From The Peopling of New York City
William Jamison (possibly Jamieson), was a Scottish immigrant with 15 pounds wealth and no party affiliation. I suspect he never officially signed up for a political party because of his tricky profession, that is, a lawyer. Daniel Horsmanden, the leading prosecution against the conspirators and eventually a cocky judge, approached several notable New York lawyers before the trial went to court. He asked them all to pledge their loyalty to him and his cause, and they complied. One of these lawyers was Jamison.
Jamison also served as the South Ward's sheriff. This made it all the more embarrassing when his slave Cuffee skipped town before anyone could lay a hand on him for playing a part in the slave conspiracy.
While searching through the NYPL's databases, specifically America's Historical Newspapers, I came across a clue to Jamison's life. The paper was The Albany Centinel, Volume I, issue 55. Being as the date was January 9th, 1798, I was doubtful the right William Jamison was mentioned; but as a historical detective, it was my duty to follow each and every lead until it dead-ends. If and when something actually pans out, that makes the whole journey worthwhile. Getting back to the newspaper- the related article was in the advertisements section. It describes complex legal proceedings over property; not being proficient in property laws, I could not fully grasp the article's intent. What interested me, however, was the second page, first column, which read:
"One other grant or patent for three certain tracts of land in the former county of Albany, now in the county of Montgomery, which grant or patent was originally made to Vollert Outhout, John Dewitt, James Gardiner, Charles Williams, Richard Nicholls, WILLIAM JAMISON, and Johan Coenradt Petri and bears date the 18th day of August, IN THE YEAR 1741, and the sum due thereby so far as appears as aforesaid, to the 25th day of March..."
The above may not make much sense to me, but one thing is clear: this article refers back to the year 1741, when a few lawyers apparently signed or agreed upon a property deal. Though seemingly insignificant, this small newspaper piece confirms my person's existence in the mid-1700's and what's more, it validates his occupation as a lawyer.
