*At the request of MANY researchers">
*At the request of MANY researchers, we are posting this story of the
Benjamin Williams family. I know of no other information on this WILLIAMS line. We hope it
answers many questions for Williams researchers. THE BENJAMIN WILLIAMS FAMILY OF GREENE COUNTY,
TENNESSEE A History, Compiled From Public Records, Private Papers, and Family Tradition by James F. King, Gray Tennessee, 1982 Dedicated to May Park McCullough, in memory of Claire Brotherton BENJAMIN WILLIAMS FOREWARD This is an informal history of the Benjamin Williams family written by one who is an
amateur, both at writing and at genealogy. My interest in family lore was sparked by my
Grandmother, Mollie Weems King, who was considered an authority on the subject, but like
so many left few written records of her considerable knowledge about her ancestral
heritage. It was through her that I was privileged to hear some of the oral tradition of
the Williams family, for my grandmother had known personally some of the principals who
appear in this family history - Sally Williams Bailey, Farmer Williams, Lewis Williams,
and his daughter, Mrs. C. V. Cunningham. Grandmother called them "Grandma
Bailey", "Uncle Farm", "Uncle Lew", and "Cousin
Minnie", and even though I never saw any of them, I call then by those names too,
because of my knowledge of them through her. She liked to maintain touch with many
relatives scattered over the United States, and kept up correspondence with Uncle Lew
until his death, and with Cousin Minnie up to the time of her own death. Grandmother first told me of the grave of Benjamin Williams when I was about 20 years
old. I drove with her the few miles to Carter’s Station Church to see this grave and
was impressed by its unique nature, just a rectangular pile of limestone blocks with no
markings whatsoever; only the personal knowledge carried in the minds of my grandmother
and a very few older relatives to keep its identity from slipping into oblivion in another
generation or two. She told me that once someone had pointed out to her the grave of an
"Indian" buried there near the church, and that she had responded rather
heatedly, "That’s no Indian. That’s my great-grandfather Williams."
Grandmother had nothing against Indians, but this incident may have been one of the
reasons that she and some of her cousins took steps to preserve and identify the grave.
Unfortunately, the granite marker placed there by them, incorrectly shows 1840 as the year
of the death of Benjamin Williams, and has not yet been corrected. I first met May Park McCullough about 1948 when I took my grandmother to Pilot Knob for
a visit with her cousin, Mattie Park, May’s mother. From Cousin Mattie’s, we
drove the short distance to the old Farmer William’s place where May was living, for
Grandmother wanted to see again this old home she had visited many times as a girl, and it
was then that May showed us some of the old Williams family papers. About two years ago, I
became reacquainted with May and she willingly loaned me these papers after I had
experienced a renewed interest in the William’s history following some work I had
seen, which included some of this material, done by my Cousin Ozelle Reed Scruggs, a
member of the Greene County Heritage Trust. These papers included documents from as early
as 1799 (The Henry Land Will), Benjamin Williams Land Grants, tax receipts, promissory
notes, the preaching license, home remedies, and many other documents of various types,
but none so personally revealing of individuals in the Williams family and its relatives
as the approximately 35 letters written to Benjamin and Farmer Williams, and still
preserved in the Farmer Williams home, Anyone interested in the Williams family history
owes a debt of gratitude to the family of Farmer Williams for its stewardship of these
papers which form the central material for his history. I have attempted to combine information abstracted from these papers with that from
public records and family traditions to present a portrait of a family which long ago
dispersed to may parts of the country; a family which was neither famous nor wealthy, but
was respected and prominent in its day, and which, with its contemporaries, was important
in the settlement of new areas of the United States. The study of this family helps us to
better understand who we are, and hopefully will aid in satisfying the natural curiosity
most of us have about our origins. For those unfamiliar with the area, a word about Carter’s Station may be in order.
The community took its name in early days from a fortification, or station, built there
about 1783 by the family of John Carter, an immigrant believed to have come from New
Jersey by way of Surry County, North Carolina. This family, which included the five sons
Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Joseph, and John, Jr., constructed a stockade 100 feet by 50 feet,
the remains of which can still be seen in a pasture field not far from the church. The
Carter’s Station area was a very desirable location for settlement in the early days
of Greene County because of its situation at the edge of the rich Lick Creek bottom lands
and its plentiful supply of water and timber. It was located at the crossroads of two
important routes – the north-south road from Greeneville to Rogersville (called The
Trail of the Lonesome Pine later in the nineteenth century when it was a part of the road
from the Carolinas to southwest Virginia), and an east-west road known locally as the
Babb’s Mill Road, which was an alternate route for traffic between Knoxville and
Virginia. A little to the north was a parallel road called the Snapp’s Ferry Road
named for a crossing of the Holston River near Fordtown in Sullivan County. In the 19th century, the Carter’s Station Post Office served the postal
needs of the community. Following completion of the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia
Railroad through East Tennessee in 1858, confusion arose in the delivery of mail when a
depot on the line in nearby Carter County began using the name "Carter Station".
This caused the selection of a new name for the post office, and "Albany" was
the name chosen – the name used to this day for the community, although the post
office was closed years ago. The Carter’s Station United Methodist Church alone
retains the name of the pioneer settlement. Sources of material for this history include: National Archives film in Sherrod Library
at East Tennessee State University, Greene County Public Records, Goodspeed Histories for
Tennessee and Missouri, and Archives of the United Methodist Church. Material for the following private sources is gratefully acknowledged:
The following pages represent all the knowledge that I have been able to assemble on
the family of Benjamin Williams after more than two years of work. Every effort has been
made to keep it as accurate as possible, but realizing the pitfalls one can get into in
doing something like this, I do solicit any corrections to errors which may be noted. I urge anyone having additional material or old photographs relevant to this history to
share copies with me, since interest in the family will not end with the final printing of
this work. Especially appreciated would be information about living descendants, if any,
of Henry, Ira, John, Adonijah, Enoch George and Francis A. Williams. Due to the limited
number being printed, please share this copy with anyone interested in the Benjamin
Williams Family history.
This history by James F. King Rt 15, Box 428 Gray, TN 37615 Tel. (615) 477-7372 October 15, 1982 THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, Jr. Benjamin Williams was born in Pennsylvania. The exact year of his birth is uncertain.
One source, the 1923 Stephen L. Williams document, gives the year 1781, and it is claimed
that this information was derived from documents then still in existence at the
Carter’s Station Methodist Church, but now lost. Another source, a list of birth and
death dates from the Marion L. Bailey family Bible, states the, "Rev. Benjamin
Williams died Nov. 24, 1848 in his 64th year," which would fix his birth
about 1784. It is probable that the Bible record is the more reliable of the two. It is thought that when he was about four years old, the family of Benjamin Williams
moved to Virginia and settled at a location in the Potomac River Valley where they lived
for several year. About 1795, the family moved on to present day East Tennessee settling
in Greene County’s Lick Creek Valley near Carter’s Station on Puncheon Camp
Creek. There is a family tradition which states that Benjamin Williams grew up on the John
Maloney farm, and this may mean that the location of his boyhood home was later owned by
the Maloneys. The Maloneys were early residents of the area, but were not listed as
immediate neighbors of Benjamin Williams in the years when he was growing up. Benjamin Williams was primarily a farmer, and a successful one, spending the majority
of his life at this occupation. His farm was acquired over a number of years, the first of
which, 215 acres of rich Lick Creek land, was inherited in 1805 from the estate of William
Jones, the father of his first wife. Through grants and purchases his acreage eventually
increased to 520 acres. This farm, bisected by Lick Creek, extended in a
northwest-southeast direction and was about one half-mile wide and one and a half miles
long. The southeast part of the farm was on high ground about one mile from Carter’s
Station Methodist Church, bordering at one point on the road running from Babb’s Mill
to Mosheim. From here, the land slopes downward toward Lick Creek into flat bottom lands.
Continuing across the creek, the farm occupied more of the Lick Creek flood plain, sloping
upward to somewhat higher ground at the northwest end at the present-day site of Mt.
Carmel. He grew a variety of crops and livestock common to the day such as corn, wheat, flax,
apples, peaches, horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, geese, chickens, and honeybees. He owned a
stud horse and paid a special tax which was levied on such animals. In addition, he was a salt dealer, supplying this important commodity to his neighbors.
The salt was bought at the mines in Saltville, Virginia, some 100 miles away, and hauled
to Carter’s Station in wagons where it was sold by the bushel and was used mainly for
preservation of meat. Benjamin Williams served for a number of years as treasurer of schools in the seventh
district of Greene County and was responsible for paying out funds for teaching n the
district. On other occasions, he was appointed by the County Court to oversee road wok in
the vicinity. He was a fancier of home remedies, and some of his recipes are still in
existence. Another of his skills was that of shoemaker. He was a meticulous record keeper. These pursuits notwithstanding, the one thing for which Benjamin Williams is remembered
best is the fact that he was a Methodist preacher for the last thirteen years of his life,
performing the duties of a local preacher, and later a deacon, at the Carter’s
Station Methodist Church. He had three wives during his lifetime: Sally Jones, Nancy Pogue, and Priscilla Vestal,
and he outlived the first two. By them, he had sixteen children, thirteen sons and three
daughters, born over a period of thirty years. Of these, only four lived out their lives
in Tennessee, the rest emigrating to western frontier areas, principally Southwest
Missouri. Unfortunately, knowledge of the location of the home of Benjamin Williams has been
lost, evidently disappearing years ago. It was likely situated on some of the higher
ground on that part of his farm on the south side of Lick Creek. Several pieces of
furniture which once belonged to him are still in existence, as are many of the records he
kept. The "cupboard", bequeathed in his will to Priscilla, is now in the
possession of Betty King Proffitt of Cleveland, Tennessee and was handed down through the
Bailey family. This is a corner cupboard made of black walnut and bears the date 1804 on
its back. The grave of Benjamin Williams at Carter’s Station Methodist Church is well
marked, as is Priscilla’s at Baileyton. The graves of his first two wives are lost. One of Benjamin William’s home one half gallon remedies. The cure is not French brandy specified one -----yallow- poplar bark (do stands for ditto) do black haw do wild cherry do wild cucumber do dogwood do prickley ash do black aldon (? Alder?) THE FAMILY OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS Upon arrival in Greene County about 1795, the family of Benjamin Williams settled on
Puncheon Camp Creek, a small tributary of Lick Creek near Carter’s Station. The
father of Benjamin Williams, Benjamin Williams, Sr. as his name appears on early tax
records, owned a farm of 111 acres and his name appears on extant tax lists until 1817.
After this, there is a gap in surviving tax lists until 1828, and his name does not appear
after the gap, probably indicating that he either died or moved out of Greene County
during this time. Tax lists from 1809 to 1817 list both Benjamin Williams, Jr. and
Benjamin Williams, Sr. in the same tax group. Benjamin Williams, Sr. had 4 known children: Jane, Benjamin (the subject of this
history), Thomas, and Mary. 1. JANE WILLIAMS married Henry Lane, a son of CORNELIUS LAND who lived in New Jersey.
She was evidently the older of the four children of Benjamin Williams, Sr., since she had
young children at the time Henry Lane wrote his will in 1799 leaving his estate to his
wife. The will of Henry Lane was probated in 1813, suggesting that he was yet a young man
when he died, and this seems borne out by the fact that his father, Cornelius Land, did
not die until shortly before the death of Benjamin Williams in 1848. If fact, Benjamin
Williams was in the process of helping settle the Cornelius Lane estate when his own death
occurred. The children of Henry and Jane Williams Lane were:
Name: Age: Born: Catherine Hill 52 Tenn Pleasant Hill 21 Tenn Benjamin Hill 20 Tenn Thomas Hill 18 Tenn Samuel Hill 16 Tenn 2. THOMAS WILLIAMS was born in Pennsylvania about 1784, this birth data given in the
1850 census. On October 22, 1804, he married JEMIMA CARTER, a daughter of DANIEL CARTER,
who was one of the original settlers at Carter’s Station in 1783. Thomas Williams
owned a farm of 84 acres on Lick Creek, and lived there until he moved to St, Louis
County, Missouri, probably in the 1820’s, where he farmed and lived for the remainder
of his life. Jemina Carter Williams died before 1828. After her death, Thomas Williams
married a second time. The children of Thomas and Jemima Williams were:
a. Jemima (1835-?) b. Anna (1837-?) c. Samuel (1838-?) d. Thomas J. (1840-?) e. Margaret A. (1845-?) (The first three children named above were apparently by an earlier marriage of William
Hill) The second wife of Thomas Williams was dead by 1850 since she does not appear in the St. Louis County census of that year with the Thomas Williams family. The children of Thomas Williams and his second wife were:
In 1851, Thomas Williams, suffering from rheumatism and in ill health, was still living
in St. Louis County near Fenton. On January 12th that year, Sam Rudder, his
brother-in-law, wrote to Farmer Williams, "Bro. Thomas Williams’ family are all
well except the old man. He is quite feeble." 3. MARY WILLIAMS (May 27 1795-March 30, 1868) was born in Virginia and was probably the
youngest child of Benjamin Williams, Sr. The date of her birth indicates that she was very
young when her family moved to Tennessee. On December 10, 1816, she was married in Greene
County to Samuel Rudder. The Rudder family was in Lunenburg County, Virginia by 1765 when Alexander Rudder
purchases land there. Robert Rudder (b. 1764) married Catherine Ferguson (b 1771) and they
had 12 children, one of whom, Samuel, was born about 1795 in Lunenburg County. When Sam Rudder was about 12 years old, his family moved to Greene County, Tennessee
where he grew up and married Mary Williams. Several years later, the Robert Rudder family
removed to Knox County, Tennessee and settled there. One of the older sons, Alexander
Rudder, remaining in Greene County. At about the same time, which was 1819, Samuel and Mary Williams Rudder, with their
son, Thomas Rudder, moved to St. Louis County, Missouri, settling near Fenton. In 1821,
Sam Rudder purchased 112 acres of Government land on the Meramec River at $1.25 per acre.
In St. Louis County, Sam and Mary Rudder lived near the Thomas Williams family in Bonhomme
Township, although it is not known which of the two families moved there first. The children of Samuel and Mary Williams Rudder were: (Thomas Rudder was born in Tennessee, the remainder in Missouri.)
Missouri (1) Virginia (2) Fenton 4. BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, JR. THE MARRIAGES OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, JR.
The first marriage of Benjamin Williams was on August 20, 1804 to Sally Jones, a
daughter of William and Lydia Jones. William Jones owned 560 acres of land on both sides
of Lick Creek near Carter’s Station and had the following children:
Court records of the settlement of the Jones estate show that three children, and
possibly four, were born of the marriage of Benjamin Williams and Sally Jones. These are
their sons, Henry, Ira, and John. There is also evidence of a daughter, Sarah, who
evidently died at an early age. No record has been found of the death of Sally Jones
Williams, which probably occurred about 1810.
The marriage of Benjamin Williams and Nancy Pogue took place on December 29, 1812.
Nancy Pogue was a daughter of John and Nancy Pogue, neighbors of Benjamin Williams, who
also owned a sizeable farm on Lick Creek. This family is believed to have come to Greene
County around 1795 from Caswell County, North Caroline where John Pogue’s father,
Joseph Pogue had died in 1788. The 1830 census of Greene County indicates that Nancy Pogue
Williams was born between 1790 and 1800, the probable year being about 1792. With data
compiled from the census, cemetery information, and "Flashback", a publication
of the Washington County (Arkansas) Historical Society, August 1966, the children of John
Pogue (d. 1814) and Nancy Pogue (1763-1840) were (birth order uncertain): 1. Sarah Pogue m 29 Dec 1804, Henry Randolph
(2) 24 Jun 1824 Sophia Carter 4. Nancy Pogue ( -1835) m. 29 Dec 1812 m. Benjamin Williams
After their marriages in Greene County, Farmer, Bethany, William and Howel moved to
Newton County, Missouri in the 1830’s and 40’s, and with the exception of Howel,
lived there the rest of their lives, Howel dying in Arkansas in 1875. Sarah Pogue Randolph
moved with her family to McMinnville, Tennessee before 1830. William Pogue may have
married a second time. Thomas Pogue died in Washington County, Arkansas. There were no Pogues listed in the Greene County census of 1850. When Benjamin and Nancy Pogue Williams began their married life, their household
already included three small boys from Benjamin’s first marriage. Soon this family
began to increase, the birth of their first son, William McKendree Williams, occurring on
Oct. 14 1813. After that, more children were born with remarkable regularity until
Nancy’s death. Thirteen children from this marriage grew to adulthood.
Goodspeed’s History of Missouri, Newton County Section states that the father of
Lewis M. Williams, Benjamin Williams, had 21 children. If correct, this suggests that five
children may have died young. By the 1830’s, Benjamin and Nancy Williams had prospered. Hew owned more than 500
acres of prime farm land on Lick Creek and had several sons old enough to help assume some
of the responsibilities connected with the farm and the large family. Also, he was by then
a prominent figure in local public affairs, and was increasingly involved in activities at
Carter’s Station Methodist Church. During this period, religious events were at the
center of both spiritual and social life for many people. The era of camp meetings had
begun not long before, and Carter’s Station was one of the major camp meeting sites
of the area. In the latter part of 1835, with their youngest child, Lewis, who was only a few weeks
old and carried in his mother’s arms, Benjamin and Nancy Williams set out on
horseback to attend a song service at Otis, near the Beech Grove community in Hawkins
County, a few miles to the northwest of their home. The trail is still in existence,
though not now a public road. It runs northwestward from the present community of Mt.
