He was in the United States Army during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, achieving the rank of captain.
He became a Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Arkansas, serving in that office until 1882, and thereafter returning to private practice in Pine Bluff.
[1] On August 14, 1890, Williams was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas vacated by Judge Henry Clay Caldwell.
Williams was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 22, 1890, and received his commission the same day.
Williams served in that capacity until his death on July 7, 1900, in Manitou Springs, Colorado.