Elisha Williams lived in the Hawthorne House from 1800 to 1815. The following are some excerpts and links to more information regarding Elisha Williams

WILLIAMS, Elisha, lawyer, born in Pomfret, Connecticut, 29 August, 1773; died in New York city, 29 June, 1833. He studied law with Judge Tapping Reeve in Litchfield, Connecticut, and with Chief-Justice Spencer, of Hudson, New York, was admitted to the bar in June, 1793, and began practice at Spencertown, New York, but removed to Hudson in 1800. In 1815 he founded the town of Waterloo, New York, which he named immediately after the battle of Waterloo, and in 1830, leaving the bar on account of feeble health, he removed there with his family. The expense of building the court-house in that town was borne chiefly by him. He exerted great political influence in Columbia county, New York, in the Federal party, was frequently elected to the assembly, and was an active member of the New York constitutional convention of 1821. Mr. Williams won a reputation" which, during his lifetime, placed him at the head of American orators and high among the nisi prius lawyers of the country. His power over a jury was astonishing, and his delivery was remarkable for force and elegance. In this respect he ranked, in his day, as the equal, if not the superior of Rufus Choate. In appearance Mr. Williams's form was erect, his shoulders were square, and he was more than six feet in height. His eyes were dark and sparkling and his forehead high and straight, his manners were courteous and bland

Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM

Useful Links for more information on Elisha Williams:

Rootsweb