People involved in the establishment of the new country of America are known as patriots of the American Revolution. As we prepare for the celebration of the 250th anniversary, the Oliver Morton Chapter of DAR and The Jones County News salute these patriots who located to our area or whose descendants have located in the area. This month we salute Joseph Williams Jr., who has descendants living in Jones County.
Joseph Williams Jr.
Joseph Williams Jr., son of Joseph Williams Sr. and his wife, was born in 1759 in Duplin County, North Carolina. The Williams family had been residents of this area for one hundred years previously. Mr. Williams was a plantation owner and a Representative in the Colonial Assembly of North Carolina. Joseph had five brothers and one sister. The oldest brother of Joseph Jr was Aaron, who was a captain in the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Jr. entered in the service of the Revolutionary War as a volunteer in 1779 in North Carolina. He attained the rank of first lieutenant and was commanded by Capt. Aaron Williams, possibly his brother. Two other brothers, Byrd and William, also served as privates in the war.
Lt. Joseph Williams Jr. moved his family from Duplin County, North Carolina, to Telfair County, Georgia, in 1815. His farm was located between China Hill and Blockhouse Baptist Church. Many other families from Duplin County moved to Telfair about this same time, including all the families of Joseph’s married children.
The Williams family successfully farmed and were active in local politics. At his death in 1850, Joseph was buried at Blockhouse Church Cemetery.
