The Farmville herald. (Farmville, Va.) 1957-current, 1961-02-24
Phillip Clayton Williams
Portrait OF POwhatan Educator
Unveiled At P-TA Founders Day
By CARRIE HICKS

by CAkkIE HICKS
POWHATAN, Feb. 23-An idea
conceived and originating some
10 months ago in the P-TA of
Powhatan High School was con-
sumated on Monday night, Feb
ruary 20, when a portrait of an
outstanding citizen of Powhatan
County was unvened-the late
Phillip CLAYTON Williams.
This portrait was painted by
David Silvette of Richmond at a
cost Of $3.50.
When the P-TA adopted this
as a project, it seemed a large
undertaking. but other organiza-
tons were approached very soon.
and gladly responded with finan-
cial assistance so that this. al
most a dream, might become a
reality.
At Founders Day program
of the P-TA seemed the most
appropriate occasion to pay tri-
butte to one who was very in
strumental in getting the organi-
cation started in Powhatan sew
eral years ago. MIR. Williams did
not relinquish his interest in all
phases of P-TA work through the
years of its existence here and
attended regularly until his
death on July %, 1859 at the age
of 70.
He came to Powhatan County
in 1918 and lived here until his
death. He was born in Giles
County. Virginia May 8. 1880.
When Mr.. Williams first came
to Powhatan county in 1918. he
resided at Fine Creek Mills and
operated a mill, had a small
country store. and the post office
there.
In July 1921 he became super
intendent of schools in Powha-
tan county, from which position
he retired in 1947. From July
1885 to 194l he was superinten-
dent of schools in Goochland
county. as well as Powhatan.
After becoming superinten-
dent Of schools, he moved to Pow
hatan and lived in the old Rey-
nolds home. In 1894 he had a
home built in the village and re-
sided there until his death.
A graduate of Peabody Col
lege in 1906. he did graduate work
at william and Mary College. It
was here that he met a fine
young woman, Miss Mary Ram
saeur, who later became his wife.
She died at her home in Powha-
tan in 1856.
Two children survive this I'M
Ion. DR.. Phillip Sidney Williams.
of Tulsa, Oklahoma, chemist;
and Mrs. Mary Clayton Will
Iams Hall of College Park. Md,
both of whom sent messages of
regret that no members of the
immediate family could be pres
ent to unveil the portrait. due to
distance and other unavoidable
circumstances.
After graduate work. Mr.. Will
iamS taught school in Tusca-
loosa, Ala, and Gainesville.
Ca: served as secretary of the
YMCA at Tampa. Fla. and At
lanta. Ga. He was also superin-
tendent of the Masonic Home in
Richmond for a time.
After the portrait was unveiled
by Thomas w. Stafford, princi-
pal Of Powhatan High School
where the portrait will be hung,
several local citizens paid tribute
to one who contributed so much
to the history Of Powhatan coun-
ty.
j. Gordon Maxey. perhaps one
of the first citizens to know Mr..
williams when he first came to
Powhatan, said Il knew him in
many areas of life but in the
church best, always dynamic,
always helpful. always gener-
Gus. with a keen understanding
of people and their needs-a liv-
ing ministry to those. with whom
he came in contact"
Col. James T. Walker, Jr. U
S. Army retired, a former prin-
cipal Of Powhatan High School
expressed great appreciation for
the work done by Mr.. Williams
in the educational field for the
student and educator as well.
He said Mr.. williams had a
long and very experienced train
ing period working with the one
room school system where the
age Of students ranged from six
to q years, and very poor equip
ment: and that he was the one
that did the major portion of the
work necessary to get the con-
solidation of schools as it now
exists in Powhatan County and
urged better equipment includ.
ing buses.
Col. Walker said Mr.. Williams
as superintendent of schools,
had meant so much to him, was
SO helpful and understanding.
Mr.. williams was not only out
standing in church and educa-
tional fields, but very active in