Thomas Williams (pioneer)

Thomas Williams (died November 30, 1785), originally from Albany, New York, settled in Detroit, Michigan, in 1765.

Goods were transported to Detroit from Albany via canoe, which could take a number of months for a round-trip.

He petitioned for equitable opportunities to engage in trade at Fort Niagara and Detroit.

He married Cecile Campeau from a prominent family of French heritage who had come to Michigan about 1710.

[2][a] Williams was a trader and licensed merchant,[6] who brought goods to Detroit from Albany via canoe.

[6] Williams signed a number of petitions against British regulation to sell goods at posts.

[7] Civil unrest continued, particularly regarding the restriction of trading to the posts by the British and a monopoly that William Rutherford held at Fort Niagara.

Richard B. Lernhout, the military commandant, appointed Thomas justice of the peace and notary[12] and/or judge in Detroit under British rule.

Clarence M. Burton attributes the growth to people moving to the area to avoid the war.

Their marriage certificate stated that the couple's relationship would be "conformable by the rule of the Church of England.

[11] Williams lived on Woodbridge Street in the 9th Ward in Detroit[21] and owned a lot of land in the area.

Although these were significant holdings for the time, there was a large loss of his property, perhaps due to his wife's lavish lifestyle or the carelessness of Casety, his partner.

[8] In July 1790,[8] Cecile married Jaques Leson[20] (also spelled Loson[4] and Lauson[8]) and they lived in what is now St. Clair County, Michigan.