The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-11-27
The g ally Argas.
ROCK ISLAND. ILLINOIS
The Late Gov. J. D. Williams /.

The Chicago Times correspondent at
Indianapolis has the following 10 regard to
the lameIted Gov. Williams. The
account is about the best yet published
and is as follows:
THE dead governor lying in state at
the court house, yesterday, gave the city
sombre air. The black festoons and
tolling bells were grim reminders of the
ultimate destiny of all, From III O'Clock
until continuous crowd poured through
to crafty that curious form of pruriency
which Ekes to look at the faces of the
helpless dead. In time better civiliza
ton will look with horror upon this bart
ism, and the dead will be protected from
such gross curiosity. Steadily the great
procession streamed past the dead mans
coffin. The people who had respected
him were there, and SO were those who
ridiculed him; but, alas, how few who
loved himl Not that he had not been
worthy of Infection or capable of endearing
himself to others; but because, however
high, and great, and powerful man may
be, only few love him. How serene the
dead face was. reminding one of Leigh
Hunts words IN regard to lifeless body:
1T looks as though il suddenly knew
everything and was profoundly at peace
IN consequence" James ID. Williams had
sad face, even In life, Ii was the face of
man to whom lite had been difficult and
serious. At seventy three years he laid the
burden down without regret His am bition
had been gratiied, and he had found il
less sweet than he had anticipated. For
months before he died he loved to talk If
the distant past, the days before be was
known outside of bis quite country neigh
berhood. He seemed to realize that they
had been his happiest days. and he went
over them 10 memory with pathetic regret
Mr.. Williams had happy married life.
Nearly fifty years his guide wife" and he
jourueyed together. and since she died.
few months ago. he has been unlike him
self. They were plain people. and were
exempt from the causes of marital misery
which abound 10 more pretentious circles,
James ID, Williams, SO long known as
Uncle Jimmy aud Blue Jeans, will
doubtless be the last representative of the
states crudest e!ement-the class which
makes merit of plainness and lack of
culture. The election OF Porter shows how
great has been the progress OF its popu
lation within the past four years. Uncle
Jimmy and his historic garments of blue
will be long remen bered by Indianiaps,
but never ilaitated,
Ills DoGy was clad IN suit OF EIa3k
Indeed, be discarded the jeans some time
ago, 1t helped to elect him. and he wore
suit of it Oh the occasion of his nomina
ton; but as soon as he could after that he
stored his wardrobe into 2roys and brown.
He said he wore the jeans not to affect
sim pfcity, bu; because be did not wish TO
dress better than his neighbors who we're
not so rich as he, and might Try to initiate
him if he wore extrayagant clothes, to their
financial detrimeHt. He was always
scrupuoGs!y clean, aud, though lacking
polish. was always the gentleman. Now
that he is dead all unite in crediting him
with honesty of purpose aud a kind heart.
de was neither strong or weak in char
acter; only a plai., honest old man, who
gravitated far cut OF his legitimate sphere
when be became governor of Indiana.
His religious creed was a<good one and
brief one. Ii was all comprehended 10
this sentence. IF man is honest and
good to his neghbors il is enough to carry
him through" He was intensely fond of
children Two of his own, son and q
daughter, and they middle aged. survive
him though nearly twenty grand children
live to carry his name to future genera
lions His estate is valued at 100000.