Otho Holland Williams

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Otho Holland Williams
March 1, 1749 – July 15, 1794

Painting of Williams in 1784 by Charles Willson Peale
Place of birth Prince George's County, Maryland
Place of death Woodstock, Virginia
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States
Service/branch Continental Army
Rank Brigadier General
Battles/wars Battle of Fort Washington,

Battle of Monmouth, Battle of Camden, Battle of King's Mountain, Battle of Guilford Court House, Battle of Hobkirks Hill, Battle of Eutaw Springs, Battle of Cowpens, Siege of Yorktown,
Other work 1st Commissioner of the Port of Baltimore

Otho Holland Williams (March 1, 1749 – July 15, 1794) was a famous Continental Army soldier from Maryland in the American Revolutionary War.

Williams started out as a lieutenant in the Rifle Corps from Frederick, Maryland in 1775. He helped out in the Siege of Boston. In 1776, Williams was wounded while he was serving at Fort Washington when it was attacked by the British. He was then captured and taken prisoner by the British. After 15 months of imprisonment in New York City, he was exchanged. While in captivity, Williams was promoted to the command of the 6th Regiment of the Maryland line, during which he acted as deputy adjutant-general under Horatio Gates and Nathanael Greene. He then fought in many other battles, including the Battle of Monmouth in 1780, on which he later wrote a book, Narrative of the Campaign of 1780.[1] Near the end of the war, Williams was sent by General Greene with some dispatches to Congress , and he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by them. After the war, Williams settled down in Baltimore, Maryland and was appointed as the naval officer of the port. He held office until the adoption of the Federal Constitution, after which he was reappointed by President George Washington, and held the role in office until his death.

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[edit] Early life

Otho Holland Williams was born in Prince George's County, Maryland. A year after his birth, Williams family moved to Frederick County, Maryland. When Williams was twelve, his father, Joseph Williams, died, leaving young Williams to care for seven other children. Otho was then taken care of and educated by his brother-in-law, Mr. Ross.[2] After his education, Williams was placed in the clerk's office of Frederick County. Later, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and held a similar position there. A few years before the Revolutionary War started, Williams moved back to Frederick.

[edit] Revolutionary War

When Williams arrived at Frederick, he became a merchant. But as tensions increased within the Colonies, Williams abandoned his carrier and joined the local rifle corps in Fredrick. The corps were under Captain Price, with Williams as lieutenant. The corps then marched to Boston, Massachusetts. Capt. Price was soon promoted, and Williams succeeded to the command. His corps did not see much service until the Battle of Fort Washington, in which Williams was promoted to Major in a rife regiment formed by Maryland and Virginia troops. Williams was severely wounded in battle and was taken prisoner by the British. He was then carried off to Long Island, New York, and finally taken to a jail in New York City. While serving jail time, Williams said that he suffered from continuous torture. After 15 months in prison, Williams was released. While in jail, he had been promoted to Colonel in the 6th regiment of the Maryland line. Williams rejoined with the army in New Jersey in 1778 shortly before the Battle of Monmouth. Afterwards, Williams didn't have any other important engagements until he was transfered to the Carolinas in 1780. While in the Carolinas, Williams was appointed Adjutant General to General Nathanael Greene after he showed significant skill at the Battle of Camden. Williams then fought alongside Greene in the Battle of King's Mountain and in the Battle of Cowpens. In Greene's retreat, it is noted the Williams showed much skill in repelling British attacks while commanding the rear guard.[3] In 1781, Williams is known for his great help in the last battles of the war. In fact, Williams received a commendation from both Greene and the entire army. Near the end of the war, he went to Congress with dispatches from Greene and became Brigadier General by brevet.

[edit] Later life in Baltimore

After his successful career in the army, Williams settled down in Baltimore, Maryland. He was soon appointed Commissioner of the Port by the Governor of Baltimore.[4] He later married the daughter of Mr. William Smith, a well known and influential merchant. Williams acquired a large fortune, enabling him to buy is father's house near the Potomac River.[5] There, he improved the farm and founded the town of Williamsport, Maryland, which was named in honor of him. Williams also enjoyed a good friendship with George Washington, who, in 1792, desired to resume his service in the Army. But Williams declined the offer due to illnesses. He died two years later on July 15, 1794 in Woodstock, Virginia.[6]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/revwar/image_gal/indeimg/williams.html Lines 10-11
  2. ^ Baltimore: Past and Present: With Biological sketches of its Representative Men by Brantz Mayer. pub. by Richardson & Bennett 1871 Baltimore, Maryland. pg. 529
  3. ^ Baltimore: Past and Present: With Biographical Sketches of it Representative Men by Brantz Mayer. Pub. by Richardson & Bennett, 1871, Baltimore, Maryland. pg. 530
  4. ^ Baltimore: Past and Present: With Biographical Sketches of it Representative Men by Brantz Mayer. Pub. by Richardson & Bennett, 1871, Baltimore, Maryland. pg. 531
  5. ^ Baltimore: Past and Present: With Biographical Sketches of it Representative Men by Brantz Mayer. Pub. by Richardson & Bennett, 1871, Baltimore, Maryland. pg. 531
  6. ^ Baltimore: Past and Present: With Biographical Sketches of it Representative Men by Brantz Mayer. Pub. by Richardson & Bennett, 1871, Baltimore, Maryland. pg. 531