My Genealogy Hound

DR FANNIE E. WILLIAMS. Prominent among the members of the medical profession of Jasper county, is the subject of this sketch. Dr. Williams was born in Delaware county, Ohio, of wealthy and influential parents. Her father, T. R. Howard, was formerly of New Jersey. Her mother was a daughter of Judge Otter, of Bedford county, Pa. They came to Ohio during the early settlement of that state, locating in Delaware county on the banks of the Scioto River. There Mr. Howard engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time, but subsequently laid out his farm in town lots, on which now stands a part of the beautiful city of Delaware. Their family consisted of several children—boys and girls. This daughter was one of three sisters who graduated from Delaware College. Having a natural inclination from a school girl, to study medicine, she was encouraged in that direction. She commenced her medical studies under the tutorage of Dr. A. O’Connor, of New York, and afterwards continued under Dr. G. H. Davis, of Ann Arbor, Mich., never ceasing until she possessed two diplomas. She was married at the age of eighteen, to Mr. Williams, a druggist, who, cognizant of her ability, both natural and acquired, further encouraged the study of her chosen profession. Moving to Missouri, our subject decided to take a course of medical lectures in a western school. Accordingly she entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, graduating from that institution in March, 1874. Whatever may be said of the propriety or desirability of ladies studying for the profession, Dr. Williams gives evidence that the sphere of women is not circumscribed by lines less extended than that of man, and furnishes a most potent argument for professional education among her sex. She is enterprising, ambitious, generous, invariably interested in charitable efforts, was president of the first benevolent association ever organized in this city. She has served two years as city physician of Joplin, is a member of the Southwest Missouri Medical Association, and enjoys a good practice, being considered one of the most reliable and successful practitioners in the county.