My Genealogy Hound

Robert R. Williams, a retired farmer, of White River Township, Washington Co., Ark., was born in Greene County, Tenn., on the 16th of July, 1812. His parents, John and Mary (Rankin) Williams, were Pennsylvanians, and moved to Greene County, Tenn., with their parents when quite young. They were married in this State and here reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives. The father followed the occupation of boating, and his wife managed the farm. He died in September, 1815, at the age of forty-nine years. The mother died October 27, 1848, at the age of eighty-two years. Robert R. Williams is the youngest of their seven children, and the only one now living. He remained with his mother until he attained his majority, and assisted her on the farm. His educational advantages were very meager, yet he succeeded in obtaining a fair English education. July 26, 1838, he was married to Catherine Missimer, who was born in Greene County, Tenn., and died in Arkansas July 4, 1870, having borne ten children: John, Mary (deceased), Elvira (deceased), Joseph, Samuel, James, David, Andrew (who is a deaf mute), Narcis (wife of B. F. Harris) and Florence. After the death of his first wife Mr. Williams was married to Mrs. Rachel (Van Hoose) Dickerson, who was the mother of nine children, six living, by her first husband, James Dickerson: Rebecca J. (deceased), Annette (wife of Dr. Wood), Robert M., Hugh H., Lydia A. (deceased), Louisa (wife of R. Ciper), Mary E. (wife of G. McGuire), Albert P. and John G. The father of these children was born in Virginia in 1816, and died in Washington County, Ark., October 31, 1858. His wife was born in Floyd County, Ky., November 9, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Democrat, and has been justice of the peace for six years. He also held the office of associate county judge previous to the war. He is now retired from active life, but still owns his fine farm.