DOB/DOD: December 9, 1839 (Gloucester, England) – November 14, 1926 (New London, CT); 86 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Anna “Annie” S. Raymond (1841-1920) on May 5, 1865 in New London, Connecticut
CHILDREN: One son, George R. (1867-1909).
ENLISTMENT: July 16, 1861, in New London, Connecticut.
DISCHARGE: July 16, 1864.
FAMILY: Born to George [Mayor of New London, CT, and served in the Connecticut State Legislature] (1814-1902) and Comfort Byett Williams (1804-1893). Two sisters, Ellen Williams Getchell (1841-1927) and Jane A. Williams Hammond (1843-1926). One brother, Josiah C. (1848-1882).
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Civil War
BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army
UNIT: 1st Battalion, 14th U.S. Infantry
DATE OF ISSUE AND PRESENTATION: August 28, 1897 (35 years later)
AGE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT: 23
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Sergeant George C. Williams, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 27 June 1862, while serving with 1st Battalion, 14th U.S. Infantry, in action at Gaines Mill, Virginia. While on duty with the wagon train as Quartermaster Sergeant, George Williams voluntarily left his place of safety in the rear, joined a company, and fought with distinguished gallantry through the action.
From the Genealogical and Biographical Record of New London County, Connecticut; 1905
George Cornelius Williams, eldest son of Honorable George, was born in Gloucester, England, and was only an infant when his parents came to America. He was educated in New London, but as he was taken out of school when only thirteen, his education was necessarily a limited one. He went into his father’s bakery to learn the trade and was kept there until the war broke out. On July 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, under General Stone, the second man to enlist in that regiment. That company was known as the “fighting 14th” and, as such, earned a widespread reputation. Mr. Williams was detailed as Quartermaster’s clerk and, in 1861, promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant. He was under fire in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged and an active participant in that at Gaines’ Mills, where he was given a Medal of Honor for brilliant service, an honor recommended by two captains. Mr. Williams was one of the bravest men in line and was offered a commission as Second Lieutenant if he would remain in the regular service. He was mustered out on July 16, 1864, having never missed a day with his regiment.
Returning home when the war was over, Mr. Williams went into his father’s business, and they built up what was truthfully known as one of the best in Connecticut. This continued to be his predominating interest until he retired. He is, at present, a trustee of the Mariner’s Savings Bank. Fraternally, he belongs to Brainerd Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and religiously is an attendant upon the Second Congregational Church. In his politics, he is essentially independent but takes no active part in public affairs, although he has been school visitor and was once elected a Selectman. This latter office, he resigned.
George C. Williams was married on May 5, 1865, to Anna Sistare Raymond, born December 9, 1841, daughter of Edmond A. and Lucy (Coit) Raymond of New London. They have one son, George Raymond, born January 27, 1867.
Buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, 638 Broad Street; New London, Connecticut; Section 14, Lot 1. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
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