Individual Details

FindAGrave #111894976
Obituary from The Appleton City Journal, Appleton City, St. Clair, MO, Thursday, Sept. 15, 1921:
PROMINENT BUSINESS MAN AND CITIZEN PASSES AWAY
John A. Williams Succumbs to Lockjaw Saturday, Following Accident a Few Days Previous
John A. Williams, one of Appleton City's best known citizens, died at his home in this city Saturday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock. His death was a great shock to this community as few knew that he was in a serious condition, and was due to lockjaw, which resulted from an accident sustained on Monday, Sept. 5th. At that time he was engaged in removing an old culvert near his place of business when a large plank which he had thrown aside rebounded and a large spike in the plank struck his foot, and passed entirely through it. He at once obtained medical treatment and every precaution was taken; all that loving hands and skilled physicians could do was done for him, but it was impossible to check the deadly tetanus germs that had gotten into his system and he passed away Saturday afternoon after intense suffering.
John A. Williams was born May 6th, 1879, near Appleton city, Missouri, in Bates county, and there he grew to manhood. He was a son of one of the pioneer citizens of this community, Mr. Steele Williams, who is a resident of this city at the present time. He leaves a loving and devoted wife, four sons and a little daughter to mourn the loss of a true husband and a kind father, who at all times had the interests of his loved ones at heart. He is also survived by his father, two brothers and four sisters, his father and sisters being at his bedside when death came.
John Williams became a citizen of this city when about 14 years of age and engaged in the produce business; he started in a small way and the successful and prosperous business he enjoyed at the time of his death was due to his determination and good business principles. He had been schooled in the "school of experience" and knew the hardships and setbacks incident to life and could take failure and defeat when it came to him, and yet continue the fight. One of his most admirable characteristics was his determination to fully and thoroughly complete a job before he quit, and the greater the odds the better he enjoyed the task. He was highly respected by the citizens of this community and especially by the business men who came in daily contact with him and considered him one of our most progressive and useful citizens. He was always willing and glad to perform any task that might be assigned to him and when he quit, the task was finished. He was never known to refuse or say "get some one else."
He served as a member of the Board of Aldermen and was twice elected collector of the city, which office he filled at the time of his death. He was one of the most efficient collectors the city ever had. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for six years and gave much of his time to school activities and never missed an opportunity to advance the interests of our school.
For the past two years he was a member of the Fair committee and the success of the Fair during that time was in a large measure due to his untiring efforts.
In recognition of his service to this community the Mayor asked that all business houses be closed during the funeral, and the Board of Education dismissed the schools.
In the Masonic order he was recognized as one of the most faithful and dependable members. He was made a Master Mason June 24th, 1910, and was a member of Appleton City Lodge No. 412, A. F. & A. M. He filled the various stations in the lodge and was Worshipful Master in 1916, which position he filled with credit. He was also a member of Geo. Frank Gouley Royal Arch Chapter No. 90 and filled various stations of distinction in that order. He was a member of Shekinah council No. 24, R. & S. M., the Order of Eastern Star and the M. W. A. He will long be remembered by members of his lodge, as all who knew him loved and respected him.
John Williams was a man of decision and action---he wanted things to move and was ready to lead the way---he was absolutely sincere in every phase of life and was loyal and true to his country, his friends, his loved ones, and last but not least, to his home. One of his greatest virtues was his willingness to serve others, for the task was never too great nor the journey too long if he could serve one in need.
The funeral service was held from the family home, Tuesday, September 13th, 1921, conducted by Rev. Walt E. Hill and under the auspices of the Masonic Order. The service at the cemetery was in charge of the Lodge and conducted by James A. White, Acting Worshipful Master.
The weather was not favorable, but it is seldom that as large a crowd of sympathizing friends attend a funeral as assembled at the Williams home. The writer has never seen a larger or more beautiful selection of flowers than were placed upon the last resting place of our beloved citizen, John A. Williams, and it was the most expressive way his friends could make known their love and respect for him and convey their sympathy to his loved ones.
Why one so useful should be taken away is not for us to know; we must only remember that such is the way of life:
"Your lot is what all men must bear,
Others have wept the time you smiled,
Borne grief and have been reconciled;
As they have done, so must you do
When care and sorrow come to you."
In attempting to picture the life of John A. Williams we are again reminded:
"Words don't come in times like that,
An' I murmur ‘let me do
Something that will comfort you."
But they stammer out somehow,
‘There is nothing, nothing now,'
An' it's true, because I know,
I have answered friends just so."
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RESOLUTIONS OF SORROW OF MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA
Whereas, Neighbor John A. Williams has departed from this life after having been a Modern Woodman faithful and true for more than a score of years. He served as Venerable Consul of the Camp, and filled other places of trust and confidence in our order with fidelity and ability, in all the years he was of our number he was always ready to lend a helping hand and his ears were ever open to the voice of pain or need. He went far beyond the limits of duty and gave unstinted of his time and money with gladness, for his life was a life of service. His cheerful greeting, his hearty sincerity are cherished memories in our camp. While a young man in health and strength he secured through our order help for those dependent upon him when he should no longer be with them.
To his saddened family we offer sympathy. We join with them in their sorrow.
Resolved, That the emblems of mourning be displayed in the Camp, and that this resolution become a part of the permanent records of the Camp, and a copy be sent to the bereaved family.
Appleton City Camp No. 2574,
Modern Woodmen of America.
J. M. Routsong,
E. W. Johnson, Committee.
Edward Myers.

IN MEMORIAM
Whereas, The Grand Master of the Celestial Lodge above, who doeth all things well, has removed from our midst our esteemed brother, John Williams. We fully recognize the fact that in the death of Brother Williams our order has lost one of its most esteemed and efficient members, who was at all times true to the principles of the order ready with any sacrifice to promote its welfare, dependable in all things, great or small, and leaves no reproach upon the good name of our order. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That the charter of our lodge be draped for a period of thirty days and that the deepest sympathy of our lodge be expressed by our secretary to the bereaved wife, children and other relatives of him for whom we today mourn.
We can only commend those that sorrow to the promises of our Heavenly Father, who tells us that we can so live that we can attain a life where there will be no heart aches or partings of dear ones.
CHAS. C. HILTON,
W. N. LANGFORD,
DR. C. E. CLINE.
Committee.
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CARD OF THANKS
Words fail to express our gratitude for and appreciation of the kindly assistance and sympathy so freely extended by friends and neighbors in the hour of our bereavement, when accident and death entered our home and took away our beloved husband and father, John A. Williams. The many beautiful floral offerings, the expressions of love and sympathy, we will ever treasure in grateful remembrance.
THE FAMILY.

Birth	6 May 1879	Bates County, Missouri
Death	10 Sep 1921	Appleton City, Saint Clair County, Missouri

Spouse	Arminda "Minda" Mabry (1879 - 1978)
Child	Lloyd A Williams (1905 - 1993)