In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1816
From Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905)
JOHN WILSON WILLIAMS.
John Wilson Williams, who was prominently connected with many of the early surveys of the State, and has left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the legislation of Iowa by reason of his service in the State Senate and his influence in political circles, was born in Qiarlotte, \ t...March 25, 1816, his parents being John Wilson and Minerva (Barnes) W'williams. His education was acquired in the early schools of his native town ankl in the high school at Ileinsburg. IK- was reared by Mrs. Anna I'barnes. his grandmother and also his guardian. ankl when he was twenty years of age she gave him a portion of his matrimony, having complete confidence in his business ability and trustworthiness. He then started out in life on his own account, making his way westwanl to Hancock county. 111., where he made investments. He determined to become a surveyor, and received his theoretical knowledge of the profession from a Mr. Johnson in Wrmont. while his ])practical training came from Mr. Sheldon, a noted civil engineer of Jacksonville. 111., under whose direction he followed the business until lubecame a practical and skilled civil engineer.
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DES MOIXliS COl'XTV. IOWA.
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Mrs. Williams came to Des Moines county at a very early epoch in its development, and was one of the first school-teachers within its borders. She did not regard her own education as completed at that time, and afterward continued her studies in Warsaw, Carthage, and Galesburg, Ill. She remembers the boats that plied the rivers in 1829, and relates many interesting reminiscences of pioneer times. In fact, she has written many articles concerning the early days, and is one of the most intelligent and cultured j)pioneer women of the county. To her husband she was ever a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey.
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As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1905. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.