Hiram Smith Williams, a leading pioneer of Rockledge, began building his stately Queen Anne style home on the shores of the Indian River in 1874 and completed the main structure in 1880. Born in New Jersey in 1833, Williams fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War, an action causing his father to disinherit him.

Williams Carriage

He brought his family and carriage business from Mobile, Alabama to Rockledge, Florida in 1874. With his wife, Cornelia, and children Edmund Sidney and Myra Gray, they forged out a lifestyle alongside native residents and others migrating and immigrating to this area. He was a widely-published, well-known author of both poetry and prose.

 

Lawndale Grove Crate

As a community leader, Williams held many offices and positions including Brevard County Treasurer (1874-1883), the first Postmaster for the City of Rockledge (1875-1881), he was a School Trustee (1879-1884), and State Senator for Brevard County for two terms (beginning in 1884).

A strong proponent of education, Senator Williams established one of the first schools in the area on the second floor of his home. Original slates, desks, and primers from this schoolroom are included in the extensive collection of artifacts associated with this home.