WILLIAMS, JOHN R. 1839 - 1928

WILLIAMS, OWENS, JAMES, MILLER

Posted By: Kay Gavin (email)
Date: 4/16/2011 at 14:33:54

THE SUN-HERALD, Lime Springs, Iowa, Thursday, August 30, 1928

Old Resident Passes Away at 90 Years

John R. Williams, son of Robert and Margaret Williams, was born on the 14th of April 1839. His parents lived in the beautiful village of Bryngwran, Isle of Angesea, Wales. He left his native land for the United States in his 18th year, 1857. His first place of residence was at Portage, Wis., then he came to Bristol Grove in 1860. The year following he married Miss Jane Owens. They lived on their homestead for 48 years, then moved to Lime Springs in 1909. He died of a complication of ailments, a little after the noon hour Sunday, Aug. 26, 1928, having lived 89 years and 5 month.

He is survived by the elderly widow, two daughters and six sons, all married and highly respected in the communities where they dwell: R. J. Williams, Centuria, Wis., David O., Spokane, Wash., Mrs. W. E. James, Spokane, Wash., Mrs. W. Miller, Spokane, Wash., W.J. Williams, Kellogg, Ida., Thos. R., Larrimore, N.D., John Williams, Larrimore, N.D., and Owen Williams, Bristol, Minn. Their issue makes the remarkable record of 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Last Spring Mr. and Mrs. Williams received a letter of congratulations from the Hon. James. J. Davis, secretary of labor in President Coolidge's cabinet. It was to them on their attaining the 67th anniversary of their marriage. The letter follows:

Department of Labor

Office of the Secretary

Washington, D.C. March 3, 1928

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Williams,

I take great pleasure in sending you this note to tell you how happy and proud I am of you both. Because I too am a native of Wales, I feel that I can take the liberty to write you and express my congratulations on your long and happy married life together. My sincere hope is that you will have many more happy wedding anniversaries.

With all good wishes, I am,
Most Cordially Yours,
James J. Davis

Services in memory of the departed were held in the Presbyterian church at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, conducted by the pastor, Rev. John Hammond, D.D.

Appropriate selections were sung by the church quartet. Choice flowers adorned the casket and pulpit. Mr. Williams' six sons acted as pallbearers. Interment was at Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Some reference should be made to John R. Williams as a pioneer. The early settlers who dwelt in these parts when he came in 1860 are now few and far between. He had left Great Britain in a stormy time, the Crimean War having just terminated. When he arrived in these regions from Wisconsin, the clouds of Civil War were on the point of befalling fourth. The state of Iowa was then a young maiden of 13 or 14 years, and the city of Des Moines just made the capital. A trite remark of course --- "What changes have come to pass since this couple, then young, began housekeeping in their little house in Bristol, 67 years ago!"

He was also a very interesting character. His many friends and acquaintances were drawn toward him because he stood apart from the common run of men. His knowledge was gathered through hearing rather than through reading, and through observation of things at home rather than through travel. His sense of humor and ready wit made many seek his company for a little chat. Many an amusing story is connected with his "smart" answers, some of his quick and witty answers were a good example of the proverb: "Answer a fool according to his folly."

Although he was not a professing christian, he seemed to entertain great respect for ministers of the gospel, he showed warm friendship toward the late Rev. H. F. Williams and the present pastor. He was also a contributor, not only would he give when asked, but sometimes he sent word to the officers that he wished them to call for his gifts. His long life is a pointed example of the Horoscope of years as laid out by the celebrated Joseph Cook.
Tender Teens
Teachable Twenties
Tireless Thirties
Firey Forties
Forcible Fifties
Serious Sixties
Sacred Seventies
Aching Eighties
Shortening Breath. Death. Sod. God!