Francis Smith Williams, whose death occurred in this city on Saturday last, was born at West Mendon, N. Y., on Feb. 17, 1823. He was an eminent educator and promoter of the free school system in its earlier days, his active life having been devoted to practical educational work.
In his boyhood he attended the common schools and academy of his native town, but in 1838 moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where for a time he was a student in Asbury Seminary, of which Institution his older brother, the Rev. L. D. Williams, was then principal. From 1839 to 1850 he was engaged as a teacher in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1850 he moved to Wheeling, W. Va., which place was the scene of his greatest life work as a teacher and promoter of public education.
For twenty-five years he was identified with the Wheeling public schools, first as principal and subsequently as superintendent of public instruction. He was the first superintendent of schools of that city and filled the office from its creation until he retired to private life in 1875.
Mr. William was beloved and revered as a teacher and associate among teachers. He was a recognized leader in public educational affairs, not only in County of Wheeling but in the state at large and was foremost in every movement to advance the cause of free schools, and framed and promoted much of the legislation that affords the foundation of the present public school system of West Virginia.
He came forward as the champion of free education at a period and in a community where the public school system was then in a formative stage of development, and the progress of free education was in that day opposed by many so-called conservative influences. He accordingly met with many obstacles in his appointed work, which in later years would not have been encountered under a more advanced and liberal popular sentiment with respect to public schools.
As in every cause which he espoused, Mr. Williams was ever alert and aggressive in advancing the cause of common schools. He did not hesitate, single-handed, if need be, to contend with the opposition, and no conflict was so sharp that he could be driven from the front. He won the love and support of many friends and the admiration and respect of those who opposed him.
In 1875, immediately after his re-election to a new term of office, he resigned the superintendency of the Wheeling schools on account of impaired health and a growing deafness, which eventually resulted in an entire loss of hearing. The severance of his connection with the Wheeling schools was the source of profound regret to the community and his subsequent departure from Wheeling was the occasion of a sad leave-taking, and a public testimonial from teachers and co-laborers and friends in big educational work.
Subsequent to 1875 Mr. Williams led a life of retirement, residing with his children in various parts of the country -at Washington city, Macon, Mo., Wheeling, Minneapolis and Denver. From April, 1882, the greater portion of his time was spent at Minneapolis, where several of his children have resided for a number of years.
Naturally genial and entertaining in conversation, and responsive to the demands of social intercourse, he realized very keenly the social deprivations which the loss of his hearing entailed. He was also a sufferer for many years from severe neuralgic trouble. He, nevertheless, endured these afflictions uncomplainingly and with the greatest fortitude. He never failed, even when enduring great suffering, to meet his friends with a cheerful aspect and cordial greeting, seeking always to conceal his suffering from others. In politeness of manner and considerate treatment of those with whom he came in contact, he afforded an example to all. Ever thoughtful, and even solicitous for the welfare of others; he himself was always the least in his own concern. He was humane, courteous, gentle, lovable; a lover of children, of nature, of every living thing. He would care for a dog or a horse or other dumb beast almost as thoughtfully as for a human being.
Although greatly cut off in his later days from the enjoyments of society, he nevertheless maintained a more than common interest in the goings-on of the world. He was a constant reader of the newspapers and current literature and kept himself thus well-posted and in touch with the affairs of the time. In politics he was an old-line democrat, with very positive political convictions. He often contributed to the columns of the local press, and enjoyed to the utmost an occasional tilt with a newspaper adversary.
Mr. Williams was a member of Virginius No. 2, (Wheeling, W. V.) lodge I. 0. 0. F., with which lodge he always maintained his membership. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He prized his membership in both these orders.
Mr. Williams was married on Dec. 31, 1840, to Adelia Earl, who survives him at the age of 73 years. His beloved spouse, with unfailing devotion and constancy, has shared with him the joys and trials of a long wedded life. Dearly beloved by each other, by their children their children's children, they dwelt together for more than half a century, their lives even more sweetly blending with the long flight of years.
From his marriage were born five sons and three daughters, of whom all but one are living, the youngest being now 40 years of age. Of these children, Wilbur F. the eldest, resides at Buffalo, Wyoming; Mary Ellen, the wife of John J. Glover, at Washington, D, C.; Marian L. relic of Henry M. Harper, Wheeling W Va.; Angeline L., (deceased) former wife of William Saeger, Minneapolis; L D Williams, Minneapolis; Captain Charles A. (U. S. Army) Plattsburg, N. Y.; C. F. Williams, Minneapolis; and Sylvester G. at Denver, Col. All of the children are married and well settled in life.
The immediate cause of Mr. William's decease was the formation of an abscess within the frontal sinus. This necessitated a surgical operation, from which he failed to recover. He passed quietly to his final rest at Asbury hospital, at 6 o'clock p. m., Saturday, March 20, 1897.
