Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1914-05-22
WELL QUALIFIED
FOR LIES WORK
Wide Influence ExeTied by d..
\. Roger Williams.
man OF LIBERAL TRAINING.

man OF LIBERAL TRAINING,
Success Of a Former Instructor at Gil.
Der Academy In Louisiana, WhG
Forsook the Trades For a Profess
sionai caresr-Author Of Several
Books and Poems Of Merit.
Mobile, Ala.-H. Rogers Williams,
NJ. D.. one Of the most progressive
men Of his profession in this city, was
born Of slave parents on sugar
plantation in Franklin parish, La.
While quite lad he was taken north
by family Of white people and given
a high school education. He is q
splendid example of the possibilities
of one who possesses a liberal educa-
ton, coupled with good common sense
and backed by q strong Christian
character.
Although he labors under the usual
disadvantages of race discrimination
and the sentiment which generally
prevails against members Of his race
in this section, he has by persistence
and honesty devoted himself to the
work of racial uplift in this commune
ty for the past fourteen years. He is
highly respected and well known. He
learned the printers trade In connec-
ton with his literary training, which
gave him practical knowledge along
business lines. .sss
In 1887 DR.. Williams was appointed
to teach printing in Gilber academy,
Balwin, La, which Is just five miles
from the place where he was born.
During his spare hours he pursued the
preparation course for college. 1t was
during the fall Of 1890 that he had his
first blow, because at this time his
mother died. With a determination to
better prepare himself for usefulness.
he resigned the position at Gilber
academy and went to Walden univer-
sity, Nashville, Tenn, for the purpose
Of pursuing college course and q
course in medicine. Just as soon as
he had completed the college course
be was admitted to Meharry Medical
college. VI
After faithfully applying himself to-
his studies he graduated in 1900 as 9
doctor OF medicine. He came to Mo-
bile shortly after graduating and 10.
Gated here after taking the state board
examination. DR.. Williams, married
Miss Fannie Brandon, who was then q
teacher in the public schools Of Hunts
Vile, Ala. Two children have blessed
their union. During the many years
he has been practicing medicine in Mo
bile he has made many friends among
his own people and some OF the best
white people. He has invested In real
estate and now owns some Of the best
property in the heart Of the city.
DR.. Williams is an enthusiastic Opti-
mist. He is known for doing the Inn
possible. Nothing discourages or makes
him afraid. He is firm believer IN
the ultimate survival Of the fittest and
looks at everything from philosOphi-,
cal viewpoint. His success has been
phenomenal, and he has been honored
in great many ways.
Being a member Of the Methodist
Episcopal church, he was elected as q
delegate to the general conference OF
bis church which met in Los Angeles
in 1894. For the past three years he
has served as president Of the Eman-
cipation association in succession and
Is state grand medical director for the
Order of the Court of Calanthe, the
female branch of the Knights Of
Pythias, and holds like position with
the knights of Honor and the knights
and Ladies Of Honor and is local med
zeal examiner for the Knights Of
Pythias and several other societies. In
the uniform rank Of the knights Of
Pythias he is assistant surgeon gen.
eral on the brigadier generals staff.
DR.. Williams urges the members Of
his race to help solve the problems that
confront them by thorough prepare
ton, home training, education, bust
ness and commercial endeavor, which
alone will make them Indispensable In
the economic needs Of the nation as
well us the communities in which they
reside. He is safe leader, a sound
adviser, thoughtful, farseeing philos-
opher and worthy Of the highest re-
spect and admiration Of the public.
i, He is the author Of several books
and poems Of real merit. a gifted
speaker and stands in the front rank
In all good movements for the better
ment of the community. His rare lit
erary attainments have given him rec
ignition and public prominence in his
chosen field which are not frequently
shown to man as young as he In pro-
fessional life. He is popular in secret
societies and well known in religious
circles. He believes In his race and
gives encouragement to the efforts put
forward for its welfare. III !,
May Start Mercantile Concern Again.
John Fl. Atkins, former. head Of the
Metropolitan Mercantile and Realty
company, which failed a few years ago,
is making an attempt to reorganlze the
concern. which has had branches In
Baltimore and other cities. In speak
ing Of the affairs Of the idefunet COM
pany Mr.. Atkins IS reported ms saying
that the concern received presumably,
In money for stock. Si55, O00 that
$1OO,0S0 was lost on the building the
company had hi Forty-sixth street,
New York, and that the stock holdert