David Henry Williams

David Henry Williams (March 19, 1819 – June 1, 1891) was a railroad surveyor, civil engineer and writer in civilian life. He was a volunteer in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War and a volunteer Union Army colonel during the American Civil War. He was appointed colonel of the 82nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment on July 23, 1861. He was appointed a brigadier general in the Union Army on November 29, 1862, but his appointment expired on March 4, 1863, without being confirmed by the United States Senate. His actual highest rank remained colonel. After the expiration of his appointment in 1863, Williams resigned from the Union Army and returned to his career as a civil engineer and, after his health soon declined, a writer for newspapers and magazines.

Early life David Henry Williams was born in Otsego County, New York, on March 19, 1819.

Williams moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1837.

Mexican–American War and aftermath Williams served as a volunteer in the Mexican–American War. Historian Stewart Sifakis wrote that Williams served "apparently as an enlisted man."

After the Mexican-American War, Williams moved to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, now part of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Williams resigned from the Union Army in early 1863 and returned to Allegheny (Pittsburgh).

Later life and death Williams returned to engineering after he resigned from the Union Army. Warner states that he was a professor of engineering after his return to Allegheny. After a short time, his health deteriorated and he became a prolific writer for newspapers and magazines.

David Henry Williams died on June 1, 1891, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He is buried at Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.