Born in Sterling, Illinois, Williams began his literary career in college, writing Princeton Stories. Upon graduation he continued to write novels and plays, including Why Marry? for which he was awarded the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1918. Works Novels and short story collections -Princeton Stories -The Adventures of a Freshman -The Girl and the Game -The married life of the Frederic Carrolls -She Knew She Was Right Plays -Lovely Lady -Why Marry? -The Stolen Story