William A. MacWilliams


William Arthur MacWilliams was a city official, and state legislator in Florida who served in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, including as President of the Florida Senate.

Early life

He was born in Camden, New Jersey, and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He moved to Florida in 1885.

Career

Florida National Guard

MacWilliams served in the Florida National Guard. He led military rule of Jacksonville, Florida after the 1901 fire. A colonel, he received the grade of Brigadier General in 1913.

Politics

He served in the Florida House of Representatives from St. Johns County in 1899, 1907, 1909, 1911 and 1913. He served in the Florida Senate representing the 31st District in 1901, 1903, 1917, 1919, 1921, 1923, 1933, and 1935. The Florida Archives has a photo of him. He was involved in establishing Flagler County.

Personal life

He married and had two daughters, Gertrude M. Calhoun and May Hendricks, as well as a son, Emmett MacWilliams.

Death

MacWilliams died on January 9, 1914, and was buried in St. Augustine, Florida.