M DEL WILLIAMS

Through the past thirteen years Mr. Williams has resided upon his present farm on section 20, Wayne township, and is well known in connection with the agricultural interests of Doniphan county. He was born in Moniteau county, Missouri, October 27, 1857, and is a son of Fidilo Williams, whose birth occurred in Illinois, and he spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native state. He then went to Missouri with his parents. His father was a native of Kentucky, but spent his last years in Missouri. After removing to that state Fidilo Williams resided in Moniteau county. He was a leading farmer of that locality up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1897, when he had reached the age of sixty-six years. During the civil war he served as a member of the state militia, and was an earnest adherent to the Union cause. He married Juda Bennett, also a native of Kentucky, and to them were born three children: William, who resides in Cole county, Missouri; Lafayette, of this review; and Zaloma, wife of James Brown, of Kansas City.

Mr. Williams, of this review, spent the days of his childhood and youth upon his father's farm, during which time no event of special importance occurred to him, as his time was occupied with the usual duties and pleasures common to farmer lads. He attended the schools near his home, and after completing his education gave his energies to the cultivation of the fields. At the age of twenty-four years he left Missouri and came to Kansas in search of work. He had no capital, save ambition and industry, but his resolute spirit enabled him to conquer many difficulties and obstacles in his path. He entered the employ of Nim Duncan, a farmer residing near Highland, with whom he remained for three years, after which he purchased a farm in that locality and later was a resident of Iowa township until 1886, when he sold out and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 20, Wayne township. In 1892 he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, of the same township, and is to-day the owner of a very valuable and productive farm. He has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, and stock raising has had no inconspicuous place in his calendar of industries.

Mr. Williams was married in Moniteau county, Missouri, March 29, 1887, Miss Katie Murphy becoming his wife. She is a daughter of James Murphy, of Canada, in which country her birth occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Williams now have one child, Annie, who was born on the 4th of January, 1897. the hospitality of their present home is shared by many friends, and they enjoy the high regard of all who know them. That Mr. Williams has won success is due entirely to his own efforts, his prosperity being the result of industry and capable management.