Williams was born in 1785 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[1] He moved to Savannah where he worked as a printer, bookbinder, and operated a bookstore.
[1][2] After mayor George Owen resigned on July 11, 1833, Williams completed the remainder of his term and then was again elected to a one-year term as mayor on September 9, 1833.
[2] He served as mayor for an additional two terms (1841–1842, and 1843–1844).
[1] He served as a curator for the Georgia Historical Society from 1838 until his death.