Carmel, through a gap in the first mountain range about two miles from Mt. Carmel, crosses
Gap Creek Valley, and passes into Hawkins County through Stamps Gap, a gap in Piney
Mountain. It was at this second mountain gap that disaster overtook the family. Passing along
this section of trail, Nancy’s horse encountered unstable footing and fell, throwing
off her and the baby, then rolled over her, crushing her chest. Tradition says that she
lived only long enough to gasp a few words to her husband; words to the effect that she
knew her injury was mortal. In this accident, the baby was thrown clear and escaped
injury. The death of Nancy Pogue Williams left her husband with a number of minor children. In
this situation the older children seem to have assumed a relationship to the younger ones
like that of foster parents. This is especially evident in the roles of guardianship with
the older sons, notably William M., Farmer, and Adonijah assumed over the younger sons
following the death of their father. C. PRISCILLA VESTAL. Census records show that Priscilla Vestal was born in North Carolina about 1791. She
was the widow of Silas Vestal, who had died in Greene County about 1833. Her marriage to
Benjamin Williams on November 28, 1837, brought to the family a much- needed mother. Priscilla was about 46 years old at this time, and in her role as
step-mother began what was to become a very successful and close relationship to the
family, especially to the younger children. Family tradition is replete with accounts of
the love and esteem she enjoyed from her step-children. Some of that is evident from the
frequent appearance of Priscilla as the name of female descendants of Benjamin Williams. Following the death of Benjamin Williams, she lived the last few years of her life with
Marian L. and Sally Bailey, her step-daughter, at Laurel Gap, where her final days were
spent during the turmoil of the Civil War. On one occasion, when the Bailey homestead was
about to be hit by a foraging raid, Priscilla was posted sitting in a chair at an upstairs
window to watch for the approach of the men and to give warning to the family. During the
raid and search of the house, she remained in her bedroom where food had been hidden in
anticipation of the raid and pretended with good effect to be crazy with a repulsive but
successful performance, for her room was left undisturbed. The rigors of wartime and the
abuses suffered by the Bailey family may have hastened her death on February 13, 1865.
Priscilla Vestal Williams is buried in Zion Churchyard near Baileyton, near Marion and
Sally Bailey. THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, Jr. Of the 16 children of Benjamin Williams, only four, Henry, William M., Farmer and Sally
remained to live out their lives in Tennessee. Polly, Benjamin, Jr., Francis, Mariah,
Lewis, Joseph, and Stephen initially moved from Tennessee to McDonald County, Missouri, Joseph and Stephen soon joining the first rush of settlers into Kansas. A
number of the children moved west in a group, and family tradition among Southwest
Missouri descendants tells that they and their belongings arrived in 13 wagons. Family
letters, tax records and other documents point to the year 1853 as the time when much of
this migration took place. The family’s move west came at a time when the estate of Benjamin Williams had
just been distributed, providing a financial base for those who wished to become a part of
the surge of Americans pouring into lands newly opened to settlement where eighty acres of
farm land could be purchased from the Government for one hundred dollars. These were
exciting times in the development of the country. One can only imagine events in the life
of John Williams as he arrived in Texas at the beginning of the war with Mexico, and
Adonijah may have been close enough to smell the gunsmoke from the Pottawatomie Creek
Massacre. The lure of the West and its cheap land beyond the Mississippi undoubtedly drew many.
Nevertheless, it took a great deal of courage to pull up stakes in Greene County among
family, friends, familiar surroundings and a measure of civilized comforts, and embark
upon a six or eight weeks wagon trip to an uncertain future on the raw edge of America.
This was mitigated to a degree by the fact that relatives like the Pogue andWeems families
were already in Southwest Missouri, as were other families who had been friends and
neighbors in Tennessee. Greene County people were in great numbers among the settlers of
Southwest Missouri. Letters written to Farmer Williams from some of those who moved west hint at hardship
and even poverty. It was hard enough just to build a cabin and establish subsistence
farming on the new land, but it was additionally complicated by the lack of cash, low
prices for farm products, disease and that great upheaval which spared none, the American
Civil War. In a material sense, some became successful, others barely got along and the
unfortunate Joseph and Stephen eventually became almost destitute, relying on other family
members for their survival. Even though some family members never saw each other again after leaving Tennessee,
communication seems to have been maintained and it is thought that Joseph, Stephen and
Lewis revisited Tennessee in their latter years. As events in the life of the Benjamin Williams family fade into the haze of the past,
the biographies of the 16 children are understandably incomplete and brief. The lives of
these children spanned a period of 110 years from, 1805 to 1915, a time for which records
are not as plentiful as we would wish. The following sketches in this section have been
assembled through the kind cooperation of a number of descendants of the family and
assistance from other sources in the hope that the identity of the family of Benjamin
Williams will not soon be lost.
The following is a list of the family of Henry and Mary Williams compiled from 1850 and
1860 census records. Years of birth are approximate. Henry William Born 1805 Farmer Mary 1808
Susan 1834 Benjamin P. 1836 School Teacher John L. 1839 School Teacher Sarah 1842 Priscilla 1844 Margaret 1846 Laura 1849 Henry 1851 2. IRA WILLIAMS (Myggggrandfather) (28 Nov 1807 to 22 Apr 1890) Married Winney (Winna)
Pogue ( b. 31 Aug 1809- d. 13 Apr 1870) in Greene County on November 5, 1829, and like his
father, he became a preacher in the Methodist Church. Sometime between 1831 and 1836 he
moved his family to Washington County, Arkansas and established a home in Vineyard
Township. The 1850 census shows them living there, with Thomas Pogue, age 67 and probably
Winney’s father (my note: It was her father) living in the household. Ira and Winney
Williams were both still living in Vineyard Township in 1870, and their household then
included Howel Pogue, Winney’s uncle, a laborer. Ira was listed as
"deceased" in the 1894 settlement of the Stephen B. Williams estate. ( See NOTE
below - Ira died in 1890 and is buried in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Washington County,
along with Winney (Winna) and their son Elbert Severe Williams. A copy of Ira’s will
is recorded in Washington County Courthouse, Fayetteville, Arkansas, in Will Records
Volume A-B, page 265. Many records in this depository carry the name of Ira, including
many couples he married, the fact that he helped establish the Methodist Church in
Vineyard Twp., etc. (NOTE: some of the above I have inserted from records I have
researched on Ira. His son, Elbert (they show him as Albert but on his grave stone it is
shown as Elbert.), is my gggrandfather (From records I have found, it is believed Ira came
to NW Arkansas in 1831 or 32) The family of Ira and Winney Pogue Williams compiled from census records: Ira Williams 1807 Tenn Methodist Clergyman Winney 1810 Tenn Albert 1830 Tenn Farmer Nancy 1836 Ark Sarah 1838 Ark Martha 1840 Ark Mary 1842 Ark George 1847 Ark Tabitha 1850 Ark Marion 1852 Ark Thomas 1854 Ark James 1858 Ark
In a letter to Farmer Williams written from Newton County in December 1846, E. G.
Williams said, "John Williams has gone to Texies (sic). He started two or three
weeks(sic) before I got here..." His name appears on the list of 16 children who gave
one dollar each for the marking of Benjamin Williams’ Tomb. When the Stephen B.
Williams’ estate was being settled in 1894, the list of Stephen’s heirs included
John Williams, deceased, of Johnson County, Texas. 4. WILLIAM MCKENDREE WILLIAMS (Oct 14, 1813-Jul 14, 1858) Named for the early Methodist
bishop, he was the first child of Benjamin and Nancy Pogue Williams. He lived near the
present-day community of Mt. Carmel in Greene Count and was a farmer and Justice of the
Peace. He married Louisa Lindsey on July 28, 1836. It is said that he donated the land for
the site of Antioch Methodist Church on Babb’s Mill Road west of Mt. Carmel, and he
is buried there. The name of his wife buried beside him, is shown as "Eliza" on her tombstone.
It is not known if this was a second wife or merely another name used by Louisa. When
William M. Williams died in 1858, his estate was administered by his son-in-law, John G.
Weems. The known children of Williams, and the approximate years of their birth:
Ray O. Weems (1886-1955) served several terms as Corporation Commissioner for the State
of Oklahoma John G. Weems was a Colonel in the Tennessee Militia. He was a partner in the firm
"Bailey and Weems", merchants Fred J. Weems received the Distinguished Service Cross and was decorated by Gen.
Pershing for bravery in WWI action. Elizabeth Williams Funkhouser lived in a house situated in 3 counties: Hanblen, Cooke
and Jefferson, TN. Near White Pine, overlooking the French Broad River near the railroad.
She is buried at Leadvale Cemetery. 5. FARMER WILLIAMS (September 25, 1814-February 14, 1896) was named after his uncle
Farmer Pogue. A notebook which he kept from 1832 until about 1842 shows him as a young man
with a passion for learning. The book is filled with entries ranging from complex
mathematical problems and solutions to exercises in penmanship, accounting, legal forms
and poetry. His education, which was remarkable for the period, undoubtedly was largely
self-acquired and was the reason that he was the one called on so often by relatives and
friends to supervise their business and legal affairs. Therefore, it is not surprising
that it was he who was chosen to administer the estate of Benjamin Williams. Farmer Williams married Mary Ann Rutherford on November 12, 1847. A glass plate
photograph of the couple, probably made in the early 1850’s, depicts him as a
strongly-featured man with a thick shock of dark hair dressed in a fine suit and holding a
Bible, sitting beside his pretty young wife who was also holding a Bible and wearing a
delicate lace collar over her blouse. Three sons and six daughters were born to Farmer and Mary Ann Williams. Their home was
located in the Gap Creek Valley of Greene County near Pilot Knob on a large farm which
Farmer purchased. The farm occupied the floor of the valley and up to the top of Bluff
Mountain on the south side of the valley, the house being situated nearly a half-mile back
from the Snapp’s Ferry Road. During the Civil War, this part of Tennessee was predominantly Union in sentiment, but
was controlled by the Confederacy for much of the time. Accordingly, it was dangerous for
a resident or East Tennessee to exhibit sympathy for either side. During the latter says
of the war, as the area became contested by Union and Confederate forces, minor military
actions occurred frequently. During one of these engagements, a young Confederate soldier
was mortally wounded and died a short time afterwards near Farmer William’s home. To
avoid arousing resentment from Union neighbors, Farmer sent one of his sons to Romeo by a
back route along Bluff Mountain to obtain a coffin for the young man’s burial in the
nearby Rutherford Cemetery. During this same period, foraging details from various
military units requisitioned corn and other commodities from his farm to the point of
deprivation. The Civil War touched the family of Farmer Williams in another way. A brother-in-law,
J. B. Rutherford enlisted in Co. F of the newly-organized 29the Tennessee Infantry
Regiment, CSA, on Sept. 26, 1861, a unit known as the "Greeneville Guards". This
regiment was put into service in eastern Kentucky that fall under Gen. Zollicoffer as part
of a long Confederate defense line against Union forces in central Kentucky. In its first
engagement, fought at Wild Cat Mountain near Corbin, the regiment was defeated and had to
fall back to Cumberland Crossing (Pineville). From there, J. B. Rutherford wrote to his
mother and to Farmer, excitedly describing the battle. A few days later, the 29th
attacked and routed the same Union force in an action the soldiers came to call "The
Wild Cat Stampede". In this fight, J. B. Rutherford was fatally wounded, dying in a
Knoxvill hospital on November 15, 1861, at the age of 24. The home and farm of Farmer Williams are still much as they were during his lifetime,
and have escaped most of the changes which have come to much of the area. A caring family
has preserved his home, furniture, papers, farm buildings and items of his craftsmanship. Mary Ann Rutherford Williams died from complications of childbirth following the birth
of her sixth daughter, Martha Ann Belle Williams. Farmer Williams made a poignant entry in
his Bible, stating, "Mary Ann Williams died October 22, 1870 at 6:20 P.M." Farmer Williams lived out the remainder of his life at his home and was cared for in
his old age by several of his unmarried children, who lived with him. He, his wife and
several of his children are buried in a small family cemetery on his farm, located a few
hundred yards from his home on a little knoll at the edge of a quiet woodland. THE FAMILY OF FARMER AND MARY ANN RUTHERFORD WILLIAMS Farmer Williams 1814-1896) m. Mary Ann Rutherford (1826-1870)
k. Ruth Park (1914-) m. York A. Quillen
He was probably the most extensively educated of the children of Benjamin Williams.
Five of his letters which survive indicate that he was a man skilled in expressing his
thoughts in writing, and use of syntax, good spelling, humor and pointed comments. The
location of the school where he received his education is unknown, as is the identity of
the college where he later taught. In 1843 he entered on trial into the ministry of the Methodist Church in Holston
Conference and it is interesting to note that this was a crucial period of time in the
history of the church with the great division into northern and southern branches
occurring in 1844. From 1843 until about 1853, Adonijah Williams served as a travelling
preacher in many parts of Holston Conference. Some of his known appointments were at Giles
C. H., Virginia, Lapland in Buncome County, North Carolina, and at numerous camp meetings.
Having chosen to serve in the M. E. Church, South following the division, he requested a
transfer to the Pacific Conference about 1853. In his "Holston Methodism", Vol.
IC, p 158, R. N. Price wrote of the conferences of 1852 and 1853, "At this session
Adonijah Williams was transferred to the Pacific Conference. I remember him as a
good-natured sociable man of average parts. What and how he did in the far West I have not
learned." Adonijah Williams did not remain long in the Pacific Conference, for in 1855 he was
appointed to the Big Blue charge, Kickapoo District of the Kansas Mission Conference. At
this time, Kansas had few white settlers, but there were many Indians of various tribes
who had been moved from other areas onto reservations in the territory. Meanwhile, several
of Adonijah’s brothers and two sisters had moved from Tennessee to Missouri and
Kansas. Indeed, this may have been a compelling reason for his move to this area. While
the family had been in Tennessee, the supervision of the three younger boys and the
provisions made for them in their father’s will was overseen by William M, Farmer and
Adonijah. Now, with a large part of the family moved west, and with the two elder brothers
remaining in Tennessee, this duty was assumed by Adonijah. In 1855, using money from the estate of Benjamin Williams, which had been held in trust
for the three sons, Adonijah supervised the purchase of farm land at the falls of the Blue
River, near Manhattan, Kansas and established Joseph and Stephen in farming there. At
about the same time he transferred to Lewis $125.00 of his inheritance, and this was
probably used by Lewis in setting himself up in the grocery business in McDonald County,
Missouri. During the time that he served in the Big Blue charge, Adonijah made periodic trips to
Tahlequah, I. T. where he preached and taught among the Cherokees, the Indian Missions
having voted to adhere to the Southern Methodist Church following the division of 1844. In
May of 1855, on one of his trips to Tahlequah, he stopped enroute in McDonald County at
the home of his brother-in-law and sister, Wyatt and Nancy Mariah Edmonds, and wrote to
Farmer telling him of progress in establishing Joseph and Stephen in farming. In 1856, he was transferred to Leavenworth City, still in the Kansas Mission
Conference, and served there until 1858. It was during this time, on May 26, 1857, that he
married Martha Ann Dyer, whom he had probably met during his service in the Big Blue
charge. This young woman was a daughter of Samuel Doughet Dyer, a native of Wales and the
first settler in Riley County, who operated a ferry at the Juniata crossing of the Blue
River on the army road between Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth. Writing to Farmer of his
marriage, Adonijah said, "I married Miss Martha A. Dyer, a woman some younger than
myself, and she is said to be, by good judges, very handsome, and she is now sitting right
in front of me singing merrily." She was indeed "some younger", having
married Adonijah, who was then 41, on her 17th birthday. Photographs made in
Manhattan soon after their marriage confirm Adonijah’s appraisal of his wife’s
appearance. She was, in fact, a beautiful woman. By 1858, conditions in Kansas were bordering on Anarchy. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of
1854, by its provision of Popular Sovereignty, had created conditions in the territory
which set the stage for an ever-escalating conflict between abolitionists and proslavery
adherents among the settlers, whose numbers were growing rapidly, each side struggling to
prevail by fair means or foul. Settlers’ homes were burned, families were run off
their land, highway robberies were common and in May of 1856 this frenzy of violence
reached a climax with the burning of the town of Lawrence by Border Ruffians and the
ensuing revenge a few days later when John Brown led a massacre of five proslavery
settlers on Pottawatomie Creek. In this setting of terrorism, which was in part put down
by federal troops, but persisted in many area, the people were divided into two warring
groups and the voice of moderation could no longer be heard. Because of his identity as a southerner and a preacher of a southern-based church,
Adonijah Williams was undoubtedly the target of abolitionist wrath. In 1858, he requested
his bishop to transfer him to southern Missouri where he had many relatives and where the
M. E. Church, South was strong. Instead, he was sent to a station charge at West Post,
Missouri, a town with a population of about 4000, which later became a part of Kansas
City. He wrote to Farmer saying, "I left the Kansas Conference owing to the unsettled
state of matters in that territory and the great prejudice that exists there against the
south." The three years at West Port must have been the most pleasant of Adonijah’s life.
