The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-10-10
HOME LIFE OF MR.. WILLIAMS
Pleasant Story Told by the Baltimore
"Sun" of the Republican Nominee
for Governor-A Busy Man Who
Enjoys His Happy Do
Tneatic life

The visitor to the home at Beair, Hartford
county, of Mr.. Stevenson A. Williams, the Re-
publican candidate for Governor of Maryland,
does not fluid it difficult to believe the statement
of the distinguished citizen of Hartford that he
is in public life from a sense of duty and not
from love of it, 1t is Enthusiastically the dwelling
place of a man of quiet, simple tastes, whose
greatest happiness is found in the congenial and
delightful atmosphere of his own home and sur
rounded by his charming family.
Belair is town of beautiful homes that shell
ter a refined and cultured people. Alightng
from the train at the north end or the VllIaRe
the visitor finds himself treading the long as
the half dozen vehicles whose services may pc
secured at the station. 1t is pleasanter TO walk
along the wide, we'll shaded thoroughtare ana
enjoy the peaceful, homelike atmosphere OF the
place.
The home of Mr.. Williams is on the east side
of Main street at the corner of Gordon, ABOUT
midway between the railroad depot ana the
Court House. 1t is a two-story frame strue-
ture, standing nearly in the GENRE OF LOT COM
prising one and a third acres and its chief charm
is an unmstakable atmosphere of quiet comfort
and refinement. Old shade trees, shruDpery ana
flowers adorn the well-kept lawn and vine
Chambers freely over the front or the porch.
This porch was intended for use and It IS easy
to see that here most of the summer and autumn
days are spent. Easv cha rs invite one to rest.
while books, magazines and papers show That It
is the good-weather living room of family OF
sociability and literary tastes.
1t was on this porch that the family OF Mr..
Williams gathered when the suns pnotog-
fapher planted his camera to take fne eee of
better light the group moved out on the lawn "
be photographed ~,
Rush Street, well known citizen of Hartford.
Her daughters laughingly state that she is tne
only Democrat in the family. When it was sug-
gested that perhaps it was good thing that wo.
mans suffrage was not in vogue or sne HlSnb
have to vote against political convictions; MIs.
not find It very 6ard to vote for MI. wfiats.
Mr.. Williams is essentially home" man ana
every moment not demanded by the cares or his
extensive business is spent with his family.
Some of his best work, too, is done at nome On
the left of the hallway is his comfortable libra
ry, which is not regarded as the fathers den"
alone, as in many dwellings, but is q tavorite
gathering place Ior me 5aImily: nelepno99ae
cations all over Hartford county affords ready
communication with the world outside of Belalr.
That the owner of the library is student is
evidenced by the excellent class of the contents
of the bookcases, which are stocked with the
choicest works of ancient and modern writer's,
the best poets, historians, philosophers and sages
of the past and present 1t can be seen that the
library belongs to man who is accustomed TO
careful research and deep thought. A few we'll
chosen engravings adorn the walls, and with
them hang portraits of President Lincoln and
Thomas b. Reed, men whose capabilities and
careers find q warm admirer in Mr.. Williams.
In this room, surrounded by his family or
deIying into his books, the Republican candidate
for Governor passes his happiest hours. 1t is
sore trial to Mr.. Williams to have to remain away
from home over night. Frequently when he
visits Baltimore and is detained until after the
last train over the Maryland and Pennsylvania
Railroad has left he takes later train over the
Philadelphia branch of the Baltimore and Ohio
and has carriage meet him at Van Bibber Sta
tion driving a good distance across country In
order to be with his family again that evening.
1t was in fact while Mr.. Williams had broken
away from beseeching friends and was enjoying
the seclusion of his home that he was projected
into public life against his wishes. Eight years
ago when a successor to State Senator William
B. Baker was to De chosen 1t was the general
liams head their ticket, but he vigorously OBJ
jected. When the county convention met addi-
tional pressure was brought to bear, but he still
declined. Mr.. williams left his office and went
home to lunch and while he was gone the con-
vention nominated him anyway, and did it in
such q way that he felt he COLD not refuse to
make the race. He was defeeGed by about so
votes by his Democratic opponent. Mr. Charles
w. Michael. This said Mr.. Williams, "putme
on my mettle, and the next time went on the
ticket 1 was elected, although this county is
usually Democratic by considerable Majority
Mr.. Williams law office reflects the business
side of the man. He occupies suite of six rooms
in a building on CORTLAND street, opposite the
Court House. The apartments are plainly and
simply furnished Maps are on the walls the
floors are carpetless. but always clean. When
not at the Hartford National Bank, Just across
the street, the leader of the Hartford bar may
usually be found at his office desk, or at one of
them. He has two rooms reserved for his use
and works first in one and then in the other.
Mr.. Williams is part owner Of the building and
suit him. His offices, as well as his residence,
are lighted by electricity and have ample tele-
phonic facilities. He has at his command one of
the largest and most completely equipped law
libraries to be found in any country town in the
State.
Mr.. Williams business engagements are suffi-
GENTLY varied to keep an active mind fully en-
ployed. Besides his extensive legal practice and
his duties as president of the Hartford National
Bank, he manages more estates probably than
any man in Hartford county. Perhaps this ex-
plains his deep interest in and thorough knowl-
edge of agricultural pursuits Being personally
acquainted with nearly every farmer in the
dtiOns in all sections and can talk with nearly
all his callers like neighbor. 1t gives him great
pleasure to drive visitor through the fertile A..
and picturesque country surrounding Belair.
This is the second season in succession for corn
on that field" he will say, and he knows the
pedigree of the fine lot of cattle in the adjoin-
ing pasture. One is impressed with the fact that
his mind is quick to grasp and retain details as
well as accustomed to grapple with profound
and abstract propositions.
The man himself is interesting. OF Welsh an
cestry, the family of Mr.. Williams has been iden-
titled with the history and development of Har-
ford for $50 years or more. 1t is substantial
years lightly. There is but little gray in his
hair and his blue eyes, while kindly, are keen
and alert. His features are rugged and promi-
nent, his manner of speech thoughtful and de-
liberate and his whole attitude that of strong
self-reliant and courageous man. He is one of
the most approachable and courteous of men at
all times, and this, coupled with sincere admit
ration for his public-spirited citizenship and his
faultless private life, has given him a personal
popularity in his own community of which any
The family of Mr.. and Mrs. Williams consists
of several daughters and one son, Mr.. Lewis ].
williams, who is a freshman in Princeton
University.