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| HARVEY O. WILLIAMS, farmer, sec. 29, Wheatland Tp., was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 1842. His parents, Louis and Olive (Owen) Williams, were of German descent and natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1844 they settled in Kosciusko Co., Ind. Mr. Williams attained to man's estate in Indiana, and was just past his majority when the notes of civil war in the United States startled her loyal sons to activity in behalf of her threatened integrity. Mr. Williams enlisted Oct. 19, 1861, in Co. A., 12th Ind. Inf., under Capt. T. G. Morrison, and was discharged May 19, 1862. Less than two months subsequently he re-enlisted, enrolling July 10, 1862, in Co. F., in the same regiment to which he had previously belonged. Of the acknowledged prowess of the "12th Indiana," Mr. Williams was a part. His record bears the undying names of Richmond (Ky.), Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, the repulse of Hood at Atlanta, on July 20, 22 and 28, Jonesboro, Savannah, Griswoldsville, Columbia (S.C.), Bentonville and Raleigh. In these, as well as in the numberless minor engagements in which he was an actor, he escaped without injury, although his uniform frequently suffered from flying fragments of shell and spent shot. Mr. Williams was discharged from the service at Washington, D.C., June 8, 1865. Meanwhile his parents had settled in St. Joseph Co., Mich., and he repaired thither, remaining an inmate of the parental home until the fall of 1867, when he came to Mecosta County, and resided about one year with his father-in-law, in Wheatland Tp. In 1868 he located on 80 acres of wild land, where he has since resided and improved until he has 63 acres under the plow, and good farm buildings. His residence, which was in every way suitable, was destroyed by fire Aug. 13, 1883, and at this writing is in the process of rebuilding, and will cost about $1,000. Another considerable addition to the value of the place is an orchard, containing 160 trees in the best condition. Mr. Williams was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Amine P., daughter of Aaron S. and Sarah C. (Watkins) Clement (see sketch). Four children have been born of this marriage; Frank A., born Feb. 13, 1868, deid July 16, 1868; Lettie O., Oct. 24, 1869; Siddie S., July 30, 1872; Warren T., June 15, 1879. Mr. Williams is a Republican and is a School Director in his district. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., and holds the office of Financier. |