Benjamin Williams (July 8, 1876 – February 11, 1957) was an American politician who served as Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives and the 58th lieutenant governor of Vermont.
Life and career Williams was born in Fair Haven, Vermont on July 8, 1876. He graduated from Norwich University and was an attorney, executive of the Vermont Marble Company, and President of the Proctor Trust Company.Vermont Secretary of State, Vermont Legislative Directory, 1931, page 556The New London Day, Vermont's Lt. Governor to Attend Cadet Game, November 9, 1931
A Republican, Williams served as Proctor's Town Clerk from 1906 to 1918. From 1906 to 1908, he was Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs (chief assistant) to Governor Fletcher D. Proctor.Walter J. Bigelow, Vermont: Its Government, 1919, page 109Vermont general Assembly, Journal of the Vermont Senate, 1907, page 15
Williams served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1917 to 1921. In 1920, he was elected to the Vermont State Senate, and served one term.Vermont Bar Association, Annual Meeting Proceedings, 1957, page 64
In 1928, he returned to the Vermont House, and was chosen to serve as Speaker., Speakers of the Vermont House of Representatives Since 1870, 2011, page 6
In 1930, Williams was elected Lieutenant Governor, serving from 1931 to 1933., List of Lieutenant Governors and terms of Service, 2011, page 2
Williams was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1934, losing the Republican nomination to Charles M. Smith.Associated Press, Sen. Austin Renominated in Vermont: Smith Leads Williams for Governorship, Nashua Telegraph, September 12, 1934
Williams died in Proctor, on February 5, 1957, aged 80.New York Times, Benjamin Williams, Banker in Vermont, February 13, 1957 He was buried in Fair Haven's West Street Cemetery.
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