Published accounts claim that George Williams received an appointment to West Point under the sponsorship of Sen. Edward D. Baker of Oregon, and that he was Oregon's only commissioned Army officer present at the Battle of Gettysburg. These claims have not been verified and remain under investigation.

He was widely known among his fellow soldiers, friends, and business associates as "Major Williams." This could have been an actual military rank which was conferred upon him, or a term of endearment. Additional research is needed to confirm how he came to use this moniker.

Military records consulted thus far show that George Williams was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th U. S. Infantry (company not given) on April 14, 1862, and that he was promoted to Brevet Captain on July 2, 1863. This was a promotion probably given in the field at Gettysburg on the same day he suffered battle injuries consisting of a shattered right leg, which was amputated at the knee. Brevet promotions weren't given to disabled soldiers so this must have occurred immediately prior to the actual battle. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on July 14, 1863, and received his discharge from the U. S. Army on November 11, 1863.

Thanks are due Randy Fletcher, Senior Vice-Commander, Col. Edward D. Baker Camp #6, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and his colleague, Phil Signor, Graves Registration Officer, Department of the Columbia, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, for verification of the military promotions stated in the previous paragraph.

He married Emma Eunice Mahala Adams at Salem, Oregon, on April 25, 1872. He later entered the banking business at Salem, Oregon, served as mayor there, and after moving to Portland in 1898, sold real estate.