William Stuart (Robert -> Samuel -> John -> John III -> William) was born in Norwalk, Connecticut on May 23, 1789 to John III Stuart and Sarah Hurlbut. According to his autobiography (written in 1854), he was quite the mischievous child, and his penchant for mischief didn't end in his youth. He eventually got into counterfeiting, which landed him in the New-Gate prison in Granby, Connecticut. After five years in the prison (and an attempted escape), William decided to turn straight and go back home to his family in Bridgewater, Connecticut.
An excellent article, written by Karin E. Peterson of "Connecticut Explored", can be found at:
https://www.ctexplored.org/old-new-gate-prison-connecticuts-first-and-most-celebrated-counterfeiter/
A pdf of the book can be read at:
