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Jasper County, Iowa
Historical and Genealogical Data Exchange
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Samuel Pierce Williams For
many years the late Samuel Pierce Williams was actively identified with the life
of Johnson County, playing a role of no mean consequence in her affairs and
becoming widely known as one of her honored citizens.
His well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable
management of his own business interests and his sound judgment brought to him
prosperity and his life demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of
energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to
continue his labors, even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances.
In all the relations of life he commanded the respect and confidence of those
with whom he was brought into contact, as was abundantly evidenced on many
occasions, and without a suitable record of his life and achievements this
volume would be incomplete. Mr.
Williams was born on February 6, 1838, in Huntingdon, County, Pennsylvania, the
son of Thomas and Jane B. Williams, prosperous farmers of that place.
In 1843 his parents moved to Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio, where the
subject received his education. He
remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then
came to Johnson County, Iowa, locating on a farm and the following year, 1860,
Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Marhis, of that place.
She was born in New Jersey, April 17, 1841, the daughter of Benjamin and
Lucinda Marhis. She came to Ohio
when she was a small girl, where she remained until she was fifteen years old,
then came to Johnson county, Iowa. After
her marriage, she and Mr. Williams moved to a farm and there remained several
years, later moving to a farm in Shelby County, Iowa, purchasing a fine place of
several was a successful farmer and was highly respected, his character being
above reproach. To Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Williams five children were born, namely: Berton died in infancy; Lucinda
Catherine married Alpheus Leigh, of Shelby County, and she died leaving one
daughter, Bessie Lee, who was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Williams, wife of
the subject, with whom she still makes her home.
Charles E. Williams married Effie Davis and they are now living in Omaha,
Nebraska; Samuel C., is married and lives at Ames, Iowa. Samuel
P. Williams, of this review, was a prominent member of the Christian Church of
Shelby county, and he was a stanch Republican, taking an active part in the
affairs of his party. He cast his
first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He
was very successful as a business man and left an ample competency.
A few years after his death Mrs. Williams came to Newton and purchased a
modern, cozy and neatly furnished home on East South street, where she has since
resided. She is highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. The Past and Present of Jasper County, Gen. James B. Weaver, Editor-In-Chief, 1912 B.F. Bowen Co., Indianapolis, IN, p. 502. |
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