Born in Randolph, Cattaraugus County, N.Y., May 3, 1831. His father, H. W. Williams, also a native of the Empire State, was a prominent farmer. James L. is the fourth in the order of birth. His youth was mostly passed in Erie County, Pa., to which his parents removed in 1834 or 1835, and there spent the remainder of their lives. After leaving the common school, Mr. Williams attended the Albion Academy, in Pennsylvania, and upon leaving its halls he engaged in teaching school for some time. As early as 1854 he came to Marshall County, and taught school during one winter. He was then appointed Clerk of the District Court, and subsequently, by re-election, held the position for fourteen years. His experience in this direction gave him a taste for the legal profession, which he decided to adopt as his life calling; therefore he read law with Boatman & Brown, of Marshalltown, and was here admitted to the Bar. For several years after this he was a member of the law firm known as Boardman, Brown & Williams. In the year 1878 Mr. Williams turned his attention to banking, and purchased the private banking house of Hager & Sons. In connection with others he established the City Bank, and was made its Cashier, serving in that capacity for about eighteen years. In 1891, in company with others, he organized the City National Bank, of which he was at once made President. Mr. Williams and :Miss Jennie N. Bagley were united in marriage in 1857, in Kingsville, Ohio, at the home of the bride's father, Andrews Bagley. He was a member of Banner Lodge No. 123, I. O. O. F., and is deeply interested in that fraternity.