James C. Williams

WILLIAMS, DICKSON, MCPHAIL

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 1/2/2006 at 18:39:31

The demise of James C. Williams, which occurred in 1914, was felt as a serious loss in Lake Mills, for he was prominently identified with the business development of the city and also with its advancement along moral and civic lines. He combined the sound judgment, the power of quick and accurate decision and the enterprise of the successful man of business with good will and public spirit which found expression in much work for the general welfare. He was born in Quincy, Illinois, March 14, 1847, a son of Dr. Robert S. and Florence C. (McPhail) Williams, natives respectively of Westmoreland, Maryland, and Montgomery county, Illinois. The father studied medicine in a college at Steubenville, Ohio, from which he was graduated, and began practice at Quincy, Illinois, whence he removed to Caledonia, Minnesota, and there he remained until his death in 1870. The mother died soon afterward.

James C. Williams spent his boyhood and youth in Quincy, Illinois, and in Minnesota, and after his father's death operated the home farm in Minnesota for some time. Subsequently he clerked for his brother-in-law, A. D. Spragne, a merchant of Caledonia, but in 1872 he became a resident of Northwood, Iowa, where he engaged in the lumber business in partnership with 0. V. Eckert, an association that was pleasantly maintained for more than four decades, or until the death of Mr. Williams, and the estate still retains the interest in the business. In 1881 the partners started a branch at Lake Mills but later disposed of their lumberyards and engaged in the implement and grain business. They operated a chain of elevators along the Rock Island line and handled enormous quantities of grain annually. In 1881 they established an implement and elevator business at Lake Mills, of which Mr. Williams became resident manager and which a few years before his death he converted into a corporation known as the Lake Mills Implement & Hardware Company. He became president and treasurer of the new concern, with L. E. Ludvig as manager, and he continued at the head of the company until his death. This concern is one of the largest of the kind in this section of the state and in addition to serving as its president Mr. Williams was vice president of the First National Bank and president of the Lake Mills Canning Company. He also had large farm holdings in Winnebago county, , Iowa, in Minnesota and in the Dakotas and the supervision of all of his interests made demands upon his time and energy that would have taxed to the utmost the powers of a less able or less enterprising man. His opinion upon any business problem was listened to with great respect and it was recognized that he ranked among the foremost men of his county.

Mr. Williams was married in 1875 to Mrs. Nellie Dickson, who died three years later, leaving a daughter, Winifred M., who is now teaching physical culture at Kirksville, Missouri. On the 23d of April, 1902, Mr. Williams married Odella J. Blackiston, a daughter of William B., and Cecelia C. (Hayes) Blackiston, natives of Ohio. The father removed to Geneseo, Illinois, in 1858, and there resided until called by death on the 4th of November, 1894. He was a merchant by occupation but owned sixteen hundred acres of land in Winnebago county. The mother passed away in March, 1896. To them were born four children, namely: Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Laura A. Price, of Butler, Missouri; Mrs. Nora B. Chapin, of Canton, Illinois; and William P., who died at Madison, South Dakota, January 14, 1889. Mrs. Williams is a charter member of Lake Mills Chapter No. 452, 0. E. S., and has been elected matron five times. She is also a member of the Saturday Afternoon Book Club, and the Taka Art Club. Mr. Williams supported the republican party at the polls, was a member of the town council at the time of his death and kept thoroughly informed as to public affairs. He held membership in. the Lake Mills Business Men's Association and his work was of great value in carrying out the plans of that organization for the advancement of the city. In. fact every movement seeking to further the interests of Lake Mills received his full support. He was for thirty years a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, a record of faithful and efficient service for the cause of righteousness seldom equaled. For years he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but eventually demitted from that organization but continued active as a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen. He contracted pneumonia while visiting the old home in Geneseo, Illinois, and passed away on the 15th of March, 1914, after an illness of only four days. His sudden death was a great shock not only to his family and immediate friends but to the entire community and the memory of his life is cherished by those who were privileged to know him well. He was upright and honorable in all things, was constant in his friendships and was always ready to place the good of the public above his personal interests. Mrs. Williams is still living in Lake Mills and is well known and highly esteemed in the community. While she retains her membership in the Congregational church in Geneseo, she succeeded her husband as a trustee of the Methodist church and is president of the board and, like him, takes a keen interest in the civic and religious advancement of Lake Mills.

Source: History Of Winnebago And Hancock Counties, Iowa, 1917, Pages 16, 19

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