WILLIAMS, William T. 1843-1885

WILLIAMS, ONAN, OMAN, OWAN, ROWELL

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 10/25/2012 at 02:38:46

[Waterloo Daily Courier, Wednesday, June 12, 1895]

Of the death of W.T. Williams, father of Mrs. Geo. B. Rowell, the Cedar Falls Gazette of yesterday says:

Nearly three weeks since an entire loss of appetite and inability to sleep warned the family of an approach of serious illness. His disease, as stated by his physician, Dr. Wick, was purpura hemorrhogica, consequent to general debility. He bled freely from the gums, nose, and inwardly, suffered in the later hours of his illness but was conscious to the last.

He had made his will; also requested Mrs. Williams to complete the work on hand and close out the business of the Williams Manufactory, and take rest she so much needed after many years of care and close application.

Some ten years since Mr. and Mrs. Williams started the Novelty Cap and Hood Co., and in the fall of 1887 converted it into the Williams Manufactory, for making overalls, pants, etc. Each year their business has increased until it has been for some years past one of the most important branches of industry in our city, giving employment to about sixty persons and distributing annually in wages an average of over $10,000 among the families of our city.

Mr. Williams had previously been a member of the largest dry goods house in our city, Jas. Miller and Shepard Wilson being the other members of the firm. He was always understood to be one of the best, most active and useful business men in Cedar Falls, always capable of doing any part of the work in hand as well or better than any one he could employ. He gave close attention to details and no one could accomplish more in a given time.

W.T. Williams was born March 10, 1842*, at Steuben Co., New York. He came west with his family and settled in Rockford, Ill., in 1852, where his father died when he was but 13 years of age, leaving him to assist in the support of his mother and sister.

He married Marietta Onan in April, 1861, moving that same year to Cedar Falls. December 9, 1863, he enlisted in Co. B., 31st Iowa, and served until the close of the war; was a good soldier.

Mr. Williams ws one of our Councilmen for a number of years and Mayor two terms. Was also a member of school board for several terms. He was a member of the Masonic lodges, a charter member of James Brownell Post, G.A.R. of this city, and of teh A.O.U.W., also of the Iowa Traveling Men's Association.

Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, by the side of his daughter, whose death occurred ten years since.

The surviving members of the family are Mrs. Geo. B. Rowell, of Waterloo, and W.E. and Harry O. Williams, of this city.

He was a kind husband and father, an unselfish citizen, generous and always ready in a moment to aid every worthy cause to the full extent of his ability.

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Notes:
His gravestone shows William T. Williams, date of birth March 10, 1943

Researcher L. Bowman has his wife's maiden name as Oman.
His wife's obit lists brothers with last name Owan.