Thomas Dowdy Williams built the first cabin in what is now Arcadia, Desoto County, Florida in 1856. According to Matthew Herndon (Newspaper "Arcadian" 1926) when he came to the area there was but two families living there, Thomas Williams and James Waldron. Thomas planted one of the first citrus groves in the area and was a cattleman. His son, David Sampson (Sampy) was the first postmaster of Arcadia in 1883.

Thomas was born on October 25, 1825 in Savannah, Georgia, son of William A. Williams and Sarah Harvey, daughter of Richard Harvey and Elizabeth Morell. His grandparents were Samuel Williams, a Revolutionary soldier, and Delilah Neville.

Thomas married Matilda Caroline Herndon in Baker County, Florida on February 18, 1847. Matilda, born March 5, 1832 in Georgia,  was the daughter of William Zopher Herndon and Amelia Ann Frohock.

In his pension application for service during the Indian Wars he stated: "I served in Captain (*Aaron) Jernigan's Company that was mustered into service at Trader's Hill, Ga. I received a land warrent but do not remember the number. I resided in Columbia County, Florida, between the years 1850 and 1855. Names of living comrades: Dick (?) of Columbia County, Florida; Lieut. Nathan Norton of Orange County, Florida and John Harvey of Putnam County, Florida. I made this statement to L. Roberts at my home near Arcadia, Florida, on June 26th, 1894, and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement."

State of Florida, County of Desoto; Personally before me came Thomas Williams, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says that he signed the forgoing statement and that the matters and things therein set forth are true. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my official signature as Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county and State, and the seal of said court at the court-house in Arcadia, county aforesaid, this 28th day of June, A.D. 1894.

                                                                                John H. Alford
                                                                        Clerk Circuit Court, Desoto
                                                                                Co, Florida

During the Civil War, Thomas helped supply beef for the armies, while Matilda and the children stayed at the refugee camp in Fort Myers..

Thomas Dowdy Williams died of heart failure at his home in Arcadia on January 5, 1900. His son, William H. Williams was the administrator of his father's estate.
An inventory of the estate showed: Stock cattle, 125 head, valued at $625; 1 horse and 1 mare, valued at $100; 1 two horse wagon, 1 buggy and 2 parts sets geer, valued at $47; farming equipment, valued at $5; household and kitchen furniture, valued at $35; Notes due to estate by E. G. Smith, with interest, $2300; F. C. M Boggess, due to estate, $88. Total, $3200.00

Matilda Herndon Williams died on April 8, 1898. Both she and Thomas are buried at Joshua Creek Cemetery near Arcadia. Their children were: Mary Ann, Isaiah, Martha Elizabeth, Matilda Caroline, William Henry, David Sampson, Sarah Jane, Emily (Emma), Ellen, John Wesley and Roena.