Introduction
Joseph Lanier Williams (October 23, 1810 – December 31, 1865) was an American politician that represented Tennessee's third district in the United States House of Representatives.
Biography
Williams was born near Knoxville, Tennessee on October 23, 1810. After completing preparatory studies, he attended the University of East Tennessee, and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Knoxville, Tennessee. He married Malinda R. Williams and they had four children.
Career
Williams was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, and Twenty-seven Congresses. He served from March 4, 1837 to March 3, 1843.He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1842. He engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D.C.
Appointed judge of the United States District Court of Dakota Territory by President Abraham Lincoln, Williams served in that capacity from 1861 to 1865.
Death
Williams died in Knoxville, Tennessee on December 31, 1865 (age 55 years, 52 days). He is interred in Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. He was the son of U.S. Senator John Williams.