Williams

William Williams, Col. James King, and Sarah King Williams

Another important early settler was William Williams. He was a businessman from North Carolina. He and his wife Sarah King Williams moved to Strawberry Plains in 1808. Sarah was the first white girl born in Knoxville. Sarah’s father, Colonel James King, the “Iron King,” was born in London England in 1752. He was a civil engineer, surveyor, and pioneer. In 1774 he joined the Dunmore War and during the Revolutionary War King served with Daniel Morgan. In Bristol he had the first iron works in 1784. He retired with his family to private life in Strawberry Plains.

His daughter, Sarah King, was a very cultured and well-educated young lady raised in the “strictest creed of the Presbyterian.” She met William Williams in Bristol when visiting her brother. He was more than twice her age, but they were married on April 10, 1808.

Williams became a farmer, merchant, and postmaster in Strawberry Plains. He and Sarah lived in a log cabin near the Holston River. It was burned down later during the Civil War. Their first child, Rebeccah, was born and died on the same day. Their second daughter, Sarah King Williams, was born on January 6, 1812. Williams moved back to North Carolina when his health failed in 1818. There he died.

Sarah was left a rich widow at the age of 26 with a six-year-old daughter, Sarah King Williams. She married Rev. Thomas Wilkerson, a Methodist minister.