Biography of R J 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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R. J. Williams, attorney at law of Forrest City, made his first appeal for his
rights in Winchester, Tenn., September 23, 1848. His literary education was
received in the schools of that State, and afterward he entered one of the
prominent universities of the South, commencing the study of Blackstone under
the efficient tutelage of Walker J. Brooks, of South Carolina, in the class of
1869-70. Finally he graduated from a law school in Virginia, and commenced the
practice of his chosen profession in this place in 1873, having taught school
for two years after finishing his college career, to liquidate the expenses of
that course. His clientage has gradually increased, and he is, without
exception, now conceded to be one of the most able practitioners of the county.
He represented the Seventh senatorial district in 1878, and served until 1881,
with an ability and efficiency that not only satisfied his Democratic
constituents, but the people at large. Mr. Williams owns some 400 acres of land,
and has the finest residence in Forrest City. He was married in Summerville,
Tenn., in 1872, to Miss Sallie T. Wainright, and by her is the father of two
children: Lucy and Addie. Mr. Williams is the son of J. W. and Mary (McNabb)
Williams, natives of Virginia. The former, a mechanic by trade, was for many
years established in Winchester. He was judge of Franklin County during the
civil war, and held a similar position for twenty years in Winchester. He is now
residing in the latter place at the advanced age of seventy years. Mrs. Williams
died in 1863. She and her husband had a family of six children, all of them
living. Mr. Williams has attained an enviable reputation in his profession, but
his popularity does not end there, for he is also a favorite in social circles.
Cordiality and a pleasant word for all are among his many noble attributes, and
though ready at repartee and jesting, there is no occasion to regret the word
spoken. He is a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order, and is High
Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter, also belonging to Commandery No. 11, K. T.