Williams, Samuel Pierce

WILLIAMS, MARHIS, LEIGH, DAVIS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/24/2009 at 10:51:23

Williams, Samuel Pierce

For many years the late Samuel Pierce Williams was actively identified with the life of Johnson County, playing a role of no mean consequence in her affairs and becoming widely known as one of her honored citizens. His well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors, even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. In all the relations of life he commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he was brought into contact, as was abundantly evidenced on many occasions, and without a suitable record of his life and achievements this volume would be incomplete.

Mr. Williams was born on February 6, 1838, in Huntingdon, County, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas and Jane B. Williams, prosperous farmers of that place. In 1843 his parents moved to Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio, where the subject received his education. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then came to Johnson County, Iowa, locating on a farm and the following year, 1860, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Marhis, of that place. She was born in New Jersey, April 17, 1841, the daughter of Benjamin and Lucinda Marhis. She came to Ohio when she was a small girl, where she remained until she was fifteen years old, then came to Johnson County, Iowa. After her marriage, she and Mr. Williams moved to a farm and there remained several years, later moving to a farm in Shelby County, Iowa, purchasing a fine place of several was a successful farmer and was highly respected, his character being above reproach. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Williams five children were born, namely: Berton died in infancy; Lucinda Catherine married Alpheus Leigh, of Shelby County, and she died leaving one daughter, Bessie Lee, who was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Williams, wife of the subject, with whom she still makes her home. Charles E. Williams married Effie Davis and they are now living in Omaha, Nebraska; Samuel C. is married and lives at Ames, Iowa.

Samuel P. Williams, of this review, was a prominent member of the Christian Church of Shelby County, and he was a stanch Republican, taking an active part in the affairs of his party. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was very successful as a businessman and left an ample competency. A few years after his death Mrs. Williams came to Newton and purchased a modern, cozy and neatly furnished home on East South Street, where she has since resided. She is highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 502.