In his boyhood he attended the common schools and academy of his native town, but in 1838 moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where for a time he was a student in Asbury Seminary, of which Institution his older brother, the Rev. L. D. Williams, was then principal. From 1839 to 1850 he was engaged as a teacher in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1850 he moved to Wheeling, W. Va., which place was the scene of his greatest life work as a teacher and promoter of public education.
For twenty-five years he was identified with the Wheeling public schools, first as principal and subsequently as superintendent of public instruction. He was the first superintendent of schools of that city and filled the office from its creation until he retired to private life in 1875.
Mr. William was beloved and revered as a teacher and associate among teachers. He was a recognized leader in public educational affairs, not only in County of Wheeling but in the state at large and was foremost in every movement to advance the cause of free schools, and framed and promoted much of the legislation that affords the foundation of the present public school system of West Virginia.
He came forward as the champion of free education at a period and in a community where the public school system was then in a formative stage of development, and the progress of free education was in that day opposed by many so-called conservative influences. He accordingly met with many obstacles in his appointed work, which in later years would not have been encountered under a more advanced and liberal popular sentiment with respect to public schools.
As in every cause which he espoused, Mr. Williams was ever alert and aggressive in advancing the cause of common schools. He did not hesitate, single-handed, if need be, to contend with the opposition, and no conflict was so sharp that he could be driven from the front. He won the love and support of many friends and the admiration and respect of those who opposed him.
In 1875, immediately after his re-election to a new term of office, he resigned the superintendency of the Wheeling schools on account of impaired health and a growing deafness, which eventually resulted in an entire loss of hearing. The severance of his connection with the Wheeling schools was the source of profound regret to the community and his subsequent departure from Wheeling was the occasion of a sad leave-taking, and a public testimonial from teachers and co-laborers and friends in big educational work.
Subsequent to 1875 Mr. Williams led a life of retirement, residing with his children in various parts of the country -at Washington city, Macon, Mo., Wheeling, Minneapolis and Denver. From April, 1882, the greater portion of his time was spent at Minneapolis, where several of his children have resided for a number of years.
Naturally genial and entertaining in conversation, and responsive to the demands of social intercourse, he realized very keenly the social deprivations which the loss of his hearing entailed. He was also a sufferer for many years from severe neuralgic trouble. He, nevertheless, endured these afflictions uncomplainingly and with the greatest fortitude. He never failed, even when enduring great suffering, to meet his friends with a cheerful aspect and cordial greeting, seeking always to conceal his suffering from others. In politeness of manner and considerate treatment of those with whom he came in contact, he afforded an example to all. Ever thoughtful, and even solicitous for the welfare of others; he himself was always the least in his own concern. He was humane, courteous, gentle, lovable; a lover of children, of nature, of every living thing. He would care for a dog or a horse or other dumb beast almost as thoughtfully as for a human being.
Although greatly cut off in his later days from the enjoyments of society, he nevertheless maintained a more than common interest in the goings-on of the world. He was a constant reader of the newspapers and current literature and kept himself thus well-posted and in touch with the affairs of the time. In politics he was an old-line democrat, with very positive political convictions. He often contributed to the columns of the local press, and enjoyed to the utmost an occasional tilt with a newspaper adversary.
Mr. Williams was a member of Virginius No. 2, (Wheeling, W. V.) lodge I. 0. 0. F., with which lodge he always maintained his membership. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He prized his membership in both these orders.
Mr. Williams was married on Dec. 31, 1840, to Adelia Earl, who survives him at the age of 73 years. His beloved spouse, with unfailing devotion and constancy, has shared with him the joys and trials of a long wedded life. Dearly beloved by each other, by their children their children's children, they dwelt together for more than half a century, their lives even more sweetly blending with the long flight of years.
From his marriage were born five sons and three daughters, of whom all but one are living, the youngest being now 40 years of age. Of these children, Wilbur F. the eldest, resides at Buffalo, Wyoming; Mary Ellen, the wife of John J. Glover, at Washington, D, C.; Marian L. relic of Henry M. Harper, Wheeling W Va.; Angeline L., (deceased) former wife of William Saeger, Minneapolis; L D Williams, Minneapolis; Captain Charles A. (U. S. Army) Plattsburg, N. Y.; C. F. Williams, Minneapolis; and Sylvester G. at Denver, Col. All of the children are married and well settled in life.
The immediate cause of Mr. William's decease was the formation of an abscess within the frontal sinus. This necessitated a surgical operation, from which he failed to recover. He passed quietly to his final rest at Asbury hospital, at 6 o'clock p. m., Saturday, March 20, 1897.
