Benjamin J. Williams (1842-1933)
At age 20, Benjamin J. Williams was a young banker in Marion, Ohio when he enlisted on August 9, 1862 in that city as a member of Company C of the 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The new regiment was organized at Camp Delaware and began its training there to serve for 3 years. The regiment was initially sent to Covington, Ky. in response to the threat of the Kirby Smith Raid on Cincinnati. By November of 1862, the 96th OVI was then sent to join Gen. W.T. Sherman’s expedition to add its manpower to the beginning battle of Chickasaw Bluffs. This was the beginning of extended efforts to take Vicksburg and open the Mississippi River.
In January of 1863, the 96th OVI landed at Arkansas Post and took part in the successful attack there. The regiment then returned to Young’s Point, La. and participated in the operations of the Siege of Vicksburg until that city surrendered in July 1863. Returning to Louisiana, the 96th OVI fought in the battle of Grand Coteau.
Next, the 96th OVI would be sent to Texas and in March of 1864 entered the Red River Campaign, fighting at Sabine Cross Road. In July of 1864, Private Williams was detached from the 96th OVI to assume duties as Chief Clerk in the Adjutant General’s Office of the 13th Army Corp Headquarters. This important assignment was no doubt due to Williams’ business skills and experience as a banker.
November of 1864 would see Williams being promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant and transferred back to the regimental staff of the 96th OVI. He would be mustered out on July 7,1865 at Mobile, Ala. with the regiment following the capture of that city in April 1865.
Postwar, B.J. Williams became a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Harker Post 146 in Shelby. The veteran soldier would carry the honor of being the first commander of the Post in 1881.
Williams became a banker for the First National Bank in Shelby and was instrumental in bringing the seamless tube industry to Shelby. He was its first secretary and treasurer in 1891. In June 1901, U.S. Steel purchased Shelby’s 14 holdings across six states. Board member Benjamin J. Williams brokered the deal in J.P. Morgan & Co.’s New York office.
Authors – Kent Dorr and Christina Yetzer Drain