Note: William Choate is sometimes confused with his 2nd cousin once removed Elder William Choate Jr.. Besides having the same name, their wives also have the same first name Susanna.

William Choate was born about 1742. His parents may be John Choate and Abigail Fitch from Norwich, New London, Connecticut. They probably married about 1740. We have not found a document stating their full names together. We believe they married based on the following circumstantial evidence:
(1) The Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907" Fifth Generation, on page 70 states Abigail married _____ Choate.
(2) Dr. Pelatiah Fitch's will, dated Feb 22, 1749, states his daughter Abigail married a Choate.
(3) Dr. Pelatiah Fitch in 1726 married Elizabeth Choate in Norwich when his only child Abigail was two years old. Elizabeth's younger brother is John Choate, Abigail's future husband.
(4) The Choates in America on page 8 states John Choate married Abigail ____, and they had the following children:
Jabez Choate 1741–1777
William Choate 1742–1830
Elizabeth Choate 1746–
John Choate Jr. 1749–
Stephen Choate 1750–
Mary Choate 1752–
Per The Choates In America page 24, the career of Mr. John Choate and the history of his family are quite unknown.

Based on our research we believe William Choate's pedigree may be the following:
Parents: John Choate b 19 Jan 1712 and Abigail Fitch b 15 Sep 1724
Grandparents: Samuel Choate b abt. 1664 and Mary Williams b 20 Dec 1669
Great-grandparents: John Choate b Jun 1624 and Anne Arramas b 1637 both in England
2nd great-grandparents: Robert Choate b 1600 and Sarah Todd b 1593 both in England

In the biography of his grandson Joel Choate, it is mentioned that William Choate was a native of Connecticut. See page 837 in Portrait and Biographical Album of Ingham and Livingston Counties, Michigan.

September 5, 1765
William Choate and Susanna Church were married by Rev. Thomas Frink in Barre, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Their three sons William, Steven and Alpheus, were born in Barre, MA. The birth record lists the three sons and parents names. Another name for Steven might be Story. We do not know what happened to Steven.

1790 Census Orwell, Rutland County, Vermont
'Story Chote' is listed on a single line above Alpheus Chote and William Chote.
Susanna Choate is probably living with her son William, Jr. in Pelham, Hampshire, Massachusetts.

18 Jun 1793 Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
William and Susanna deeded about 43 acres in the Township of Pelham, County of Hampshire, Massachusetts for the sum of $73 to Jacob C?.
Son William Choate Jr is a witness.

1800 Census Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
(1) Male 45 and over, (1) Female 45 and over
William, Sr. is listed between William, Jr. and Alpheus.

1810 Census Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
They may be living with their son William, Jr. and family.

1820 Census Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
They may still be living with their son William, Jr. who is a widower, his wife Rebecca died in 1815.
There are (2) Males 45 and over and (1) Female 45 and over.

1829 Town Record in Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
Volume 9: "Voted to allow Harel [Hazel?] Chote for supporting Wm Chote his grandfathr one year up to 3d March 1829" (p. 286).
[This is not a record of death but of relationship only. But it does indicate William Choat's residence as an elderly person.]

1830 Census Orwell, Rutland, Vermont
William, Sr. and William, Jr. may be living with William, Jr's son Hazael Choate.
Head of household is Hascal Chats [Hazael Choate]
(1) Male 10 thru 14
(1) Male 20 thru 29
(1) Male 30 thru 39
(1) Male 60 thru 69: may be William, Jr.
(1) Male 90 thru 99: may be William, Sr.
(2) Females Under 2
(1) Female 10 thru 14
(1) Female 15 thru 19
(1) Female 30 thru 39

Death
William Choate, Sr. probably died between 1830 and 1837. His son William, Jr. settled in Michigan in 1837.

Note
Addison County gained the town of Orwell from Rutland County on Dec 1, 1847