Benjamin Franklin Williams

Benjamin Franklin Williams
Texas State Representative from District 53 (Fort Bend and Waller Counties)
In office January 13, 1885 – January 11, 1887 (died while in office)
Preceded by	George W. Wyatt
Succeeded by	James Wesson Parker
Texas State Representative from District 37 (Fort Bend, Waller, and Wharton Counties)
In office January 14, 1879 – January 11, 1881
Preceded by	Henry S. Sneed
Succeeded by	George W. Wyatt
Texas State Representative from District 25 (Colorado and Lavaca Counties)
In office February 9, 1870 – January 14, 1873
Preceded by	Josiah Shaw
Personal details
Born	1819 Virginia, USA
Died	1886
Resting place	Kendleton, Fort Bend County, Texas
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Caroline Williams
Children	Thomas Williams
Residence	Kendleton, Texas
Occupation	Clergyman
Religion	Methodist

Benjamin Franklin Williams (1819 - 1886) was a Methodist minister and Republican politician who served three terms in the Texas Legislature. Born into slavery in Virginia in 1819, he was brought to Texas in 1859. After the American Civil War, he became active in the Republican Party. He was active in the Union League in Texas, serving as Vice President. He was then a delegate to the Texas State Constitutional Convention of 1868-69 that gave African-American males the right to vote in Texas. He was first elected to the legislature in 1869, representing Colorado County.

References

Texas Legislators: Past & Present - Benjamin Franklin Williams

Handbook of Texas Online - Benjamin Franklin Williams

Findagrave - Benjamin F. Williams