David G. Williams Explained

David G. Williams
State:Wisconsin
State Assembly:Wisconsin
District:Columbia 2nd
Term Start:January 5, 1903
Term End:August 26, 1903 (death)
Predecessor:Lynn N. Coapman
Successor:William Rufus Turner
Party:Republican
Birth Date:25 November 1840
Birth Place:Denbighshire, Wales, UK
Death Place:Cambria, Wisconsin, U.S.
Death Cause:Sepsis
Restingplace:Cambria Cemetery,
Occupation:Miller
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Volunteers
Union Army
Rank:Sergeant, USV
Serviceyears:1862 - 1865
Unit:32nd Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles:American Civil War

David G. Williams (November 25, 1840August 26, 1903) was a Welsh American immigrant, miller, and Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Columbia County during the 1903 session.[1]

Biography

Williams was born in Denbighshire, Wales, and his family emigrated to Wisconsin in 1850, settling in Delafield. During the Civil War, he served in the 32nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He served as president of the village of Cambria, Wisconsin, for five years and was a member of the school board for six years. He served as sheriff of Columbia County, Wisconsin, from 1885 to 1887.[2]

Williams was elected to the Assembly in 1902, and he introduced a bill to prohibit marriage between whites and blacks, known as the Williams Bill.[2] [3] [4] He was a life-long Republican.[2]

Williams died in Cambria on August 26, 1903, while still a member of the Assembly.[5] His death was a result of blood poisoning caused by a rat bite.[2] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Lawrence S. Barish. 2007. State of Wisconsin Blue Book. 186.
  2. News: Assemblyman Williams Is Dead . Portage Daily Register . August 26, 1903 . Portage, WI . 1 . . December 3, 2021.
  3. News: Williams Bill Comes Up . Portage Daily Register . February 24, 1903 . Portage, WI . 4 . . December 3, 2021.
  4. News: There is Joy in Darktown . Portage Daily Register . March 5, 1903 . Portage, WI . 3 . . December 3, 2021.
  5. Book: The Laws of Wisconsin. Madison, Wis.. Democrat Printing Co.. 1905. 988. 2018-05-07.
  6. News: Rat Bite Kills Legislator . Janesville Gazette . August 27, 1903 . Janesville, WI . 1 . . December 2, 2021.