John J. Williams was born in 1859 in the state of Georgia to Matthew Williams and Rosella Nunis Williams.

Reverend John J Williams:
Was born September of 1859 in Georgia, son of both Matthew and Rosella Williams.
John was married to Sarah Emeline Gaplin Galping/Gatlin on October 31, of 1880 in Richmond County, Georgia.
Sadly, John and his wife Sarah’s children never made it past childhood.
In the 1900 Census, it says that they had 4 children, none that were alive.
The 1900 Census Record indicated they were living on Battle Row in Augusta, Georgia and John worked for the Cotton Mill.
In the 1910 Census Record, he is still living on Battle Row and his occupation is listed as a Minister.
We also see the Augusta, GA City Directory of 1910 back this claim, as his occupation is listed as a Pastor.
In the 1920 Census Record, we see John and his wife Sarah have moved to Bamberg, South Carolina. His occupation is listed as a Farmer on his own account.
He moved back to Augusta, Georgia in 1923 living at the address 1355 Fenwick St. according to the City Directory, and he is listed as a Watchman.
In the 1930 Census Record, John is living on Talcot St. It lists the price of his rented home at 15.00
City Directory lists his home in 1937 with his wife Sarah at 944 Calhoun Augusta, GA.
His wife Sarah died on April 14, 1938 at 8:27 P.M at the age of 77 years old. She was ill from September 18, 1937. Causes of death being from General Arteriosclerosis, Hypertension, and Chronic Nephritis. She was buried in Westview Cemetery on April 16, 1938.
Between the time of his wife’s death and April 8th of 1940, we see John had moved back to Bamberg, South Carolina with a new wife: Laura Smith Williams (once married to Wade Hampton Steedly)
In the 1940 Census, John and Laura are living in Midway, Bamberg, SC with 3 of Laura’s children.
John’s occupation is a Farmer, his information states he completed 7th grade as his highest education, working on his own account, owns his home, value of home is 1000, he’s worked 54 weeks prior to the census, worked 52 weeks in 1939, and he has other sources of income.
On February 7, 1945, John passed away at the residence 539 Bohler Avenue in Augusta, GA after a 12-day illness.
His Obituary states he was a minister for over 50 years.
It also states the following:
“..Rev. Williams was a member of the Advent Christian Church and during his long tenure in the ministry served almost every church in the East Georgia-South Carolina Conference. He is survived by his wife Laura Steedly Williams; four stepsons Hayward Steedly of Charleston, SC.; Dan Steedly and Woodrow Steedly, of the U.S Marines; Broadus Steedly, USA, of Oklahoma General Hospital; four stepdaughters, Mrs. Reba Martin; Mrs. Marie Smith, Mrs. Nadine Parcell, all of Charleston; Mrs. Mabel Dukes of Branchville, SC; thirteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Fannie Fuschee Foshee of Augusta, and several nieces and nephews.
John was buried February 9, 1945, in Westview Cemetery in Augusta.