My Genealogy Hound

Thomas N. Williams, judge of Jefferson County, Tenn., was born in that county June 17, 1861, the son of George and Adaline (Reed) Williams. The father a farmer was born in Jefferson (now Hamblen) County, in 1810, and died in 1860. The mother was born in 1832, the daughter of Wylie J. Reed, and died in 1862. The parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches respectively. Our subject, so early an orphan, was reared on the farm of his brother-in-law in Jefferson County, and when fifteen entered the college at Maryville, attending four years. In 1886 he began reading law with W. D. McGuinley and W. A. McTeer, at Maryville. When of age he was admitted to the bar, and then attended school at Athens, Tenn., a term. He then practiced at White Pine successfully for several years. He is an eloquent speaker, and very impressive before a jury. Since August, 1886, he has been in his present position, elected as a Republican over three opponents, receiving 196 plurality and a majority of 500 over his Democratic opponent. He was but twenty-five when he received his commission as judge, the youngest man to whom this has ever been known to occur in the United States. He is a man of extraordinary talent, and is discharging the duties of his office with satisfaction, while he shows a general interest in all public affairs and improvements. He has lived at Dandridge since his election.