Williams operated a pottery operation in the upcountry of South Carolina during the early 1900's. He may have been a descendant of Edgefield freed black potter Milage Williams or he may have learned the craft from another upcountry potter that migrated from the Edgefield area.
Williams was not the only potter producing alkaline-glazed stoneware in the upcountry of South Carolina by the turn of the 20th century. A large scale alkaline-glazed stoneware operation called Jug Factory or Jugtown was established between Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the mid to late 19th century. A number of recognized potters worked at Jugtown, including William Henson (1818-1904), one of the first potters in the area and great grandfather of current day folk potter Billy Henson.
