Abraham J. Williams

Overview

At a Glance

• Williams' short term as governor was uneventful. The General Assembly was not in session, and he made no major political pronouncements, nor did he offer any recommendations for governmental action.

Personal History

Abraham J. Williams was born in Hardy County, Virginia (now Grant County, West Virginia) in 1781 with a physical impairment – having only one leg at birth. Williams arrived in Missouri between 1816 and 1820, initially settling in Franklin. By 1820, he and partner James Harris were operating a tobacco warehouse in Nashville, located in southern Boone County. In the early 1820’s, Williams relocated to Columbia, where he established what is believed to be the first dry goods store in the town. He acquired land in Boone County and engaged in large-scale farming. In recognition of his contributions to agriculture, Williams was elected as the president of the first agricultural fair held in Columbia in 1835.

Williams never married. He contributed to the development of frontier Missouri as a businessman, a public servant, and a farmer. He was buried in the Columbia Cemetery. 

Political History

Elected to the Missouri State Senate in 1822, Williams made history as the first resident of Boone County to hold that office. He successfully won reelection in 1824 and, during his second term, was appointed president pro tempore of the senate. Throughout his tenure, Williams distinguished himself as a significant member of the legislative body, serving on both the influential committees of accounts and education. His peers recognized him for his adeptness in presiding over Senate proceedings, further highlighting his contributions to the legislative process.

Following the death of Governor Frederick Bates on August 4, 1825, Williams ascended to the governorship after Lt. Gov. Benjamin H. Reeves had resigned. His tenure as governor lasted less than six months, concluding with a constitutionally mandated special election on December 8, 1825, in which John Miller was elected as the new governor. Williams did not run in this special election and officially stepped down after Miller’s inauguration on January 20, 1826. Later that year, Williams faced defeat in his attempt to reclaim a seat in the Missouri State Senate.

In 1832, Williams found himself nominated by the General Assembly as a candidate for the United States Senate, despite having made no effort to pursue the position himself. However, the election that year belonged to Thomas Hart Benton, who secured a third term by a decisive landslide. Following this experience, Williams did not seek or attain election to any further public office.

Historical Significance

Williams is most known for being the only person in Missouri history to have advanced to the office of governor from the position of president pro tempore of the senate.