Clarke County Historical and Biographical Record, by Lewis Publishing, 1886, Page 406
W. W. Williams, deputy sheriff of Clarke County, was in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 15, 1842. His parents, James and Sarah (Wilson) Williams, were also natives of Ohio. When he was thirteen years old; then came to Clarke County with Garner Hunt, with whom he lived until the outbreak of the civil war. He then enlisted in Company I, 15th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, which belonged to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was at the battle of Shiloh. In the early part of the battle he had command of a squad of sixteen men, who carried ammunition from the boat. He lost six of the sixteen men. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Corning and the siege of Vicksburg. Just before the battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He had charge of thirty-seven men and came out with seven. He was in the famous march to the sea, and was then ordered to Washington for the grand review. Here Mr. Williams took command of his company, and was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Chicago, thence to Davenport, where he mustered out in June, 1865, having served three years and seven months. He then returned to Osceola. In 1864, he married Eliza McDonald, of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. After his return from the war he engaged in agriculture pursuits two years, then came to Osceola and started a livery with J. M. Ball as partner, which business he followed for eight years. After this he was appointed deputy sheriff, under J. M. Ballou, serving in this capacity four years. He was then appointed Government storekeeper at Atlantic, Iowa and remained there until the office was abolished. In 1883 he was again appointed sheriff, under E. E. Rankin and upon the election of J. C. Bonar, was re-appointed. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three daughters-Della, wife of Edwin Sperry, Sophronia and Nellie May. Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He served as vice-president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society.
The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
March 21, 1912, Page 1
WILL VISIT SHILOH Battlefield.
W W. Williams, J. N. Ballou, W. G. Agnew and V. Harlan, veterans of the famous Shiloh battle, will leave on No. 6 April 1st for St. Louis where they will take a boat to the Shiloh battlefield in Tennessee where fifty years ago the sixth and seventh of April the battle took place. They will get their board and lodging on the boat and expect to be gone from Osceola about two weeks and no doubt will have a fine trip and a good time.
The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa
December 29, 1931 , Page 1
PIONEER SOLDIER CALLED TO REST
Taps Sounded For Wil-
liam Williams Saturday
with Military Honors
"Billy" Williams is no more. He passed from this life Wednesday evening, December 23, after a brief illness, at the age of 91 years. Every one affectionately called him "Billy." He might have been saluted as Colonel, or Major, or Captain, but he preferred to be called "Billy." He lived a long time and his life, filled with so much of historical interest, was as a connecting link with the pioneer days, for he was one of the early comers to Clarke county. He was a fountain of information about all things bearing upon the early history of Clarke county, for he had been in intimate touch with the days when the events transpired. He was a generous and kindly man, whose going is deeply regretted.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the Webster Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Cook of the Methodist Episcopal church. The American Legion had charge of the burial. He was entitled to and received the honors due a soldier, for he was a veteran of the Civil War. A flag draped the casket, the contribution of the government in recognition of his services as a soldier. This is a recognition accorded all soldiers of whatever war, the flags in the keeping of the post office for distribution as required.
His life's story is best told in a letter he wrote, published in the Sentinel in December, 1928. The letter has date of December 22.
The trail I have been following these 88 years began in Garner county, Ohio, May 15, 1840, when an old fashioned nurse said to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Williams, "He's a boy." They called me William and the journey of life for me was begun. When I was nine years old, soon after my mother's death, my father and I joined a party of emigrants in covered wagons, sponsored by Garner Hunt, enroute to the far west. I say "far west" because it was a long trail with wagons drawn by oxen from Ohio to Iowa in those days.
We landed in the village of Osceola June 16, 1856. Some of the old timers remember what the county seat looked like in those days. We went out to the Garner Hunt land. and my trail wound around with the sod plow and over and about the virgin prairie among the wild flowers, with a call of a turkey, the coo of the wild chickens and the howl of a wolf as nature's orchestra.
I was to return with my father to Ohio, but owing to my health condition I was permitted to remain in the west with my good friend always, Garner Hunt.
When the Civil War broke out I enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry. We were in thirty-one engagements, including Shiloh, and ending with Sherman's march to the sea and the grand review in Washington, D. C.
After the war I lived on Garner Hunt's farm two years, then I engaged in the livery business in Osceola. Later, as deputy sheriff I served with Sheriffs Rankin, Bonar and Ballou , in all, thirteen years as deputy and bailiff.
