James Williams

Who was James Williams?

James Williams was a Republican politician in the U.S. State of Ohio who was in the Ohio House of Representatives, and was Ohio State Auditor 1872–1880.

James Williams was born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, and moved with his family to Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio in 1831. He was educated, studied medicine, and was admitted to practice in 1843. In 1849, he caught Gold Fever, and went to California.

When Williams returned to Champaign County in 1851, he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 50th General Assembly in 1852–1853.

In 1856, Williams went to the State Capitol in Columbus with Ohio State Auditor Francis M. Wright, and served for sixteen years as clerk, chief clerk and deputy in the office. He was elected as State Auditor in 1871 and re-elected in 1875, serving eight years.

Williams died at his home in Mechanicsburg in November, 1892. He was married to Sarah Staley of Champaign County in 1848.