JOHN WILLIAMS, a successful farmer of East Bethlehem township, is a son of Daniel, whose father was a native of West Virginia, where Daniel was born. The latter became a ferryman on the Monongahela river, and afterward a teamster on the National pike, making many trips to Baltimore; and after losing a large sum of money in some unfortunate investments, died on a farm in East Bethlehem township. He was married to Amelia Thompson, who bore him children as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibson, Mrs. Mary Ann Elliott, Mrs. Susan E. McCullough (living in West Virginia), Eliza (of Putnam county, Ill.), Amelia Barbara (of Putnam county, Ill.), Hannah Jane (of Lock No. 5, Monongahela river), John, and one who died in infancy. Of these are now living Susan E. and John. John Williams was born April 3, 1829, in the house now owned by one Watkins, on a place in East Pike Run township, Washington county. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and after serving a three years' apprenticeship, followed that business thirteen years, then devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. On October 20,1850, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Gilles, and their children were: Robert G., born October 19, 1851, died August 29, 1852; Daniel W., born December 22, 1852, a farmer of Putnam county, Ill.; and Samuel James, born April 18, 1856, a farmer of Harlan county, Neb. The mother died April 29, 1856, aged twenty-eight years ten months, and for his second wife John Williams was married, on February 7, 1858, to Anna, daughter of Curtis and Esther Pyles, natives of Washington county, Penn. To this union children were born as follows: Ida Florence, born June 30, 1859, died July 7, same year; Flora Belle, born October 29, 1860, wife of Homer Crumrine; Curtis, born June 24, 1863, living in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Emma May born October 21, 1865, living at home. Mrs. Williams was laid to rest December 13, 1868, aged thirty-three years two months seven days, and on November 29, 1873, he was united in marriage with Ann, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Morris. Three children have blessed this marriage, as follows: Ella M., born September 18, 1875; Elvarette, born October 15, 1877, and Oliver J. born December 24, 1881, who died April 23, 1886. Mr. Williams has been an enterprising business man, and now owns 122 acres of good land, which he devotes to agricultural interests. In politics he is a Republican and has served as auditor and supervisor of East Bethlehem township. Mrs. Williams and her daughters are members of the M. E. Church.

Text taken from page 1456 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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