Taking office in January 1854, Mayor Williams only served until July 1, 1854, at which time he resigned his duties.  Williams did not leave public service however, for as soon as Alderman William Ragsdale was elected to serve as Mayor, Williams accepted an appointment to complete Ragsdale’s alderman term. During Mayor Williams’ term, the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad completed its line into the city. 

In 1858, due to illness, Williams retired from the Bank of Chattanooga and moved to Nashville.