Williams, John E.

From La Grange, GA, John E. Williams came to Owensboro, KY, in 1927 and later owned a plaster contracting business.

Williams filed a petition for the Office of Owensboro City Commissioner in 1965, losing in  the general election. He is remembered, however, for opening the door for other African Americans running for office in Owensboro. The first African American to run for office in Owensboro was H. Clay Helm in 1875.

Williams was a member of the Mt. Pisgah Lodge  #20.

For more see J. Campbell, "Williams' bid opened door for black leaders, He earned a spot on fall ballot," Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 10/28/05, p. 19; and "records local death John E. Williams," Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 5/7/1989, p. 2B.