revolutionary war officer and mayor of New York City, was born near Jamaica, New York, the son of Edward Willett, a tavern keeper, farmer, and teacher, and Aletta Clowes. In 1749 the family moved to New York City, where Edward Willett owned an inn that was popular with the city’s elite. Marinus received instruction in catechism and probably also some schooling at Trinity Church. Nothing further is known of his formal education. He was apprenticed to cabinetmaker William Pearsee and later became a master craftsman.

revolutionary war officer and mayor of New York City, was born near Jamaica, New York, the son of Edward Willett, a tavern keeper, farmer, and teacher, and Aletta Clowes. In 1749 the family moved to New York City, where Edward Willett owned an inn that was popular with the city’s elite. Marinus received instruction in catechism and probably also some schooling at Trinity Church. Nothing further is known of his formal education. He was apprenticed to cabinetmaker William Pearsee and later became a master craftsman.