Thomas Wheeler WILLIAMS, Congress, CT (1789-1874)

WILLIAMS, Thomas Wheeler, a Representative from Connecticut; born in Stonington, Conn., September 28, 1789; attended the public schools; at the age of fifteen was employed as a clerk in New York City, and before he was twenty-one was employed on a business mission to Norway, Sweden, and Russia; for about eight years was engaged in the shipping business; moved to New London, Conn., in 1818 and became a prominent figure in the whaling business; elected as a Whig to the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1839-March 3, 1843); chairman, Committee on Mileage (Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses); member of the State house of representatives in 1846 and 1847; president of the New London, Willamantic and Palmer Railroad (later the New London Northern Railroad) in 1847 and for many years thereafter; died in New London, Conn., December 31, 1874; interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present