Williams, Thomas

title
Dr.
first name
Thomas
last name
Williams
gender
male
birth, death year
1718, 1775
role
enslaver
race
white
location(s)
Deerfield, MA  

Bio

Thomas lived in Deerfield, Massachusetts. He was a military surgeon during King George's War (1744-1748) and the French and Indian War (1754-1763). He served as Deerfield's doctor, was active in town affairs, and held positions as a judge and justice. He was the father of 11 children who lived to adulthood.

Account book entries show that Williams had shoes made and mended for a "boy" and a "girl". It is unknown whether the boy was enslaved, indentured, or whether he was Williams' son.The girl is mentioned in a 1757 letter as "our poor Negro Girl." She was seriously ill and Dr. Williams described her symptoms and treatments. On numerous occasions he treated Deerfield's free and enslaved African Americans. He also rented Titus, who was enslaved by Daniel Arms, and he purchased cider and firewood from Abijah Prince, a free African American.

Enslaved persons:

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