ABRAHAM J. WILLIAMS was born in Grant County, West Virginia on February 26, 1781. His education was limited and attained through independent study. After moving to Missouri, he went into business and established a tobacco warehouse in Boone County. Williams first entered politics as a member and president of the Missouri State Senate, a position he held from 1822 to 1825. On August 4, 1825 Governor Frederick Bates died in office and Williams, who was senate president at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, a special gubernatorial election was held to determine the next chief executive. After completing the remainder of Bates’ term, Williams left office on January 20, 1826, and retired from public service. He returned to his business and farming interests, as well as serving as the president of the first Columbia agricultural fair organization in 1835. Governor Abraham J. Williams passed away on December 30, 1839, and was buried in the Columbia Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.