Thomas Williams (Alabama politician)
American politician (1825–1903)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Williams (August 11, 1825 – April 13, 1903) was an American politician, lawyer, and farmer. A Democrat, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Alabama.
Thomas Williams | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 5th district | |
| In office March 4, 1879 – March 3, 1885 | |
| Preceded by | Robert F. Ligon |
| Succeeded by | Thomas William Sadler |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1860 | |
| In office 1878 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 11, 1825 |
| Died | April 13, 1903 (aged 77) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer, farmer |
Biography
Williams was born on August 11, 1825,[1] in Greensville County, Virginia,[2] the son of the Rev. John D. Williams.[3] At age 14, they moved to Kowaliga, Alabama, where Williams worked as a farmhand.[3] They later moved to Wetumpka.[2] Educated at preparatory schools, he would complete a degree at the University of East Tennessee.[1]
Williams read law from books borrowed from a Seth P. Storrs,[3] and in 1852, was admitted to the bar. He would live in Texas for a few years before returning to Wetumpka, where he began practicing law.[1] He retired from law in 1872, then pursue agriculture.[3]
Williams was a Democrat. At times, he served as justice of the peace and as a register in a court of equity. In 1872, he was appointed state prison inspector. He was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives (1878),[1] though The Political Graveyard claims 1860.[4] He was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1885, representing Alabama's 5th district.[1] Politically, he supported penal labor and the leasing of convicts to the private sector.[5]
After serving in Congress, Williams returned to farming in Wetumpka.[1] He was married, had four sons and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On March 31, 1903, he suffered a paralyzing stroke[6] that would result in his death on April 13, aged 77, in Wetumpka.[2][7] He was interred at Wetumpka Cemetery.[1][4]