He described to Farmer the comfortable quarters, the agreeable state of his ministry and
his busy schedule. In addition, he certainly appreciated the chance to live a more relaxed
life with his wife than had been possible in Kansas and it was probably here that his
first child, Mary Belle Williams was born. Unfortunately, this happy situation did not last long. Church records show that
Adonijah Williams located, or became inactive in 1861. The exact cause of this is not
known, but is likely related to the outbreak of the Civil War. Following this, Adonijah and his family moved back to Manhattan , Kansas, where his
second daughter, Martha Ann Williams, was born on May 10, 1864, bringing about a great
tragedy in his life for 20 days later on May 30, Martha Dyer Williams died – probably
from complications of childbirth. Compounding the tragedy, the infant died the following
winter. Moving in to live with his brother, Joseph, Adonijah and Mary Belle were
enumerated in an 1865 census of Manhattan Township with Adonijah’s occupation listed
as "farmer". With the war over, he reentered the ministry of the M. E. Church, South in the Nebraska
Conference. He served in this area for about two years, filling appointments at Nemaha and
Rulo in the southeastern part of the state, and again locating in 1868, due likely to
failing health. A photograph made in Lincoln about 1870 shows Adonijah greatly aged in
comparison with his appearance in the Manhattan photograph of a few years earlier. During
the last few years of his life, he probably lived near Manhattan, filling occasional
pulpit appointments and he performed a marriage ceremony in Pottawatomie County as late as
March 26, 1873. Dyer family records indicate the Mary Belle Williams was reared by her grandparents,
Samuel and Permelia Dyer. The 1870 census of Pottawatomie County, Shannon Township lists: Dyer, Samuel D. 68, farmer Dyer, Permelia 60 Williams, Mary B. 9 At school born Missouri Mary Belle Williams married Austin Daharsh on February 25, 1880. An 1885 census of
Riley County, Grant Township, lists them as follows: Daharsh, Austin 28, farmer, born Wisconsin, came from MO. Mary B. 25 Raymond 4 Ellen 3 On October 8m 1876, the Rev. Adonijah Williams died. His death notice, appearing in the
October 20 issue of the Manhattan Nationalist, and incorrectly stating his age, read,
"On the 8th inst. at the residence of Mr. J. V. Inskeep, Pottawatomie Co.,
Rev. Adonijah Williams, aged 55 years. Mr. Williams was an able minister of the Methodist
Church, South and was much liked by those who knew him. He was a native of Tennessee, in
one of the colleges of which he was for some tine professor." He is buried in Manhattan, Sunset Cemetery, beside his wife and infant daughter in lot
no. 1-231. In 1981, the First United Methodist Church of Manhattan initiated steps to
purchase and install a marker at his grave identifying it as the resting place of a
faithful minister of the Methodist Church. COPY OF A LETTER REGARDING A MARKER FOR ADONIJAH’S GRAVE First United Methodist Church 913-776-8821 612 Poyntz Manhattan, Kansas 66502 Charles B. Bennett, Minister September 24, 1981 Mr. James F. King Rt. #15, Box 428 Gray, Tennessee 37615 Dear Mr. King, I have a copy of the letter which you wrote to Mrs. Elaine Olney of the Riley County
Genealogical Society in July, and should like to give you some information which you might
find interesting. After we discovered that Adonihah Williams was buried in the Sunset
Cemetery at Manhattan, we located the gravesite. We have now ordered a permanent marker
from the United Methodist Historical Society which we will place at the grave. This marker
states that Brother Williams was a minister of the church. I take some personal satisfaction in being involved in the procedure for marking his
resting place. I, too, am a descendant of Methodist Episcopal South ancestors. And so, I
feel that I am participating in the honoring of one of my own, When the marker arrives, we will encase it in concrete and say a prayer in memory of a
faithful minister. Sincerely yours, /s/ Charles Bennett 7. MARY WILLIAMS (Polly) (1817-1860) was the oldest of the three daughters of Benjamin
and Nancy Pogue Williams. When her mother met accidental death in 1835, Polly Williams was
18 years old and without doubt she suddenly found herself cast into the role of mother to
the infant Lewis and the other young children of the family, as well as manager of the
Williams household for a time. In the young adult period of her life shortly before her marriage, she spent some time
teaching school in her neighborhood. On September 1, 1842, she and Claudius B. Walker were
married by the Rev. C. F. Page, the Methodist circuit rider at Carter’s Station. C.
B. Walker, who had also been involved in teaching school, became a successful farmer and
landowner of 362 acres near Carter’s Station. ************************************ (Receipts from Mary Williams and C. B. Walker) March the 4 – 1841 then received of Benjamin Williams trustee and treasurer of the
School District thirty Six Dollars being a three month School at or near E. Padgets _____
recd by me. /s/ Mary Williams Recd of Benjamin Williams Treasure for the common school in debt Nov 7th for
teaching a school at or near Elias Padgets the amount due to Section or place _____ Forty
three dollars and fifty seven cents this the 12th Day of March 1842. /s/ C. B. Walker For ten years after their marriage, C.B. and Polly Walker lived in the seventh district
of Greene County where they farmed, and there Polly gave birth to their two daughters,
Nancy J. Walker and Priscilla N. Walker who were undoubtedly named in honor of
Polly’s mother and stepmother. In 1852, disposing of their Greene County property, C. B. Walker and his family moved
to McDonald County, Missouri and settled at Pineville. Within about 2 years he had
established as a merchant and it is believed that he conducted a grocery business in which
his brother-in-law, Lewis M. Williams, was a partner. In keeping with her family’s
mandate to oversee and assist the younger children and probably having a special affection
for her youngest brother, Polly took Lewis into her home and he lived there until the
outbreak of the Civil War when he left to join the Confederate Army. C. B. Walker soon became a successful businessman at Pineville and took an active part
in public affairs, running as a Democrat for McDonald County’s newly-created seat in
the Missouri Legislature in the 1858 election in which he was defeated by Dr. W. C. Duval.
He joined the Masonic fraternity in Yancy Lodge 148 A.F & A.M, in January 1857, his
brothers-in-law, Lewis and Benjamin Williams, joining the same lodge two months later. In
1858 he purchased five lots in Pineville, probably as sites for his house and for a two
story frame hotel which he built a short time later. In the 1860 census of Pineville Township, he gave his occupation as
"merchant" and was by then quite prosperous by standards of that time. Very soon
after this, on the eve of the Civil War, Polly Williams Walker died at age 43 and the era
of good times for the Walker family came to an end. As the war began, Lewis M. Williams
departed to serve in a Confederate Cavalry unit and in a typical example of the divisions
within families caused by the conflict, C. B. Walker remained a loyal Unionist throughout
the war. As in many border areas, conditions in McDonald County soon degenerated into a state of
lawlessness in which the citizens were divided into factions loyal either to the Union or
Confederacy. There was no middle ground. Most adult males joined military units or else
left the area. Gangs of bushwhackers formed, some representing themselves as loyal to the
Confederacy, some loyal to the Union, and some professing no loyalty at all. Regardless of
their allegiance, the bushwhackers’ activities were often pure and simple acts of
terrorism, using issues of the war as a rationale for carrying out deeds of personal
vengeance and for appropriating property. It has been said that this was a time when men
hunted men. Coupled with considerable fighting between opposing army units, bushwhacker
depredations brought on a period of hellish existence. During this time, probably in late
1863, members of the Hinson gang burned C. B. Walker’s house and near the same time
his hotel was burned, also. In 1864, in an election overseen by the Federal Army in which only voters who had taken
an oath of allegiance to the United States were permitted to vote, C. B. Walker was
elected to the Missouri Legislature. In 1865 he was listed as a member of the county Grand
Jury, and in 1866 he was appointed Justice of the Peace in Pineville Township, apparently
the last public office he held until his death in 1868. Nancy J. (Jennie) Walker, the elder daughter of C. B. and Polly Williams Walker,
married Daniel Harmon in McDonald County on December 2, 1866. Dan Harmon, born in Greene
County, Tennessee, had an interesting background as a soldier of fortune, which included
mining in California, extensive travels through wild areas of the far west, and a venture
in 1857 into Central America in which he led a group of 63 men in support of Dr. Williams
Walker’s "fillibustering" expedition which seized and kept control of
Nicaragua for some time. After his marriage, Daniel Harmon became a merchant and farmer,
building the first house at Erie. Priscilla H. Walker married John M. Boyd on August 27, 1865. He was a farmer and a
Justice in Erie Township and a son of William M. and Isabella McKnight Boyd of Rutherford
County, Tennessee. The family of C. B. Walker and Polly Williams Walker: Claudius B. Walker (1817-1868) and Mary (Polly) Williams (1817-1860)
Daniel and Jennie Walker Harmon and their children, Charles, Daniel and Ernest are
buried in the Harmon Cemetery near Goodman, MO. (1) Mona Masters (1908-?) m. _____Wingo John M. and Priscilla Walker Boyd are buried in Indian Springs Cemetery near McNatt,
Missouri. 8. BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, Jr. (c. 1819 – December 3, 1866) is the only child known to
have been given property by Benjamin Williams, Sr. prior to his death. On May 16, 1848, a
gift deed for 50 acres of land was made by Benjamin Williams, Sr. to Benjamin Williams,
Jr. This land was situated on the north side of Lick Creek, and was a strip nearly a mine
in length by about 500 feet in width, running from the present site of Mr. Carmel south to
Lick Creek. It was a part of the original 215 acres inherited by Benjamin Williams from
the Jones estate in 1805. The 1850 census lists Benjamin Williams, Jr. living in the same household with Wyatt
and Nancy M. Edmonds. At about this time, Benjamin married Nancy Minerva Holtsinger,
probably at a location outside of Greene County because their marriage is not recorded
there. Family tradition tells the family gave the newly-married couple a set of dishes, or
at least a large platter, as a wedding gift. They lived and farmed in the 7th
district of Greene County until 1853, when, along with much of the rest of the family,
they sold their land, packed their belongings into wagons and with their young son, Isaac
Barton Williams, moved to McDonald County, Missouri, arriving there after a 44 day
journey. In a letter written from McDonald County to Farmer Williams in April 1854, Nancy
Minerva told of the difficult trip, exorbitant expenses for provisions and general
hardships incident to the settler’s life. She also related an accident in which she
fell and broke one of her forefingers, an injury which is apparent in a photograph taken
of her much later in her lifetime. In contrast with the sober account of their experiences
in moving to their new home, she wrote proudly, at a time when she was expecting her
second child, of her small son who she described as "the finest son the Co. can
afford." Settling at Elkhorn in McDonald County, Benjamin Williams, Jr. farmed and the remainder
of his children were born there: William G., James, and twin daughters Nancy P. and Lucy. As the Civil War began, Goodspeed’s History of Missouri records that Benjamin
Williams was among the group of 85 loyal Union men who were first to organize in McDonald
County on May 1, 1861 under Capt. John V. Hargrove. However, the company was never
mustered in and it is not known if Benjamin Williams served as a combatant during the war. The war caused havoc in this family like so many others. In one of the bushwhacker
raids, the family’s house was set on fire and they were fortunate to escape with
their lives. As they fled their burning home, one of the family members managed to rescue
the platter which had been a wedding present in Tennessee and this was one of the few
possessions saved from the flames. This platter is now owned by Ethmar E. Williams of
Goodman, Missouri. On December 3, 1866, Benjamin Williams, Jr., died of typhoid, leaving his wife to rear
the family of five children, the oldest of whom, Isaac Barton Williams, was only 15 years
of age. The father’s early death undoubtedly caused great hardship for the family and
placed a heavy responsibility on his widow and older children in caring for and rearing
the younger ones. The 1870 census shows the Isaac Barton Williams was living at that time
with Daniel Harmon and working as a farm laborer, and through such dedication the family
held together and grew to maturity. The second son, William G. Williams, eventually came
to own a very successful farm of more than 800 acres, said to be one of the largest in
McDonald County. Benjamin and Nancy Minerva Williams are buried in Edmonds Cemetery near Bethpage, his
monument indicating that he was a member of the Masonic Order and that he died on December
3, 1866, age 47. The family of Benjamin and Nancy M. Williams: Benjamin Williams, Jr. (c. 1819-1866) m. Nancy M. Holtsinger (1816-1902)
(2)Kathleen R. McAnelly (3) Erma Blanch Wasson (1905-) m. Roy T. Thorman (1907-)
mountains of Oregon. Josie Williams Harmon and her three children, Ray, Stella and Loyd were among 43
persons killed in one of the major accidents of American Railroad history at Tipton Ford,
Mo. on August 5, 1914. (2) Helen _____ e Joseph C. Williams (1886-1937) m. Nancy Pearl _____ (1894-1937)
Clara Williams married (2) George W. Collings (1885-1975) 3. James Williams (c. 1857-?) m. Ruth Tennison
a. Orvilla Woolard m. _____Housman Lucy Williams and Nancy P. Williams were twins. 9. THOMAS N. WILLIAMS (Sept 12, 1819 – December 11, 1903) was probably a twin of
Benjamin Williams, Jr. On March 2, 1843, he married Narcissa Weems (April 26, 1826 – April 19, 1883) in a
wedding performed by Narcissa’s uncle, the Rev. John Weems, a Methodist circuit rider
of Holston Conference. John Weems died later that year at Burksville, Kentucky, as he was
moving his family to Newton County, MO. Narcissa Weems was a daughter of George Weems, a
farmer and deputy sheriff of Greene County, and Matilda Keele Weems, a daughter of William
and Livia Ann Bewley Keele. Henrietta, a sister of Matilda Keele Weems, was the mother of
Marion L. Bailey, who married Thomas N. Williams’ younger sister, Sally Williams. The marriage of Thomas N. Williams and Narcissa Weems was one of several which produced
close ties betwen the Williams and Weems families. Benjamin Williams and Jones Weems, a
brother of George and the Rev. John Weems, married sisters, Nancy and Bethany Pogue; and
their brother, William Pogue, married Rachel Weems, a sister of Jones, John and George
Weems. After Narcissa’s marriage, her brother, John G. Weems, married Mary J.
Williams, whose father, William M. Williams, was an older brother of Thomas N. Williams.
In 1870, the youngest Williams brother, Lewis, married Nancy Catherine Weems, a daughter
of the Rev. John Weems. In 1886, Mildred M. Williams, a daughter of Thomas N. and Narcissa
Williams, married Dr. David L. Weems, a grandson of the Rev. John Weems. Following their marriage, Thomas N. and Narcissa Williams lived for about 12 years near
Carter’s Station and five of their children were born during that time. After the
death of his father, Thomas N. Williams purchased 470 acres of the family farm from the
estate for a price of $2400. He operated the farm for about 5 years from 1849 to late
1854, providing a home for his step-mother, Priscilla Williams. As he prepared to move
with his family to Johnson County, Mo., he sold the farm to John Milligan in October 1854. In addition to the inheritance from the Benjamin Williams estate and the proceeds from
the sale of their farm, it is apparent that Thomas and Narcissa received assistance from
Narcissa’s widowed mother as they undertook their westward move. In her will written
in 1863, Matilda Keele Weems stated, "I direct that Thomas N. Williams and his wife
Narcissa Williams have no more of my estate in consequence of them having received as much
of my estate in days gone by as is due them." The Thomas N. Williams family moved to Johnson County, MO. where they settled on a farm
in Warrensburg Township, the move probably taking place in late 1854. In Johnson County, the 6 younger children were born, Narcissa, the mother, dying in
1883 at the age of 57. On December 11, 1903, Thomas N. Williams died in Johnson County at
the home of his daughter, Nannie Williams Graham, an event still recalled in 1982 by his
granddaughter, Julia Graham Downing. Thomas N. and Narcissa Weems Williams are buried outside the wall of the Hours Family
Cemetery, Centerview Township, Johnson County, in Section 20, T. 45 N., Range 26. The family of Thomas N. and Narcissa Weems Williams: Thomas N. Williams (1819-1903) m. Narcissa Weems (1826-1883)
Thomas D. (Doss) Houts amd Matilda lived near Warrensburg and had no children of their
own but reared a foster daughter, Alta Houts (m. _____Harness). Sometime after the death
of Doss Houts, Matilda went to live with Alta in Oklahoma, dying there in the great
influenza epidemic on January 5, 1919. She and Doss Houts are buried in Sunset Hill
Cemetery, Warrensburg, MO. She was listed living with the family in the 1860 census but not in 1870. Livia Ann was
a favorite name in the Weems and related families. They had no children. He died of a heart attack on Feb. 9, 1927 while visiting in the
home of Robert F. Graham at Chilhowee, MO. and is buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery, at
Warrensburg. (a) Marjorie Turner (1932-) (b) James Turner (1934-) Elizabeth W. Edmondson was a teacher at Stella Academy in Newton County, and Dr. J. L.
Edmondson was a much revered physician of the Stella Community. second Brooks Wiles second Betty Jean Howard second Virginia Bliss From the obituary of George Bascom Williams: "George Bascomb Williams was born in
Greene County, Tennessee, December 11, 1850, died April 6, 1907. He came to Johnson
County, MO. when a small boy where he grew to manhood, afterward moving to Newton County,
MO. where he spent the last years of his life. He was educated in the State University at
Columbia, MO. He was married October 19, 1884, to Miss Cora E. Bridges and of this union
were born eight children...He was one of eleven children, only three of whom remain. Mrs.
Dave Weems of Neosho, and a brother and sister who live in other parts of the
state....." He and Cora Bridges Williams are buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in
Newtonia, MO. Nannie Williams was certified to teach school at age 16 and taught until after her
marriage. She and Robert F. Graham are buried in Pisgah Cemetery in Johnson County. second Kathy Ann Hall
(a) Jack Eugene Russell (1945-) m. first Connie Mae Hjelmeng second Karyll Ann Davis (a) Michael Roy Graham (1952-) Beginning at age 13 following her mother’s death, Julia Graham kept house for her
father and brother Roy. After her marriage to Harry K. Downing, she served 16 years as
Clerk of the Probate Court at Warrensburg, and later as Deputy Clerk of Circuit Court. Harry L. Downing, Col., USAF, retired to Tacoma, Washington, after distinguished
thirty-year service career. second Michael W. Robinson
Carter was a City Judge of Durant, Oklahoma, and was a half-brother of Nancy Catherine Weems Williams, wife of Lewis M. Williams. Mildred Williams Carter is buried at Durant. After her death, Noah W. Carter married Laura Kirby. 9. Joseph L. Williams (1863-1884) buried outside the wall of Houts Family Cemetery.
Dr. D. L. Weems was a widely known and respected physician in Newton County. He and
Julia are buried in Weems Cemetery, Wanda, MO. Jimmie and Emma Williams with their three sons left Missouri about 1902 by covered wagon for a destination believed to have been Canon City, Colorado. He died a few years later, and Emma and the boys moved to Spokane, Washington. Julia Graham Downing maintained a correspondence with them until the boys were grown, but contact was eventually lost.
