US House passes bill to rename post office in Butler after local Civil War veteran

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to rename a post office in Butler after a local veteran.

According to a news release, the bill was led by Rep. Mike Kelly to rename the U.S. Post Office at 345 South Main Street the Andrew Gomer Williams Post Office Building.

“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,” 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.”

Williams enlisted in the Union Army in 1861. He led his company in over a dozen battles and was wounded four times.

After the Civil War, Williams returned to Pittsburgh to study law. He worked in the factories to support his family after his father died.

Williams opened a law firm in Butler and served two years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, followed by four years in the Pennsylvania Senate.

He directed the choir at First Methodist Church in Butler for 20 years.

Williams also helped spouses of soldiers receive their Civil War widow’s pension and was a volunteer on the Civil War Orphans Home board of directors.

The bill passed unanimously and will now head to the U.S. Senate.

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