John E. Williams (1850-1932)

WILLIAMS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 8/16/2022 at 20:20:26

John E. Williams
(July 27, 1850 - December 27, 1932)

J. E. Williams was born in Wales, July 27, 1850, and is a son of Evan and Ann (Rich) Williams, both of whom were natives of Wales. The father died in 1865, and with her son Robert the mother came to America in the spring of 1880, settling at Big Rock, Illinois, where she remained until called to her final rest in the year 1892. Four of her sons are yet living, namely: J. E., of this review; William, a resident of Wales: Robert, who is living in Manson; and Thomas, of Big Rock, Illinois.
J. E. Williams of this review was a young man of nineteen years when he determined to make his home in the "land of the free." Crossing the Atlantic, the vessel in which he sailed dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, and without pausing long in the eastern metropolis, Mr. Williams continued his journey across the country to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but failing to find employment there he proceeded to Waukesha, where he arrived with only thirty-seven cents in his pocket. In that locality he was more fortunate in his search for work and became employed as a farm hand, following that pursuit for eight years. It was about this time that he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and was married on the 4th of January, 1877, to Miss Janette Morris, who was born near Waukesha, March 18, 1857. Her parents, Hugh and Janette (Williams) Morris, were natives of Wales and were farming people, who located in Wisconsin in pioneer days. The father died upon his farm there in June, 1872, and the following year his widow became the wife of David Evans, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They remained in the Badger state until 1883, when they removed to Kane County, Illinois, settling at Big Rock, which was their place of abode until called to the home beyond, Mr. Evans passing away in 1897 and his wife in 1898. Mrs. Williams has one brother and four sisters still living, namely: David, who resides at Big Rock, Illinois; Mrs. Katherine Davis, of Bangor, Wisconsin; Mrs. Ellen Hughes, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Ingram, of Big Rock, Illinois; and Mrs. Alary Harris, of Chicago.
After his marriage Mr. Williams took up his abode in Big Rock, Illinois, where he rented land and engaged in farming for twelve years. In 1889 he removed to Calhoun County, Iowa, and leased a section of land one mile north of Manson on which he lived for six years and then purchased the place. He made many excellent improvements and continued its operation until 1895, when he sold a half section to John Harper, retaining possession of the remainder until 1900, when he disposed of it. In 1901, he removed to Manson and purchased the hotel of H. H. Marsh, but after conducting it for one season he sold it to Mr. Brace. He is now living retired from active business cares but he owns one hundred acres of land near Waverly, Iowa, and a half section in Minnesota.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born three children; Chauncey W., who was born at Big Rock, Illinois, in 1878; Sarah Ellen, born July 15, 1883; and Mary Janette, born April 22, 1887. All are yet in school and still reside under the parental roof. Mr. Williams is an advocate of Republican principles, warmly espousing the cause of the party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is also a member of the Congregational church. When we examine a life history to find the secret of success, we usually learn that prosperity has been gained through persistent effort, close application and fitness for the work undertaken. It is so in the case of Mr. Williams, who without any especial pecuniary advantages in his youth has attained to a creditable position among the substantial men of his adopted county. Honesty and integrity have ever characterized his business transactions; fidelity to duty has marked his citizenship and a conscientious understanding of all obligations has been manifested in his private life and in his relations with family and friends. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.334]