Brooklyn Navy Yard - Two views in 1857 - Discovering NYC.
James Williams first sailed when he was 18 years old. He worked on merchant ships for 25 years and for the US Navy for 5 years. He was a ship carpenter and later worked as a carpenter for the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
While working at the Navy Yard, James would have had the chance to see and possibly offer repairs to both Sail and the new Steam Ships. The USS Dale, an 1839 Sloop of war, and the 1,567–ton screw frigate USS San Jacinto , an early steam-propelled ship, were both at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during James's time. Other ships that passed through the Brooklyn yard during James's time included the USS Albany(1840), USS Saranac (1848), USS North Carolina, and others.
USS MACEDONIAN in the 1840s - Naval History and Heritage Command.
The last ship that James would sail on was the Frigate Macedonian (1836). The Macedonian was a 36-gun Frigate that was formed out of the Keal of the first Macedonian Frigate (1810). During James’s time on the ship, the Macedonian was doing service in the Caribbean to deter pirates.
James was married and lived with his wife, Mary Williams, in Brooklyn. He would enter Sailors Snug Harbor on November 25, 1857. James would remain at the Harbor for 15 years. He would die at 74 years old and is buried in Plot 2, Row 2, Grave 16, of the Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery (seecemetery map).
While researching James Williams, a remarkable officer's journal showed up from the USS San Jacinto, which is worth a look. Just click the link.