This week I want to return to the era of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I believe that the 56 men who signed this piece of parchment don’t get the credit they deserve. Many died penniless because they put their fortunes into the war effort. Several had their homes destroyed. Some were captured and harassed by the British. Some lost family members. Most understood the risk, and signed anyway. William Williams certainly understood what was at stake, and at one point we know that he thought the worst. More on that later.
Williams originally studied theology and was going to follow his father into ministry. However, following a stint in the military during the French and Indian War, he became interested in mercantile trade. So off he went putting his efforts into building a business. By all accounts he was successful, and because of that success, he formed a multitude of business relationships. This helped him greatly as he transitioned from a private businessman to a public servant…and not just any public servant…a public servant on steroids (not literal steroids though – I’m sure you’ll get the picture, keep reading). He served as a councilman for 25 years, town clerk for 44 years, church deacon for 60 years, and in a multitude of roles in the colonial legislature for 21 years. Can you say obsessive compulsive? I wonder what he did with the 5 minutes of free time he had? Clearly he believed in a life of service, and perhaps thought of the scriptural reference, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
As the war for independence trudged on, Williams showed that he would not only give of his time and talent, but also of his fortune. He gave a large sum of his money to raise, equip, and send troops from Connecticut to help fight the war. But as we know, the war against the British was often a dismal experience, and the consequences of signing his name was often on Williams’ mind. During one late night conversation, he and other members of a local committee were discussing the disappointing news from the war front. Williams said, “I have done much to prosecute the contest, and one thing I have done which the British will never pardon – I have signed the Declaration of Independence. I shall be hung.” One of the other men present stated that he would escape this consequence because he had not written or signed anything against the British. Williams angrily responded, “Then you, sir, deserved to be hanged for not having done your duty.” If there was any doubt on what Williams believed was the responsibility of every able-bodied man, that statement provides the answer. “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
Well, after the war one would have expected him to finally sit back in his La-Z-Boy recliner, open a good book, and take it easy. But one would be wrong. He continued in his position as a judge, something he had started the same year he signed the Declaration of Independence. He also spent time as a Connecticut state legislator. He helped frame the Articles of Confederation, the forerunner of the Constitution. Then as his hair started to grey, he became a member of the Connecticut governor’s council.
William Williams died in 1811. His tombstone includes these words, “a firm, steady, and ardent friend of his country, and in the darkest times risked his life and wealth in her defense.” Again, the thought comes to mind…“To whom much is given, much will be required.”
Leaders today would do well to learn from the life of William Williams and the other patriots who signed the document that made them targets of the British army. There was a collective purpose with these 56 men that would prove to be infinitely more important than what they could do by themselves. Just above the 56 signatures, these words close the Declaration of Independence…“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” (emphasis added)
To whom much is given, much will be required.
Faith, Leadership, and History 