This name is recognized as that of one of the oldest living pioneers of Elizabeth Township. He is approaching the age of seventy-seven years, having been born July 25, 1812. His native place was Rockbridge County, Va., which he left in 1819. He is now enjoying the comforts of life at a pleasant homestead on section 22, sojourning among a community of people who have known him long and well, and learned to respect him for the sterling worth of his character.

It may be well to cast a glance backward to the parental history of our subject. He is the son of George and Jane (Argerbright) Williams, both natives of the Old Dominion, the father of English descent, and the mother tracing her ancestry to Wales. Both families were represented in America, probably during the Colonial days, and became quite prominent among the pioneer settlers of Rockbridge County, Va. George W. was next to the eldest son of his parents, who removed when he was about seven years old to Hawkins County, Tenn.; he lived there until a youth of fourteen, then struck out for himself, emigrating first to Park County, MD. He was there employed as a farm-laborer and at boating about three years. In the spring of 1836 he came to this county and worked in the lead mines about two years after which he drove a stage between Freeport and Ainesville, the latter place being within fifteen miles of Chicago. In this capacity he was in the employ of J. D. Winters two years, making his headquarters in Elizabeth village, which derived its name from Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Winters.

We next find young Williams in Galena in the employ of a Mr. Webb as teamster, and with whom he remained nine months, hauling lead ore to the smelting furnace. Later be resumed the occupation of a teamster in the employ of a Mr. Cheney, a smelter on East Fork, with whom he remained two years off and on. In the meantime he took up a claim of 160 acres of land in Elizabeth Township, acquiring this property in 1840. On the 11th of April, 1841 he obeyed the Scriptural injunction of taking unto himself a wife and helpmate in the person of Miss Lucy Ball. This lady was born in Fayette County, Ky., Feb. 16, 1826, and was the daughter of William and Rachel (Barnes) Ball, natives of Kentucky, the father of English descent and the mother tracing her ancestry to Ireland. The Ball family, when their daughter Lucy was a child of nine months, emigrated to Sangamon County, Ill., locating in the spring of 1836 among its earlier settlers. The father occupied himself first at farming, then rented and operated Bowl’s Mill on Small-Pox Creek, in Rice Township for about ten years. He then settled on a tract of land in Elizabeth Township, the same being now owned by John Kaul, and lying on section 15. At the homestead which the parents thus established, they both died in the year 1858 within three weeks and three days of each other. They were most worthy and excellent people and enjoyed an extensive acquaintance among the pioneers of this region.

To Mr. and Mrs. Williams there have born thirteen children, ten of whom are living: John B. is a resident of Elizabeth Township; Rachel J. died when twenty-two years old; George W. is in Elizabeth; Julia is the wife of Josiah Jackson, of Gage County, Neb.; Maria (Mrs. George Miller) lives in Hanover, Ill.; Orlinda died at the age of nine months; Johanna resides in Cortland, Neb.; James B. is a resident of Cheyenne County, Kan. ; William died in infancy; Franklin B. is in Aspen, Cob.; Henry W. is a resident of Washington ; .Samuel L. is at home with his parents; Lucy is the wife of Elmer Goldthorp of Elizabeth Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams began the journey of life together in a log-house on the prairie in December, 1841, before a furrow had been turned upon the land which now comprises a valuable homestead. They have worked hand-in-hand in the accumulation of their property, the wife deserving equal credit with her husband. Mr. Williams first secured 160 acres, and added by degrees to his real-estate until his landed possessions comprise 440 acres, which has been brought to a productive condition. A fine residence was erected in 1858; there is a good barn and all necessary out-buildings, fruit and shade trees, a goodly assortment of live-stock and farm-machinery, and all the oth r appertenances of the well-regulated rural home.

While not a member of any religious organization Mr. Williams believes in the institution of churches and schools, and to these has uniformly given his cordial support. In National affairs he votes the straight Democratic ticket, but in local matters aims to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office. For a man who commenced life in Jo Daviess County, upon a capital of fifty cents it must be admitted that be has done well.

Portraits & Biographical Jo Daviess Co IL 1889 Pg 505