Son of John Wilson Williams & Permelia E. Broughton Kennedy/Canaday

Husband of Edna McCormack

Marriage Date/Place: September 30, 1890, Massac County, Illinois.

His middle name "Gatewood" can be traced back to his paternal grandmother, Mary Ann "Polly" Rea. The Rea family used this name frequently dating back many years, however, I've been unable to find the original source.

He was an alderman for the city of Murphysboro in 1907 & 1908.

He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Murphysboro chapter, and was voted the first Treasurer in 1904.

He was also a member of the Elks Lodge.

Source: The Daily Independent, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1936

A. G. "Al" Williams, head of one of Murphysboro's oldest and most esteemed families, and a man prominent in the early building development of Murphysboro, expired at the home 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.

His contracting days in the cement (plastic) trade date back years to a time when middle aged men of today were boys in the town's streets. In later years his activity was confined more to dealing in building materials and coal with yards in North 17th street adjoining the M & O Railroad.

Expert in cement construction, he passed his knowledge and workmanship down his sons and associates, and left the stamp of his never failing good will and square dealing with many men.

He was the father of Chester Williams, the Murphysboro Fire Department mascot years ago whose death left the Williams family in the valley of sorrow. Chester it was who, through goodness of heart, inspired the Murphysboro Christmas Tree for poor kiddies. Annually a wreath in his memory is prepared by Mrs. Alice Coad and suspended in the engine room of the fire department.

Kindly, a man who gave all that was in him to his hearth and his business Mr. Williams long ago won the deep respect of the community of his choice.

The hours he knew away from home and office were passed largely in the Elks' Club rooms where he was known by no other name than "Al". In those confines he bared his head to many a vacant chair as the years passed.

Mr. Williams had been in poor health suffering from a heart condition and complications for some time but had been seriously ill only the past two weeks. He was 75 years of age.

He established a business here in 1883 dealing in building material and the coal business.

In 1890, in Metropolis, Illinois, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Edna McCormack.

The deceased was a member of the Elks Lodge and took an active part in all civic affairs.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Edna Williams, three sons, Roswell, Joe and Albert, all of Murphysboro, and one daughter, Mrs. Bess Westbrook, of Lincoln, Illinois. One son, Chester, died in 1917. A half brother, John Williams, of Benton, Postmaster of the Benton post office and one half sister, Miss Malinda Williams of Willisville and six grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Williams residence 2122 Spruce Street, with Rev. William Boatman and Rev. Frank Pimlott officiating. Members of the Elks' lodge will act as pallbearers and burial will be made in Tower Grove Cemetery.

The body will remain at the Roberts Funeral Chapel until 9 o'clock Thursday morning and will then be removed to the home where it will remain until the time of the funeral.

Father of Roswell Albert Williams, Bess Jane Williams (Westbrook), Chester Frederick Williams, Joseph E. Williams & Albert Gatewood Williams Jr.