In 1846 when he was a young man of about 23, he went on what was probably his first
trip west. This journey, made in the company of several other emigrants from Greene
County, among whom were John Weems and his wife Anna Lane Weems, James Smith, and Thomas
Smith, took him through St. Louis Count, Missouri, where he stopped by at his uncles,
Thomas Williams and Samuel Rudder. He then passed through Crawford County and attended to
some business for Farmer with the Hardy family, some old acquaintances from Greene County,
and arrived in Newton County on November 18, 1846. On this trip, George seems to have been
appraising the advantages of settlement in Missouri and appears to have been one of the
first of his immediate family to travel there. After living for 2 years in Newton County on the farm of his uncle and aunt, Jones and
Bethany Pogue Weems, he moved to Arkansas and lived there for about a year with Martin
Thornberry, a son-in-law of Jones Weems. While in Arkansas, he was caught up in the
excitement of the California gold rush and made plans to travel to the gold fields in the
spring of 1849 with a large company of people who were to depart Fort Smith in April. It
was likely the news of his father’s death changed his plans and he returned to
Tennessee shortly afterward. In the summer of 1850, George Williams was in South Carolina on a business venture, the
purpose of which seems to have been to raise capital for his impending permanent move to
Missouri. Writing from Darlington to his brother, Thomas N. Williams, George sought to
assure the family that rumors about his excessive drinking were untrue, and that he was
having success in his speculative trading in the pork market. Back in Greene County that fall, events in George’s life began moving at a fast
pace. On October 6, he married Mary E. Walker, and five days later he received his share
of his father’s estate, signing a court bond for $280. Departing immediately
thereafter, and accompanied by his brother Francis A. Williams and his wife Kissiah Shelly
Williams, George and his bride were in Fenton, Missouri at the home of his uncle Thomas
Williams by November 10, 1850. From there George wrote back to Farmer saying that in his
haste in departing he had forgotten to collect a debt which Farmer owed him. Arriving in Newton County in late November, George and Mary Williams moved onto a farm
owned by his Uncle Farmer Pogue, who had come from Greene County, Tennessee to Newton
County in the summer of 1847 and had died the in the fall of 1849. Later, settling in McDonald County, George and Mary Williams lived in the community
that came to be known as Erie, and owned a farm there. Due to the lack of surviving correspondence, loss of McDonald County records, and
failure of the writer to locate any descendants, the story of the life of Enoch George
Williams after he began living in McDonald County is sketchy. It is known that for several years he was a Justice of the Peace in the county,
performing a number of marriages, and served as one of the County Judges presiding over
the County Court, possibly as early as 1858. He was appointed Coroner for McDonald County
in November 1866. When the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Erie in 1868, E. G. and Mary
Williams were among the charter members, with George serving as Church Secretary. Two
years later at this church, the names of E. G. and Mary Williams were recorded as
witnesses at the wedding of George’s younger brother, Lewis. The activities of George Williams during the Civil War are not well documented other
than the appearance of his name on the roster of Co. "K", 15th
Missouri Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. The record shows that George served as a
private, evidently beginning his duty early in the war and reenlisting on December 26,
1862, for the remainder of the conflict, his service ending on July 10, 1865. The State
Militia was a Union military force. The 1870 census lists E.G. and Mary Williams living in Erie Township with one son,
Walker W. Williams, age 17. 10 years later, the 1880 census enumerates them with a foster
daughter, Minerva, living in the household. Nothing further has been learned of these
children, and as of this writing, it is not known if Enoch George Williams has any living
descendants. Enoch George and Mary Walker Williams are buried in Harmon Cemetery about four miles
east of Goodman in McDonald County. In 1846 when he was a young man of about 23, he went on what was probably his first
trip west. this journey, made in the company of several other emigrants from Greene
County, among whom were John Weems and his wife Anna Lane Weems, James Smith, and Thomas
Smity, took him through St. Louis Count, Missouri, where he stopped by at his uncles,
Thomas Williams and Samuel Rudder. He then passed through Crawford County and attended to
some business for Farmer with the Hardy family, some old acquaintances from Greene County,
and arrived in Newton County on November 18, 1846. On this trip, George seems to have been
appraising the advantages of settlement in Missouri and appears to have been one of the
firts of his immediate family to travel there. After living for 2 years in Newton County on the farm of his uncle and aunt, Jones and
Bethany Pogue Weems, he moved to Arkansas and lived there for about a year with Martin
Thornberry, a son-in-law of Jones Weems. While in Arkansas, he was caught up in the
excitement of the California gold ruch and made plans to travel to the gold fields in the
spring of 1849 with a large company of people who were to depart Fort Smith in April. It
was likely the news of his father’s death which changed his plans and he returned to
Tennessee shortly afterward. In the summer of 1850, George Williams was in South Carolina on a business venture, the
purpose of which seems to have been to raise capital for his impending permanent move to
Missouri. Writing from Darlington to his brother, Thomas N.Williams, George sought to
assure the family that rumors about his excessive drinking were untur, and that he was
having success in his speculative trading in the pork market. Back in Greene County that fall, events in George’s life began moving at a fast
pace. On October 6, he married Mary E. Walker, and five days later he received his share
of his father’s estate, signing a court bond for $280. Departing immediatley
thereafter, and accompanied by his brother Francis A. Williams and his wife Kissiah Shelly
Williams, George and his bride were in Fenton, Missouri at the home of his uncle Thomas
Williams by November 10, 1850. From there George wrote back to Farmer saying that in his
haste in departing he had forgotten to collect a debt which Farmer owed him. Arriving in Newton County in late November, George and Mary Williams moved onto a farm
owned by his Uncle Farmer Pogue, who had come from Greene County, Tennessee to Newton
County in the summer of 1847 and had died the in the fall of 1849. Later, settling in McDonal County, George and Mary Williams lived in the community that
came to be known as Erie, and owned a farm there. Due to the lack of surviving correspondence, loss of McDonald County records, and
failure of the writer to locate any descendants, the story of the life of Enoch George
Williams after he began living in McDonald County is sketchy. It is known that for several years he was a Just of the Peace in the county, performing
a number of marriages, and served as one of the County Judges presiding over the County
Court, possibly as early as 1858. He was appointed Coroner for McDonald County in November
1866. When the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Erie in 1868, E. G. and Mary
Williams were among the charter members, with George serving as Church Secretary. Two
years later at this church, the names of E. G. and Mary Williams were recorded as
witnesses at the wedding of George’s younger brother, Lewis. The activities of George Williams during the Civil War are not well documented other
than the appearance of his name on the roster of Co. "K", 15th
Missouri Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. The record shows that George served as a
private, evidently beginning his duty early in the war and reenlisting on December 26,
1862, for the remainder of the conflict, his service ending on July 10, 1865. The State
Militia was a Union military force. The 1870 census lists E.G. and Mary Williams living in Erie Township with one son,
Walker W. Williams, age 17. 10 years later, the 1880 census enumerates them with a foster
daughter, Minerve, living in the household. Nothing further has been learned of these
childre, and as of this writing, it is not known if Enoch George Williams has any living
descendants. Enoch George and Mary Walker Williams are buried in Harmon Cemetery about four miles
east of Goodman in McDonald County. When his brother, Enoch George Williams, went on his first trip to Southwest Missouri
in the fall of 1846, he wrote back to Farmer Williams, "Tell Frank that I want him to
come with uncle Farmer (Pogue) for I think he (could do) a great deal better here than he
can there." Encouragement such as this was probably all that was necessary to convince many young
men to move west. Although he did not accompany Farmer Pogue to Southwest Missouri in his
move to Newton County in 1847, Frank Williams did sell the land he owned in the 7th
district of Greene County in 1850 and on October 11 that year, he and Enoch George both
signed court papers acknowledging their receipt of $280 each from the estate of Benjamin
Williams. With this business concluded, they left with their families and headed for Southwest
Missouri, stopping enroute at Fenton in St. Louis County, where they arrived on November
10 at the home of their Uncle Thomas Williams. On this trip, Kissiah Shelly Williams must
have heard tales of the hazards of frontier life in Southwest Missouri and yearned for the
protection of one of her family’s dogs. It was from Fenton that George Williams,
writing back to Farmer Williams in Greene County said, "If Shellys has not started
yet, Frank wants them to bring Turk for Kiz wants a companion or friend that will keep the
woolves (sic) off." Frank and George Williams arrived in Newton County in late November 1850. Frank and his
family took up land in McDonald County and were enumerated in the 1860 census of Elkhorn
Township: F. A. Williams Age 36 Farmer Born Tennessee Kissiah Williams 32 Tennessee Thomas N. Williams 10 Tennessee Stephen L, Williams 6 Missouri During Civil War years, many families in this part of Missouri were forced away from
their homes owing to great unrest and partisan fighting. This apparently happened to the
family of Francis A. Williams, for the 1865 Riley Kansas census shows the Frank and
Kissiah Williams were living there with brothers Adonijah and Joseph Williams. After this,
Frank and his family may have moved to Johnson County, Missouri. When the estate of
Stephen B. Williams was settled in January 1894, appearing on the list of heirs was Frank
Williams, deceased, Johnson County, Missouri. As of this writing, nothing further has been learned of this family. In a ceremony performed by the Rev. Gabriel F. Page, she was married to Marion L.
Bailey, a son of Thomas P. and Henrietta Keele Bailey of Laurel Gap in Greene County on
November 9, 1847. Living on a 200 acre farm fronting Snapp’s Ferry Road just east of
Laurel Gap, they reared a family of nine children. The town of Laurel Gap was renamed
Baileyton after the Civil War in recognition of the Bailey family who had been among the
earliest settlers there. With her home situated near a school at Laurel Gap, Sally Bailey provided a home for
her younger brothers, Stephen and Lewis, while they attended school there. In the
mid-1850’s she took her step-mother into her home when her brother, Thomas N.
Williams, with whom Priscilla had been living after the death of Benjamin Williams, moved
with his family to Johnson County, Missouri. Family tradition tells of difficult times for the Bailey family during the Civil War.
With the onset of the war, the farm was soon stripped of its livestock, and even the
fences were burned by the soldiers for campfires. In these trying years the entire family,
including even the smaller children, was hard pressed to eke out an existence. Many years
later a son, John M. Bailey who was a teacher, poet and farmer, wrote of those times with
his mother in mind, "In those cruel days, women worked so hard, so long hours, they
often went to sleep at sedentary work and even at prayers." In one bushwhacker raid, Sally Bailey saved a nearly finished wool blanket from the
raiders by winding it tightly around her arms as she was forced to remove it from her
loom, refusing to give it up even though threatened at knife point. Searching for hidden
food in the house, the men removed upstairs flooring and kicked through the ceiling into
the rooms below. That evening after the men had left and were camped just west of Laurel
Gap, Sally Bailey and her eldest daughter, Betsy Ann, then about 14, walked into the midst
of the bivouac. Saying nothing, and without any opposition from the dumbfounded men, they
retrieved a favorite horse and some of their stolen cooking utensils and took them home.
It is said of those days that salt, potatoes, cornbread and molasses were staples, and
cornpone and wheat coffee were luxuries. Marion Bailey was a local preacher in the Baileyton M.E. Church and it is said that he
prayed so loudly that he could be heard all over the small town. Following their deaths,
Marion and Sally Bailey were honored by their church when a window was installed in
sanctuary with their names set into the colored glass panes. Many of their children moved
west in the latter part of the 19th century, settling in various parts of
Missouri. Marion and Sally Bailey are buried in Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery near
Baileyton. Priscilla Williams lies beside them. The family of Marion L. and Sally Williams Bailey: Marion L. Bailey (1827-1895) m. Sarah H. Williams (1826-1897)
second Mary A. Bartholomew
(1) Kermit Marion Bailey (1920-) m. Thelma Lenore Coffman second Juliet Martin
second Mae Whitehead second Ella P. Strain second K. C. Christian second Mildred Groves second Mary Orrell s. J. Bailey Williams (1890-1906) Caroline Williams (1894-c. 1936) Marian Miltina Williams (1897-1920) The children of Marion L. and Sally Williams Bailey lived their adult lives in the
following locations: Elizabeth A. and Nancy P. lived in Greene County, Tennessee;
Alexander Harrison at Oregon, Mo.; Thomas M. at Rockport, Mo.; John M. at Langdon and
Rockport, Mo.; Henrietta at Lockwood, Mo.; Caroline at Lockwood, Mo.; Joseph B. in
Nebraska and Washington; and Lyvia Sabina in Morristown, Tn., Patterson, NJ and Greene
County, Tn. In 1895, Sally Williams Bailey wrote in an autograph book belonging to her 16-year-old
granddaughter, Pearle Weems, "When this you see remember me. Sep 30, ‘95. Be a
good girl, your gran mother Bailey." 14. NANCY MARIAH WILLIAMS (June 13, 1828 – June 12, 1876) was the third daughter
of Benjamin and Nancy Pogue Williams. Her marriage to Wyatt Edmonds in Green County on November 23, 1847, was one of several
marriages of the children of Benjamin Williams which took place about this time, Sally
Williams having married on November 9, Farmer on November 12, and Francis a few weeks
later on January 4, 1848. Sally and Mariah were both married by the same Methodist circuit
rider, the Rev. Gabriel Page. Following their marriage, Wyatt and Nancy Mariah Edmonds lived in the 7th
district of Greene County for about 5 years where Wyatt farmed and their first three
children were born. Wyatt’s name last appears on Greene County tax lists in 1851.
Some time in the early 1850’s , the family moved to McDonald County, Missouri where
they settled on a farm about 2 miles west of Bethpage at a place known as Elkhorn. Five
more sons and at least two more daughters were born there. With the advent of the Civil War, McDonald County became the scene of much fighting
between partisans of opposing sides. An 1861 tax list of McDonald County shows that Wyatt
Edmonds of Township 23, Range 31, was enlisted in the Confederate Army, a situation which
caused great rifts between neighbors and even close relatives, and placed the family in
serious danger. As a consequence of the situation in McDonald County during these times, Wyatt Edmonds
found it necessary to move his family to the relative safety of Newtonia in Newton County,
where it is said that a fort afforded some protection from the violence and where they
lived for much of the wartime period. While living at Newtonia, at least one of the
daughters of the family died and was buried there. Tradition tells that after the war
ended, Wyatt Edmonds attempted to locate the grave, wishing to move the body of his
daughter to McDonald County, but was unable to find it. Shortly after the war, the family returned to their farm in McDonald County. Later,
five of the sons of Wyatt and Nancy M. Edmonds owned adjoining farms at Elkhorn on lands
that had been part of the father’s farm. The Edmonds Cemetery there is on two acres
of land given by Wyatt Edmonds. It is said that many old settlers are buried there, but no
a single person named Edmonds. Benjamin Williams, Jr. and Stephen B. Williams, two of
Nancy Mariah’s brothers, are buried there. Wyatt and Nancy Mariah Edmonds are buried in Union (Owsley) Cemetery, about one mile
east of Bethpage. The family of Wyatt and Nancy Mariah Williams Edmonds: Wyatt E. Edmonds (1823-1887) m. Nancy Mariah Williams (1828-1876)
6. George Jackson Edmonds (1862-1940) m. Ella Martin
7. Charles Edward Edmonds (1864-1949) m. Rosa Martin
9. Thomas Marion Edmonds (1869-1942) m. Nancy Barringer a. Jessie Edmonds m. _____Keller 15. JOSEPH S. WILLIAMS was born about 1830. He was the oldest of the three sons who
were minors when Benjamin Williams died in 1848 and accordingly was the first of the three
to be considered for schooling under terms of the will. In early 1849, Adonijah wrote to
William M. Williams, "I expect to come home in the spring and go down to the
Strawberry Plains with Joseph if he goes there to school," Strawberry Plains is a
small town 15 miles east of Knoxville. Joseph probably accompanied some of this brothers and sisters to Southwest Missouri
about 1853. On April 30, 1855, under the guidance of Adonijah and using money from his
share of his father’s estate, he purchased 120 acres of land, and this was probably a
part of the land that he and Stephen later owned and farmed jointly on the Blue Rived near
Manhattan, Kansas. Their farm was situated at the falls of the river just above Manhattan
and appears to have been a rather attractive piece of real estate owing both to its
fertility and the potential for development of the falls. Owning land in both Riley and
Pottawatomie Counties, Joseph and Stephen were farming together there in 1859 and in an
1872 letter Joseph implied that he had lived there for 16 years or since 1856. Pre-Civil
War violence, drought and famine may have combined to force Joseph away from his Riley
County home for awhile, for the 1860 census enumerated him living in the household of his
brother, Thomas N. Williams, in Johnson County, Missouri. After the war in an 1865 census
of Manhattan Township, Joseph was again living in Riley County and had taken into his home
Adonijah and his daughter, Mary Belle, as well as his brother, Francis A. Williams and his
wife, Kissiah. In the census of 1870, he was listed living in Manhattan Township, single. On September 15, 1874, Joseph S. Williams married Hannah Johnson, a Swedish immigrant
then 22 years old. For reasons not yet discovered, this marriage was short-lived and it is
likely that Hannah died within a few years of their marriage, leaving no known children.
On April 11, 1880, Joseph, age 50, married Emzey Y. Craft, a widow with two children. In 1865, Joseph sold to C. R. Barnes 32 acres of his Pottawatomie County land located
at the falls, this property being the probable site of a mill later constructed there. On
May 20, 1875, Joseph and Hannah Williams, with Joseph acing as attorney for Stephen who
was then living back in Tennessee, mortgaged the Blue River farm for $3500 with the New
England Mortgage Security Co. The terms were for 10% interest, payable each January 1
until 5 years later on May 20, 1880, when the principal was to fall due. Unable to meet
these obligations, Joseph defaulted in 1878 and the mortgage was foreclosed, with the farm
being sold to E. B. Purcell for $26,100 and Joseph evidently recovering nothing. By then,
Hannah had apparently died and for a time Joseph became a caretaker on the estate of Cyrus
Crisswell, superintendent of the mill at the falls of the Blue River, who had died that
summer. Writing to Farmer on December 23, Joseph said that he was very lonely, but did not
dwell on his misfortunes, preferring to describe in detail the impressive property left in
his care. However, in this letter it is not difficult to sense Joseph’s despair as
his fortunes hit bottom; He was not listed in the 1885 Riley County Census, and on an unknown date he died at
the home of his brother, Lewis M. Williams, at Newtonia, Missouri. He was listed as
"deceased" in January 1894 when the Stephen B. Williams estate was settled.
