Benjamin and Elizabeth Curry Williams transcribed and contributed by Shawn Anderson

LIELAND: Elizabeth "Betsey" Curry, who was born ca. 1796 in Virgina, has been assigned the position of 5th child of Thomas and Alice Gordon Curry.      Elizabeth must have been approximately 16 years old when the Curry family drove into Franklin Co. In., and approximately 1 1/2 years later, on 11 Nov 1813, she was married to Benjamin Williams, who was born ca. 1790, possibly in Kentucky. Benjamin's parentage is not known.      Elizabeth and Benjamin were living at Shelby Co. In. in 1821, and their son Jackson is recorded as being born there in 1827. In 1829, Elizabeth and Benjamin moved to Woodford Co. Il., living first near the village of Spring Bay, then moving into Worth Township, settling near the line between it and Spring Bay Twp., where they lived the rest of their lives. Elizabeth is described as a "noble Christian woman--kind to the poor, and a ministering angel among the sick and distressed". Benjamin was a Justice of the Peace in Woodford County, holding the office so long ago that at the time "The Past and Present of Woodford Co. Il." was written in 1878, no one was living who remembered the date of his appointment.      The character of Benjamin, who was known as "The Squire", often used as a term of address for a judge or other local dignitary, is perhaps best revealed in one of serveral incidents related to his presiding over the early courts. I t seems that a case once came before him when his son-in-law, Jefferson Hoshor was constable, wherein a Mr. Brown had sued a Mr. Sowards, and Mr. Sowards, in true backwoodsman style, swore he would "whip Brown on sight". The first time he saw him was on the day of trial, in the Justice's office and, without words, Sowards 'pitched' into Brown. "Set back the chairs," said the Squire, descending from his dignified seat of justice, "and give 'em room"; nor would he allow anyone to interfere until one of them "hollered nuff". And thus the case was decided.      Benjamin and Elizabeth Williams' barn also served as the first school in Woodford Co., and was taught by a Mr. Ellmore.      In September 1846, Benjamin Williams died at the age of 56. His widow survived him some 18 years. Elizabeth Curry Williams died in 1864, at approximately 68 years of age. (Source:  "Some Descendants of Revolutionary War Soldier Thomas Curry of Franklin Co. In."-- Compiled and Edited by: James Lieland, Copyright 1988, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 88-70959)