worst of all, forgery.