This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Williams, Strong, Brown Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/kg.2ADI/1578 Message Board Post: Barry Adage, Barry, Pike Co. IL, Thursday, January 31, 1901: "Edward Williams was born in North Wales, June 21, 1827, and departed this life in Barry, Ill., Jan. 25, 1901, aged 73 years, 7 months and 4 days. He was a true and typical Welshman, and remained in the land of his birth until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to England. Here he learned the trade of a machinist and engineer and followed it for a number of years. March 27, 1852, he led to the alter in West Ward church, Cumberland, England, Miss Isabelle Strong, and Rev. J. Wood pronounced them husband and wife together, and for over fifty years they have been permitted to walk together in a happy wedded life, which only death has separated. This union has only been blessed with one child, Jennie, who has been a joy and comfort to this couple through these many years and with her mother survives to mourn his loss. In 1857 Mr. Williams with his wife and child came to America and landed at Quincy, Ill., where he worked at his trade but being in poor health he was compelled to go to the country and settled near Beverly, Ill., on a farm. In 1862 he removed to Barry and lived on the Benjamin Brown farm two years, when he bought the farm on which he has resided and where he spent his last days. Bro. Williams was industrious and economical, and was able to build himself a comfortable home and provide for the wants of his family and leave them, as he himself expressed it a few days before his death, "in comfortable circumstances without embarrassement." His neighbors all know him to be honest and truthful and many found in him a kind friend. Bro. Williams united with the Wesleyan church in England when quite young, and with the Methodist church in this country after coming here. He was not loud in his profession, but those who knew him best could not doubt his love for his Master and his desire to serve Him as best he could. He also united with the Masonic fraternity 34 years ago in Barry, and was ever an upright Mason until his death. Bro. Williams has been in feeble health for two years or more and his death was expected. His end was peaceful and quiet without a struggle. He died as he had always wished he might, without much pain or suffering. The funeral services were conducted from the M.E. church Sunday, Jan. 27, 1901, at 2 pm by W.M. Halley, assisted by Dr. W.F. Short. The Masonic lodge of Barry had charge of the services at the grave, which were impressive and beautiful, impressing us all with the thought that a strong pillar in our beautiful temple had fallen. A large congregation of sympathizing friends were present and followed the remains to their final resting place." _ (P.S.: I am not related to this person - GW).