On the long trail I met and loved a lassie, and we traveled together along life's pathway for a number of years—very short but very happy years they were. When she bade me goodbye and her spirit took its flight the pathway of sunshine became one of shadows and I was very unhappy. Three daughters were left to cheer and comfort me, one of whom makes my present home possible, comfortable and happy.
When I look back over the rugged pathway by which I have come, I realize that it was a long way, indeed a very long way, measured by a lifetime, from 1840 to 1928; but not too long when one makes the most of life. With the companionship of members of a loyal family circle and comrades of the war, and with a world of friends besides, here and elsewhere, to hold in grateful remembrance, and with a good home and the necessary comforts of life and with health to enjoy it all. I have just passed a delightful Christmas, and am anticipating my 88th New Year's Day wishing a Happy New Year to one and all.
As a supplement to his story the Clarke county history says his first battle was Shiloh where he had command of sixteen men, engaged in carrying ammunition from a boat to the hard pressed Union troops. He lost ten men. Just before the Atlanta campaign he was promoted to second lieutenant and had thirty-seven men in his command. Thirty were lost, in the engagements which followed.
In 1864 he married Miss Eliza McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. The three daughters born to them were Della, Sophrona and Nellie May.
The Osceola Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa
December 31, 1931, page 3
W. W. Williams
This county mourns the passing of one of its pioneer citizens. "Billy" Williams came to Clarke county when a lad of 13 and lived here ever since, excepting the period of the Civil war when he served gallantly under the Stars and Stripes. It is given to few men to walk life's pathway for more than ninety years. He was a link in the chain of time connecting the pioneer life in Iowa with its modern civilization and inventions made to serve mankind.
Generous to a fault the deceased cared little for wordly possessions hence amassed no fortune. He was content to live among friends and to share with them the things he possessed. His kindly handshake and friendly greeting will be missed.
The white light of optimism so generously radiated pierced the gloom for many who stumbled on the tiresome road toward loftier heights. Devoid of Selfishness he rejoiced in the success of his friends and neighbors.
These pioneers are fast moving down the long trail. They are leaving a heritage more valuable than gold or silver, a memory of courage and devotion, of vision and confidence in the growth of our nation - a monument more enduring than a shaft of marble though it reach the sky.
Transcribed as published by Karen Brewer.
W. W. Williams, deputy sheriff of Clarke County, was in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 15, 1842. His parents, James and Sarah (Wilson) Williams, were also natives of Ohio. When he was thirteen years old; then came to Clarke County with Garner Hunt, with whom he lived until the outbreak of the civil war. He then enlisted in Company I, 15th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, which belonged to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was at the battle of Shiloh. In the early part of the battle he had command of a squad of sixteen men, who carried ammunition from the boat. He lost six of the sixteen men. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Corning and the siege of Vicksburg. Just before the battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He had charge of thirty-seven men and came out with seven. He was in the famous march to the sea, and was then ordered to Washington for the grand review. Here Mr. Williams took command of his company, and was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Chicago, thence to Davenport, where he mustered out in June, 1865, having served three years and seven months. He then returned to Osceola. In 1864, he married Eliza McDonald, of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. After his return from the war he engaged in agriculture pursuits two years, then came to Osceola and started a livery with J. M. Ball as partner, which business he followed for eight years. After this he was appointed deputy sheriff, under J. M. Ballou, serving in this capacity four years. He was then appointed Government storekeeper at Atlantic, Iowa and remained there until the office was abolished. In 1883 he was again appointed sheriff, under E. E. Rankin and upon the election of J. C. Bonar, was re-appointed. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three daughters-Della, wife of Edwin Sperry, Sophronia and Nellie May. Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He served as vice-president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society.
The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
March 21, 1912, Page 1
WILL VISIT SHILOH Battlefield.
W W. Williams, J. N. Ballou, W. G. Agnew and V. Harlan, veterans of the famous Shiloh battle, will leave on No. 6 April 1st for St. Louis where they will take a boat to the Shiloh battlefield in Tennessee where fifty years ago the sixth and seventh of April the battle took place. They will get their board and lodging on the boat and expect to be gone from Osceola about two weeks and no doubt will have a fine trip and a good time.
