William Williams (Indiana politician) facts for kids
William Williams was an important person in American history. He was born on May 11, 1821, and passed away on April 22, 1896. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Indiana.
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William Williams' Early Life and Career
William Williams was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He went to regular schools but did not get a lot of formal education. Even so, he studied law. In 1845, he became a lawyer and started working in Warsaw, Indiana.
Williams also served as the Treasurer for Kosciusko County, Indiana in 1852. He left this job in 1853 to try and become the Lieutenant Governor, but he did not win.
Business and Military Service
For several years, William Williams managed the Bank of Warsaw. He was also a director for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway from 1854 to 1856. Later, from 1859 to 1862, he was a director at the Michigan City prison.
During the American Civil War, Williams joined the Union Army. He was in charge of Camp Allen in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1862. After that, he worked as a paymaster for the Volunteers, based in Louisville, Kentucky. He continued this important work until the war ended.
Serving in Congress
William Williams was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives four times. He served from March 4, 1867, to March 3, 1875.
During his time in Congress, he led the Committee on Expenditures in the United States Department of War. This committee looked at how money was spent in the War Department. He decided not to run for re-election in 1874. After his time in Washington D.C., he went back to Warsaw to continue his law practice.
A Diplomat for the United States
In 1882, President Arthur chose William Williams for a special job. He was appointed as a Chargé d'Affaires to Paraguay and Uruguay. This meant he represented the United States in these countries. He served in this role until July 21, 1885.
Later Life and Legacy
After his diplomatic service, Williams returned to Warsaw, Indiana in 1885. He then retired from his active work. William Williams passed away in Warsaw on April 22, 1896. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