In March 1850, he was attending school at Laurel Gap when he received a letter from his
older brother and mentor, the Rev. Adonijah Williams. In this letter, he was counseled to
avoid the company of "bad and wicked boys" who might take him to "frolics
where they will dance and play" and to read his Bible daily. In the 1850 census,
taken in the summer of that year, he was enumerated living with the family of Farmer
Williams. His signature appears as a witness on a bond signed by Wyatt and Nancy Mariah
Edmonds on October 2, 1852, when they received Mariah’s share of the Benjamin
Williams estate. It is likely that Stephen moved to Southwest Missouri in 1853 with some of his brothers
and sisters, but it is uncertain when he moved to Kansas. Adonijah’s letter of
January 12, 1859, states that Joseph and Stephen were then farming together on their Blue
River farm near Manhattan. It appears that Stephen became involved in some sort of financial difficulty just after
the end of the Civil War. Stephen and Joseph borrowed $190 from their brother, Thomas N.
Williams, at Warrensburg, Missouri on March 8, 1866, giving him a note signed by them
jointly. With the exception of a $5 dollar credit, this debt remained unpaid at
Stephen’s death. About 1870, Stephen moved back to Greene County, Tennessee and lived
with Farmer Williams for several years. In commenting on Stephen’s character, Joseph
wrote to Farmer in 1872, "He has always been honorable with me", and remarking
on the prospects of Stephen’s accepting a deputy-sheriff’s job in Greene County
said, "Tell him to let it alone...his worst failing is his large acquaintance eat all
the pro seed of office."(sic) The same letter implies that Farmer and his family had
assisted Stephen when he had been in some kind of financial trouble, and Joseph promised
to repay them for their help. Stephen did indeed become a deputy sheriff in Greene County, and one of his duties was
to collect taxes in the 7th district for the year 1873. By 1880 he had returned to Kansas and was listed in that year’s census living in
Clay County, probably on land owned by Lewis. As he approached old age, and never having
been married, Stephen went back to live among his relatives in Southwest Missouri,
remaining there for the rest of his life. Dying intestate in late 1893, Stephen’s estate was administered in McDonald County
by his nephew, Noel A. Edmonds, at whose home he may have died. Listed as claims against
the estate were the 1866 note by Thomas N. Williams and a claim by Lewis M. Williams in
the amount of $222.50 for board, washing, lodging, sick care, and feeding and shoeing of
his mule while Stephen was living with Lewis and his family in 1890 and 1891. Stephen B. Williams is buried in the Edmonds Cemetery in McDonald County, Missouri. His
gravestone, inscribed "Steve Williams, age 62 years", is located beside the
grave of his brother, Benjamin Williams, Jr. 17. LEWIS MARSHALL WILLIAMS (June 6, 1835 – February 14, 1915) was the youngest
child of Benjamin Williams and was named in honor of the Rev. Lewis S. Marshall, the
Presiding Elder of Greeneville District, Holston Conference of the Methodist Church at the
time Benjamin Williams was licensed to preach. Being without his natural mother from infancy, he was evidently reared by older
brothers and sisters, and probably grew up in more than one home. His daughter, Mary W.
Cunningham, wrote in 1960..."(it) was caused (his mother’s death) by an accident
from the horse she was riding falling on her, leaving my dear father an infant in arms,
who was raised by a brother or brothers." Writing in 1907 to his nieces, Mollie and
Jo Eliza Williams, daughters of his brother, Farmer, Lewis Williams stated, "I have
thought some of going to Richmond to the Confederate reunion next June and stopping to see
my old home once more." A statement which suggests that part of his youth may have
been spent in Farmer’s home. The 1850 census lists him living with Marion and Sally Bailey, his sister, at Laurel
Gap. He was probably attending school at this time, as was Stephen. In 1853 at the age of 18, he joined the families of several of his brothers and sister
their move to McDonald County, Missouri. Upon arrival there he began farming, living with
his brother, Joseph S. Williams. In the next year, 1854, he entered into the grocery
business. This was a partnership at Pineville which Goodspeed’s History of Missouri
states was "Waken and Williams." However, Waken is almost certainly a
misspelling of Walker, and this business was more likely known as "Walker and
Williams." This is based on the fact that in 1860 Lewis Williams was living in the
household of his brother-in-law, C. B. Walker, whose occupation was listed as
"merchant" in the census that year. Lewis continued in the grocery business until 1861, when in the strife and factionalism
then besetting Southwest Missouri, he lost all of his business assets. Sympathizing with the South, he departed the Walker home and enlisted in Co.
"F". 2nd Missouri Cavalry, CSA in which it is said he served as a
"spy". The early days of August 1861 found him carrying dispatches for the
Confederate command in connection with actions culminating in the battle of Wilson’s
Creek. Finding himself on the verge of capture by Union forces, he chewed up and swallowed
his papers to keep them from the enemy, a prudent act which may have saved his life. A
niece, writing after his death in 1915, stated, "I remember the morning he left home
with those papers, and I also realized what could be the consequence if he was captured
and I was so glad when we found out that he had eaten them, which I guess saved his
life." Following his capture, he was held for a time in an army prison in Springfield. He was
then was paroled, his service in the Confederate Army having lasted about 6 months. In 1863 he went to Denver, Colorado, where he lived the life of the traditional
American cowboy, driving cattle and freighting for 5 years. In 1868, he moved to Clay
County, Kansas, where he homesteaded a 320-acre farm, living there until 1875. During this
period, he went back to McDonald County, Missouri, and married Nancy Catherine Weems Culp,
a widow, at Erie Church on January 23, 1870. His wife was a daughter of the Rev. John and
Rhoda Munsey Weems, a family who had undertaken the move from Greene County, Tennessee to
Newton County, Missouri in 1843. Misfortune struck the Weems during the trip when John
Weems fell ill and died at Burksville, Kentucky. The story of the perseverance of Rhoda
Weems in continuing the trip to its destination and her rearing a large family of children
is a remarkable one. In 1875, Lewis Williams and his family, which now included three sons, moved to Newton
County, Missouri. Here he began farming and raising livestock, as well as engaging in the
hardware business. The following year, his second son, Joseph A. Williams, died at age
four. In 1879, his daughter, Mary Minerva was born. Later he became involved in operating
a hotel in Newtonia and was also a constable. The year of 1876 saw the deaths of several relatives of Lewis M. Williams. Besides his
young son, his sister Nancy Mariah Edmonds died in June, and Adonijah in October. In 1887, he returned to East Tennessee for a visit with the families of his brother
Farmer Williams, and his sister Sally Bailey. About 1901 he moved his family to Springfield, Missouri, where he lived on West Walnut
St., with his daughter, who was by then married to C. V. Cunningham, a salesman for
Rice-Stix Dry Goods Co., of St. Louis. He delivered the address to the assembled veterans at a reunion of the Blue and Grey.
The occasion was the anniversary of the battle of Wilson’s Creek, either in 1907 or
1911. Passages in the copy of his speech indicate that the anniversary was either the 46th
or 50th, but it is difficult to determine which. 1907 is probably the correct
date, for in his speech he stated that he had been living in Springfield for five years.
In this speech there is a moving tribute to the women of the Confederacy. After several years of failing health, and in his 80th year, Lewis Marshall
Williams succumbed on February 14, 1915 to the combined ravages of heart trouble, asthma
and influenza, the last-born of the children of Benjamin Williams and the last to die. He is buried in Hazlewood Cemetery in Springfield. He was a member of the Methodist
Church, South and the Masonic fraternity. The family of Lewis M. Williams. Lewis Marshall Williams (1835-1915) m. Nancy C. Weems (Culp) (1840-1929)
a. Charles Williams (1896-1899)
b. Addison (Ted) Williams (1898-1962) m. Vesta Newman (1895-1973) (a) Laura Marcelina Fawcett (1979-) BENJAMIN WILLIAMS AND THE CHURCH Benjamin Williams and Methodism arrived in Greene County at about the same time. Close
on the heels of the first settlers in the are came the early circuit riders, Jeremiah
Lambert and Stephen Brooks, as well as periodic visits by Bishop Francis Asbury. A Christian Society was organized and a small building was erected for preaching
services sometime around 1790 at Carter’s Station. Shortly after the turn of the
century, a new meeting-house which was a two-story structure, was built. At about the same
time, an intense revival spirit swept the American frontier, beginning the era of the
great camp meetings, with Carter’s Station becoming an important camp meeting site.
Families from a wide area came in wagons, bringing with them food, milk cows, tents and
other necessities, camping around the preaching grounds for many days and attending the
services which included preaching, exhorting, praying and singing from morning well into
the night. These annual summer events drew large numbers of people. Because of its strong revival appeal and the fact that it did not insist upon a
formally educated local clergy, Methodism spread rapidly and kept pace with the advances
of frontier settlement. Benjamin Williams grew up during this time, undoubtedly coming
under the influence of the preaching of such early Methodists as Benjamin Van Pelt, the
organizer of the first Methodist Society in Greene County, and of Bishop Asbury himself,
joining the Church in 1810. An indication of the admiration which he felt for persons of
the Church can be seen in the names he gave to some of his sons. The Methodists were not without controversy, both local and church-wide. While events
moved toward the division of the Methodist Church in 1844, there were other issues which
stirred the people, one of which was the temperance movement. A handwritten account of a
disagreement between Benjamin Williams and Ellis Carter over the signing of temperance
pledges gives some insight into this issue at it involved the local church. While some
parts of this account may seem mildly amusing to the present-day reader, it was,
nevertheless, a serious matter of that time, and this particular controversy involved
families that were fairly closely related by marriage, Benjamin’s brother, Thomas
Williams, having married Ellis Carter’s sister, Jemima. Because of distances involved, the number of congregations to be served and often poor
travel conditions, the circuit rider could minister to his churches only infrequently. In
order for the small remote churches to have regular preaching services, local preachers,
who were members of local congregations and who satisfied requirements of the Church
regarding character and ability, were licensed to fill this need. On September 28, 1835,
Benjamin Williams was licensed as a local preacher by the Presiding Elder of Greeneville
District, Lewis S. Marshall, "for so long as his conduct shall be in accordance with
the Gospel", and was one of seventeen such preachers listed in Greeneville Circuit
that year. Benjamin Williams served as a local preacher at Carter’s Station Methodist Church
from 1835 until his death in 1848. As a local preacher, his only capacity was that of
preacher and he was not authorized by the Church to provide other ministerial services,
those duties being reserved for higher functionaries. Evidently his service to his church
as a local preacher was pleasing both to the congregation and to Holston Conference as
well, for on October 8, 1846, in an ordination service at Henshaw’s Meeting House, he
was ordained a deacon in the M. E. Church, South by Bishop William Capers. This office
authorized him "to administer the ordinance of Baptism, Marriage, and the Burial of
the Dead in the absence of an Elder..." During the years that he served the Church as local preacher and deacon, he was one of
the trustees as well. This meant that he was one of those charged with the welfare of the
physical church itself. Other trustees were Daniel Key, Isaac Harmon, Ellis Carter,
Ezekial Carter, James Goodin and John Pogue. A two-story log building had been used as a
meeting-house for Carter’s Station Methodists since its construction around 1803.
Following the destruction of this building by a fire, plans were made for the erection of
a new meeting house. After the funds were raised, this new building was built during the
early 1840’s on nine acres of land which had been purchased in 1836 by the trustees.
This structure was used for church meetings until the present Carter’s Station Church
was built in 1878. After that, it continued in use as a school into the early part of the
20th century when it was torn down. Only its foundation stones remain to mark
its location near the present church building. Although the period of the Great Revival is often idealized and thought of as a time
when people were universally pious and the Church was without serious opposition, this was
not always the case. Sermons were often thunderous and specific in condemnation of sins.
Pet vices were exposed, names were named and many toes were stepped on. The result was
that meetings were often harassed by those who felt that religion was meddling too much in
their lives. It was not uncommon for camp meetings or church services to be interrupted by
rowdies creating disturbances designed to interfere with the gathering. A story, handed down through family tradition, tells of one such incident. Benjamin
Williams was preaching to the congregation at Carter’s Station and was in the middle
of his sermon when a noisy disturbance began just outside the building. It is said that he
suddenly ceased preaching, and with every member of the congregation stonily silent and
staring straight ahead, he stepped aside, pulled off his black coat and hung it on the
back of a chair, and walked down the aisle and out of the meeting house where he proceeded
to administer a sound thrashing to the offenders. With the surroundings then silent, he
returned to his pulpit and resumed his sermon as if nothing had happened. A SIDE-BAR OF THE BENJAMIN WILLIAMS STORY A popular tradition in the Williams family, one that evidently goes back several
generations, is the one that alleges the descendance of Benjamin Williams from the
American colonist, Roger Wlliams. this is a persistent legend and is found in various
contemporary branches of the family. John M. Bailey (1859-1946) , a grandson of Benjamin
Williams, in a letter to a grand-niece in 1937 wrote, "Our maternal ancestors, the
Williamses, were thought by 'the fathers' to be descendants of Roger Williams, but the
fact was never proven. Adonijah Williams, my mother's brother, served as a Methodist
minister among the Roger Williams direct descendants. He claimed his brother, McKendree,
and one of those Williams looked enough alike for twin brothers. This is only
traditional." Whether the origin of this speculation is based on fact or fantasy can
probably never be determined, but it certainly lends color to family tradition. In the same letter, recalling childhood memories, John M. Bailey stated, "I
remember hearing my mother talking (late at night and I, little John, listening) with
Uncle Farmer Williams. He said, 'Our parents never left us much, Sally, but they left us a
good name, and the Good Book says that's better than great riches." I think this is segment 19 but I can’t tell because the Fairies came while I was
gone yesterday and stole my little pad where I had it written down. So someone with better
records than me will have to tell me. THE DEATH OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS Details of the death of Benjamin Williams have not been preserved for us by family
tradition. Stephen L. Williams wrote in 1923 that his Grandfather Williams "died
bravely in 1848", suggesting that he may have suffered a painful or debilitating
decline in his last days. Business records kept by Benjamin Williams indicate that he led a normal active life
until at least the spring before he died. On May 10, 1848, he recorded a payment on a debt
he owed Susannah Pogue, writing in his usual firm hand. At some point in the next four
months, he was apparently stricken by an illness which affected his health to the extent
that it became evident in his handwriting. By then, he seemed to realize that his
condition might be terminal and took steps to get his business affairs in order, causing a
list to be made of outstanding debts owed him for salt. The last entry on this list, dated
September 9, 1848, is in his own hand and is quite unsteady. On October 7, he wrote his
will and executed a power of attorney to Farmer Williams for the purpose of selling 470
acres of his land. His shaky signature on the latter document is in rather marked contrast
to earlier signatures. His care for his family is shown by the provisions in his will. His first concern
expressed was for his wife, Priscilla, for whom he provided livestock, furniture,
household items and cash in measure quite liberal. The remainder of his estate, consisting
of the liquidation of his land holdings and personal property, he directed to be divided
equally among his heirs, stipulating an extra $80 for his oldest daughter, Polly. In
addition, he provided to be paid from his estate and overseen by the other heirs, one year
of education for each of his three younger sons, Joseph, Stephen and Lewis, after which
they were to be outfitted with clothing, a horse, saddle and bridle. It is possible that
he owed Polly the $80 as monetary debt, but chances are strong that this may have been
compensation to her for caring for him during his illness. The necessity for selling his land and personal property is clear. It would have been
an almost impossible task to divide fairly and equitably all his land and personal
property among his widow and 16 children. 470 acres of land remained to be sold, the other
50 acres having been conveyed to Benjamin Williams, Jr. by a gift deed on May 16, 1848. 48 days after writing his will, Benjamin Williams died. The inventory of his personal
property, which was sold in accordance with the directions in his will, provides some
interesting insights. It shows that Thomas N. Williams purchased the 470 acres of land
from the estate for a price of $2,400, to be paid in 2 installments by March 1, 1851.
Hundreds of items including farm implements, rifles, lumber, horses, 28 head of cattle, 41
hogs, 42 sheep, bee stands, geese, chickens, books, harness and blacksmith tools were
auctioned off, with many articles purchased by family members. Among the horses sold were
"Old Tib", "Old Pat" and "Old Pete". Francis A. Williams
bought a black mare for $39.07, and Adonijah purchased a brown filly for $60.00. Court
documents indicate that each of the children received about $280 from the estate
settlement. Before moving to McDonald County, Missouri in 1853, Benjamin Williams, Jr. sold his 50
acres, which had been conveyed to him in 1848, a part of it going to the Henry family. On
October 9, 1854, in preparation for his move to Johnson County, Missouri, Thomas N.
Williams sold his 470 acres of the original Benjamin Williams farm to John Milligan, and
thus, the farm passed forever from the hands of the Williams family. As a gesture of special regard by his friends at Carter’s Station Methodist
Church, Benjamin Williams was buried in a special place on the old camp-ground only a few
yards form the church building. After his burial, his grave was "enclosed" by
the laying of limestone blocks in a solid rectangular pattern about 2 feet high, three
feet wide and 6 feet long as a permanent marker for his burial site. A list entitled
"Subscription for B. Williams Grave" records a donation of $1.00 by each of his
16 children for the purpose of marking his tomb. About 1956, the stones of this monument
were set in mortar in order to help insure its permanence, and an engraved stone with the
inscription, "Rev. Benjamin Williams" was inset to identify the grave for future
generations. THE WILL OF BENJAMIN WILLIAMS I, Benjamin Williams do make and publish this my last will and Testament here revoking
and making void all other wills by me at any time made. First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my
death as possible out of any moneys that I may die possessed of or may first come into the
hands of my Executor. Second, I give and bequeath to Priscilla my beloved wife any horse beast belonging to
my estate which she may make choice of, also the two choice cows or cows and calves as the
case may be as she may choose, two good beds with furniture suitable for them, the
cupboard, bureaus and tables as she may choose, six chairs, and a number of articles too
tedious to mention both in the house and in the kitchen. Thus I leave to her own
discretion how much or how little she may take together with provisions for her and her
little stock sufficient to do her six months. Next, I wish her to have not exceeding $400
to purchase a lot either in town or in the country, these goods and chattels which may not
be consumed during her lifetime or widowhood to be returned back to be equally divided
between my heirs. I next wish my personal property and effects to be sold at public vandue (sic). I also
wish my land to be sold publicly or privately as my Executor and heirs may think proper.
