Nelson Grosvenor Williams (May 4, 1823 – November 30, 1897) was a New York City customs agent and Union Army officer during the American Civil War.

Finding work as a storekeeper in Dubuque, Williams finally settled on a farm in Dyersville.

[3] In February 1862 Hurlbut's command was added to Ulysses S. Grant's Army of West Tennessee becoming the 4th Division.

Early in the fighting Williams' horse was shot and fell on him forcing the colonel to relinquish command.

[4] Williams returned to his farm in Iowa and remained there until 1869 when Ulysses S. Grant appointed him deputy collector of customs in New York City.