B. M. Williams, merchant of Dyersburg, began business in April, 1874, in partnership with A. R. Hall & F. G. Williams, under the firm name of Hall, Williams & Co. After various changes in the firm Mr. Williams, in 1881, became sold proprietor, and has since so continued. He was born in Hickman County, Tenn., in 1848, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Barnhill) Williams. The former, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in North Carolina about 1802. In 1832 he moved to Illinois, thence to Lake County, Tenn., thence to Hickman County, Tenn. He located in the latter county, where he bought property and remained until 1860. He then went to Randolph County, Ark., where he died three years later. He was twice married, and was the father of twelve children, five of whom - Thomas, Stephen, Role, Martha (Mrs. I. O. Stephenson) and the subject of this sketch - are living. The mother was born in 1807, and died in 1859. B. M. Williams remained at home until some time after the death of his father. At the age of twenty he entered the store of A. R. Hall, of Huntingdon; as clerk, and so continued for six years, at the end of which time he came to Dyersburg, and established himself in business as above stated. In August, 1882, he was united in marriage with Alice Johnson, a native of Crockett County, Tenn., and to them have been born two children: Byrd and Johnson. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.