- WILLIAM F. WILLIAMS, Clerk of Rock County, Wis., was born
in the State of New York,
- on the 13th day of May, 1844, and is the son of Wright and
Elizabeth (HUGHES) WILLIAMS. In 1854 at the age of ten years,
he removed with the family to Racine County, Wis., settling in
Dover Township, where the father engaged in farming for two years.
In 1856 they removed to a farm near Darien, Walworth County,
and in 1859 became residents of Rock County, locating on a farm
near Evansville. At this time the only educational advantages
which our subject had received were such as the district school
afforded, and, as will be seen, his early life was spent upon
a farm. At the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted in
September, 1861, as a member of Company D, of the 13th Wisconsin
Infantry, commanded by Capt. E. W. BLAKE. Of his family he was
not alone in defending his country, his father serving as a member
of Company E, of the 33d Regiment; his brother, E. S. WILLIAMS,
was in the ranks of Company H, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry; Gilbert
and John were also assigned to company D, of the 13th Regiment;
and George T., was a member of Company M, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry.
Until Sept. 17, 1863, Mr. WILLIAMS gallantly defended the flag
which now floats so proudly over our united Nation, but at that
date was discharged on account of physical disability, resulting
from service in the field.
- On his return from the Southern battle fields, Mr. WILLIAMS
weighed but ninety-seven and a
- half pounds. In 1864, he entered the Evansville Seminary
and for two winters was a student in that institution. As soon
as his health would permit he devoted his time and attention
to agricultural pursuits, continuing in that line for two years,
and in the spring of 1868, went to the West, where he engaged
as a contractor in the construction of railroads. Abandoning
that vocation in 1870, he returned to his home, and in the spring
of that year, was appointed Street Commissioner of the village
of Evansville, filling that office for two years. In the fall
of 1873, he went to Elk Point, Dak., where he was employed in
the lumber business for M. W. SHEAF, but returned to his home
in the fall of the following year. Three years were spent by
Mr. WILLIAMS as a drayman in Evansville, and for two years he
was employed on the mail route from Evansville to Edgerton.
He has also served in the capacity of Marshal and Street Commissioner
of the village for five years, was deputy Sheriff for four years,
Village Clerk for two years, Fire Warden for five years, and
Sexton for four years. In the fall of 1884, he was elected to
County Clerk, re-elected in 1886, and again in 1888, entering
on his third term on the first Monday in January, 1889. In the
various official positions which he has occupied, Mr. WILLIAMS
has ever discharged his duties in a faithful and prompt manner,
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents and
the long terms of service in the various offices testify to his
ability.
- On the 27th day of December, 1866, Mr. WILLIAMS was united
in marriage with Miss Ellen J.
- BALLARD, a daughter of Argalus BALLARD. She was born in
Allegany County, N.Y., and her parents were among the early settlers
of Rock County. Mrs. WILLIAMS is a devoted member of the Episcopal
Church. One child has been born of their union, a daughter,
Myrta Clive, born July 8, 1874. Mr. WILLIAMS is a member of
Union Lodge, No. 32, A.F. & A.M., of Evansville, and of T.
L. Sutland Post, No. 41, G. A. R. He is a worthy and valued
citizen and by his many friends throughout the county he is held
in high regard.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 630-631.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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