Smyrna times., 1899-04-19
DEATH OF HON. JAMES WILLIAMS
A Highly Respected Citizen Laid to
Rest

The death of Ex-C Congressman James
Williams, which occurred on Wednes-
day last, was too near the time of our
publication for more than a brief an
nOuncement
The deceased had the distinction of
a universal? personal respect, the es-
TEEN so far as we know, of every resi-
dent of the community during his nine
years residence here, his life, from
his early manhood, having been spent
on his farm, near Kenton, where sim
liar personal regard was entertained
for him. Honesty and integrity were
his characteristic traits, not only with
his fellOwmen, but also in politics,
and for this reason as well as ill-health
he had little to do with party affairs
during the past six or eight years.
He was the seventh son of John Will
liams, formerly of Delaware, and was
born in Philadelphia, August 4th, 1925.
He left school at the age of sixteen to
engage with a carpenter to learn ar
chltecture, and came to KentOn, this
State, IN 1874, to superintend mechan-
1cal improvements on the farm of his
brother George, once the home of
Chancellor Ridgely. Two years later
he purchased the farm on the opposite
side OF the road, 172 acres, which with
a new dwelling and large shaded lawn
was made beautiful home, where he
resided and dispensed hospitalities.
until he retired from active business
and moved to this town.
In 1850 he was married to Miss Ruth
anna Bailey, daughter of Mason Bailey,
of KentOn, who lived to brighten and
make happy home until about year
ago. Two children survive them-Na-
thanlel j. Williams, residing at Mid
dletown, and Mrs. $. Esther Cummins,
widow of VIM. Polk Cummins.
He was one of eight sons, all of whom
are dead but William, who resides in
Philadelphia. A singular fact is that
of the eight sons, there are only four
descendants son and daughter in
two families.
In early life, Mr.. Williams became
interested in politics, and was a pro-
nounced Democrat. He was first cleo
ted to the Legislature, serving in 1857
and 1858. He was again elected to the
House III 1863, and i'll 1866 was elected
to the State Senate, and during the
last two Years of the term, was speaker
OF the Senate. He was member of
several National Democratic COnven-
tlons. 1t was a natural advancement
that came to Mr.. Williams when he
was nominated and elected to Congress
In 1874 and again in 1876, serving on the
military committee the first term and
naval affairs the second.
In 1890, he was again elected, against
his wish, to the State Senate in com
pany with Ex-Governor John w.
Hall, who showed the force of
their characters when they re-
usedf to sanction the partizan prop
Osltlons of certain scheming poll
tlclans, and voted with the RepubH-
cans to defeat them. He did not be-
lieve in harmful legislation to accom-
plish a partizan end.
In the last Presidential contest he
took no part. Like his political and
personal friend, Hon. Thos. f. Bayard,
he deplOred the "craze" that had Sta. n
peded his party into the silver camp. a
position he considered unsound in
principle and worse IN politics.
Mr.. Williams was not an orator: in
fact we do not know that he ever at
tempted to make speech, but he was
man of large information, possessing
that requisite for both successful priv
ate and public life-a well endowed
make up of common sense.
The funeral on Saturday afternoon
was largely attended, including repre-
sentative men from the three counties
of the State The funeral services CON
sisted simply of the burial service of
the Protestant Episcopal church and
was conducted by Rev. Henry Thomas
and Rev. William J. Wilkie, of Middle
town. The honorary pail bearers were,
Chancellor j. r. Nicholson, Judge |.
Q. Grubb, Charles w. Houston, J.
Frank Wilds, VIM. Denney HAZEL,
John c. StOckly, VIM. H. Janney, and
Franklin Temple. The interment was
at the Episcopal cemetery.
Among those present from distant
in addition to those acting as bearers
were: Judge James PennewiH, ex-
Judge d. 7. Marvel, Willard Sauls-
bury, John Biggs, James H. Hughes,
Il. II. Kenney, Jas. B. Anderson, John
b. Pennington, VIM. T. Smithers.
A. B. ConnOr, Chas. Denney, Andrew G.
Gray, S. l.. Weller, G.. G. Arnold.
VIM. r. Cochran, William J. Williams
j. Clarence Williams, and others.