Evening star., 1900-12-24
DEATH OF PROF. WILLIAMS
CHIEF IN DIVISION OF
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
Held in High ReEard-Arrangemen
for Funeral Await HIS
Fathers Arrival.

Prof. Thomas A. Williams assistant chief
Of the division Of agrostology of the Agri-
cultural Department, died yesterday morn
ing at 4:3O o'clock at his residence on Mag
nolia avenue, Takoma Park. The deceased
had been in ill-health for the past year, but
lately had shown signs of Improvement.
Heart trouble was the cause of his death.
He had been attending to his duties in the
department. and returned home rather late,
after making a number of purchases for
Christmas.
Prof. Williams was thirty-fve years of
age, and came from Weeping Water Neb
to Washington nearly four years ago.
He became a resident of Takoma Park
three years ago, and erected home on
Magnolia avenue, not far from the station
At the time of his death he was engaged
IN some important work for the depart
ment. He formerly for six years held po-
sition in the State Agricultural College in
South Dakota, where he was professor of
botany. He held similar position in the
Columbian University. this city. for the
past three years, where his work was very
successful.
He was widely known among the scien-
tific men of this country. we'll as abroad,
and was considered the highest authority
on botany. He held high position as bot
anlst and was the posSessor of rare col
lection of books on plants. He was also
ed1tor-in-chief of the Asa Gray Bulletin of
this city, publication pertaining to botany.
which position he held for the past two
years
Prof. Williams father is eXpected to ar
rive from Weeping Water, Neb, Wednes-
day afternoon, when the final ARRANGEMENTS
Tor the funeral will be made. 1t is probable
that the remains will be inferred here. His
Wlfe and one son, six years old survive
him.
Tribute From the AgrOstOlOgist.
Mr.. F. Lawson Scribner the aerostoleeist
In speaking of the dead assistant chief to-
day. said
Il have never met a young man whose
sterling worth and ability inspired greater
respect and admiration than did Prof Will
1ams. He had made the interests ofAhe d.
vision his interests and his capacity for
work was wonderful as his versatility
There was no duty assigned him in all our
varied lines Of investigation, from the
broadest questions Of economics to the most
taxing lines Of technical research that he
did not master and execute to the credit OF
the department and to himself. While just
entering upon a career Of more than mark
ed usefulness he has been taken from u.s.
His great service during the past year in
bringing the experiment stations and the
Department Of Agriculture into closer rela-
tlonshlp, and reducing to a system prac-
teal lines Of cooperation, will stand as a
lasting monument to his abilities as an Or
ganizer and his high standing among men.
In the death of Prof. Williams the d.
vision Of agrostology has suffered an ire
parable loss
His Progress I'm Department..
Mr.. Williams was first appointed In the
Department Of Agriculture as an assistant
in the division of agrostology at 81 500 per
annum, for a probationary period of six
months. after having passed a special civil
or0,{o Y,,11,
given an absolute appointment to same po-
sction January l, 1897; promoted to as
sistant in the same division at 81, 800 per
annum, June Is, 1899, and appointed as
sistant chief OF the division of agrostology
on July I, 1899.
Mr.. Williams was held in esteem by his
official associates. He was regarded as
able, energetic, steady and exemplary In
every way.
A meeting of the department employees
was held today in the room Of the chief
clerk to take action expressive Of the high
regard Of his associates.