Will County IL Archives Biographies.....WILLIAMSON, JOHN ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Paula Winke-Martisek wranglerjack@comcast.net September 24, 2007, 7:30 pm Author: GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD JOHN WILLIAMSON, formerly vice-president of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Tin and Steel Workers of America, was appointed, June 1, 1899, deputy internal revenue collector, under Hon. F. E. Coyne, for the thirteenth division of the first internal revenue district of Illinois, his territory being Kankakee County and all of Will, Grundy and LaSalle Counties lying south of the Illinois River. A resident of Joliet since December 27, 1881, he is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, born September 25, 1861, a son of John and Margaret (Chalmers) Williamson, who were born in the same city as himself. His father, who was an iron moulder by trade, died in 1869, when thirty-three years of age, leaving three children: John, who was then a boy of eight years; Elizabeth, who is married and lives in Buffalo, N. Y.; and James L., a machinist in Rochester, N. Y. The mother, who was a daughter-of Hugh Chalmers, a merchant tailor of Glasgow, brought her children to America in 1872 and settled in Rochester, N. Y., where she died at fifty-one years of age. Mr. Williamson was but eleven years of age when he became self-supporting. His early education was obtained in the public schools. After he commenced work his evenings were devoted to study. He also entered Taylor's Business College, Rochester, N. Y., from which institution he graduated in 1880. He is well read and keeps abreast with the times, and is well posted on all the live topics of the day. His first employment was on a farm. Afterward he engaged in business on his own account, in the prosecution of which he traveled extensively in New York and northern Michigan. In 1881 he came to Joliet, where he secured employment in the converting department of the Joliet Steel Company, now a portion of the Federal Steel Company. From a very humble position he worked his way to a place of much responsibility, being in charge of the steel ladles in this department. He continued with this company until he was appointed deputy internal revenue collector. The whole life of Mr. Williamson is a splendid example of what pluck, honesty and energy can accomplish. Though early thrown upon his own resources, he did not sit idly by and wait for something to turn up, but while a mere boy proceeded to carve out his own future. He has risen rapidly, not only in his own chosen business, but also (and this he prizes more) in the estimation of his fellow-workmen and the citizens of Will County. He is highly respected in this community, and during all the time he was engaged at the steel mills he enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-workmen and his employers. He was always a member of the committee to settle wages or grievances. This position required great tact and a thorough knowledge of local conditions. His recommendations were invariably accepted and his advice sought on all important matters pertaining to tire welfare of his fellow-workmen, as is evidenced by the fact that he was for four consecutive terms president of the Mutual Lodge No. 12, Amalgamated Association of Iron, Tin and Steel Workers, during which time he also served as deputy vice-president of the fourth district, which included Illinois, Wisconsin and northern Indiana. This office he filled for five years. Later he was chosen vice-president of the same district and held this office at the time he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue. He is still an honorary member of the association. His advice and services are still at the disposal of his associates. Mr. Williamson is past noble grand of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, a member of the encampment, for three terms served as captain of Joliet Canton No. 52, and is an active worker in the order of Rebekahs. He is an active Mason and a member of Joliet Chapter. He has always been active in politics and considers it a part and parcel of good citizenship to properly attend to such matters. He is a stanch Republican, and although giving willing support to his party, he steadily refused office until 1897 and 1898, when he was elected assistant supervisor of Joliet. His services and ability were recognized by appointment as deputy internal revenue collector. This position was tendered him without solicitation on his part and was finally accepted. This position is very responsible, requiring tact, good judgment and business ability, as it brings him in contact with the different commercial interests of Illinois and all classes of people. His friends say he is eminently fitted for this work and predict a rapid rise and a bright future for him. Mr. Williamson was married, February 12, 1885, to Miss Sarah Hewlett, of Joliet. The couple have two sons, John Raymond and Elmer Harold. They now reside at their home, No. 913 Benton street, Joliet. Additional comments: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/williams1764nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.4 Kb