My Genealogy Hound

James A. Williams was born at Dripping Springs, Crawford County, Ark., in 1836, and is a son of Hansford and Cyntitha (McDonald) Williams. His parents were married in Arkansas in 1830, and have reared a family of fourteen children. All lived to be grown with the exception of one. In 1839 the father left Tennessee and came to Crawford County, locating on Lee’s Creek, where he farmed until after the war. He then engaged in the mercantile business near Hackett City until a few years ago when he again resumed farming. He now lives upon his farm with his wife, enjoying his in old age the fruits of his youthful industry. James A. Williams passed his youth in Crawford County, where he farmed until 1870. He then embarked in the dry goods business at Greenwood, but ill health compelled him to give it up. He afterward established the Horse-Shoe, a newspaper, of which he is still editor. In August, 1862, he entered the Southern army. He served in Company H of the Thirty-third Texas throughout the entire war, and was in the quartermaster’s department, a brother of his serving in the Sixth Kansas during the war. Mr. Williams is now interested in the real estate business and owns five town lots and a handsome residence. In 1886 he was elected to the Legislature by a majority of 1,465, his opponents being Dr. H. W. Fanner and Cash Barnes, and in 1888, was re-elected to the same office by a majority of 1,100, his opponents being Thomas Lathern and Robert Claybourne. Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has for five terms served his lodge as Worthy Master. In 1858 he married Miss Malvina F. Kelly, of Kentucky, a niece of the late Winright Flanagan, of Texas. This union has been blessed with eleven children, seven of whom are living: Hansford A., Philander M., James W., Lillie E., Joseph F., Noval A. and Pauline M. Mr. Williams is a K. of H., and himself and wife belong to the Christian Church.