 The name of the seminary alludes to the vision of philosopher and bishop George Berkeley who a century earlier had planned a seminary in the western hemisphere; this use of his name for an educational institution precedes its association with California by some decades.Williams was also President of Trinity College in Hartford, and after a brief period where he oversaw instruction as part of the College, the school began independent life in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1854.Williams continued as Dean while succeeding as diocesan Bishop, until his death in 1899.