Joseph D. Williams, born in Lebanon, Connecticut in about 1818, was an American general.

[1] He was a member of the Connecticut Historical Society, Good Templars, and son of the American Revolution, and he was a Republican.

[2] At the age of 18 Williams enlisted in the East Hartford Artillery Company.

In 1855, he was elected as Connecticut Adjutant General by Governor W. T Minor after the last two Adjutants resigned early because they did not agree with orders coming from Minor.

Williams was overwhelmed with the Civil War recruiting and logistical demands and resigned in 1863.