James Nathaniel Williamson, Sr. was born on March 6, 1842, in Caswell County, North Carolina. During the Civil War, Williamson served as a captain in the 13th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry (Confederate). He later engaged in the cotton industry, establishing and presiding over the operations of the Ossipee Cotton Mills along the Haw River in Alamance County. Williamson died in Graham, North Carolina on February 21, 1921.