My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM WILLIAMS, retired farmer; P. O. Covington; a life-resident of Miami Co.; is the son of Michael Williams, and grandson of Michael Williams Sr. Michael, Sr., was a native of South Carolina, and a soldier from that colony in the Revolution. He married Barbara Sumce, afterward became a resident of Virginia; removed to the Northwest Territory, and located on Mad River, near what is now Dayton, which then consisted of a few huts, with a few French fur-traders for its business men; the year following, he removed to Honey Creek, in this county, and in 1800 removed to Newton Township, where he located or “squatted” (as the lands were not yet surveyed) on Stillwater, and entered the land as soon as practicable. Michael, Jr., was born in South Carolina in 1780, and accompanied his parents to Miami Co., where he married Elizabeth, daughter of William Long, who was also a pioneer of Newton Township. During the war of 1812, Mr. Williams was a member of a Home Guard company, which was stationed at a block-house built about three-fourths of a mile west of what is now Pleasant Hill. About 1820, he removed to Newberry Township, having purchased a farm in Sec. 34, where he resided until his death in 1850. After having taken part in the labor and privations of pioneer life, he lived to see something of its developments. He was County Commissioner nineteen years. The present court house was built during his term of office. The subject of this sketch was born in Newton Township in 1810, and grew to manhood here in the pioneer days of Miami Co. All the schooling he got in his youth was a few months’ attendance at the “subscription” schools which were then held in some unoccupied cabin. But, as he was a bachelor and felt the need of education, he attended the somewhat improved schools when as old as 30. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Gilbert, who was also a pioneer of this county. Mr. Williams has been a farmer all his life, but is now retired from active labor, and his farm is operated by a son and son-in-law. Mr. Williams, it will be seen, is the descendant of a pioneer family and has been identified with the interests of Miami Co. in general, and Newberry Township in particular, for more than a half-century. He has been Township Trustee and is still a useful and respected citizen. Although a bachelor until 34 years of age, has been thrice married. His second marriage was with Miss Nancy A. Vanorman, an Eastern lady. His third wife was Mrs. Sarah (Waymire) Williams. By his first wife he had six children, only two of whom are living— Nancy A., now Mrs. S. B. Riber, and William C.