Lewis Keton Williams was born February 15, 1878 on the ranch on Eight Mile Creek, Wasco County, Oregon to William Henry Williams and Amanda (Abbott) Williams. He was the tenth child born of fourteen on the farm there at The Dalles, Oregon where he was raised. The 1940 Census shows where Lewis made it through the 4th grade.
He married Josie May Shortridge the daughter of Silas and Emeline (White) Shortridge on April 2, 1909 in Walla Walla, Washington. Lou was 31 years old and Josie 18. They start their life together in Dayton , Columbia County, Washington where son Vance is born on July 10, 1910. They move to Freewater where Lou is a farmer growing fruit. Josie would die in 1936 after a three year battle with illness, just three days after her 45th birthday, they had been married 27 years.
Lewis went to work at the Harris box factory in Freewater and share a place with a co-worker there. At the age of 64 he is still working at the Box Factory. WWII draft cards mentions Ruth, his daughter inlaw but not his son Vance. He never remarries and dies March 9, 1967 after moving to The Dalles just a short time before. He was taken to Milton-Freewater and buried there at the odd fellows Cemetery.
He would leave behind sister Clara Williams of The Dalles, his Grandsons Dean Williams of Pullman, Washington, and Harry Williams of Moses Lake, Nephews; Bud Harris, Hugh and Clair Creighton, and nieces Francis Gerking all of The Dalles, and Dennis and Beatrice Smith, both of Seattle. Thou these are the only nephews and nieces mention in his obit there would be many more still living. He was preceded in death by six brothers: Richard, Charles, Frank, Jay, Harry, and Clyde and sisters; Ida Bradley, Kate Garrison, Hester Harris, Nelly Harris, Hazel Creighton, and Iva Dufur. Also son Vance is not mention in the Obituary. Perhaps Vance had taken off to parts unknown at this time and the family didn't known if he was dead or alive. But Vance is buried in the same cemetery.
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