The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa
December 29, 1931 , Page 1
PIONEER SOLDIER CALLED TO REST
Taps Sounded For Wil-
liam Williams Saturday
with Military Honors
"Billy" Williams is no more. He passed from this life Wednesday evening, December 23, after a brief illness, at the age of 91 years. Every one affectionately called him "Billy." He might have been saluted as Colonel, or Major, or Captain, but he preferred to be called "Billy." He lived a long time and his life, filled with so much of historical interest, was as a connecting link with the pioneer days, for he was one of the early comers to Clarke county. He was a fountain of information about all things bearing upon the early history of Clarke county, for he had been in intimate touch with the days when the events transpired. He was a generous and kindly man, whose going is deeply regretted.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the Webster Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Cook of the Methodist Episcopal church. The American Legion had charge of the burial. He was entitled to and received the honors due a soldier, for he was a veteran of the Civil War. A flag draped the casket, the contribution of the government in recognition of his services as a soldier. This is a recognition accorded all soldiers of whatever war, the flags in the keeping of the post office for distribution as required.
His life's story is best told in a letter he wrote, published in the Sentinel in December, 1928. The letter has date of December 22.
The trail I have been following these 88 years began in Garner county, Ohio, May 15, 1840, when an old fashioned nurse said to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Williams, "He's a boy." They called me William and the journey of life for me was begun. When I was nine years old, soon after my mother's death, my father and I joined a party of emigrants in covered wagons, sponsored by Garner Hunt, enroute to the far west. I say "far west" because it was a long trail with wagons drawn by oxen from Ohio to Iowa in those days.
We landed in the village of Osceola June 16, 1856. Some of the old timers remember what the county seat looked like in those days. We went out to the Garner Hunt land. and my trail wound around with the sod plow and over and about the virgin prairie among the wild flowers, with a call of a turkey, the coo of the wild chickens and the howl of a wolf as nature's orchestra.
I was to return with my father to Ohio, but owing to my health condition I was permitted to remain in the west with my good friend always, Garner Hunt.
When the Civil War broke out I enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry. We were in thirty-one engagements, including Shiloh, and ending with Sherman's march to the sea and the grand review in Washington, D. C.
After the war I lived on Garner Hunt's farm two years, then I engaged in the livery business in Osceola. Later, as deputy sheriff I served with Sheriffs Rankin, Bonar and Ballou , in all, thirteen years as deputy and bailiff.
On the long trail I met and loved a lassie, and we traveled together along life's pathway for a number of years—very short but very happy years they were. When she bade me goodbye and her spirit took its flight the pathway of sunshine became one of shadows and I was very unhappy. Three daughters were left to cheer and comfort me, one of whom makes my present home possible, comfortable and happy.
When I look back over the rugged pathway by which I have come, I realize that it was a long way, indeed a very long way, measured by a lifetime, from 1840 to 1928; but not too long when one makes the most of life. With the companionship of members of a loyal family circle and comrades of the war, and with a world of friends besides, here and elsewhere, to hold in grateful remembrance, and with a good home and the necessary comforts of life and with health to enjoy it all. I have just passed a delightful Christmas, and am anticipating my 88th New Year's Day wishing a Happy New Year to one and all.
As a supplement to his story the Clarke county history says his first battle was Shiloh where he had command of sixteen men, engaged in carrying ammunition from a boat to the hard pressed Union troops. He lost ten men. Just before the Atlanta campaign he was promoted to second lieutenant and had thirty-seven men in his command. Thirty were lost, in the engagements which followed.
In 1864 he married Miss Eliza McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. The three daughters born to them were Della, Sophrona and Nellie May.
The Osceola Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa
December 31, 1931, page 3
W. W. Williams
This county mourns the passing of one of its pioneer citizens. "Billy" Williams came to Clarke county when a lad of 13 and lived here ever since, excepting the period of the Civil war when he served gallantly under the Stars and Stripes. It is given to few men to walk life's pathway for more than ninety years. He was a link in the chain of time connecting the pioneer life in Iowa with its modern civilization and inventions made to serve mankind.
Generous to a fault the deceased cared little for wordly possessions hence amassed no fortune. He was content to live among friends and to share with them the things he possessed. His kindly handshake and friendly greeting will be missed.
The white light of optimism so generously radiated pierced the gloom for many who stumbled on the tiresome road toward loftier heights. Devoid of Selfishness he rejoiced in the success of his friends and neighbors.
These pioneers are fast moving down the long trail. They are leaving a heritage more valuable than gold or silver, a memory of courage and devotion, of vision and confidence in the growth of our nation - a monument more enduring than a shaft of marble though it reach the sky.
Transcribed as published by Karen Brewer.
