Early Life, Family and Training Thetford, Vermont, provides the setting for the birth of William Closson on October 13, 1848. He enters a family defined by civic duty and artistic lineage. His father, David, navigates the political landscape as a Vermont legislator. His mother, Abigail, carries the bloodline of the painter Benjamin West. This connection to a significant artistic ancestor exists within the family's private history. Education begins at Thetford Academy. After graduating, the path for William Closson takes a pragmatic turn away from the studio. He takes up a position as a cler…