Captain of a ship or sloop for over 50 years.

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Zephaniah Walter Pease History of New Bedford

Abiathar Williams, son of George, Jr., and Bathsheba (King) Williams, was born in Raynham, January 8, 1773. He married Anna Dean, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Strobridge) Dean, and they had eleven children, as follows: Anna, born September i, 1806; Bathsheba, September 11, 1808; Harriet Dean, November 17, 1810; Frances Amelia, January 30, 1813; Abiathar K., March 11, 1815 ; Helen Melancy, July 6, 1817; George Bradford, of whom further. Abiathar Williams was known as Captain Williams. He ran a sloop from Taunton to New York from the time he was fifteen years of age until he was fifty-five. He made his sons, Abiathar R. and George B., his partners. A successful and influential citizen, he represented his town in the General Court, and held various local offices.