Interim Content

Williams, Archibald

Biography

10 June 1801–21 Sept. 1863. Lawyer, judge. Born in Montgomery Co., Kentucky. Son of John Wesley Williams and Amelia Gill. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, 1829. Married first Nancy Kemp, 28 July 1831. President of the Trustees of Quincy when town was incorporated, 1834. Served in Illinois Senate, 1834, and in Illinois House of Representatives, 1837–1839. Served as lawyer for JS when Missouri attempted to extradite him for treason and other crimes, 9–10 June 1841. One of the lawyers for men accused of killing JS, May 1845. U.S. district attorney for Southern District of Illinois, 1849–1853. Wife died, 16 Mar. 1854. Twice nominated by Whig Party as candidate for U.S. Senate, 1836, 1854. Appointed U.S. district judge of Kansas, Mar. 1861. Moved to Topeka, Shawnee Co., Kansas, summer 1861. Married second Ellen M. Parker, 25 Sept. 1861, in Adams Co. Died at Quincy.

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