Micajah T. Williams (b. May 29, 1820, d. ?); Mahaska County Clerk; Banker; Statesman; Lawyer; Commissioner; Pioneer

Micajah T. Williams (b. May 29, 1820, d. ?); Mahaska County Clerk; Banker; Statesman; Lawyer; Commissioner; Pioneer

Judge M.T. Williams can be credited for helping determine the official town name and Mahaska County seat of Oskaloosa in 1844. Moving from his native home state of Ohio, Williams came to Iowa in 1843 and set up a law practice located in Mt. Pleasant. He was appointed the first County Clerk of Mahaska County by Judge Joseph Williams of Muscatine, IA in 1844. Most notable in M.T. Williams' repertoire was his service in determining the location of the state capital in Polk County in 1846. In that particular year the capital was located in Iowa City. Many felt that the capital should be moved to Oskaloosa, but in the end, the decision was made to move the capital to somewhere in Polk County. Originally, three men were appointed to fulfill this task. One of the men did not show up and the second man became ill on the expedition, leaving Williams alone in determining the capital site in Des Moines. Williams served two terms in the Iowa State Legislature (1854 and 1862). M.T. Williams also helped found various financial institutions in Oskaloosa. He and his law partner Williams T. Smith established the first savings house on March 1, 1855. He also helped found the Mahaska County Savings Bank in 1875. In 1879, Williams was appointed Vice President of the Oskaloosa National Bank.

Union Historical Company, Librarian of Congress

Mahaska County Collection

Mills and Company: Des Moines, IA

2008-06-21

www.wmpenn.edu/library/library/about.html

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Wilcox Library

http://cdm16125.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/p270701coll6,13