McWilliams was born in 1904 to a poor pioneer family in Hitchcock, Oklahoma. In his earlier days McWilliams was well known for using an American-flag-draped covered Conestoga wagon for publicizing his rallies and speeches, as well as for drawing attention to his cause.
McWilliams was born in 1904 to a family of modest means in Hitchcock, Oklahoma. He became renowned during his early years for using a distinctive vehicle – an American-flag-adorned Conestoga wagon – to promote his events and raise awareness about his issues.