John Stuart Williams

Background

John Williams was born on July 10, 1818, in Mount Sterling, Montgomery County, Kentucky, United States. He was the son of General Samuel L. Williams and his wife Frances Clarke.

Education

John attended the common schools of Kentucky and received his Bachelor's degree and his Master's degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1838 and 1844, respectively.

Career

In 1840, John Stuart Williams was admitted to the bar in Paris, Kentucky, where he practiced for five years.

During the Mexican War, he served as colonel of the 4th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers and was cited for his bravery at Cerro Gordo. Later, he raised livestock, became interested in politics, and served in the Kentucky House in 1851 and 1853.

He opposed secession. When the Civil War began, Williams enlisted as colonel of the 5th Kentucky Volunteers, and in April 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general under Humphrey Marshall. In 1863, he commanded the Department of East Tennessee which stopped the advance of General Ambrose Burnside.

In November 1863, he was relieved of command because of illness. He later assisted in defeating a union attack on the salt works at Abingdon, Virginia. In 1864, he served in Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry Corps.

Williams surrendered at Appomattox and was soon paroled. After the war, he farmed in Winchester, Kentucky, and worked as a railroad promoter. In 1873 and 1875, having joined the Democratic Party, he was elected to the state legislature, but he lost a bid for the governorship in 1875.

From 1879 to 1885, he served as a Democrat in the United States Senate but was defeated for reelection.

Achievements

• John Stuart Williams is known for his military service during the American Civil War which led him to promotion to Brigadier General in 1862. He helped to organize a cavalry brigade and participated in repulsing Union General Ambrose Burnside's invasion into Eastern Tennessee. Also, John represented Kentucky in the United States Senate.

Works

More photos

• book

  • History of the Invasion and Capture of Washington: And the Events Which Preceded and Followed 1857

Religion

Williams was a member of the Methodist church.

Politics

Although Williams was initially against secession, he was still a leading proponent of states' rights, but later detested President Lincoln's proposed policies and supported the Confederacy.

Connections

Williams married Ann Patton Harrison in 1842.

Father:

Samuel L. Williams

1781-1872

Mother:

France Cluke Williams

1797-1855

Brother:

Thomas J. Williams

1827-1851

Wife:

Ann Patton Harrison Williams

1823-1844

Daughter:

Mary Elliott Williams Holloway

1843-1933

References

• Civil War High Commands
  2002
• Who Was Who in the Civil War
  1988
• Generals in Gray Lives of the Confederate Commander
  1959
• Biographical Dictionary of the Confederacy
  1977