WILLIAMS, George F. - Putnam

George F. Williams, was born in Putnam County, Indiana April 7, 1839, being a son of Presley and Ann (Cope) Williams. He was married in July 1862, to Miss Harriet Miles, while at home on a furlough from the war. She died in 1887. They had six children, 4 living: Delbert W; Lizzie F, who died in 1892, and was then the wife of Frank Price; harley N; Callie A, now the wife of John R. Bullard; Cope, now the wife of HA Thornburg; Myrtle died in 1887. Mr. William was again married in 1891 to Emma Leech, a widow and daughter of David Burt. They have no children. Mr. Williams was born and reared on a farm in Indiana, living there with his parents until 1856 when he came to Adair County where he has since resided. After coming here he was engaged in farming for a short time and then worked for Simeon Elliott in a grist and saw mill. Soon afterward the mill was sold to Walker Paul and moved to Paul Town. He then worked for Paul till 1859 and then went to Texas where he remained about six months, then returned to Adair. Soon after the war broke out in 1861 he enlisted in Co A, Berge's Western Sharpshooters under command of Col. Berge of St. Louis. Later this regiment was called the 14th Mo Sharpshooters, then in the fall of 1862 a number of recruits were added from Ill and the name was changed to 65th Ill Sharpshooters. the regiment was a famous one and did valiant service in many hard fought battles. The soldiers were equipped with the then latest, pattern of rifles and each molded his own bullets. Mr. Williams took part int he engagements at Ft. Donaldson both fights at Corinth and seige at Atlanta. He was discharged in 1864 his term of service having expired. At the close of the war Mr. Williams returned to this county and was engaged in farming for a time and was also in the milling business here a number of years. He served as Sheriff of Adair County from 1889 to 1891 and was again elected in 1908 for a term of 4 years. He has been connected with the office either as Deputy or Sheriff almost since 1867, with the exception of the euncumbency of JH Kinnear. He also served as Deputy US Marshall 12 years serving under Leffingwell, Coste, Couzins and the latter's daughter, Phoebe Couzins. Mr. Williams is a Republican, a member of the Methodsist Church and belongs to Corporal Dix Post No 22 GAR.