WILLIAMS, Charles Richard - Putnam

Charles Richard WILLIAMS, son of Daniel and Margaret Williams, was born on the site now occupied by the residence of Sam Milligan, Jr. at Milligan, November 21, 1859.  His parents soon removed to Waveland where he grew up and attended the schools of that day. He learned the trade of plumbing and steam fitting and was the standby of  the community in that line.   He was very conscientious in his work and was never satisfied until he thought it was done right.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for many years and was an Odd Fellow in spirit and truth. Few meetings were held where it was possible for him to attend that he was not present. He was one of the trustees of the lodge at the time of his death.  He was already ready to help care for the sick, whether members of the lodge or not, and any families gratefully remember his kind attentions.  With his sister, Ella, he joined the Christian Church April 26 and was baptized by Rev. Forrest E. Graves.   When the town library was opened he was selected as janitor and has held that position ever since.  The patrons will miss his familiar face and kindly interest.   He had a remarkable and accurate memory and was a storehouse of local history.   He took great interest in the old soldiers, and was the only person who could unhesitatingly go to every soldier's grave in the community.  To do this was a labor of love on every Decoration day, and it was a grief to him that he was not able to render this service this year.  He will be missed when the day comes around again.  He is survived by two brothers: William of Crawfordsville and Elmer of Waveland; and by three sisters, Mrs. Maggie E. Porter of Portland Mills and Misses Mary and Ella Williams of this place.  There are a number of nieces and nephews who hold him in loving remembrance.   Death came on Mon. aft. after 5 months illness, at the age of 66 years 7 months & y days.  Funeral services. at the Christian Church on Wednesday afternoon were in charge of Rev. Mr. Graves, assisted by Rev. J. B. Johnson.  Burial at Maple Ridge. - kbz