Submitted By: M. Bradley
From 1881 " History of Lafayette Co." : John K. Williams was a native of McKean Co. Penn. :Was Born Aug 22, 1822; after completing a regular course of studies , he commenced studying law at Meadville Penn. where he was admitted to the bar; he at once commenced the practice of his profession, which he continued till his death in April 4 1880. He came to Shullsburg in 1846 and was always prominently identified with Lafayette Co. He was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature, elected Chief Clerk of The Senate in 1852-53, and Regent of The University of Wisconsin in 1876. He was also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders and managed large tracts of farming lands. He married Mrs. Allen of Haverhill N. H. in 1848 and they had two children - Clara L. and John P. As a side note : Because he was the legal representative for most of Shullsburg pioneers in drawing up land transactions, most of the early Land Title Records for the Shullsburg Township bear John K. Williams signature. As a result of his own investment in farm land, William's estate was worth in excess of $200,000. Money from his estate was used to build the former Farmers and Merchants Bank at 201 West Water St. in Shullsburg. The building was designed by Dr. C. C. Gratiot. The upstairs housed Dr. Gratiot's medical practice and hospital for many years.