Rep. Kelly's bill renaming Butler, Pa. Post Office passes U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7514, a bill led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 345 South Main Street in Butler, Pennsylvania the "Andrew Gomer Williams Post Office Building." The bill, which passed unanimously by voice vote, is supported by the entire Pennsylvania delegation in the U.S. House. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

 
"Andrew Gomer Williams lived a life of service to his community and country, and I am proud to cement his legacy in our nation’s history," Rep. Kelly said. "He is a Civil War hero, and he is the definition of what it means to serve others. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support in honoring this heroic man. I also encourage everyone to read his life story. Mr. Williams was a remarkable man."

BACKGROUND

In 1861, at the age of 21, Andrew Gomer Williams enlisted in the Union Army, assigned to help
raise three companies of men in the newly created 63rd PA Volunteers. He was soon promoted
to the rank of Captain of Company E of the 63rd PA Volunteers. Mr. Williams led his company
in over a dozen battles, ultimately being wounded four times, including in 1863 when he was
thought to have been killed in action. However, four days later, he was miraculously found alive
on the battlefield. He then carried out the rest of his service alongside his regiment until August
6, 1864.

After the war, Mr. Williams returned home to Pittsburgh to study law while working in the
factories to support his family following his father’s death. Despite 13 tragic deaths in Mr.
Williams’ own family, his dedication to his community never faltered. He opened a law firm in
Butler, served two years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, four years in the
Pennsylvania State Senate, 20 years as the Choir Director of Butler’s First Methodist Church,
assisted soldiers’ spouses in receiving their Civil War Widow’s Pension, and volunteered on the
Board of Directors of the Civil War Orphans Home.

A speech given by Butler historian Bill May on the life of Andrew Gomer Williams was inserted into the Congressional Record on June 16, 2021. The Congressional Record can be found here.