David G. Williams (November 25, 1840 – August 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]

David G. Williams
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Columbia 2nd district
In office
January 5, 1903 – August 26, 1903 (death)
Preceded byLynn N. Coapman
Succeeded byWilliam Rufus Turner
Personal details
Born(1840-11-25)November 25, 1840
Denbighshire, Wales, UK
DiedAugust 26, 1903(1903-08-26) (aged 62)
Cambria, Wisconsin, U.S.
Cause of deathSepsis
Resting placeCambria Cemetery, Cambria, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
Spouses
  • Emma L. Williams
    (m. 1865; died 1870)
  • Sarah O. Picket
    (m. 1871⁠–⁠1903)
Children
  • with Emma Williams
  • Eliza Lentie (Roberts)
  • (b. 1866; died 1929)
  • with Sarah Picket
  • Jennie N. (Scharf)
  • (b. 1877; died 1953)
  • Floyd E. Williams
  • (b. 1879; died 1880)
OccupationMiller
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service1862–1865
RankSergeant, USV
Unit32nd Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Biography edit

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]

References edit

  1. ^ Lawrence S. Barish, ed. (2007). State of Wisconsin Blue Book. p. 186.
  2. ^ a b c d "Assemblyman Williams Is Dead". Portage Daily Register. Portage, WI. August 26, 1903. p. 1. Retrieved December 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  3. ^ "Williams Bill Comes Up". Portage Daily Register. Portage, WI. February 24, 1903. p. 4. Retrieved December 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ "There is Joy in Darktown". Portage Daily Register. Portage, WI. March 5, 1903. p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ The Laws of Wisconsin. Madison, Wis.: Democrat Printing Co. 1905. p. 988. Retrieved 2018-05-07.
  6. ^ "Rat Bite Kills Legislator". Janesville Gazette. Janesville, WI. August 27, 1903. p. 1. Retrieved December 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  

External links edit

Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded by Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Columbia 2nd district
January 5, 1903 – August 26, 1903
Succeeded by