New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-11-21
OBII UARY.
GOVERNOR JAMES d. WILLIAMS.


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Nov. 20.-Governor
James d. Williams died at 1880 O'Clock this afternoon.
lie was taken i'll Oh day Presidential election,
but his illness not considered dangerous until within
the past three days. His disease inftmma-
ton of the bladder, with which he has been afl cted
for about fifteen years. His funeral will take place
his farm, near wheauaod, IN Knox County, where he
has resided for forty years. is wife died only few
months ago. The last public appearance
OF Governor Williams just three
weeks ago. when lie made address at the dedication
the dining hail OF the House OF Refuge, PLAIN
nelI. Leutenant-Go vernor Gray telegrapbed
this morning and VIII arrive Tonight and perform the
duties OF Governor until the MEETING of the
ia January when hc VIII be succeeded by Alberr G. Por-
ter (RepJ the Governorelect.
COLUMBUS, OHIO. Nov. 20.-The flags the State
House are at half mast. token OF respect to
the late Governor Williams, of Indiana
James Douglass Williams was born in Piaua
County ONO Janu1ry 10, 1893. HIS parents were of
scotch Irish blood side and Wclsh-English on
the other. His ancestors TO this country about
the middle Of the last century. settling in Virginia.
George Williams, hs father. settled in OHIO early
the hstoryof that State, but removed to Knox
County, Iud. in 1915. Governor Wllisms's opp0rtuni-
ties for education limited to few winter sessions
at the country school His father died In 1923, leaving
his family OF six children little else than his farm.
James remained at home until his marriage in 1881 10
the daughter Of a neIghboring farmer when he pur-
chased a quarter section of wild land erected a log
the wilderness This farm was enlarged from tune to
time until 1t included 1000 acres.
Governor Williams made hs first appearance in public
life In 1882 when he became justice OF the peace. He
was the State Legislature IN Is 3d. since which
he almost constantly IN public life. He repre-
sented his district In the State Board Agriculture
sixteen years filing the Office OF president for four years.
served In the State House OF Represen
tatives aud twelve years in the Senate. In 1872 he
IA delegate the Baltimore Convention and in 1873
the Democratic candidate for United States Senator
against Oliver i. Morton. In 37i he elected to
the LVth Congress from The lid Indiana District as
Democrat, rtc eiyng majority OF nearly 5000. He
served from December O. 1875. to December l. 1876,
when he resigned, having been elected Governor
Indiana FOR the term ending next January Cover
nor Williams Chairman OF the House Com
mtiee Accounts while IN Congress. HIS record
financial questions such TO satisfy tue nfla
ton OF his party. Tne name by which the Gov
ernur was best known was that Of " Blue Jeans" Will
Jams. His tall and ungainly figure always clad ia
OdshOned SUIT OF blue jeans, and when he took the
oath OF Office Governor he wore suit 0f the same
material winch had been presented TO him by several
Kentucky ladies. The only speech he made In Con-
gress attracted attention the brief which
he referred to n dress: am not ashamed OF my
OdfashOned Kentucky jeans The people OF Indiana
not ashamed because wear IL, aud am the
country would be better for IL u could back
simple habits Of fathers In the matter OF dress
well as some other thlngs'