The sales of all those I wish to be equally divided between my heirs, with the exception
of Polly Walker to have $80 extra over and above the rest, together with my three youngest
sons which I wish as soon as possible after my decease to go to school 12 months each in
succession, their schooling, board, and clothing to go out of my estate. Then when done
school to be put to some light trade which my Executor and other heirs may choose a
sufficient time to learn their trade, which I think two or three years to be sufficiently
long enough. When arriving at age each of them, to have a good overcoat at a common price
together with a horse, saddle and bridal equal to those received by my other sons. Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Farmer Williams my Executor, in witness
whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal, this 7th day of October 1848 /s/ Benjamin Williams (seal) Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we subscribe our names hereto in the
presence of the testator, this 7th day of October 1848. Attest: Elliott Jones Lemuel Jones, Jr. Following and for the next few segments I will transcribe several letters from diverse
members of the family. The first portion is an inventory, chronologically, of the letters
which follow. THE WILLIAMS LETTERS The letters in this section are selected from old correspondence in the possession of
May Park McCullough, granddaughter of Farmer Williams, and Dorothy Williams Cannady,
granddaughter of Lew M. Williams. They afford an unusual opportunity to glimpse the events
taking place in the lives of the Williams family many years ago. These letters, arranged
by chronology, provide a measure of continuity to these events and give us a privileged
view into the affairs of the family. Punctuation has been added for clarity and some
paragraph arrangement has also been provided, since most of the letters had neither. The
spelling is original. 1 Dec 1846 Enoch George Williams tells Farmer his first impressions of Missouri, and his Uncle
Farmer Pogue is urged to come to Newton County to defend his land claims. 19 Jul 1847 Adonijah, in a witty mood, invites Farmer, who was still unmarried, to attend his camp
meeting near Clinton, Tenn. There are hints of friction among the clergy, likely a result
of the division of the Church a short time before. 17 Jan 1849 In failing health, Farmer Pogue writes wistfully of his preparations of his relatives
and friends for the 1849 gold rush. 3 Feb 1849 An interesting view on youth by Adonijah, suggesting that things have not changed much
in some respects. 7 Feb 1849 Thomas Williams and Sam Rudder write to Benjamin Williams, unaware that he is dead,
initiating their attempt to obtain a settlement for Catherine Hill’s part of her
Grandfather Lane’s estate. 26 Jan 1850 Sam Rudder, beginning his letter by stating that he has "nothing particular to
communicate", puts the pressure on Farmer to clear up Katy Hill’s interest in
the Lane Estate. 29 Mar 1850 Adonijah preaches 18-year-old Stephen a sermon. 22 Jul 1850 George Williams denies tales of excessive drinking, taking a dig at "Mr.
Page" in the process, possibly the Rev. G. F. Page, the travelling preacher at
Carter’s Station. 11 Nov 1850 George duns Farmer for repayment of a loan. 12 Jan 1851 Sam Rudder expresses satisfaction with the settlement of the Lane estate. 4 Apr 1854 Nancy M. Williams presents Farmer and Mary Williams a graphic account of her
family’s odyssey. 18 Apr 1855 Joseph wants his newspaper sent to him and casually tells of what was probably a
near-fatal bout with pneumonia. 8 May 1855 Adonijah, now moved west, requests Farmer’s help in transferring money to get the
3 younger brothers started on their careers. 12 Jan 1859 Adonijah brings Farmer up to date on his activities following what was evidently a long
period with correspondence and cannot resist a little bragging about his bride. 27 Oct 1861 A typical soldier’s letter to the folks back home, written in the innocent early
stages of the war and especially pathetic when the events of ensuing days are known. 27 Aug 1872 Joseph tells Farmer about how things are looking up on his farm and offers some
observations about his brothers. 23 Dec 1878 Joseph has lost out but remains philosophical about his misfortunes. 12 Mar 1907 Lewis M. Williams chides his niece, Mollie Williams, for bypassing him on her visit to
Missouri. Tiring of berating Mollie, he enlists Jo Eliza’s sympathy. Mollie had been
visiting her cousins, Henrietta Bailey Hunt and Caroline Bailey Hunt at Lockwood and John
M. Bailey at Langdon. Lingering feelings from the war are intimated as a possible cause of
the perceived snub. The Baileys had been Unionists during the war. 17 Nov 1915 A beautiful letter of sympathy to "Aunt Kate" 19 Jan 1916 Writing hopefully to "Uncle Lewis and Aunt Kate", the writer nevertheless
suspects the worst. 30 Jul 1923 A son of Farmer Williams puts on paper the few facts of his Grandfather Williams’
history which he has learned from reading old records at Carter’s Station Methodist
Church ("the Station"), and provides a few of his own comments. 31 Aug 1927 Mr. Bond expresses his gratitude to the family of Farmer Williams for a wartime
kindness. 30 Mar 1960 In a letter to the writer of his history, the last living grandchild of Benjamin
Williams recalls some of the family’s past. E. G. Williams and Jones Weems to Farmer Williams State of Missouri Nuton County December the 1 1846 Dear Brother, I now take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well, hoping these lines to find you
in the same blessing. I landed here the 18 Nov. and found the connection in good health. I come by Uncle Tom’s and Sam. The weir all well with the exception of one of
Uncle Sam’s daughters had the chills, although Uncle Tom and all the family except 2
or three which has had the tipes fever and his wife and oldest daughter (one word
missing). I left John Weems at Uncle Sam’s. They was going to Katy Hill’s and
thought they would come on to Nuton County but I judge they have stopped. John Williams has gone to Texies. He started two or three weeks before I got here, so I
am here alone but well satis fied with the country. There is a goodeal of good land here
and a heap of pore land. There is a heap of grass here. I come by Harday’s and Mat said he would right to you and that that matter should
bee settled. He talked of coming to Nuton County. I told him if he did to bring the money
with him, so right to me what to do. John Jones is living in Arkansas. That account is
here that you let Uncle Farmer have. I would be glad to see you all but we are separated buy towering mountains and
murmuring streams. Tell Frank that I want him to come with Uncle Farmer for I think he cd
a greadeal better here than he can there. It is foolishness for a young man to settle
there when there is so much good land here. Tell Tom he can better himself buy coming to
this country and lead to and all of you, but do as you pleas and I will do the best I can.
Tell all inquiring friends I am well. Girls is as scarce here as hen’s teeth. I
expect to live with Uncle Jones. Tell Father and Mother that if wee never met again on
earth to pray for me that we may meet in Heaven. So no more at present. Remain your
affectionate b(r)other. To Farmer Williams from E. G. Williams Jones Weems and his wife sends thare best Respects to Father and Mother and all
inquiring friends. N. B> Please tell Farmer Pogue that the Land including his Danly farm was surveyed
out a fue weeks past. I think hit wood be well for him to be her(e) as soon as possible
for fir some parson should enter hit. The Whig preemption that is the last one that was
granted is framed in such a way if enny Rascal that has the money can gow and bild a hous
on hit and move in to hit, then that entitles his to a preemption. Tell him I will do the
best I can to save his Vestel farm. I read his letter a fue day pas. Temm him I will write
as soon as the sails is overand let him now all about his bisness her. E. G. Williams want
you to write to him. He forgot to tell you himself. Jones Weems Adonijah Williams to Farmer Williams Jul the 19th 1847 Dear brother I am in the enjoyment of pretty good health & moving on much after the old fashion.
The design of writing these lines at this time is to solicit your attendance at our Camp
meeting to be held the 13th of August at Blowing Springs camp-ground four miles
above Clinton on the north Clinch River. Your direct rout would be the rout you returned
home from this circuit, that is if you returned as you expected by Vance’s ferry. If you wish specific direction- get on your horse, put your feet in the stirrups, turn
his head to west, forward march as the military phrase is, move on by Vance’s
ferry, Blain’s X Roads, thence to Lay’s X Roads, thence to Luallen’s ford
on Clinch river. After crossing and passing through the lane take the right which will
lead you into the Jacksborough road two miles above Clinton. Continue up the road two
miles to the camp ground where you will find friends to receive you and girls probably
to your liking, preachers to preach to you. I would be very glad if some of you would take
a trip down into this country. You can then return by Henry’s and then home. See your
friends, enjoy the pleasure of a summer ride, the advantage of the meeting and be at very
little expense. We also expect to have a camp-meeting at Copper Ridge camp ground to include the 1st
Sabbath in September. This camp ground is situated about 5 or 6 miles from where you staid
all night with Conners – up the Bull-run rut – not far from the Emory
road. You would leave the road in the Halls settlement. Sister Patty requested me to ask
your attendance then. The camp meeting at Lay’s X Roads will include the 3rd Sabbath of
September. Try & attend some of these meetings. We could accommodate several of you at
all of them. We still have trials on hand. The dust & smoke is clearing away that was raised
about our other preacher trial. We have another preacher on hand. We are dropping taking
license – expelling & taking in & I shall love parts of this circuit,
regretted other places. They think the time long before our Conference will sit so that
they will be relased from their present post at other points. I shall go out like the wick
of a dying candle – with stink. I shall look for you at some of these meetings. If any alteration in appointments
should be made I will advise you of it in time. Come to the front if you can. I remain. Yours truly
Mr. F. Williams Carter’s Station Greene County, Tennessee Farmer Pogue to Farmer Williams State of Missouri Newton County January 17th, 1849 Dear Sir, I send you a few lines to let you know that we are all as well as common, hoping these
lines may find you enjoying good health. I have nothing of very much importance to write. We have had a very cold winter hear so
far. The ground has not been clear of snow and ice for seven weeks. The oldest settlers in
this country say they have never seen such a winter in this country before. I am confined very near all my time to bead. Lavina also. Lavina is better this winter
then she was last winter. You wrote in your last letter something a bout some accounts. The Saveir account I paid
Wm. M. Williams to settle and I paid Brown & Co. all that I owed them before I left.
If Groobes has not made no payment yet and is not likely to do so, I want you to take the
tools, for what is coming to him hear will not more than pay the rent. You wrote that John Willoby had made you an offer for the place. I want you to do the
best you can with the place. There are a good many persons in this country that talks of going to California in the
spring and some of your acquaintances is talking of going – Buck, John Pogue, Ira
Pogue, Hugh Carter, William McKey, David Harmon, John Brian, Albert McKinney, William
Frazier. All these men that I have named intends going in the spring. A good many others.
There is a starting point in 100 miles of this place at Fort Smith in Arkansas. There is a
good deal of talk about the Gold mines. Every news paper brings some good news about the
Gold Mines. There is a bout 3000 joined the company at Fort Smith a reddy and it is
thought that there will be twist that a mount by spring. A good many men in this country
intends taking there families. Brian will leave his family hear. Tell all the young men in
that country that talks of going to the mines that they can get hear by the time that the
company starts. They will leave Fort Smith first of April next. George Williams left hear a week a go and started home to Arkansas. He is living with
Thorns Bery, Jones Weems son in law and has hired to him for a year. Write to me as soon as this comes to hand. Corn is worth 75 cts. per barrel, wheat
50cts. per bu., pork $2.00 per hund. So no more, but reminds your friend until time
nomore. Farmer Pogue Mr. Farmer Williams Baymount P.O. Green Co, E. Tennessee Adonijah Williams to William Williams Buncombe Co, N. C. Feb 3, 1849 Dear Brother, I received your lines in connection with Farmer’s letter some time ago. I could
not consistently come home at the time you requested me to do so, as my appointments were
out, and I could get no one to fill them, and I supposed I could be of no particular
advantage. I expect to come home in the Spring and go down to Straw-berry plains with Joseph, if
he goes there to school. I think it would be best for him to go this coming summer, and
the other two to be kept at work. I know something of the danger there is in sending boys
off to school too young. I want, as far as I am concerned, the boys to go to school as
long as they do well, or at least till they get a tolerable liberal education, but I never
wish an education at the expense of morals. And a young man with a liberal education will
do better to start with if in the world at 24 years of age than younger, 99 cases out of
100. The great misfortune of our age appears to be the desire to be men and women too soon.
I want us all to do what we can to educate the boys, and not stop to be particular about
the drives. Please write to me as soon as you receive this and let me know something about what has
been done and what arrangements are made. I want also to hear about Farmer’s health,
whether he is recovering. Wm. M. Williams, Esq. & Family Yours truly,
N.B. Direct your letter to French Broad, N. C. Lapland, N. C. Feb. 4 Wm. M. Williams, Esq. Bay Mount, Tennessee Thomas Williams to Benjamin Williams February 7th, 1849, St. Louis County, Mo. Dear Brother, After informing you that through mercy we are all in common health only myself are much
afflicted with the Rheumatism and at a late hour in this day, Pleasant Hill son of Wyet
and Catherine Hill come to me telling me that he had a full Receipt wrote by a good
council and sinned by witnesses to try to get Catherine’s [art of the Legacy coming
from her grand father Lane. I thot I understood by a letter from you that you had collected for them and wisht that
you should see my signature thinking that it would make the matter stronger in your
estimation. I do certify that the Bearer of these lines is or have past for the son of Wyet and
Catherine Hill our Nephew and Neace who was the daughter of sister Jane Lane. In witness of the same I subscribe my name. Thomas Williams Samuel Rudder To Mr. Benjamin Williams Samuel Rudder to Farmer Williams Fenton, St. Louis Cy. January 26th, 1850 Dear Nephew, I generally as near as possible make it a rule to keep up some species of intercourse
among the connection. It is now about time that you should receive some attention from us,
not that we have any thing very particular to communicate, but more to continue that
friendly relation which should always subsist among members of the same family. We are all enjoying good health, have a reasonable share of the goods of this world,
perhaps more than we deserve. We endeavor to be as thankful as our frail natures will
admit. Ann Weems and her daughter, Sarah, are now living with us. They are well. Catherine
Hill is much in need of the balance due her from the Jersey estate. We consider that the
County Court in this stage of the business as you have paid part of the money and have
receipt, has nothing to do with it. If you send the money, we wish it forward(ed) in large
notes, as large as you can procure, retaining five dollars for compensation for your
services. You stated we heard from Mrs. Hill’s son that your Father had appropriated part of
the money to his own use and having great respect for his memory we were delicate in
troubling his estate so soon after his decease, but as we know that the proceeds of the
sale are either paid or about to be paid, we deferred writing upon the subject until we
thought funds were in hand. Write immediately what we can depend upon for your sake as well as our own. We would
wish the business settled as soon as possible. Your Uncle Thomas has not been very healthy during the winter, but the season has been
very open which generally makes the strongest constitution quail under its influence in
the shape of colds &c, but the rest of his family are well, as well as the connection
generally. William, his oldest son by his last wife, went on the unnatural hunt for gold,
although moral, industrious, and saving. I think (he) had done better by remaining at
home. I will now conclude by saying God speed you and yours. Give our respects to all. Respectfully you Uncle Samuel Rudder T. Mr. Farmer Williams Bay Mount Green County, Tennessee Adonijah Williams to Stephen Williams March the 29th 1850 Brother Stephen, I have often thought of writing you a letter since I came to this circuit but have
neglected to do so until now. My health is good and has been so since I came here
generally. I saw you at school exposed to temptation & wickedness and left you with the
deepest concern, afraid that you would take up with bad wicked boys & get into
difficulty and I yet feel the deepest concern and shall not forget you or cease to pray
that you may escape the evils of life and stay in the Church and get to heaven when you
die. I know your difficulties, and I know that wicked boys will try to get you into their
company and take you to frolics where they will dance and play and tell you that it is no
harm - now they know better - they know that it is wrong & that it will lead to death
and hell. I hope that I shall never be pained at hearing that you have taken up with
wicked company and staying at such mean and wicked places - they will laugh about it
afterwards & tell that Stephen Williams was there and they would rather have you there
than anybody else. Now you ought never go to a place that Father would not have been
willing for you to have gone while he was living. Don't forget that he gave you to God in
Baptism when you were a child and prayed for you as long as he lived, and now since he is
dead and gone to heaven, I hope you will not forget his prayers and preaching. I fear that
a brother can do you but little good by writing of the Church. I cannot help it. Your
father and mother in heaven & you out of the Church and in the road to death and hell
- O how painful - I would a great deal rather see you in your grave if you were prepared.
