John R. Williams
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John R Williams (May 4, 1782 – October 20, 1854) is most well known for serving as the City of Detroit's first mayor, though he also served as Detroit's mayor for five other terms.
Born in Detroit, Michigan and baptized as John Williams, he later adopted the ‘R’ in his name to distinguish himself from another John Williams who was living in Detroit at the time. He spoke only French until his 20s. Williams married Mary Mott in 1804 and the couple had ten children together.
Williams served in the Territorial Militia from 1796 to 1799 at Fort Marsac in Tennessee. Upon leaving the army, he returned to Detroit and began a trading business along with his uncle, Joseph Campau. During the War of 1812, Williams again served in the militia, this time as a Captain of an artillery company. After the end of the war, Williams was appointed Associate Justice of the County Court in 1815. He went on to serve as a County Commissioner and Adjutant General of the Territory. In 1824, Williams wrote the City Charter and served as the first official mayor of the City of Detroit. He also served as the fourth and thirteenth mayor in 1830 and 1844–1846, respectively. Besides serving as mayor, Williams was a landowner, merchant, and bank president during his lifetime.
Williams died at the age of seventy-two on October 20, 1854. He is interred at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.
Today, a street in Metro Detroit bears his name. John R Street was named while John R Williams was still living, atypical to the way most roads obtain their name. In fact, Williams gave the road its name himself.
| Preceded by New Title |
Mayor of Detroit 1824–1825 |
Succeeded by Henry Jackson Hunt (Mayor of Detroit) |
| Preceded by Jonathan Kearsley |
Mayor of Detroit 1830 |
Succeeded by Marshall Chapin |
| Preceded by Zina Pitcher |
Mayor of Detroit 1844–1847 |
Succeeded by James A. VanDyke |
