Whiteside County IL Archives Biographies.....Williams, Leslie 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 January 31, 2008, 1:20 am

Author: Portrait/Bio Album, Whiteside County IL 1885

Leslie Williams, druggist, established his present business at Fulton in 
August 1872. He is a native of Boston, Mass., was born Feb. 17, 1848, and is 
the son of George and Catharine (Ravis) Williams, of Welsh descent. He was 
adopted by John L. Thompson, with whom he went to Burlington, Iowa, in April, 
1856. He came to Fulton the following June, and was educated in the public 
schools of this city. When 15 years of age he began business as a clerk with 
his half-brother, H. J. Ravis, dealer in general merchandise, and remained 
with him till 1867. He spent the next two years as a salesman in a hardware 
store at Fulton. In 1869 he bought out a stock of fancy goods, books and 
stationery, and started in business for himself. He was doing well until a 
fire occurred, Jan. 2, 1872, that swept away his entire stock, by which he 
suffered a loss of $1,500, and on which he only realized by insurance $500. In 
1872 he opened in the drug business. He has conducted this establishment about 
13 years with marked success, and now has a large, tasteful and well stocked 
store in his line. His stock averages in value about $5,000, and includes 
everything usually found in a first-class drug store. He was married at 
Fulton, Nov. 22, 1872, to Miss Anna Gerrish, daughter of B. S. Gerrish. Mrs. 
Williams was born in Portsmouth, N. H. Mr. Williams has held various offices 
of local importance, and is the present Township Clerk and Township School 
Treasurer. He has held the former office six years and the latter eight. He 
has always taken a warm interest in politics, is an earnest Democrat, and in 
1880 was a Delegate to the Illinois State Democratic Convention. He was made a 
Freemason immediately after becoming of age, and is a member of Fulton City 
Lodge, No. 189. He is also a member of Fulton Chapter, No. 108, R. A. M. With 
his characteristic earnestness, Mr. Williams applied himself to acquiring a 
knowledge of Masonry, and is recognized as one of the most efficient members 
of the order. He is a man of good executive ability, quick perception and 
sound judgment, supported by a habit of earnest application to the matter in 
hand, which assures a prompt and correct discharge of public and private 
duties that may devolve upon him.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois, Containing Full-
page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens of the County. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1885.

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