This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Williams Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/nk.2ADI/783 Message Board Post: THE LEADER THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1888 John Williams Gone to His Reward. Tuesday morning, after a protracted illness, Uncle John Williams, as he was familiarly called, passed from the scenes of earth to his reward above. For several months the old gentleman had been very feeble, which added to his advanced age, indicated that, the summons to another and better life would not be long delayed. Since last fall he had been confined to his home nearly all the time and to his bed several weeks, although on a very few occasions he was able to come down town. One day several weeks ago, while out for a short walk, Uncle John slipped and fell heavily to the ground, receiving such injuries that it was necessary to assist him home. From that fall he did not fully recover and it no doubt hastened his death. Although much of the time suffering greatly, Mr. Williams bore all with true Christian fortitude and died with a bright hope beyond the mystic river. While possessing but a small share of this world's goods, he was an expectant millionaire, for he had wisely laid up his treasures in heaven. The hope that "over there" he would enjoy greter riches than this world can give, cheered him in his declining hours. Deceased was born in Montgomery County, New York, in February, 1815, and died on the morning of March 6, 1888, a few weeks more than 75 years of age - having more than lived out his three-score and ten years. While quite young he removed from his native state to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he continued to reside until 36 years ago when he came to Iowa, settling in Johnson County. From the latter place he removed to the vicinity of Malvern 25 years ago. At the age of 22 years he united with the M. E. church, but the last 36 years of his life was spent in the Baptist Church, of which he was a faithful and consistent member until the day of his death. In 1839 he was joined in marriage to Margarette Proctor, and was the father of nine children, four of whom - two sons and two daughters - with the aged wife survive to cherish his memory. Uncle John was a kind and devoted husband, an affectionate father, a good citizen and a true christian. Peace to his ashes. The funeral services occurred at the Baptist Church yesterday