Clarke County Historical and Biographical Record, by Lewis Publishing, 1886, Page 406
W. W. Williams, deputy sheriff of Clarke County, was in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 15, 1842. His parents, James and Sarah (Wilson) Williams, were also natives of Ohio. When he was thirteen years old; then came to Clarke County with Garner Hunt, with whom he lived until the outbreak of the civil war. He then enlisted in Company I, 15th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, which belonged to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was at the battle of Shiloh. In the early part of the battle he had command of a squad of sixteen men, who carried ammunition from the boat. He lost six of the sixteen men. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Corning and the siege of Vicksburg. Just before the battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He had charge of thirty-seven men and came out with seven. He was in the famous march to the sea, and was then ordered to Washington for the grand review. Here Mr. Williams took command of his company, and was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Chicago, thence to Davenport, where he mustered out in June, 1865, having served three years and seven months. He then returned to Osceola. In 1864, he married Eliza McDonald, of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. After his return from the war he engaged in agriculture pursuits two years, then came to Osceola and started a livery with J. M. Ball as partner, which business he followed for eight years. After this he was appointed deputy sheriff, under J. M. Ballou, serving in this capacity four years. He was then appointed Government storekeeper at Atlantic, Iowa and remained there until the office was abolished. In 1883 he was again appointed sheriff, under E. E. Rankin and upon the election of J. C. Bonar, was re-appointed. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three daughters-Della, wife of Edwin Sperry, Sophronia and Nellie May. Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He served as vice-president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society.
The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
March 21, 1912, Page 1
WILL VISIT SHILOH Battlefield.
W W. Williams, J. N. Ballou, W. G. Agnew and V. Harlan, veterans of the famous Shiloh battle, will leave on No. 6 April 1st for St. Louis where they will take a boat to the Shiloh battlefield in Tennessee where fifty years ago the sixth and seventh of April the battle took place. They will get their board and lodging on the boat and expect to be gone from Osceola about two weeks and no doubt will have a fine trip and a good time.
The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa
December 29, 1931 , Page 1
PIONEER SOLDIER CALLED TO REST
Taps Sounded For Wil-
liam Williams Saturday
with Military Honors
"Billy" Williams is no more. He passed from this life Wednesday evening, December 23, after a brief illness, at the age of 91 years. Every one affectionately called him "Billy." He might have been saluted as Colonel, or Major, or Captain, but he preferred to be called "Billy." He lived a long time and his life, filled with so much of historical interest, was as a connecting link with the pioneer days, for he was one of the early comers to Clarke county. He was a fountain of information about all things bearing upon the early history of Clarke county, for he had been in intimate touch with the days when the events transpired. He was a generous and kindly man, whose going is deeply regretted.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the Webster Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Cook of the Methodist Episcopal church. The American Legion had charge of the burial. He was entitled to and received the honors due a soldier, for he was a veteran of the Civil War. A flag draped the casket, the contribution of the government in recognition of his services as a soldier. This is a recognition accorded all soldiers of whatever war, the flags in the keeping of the post office for distribution as required.
His life's story is best told in a letter he wrote, published in the Sentinel in December, 1928. The letter has date of December 22.
The trail I have been following these 88 years began in Garner county, Ohio, May 15, 1840, when an old fashioned nurse said to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Williams, "He's a boy." They called me William and the journey of life for me was begun. When I was nine years old, soon after my mother's death, my father and I joined a party of emigrants in covered wagons, sponsored by Garner Hunt, enroute to the far west. I say "far west" because it was a long trail with wagons drawn by oxen from Ohio to Iowa in those days.
We landed in the village of Osceola June 16, 1856. Some of the old timers remember what the county seat looked like in those days. We went out to the Garner Hunt land. and my trail wound around with the sod plow and over and about the virgin prairie among the wild flowers, with a call of a turkey, the coo of the wild chickens and the howl of a wolf as nature's orchestra.
I was to return with my father to Ohio, but owing to my health condition I was permitted to remain in the west with my good friend always, Garner Hunt.
When the Civil War broke out I enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry. We were in thirty-one engagements, including Shiloh, and ending with Sherman's march to the sea and the grand review in Washington, D. C.
After the war I lived on Garner Hunt's farm two years, then I engaged in the livery business in Osceola. Later, as deputy sheriff I served with Sheriffs Rankin, Bonar and Ballou , in all, thirteen years as deputy and bailiff.
