Guide to the Joseph Williamson Papers, 1818-1902 (bulk 1828-1902)
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Joseph Williamson, a lawyer, historian, and bibliographer, was born in Belfast, Maine, on October 5, 1820, to Joseph and Caroline Cross Williamson. After being graduated from Bowdoin College in 1849, Williamson was admitted to the Maine bar in 1852 and returned to Belfast, where he maintained an active legal career. In 1853 Williamson was appointed a judge of the municipal court of Belfast, a postion he held until 1860. In addition to his legal practice, Williamson also conducted historical and bibliographic research and authored several books, including A Bibliography of the State of Maine and A History of Belfast, Maine, to 1825. Joseph Williamson died in Belfast on December 4, 1902, survived by three children.