Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-02-01
DOUGLAS WIDOW DEAD.
Rose Adele Quits Williams Had a
Great Social and Political
Career in Washington

Washington, ID. c., Jan 2S-Mrs Rob
ert Williams, formerly Rose Adele Cults,
aud later Mrs. Stephen A. Douglas, who
died here. had a social and political ca
reer extending from Washington to the
Mississippi valley, and which brought her
into contact with many of the most prom
lnent public men of the last two genera
tons.
She was the daughter of James Madi-
son Cults. who was comptroller of the
treasury half a century ago, and as a lit
tie girl became famous for her beauty.
As she grew older her reputation as the
feigning belle of the Capital City was
spread over the country
At a white house reception she met
Stephen A Douglas of illinois, whose
prospects then We're of the most brilliant
kind. Their marriage followed with ii
display unusual for the time an when
the Little Giant made his campaign
for the presidency the wit and beauty of
his wife WAS Il notable feature of his
progress throughout the country.
She shared in the sorrow over the
wreck of his political ambition, and there
are still those iii Chicago zvho remember
her at the old Douglas home on the lake
shore, at the head of Thiry-ffth street
where the tall monument now stands.
Mrs. Douglas was with her husband at
the time of his death at Chicago, and it
was she who gave to the country the ia
nous dying message OF the statesman.
His two sons. Robert Martin Douglas
and Stephen \. Douglas, Jr., We're IN
Washington, and Mrs. Douglas, leaning
over her husband, asked him if he had
any parting word for his children. Brac-
-ng himself up for Il final effort, the Lit
tie Giant whispered:
Tell them to support the constitution
and obey the laws of their country
These yxara his Ia ct words
After the death of her husband, and dur
ing the trying times of the war, when a
camp Tor Confederate prisoners was To-
Gated across Cottage Grove avenue, oppo-
site the old home, Mrs. Douglas retired
from society.
After d period Of the deepest mourning
she became the bride Of Gen. Robert
Williams. a brilliant soldier. who was
subsequently stationed ut Chicago as as
Sistant adjutant-general, and later came
to Washington as chief of that bureau.
Thus Mrs. Williams closed her career
here III Washington. wht &c it had begun,
and with her soldier-husband. and their
six children, her character as wife and
mother was as marked as the successes
Of her early social career.
Her great beauty has been preserved
for the church Of which she was a de-
voted member. Above the altar of st.
Aloysius' church IS Il picture representing
the first communion Of the patron saint
of the church, with Mrs Williams posing
70" the saints mother
For Il number of years Mrs Williams
Lad been frail II health. but recovered
sufficiently to take an active part III the
marriage of her eldest daughter some
time ago, and hence the announcements
Of her death IS 4 shock to her wide circle
of friends.
Gen. Williams was yirginian who
remained faithful TO the Union in war.
husband retired as acknowledgement in
1898. since which time they have lived a
Quiet home life in the army and religious
circles of Washington.