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Typed by: Kay Ward

WILLIAMS, John Attison

Surnames: WILLIAMS, RITTER, ANDERSON, SNIDER, BLOUNT, MEADOR, MADRY, DAVIS, CARPENTER, KAY, PRESTON

John Attison Williams, b February 1856, d in the spring of 1904, married Elizabeth Caroline Ritter, daughter of Van Buren and Laura Louise (Anderson) Ritter, on October 9, 1879. Elizabeth, b February 21, 1862 in Sevier County, Arkansas, d ca 1901, and is buried in the McClanahan Cemetery.
In the fall of 1903, John loaded the covered wagon with essential household goods and food; and with a barrel of water tied outside, headed north to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Their destination was the of the Tom Snider family from Glade Chapel, who had moved up earlier. They were on the road for weeks, camping out, and cooking over open fires. During one particularly bad rain storm they obtained the use of a vacant house, until the storm passed. When they arrived at the Snider Home, they were given a warm welcome. A tent was set up for their use until they could take possession of the house and farm they had previously rented. This farm was near the John Blount and Ed Meador families, also former residents of Falls County.
Before spring planting was completed, John became ill and died. The eldest son, Luther, now head of the house at the age of 21, reared his younger sisters until they married. John Henry was given a horse and saddle, and thereafter supported himself.
In December Luther returned to Falls County to marry Mary Madry. They returned to the Indian Territory by train. John Henry and his sisters met them at Caddo, dressed in their "Sunday Best".
In the fall of 1906, the Williams and Ed Meador, his wife and children Robert, Frances, Torence and Julie, moved back to Falls County, in their covered wagons, traveling and camping together. They moved to Mustang Prairie, just south of the Church. Lillie and Vivian returned to school at Mustang. During that time, they furnished their own books; and report cards did not exist. Luther was active in the church and school. The every Sunday services, became once a month services, until the 1940's when services were discontinued, now there is an annual gathering the second Sunday of July. The building was destroyed by wind about 1981. Years ago, Brush Arbor Meetings were held every summer. The meetings (revivals) lasted about ten days. Vivian Williams (now Preston), who with about twenty others, was baptized in a creek on the back side of the old Bill Williams place; and remembers that day as one of pure joy.
Children of John and Elizabeth Williams:
Laura Rosella, b October 1880, d 1960, married Charles Davis.
William Luther, b October 21, 1882, d July 13, 1961, married Mary Lee Madry December 28, 1904.
John Henry, b August 1885, married Hazel(maiden name unknown) in Los Angeles, California.
Mary Eliazabeth, b February 1887, d 1962, married Harry Carpenter.
LillieC., b February 1889, d 1966, married Will M. Kay.
Oscar T., b August 1891, d December 6, 1901, buried at Mustang Prairie Cemeetery.
Vivian Myrth, b January 3, 1894 married John M. Preston February 16, 1910. She resides at Kosse.
An infant, date of birth and death unknown.


Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing these bio of these Falls County Families to this Web page
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical Commission,
page 488-489, column 1 and column 2
Member of Falls County Historical Commission