John A. Williams

Who was John A. Williams?

John A. Williams was a United States federal judge.

Born in Remsen, New York, Williams was a merchant in Delafield, Wisconsin until 1860, and clerk of the County Court, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, until 1861. He was in the United States Army during the American Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, achieving the rank of Captain. He was then in private practice in Pine Bluff, Arkansas from 1866 to 1877. He became a judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Arkansas, serving in that office until 1882, and thereafter returning to private practice in Pine Bluff.

On August 14, 1890, Williams was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas vacated by Henry C. Caldwell. Williams was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 22, 1890, and received his commission the same day. Williams served in that capacity until his death, in 1900, in Manitou Springs, Colorado.