Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-03-28
FRANCIS WILLIAMS.
Death of One of the Early Promoters
Of Public Schools in Wheeling-'-A
Career Full of Usefulness.
MINNEAPOLIS Times.

Minneapolis Times.
Francis Smith Williams whose oea'l
occurred in this city on Saturday last
was born at West Mendon, n. Y, on Feb.
L 1922. He was an eminent educator and
nro,ootor of the free school system in its
ee-Ier DAYS. his active life having been
devoted to practical educational work.
In his boyhood he attended the com
mon schools and academy OF ms native
town. but in 1898 moved 20 Chagrin Fails
Ohio. where for a time he was siuceht
in Asbury Seminary, OF when institution
his older brother the Rev. l.. u. Williams
was then principal From 1893 TO lSoV ne
was engaged as a teacher in ONO ana
Kentucky In 1850 he moved TO wheeling
w. Va. which place was the scene OF
his greatest life work as a teacher ana
promoter of public education.
For twenty-five years he was identified
with the Wheeling public schools, first as
principal and subsequently as superintend-
ent of public instruction. He was the
first superintendent of schools Of that
city and filled the Office from its crea-
ton until he retired 10 private life II Is p
Mr.. Williams was beloved and revered
as a teacher and associate among
teachers. He was a recognized Leader IN
public educational affairs, not only III
the city of Wheeling. but in the State At
large. and was well known among cGu-
Gators elsewhere. lie WIS foremost III
every movement 20 a;'Nance the cause of
free schools. and framed and promoted
much of the legislation that affords the
foundation of the present public school,
system of West Virginia.
He came forward as the champion OF
free education n a Ieriod ard in com
munity where he Iublic school system
was then in formative stage of develop
ment. and the progress of free education
was in that day opposed by many So
called conservative influences. He accord
ingly met with many obstacles in his an
pointed work. which in later years would
not have been encountered under a more
advanced and liberal popular sentiment
with respect 10 public schools.
As in every cause which he espoused,
Mr. Williams was ever alert and aggres-
sive in advancing the cause of common
schools. He did not hesitate sing,e-hand-
ed. if need be. to contend with the opposi-
ton. and no conflict was so sharp that he
could be driven from the front. He won
the love and support of many friends and
the admiration and respect of those who
opposed him.
In 1875. Immediately after his reelection
to a new term of office, he resigned the
SUPPLEMENTARY of the Wheeling schools
on account Of impaired health and grow
ing deafness. which eventually resulted
in an entire loss of hearing.
The severance of his connection with the
Wheeling schools was the source Of pro-
found regret 10 the community. and his
subsequent departure from Wheeling was
the occasion Of a sad leave-taking. and
public testimonial from teachers and CO.
laborers and friends in his educational
" ork.
Subsequent to 1870 Mr.. Williams led
life of retirement. residing with his
children in various parts of the country
at Washington City. Macon, No. Wheel
ing Minneapolis and Denver. From April.
1852. the greater portion OF his time was
spent In Minneapolis. where sevaral of his
children have resided Tor a number of
years.
Naturally genial and entertaining In con-
versation. and responsive to the demands
of social intercourse. he realized very
keenly the social deprivations which the
loss Of his hearing entailed. He was also
sufferer for many years from severe
neuralgia trouble He. nevertheless. on
dured these Affections unc0mplainingly
and with the greatest fortitude. lie never
failed. even when enduring great suffer-
ing. TO meet his friends with cheerful
aspect and cordial greeting. seeking al
ways TO conceal his suffering from others.
In politoness Of manner and considerato
treatment of those with whom he came
i'm contact. ne afforded an example TO all.
Ever thoughtful and even soIcitous for
the welfare of others Ee himself was al
ways the least in his own concern. T.
was humane. courteous. gentle. lovable;
lover Of children. Of nature, OF every
living thing He would care for dog
or a horse or other dumb beast almost as
thoughtfully as for "a human being.
Although greatly cut off in his later days
from the enjoyment Of society, he never
theless maintained a more than common
interest in the goings-on Of the world.
He was a constant reader Of the newspa-
pcrs and current literature and kept him
self thus we'll posted and in touch with
the affairs Of the time. In politics he was
an old-line Democrat. with very positive
political convictions. He often contributed
TO the columns of the local press. ana
enjoyed TO the utmost an occasional tilt
with a newspaper adversary.
Mr. Williams was member Of Vir-
ginius No. .. wheeling. ". Va .7dge
I. O. o. F.. with which lodge ne always
maintained his membership He was &.so
a member of the Masonic fraternity. He
priced his membership in both these or
ders.
Mr. Williams was married on Dec. Fl.
1910. to Adelia Earl. who survives him at
the age of % years His beloved spouse.
with unfailing devotion and constaucy. t6s
shared with him the joys and trials Of
long welded life. Dearly beloved by each
other. by their children and their child
ren's children. they dwelt together for
more than half century. their yves even
more sweetly blending with the long fight
Of years.
From this marriage was born Eve sons
and three daughters. Of whom all but one
are living. the youngest being 20 years
Of age. or these children. Wilbur f.
the eldest. resides NJ Buffalo, Wyoming:
Mary Ellen. the wife OF John ]. Glover
at Washington. D. c.: Marian l.. reict of