John H. Williamson (c. 1846–1911) was formerly enslaved as were his parents. He was an African American politician and newspaper publisher in North Carolina. Born in Covington, Georgia, Williamson grew up in Louisburg, North Carolina.[1] He served six terms in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1866 to 1888.[2]

In addition to his career as a state politician, Williamson served as justice of the peace, a member of the Franklin County Board of Education. Between 1881 and 1884 Williamson founded two newspapers: The Banner and The North Carolina Gazette. The former was the newspaper of the North Carolina Industrial Association, of which Williamson served as secretary.[3]
Williamson died in Goldsboro, North Carolina on January 9, 1911.[4] He is buried in the Louisburg (N.C.) City Cemetery.[5]

Source: Wikipedia
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A profile of Hon. John H. Williamson is below from the book, "The Afro-American Press and Its Editors" (1891). pages 181-183.

Hon. John H. Williamson, Editor North Carolina Gazette.

John H. Williamson born enslaved first saw the light of day, October 3, 1844, at Covington, Ga., his parents being James and ———— Williamson, were the property of Gen. John N. Williamson. Upon the death of their master, his parents moved with their mistress to Louisburg, N. C., this now being the home of our subject.

At an early period he longed to be able to read, and so began to study. To prevent him from learning, his mistress hired him out. The white people said in those days, as they say now, sometimes—"It is a dangerous thing for a negro to read." He succeeded, however, in his effort.

He married Annie G. Williamson (1876-1918) and they had a daughter, Hattie Williamson (1902-1958), she died in Henderson, Vance County, NC. She is buried with her parents in Louisburg City Cemetery, North Carolina.

He held responsible positions during the Reconstruction period. He has spent most of his time in legislative halls and at the editorial desk, contributing to the success of the race, both by word and pen. In 1867 he was appointed register for Franklin County by Gen. Sickles, and was elected the same year to the Constitutional convention to frame a new constitution, under an act of Congress. His legislative career begins with 1866—'68. He has since served in that capacity from '68 to 72,' 76 to 78, and '86 to '88. He was defeated in 74 and 78, and '88, owing to party differences each time.

He was a justice of the peace in his state for years, a position of considerable responsibility in North Carolina. For ten years he was a member of the county board of education, and a school committeeman of his school district. He was also a delegate to the National Republican conventions of 72, '84, and '88, In 1881, he was elected secretary of the North Carolina Industrial Association, holding that position for seven years, managing its affairs with ability and success.
His course in journalism has been of an extensive nature, and is worthy of mention.

It begins with the founding of The Banner, April 14, 1881,—of which he was editor and proprietor. It was the organ of the Industrial Association, and as such it was devoted mainly to educational and industrial pursuits. The Banner met with great favor throughout the state, its circulation running up in a brief period to two thousand, the majority of subscribers being laborers. While the paper was devoted mainly to the industrial interests of the race, it did not fail to speak boldly upon all questions where the rights of the Afro-American were involved.

In 1883, to promote its interests and accomplish more good, believing in the maxim—"In union is strength,"—The Banner united with The Goldsboro Enterprise, controlled by George A. Mebane, and E. E. Smith, now minister to Liberia. This paper assumed the name of The Banner Enterprise, and was published at Raleigh, N. C. It was devoted to politics, and other matters pertaining to the race, and had a most successful carter for quite a while, a powerful influence being exerted by the efforts of George A. Mebane, and E. E. Smith and John H. Williamson, who were well known as editors. When a difference of opinion arose upon the matter of publication, Mr. Williamson sold his interest to George A. Mebane, and retired from the paper, leaving Mr. Mebane sole editor and proprietor, Mr. Smith having also retired.

Mr. Williamson's journalistic career did not end here. In August, 1884, he commenced the publication of The North Carolina Gazette, a weekly paper, which was devoted, in accordance with his bent of mind, to education, industry and politics, among the Afro-Americans. As with his former papers, so with The Gazette, a large circulation was secured, it reaching two thousand or more.

Many of the able lady writers of the old North State contributed to its columns, among whom were Misses L. T. Jackson, Annie C. Mitchell, and Jane E. Thomas. These made the paper very popular with their own sex, and it was eagerly sought for. The advertisements came largely from the white business men of Raleigh. The Gazette truly did much good, and we regret, with scores of Afro-Americans of the state, that the editor's other duties prevented his continuing the publication of his paper.
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NC Historical Marker - John Williamson 1846-1911 (E-114)
Location: South Main Street at Mineral Springs Road in Louisburg
County: Franklin
Original Date Cast: 2006