Date Died: July 20, 1814

Place Buried: Carthage, Moore County

Occupation: Farmer

Benjamin Williams was born in Johnston County near Smithfield. He attended public schools, was a farmer, and served in the Revolutionary War army. In political life, he served in two provincial congresses, a committee of safety, in the state House of Commons, and in the state Senate.

In 1799, he was elected governor, first serving for three years, then only to be elected for a one-year additional term in 1807.

During his first term as governor, George Washington died. The legislature instructed the governor to commission two-full length portraits of Washington. After years of delays, a portrait by Sully was finally commissioned to be hung in the House of Representatives. Following his term in office, Governor Williams retired to the life of a planter. He died in Moore County and is buried near Carbonton.

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