James Henderson Williams (1740–1780) was an American pioneer, farmer, and miller from the Ninety-Six District in South Carolina, who played a key role in the American Revolution. Initially a member of the state's Provisional Assembly, Williams supported the Patriot cause and rose to the rank of colonel in the South Carolina militia. He led his men in several critical battles, including Musgrove Mill and Kings Mountain, where he was tragically killed in action. Although his death came before his promotion to brigadier general could be delivered, Williams’ legacy was honored centuries later when the South Carolina General Assembly posthumously confirmed his rank in 2005, renaming a local bridge in his memory. His remains, originally buried hastily after the battle, were re-interred and commemorated with a memorial, here, in front of what is now the Carnegie Library in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Gaffney, SC