Biography of Nathaniel G Williams, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 14 Nov 2008
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Transcribed by Lisa Hamilton from 
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SOURCE:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern 
Arkansas. Chicago:Goodspeed Publishers, 1890.
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Nathaniel G. Williams is a descendant of a Revolutionary hero, and it was only
natural that his patriotism should demonstrate itself at the outburst of civil
strife in 1861. His paternal grandfather was one of the early settlers of North
Carolina, and a soldier in the War of the Revolution, serving under Gen. Greene.
His parents, Hardin and Martha (Tanner) Williams, were both natives of
Tennessee, and had a family of three children, two of whom are living: Jane A.
(widow of Samuel L. Sutton, of Phillips County) and N. G. The latter was born in
Maury County, Tenn., on April 27, 1832. He spent his boyhood on the old home
farm in that State, receiving a good education in the common schools of his
county, after which he attended the University at Lebanon, Tenn. Two years
before becoming of age he commenced farming for himself in Maury County, and in
November, 1855, moved to Arkansas, locating in St. Francis County, where he was
engaged in tilling the soil on the St. Francis River bottom lands, until the
breaking out of the war. Then he entered the Confederate forces in the Fifth
Arkansas Infantry, but was in only a few engagements, as he held the office of
commissary of his regiment. After peace was declared he settled down to farming
again at Taylor's Creek, and in 1883 opened up a stock of merchandise, since
which time he has carried on the mercantile business in connection with farming.
His stock of goods will invoice about $1, 500, and he enjoys a good trade. Mr.
Williams was married in 1854 to Mary Lee Wortham, who died thirteen years later,
leaving one son, Lawrence E. He was married to his second wife, Martha H.
Mosley, in 1869. They are the parents of three children: M. E. Williams, N. G.
and M. J., all at home. Mr. Williams now owns 500 acres of land, with 131 acres
under cultivation. His life illustrates what pluck and energy can accomplish in
connection with good common sense, for success is bound to follow persistent
effort.