A record of the prominent and influential men of Wallowa County would be open to criticism were there omission to incorporate therein the name of the esteemed subject of this sketch, who has shown marked vigor and enterprise, in manipulating the affairs of business that have to his hand, while he has ever pursued the even tenor of his way with all the stable qualities of worth that are manifested by him constantly, being one of the most substantial and capable men of the county at the present time.
Mr. Williams was born in Johnson County, Missouri, on January 18, 1858, being the son of Oliver D. and Margaret (Houx) Williams, natives of New York and Missouri, respectively. In the memorable exodus of 1849, the father found his way to California, whence he returned to Johnson County, Missouri, and was there numbered with the progressive agriculturists. His remains rest at Warrensburg, in Johnson County, Now. At the age of nineteen our subject went to Colorado, having gained a good education from the common schools before that time, and in that western territory and in Texas, worked for five years in the cattle business, learning it in all of its departments and gaining a knowledge that has been of great benefit in later years. Returning from this trip to his native place, he spent some time in charge of the old home place, then took a trip through southern Missouri and the state of Arkansas, seeking a place for settlement. Finding nothing to suit, he determined to try the west and accordingly in January 1889, he came to Enterprise, remaining there until the next summer. From here he went to John Day county and bought a farm, where he remained until June, 1890, then sold out and returned to Wallowa county, renting for one year the farm of G.L. Reaviss. The next year he bought his present place five miles southeast from Joseph on Prairie creek. He now owns four hundred and eighty acres and is engaged in general farming and in raising stock.
On October 18, 1882, Mr. Williams married Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Isabelle (Dudhope) Deloney, natives respectively of Kentucky and Scotland. The nuptials occurred in Johnson County, Missouri, and one child has been born to bless the union, Robert H., born in Johnson County, Missouri, December 17, 1884. Mrs. Williams was born in Morgan County, Illinois, on October 1, 1859. Mr. Williams is a loyal, patriotic and capable citizen of Wallowa County, and has done his share in the noble work of developing the resources in a proper and becoming manner, while he has won the admiration and confidence of all who know him. He takes a great interest in political matters, and is a Democrat.