Benjamin attended district schools until he was fifteeen years old. He was then sent to a boarding school in East Greenwich, RI where he studied three years, when he entered Phillips Academy at Andover, MA. At the beginning of the Civil War, he returned to Ledyard where he was one of the first volunteers, but was rejected because of physical disability. He then turned his attention to farming, which was his chief occupation for many years. Later, he turned his attention to the administering of estates, and to the guardianship of the unfortunate and of minors. His excellent reputation for integrity made him a favorite for such work, while his natural business ability insured the carefull management of the properties left in his charge.

According to a Genealogy of Williams Families, Benjamin lived in Mystic and had 8 children.

The 1880 US Census, Stonington, New London, Connecticut, National Archives Film T9-0108, page 496C, shows:

Benjamin F. Williams, age 38, born in Connecticut, both parents born in Connecticut, Farmer
Louisa Williams, wife, age 38, born in Connecticut, both parents born in Connecticut
Nathanel Williams, son, age 15
Frank L. Williams, son, age 13
Annie L. Williams, Daughter, age 12
Clarence H. Williams, son, age 7
Hattie F. Rogers, Servant, age 22
Herman Hancock, Laborer, age 23

1. 2. Nathan WILLIAMS   b. ABT. 1865; d. 1892.
2. 3. Everett WILLIAMS   d. INFANT.
3. 4. Joseph WILLIAMS   d. INFANT.
4. 5. George WILLIAMS   b. 1869; d. 1876.
5. 6. Eliza Denison WILLIAMS   b. 1875; d. 1880.
6. 7. Frank Lincoln WILLIAMS   b. ABT. 1867.
7. 8. Annie Louise WILLIAMS   b. ABT. 1868.
8. 9. Clarence Henry WILLIAMS   b. ABT. 1873.
9. 10. Everett WILLIAMS   d. INFANT.
10. 11. Joseph WILLIAMS   d. INFANT.

1880 US Census shows Name Nathanel, age 15.

1880 US Census, Stonington, New London, CT shows Frank, age 13.

Frank was a salesman for the Tyer Rubber Company of Boston Mass.

1. 12. Elizabeth WILLIAMS  

1880 US Census, Stonington, New London, CT shows Annie L., age 12.

1. 13. Mary PALMER  

Age 7 in US Census, Stonington, New London, CT, FHL Film 1254103