I think that if there could be tears in heaven that father and mother would weep to see
one of their children at a frolic or dance. A boy that is going to school ought not to go
to such places if it were not wrong, but then it is wrong. You cannot learn well if you go
much into company. You ought to know this & recollect it when even cleaner boys would
ask you to go with them. Go to your books - pray every night & morning in secret and
you will not want to go into wicked company, and the Lord will bless you. I left a Bible at Thomas' that you may get and keep it & I hope you will read some
in it every day. You and Lewis get one apiece and I will pay for them. You take the one
that I left & let Lewis get one of the same kind at Elliot Jones' - and if Elliot has
got that book from Thomas, you and Lewis get them then together & I will pay for them
when I come home. I want you to write me a letter when you get these lines. Direct your
letter to me at Giles Court House, Virginia. You ought to learn to write letters &
learn how to back them and direct them, and I will show you how to direct your letter to
me. The C.H stands for Court House. I have been thus careful because I know how I suffered
for want of knowing even when I left home, & I was a good deal older than you are and
had more education, but I had not learned that. Mr. Stephen B. Williams Rev. A. Williams Laurel Gap Giles C. H. Greene County Virginia (letter mailed at Kingsport, TN) Tennessee E. G. Williams to Thomas N. Williams July the 22, 1850 Darlington, South C. Dear Brother, I now take this opportunity of droping you a few lines to let you no that I am well,
hoping these few lines may find you well. I have sold some bacon here at 8 cts. The bacon
is duller than I expected to find it thoe I think wee will get theru. I have stored some
4000 lb. here which will sell soon. I have gained my helth. If I keep it I have to go be lo here 35 miles in 2 or 3 weeks
to get some money that is coming sale day if here this day 2 weeks. I expect more lode
again in a few days. I am to meet them up the country. You have been un easy I suppose from what Farm toll me. If George Williams has bin
drunk from his cradle to this day without intermission, mister Page has toled the truth,
tho we beg leave to say that he is an infurnel lyar if he toled that, & will have to
swalow it horn formost. He sertanly is the basest man that lives. Revenge I will have if
law will give it for I can produce one hundred Sertificates to prove him a lyar in too
cases. So no more. Your Br. E. G. Williams Thomas N. Williams Carters Station P. O. East Tennessee Green County Mary and E. G. Williams to Farmer and Mary Williams November the 11, 1850 Brother & Sister, In good health we take our pen in hand to let you no that we are all well, hoping the
same may find you well. We are at Uncle Sam Rudder's. We got here yesterday and found the connection well. We
have had good luck and the boys and the familys that is with us is well. We intend leving
her to morow morning for the south west part of the state. If Shelys has not started yet, Frank wants them to bring Turk for Kiz wants a companion
or frend that will keep the Woolves of(f). Sir in ower settlement we for got some of ower maters tho I dont no whether you will
recolect it or not. It was a money matter, (a) twenty dollar bill that I let you have when
I started to the south last fall. You recolect the sircum stance. I got it from Mark
Harmon between Bell Wellses and Susan Carters where him & me settled. We was (in) a
huray then and for got it. I let you have forty seven dollars in silver that we settled for. The twenty dolliar
was for got. So no more, but yours Mary & E. G. Williams To Mary & Farmer Williams Farmer Williams Carters Station P. O. East Tennessee Green County Fenton, Mo. Nov. 18 Samuel Rudder to Farmer Williams St. Louis County, Mo. January 12th 1851 Dear Nephew, I received your letter of Nov. 2 which give me much satisfaction to hear that you was
all well and especially to hear that you was enjoying good health after so long illness.
We are all enjoying good health at present for which we should ever be thankful to the
giver of All Good. Francis and George was here about the 10th of Nov. They brought the remainder of
Catherine Hill's money and paid it over to me. As regards the money we are all perfectly
satisfied. We have had remarkable good health in this country during the past fall and so
far of the winter. Times as respects money is tolerable, good crops. Wheat is worth 85
cts. per bushel, pork $4 per hundred lbs. I desire you to write me as often as you can make it convenient. I desire to be
remembered to all inquiring Friends and especially old Sister Williams. The family send
their Respects to you and Family. I have nothing more to write at present but remain your affectionate Uncle to death. Samuel Rudder Brother Thomas Williams Family are all well except the old man. He is quite feeble. The
connection is generally well. Fenton, Mo. Jan. 13th Mr. Farmer Williams Green County, Tennessee Bayomount Benjamin and Nancy M. Williams to Farmer & Mary Williams MacDonial Co. Aprile the 4 1854 Much respected Brother This cums to let you now that we are still numberd with the living & are all well
& am in hoaps those lines may reach you all enjoying the same blessing. We reach
her(e) after the ferteagy (?) of 6 weeks and 2 days of travel but we laid by 6 days in the
time. Eavery thing was high on the road. A dolar was the hiest we gave a bushel for corn,
& twenty sence the lowest. Seventy five sence was the a mount we laid out for our oan
providions. It caust us near thirty dolars. 15 cents every 5 milds for a hunderd miles at
the toal gaits. Williams had a verry rough roae to wead. I step in a trench one dark knight and throad my four finger out of plase. I could
scearsly doo any thing but with one hand. He had it all to doo. I was for three monts I
could not yous my hand much. I cant yous my finger any yet. It is verry crucked & has
not it natural feeling. I am riting now with my three fingers and thum. He has baut 1 hundred & 20 acors of land, 1 hundred down, 2 in the faul, 15 acors
fence, 2 logs cabins, 1 stable, a half a dosen springs near the house, good water, a boute
thirty peach trees. These too advantag we had not in Tenn. He says he satisfid with his
move. I cant tel wheather we will doo any beater her(e) or not. I cant advise you to move
unles you could move your house, as cumfertable houses are scears her(e), as sawmils are
on handy. 10 milds is the nearest sawmill to me, 4 to a grismill tho that is near to what
sum oald settler has to go. Eavery thing bears a good prise her(e) now. Milk cows are 20 to 20 five dolars. I had
to give 20 dolars & my note untel it was paid for one. I have receivd 20 dolars from
Polly & that is all I have got. I want you to sell James Coexes note if he woante pay
it & try to get sumthing. I will take any thing that will doo me any good be foar
nothing. I think it is too much for me to loose 20 file dolars, scearsly paid me any
thing. I waunt you to send my mony by the first good opoortunity but be shoar it is a good
one as I have a greate need of it now. By so dooing you will a blige your friend. I waunt
you to send me some of them yellow soaft peach seed & appels sead of the beast. I have the finest son the Co. can a foard. He can make me a fier & bring me a drink
from the spring. Mary, I have heard you say you would like to travel but if you was like
me you would get tierd. I get verry tierd & would a like to stop long be foar we did.
Rite soon. Mrs. Mary Williams Benjamin Williams Nancy M. Williams To: Mr. Farmer Williams Rhomo P. O.m Green Co. Tenn. Joseph S. Williams to Farmer and Mary Williams Elk Ridge P. O. Elk Horn, McDonnald County April the 18, 1855 Dear brother & sister I avail the presant opportunity of writing to you to let you know that I am in tolerble
health at this time For whitch I feel thankful to the giver of all good blessings, &
hope thees few lines will find you all enjoying the same like blessing. I have nothing strange to write to you. The connection is generly well. The general
hea(l)th of the country is not vary good at this time. There is write smart of sickness in
this part of the country at this time. It is principly the Mony (?) fever. I had a spell
of it my self. I was confined to my bed near six weeks. Save four weeks of the time I was
never on my feet, but thank the Lord I had that asurance with in that if the earthly house
should fail that I had a house not mad(e) with hands eternily in the hevens. As to times, the are pretty hard owning to the scarcity of grain & money. Corn is
worth from 79 cts. to $1. Wheat is from $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel, bacon from 7 to 10 cts.
Wheat crops looks prety well. It has been a Backward spring hear, moore sow than comon.
The grass is putting up vary prety all over the woods. The people is plan ting corn write
smart in this valley. We have some ten or twelve acres planted. I wants to plant a bout as
mutch moore next week if we have good luck. I wrote you (to) send me the Knoxville Whig. It has not yet come to hand. I sent an
order in the leter that I sent you. If it come to hand send mee the paper. Send Wyatt
Edmonds the paper all so. He will pay mee for the same. I am still a batchelor. Lewis and my self is living together. I have a notion of
hunting mee a wife one of thees days bee fore long if I can suit my self. No moore at presant. Write as soon as thees lines comes to hand. Direct your letter to
Elk Ridge P. O., McDonnald County, Mo. F. Williams & Mary Williams J. S. Williams Adonijah Williams to Farmer Williams May the 8th, 1855 Dear Brother I am now at Wyatt's and expect to start in the morning for the Nation. The connection
are generally well. I procured some money for the boys to purchase them land and prepare them for farming.
Joseph bought 120 acres at goverment price at court last Monday. I have let Lewis have
$125.00 dollars and may make arrangements to take all of his money in Tennessee &
Stephen's too if Stephen's horse lived. I wrote to you the day I left Tahlequah that
George M. Munsell of Tahlequah was to get 50 doll's, at Emory & Henry College of
Lewis' money & requested you to send the same to Ephraim E. Willie, the president of
the College, subject to the order of Munsell, and fearing there may be a delay of the
letter I write now. Munsell expects to be at the College in June & I hope the money
will be there at that time or soon after. I got the money at my own risk and expense. I
want you to sent that amount - fifty dollars - to Willie immediately. If you cannot send
it, I hope you will take it & I will be personally responsible for the money & pay
charges. I am doing the best I can to help the boys get homes & I hope you will help
me a little in the matter. You may be able to send by the Presiding Elder or by your
preacher. Write me about Stephen's money & how much is due Lewis after the 125.00 are paid.
Let me know how you can procure Land Warrants, 40's are best, 80 at most, as there is
sometimes a difficulty in locating large warrants without taking in worthless land.
Warrants are not worth the amount specified - men can do better with the money. We could
have bought (a) 120 acre warrant the other day for $9,000 doll's. It was offered to
Stephen for that. They are not worth the 100 per acre, at least that is the highest price.
I will give 75 dollars for two 40's or 70 for an 80 acre warrant, and that is as high as I
would be willing to give. I have written to you several times & have not received an answer. Write to
Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation. Yours truly, To. F. M. Williams A. Williams There were 29 indictments in the Treason writs at St. Louis besides Barkes - 30 in all
- they have all been dismissed & so ends that drunken row costing more than $50,000. A. W. Adohijah and Martha Williams to Farmer and Mary Williams Westport Jan. 12th, 1859 Dear Brother and Sister, It has been some considerable time since I received a letter from you and I have
concluded to write you a hasty letter. I left the Kansas Conference owing to the unsettled
state of matters in that territory and the great prejudice that exists there against the
South. I asked the bishop to send me to a circuit in the south of Missouri, but he refused
to comply and sent me to Westport Station, one of the best Stations in the St. Louis
Conference and I am trying to do the best I can. The Station is in Jackson County three
miles from the Missouri River. Congregations are large and we have a most excellent
Sabbath School with first rate Superintendents and teachers. There were seventy five
scholars present last Sabbath. We have a number here from Virginia & some from East Tennessee which gives cast to
congregations something like we used to preach to in those countries. We meet the Sabbath
School at 9 o'clock, preach at 11 o'clock, at 3 meet the class and preach at night - meet
the female class on Tuesday evening, and hold prayer meeting on Wednesday night. The next
Sabbath meet the Sabbath School at 9 - preach at 11 - preach at 3 to the darkies &
preach at night to the whites. So you see we are pressed on Sabbath. We have to have three
new sermons hatched up every week, or about that number, visit, preach, and attend
funerals, and I do assure you that a man cannot be idle and sustain himself on a Station.
A Station in some points has the advantage of a circuit. In others a circuit has the
advantage. I have travelled two circuits in the West and tried to fill three Stations -
yet in what ever position I may be placed by the Church I want to be faithful and useful. I have been married near two years. I married Miss Martha A. Dyer - a woman some
younger than myself, and she is said to be by good judges very handsome, and she is now
sitting right in front of me singing merrily. We have no responsibilities at our house.
The Stewards of the Station made arrangements to board us before we got to the Station and
the second night after our arrival we were safely lodged in a pretty brick house well
furnished and finely carpetted, and we go to meals when they are ready and return to our
room as we feel inclined. The Stewards pay our quarterage quarterly and they are
responsible for our board. So I think we are pretty comfortably situated - a little to
fine - yet we try to get along with it. Stephen and Joseph are still in Kansas. Their land is not yet in market. They have
about 80 acres or upwards under fence and raised about 1500 bushels of corn. They are
doing well. They have a beautiful place and some of the Yankees say if they had it they
would not take 20,000 dollars for it. I have no doubt but the falls of the Blue River
which they own will be valuable for machinery. I must close. Write to me soon to Westport,
Jackson County Missouri. Yours truly, A. & M. A. Williams
Camp Buckner Oct. the 27th, 1861 Dear Brother and Mother, I take this opportunity to tell you of some of my travels sence I left home. We went
down to Camp Wile Cat the other day and we had a Battel at that place. You may say that I witnest something that day I never did before. The bullets and
cannon balls fell as thick as hale around the place where we was. The battle commenst on
the 21 inst about 9 o'clock and seast about 4. The nomber that was kiled was about 13 and
the nomber wonded 35 men. I here that we kiled 85 of their men. That is what Women told here today that was write
from wilecat. She came for (her) husban, he is one of our prisenors. We have 21 of them. I will tell you about our schrimish when we wer on our way to camp wilecat. Capt.
Arnld's Company was ordered to go before the Brigade to watch the enemy. We was going on
and we saw a company of horse men cuming. We halted them. T(h)ey said they was unions and
Capt. give the command to fire and we did; Kiled one, wonded one, got two of sharpes
rifel, one repetor. That was on Su(n)d(a)y before the battel. I can not tell you half that I saw. I will be at home in a few days and then I can tell
you the story. So I will close. Tell all of my inquiring friends that I am well. John
Boils is well. Yours truly Address J. B. Rutherford* J. B. Rutherford Cumberland Ford, Ky. Zollicoffer's Brigade 29th Tennessee Regiment Care Capt. Arnold *J. B. Rutherford was a brother of Mary Ann Rutherford Williams, the wife of Farmer
Williams. A few days after writing this letter, he was wounded in another engagement near
Camp Wildcat and died in a military hospital at Knoxville on November 15, 1861 at the age
of 24. Joseph S. Williams to Farmer Williams and Family Manhattan, Kansas August 27, 1872 Dear Brother and Family, I seat myself to answer your kind letter of the 22nd whitch is at hand. Glad to here
from you all & I have but little news of intress. General health onley tolerable. My
all Good Blessings & as to crops they are better then I have ever seen in Kansas, at
least corn crops. My men has 120 acres, very good. Some good jud(g)es say it will mak 75
bushels per Acre, but if a man can get 50 bushels per Acre he ought to be satis fied. As to rail roads, the Blue Valley roade is graded near 10 miles, so I think I can get
on the cars by fall at my little lane soon & ride to East Tennessee, quite a change in
the last 16 years. When we settled on Big Blue the nearest Mill was 75 miles, but now we
have a mill at home, or at least joyning the farm, also a rail roade through Batt. farms,
the Pacific rail roade within 2 miles so I can get on the cars at home soon & ride to
New York or California or Galveston, Texas. (J?) Williams was in Manhattan a few days since. He did not call to see me from some
cause. Cannot tell why. I have all ways treated him kindly, but some men are strangers to
me. A. Williams and L. M. Williams are both strangers to me. I have done more for them
than all the relatives I hav living ever did for me. But as to your kindness to S. B. Williams, you and the girls shall have ample pay for
all the trouble, but the last 3 or 4 years has been a hard time on me financially, but you
shall hav some money before long. As to the Deputys place for S. B. Williams, tell him to let it a lone. Political
matters ar 2 uncertain. I would not go my Best friends Bonds at present. As to S. B.
Williams, he is one off the best kind of collectors, but will form two large acquaintance
for his income. As a man of honor he has always been honorable with me, moore so than A.
W. or L. M. Williams. His worst failing is his large acquaintance eat all the pro seeds of
office. You want a slim letter. Write soon. J. S. Williams F. Williams and Family S. B. Williams Pilot Knob Write soon East Tennessee Green County Joseph S. Williams to Farmer Williams* Manhattan, Kansas December the 23, 1878 Dear Brother & Family I wrote you some time since, but hav received no answer but hope you ar not offended at
me for braking up inn trying to save all. I lost all my land & property inn Kansas. I was once worth some money, but as real
estate fell I went withe it inn a financil point of view. But still I thank my God that
the case is no worse than what it is. I have a good home while it lasts. A few days after the old gentle(man) dyed the administrator came to see the stock and
farming utensils. I gave it all inn. When they got through they turned it over to me and
tolde me to take care of it, they would pay me for my trouble. They said if I wanted to
sold wheat to go ahead, so I solded 25 acres. It is vary pretty at present. The first of August the old lady & the 2 little boys went back to Pensilvania an a
visit. When they got ready to start she gav me the keys to the main building & said
she would leave every thing inn my care and for me to sleep inn the first room. So I am in
a close place but every thing is mooving onn quiet (well). I here no complaint as yet
& hope there will bee none. The family will bee at home in February, maby sooner. I am
vary lonesome but have food & rainment & desire to bee content. I do not know how
long I will bee here. The old lady said when she left that she wanted me to stay & run
the farm, but she may change her notion when they leave home. I am vary easy a bout it. The administrators both think the family had better live in town, but the old lady can
doo as she pleases. The farm is inn her hands during her life & half the propery &
half the money and house hold goods. I am 1 of the witnesses of the will. But I think she
will stay on the farm a while but I cannot yet tell. I have tryed to get off from here, but as evertything is inn my care I cannot turn it
over to a stranger until the family returns home. I will give you some idea of the main
building, 24 X 32, 4 storeys all nice stone. There is a bout 20 windows to the main
building. There is 17 pannele doores to the building besides 5 or 6 plain doores for side
rooms. I have a bout 20 keys inn my care but do not cary a bout with mee. The house is
well furnished inn side. They had every thing that heart could desire, reasonably at
least. I can set inn a chare worth 1 dollare or one worth $5 dollars, or one worth 15
dollars but still I set inn the one that suits mee best. They worked vary hard, lived
well, & made money but were vary unfortunate with their family. They have burried 6
children. A lot of the old folks looked to have been vary stowt inn early life, but the
children wer weekly. *(Letter not signed, envelope missing. Handwriting appears same as in letter to Farmer
Williams dated Aug. 27, 1872 from J. S. Williams. Manhattan, Kansas) Lewis M. Williams to Children of Farmer Williams (Undated) My Dear Nephews, Nieces, and Friends, The old year with its pleasures and pains, its joys and sorrow, is laid in its wintry
grave and the snow is piled over its memories alike of sunshine and shaddow. We need to greet our friends with wishes for a Happy New Year. It is a pretty custom
and the kindly feeling that it expresses lifts for a momen the load of care from our
sorrowing hearts, banishes the shadows for a time, even though brief it be, and brightens
the future. The past, then, is dead and we heap new earth over it and plant new flowers
above it. All the rugged stones in last year's path are gone; the thorns and briars that
pricked our feet are uprooted. This is the bright new year,and if fond wishes could make
it happy it would be to all a happy new year. The thought of the new year sends a heart greeting from friend to friend, and often
from firend to the friendless. It should mean unity of feeling, kindness of action which
gives within itself interest of and love for each other. Happy New Year some one has
beautifully said. How shall we help it to be happy? By being happy ourselves. A happy soul
is like sunshine. Its light penetrates the dull soil of other natures and works up the
germs of beauty better than sunshine, for it is light on a dark day. But true happyness is
usefullness. If happyness be the aim of your lives, you will fail. But if usefullness be
your aim, then you shall find happyness indeed. It takes consecration to make drudgery
delightfull and a united consecration to make usefullness desirable. We are too apt to think the world owes us something; not until we have finished our
part of the world's work. We are debtors to all that has gone before - to nature and art,
to Christianity and civilization, to home, church and society. We are debtors to all that
must come after - to the purity and blessedness of home, to the higher ideals of life, to
right education to strengthen the weak, comforting the suffering and sorrowing,
instructing the ignorant. We are debtors to the public oinion we help to mould and to the
final good of humanity. We need every one of us to keep a picture of humanity before us and to pray ourselves
into sympathy with its life, and then we will be willing to carry the principles of love
and truth to the remotest bounds. Then may we say to friend and foe Happy New Year, which
will mean the clasping of hands For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, And the good that we can do. Dear children, keep the above and read it often, especially every new year, and
practice its principles and you will always be happy. From your absent but well wishing
uncle, Lewis M. Williams Lewis M. Williams to Mary Ellen (Mollie) Williams, Daughter of Farmer Williams 815 West Walnut St. Springfield, Mo. March 12, 1907 My Dear Niece, I feel too badly both physically and mentally to write you. I never was worse
disappointed in life than last night, and today have gone to phone to Hunts to know if you
were sick or left. I was not well enough to go to the depot, but Charley and Minnie both
went - were there when the Lockwood train came in at 5:30, looked everywhere for you but
the right place. You cannot know how badly I felt on their return. And to think you were
in a quarter mile of me till 12 o'clock. If I had known you were there I would have gone
if I had to crawl, or went through 3 ft. of water and mud. You surely do not regard your
relatives as tenderly as I do or you would have gotten the agent to a phoned us or took a
cab. Our relatives never pay cab fare, we are too glad to see them. I know I love my
relatives better than most men do. I did not sleep much last night, I tell you the truth. I had anticipated such a pleasant visit with you for a year since Mollie and Ethel Reed
were here and told us you were coming. I wanted to learn of Brother's sickness and death.