Francis Smith Williams, whose death occurred in this city on Saturday last, was born at West Mendon, N. Y., on Feb. 17, 1823. He was an eminent educator and promoter of the free school system in its earlier days, his active life having been devoted to practical educational work.
In his boyhood he attended the common schools and academy of his native town, but in 1838 moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where for a time he was a student in Asbury Seminary, of which Institution his older brother, the Rev. L. D. Williams, was then principal. From 1839 to 1850 he was engaged as a teacher in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1850 he moved to Wheeling, W. Va., which place was the scene of his greatest life work as a teacher and promoter of public education.
For twenty-five years he was identified with the Wheeling public schools, first as principal and subsequently as superintendent of public instruction. He was the first superintendent of schools of that city and filled the office from its creation until he retired to private life in 1875.
Mr. William was beloved and revered as a teacher and associate among teachers. He was a recognized leader in public educational affairs, not only in County of Wheeling but in the state at large and was foremost in every movement to advance the cause of free schools, and framed and promoted much of the legislation that affords the foundation of the present public school system of West Virginia.
He came forward as the champion of free education at a period and in a community where the public school system was then in a formative stage of development, and the progress of free education was in that day opposed by many so-called conservative influences. He accordingly met with many obstacles in his appointed work, which in later years would not have been encountered under a more advanced and liberal popular sentiment with respect to public schools.
As in every cause which he espoused, Mr. Williams was ever alert and aggressive in advancing the cause of common schools. He did not hesitate, single-handed, if need be, to contend with the opposition, and no conflict was so sharp that he could be driven from the front. He won the love and support of many friends and the admiration and respect of those who opposed him.
In 1875, immediately after his re-election to a new term of office, he resigned the superintendency of the Wheeling schools on account of impaired health and a growing deafness, which eventually resulted in an entire loss of hearing. The severance of his connection with the Wheeling schools was the source of profound regret to the community and his subsequent departure from Wheeling was the occasion of a sad leave-taking, and a public testimonial from teachers and co-laborers and friends in big educational work.
Subsequent to 1875 Mr. Williams led a life of retirement, residing with his children in various parts of the country -at Washington city, Macon, Mo., Wheeling, Minneapolis and Denver. From April, 1882, the greater portion of his time was spent at Minneapolis, where several of his children have resided for a number of years.
Naturally genial and entertaining in conversation, and responsive to the demands of social intercourse, he realized very keenly the social deprivations which the loss of his hearing entailed. He was also a sufferer for many years from severe neuralgic trouble. He, nevertheless, endured these afflictions uncomplainingly and with the greatest fortitude. He never failed, even when enduring great suffering, to meet his friends with a cheerful aspect and cordial greeting, seeking always to conceal his suffering from others. In politeness of manner and considerate treatment of those with whom he came in contact, he afforded an example to all. Ever thoughtful, and even solicitous for the welfare of others; he himself was always the least in his own concern. He was humane, courteous, gentle, lovable; a lover of children, of nature, of every living thing. He would care for a dog or a horse or other dumb beast almost as thoughtfully as for a human being.
Although greatly cut off in his later days from the enjoyments of society, he nevertheless maintained a more than common interest in the goings-on of the world. He was a constant reader of the newspapers and current literature and kept himself thus well-posted and in touch with the affairs of the time. In politics he was an old-line democrat, with very positive political convictions. He often contributed to the columns of the local press, and enjoyed to the utmost an occasional tilt with a newspaper adversary.
Mr. Williams was a member of Virginius No. 2, (Wheeling, W. V.) lodge I. 0. 0. F., with which lodge he always maintained his membership. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He prized his membership in both these orders.
Mr. Williams was married on Dec. 31, 1840, to Adelia Earl, who survives him at the age of 73 years. His beloved spouse, with unfailing devotion and constancy, has shared with him the joys and trials of a long wedded life. Dearly beloved by each other, by their children their children's children, they dwelt together for more than half a century, their lives even more sweetly blending with the long flight of years.
From his marriage were born five sons and three daughters, of whom all but one are living, the youngest being now 40 years of age. Of these children, Wilbur F. the eldest, resides at Buffalo, Wyoming; Mary Ellen, the wife of John J. Glover, at Washington, D, C.; Marian L. relic of Henry M. Harper, Wheeling W Va.; Angeline L., (deceased) former wife of William Saeger, Minneapolis; L D Williams, Minneapolis; Captain Charles A. (U. S. Army) Plattsburg, N. Y.; C. F. Williams, Minneapolis; and Sylvester G. at Denver, Col. All of the children are married and well settled in life.
The immediate cause of Mr. William's decease was the formation of an abscess within the frontal sinus. This necessitated a surgical operation, from which he failed to recover. He passed quietly to his final rest at Asbury hospital, at 6 o'clock p. m., Saturday, March 20, 1897.