On the long trail I met and loved a lassie, and we traveled together along life's pathway for a number of years—very short but very happy years they were. When she bade me goodbye and her spirit took its flight the pathway of sunshine became one of shadows and I was very unhappy. Three daughters were left to cheer and comfort me, one of whom makes my present home possible, comfortable and happy.
When I look back over the rugged pathway by which I have come, I realize that it was a long way, indeed a very long way, measured by a lifetime, from 1840 to 1928; but not too long when one makes the most of life. With the companionship of members of a loyal family circle and comrades of the war, and with a world of friends besides, here and elsewhere, to hold in grateful remembrance, and with a good home and the necessary comforts of life and with health to enjoy it all. I have just passed a delightful Christmas, and am anticipating my 88th New Year's Day wishing a Happy New Year to one and all.
As a supplement to his story the Clarke county history says his first battle was Shiloh where he had command of sixteen men, engaged in carrying ammunition from a boat to the hard pressed Union troops. He lost ten men. Just before the Atlanta campaign he was promoted to second lieutenant and had thirty-seven men in his command. Thirty were lost, in the engagements which followed.
In 1864 he married Miss Eliza McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. The three daughters born to them were Della, Sophrona and Nellie May.
The Osceola Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa
December 31, 1931, page 3
W. W. Williams
This county mourns the passing of one of its pioneer citizens. "Billy" Williams came to Clarke county when a lad of 13 and lived here ever since, excepting the period of the Civil war when he served gallantly under the Stars and Stripes. It is given to few men to walk life's pathway for more than ninety years. He was a link in the chain of time connecting the pioneer life in Iowa with its modern civilization and inventions made to serve mankind.
Generous to a fault the deceased cared little for wordly possessions hence amassed no fortune. He was content to live among friends and to share with them the things he possessed. His kindly handshake and friendly greeting will be missed.
The white light of optimism so generously radiated pierced the gloom for many who stumbled on the tiresome road toward loftier heights. Devoid of Selfishness he rejoiced in the success of his friends and neighbors.
These pioneers are fast moving down the long trail. They are leaving a heritage more valuable than gold or silver, a memory of courage and devotion, of vision and confidence in the growth of our nation - a monument more enduring than a shaft of marble though it reach the sky.
Transcribed as published by Karen Brewer.
W. W. Williams, deputy sheriff of Clarke County, was in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 15, 1842. His parents, James and Sarah (Wilson) Williams, were also natives of Ohio. When he was thirteen years old; then came to Clarke County with Garner Hunt, with whom he lived until the outbreak of the civil war. He then enlisted in Company I, 15th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, which belonged to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was at the battle of Shiloh. In the early part of the battle he had command of a squad of sixteen men, who carried ammunition from the boat. He lost six of the sixteen men. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Corning and the siege of Vicksburg. Just before the battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He had charge of thirty-seven men and came out with seven. He was in the famous march to the sea, and was then ordered to Washington for the grand review. Here Mr. Williams took command of his company, and was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Chicago, thence to Davenport, where he mustered out in June, 1865, having served three years and seven months. He then returned to Osceola. In 1864, he married Eliza McDonald, of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. After his return from the war he engaged in agriculture pursuits two years, then came to Osceola and started a livery with J. M. Ball as partner, which business he followed for eight years. After this he was appointed deputy sheriff, under J. M. Ballou, serving in this capacity four years. He was then appointed Government storekeeper at Atlantic, Iowa and remained there until the office was abolished. In 1883 he was again appointed sheriff, under E. E. Rankin and upon the election of J. C. Bonar, was re-appointed. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three daughters-Della, wife of Edwin Sperry, Sophronia and Nellie May. Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He served as vice-president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society.
The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa
March 21, 1912, Page 1
WILL VISIT SHILOH Battlefield.
W W. Williams, J. N. Ballou, W. G. Agnew and V. Harlan, veterans of the famous Shiloh battle, will leave on No. 6 April 1st for St. Louis where they will take a boat to the Shiloh battlefield in Tennessee where fifty years ago the sixth and seventh of April the battle took place. They will get their board and lodging on the boat and expect to be gone from Osceola about two weeks and no doubt will have a fine trip and a good time.
