Background
He was born on August 26, 1897, to James Henry Williams (1879–1948) and Lucy Metrash (1881–1932) in Manhattan, New York City. His father was chief of the Red Caps at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.
He was born on August 26, 1897, to James Henry Williams (1879–1948) and Lucy Metrash (1881–1932) in Manhattan, New York City. His father was chief of the Red Caps at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.
He was one of the founders of the Vulcan Society in 1940. He was inspired to join the New York City Fire Department when he read about Samuel Jesse Battle joining the New York City police department. The first African-American to join the New York City Fire Department was William H. Nicholson, who joined in 1898.
Williams joined on January 10, 1919, and he was assigned to Engine Company 55 in Manhattan, New York City.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1927. He retired in 1952 with the rank of battalion chief
At the African-American day parades thru Harlem he often was the lead Vulcan as the highest ranking black officer The FDNY bestows for bravery the Chief Wesley Williams medal at medal day ceremonies.
He died on July 3, 1984 at the Physicians Hospital in Forest Hills, New York City, he was 86 years old.
His papers are archived at the New York Public Library at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.