In his boyhood he attended the common schools and academy of his native town, but in 1838 moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where for a time he was a student in Asbury Seminary, of which Institution his older brother, the Rev. L. D. Williams, was then principal. From 1839 to 1850 he was engaged as a teacher in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1850 he moved to Wheeling, W. Va., which place was the scene of his greatest life work as a teacher and promoter of public education.
For twenty-five years he was identified with the Wheeling public schools, first as principal and subsequently as superintendent of public instruction. He was the first superintendent of schools of that city and filled the office from its creation until he retired to private life in 1875.
Mr. William was beloved and revered as a teacher and associate among teachers. He was a recognized leader in public educational affairs, not only in County of Wheeling but in the state at large and was foremost in every movement to advance the cause of free schools, and framed and promoted much of the legislation that affords the foundation of the present public school system of West Virginia.
He came forward as the champion of free education at a period and in a community where the public school system was then in a formative stage of development, and the progress of free education was in that day opposed by many so-called conservative influences. He accordingly met with many obstacles in his appointed work, which in later years would not have been encountered under a more advanced and liberal popular sentiment with respect to public schools.
As in every cause which he espoused, Mr. Williams was ever alert and aggressive in advancing the cause of common schools. He did not hesitate, single-handed, if need be, to contend with the opposition, and no conflict was so sharp that he could be driven from the front. He won the love and support of many friends and the admiration and respect of those who opposed him.
In 1875, immediately after his re-election to a new term of office, he resigned the superintendency of the Wheeling schools on account of impaired health and a growing deafness, which eventually resulted in an entire loss of hearing. The severance of his connection with the Wheeling schools was the source of profound regret to the community and his subsequent departure from Wheeling was the occasion of a sad leave-taking, and a public testimonial from teachers and co-laborers and friends in big educational work.
Subsequent to 1875 Mr. Williams led a life of retirement, residing with his children in various parts of the country -at Washington city, Macon, Mo., Wheeling, Minneapolis and Denver. From April, 1882, the greater portion of his time was spent at Minneapolis, where several of his children have resided for a number of years.
Naturally genial and entertaining in conversation, and responsive to the demands of social intercourse, he realized very keenly the social deprivations which the loss of his hearing entailed. He was also a sufferer for many years from severe neuralgic trouble. He, nevertheless, endured these afflictions uncomplainingly and with the greatest fortitude. He never failed, even when enduring great suffering, to meet his friends with a cheerful aspect and cordial greeting, seeking always to conceal his suffering from others. In politeness of manner and considerate treatment of those with whom he came in contact, he afforded an example to all. Ever thoughtful, and even solicitous for the welfare of others; he himself was always the least in his own concern. He was humane, courteous, gentle, lovable; a lover of children, of nature, of every living thing. He would care for a dog or a horse or other dumb beast almost as thoughtfully as for a human being.
Although greatly cut off in his later days from the enjoyments of society, he nevertheless maintained a more than common interest in the goings-on of the world. He was a constant reader of the newspapers and current literature and kept himself thus well-posted and in touch with the affairs of the time. In politics he was an old-line democrat, with very positive political convictions. He often contributed to the columns of the local press, and enjoyed to the utmost an occasional tilt with a newspaper adversary.
Mr. Williams was a member of Virginius No. 2, (Wheeling, W. V.) lodge I. 0. 0. F., with which lodge he always maintained his membership. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He prized his membership in both these orders.
Mr. Williams was married on Dec. 31, 1840, to Adelia Earl, who survives him at the age of 73 years. His beloved spouse, with unfailing devotion and constancy, has shared with him the joys and trials of a long wedded life. Dearly beloved by each other, by their children their children's children, they dwelt together for more than half a century, their lives even more sweetly blending with the long flight of years.
From his marriage were born five sons and three daughters, of whom all but one are living, the youngest being now 40 years of age. Of these children, Wilbur F. the eldest, resides at Buffalo, Wyoming; Mary Ellen, the wife of John J. Glover, at Washington, D, C.; Marian L. relic of Henry M. Harper, Wheeling W Va.; Angeline L., (deceased) former wife of William Saeger, Minneapolis; L D Williams, Minneapolis; Captain Charles A. (U. S. Army) Plattsburg, N. Y.; C. F. Williams, Minneapolis; and Sylvester G. at Denver, Col. All of the children are married and well settled in life.
The immediate cause of Mr. William's decease was the formation of an abscess within the frontal sinus. This necessitated a surgical operation, from which he failed to recover. He passed quietly to his final rest at Asbury hospital, at 6 o'clock p. m., Saturday, March 20, 1897.
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