Williams, James Levi 1850-1931

WILLIAMS, GRAHAM, NICKOLS, MAPLES, DIXON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/25/2011 at 10:54:10

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) June 26, 1931

JAMES LEVI WILLIAMS CALLED BY DEATH

James Levi Williams, son of James and Phoeba Williams, was born in Rock Island, Ill., July 26, 1850, and departed this life at his home in North Brooklyn, June 20, 1931, in the presence of his dear wife and all the children, at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 24 days. He was the last survivor of eight brothers and two sisters.

Mr. Williams has been in failing health for the past few years and in his weakened condition pneumonia developed lasting but a few days.

He was married to Miss Maggie Graham Sept. 9, 1879, at her home near Searsboro, Iowa. To this union nine children were born, two having preceded him in death, Johnnie, an infant, and Eva Mae at the age of eighteen. The greater part of his life was spent in and around Brooklyn. He was converted in the Christian church at Madison and when moving to town his membership was tranferred to the Methodist church in Brooklyn.

In his passing Brooklyn loses one of its best citizens, his kind acts and loving deeds being known by all. He was a loving and devoted husband, a kind and considerate father, and a true and helpful friend to all who knew him. His passing away has caused a vacant place which never can be filled. His memory will ever be cherished in the hearts of his dear ones. He leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted wife, Mrs. Maggie Williams, four sons, Elias of Cedar Rapids, Edd and Sam of Grinnell, and Frank of Montezuma, three daughters, Mrs. Elvina Nickols, Mrs. Mary Maples of Brooklyn, and Mrs. Marie Dixon of North English; sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of friends and neighbors.

The funeral service was held in the Methodist church with the pastor, Rev. Russell G. Nye, in charge. The four sons of Mr. Williams and two sons-in-law were the pallbearers. Burial was at the Hazelwood cemetery, Grinnell.

Beyond the flight of time,
Beyond this vale of death,
There surely is some blessed
Where life is not a breath.

There is a world above,
Where parting is unknown
A long eternity of love
Where God receives his own.