Submitted by Norma Jean Huss
One of the enterprising and progressive merchants of Massac county, in whose career to ambitious youth of today who seeks to attain success in the mercantile field may find much that is worthy of emulation, is J.P. Williams, of Metropolis, who has attained his present enviable position in the commercial world as a result of exercising an inherent business ability and always confining his business operations to legitimate lines. He is a native of Saline County and was born on the 2nd day of May 1869. He was educated in the common schools of Saline County and resided there until just a few years ago.
J.P. Williams is a business man of the strictest principles, shrewd and progressive hustling at all times and never too busy to talk to the stranger on any business proposition. He was at one time in the mercantile business with his brother in Harrisburg. These gentlemen suffered a disastrous fire several years ago and MR. Williams moved to Homberg, Pope County, and operated a store there for some time. April 1st, 1914, he came to Metropolis and worked two years as traveling salesman for the Baker-Eccles Grocery Co., of Paducah. On the 1st day of July last, Mr. Williams purchased three stores in Metropolis. One was located in the music hall, which he merged into the one on Upper Market Street. The other is located in the Fairmount addition. Both these stores are modern, up-to-date grocery stores keeping at all times everything that the market affords.
Mr. Williams is also owner of a tobacco factory here which manufactures chewing tobacco and a splendid smoking tobacco. In this factory he employs three girls and three men, and this little factory alone is on considerable help to Metropolis.
On the 1st day of May 1895, Mr. Williams and Miss Mattie Wasson, one of the best girls in Saline county were united in marriage and to this union six children were born, as follows: Nellie now Mrs. R.L. Baker, Clyde, Tharessa, Paul E., Mary E., and John L.
Mr. Williams belongs to both the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, affiliates with the Baptist church and is in every way an honored citizen of Metropolis. He is one of those hustling, energetic men who desire to see things humming. He resigned his position on the road because he saw the bright future of Metropolis. He is a booster and he is helping the Journal-Republican get out this big Industrial Edition, believing as he does that it will help push Metropolis to the front. He asked us the meaning of this big paper and the reporter replied that it was for the purpose of boosting Metropolis, Mr. Williams replied, "I'M in for that move."
That's the kind of a man J.P. Williams is.
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