John Howard WILLIAMS was born February 26, 1854, and has spent his entire life on the old homestead with the exception of a few years passed in the west. He acquired his education in the country schools and the city schools of Henry On the 11lth of December, 1878, he was married to Miss Naomi ROGERS, of Henry, who was born at Lone Tree, Illinois, September 30, 1858, a daughter of Gardner and Elizabeth Jane ROGERS.
Mr. WILLIAMS brought his bride to the old homestead, having purchased a part of the farm. He has since bought other tracts and now operates nearly a half section of land, most of which he owns. To his farm he has given the name of The Oaks and here he is successfully engaged in stock-raising under the firm name of J. H. Williams & Son, the place having become well known especially for the breeding of Poland China hogs and polled Durham cattle. In this line they have gained more than a local reputation.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAMS have been born six children, but the eldest died in infancy. Gardner Rogers, the second in order of birth, attended the village and Henry schools and later pursued a course in agriculture at the University of Illinois. Myrtle Bell, a talented elocutionist, having pursued a course of study at Plows Conservatory of Peoria, Illinois, is now the wife of Charles E. STICKEL, of Mount Vernon, South Dakota. Mary is a teacher. Meta Naomi and William Howard are still in school.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties Illinois, 1907.
Bureau Putnam La Salle | |||
Stark | |||
Peoria | Woodford |