He died right because he lived right. Do you get the St. Louis Advocate that I sent you on
my return from Orleans? Tell me about the family, all of Stephen's family, Jo Eliza and
all the girls. Last, but not least, what does Thom intend to do? It seems you are not much
of a family to wed. I know you nor Liza are no spring chickens. You are bachelor girls.
Maybe you were the ones on the train with the lady who was taking her third husband to
cremate and was crying to beat the band. Conductor came to her relief - asked if he could
be of any service to her. She said no, that she was taking her third husband to cremate.
That remark caught the ear of a bachelor girl on the opposite side of the car. Conductor
went over to see if he could pacify her. She told him no, she was weeping over the
misfortunes of humanity. Here was a woman that had husbands to burn. She was older than
she and she had none. You must allow me to fun as I go along or I will break down and
quit. Did you get the two letters I wrote you - one at Langdon, one at Phelps City? Oh,
Mollie why did you treat me so? I am the only living uncle you have on your father's side
and I am old, my head white with the snow that never melts. I am just living a day at a
time trying to make the last one better, burying the crossnesses and churlishness incident
to old age in the grave of disappointed hopes and blasted expectations. I will have to
quit soon. We have a beautiful home, but we are on the broad gage with our friendships. I
yesterday had a man wash the surrey, rub up the horse, intending to take you all over the
city and show you the sites, Parks, Cemeteries both Federal and Confederate, and to extend
to you the warmest reception you ever had. But alas, friendship's Rose was needlessly
crushed and its fragrance cast out on the desert air. I was feeling so thankful I was once
more to see and love one I bid fare-well twenty years ago - I thought then for the last
time on the Earth. Dear Mollie I slept and awoke and found my redeemer near, not able to find my letter
till this Thurs. morning, but all is dark and gloomy. I would have written you at Lockwood
but was not able - thought Rettie and Carrie Hunt would post you so if any hitch should
occur you would have no trouble. James William's wife and daughter came last fall to see
us unheralded from Faytetteville, Ark. They had no trouble. The officials at depot near
all know us - would have taken pleasure in phoning us or securing a cab for you. It is
said it is no use to grieve over spilt milk, but I cant help it. To think what a quarter's
expense would have saved in tears and griefs. We are not so wealthy as to be envied or so
poor as to be despised, nor so unpopular as to be ignored. We associate with the best of
the city and when I was seriously sick a year ago the ladies came to see me. Single and
married ladies always came to my bed and kissed me before they sat down. Others sent cut
flowers that cost 2 or 3 dollars and nicknacks to cheer me up. I feel very thankful for
such friends. They were worth 40 or 50 thousand dollars in their own name. Never be overly
sensitive nor imagine vain things, but always hope for the best. Trust the Lord for His
grace. Behind a frowning Providence He hides a smiling face. Tuesday about 3 o'clock we got your note of departure for the sunny south. I was still
in bed. It was like a clap of thunder from a clear sky. It is still reverberating in my
feelings. Dear Eliza, I want you to take Mollie out and tie her to the pine tree in the yard in
the top of which the initials of my name are cut 54 years ago and keep her there till she
is heartily sorry for treating her poor old uncle so unkindly, whose trembling limbs are
so fast bearing him to the tomb. The Savior has passed through its portals before me. I
dread not its gloom. So many things I wanted to see her about. One was to get a keg of
sugar tree molasses sent to us. I wanted to send some photographs to Mollie & Ethel
Reed and others. I have thought some of going to Richmond to the Confederate reunion next
June and stopping to see my old home once more. But if they all care as little for me as
Mollie seems to, I guess I will stay in the West where I have two good homes of my own and
so nice a family as I deserve. Min has a beautiful home, a good man, two bright boys, one
5, the other ten in July and her husband has invented a top that will make him a fortune.
He has always been in the goods business. The top shows the blending of cottons as it
runs. He gets two hundred dollars and expenses from the co. for selling and managing the
patent per month and holds a half interest in same. Sometimes I think my relatives think hard of me because I was a Confederate. I was
honest in it. I was opposed to secession, but when my state went, the Rubicon of my life
was passed. I was free no more. I could not fight my mother or take arms against the land
that gave me birth. Blame no more. I would rather be an ex-Confederate, honest, honorable,
and honored Confederate today than live in the place of the rich with a cankered, stifled
conscience. Excuse me. Make Mollie go see Reed girls. Write me at once. Give my love to
all the girls, Jo. Accept the same for yourself. Ever your loving uncle. L. M. Williams P. H. Boyd, daughter of Polly and C. B. Walker, to Nancy Catherine Williams, widow of
Lewis M. Williams. Neosho, Mo. Nov. 17/15 Dear Aunt Kitty, You don't know how glad I was to get your letter and to learn the particulars of Uncle
Louis's death. I had heard of his death and would have written to you long ago, but didn't
know how to direct a letter to you. We ought not grieve after those of our loved ones who
are called home if they are prepared to go when we realize that we so soon must follow, we
having lived out our alloted time. I am in my 71st year; Mr. Boyd is in his 76th, so you
see we are living on borrowed time. I often think of the trouble and worry that my dear
sister missed by being called home when she was, but I just felt for a while that I
couldn't live without her, but time will heal wounds to some extent and we have the
blessed assurance that we will be reunited with our loved ones when done with the cares of
this life if we hold out faithful a little while longer, which I am striving to do. O Aunt, I do wish you could come down and stay a while with us as there is so many
things comes to my mind that I can't write. We have our trials and troubles, but God has
brought us safe this far and we trust Him to lead us on. I suppose you heard of our baby
girl, Cora, having to be operated on for Cancer. She is getting along fine and seems to be
almost as well as ever. I do so much hope that she will be spared to raise her two little
girls. One is five, and the other seven years old, and they are sweet little ones. Her
husband is so kind to her. Well, Aunt Kate, I think of you often and especially in the Spring when that beautiful
rose bush that you sent me years ago is in bloom. I call it my Aunt Kate rose, as I didn't
know the name of it. Well, Aunt, I will be so glad to get a letter from you occasionally
and will try to answer more promptly than I did this as I was so worried for a while that
I couldn't write to the children. Give our kindest regards to Minnie and family, also Add and Earnest, as I never see
them any more. I was glad to get that pamphlet, but thought you would want it. I sent it
back by Dr. Weems. He told me that you aimed for me to keep it, which I will be glad to
do. I think the account of Uncle Louis's past life is as correct as can be expected when
there is such a few living that went through those awful times. I remember the morning
that he left home with those papers, and I also realized what would be the consequence if
he was captured. I was so glad when we found out that he had eat them up, which I guess
saved his life. Lovingly, your niece P. H. Boyd To Mrs. Kate Williams 815 West Walnut St. R. R. No. 3 Springfield Neosho, Missouri Postmarked Nov. 18, 1915 4 PM Matilda C. Houts, daughter of Thomas N. and Narcissa Williams, to Lewis M. and Kate Williams Warrensburg, Mo. Jan 19/16 My Dear Uncle Lew and Aunt Kate, My Christmas letter did not come and I feel uneasy, so will write you a few lines. Benj. and I are pretty well, getting along about as usual. Friends and connection all
well so far as I know. We have been shut in for a while - so cold, so much snow, and the
mercury went as low as 16 or 18 deg. below zero. We had a beautiful fall - pleasant. We had letters from Bro. Jimmie's wife. She has three boys, all able to do something.
The oldest, Henry, is 21 years old. There is three of them - nice boys. They are still in
Spokane. Heard from Cora and folks. Robbert Graham never married any more. Julia, the youngest
girl, is home and keeps house for him. Roy is married and lives close to his father. Mary
Russell, the oldest girl lives on a farm 3 or 4 miles from them. She has 4 children, 3
boys and one girl. Mr. Russell is a hustler. Not many of us left - one by one we are crossing over to the other shore. Alta Harness, my girl, is in Los Angeles, California. The altitude was too high for her
in Colorado. All well. Uncle Lew, we had a big Tabernacle meeting here this fall. I think you would of enjoyed
it if you could of been here - I did. Some 300 or more claimed conversion. I think perhaps
that many joined the different churches. Joe Thornton is in Kansas this winter. He still has his property here. I suppose he
will be back in the spring. He is greatly broken up since Sallie died. Our schools are prospering, even without the Normal. They are working on it all they
can - will have a fine building when it is done. Can send all your folks up here to
school. We thought maybe some of Cora's boys would come up this last fall, but did not
know. Aunt Cat, I want you or Uncle Lew to write us. Lots of love to you all. Write soon. Your niece, To L. M. Williams Mattie C. Houts 815 West Walnut Street Springfield, Missouri Postmarked Jan 20, 1916 11:30 AM COMMENTS ON THE WILLIAMS FAMILY By Stephen L. Williams I have been reading (not lately though) a wee bit of history or biography of
Grandfather Williams. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1781, moved to banks of Potomac
River, Va. when 4 years old, got to Carter's Station at the age of 14. Can't find out
whether he ran away from his Va. home, or whether his parents told him to go, or whether
he had transgressed the laws of state and to avoid the penalty slipped away and landed on
the cane brake banks of Lick Creek in 1795. Not a word is given to prove that his parents accompanied him here, (or ever had any).
No one here now (is) old enough to tell anything about it - why were we not enlightened by
Father, or his 12 brothers and 3 sisters, or George, or Harmon Kinney? They certainly knew
something then that I would like to know now, but what's the use to worry about it? We are
possibly the 3000th generation from Adam. Was any of our foreparents Kings or Queens?
Tramps, thieves, murderers, wolves in sheep's clothing? If so, they were honest and true
because if you find truth at the counter, or anywhere else, you need go no further to hunt
for honesty. They were inseperable companions like the Siamese twins who were fast
together when born, and to separate them neither would survive. And if it were possible to
part truth and honesty then we would have neither, because each is dependent on the other
for its very existence. They are immortal and will live eternally. Their beauty will not
fade, nor wither away by time, nor ever grow old. Grandfather joined the Church in 1810, professed religion in 1811, soon went to
exhorting, and a few years later was licensed to preach. He died bravely in 1848 - 67
years old. Grandmother Nancy Pogue Williams was killed in 1835 - Uncle Lewis in her arms.
The Pogues and Carters seemed the most numerous about the station 80 years ago; the
Carters are still here, but not a Pogue that I know of in county or state. The Church
seemed to have a grudge at the Pogues and turned many of them out of the Church. This
riled the balance and they emigrated to different places, hunting for liberty and freedom
like unto the kind their ancestors enjoyed so well. We say fortunately, or unfortunately,
there is no record available to show us our forebears. I hope though they didn't help to
burn the witches in Mass. a few hundred years ago, or put to death the blacksmith who
persisted in using stone coal in his forge when the law said don't use it. Hope we are not
from China where the guinea pigs perished in one end of the Chinaman's burning house. The
pigs were cooked just right and the Chinaman was so pleased with the cooking that whenever
he wanted cooked meat he had to put the pigs in a certain end of the house and then set it
on fire - what fools mortals be. I further noticed in the records of what is called the class book, I believe at the
station, that a book had to be bought to record the matter pertaining to church, etc. I
think the price was $1.00, 8 or 10 subscribed to the amount. I saw Father obligated
himself for 12 1/2 cents, and others, Bina Carter, the same - but I don't remember the
year nor all the names. I guess they paid it in coon skins or venison. So lets don't worry. It doesn't matter near so much who our grandparents were as who
their grandchildren are. Law Offices BANDY AND BOND Kingsport, Tennessee August 31, 1927 Mr. Joseph R. Williams Bulls Gap, Tennessee Dear Mr. Williams: I want to thank you for your kindness to us on our recent visit to your home. We shall
not fail to remember it. You and your brother at Greenville feel pretty near to us. It was
through him we first got trace as to where Uncle was buried, and through your kindly
offices that we were enabled to locate definitely the grave. We feel now that your family
has been for the past sixty-three years a friend of our family. I find, on consulting the
family records, that Isaac Marion Bond was born September 22nd, 1840, and died March 30th,
1864. The fact that your father buried uncle has always bound us to you, although for a
number of years after my own father's death we did not know the name of the gentleman who
had buried him. It was not popular in your country to do favors for Confederates for the
majority of its citicens (sic) were Union in sentiment, and it must have been that your
father acted at the risk of incurring censure if not condemnation from some of his
neighbors. I thought of all those things while we stood at Uncle's grave; and the fact
that he lies in the same enclosure with soldiers who gave their lives on the opposite
side, and that his grave had been cared for by strangers whom the fortunes of war had made
enemies, and it occurred to me that a people who could not only forgive and forget enmity
but rise to such magnanimity were wonderfully great; such acts of kindness speak with
greater voice than any mere words and we want you to know that these things have endeared
you and the people of your community to us. It is a comforting thought to know that after
all, many of the finer things brought to light by the war. Perhaps it discloses both the
worst and the best that is in a people, for when the civil restraints of society are
removed it is only then that a people react to their surroundings in a natural way. We
shall always have a warm spot in our hearts for Greene County and cherish the memory of
the fine things done by your family and your neighbors. We hope to make future pilgrimages
to the tomb of our uncle and in case we do, we shall always call to pay you and your
family our respects. Again I wish to thank you most heartily for all courtesies extended and assure you of
our well-wishes. Most sincerely yours, /s/ Napoleon Bond Mary Williams Cunningham, daughter of Lewis M. Williams, to James F. King
Springfield, Mo. March 30th, 1960 Dear Cousin James King, Have enjoyed your fine letter very much. With it brought the sad news of your dear
(grand)mother's passing which regret to hear, who was a true Christian, spiritual,
intellectual, and lovely. Though she is gone, she left a wonderful heritage for you to
follow, and sweet memories will always be with us. Do accept my love and deepest sympathy in your great loss. I have been home only a few weeks from the hospital with a heart condition. Am
improving each day nicely and hope soon to be able to attend church and take up activities
there and otherwise. James, I'm very sorry to be unable to give you much help of the Williams history, only
things I remember that my parents told me. Things we regret at those we do not, instead of
what we sometimes do, and that I did not write the history when (it) was given me - I
regret greatly. Yes, the information you have regarding your grandmother's * death is correct as I have
it, was caused by an accident from the horse she was riding, falling on her, leaving my
dear father an infant in arms, who was reared by a brother or brothers. Sorry I have no
date of her death. Hope some time her grave can be located. The name of Father's brothers you do not have listed are Stephen and Joseph. Both lived
in my parent's home for many many years. Joseph passed away there. Stephen while visiting
a niece by name Edmason. Lewis M. Williams, my dear father, was born 1835 Greeneville, Tenn.; passed away
February 14th, 1915 here in our home where my dear parents had lived with us for many many
years in Springfield, Mo. I'm glad you have your lovely family - and to know how very proud you both are of them.
It's useless to repeat to you of our three (3) children, 2 boys and 1 daughter - all very
devoted and precious to me, since you have heard that before in Cousin Mollie's letters. Have been a widow for 31 years. Without my dear children I would have been very lonely.
We parents appreciate our dear children and their devotion, more if possible as we gow
older. I was 80 years young on July 11th - have so many blessings I'm grateful for. Have
always had perfect health until this recent illness of which I spoke. I'm sure and pray I
shall be feeling fine again soon. James, I'm indeed very sorry to be unable to give you more definite history for which
you ask. I hope what I have given may help some, which was a pleasure to give. May 1960
bring to you and your nice family much happiness, health and great success in all your
undertakings. Love and best wishes to you and family. Sincerely, Mary W. Cunningham Springfield, Mo. * A reference to Nancy Pogue Williams Bonnie's
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