Major V. J. Williams 1832-1903

WILLIAMS, DEAN, FREEMAN, WILLMERS

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 7/30/2017 at 20:21:46

MAJOR V. J. WILLIAMS wholesale dealer in agricultural implements is a successful business man and substantial citizen who well deserves representation in the history of Dubuque. He claims Ohio as the state of his nativity for his birth occurred in Meigs County on February 13, 1832. The Williams family is of Welsh origin and was founded in America in early Colonial days by ancestors who emigrated from Wales and located in New England.

The paternal grandfather of our subject Benjamin Williams was a native of Connecticut and became one of the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye State. The father B. S. Williams was a native of Ohio born in 1807. His death occurred in February 1892 at the ripe old age of eighty five years. When he had attained his majority he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Brown a native of Athens, Ohio and a daughter of William Brown who was born in England of Scotch parentage and emigrated to the Buckeye State during the days of its early history.

Mr. Willams whose name heads this notice was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads and was educated in the public schools which he attended through the winter season while in the summer months he aided in the labors of the field. At the age of twenty years he went to Dubuque and learned the carpenter's trade thus making a start in life for himself. Later he accepted a position with the Iowa Iron Works of this city being employed as pattern maker and in 1858 purchased an interest in the business with which he continued his connection for eight years or until 1864. In the meantime Mr. Williams entered his country's service to aid in the defense of the Union Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he donned the blue becoming a member of Company I. First Iowa Infantry on the 23d of April 1861. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Bates and joined the army of General Lyons in Missouri where they remained four months. His term having expired Mr. Williams was then mustered out but afterwards re-enlisted as a member of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry and was appointed by Governor Kirkwood, Captain of Company M. For meritorious services he was subsequently brevetted Major which rank he held until the close of the war. He was always found at his post of duty faithful to the task allotted to him and like a valiant soldier followed the Old Flag until November 1865 when he was honorably discharged. While at home on a furlough January 4th 1864.

Major Williams was married to Miss Mattie Dean a daughter of William Dean of Fulton N.Y. Her death occurred in December 1877 and she left four children to mourn her loss a son and three daughters namely Allie, wife of Edward E. Freeman, Nellie, wife of John F. Brede, May Louise, wife of W. F. Willmers, with whom Mr. Williams makes his home and Arthur.

On his return from the army Major Williams began dealing in agricultural implements and has since continued business along that line being now connected with the wholesale trade. That he has followed this pursuit for so long is a testimonial of his success. He has gradually increased his business to meet the growing trade and now receives from the public a very liberal patronage. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and in 1869 was appointed by President Grant Postmaster of Dubuque which position he filled in a creditable and acceptable manner for four years. He has also been honored with other public offices. In 1873 he was elected County Treasurer and discharged the duties of that office for two terms of two years each.

Socially he is a member of Lodge No. 125 AF & A. His public and private life are alike above reproach and his honorable straightforward career has gained him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. As a private citizen he manifests the same loyalty which he displayed in following the Stars and Stripes on the battlefields of the south.

THE HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY, IOWA
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