John R. D. Williams

JOHN R. D. WILLIAMS, of the firm of Williams & Watson, lumber dealers, of Pulaski, Tenn., was born in Giles County in 1840, and is a son of William J. and Martha Williams, who were born in Tennessee and were married in 1839, and located in Giles County in 1840. Their family consisted of John R. D., Joseph, Mary, Lou and Melvin. The mother died in 1851. John R. D. was educated in the common schools, and in early life worked at the carpenter's trade. In l861 he enlisted in the Ninth Tennessee Battalion of Cavalry, serving four years and participating in several of the principal battles. At the close of the war he was employed by the Government as bridge carpenter, but soon abandoned that occupation and engaged in building and contracting, following that business until 1877. He then entered into his present business in Pulaski, and has been very successful. In l865 he was married to Maggie J. Walker, daughter of William M. Walker, of Maury County. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Williams is a Democrat and a member of the F. & A. M.

From: Goodspeed's History of Giles County