William McWillie

William McWillie (November 17, 1795–March 3, 1869) was the twenty-second governor of Mississippi from 1857 to 1859. He was a Democrat. McWillie was the last governor of Mississippi prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War.

He was born near Liberty Hill, South Carolina, on November 17, 1795. His father Colonel Adam McWillie was in command of a regiment during the War of 1812.

McWillie graduated from South Carolina college in 1817. Then he began the study of law,being admitted to the bar in 1818.

He married Catherine Anderson (1812-1873), daughter of Dr. Edward H. Anderson of Camden, South Carolina, and granddaughter of a noted officer of the Maryland Line.

Between 1836 and 1840 he served in each branch of the South Carolina legislature. In 1845 he moved to Mississippi, and was elected to congress as a Democrat in 1849. In congress he served December 3, 1849, to March 3, 1851. In 1858 he became governor of Mississippi, which office he held until 1860. McWillie died in Kirkwood, Mississippi, on March 3, 1869.

His son Adam McWillie was killed in the Civil War during the First Battle of Bull Run.