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         WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, one of the early settlers of Louisa County, is a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 13, Wapello Township. He was born in Morgan County, Ind., Oct. 5, 1826, and was the only child born to William and Mary (Coons) Williams, who were natives of Kentucky. The father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in Indiana about the year 1830. The mother was again married, becoming the wife of J. P. Maxwell. By their union eight children were born, though only one is now living, Thomas, a farmer of Muscatine County, Iowa. In 1845 William came with his mother and step-father to Louisa County, where the death of Mr. Maxwell occurred in 1849, the mother surviving her husband until 1858. They were both highly respected people in the community where they resided.

Mr. Williams had received his education in attendance at the subscription schools of his native county. After coming to Iowa, as before stated, he worked upon Mr. Maxwell’s farm until 1847, when he returned to Morgan County, and was there united in marriage with Margaret Roberts, who was born May 10, 1826, in Morgan County. The lady is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Turpen) Roberts, who were born in Kentucky, and were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, and nine are yet living: Humphrey, aged sixty-eight years, is living in Indiana; Benjamin, a carpenter by trade, is residing in Troy, Neb.; Mrs. Williams; Mrs. Mary Hicklin, who is living in Warren County, Iowa; Mrs. Melinda Norman, whose home is in Indiana; Mrs. Mary Carter, of Dallas County, Iowa; Mrs. Eliza Linley; Mrs. Samantha Hartman and Martin Roberts. The parents of these children both died in Morgan County, Ind.

After his marriage Mr. Williams, accompanied by his young bride, came to Louisa County, where he entered forty acres of land on the Iowa River, in Oakland Township. After farming that for a year he sold out, and in 1850 purchased 100 acres of partly improved land, on which a little log cabin had been built, and into it the family moved. He started out with only a team and an old wagon, but immediately beginning to cultivate his land, he now has one of the best farms in the county, with a commodious two-story residence, 26x26 feet, with an L 12x16 feet. His barns and out-buildings are in the best condition, and the farm has been increased in extent until it now comprises 144 acres.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed with a family of eight children: Mary L., born Nov. 22, 1848, died June 4, 1851; Nancy E., born Feb. 11, 1850, is the wife of Alonzo Wilson, a farmer of Gosper County, Neb.; Cassa, born Dec. 3, 1851, wedded G. W. Scofield, a farmer of Louisa County; Edward, born Jan. 3, 1854, married Mrs. Julia Hindle, and is a farmer of Weld County, Col.; William N., born March 19, 1855, is engaged in farming in Sheridan County, Kan.; Rosa, born May 8, 1858, died Aug. 25, 1864; Albert N. and Alice A. (twins), were born Oct. 1, 1861; Albert died Sept. 6 and Alice Sept. 11, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal . . .

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. . . Church, and are sincere Christian people. They have always taken great interest in the work of the church, give liberally of their means to its support, and in all possible ways aid in the advancement of the cause of Christ. During the forty-five years of their residence in Louisa County their support has ever been given toward the advancement of any enterprise for the good of the community, and in the social world they rank high. In his political views Mr. Williams is a supporter of the Republican party.