Durant in Bryan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Robert Lee Williams
(December 20, 1868 April 10, 1948)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2025
1. Robert Lee Williams Marker
He was a lawyer, a judge, and politician who served as the third Governor of the State of Oklahoma from 1915-1919. He moved to Durant in 1896 and served as the first town attorney in 1899. Williams helped draft the States Constitution, served as the first Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and served as a United States District and Circuit Judge. He is buried in Highland Cemetery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 33° 59.492′ N, 96° 22.579′ W. Marker is in Durant, Oklahoma, in Bryan County. It is on North 1st Avenue (State Highway 78) just south of Evergreen Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the west side of a concrete pedestal along the walkway in Market Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Evergreen Street, Durant OK 74701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Square Cafe (here, next to this marker); General Ira Eaker (here, next to this marker); Fisher Durant (here, next to this marker); Durant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bryan County Veterans Memorial (approx.
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Robert Lee Williams
Also see . . .
1. Robert Lee Williams (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Williams was born near Brundidge, (Pike County), Alabama. He read law and passed the Alabama bar exam in 1891 at the age of 23 and began his practice in Troy, Alabama. At the age of 25, Williams, in 1893, moved west to the Cherokee Outlet section in the Indian Territory following its opening where he briefly practiced law in Orlando. After briefly moving back to Alabama, Williams returned to the Indian Territory shortly afterwards in 1897 and settled in Durant. He became increasingly involved in local politics and a driving force behind the Democratic Party in modern-day eastern Oklahoma, representing the old Indian Territory in the political party's councils.(Submitted on October 21, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
As third Governor, Williams oversaw the state's response to the recent United States Supreme Court's ruling against Jim Crow laws and its involvement in the First WorldWar (1914/1917-1918).Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 20252. Robert Lee Williams MarkerLooking east through Market Square; North 1st Avenue crosses in the background.
2. Robert Lee Williams (Find A Grave).
(Highland Cemetery, Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma, USA) Excerpt: From 1907 until 1914, Williams served as Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In 1914, he resigned the position of Chief Justice to run for Governor. He won a narrow victory over John Fields and was inaugurated Governor on January 11, 1915.(Submitted on October 21, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
At the conclusion of his administration in 1919, Williams was appointed by President Wilson to be a United States Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. He held the position from 1919 to 1937, when President Roosevelt elevated him to the Tenth Circuit Court. He retired from that court in 1939 but continued to provide judicial advice and services until his death in 1948.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
