WILLIAMS, Stephen 1836-1916

WILLIAMS, CASE, BRODERSEN, BOOTHBY, MARSHALL, PRENTICE, ROBB

Posted By: Laura McCoy (email)
Date: 12/28/2001 at 13:29:45

Charlotte Iowa Newspaper
Early Teacher Passes Away
Stephen Williams Dies AT Age 80 Years--
Had Taught School for 52 Years.

This morning at 2 O'clock occurred the death of Stephen Williams, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lorena Brodersen, at the age of 80 years and 18 days. His death was caused by an infection of the jaw with which he had been afflicted for the past year. He was able to be up and around most of the time, being confined to his bed only since Tuesday.
The subject of our sketch was born in Castleisland, Kerry County, Ireland, February 6, 1836. He taught school for a few years in Ireland and then came to this country, landing in New York June 27th, 1854 and came direct to this vicinity. Nov. 9, 1859 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Case of Indiana, who passed away Sept. 20, 1892. Since the death of his wife he had made his home with his children at Rockwell City up to eight months ago when he came to stay with his daughter, Mrs. Boothby, coming to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Brodersen, ten days ago. In August 1862 he enlisted in Co. I, 26th Iowa Infantry, but was not accepted on account of physical disability.
Mr. Williams was the father of ten children, eight of whom survive, as follows: Mrs. L.E. Marshall of Rockwell City, Mrs. Lorena Brodersen and Mrs. Mary Boothby of this vicinity, Joseph of Des Moines, Obe of Emmetsberg, Walter of Rockwell City, Mrs. Gertrude Prentice of Sheldon, Mrs. Jane Robb of Garden City, SD. He also leaves 34 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brothers and sisters in Ireland and a host of friends in this vicinity.
Stephens Williams was one of the oldest settlers of this vicinity and by his death is removed without doubt the veteran school teacher of Eastern Iowa. He commenced teaching school in this locality directly after his arrival here and taught for 52 years, retiring ten years ago. he was the pioneer instructor of this vicinity, coming here when the country was young, before there was any Charlotte, and had for his pupils many of the old and middle aged residents of the town.
The reminiscences of Mr. Williams as a teacher would make a volume of interesting reading, but unfortunately these records have not been kept. The conversation of the deceased a few years ago, in speaking of the things he "was up against" in country school teaching in the early days he informed us that in one school in particular he and the pupils were obliged to cut down trees, hew the trunks into slabs for seats and desks. He was also obliged at times to manufacture his own ink from sumach bark and his pens from goose quills. Many a night did he burn the midnight candle, studying in order to keep ahead of his pupils.
He had many trials and tribulations, but in the face of all these he enjoyed the life and never tired of telling of his early experiences. When a young man he united with the Christian church and remained a faithful member ever since. He was a poet of more than local fame.
Mr. Williams always had a kindly word and a hearty hand-shake for all, held the name of the Creator in reverence and was a man whom all held in the highest respect.
The funeral will be held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Brodersen, Saturday moring at 11 O'Clock with interment in the McClure Cemetery.