Along with other residents of Galesburg, Carl Sandburg called Moses Ocean Williamson “Mose.” Williamson was active in Republican politics and had been elected Knox County treasurer in 1886 and Knox County clerk in 1890. Anyone of Swedish ancestry hoping for a recommendation for county, state or federal employment went to see “Mose.” He had the proper connections and could make the necessary introductions.

Moses Williamson had a distinction of which few other people could brag. He was born July 14, 1850, on the sailing bark “Maria” on the Atlantic Ocean. His parents, William and Margaret, and their children had lived near Stockholm and were on the long journey to Knox County, Illinois. They took up residence in Victoria Township for a short time and then moved to a log cabin south of Wataga in Sparta Township. The father died in 1854, leaving his wife and six children to fend for themselves.

Moses worked on the farm and went to school when he could. At the age of fourteen, in 1864, he apprenticed to Olson & Gray Harnessmakers in Wataga. He purchased Gray's share of the business in 1867 and Olson's share in 1879 and continued the business until 1890.

He became interested in politics and served in various offices at the township level. He was active in the Knights Templar, Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias secret societies. He also loved music and led a band in Wataga and directed choirs at several churches.

In 1886 Williamson was elected treasurer of Knox County. Four years later he became county clerk and moved to Galesburg with his wife and two daughters. Their home was at 996 North Broad Street. He was re-elected clerk two more times. In 1890 he also became president of the People's Trust and Savings Bank.

Mose was named chairman of the Knox County Republican committee in 1884 and held the position for sixteen years. He also served as secretary of the committee at various times for a total of twenty-three years. He was a co-founder of the Swedish-American Republican League, later called the John Ericcson Republican League. It was named in honor of John Ericcson, a Swedish inventor and mechanical engineer. He is remembered for designing the Civil War ironclad ship USS Monitor.

In 1900 Williamson was elected treasurer of the State of Illinois and served one term. During his term the tomb of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield was being refurbished and the constitutional officers of the state were named to the committee overseeing the work. They were the last people to see the face of the martyred president before the casket was closed forever and later buried under ten feet of concrete.

On a Sunday morning in February, 1935, Moses O. Williamson slipped on the icy driveway of his home. His left hip was fractured and the severe shock led to his death. The funeral was held from Central Congregational Church on February 27^th. Galesburg Commandry No. 8, Knights Templar, in full regalia, conducted the service and escorted the remains to the Wataga Cemetery. He was buried next to his wife, who had died in 1925, and an infant son who died in 1873.