Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

145 Fort Rd, Schoharie, NY 12157, USA

Lat/Long

42.67731833405, -74.301574237566

Grant Recipient

Schoharie County Historical Society

David Williams (1754–1831) was a volunteer militiaman whose service in the American Revolutionary War spanned nearly the entire conflict. He first served under General Montgomery in 1775 at age 21 and re-enlisted multiple times in the New York militia between 1776 and 1779. In December 1779, he began serving under Captain Daniel Williams in Westchester.

Williams is best known for his role in the September 1780 capture of Major John André, the head of British intelligence who was then negotiating with Benedict Arnold. Williams, along with fellow militiamen John Paulding and Isaac Van Wart, intercepted André as he attempted to reach British-controlled territory in civilian clothing. In a formal statement regarding the event, Congress commended the three men, stating:

Whereas Congress having received information, that John Paulding, David Williams, & Iasaac Van Wert three young Volunteer Militia Men of the State of New-York did on the 23d. day of Septemr last intercept Major John Andre, Adjutant Genl. of the British Army, on his return from the American Lines in the Character of a Spy; and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their Country for the sake of Gold, secured and conveyed him to the Commanding Officer of the district, whereby the Dangerous and Traiterous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the Enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger.” (“Marquis de Lafayette to Benjamin Franklin, 19 November 1780,” Founders Online).

For their refusal to accept André’s bribes, the three captors were granted a $200 annual lifetime pension, a farm in New York State, and a silver “Fidelity” medal inscribed with the motto “Vincit amor patriae” (Latin for “Love of country wins”). On October 11, 1780, Alexander Hamilton wrote of the captors’ integrity:

“He tempted them with the offer of his watch, his horse and any sum of money they should name. They rejected his offers with indignation; and the gold, that could seduce a man high in the esteem and confidence of his country, who had the remembrance of past exploits; the motives of present reputation and future glory to ⟨cloak⟩ his integrity, ⟨had no charm for three simple peasants, leaning⟩ only on their virtue and an honest sense of their duty.” (“Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [11 October 1780],” Founders Online).

Following his discharge, Williams married his wife, Nancy, in 1782 and settled in Broome, Schoharie County, where they raised their son. He remained there until his death in August 1831. He was originally interred at a small cemetery in Livingstonville, NY. However, Williams’ remains were moved during the 1876 Revolutionary centennial. They were first relocated to Rensselaerville in Albany County in March 1876. After descendants protested the move, he was again reinterred in July 1876 at the Old Stone Fort, back in Schoharie County.

In May 1876, the New York State Governor signed a bill authorizing funding for a stone monument in Williams’ honor to commemorate both the capture of André and his final resting place.