Thomas J. Williams (1841-1920)

WILLIAMS, JOHNSON, OGAN, HILSABECK

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/23/2021 at 18:36:12

From Nevada Representative January 15, 1920 (page 7)

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Williams was born in West Moreland County, Pennsylvania, January 16th, 1841 and died at Nevada, Story County, Iowa, January 12th, 1920, age 78 years, 11 months and 27 days.

He was the second in order of birth in a family of seven children, five of whom are living, Alexander of San Diego, California, Mrs. Pamela Ogan, William Benton and Carrie E. Hilsabeck, of Marshalltown, Iowa, Sarah B. departed this life in 1860 in her eighth year, and Harriet E. died in 1862 when 12 years of age.

In the year 1850 he with the family came to Davenport, Iowa, where they resided for three years, then moving to Princeton, Illinois, they liv there for seven years, during this time he carried on his duties in the common schools.

In September of the following year he was taken prisoner at the battle of Lexington, but received his discharge at St. Louis, October 16th, reenlisting, however, he joined Company "B" in the three years service, this time being one of General McClelland's body guards, being thus engaged until the latter was relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac, when he was removed to headquarters and acted at Provost Guard under Burnside while that General was in command of the Army of the Potomac.

In the spring of 1863 he was transferred to Company "I" Twelfth Illinois Cavalry serving with that Regiment as Sargent until being mustered out at the close of the war.

During his life in the Army he participated in many prominent engagements, among which were the Battles at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, Second Battle of Bull Run, Antiedam and Gettysburg.

Again returning to the peaceful pursuits of life, Mr. Williams came to Marshall County, Iowa, making his home in Jefferson Township for about two years, then establishing a home of his own, he was married in the fall of 1868 to Miss Esther Johnson, when in the spring of 1869 they located on a farm in Green Castle, Iowa, where they lived until 1913, when they moved to Nevada, Iowa, where they lived until the time of his death.

He leaves his wife, two sons and one daughter, Frank L. of Gilman, Dr. T. E. of Nevada, and Jennie E. of Des Moines.

Socially he was a member of the Grand Army, being connected with Farragut Post No. 95 at Gilman, he also belonged to Cyrus Lodge No. 338 A. F. and A. M. at Gilman.