The New England Magazine Volume 1, No. 6, June, 1886, Bay State Monthly Volume 4, No. 6, June, 1886

A richly detailed essay transports listeners back to the turbulent frontier of colonial New England, where Colonel Ephraim Williams carved his name into history. He rose from a frontier commander defending the northern settlements to a daring participant in the struggle against French forces, ultimately giving his life near Lake George. The narrative captures the spirit of sacrifice that sparked the idea of a “Free School” to honor his memory.

The piece then follows the modest birth of the college that would bear his name, charting the painstaking work of early trustees—many Yale‑trained scholars—who patiently let the fledgling endowment grow. Their commitment to a liberal education rooted in liberty and practical skill laid a foundation that would endure for generations. Listeners will hear a vivid portrait of ambition, community, and the rugged landscape that shaped one of America’s historic institutions.