William H. Williams papers

William H. Williams, known as Billy, was the chairman of the Delaware County Republican Party and Muncie Postmaster and was widely known throughout Eastern Indiana.

Williams was born on a farm in Liberty Township, Indiana, the son of William Henry and Joann (Fielder) Williams and a member of one of the oldest pioneer families in Eastern Indiana. In 1892, he married Miss Susie Black; together they had one son, Claude Williams, and two daughters, Harriett Scott, and Joanna Williams before her death in 1897.

Williams led a very active business and professional life. He taught school from 1892-1899, working at the Freideline, Mud Valley, Graham, Smithfield and Salem Schools. While working as a teacher, he passed the examination to become a railway mail clerk, but did not pursue a position as a clerk. He owned and operated several businesses in Selma, including a hardware store and drug store, and managed a grain elevator and coal yard. Mr. Williams worked as a telegraph operator for the Big Four Railroad and became a lawyer, although he did not have a regular law practice. For several years he also operated a loan company in Terre Haute for Muncie banker Oliver W. Storer.

“Billy” Williams was also active in politics. He served as chairman of the Delaware County Republican organization for many years, campaigning for local, state and national candidates. He also served as deputy prosecutor of Delaware County and was elected to two terms as Liberty Township Trustee beginning in 1915. From 1918 until 1926 he was superintendent of the Delaware County Infirmary. President Calvin Coolidge appointed Mr. Williams as Muncie Postmaster in 1924. He was reappointed by Herbert Hoover and served as postmaster until June 1, 1932.

Following his retirement, he returned to Selma, where he opened the Selma Food Market. He died in 1937 and is buried in the White Cemetery in Selma, Indiana.