U.S. Senate unanimously approves Rep. Kelly's bill renaming the Butler Post Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Monday night, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) to rename the Butler, Pennsylvania Post Office after Civil War hero Andrew Gomer Williams. The bill, which passed the U.S. House unanimously last week, now heads to President Biden's desk for his signature.

"I want to thank my colleagues in the U.S. Senate for supporting this bill. 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. "This is a great honor for a man who selflessly served his community and his country."

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.