My Genealogy Hound

Jacob Williams, a thrifty, self-made farmer of Buffalo Island, was born in Cumberland County, Tenn., in 1829, and is the fifth child of Caleb and Lucy (Jones) Williams, natives of Virginia. The father was born in 1797, and when a young man moved to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming for several years. His wife died about the close of the war, but he, though quite helpless, is still living. They had eleven children, and all but two lived to be grown. Jacob Williams was reared on a farm, and had but limited educational advantages, but through wide practical knowledge, has made himself what he is. When twenty-one years of age, he began farming for himself in Cumberland County, where he remained until 1856, when he moved to West Tennessee. In 1867, he came to Arkansas, locating on Buffalo Island. From heavy woodland, he has cleared 100 acres, and now owns 200, all of which, by his own industry, thrift and economy, he has made since coming to this State. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Mary Smith, a native of Virginia, and they are the parents of two sons, Dr. Joseph M. and Clarence W. They are highly esteemed in the community in which they live for their strict piety and sterling worth. Mr. Williams and family are members of the Methodist Church.