Rev. Elisha Williams Writings and Biography

Williams, Rev. Elisha; 1694-1755; educator, clergyman, soldier, statesman; in 1717 and for 5 sessions member of Conn. legislature; ordained a clergyman 1722 and served Wethersfield church until 1726; then made Rector of Yale College, served for 13 years; member of Conn. legislature 1740-1749; in 1744 wrote "A Seasonable Plea for the Liberty of Conscience and the Right of Private Judgment in Matters of Religion Without any Controul from Human Authority;" also a Colonel of Militia; a delegate to the Albany Congress, 1754.

Biographical data courtesy of The American Ideal of 1776: 12 Basic American Principles.