Biographical Sketches
JUDGE ALBERT GALLATIN WILLIAMS
Is one of the honored and influential citizens of Jackson county, a faithful representative of the true southern gentleman, ever chivalrous, honorable and courteous. For 43 years he has been connected with the history of this locality, dating his residence from 1852.
He was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, December 9, 1835. His father, William J. Williams, was born in 1792, in Tennessee, in a fort called Station Camp. The grandfather, John Williams, was one of the heroes of the revolution, serving for 6 years under Colonel Harry Lee. In 1800 he removed with his family to Kentucky from Tennessee, and was the first state senator from the Logan county district. The Judge's father was a participant in the War of 1812, serving as lieutenant of a company that went to join Harrison's forces, and took part in the battle of the Thames, Canada. In 1827 he was one of the commissioners to locate the county seat of Simpson county, Kentucky, and the choice fell upon Franklin. He was one of the few extensive farmers who did not use slaves in the cultivation of his land. He served as sheriff of his county, and during his term there occurred a duel between Colonel Samuel Houston and Judge White. These gentlemen were indicted and the duty of making their arrest fell to Mr. Williams, who placed Mr. Houston under arrest, when it was shown that the duel had been on mutual ground. Mr. Williams also served in the legislature for several terms, and was a county judge of Kentucky when that position was a very important one. He had one son, John P. Williams, who was a captain in the Confederate service, and died at Little Rock, Arkansas, after the battle of Pea Ridge. He had enlisted in the service from Sniabar township. Another brother, D. C. Williams, now resides in Texas.
Judge Williams, whose name introduces this review, first came to Jackson county in 1852, on a visit, reaching Blue Springs on election day of that year. Here he sought and obtained a position as teacher and followed that profession for three years in Sniabar township. On the 6th of June, 1855, he was united in marriage with Amanda A. Gibson, daughter of Joseph Gibson. She was born in the house where the Judge now lives, August 17, 1838. Her father, Joseph Gibson, settled in Missouri in 1831, removing from Simpson county, Kentucky. The family homestead he pre-empted from the government and purchased additional tracts until he owned 1,000 acres, all in one body. His death occurred in 1845. He married Matilda Aden, also a native of Kentucky. Judge Williams and his wife at the time of their marriage located on a part of the Maguire farm, where they lived until after the war. In 1854 he was elected constable, and in 1860 he served in Governor Jackson's state militia. When the civil war broke out his brother entered the service, but Judge Williams could not bring himself to fight against the government which his grandfather and his father had helped to establish. In 1863 he went West, hauling freight to Colorado. In 1865 he returned to Missouri, sold his farm and purchased the old Gibson homestead. He secured 140 acres of land, including the old home, and now turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. On the place stands the old-fashioned hewed-log house built by the former owner in 1836, but it is still in a fine state of preservation.
Judge Williams also took a very active part in public affairs. He was elected in 1874, on the democratic ticket, as county judge; was made presiding justice and served 2 years, his associates being James B. Yeager, Thomas Brogham, Thomas McNama and A. M. Allen. About the same time he engaged in the grain and stock shipping business in connection with Lewis Day, the enterprise being continued for about 4 years. He was then connected with the Blue Springs Elevator Company for 2 years. On his farm he engaged in the cultivation of wheat and later raised corn and cattle. He was one of the first to engage in the breeding of shorthorn cattle and also raised sheep of high grade, importing from Kentucky the finest flock of sheep in Jackson county. Of late years, however, he has abandoned the sheep-raising industry, as it had ceased to be profitable.
To the Judge and Mrs. Williams have been born the following named children: Martha M., who died in early childhood; Louisa America, who wedded Cassius C. Carter, and died in April, 1892; Mollie S., wife of James Shepherd, who is living near Grain Valley, Missouri; Permelia Belle, wife of John W. Stanley, of Blue Sprins; Joseph E., who was named for his uncle, Joseph Gibson, who was killed in Kentucky during the civil war, and is known by the name of Jodie; Flora A., wife of Edward Hutchins, who is living in this state; Cora E., at home; Retta A., wife of Willis Dillingham, of Blue Springs; Alice Maud, at home; Rufus L., who is engaged in farming; and Albert Lycurgus, who aids in the operation of the home farm.
The Judge and his family attend the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which the family are members. In his social relations he is a Mason, and in politics is a stalwart democrat, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He is always seen as a delegate at the county conventions, and has frequently been sent as a delegate to the state and congressional conventions. Fidelity to duty has always been a predominant trait of his character, and the active and honorable part he has taken in public affairs has made him a valued citizen.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.