The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa
December 29, 1931 , Page 1
PIONEER SOLDIER CALLED TO REST
Taps Sounded For Wil-
liam Williams Saturday
with Military Honors
"Billy" Williams is no more. He passed from this life Wednesday evening, December 23, after a brief illness, at the age of 91 years. Every one affectionately called him "Billy." He might have been saluted as Colonel, or Major, or Captain, but he preferred to be called "Billy." He lived a long time and his life, filled with so much of historical interest, was as a connecting link with the pioneer days, for he was one of the early comers to Clarke county. He was a fountain of information about all things bearing upon the early history of Clarke county, for he had been in intimate touch with the days when the events transpired. He was a generous and kindly man, whose going is deeply regretted.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at the Webster Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Cook of the Methodist Episcopal church. The American Legion had charge of the burial. He was entitled to and received the honors due a soldier, for he was a veteran of the Civil War. A flag draped the casket, the contribution of the government in recognition of his services as a soldier. This is a recognition accorded all soldiers of whatever war, the flags in the keeping of the post office for distribution as required.
His life's story is best told in a letter he wrote, published in the Sentinel in December, 1928. The letter has date of December 22.
The trail I have been following these 88 years began in Garner county, Ohio, May 15, 1840, when an old fashioned nurse said to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Williams, "He's a boy." They called me William and the journey of life for me was begun. When I was nine years old, soon after my mother's death, my father and I joined a party of emigrants in covered wagons, sponsored by Garner Hunt, enroute to the far west. I say "far west" because it was a long trail with wagons drawn by oxen from Ohio to Iowa in those days.
We landed in the village of Osceola June 16, 1856. Some of the old timers remember what the county seat looked like in those days. We went out to the Garner Hunt land. and my trail wound around with the sod plow and over and about the virgin prairie among the wild flowers, with a call of a turkey, the coo of the wild chickens and the howl of a wolf as nature's orchestra.
I was to return with my father to Ohio, but owing to my health condition I was permitted to remain in the west with my good friend always, Garner Hunt.
When the Civil War broke out I enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry. We were in thirty-one engagements, including Shiloh, and ending with Sherman's march to the sea and the grand review in Washington, D. C.
After the war I lived on Garner Hunt's farm two years, then I engaged in the livery business in Osceola. Later, as deputy sheriff I served with Sheriffs Rankin, Bonar and Ballou , in all, thirteen years as deputy and bailiff.
On the long trail I met and loved a lassie, and we traveled together along life's pathway for a number of years—very short but very happy years they were. When she bade me goodbye and her spirit took its flight the pathway of sunshine became one of shadows and I was very unhappy. Three daughters were left to cheer and comfort me, one of whom makes my present home possible, comfortable and happy.
When I look back over the rugged pathway by which I have come, I realize that it was a long way, indeed a very long way, measured by a lifetime, from 1840 to 1928; but not too long when one makes the most of life. With the companionship of members of a loyal family circle and comrades of the war, and with a world of friends besides, here and elsewhere, to hold in grateful remembrance, and with a good home and the necessary comforts of life and with health to enjoy it all. I have just passed a delightful Christmas, and am anticipating my 88th New Year's Day wishing a Happy New Year to one and all.
As a supplement to his story the Clarke county history says his first battle was Shiloh where he had command of sixteen men, engaged in carrying ammunition from a boat to the hard pressed Union troops. He lost ten men. Just before the Atlanta campaign he was promoted to second lieutenant and had thirty-seven men in his command. Thirty were lost, in the engagements which followed.
In 1864 he married Miss Eliza McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. The three daughters born to them were Della, Sophrona and Nellie May.
The Osceola Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa
December 31, 1931, page 3
W. W. Williams
This county mourns the passing of one of its pioneer citizens. "Billy" Williams came to Clarke county when a lad of 13 and lived here ever since, excepting the period of the Civil war when he served gallantly under the Stars and Stripes. It is given to few men to walk life's pathway for more than ninety years. He was a link in the chain of time connecting the pioneer life in Iowa with its modern civilization and inventions made to serve mankind.
Generous to a fault the deceased cared little for wordly possessions hence amassed no fortune. He was content to live among friends and to share with them the things he possessed. His kindly handshake and friendly greeting will be missed.
The white light of optimism so generously radiated pierced the gloom for many who stumbled on the tiresome road toward loftier heights. Devoid of Selfishness he rejoiced in the success of his friends and neighbors.
These pioneers are fast moving down the long trail. They are leaving a heritage more valuable than gold or silver, a memory of courage and devotion, of vision and confidence in the growth of our nation - a monument more enduring than a shaft of marble though it reach the sky.
Transcribed as published by Karen Brewer.
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