Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-07-09

HOWARD DANA WILLIAMS
TIE woof of e beautiful tapestry has God
given 90 the world in the natural scenery of
Vernon county. Her hills and valleys. her
springs and brooks. her perfumed blossoms
and ripening fruit. her productive soil. her
mighty trees, ali earti-set before the
advent OF man. But as no tspestry ever
formed by woof alone. SO there came many
years ago into This natural setting, the mep
and women whO constitute the warp Of this
masterpiece of art. This WARP is rot thrown
in by careless shuttle making many tapestries
all alike, bRt by slow, iab0rioas individuBlistic
bits of threads, some short, some long, but
each lending its special touch Of color and
design ard without which the tapestry would
be family and fail in lis beauty and symmetry.
Ii IS to the tracing Of one OF these threads
that for sixty-topr years, in and out, under
the frees, ever the aeids. by The brook side,
and crowded street. et horaes, affairs, and in
worshiring edIhce, has given its strength
and color and beauty to Neruau county. And
because this thread has in natural physical man
ner completed lis sector Of fhe tapestry here,
and moi broken but simply been transferred in
usefulness TO form part of beautiful
and lasting scene in the homo above, that We
pen this history.
Howard Dam Williams was doubtless one
OF the Oldest inhabitants of Wisconsin at the
time Of his death. lie was born at Spring
Prairie, WalwOrth County. Wisconsin. on May
29th, 1888, nine years before ths common
wealth was admitted as a stale. In 1855 the
family left wnlwOrth county seeking on
journey northwSrd a new home site. The
spring with its Waterpoyer advantages, known
today as the Favor's spring on the Maple Dale
he settled and erected saw MILL lumber Of
which Is today found in seine Of the houses
Of Viroqua. At this time. IA year old How
ard went east and with the parents of H. +.
Packard commenced in New York state the
mercantile education that formed the founda-
ton for his after career as a merchant in this
county. While yet a boy scarcely out Of his
teens. in company with his brother Clark,
preceding him but few weeks on the jour
ney into the Great Beyond" started towards
the golden west and foot made the long
journey to California The history Of that trip
was kept by Mr.. Williams in the form of
daily record. The adventures of the trip, the
dangers Of desert and Indian reads at this day
like a romance. The first winter in Caiifor-
MIA he spent in getting out shakes, the long
shingie used in the early days. He lived alone
amidst the Businesses of the mountains. About
this time his parents both died and he made
the back journey to Vernon county. In the
spring Of 81 he again in company with his
brother Clark made the overland trip to Cal
iforRia with several teams of horses, and
irving there went into the business Of teaming
supplies to the miners IN the mountainous
parts of the state. The California trip
made in all seven times and a. he was wont TO
say, the first time on foot aHd fhe last in
Pullman sleeper. In 1861 he returned TO YER
non county. and formed a partnership in the
general mercantile business with General Earl
Rogers at Liberty Pole. On April 26, 1865
he was united in marriage to Mrs. 5. Corne-
Illus Tourjee and for over fifty years they
have shared together life's yisisitudes.
To them born one son Frank H.. who
will be proud TO wear the mantle the
father has let fall. In 1878 Mr.. Williams sold
his mercantile interests at Liberty Pole TO his
brother Clark a..d again left for the western
state of his early activities, but returned in
1879 just the railroad linked this city by
steel with the outside world. He purchased
from Vernon county what was the old court
house site and in 1850 erected the three story
brick building the upper stories of which
were used BY the Masonic and Odd Fellow
fraternites. In this building he formed
partnership with General Earl Rogers and Mr..
Samuel Henry in the general merchandising
business. Mr.. Henry later dropped out Of the
partnership and for many years the firm Of
Rogers Williams was known far and wide.
Mr.. Williams business ability always
cognizcd as Of the highest order. Because Of
his honestly. and integrity, and happiness Of
disposition he was greatly beloved by his Gus
toners. Only within the last FIVE years has
he lived a retired life. turning the trying
business over to his son.
Mr.. williams held many responsible posi-
tons in the city and county; He was one OF
stitution is TO this day memorial TO his
business ability. He was member Of the
county board and a city alderman. He has
in the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities.
And in the prime of his life took active part
IN their meetings. He was advanced in Ma
sonry TO the order of Knighthood. Mr.. Will
liams' early religious training was in the Epis-
copal church and its beautiful fitualistic ser
vices always appealed to him. He was anil
as a trustee for many years and when health
would permit was a constant attendant and
always a strong supporter of that institution.
Mr.. Williams always found time in which to
enjoy life. No doubt his sEest eye is due 10
the faculty TO stop work for few moments
or hours and get away from business TO play.
He loved 10 hunt and fish. he always MADE
comradship with men younger than himself
and thus kept young. His grandchildren in
his latter years were a source of great joy
and contentment He delighted to have his
heme the abiding place Of friends and rela-
tiyes
During the long period of his Illness the
patient wife has been sustained and cOmiOrted
by the constant presnce Of the daughter. Mrs.
Emma Field. and Frank and family But
one brother Of a home of nine children, who
grew TO manhood is left, Frank f., Of Ari-
IONA. The son and step-daughter have be-
tween them ten children who grew up around
the grandfather knee.
The golden wedding anniversary celebrated
by Mr.. and Mrs. Williams little year
ago, was one Of the happy events Of his life.
His portion Of the tapestry was completed at
a. m. July :. 1919, but the thread he wOye
in the cloth will abide for all time. His labors
and joys are simply transformed TO the home
beyond the sky.
auspices Of the Masonic lodge escorted by the
knights Templsr The body laid in state II
the Methodist cuhrch from 10 today til
80 D. m. the hour Of the funeral. Rev.
Emmanuel Harris conducted the services.
Captain Chas r. Buffers, former pastor and
friend Of the deceased gave a short euiOgy.
The remains were laid 10 rest in NiTOauas
beautiful city Of the dead.