Prominent New York lawyer and public official.

A defense attorney at the famous sedition trial of John Peter Zenger. Member of the New York provincial council (1753-67). Attended the 1754 Albany Congress where, with Franklin, he served on the Plan of Union committee.

Born in Newport-Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England.

Studied theology and classics at Yale (B.A., 1719; M.A., 1722). Went to London to study law at the Inns of Court (1727). Married in 1727 to Mary Het with whom he had 15 children. Later married to Elizabeth (Scott) Williams.