R. J. Williamson

WILLIAMSON, FAULKNER, LAMB

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/12/2011 at 22:11:17

R. J. WILLIAMSON, who is engaged in the practice of law at Grundy Centre, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., February 3, 1856, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Hamilton Williamson, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and came to America when about twenty years of age, locating in Newburgh, N. Y., where he followed the mason’s trade. In 1856 he removed to Independence, Iowa, becoming one of its early settlers, and there followed his trade for many years. He still makes his home in Independence. He married Mary J. Faulkner, who was also a native of Ireland. She died December 24, 1880.

Our subject is the third in a family of five children. Ere he was a year old the family removed to Independence, where he grew to manhood. He was educated in Lenox College, of Hopkinton, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1878 with the degree of A. M. Before entering college, he pursued a course in the Independence Business College. After his graduation he assumed the management of the National Advocate, the organ of the Greenback party at Independence, and continued in that position for about two years. In 1878 he became a candidate on the fusion ticket in Buchanan County for County Clerk. The election returns showed that he was successful in the race for the office, and he acceptably filled the position for two years. Having read law, he was admitted to the Bar in November, 1880, and in January, 1881, he entered upon practice in Independence as a partner of his brother, J. H. Williamson, who had pursued his law studies in the State University at Iowa City, and was also graduated from Lenox College. Our subject continued to practice in Independence until 1886, since which time he has been one of the leading lawyers of Grundy Centre.

On the 10th of December, 1885, Mr. Williamson married Miss Laura B. Lamb, daughter of Curtis Lamb, a farmer of Centre Point, Iowa. Mrs. Williamson is a native of Woodbury County, and by her marriage she has four children. In politics Mr. Williamson is a Democrat. He held the office of County Attorney in Grundy County for two terms, from January, 1888, until January, 1893. In the spring of 1885 he was elected City Solicitor for Independence, Iowa. He served as County Attorney when the court house was being built, and during his term of service two murder cases were tried, and the defendant was convicted in both cases. Mr. Williamson has taken an active part in the work of the Democratic party, and has served as Chairman of the Central Committee.

Socially, our subject is a member of the Knight of Pythias, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. In 1889 he was made a Trustee of his Alma Mater at Lenox College, and filled that position three years. He is a stockholder in the Reinbeck State Bank, and is recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of this community. He is not only prominent in professional circles, but also holds an enviable position in social circles.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894