WILLIAMSON, Robert (1828-1910)

WILLIAMSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/18/2010 at 08:41:05

Winterset Reporter – August 18, 1910
Winterset, Iowa
Pg 3

Death of Robt. W. Williamson

Dr. Robert W. Williamson, the oldest veterinary surgeon in Iowa, quietly passed away on Saturday, August 13th, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Carter, of Conger, Warren county, Iowa. R. W. Williamson died at the advanced age of 81 years 11 months 16 days.

Bob Williamson, as he was familiarly called by his friends and associates, was a remarkable man, and one who throughout his long and active career presented lovable and unique characteristics. He was a genuine success in his profession having found out and developed through experience and practice of over 60 years, ideas and methods that the best works have failed to explain or comprehend.

He was born in Maryland in 1828 and in 1830 his father immigrated to Indiana, then a wild and undeveloped state, there as a farmer’s boy he grew up to manhood and his father being a practical veterinary he became interested and began the practice when but 18 years of age and which he followed continuously up to within three months ago, when he was taken ill, which resulted in his death.

The ordinary duties of the veterinary was to him so simple and common that it was only when he had a remarkable big and successful days work that he spoke of it, but it was his delight to recall and detail his vast and varied experiences, in his masterful surgical operations in abnormal and abstruse cases. The most noted writers and professors in veterinary lore, who have had the privilege of conversing with Dr. Williamson have admitted that his practical knowledge tested and proved by his experience, has place him among those who have been leaders and educators in the art of veterinary schools.

He was a sportsman, a veritable disciple of both “Nimrod” and Isaac Walton.” There was no one hereabouts who could excel him in his youthful days in trapping, fishing and hunting. He was thoroughly conversant with the habits, haunts and peculiarities of the denizens of the forests and streams. He and his boon companion and special friend Mr. John McKinney, (perhaps assisted by others) killed the last bear that was shot in Warren county in 1864. He took great delight in hunting and fishing even in his last years.

He was married in Indiana at the age of 20 years. He removed to Warren county, Iowa, in 1856 and lived on a farm, his wife died Jan. 1, 1871, and was buried in the cemetery where he was placed by his friends and brother Oddfellows on August 15th. He married the second time in the earlier seventies, Mrs. Bryan, who died some twelve years ago, there was no issue by this marriage. Ten children were born by the first marriage three of whom are still living. Bob was a kind, loving and indulgent husband, father and friend.

His funeral was preached by Rev. Stires of Indianola, a warm personal friend. The text “If a man die shall he live again” was admirably handled and he was followed to his grave by a large concourse of friends. He rests besides those he loved.